By Emily Agee

“Thus saith the Lord, keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that joined himself to the Lord, speak saying, The Lord hath uttering separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than a sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the strangers, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant. Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.”

Thought for the week: “God Has A Way of Loving”

“God has a way of loving when the world seems to pull you down; his arms will reach out and hug you, his hands will sorrows unbound. God has a way of uplifting a heart that has broken in two. He’ll heal and mend each heartache with a touch of heavenly glue! God has a way to comfort when grief overshadows the way. He speaks of hope and resurrection and sends sunshine to brighten each day. Don’t ask me how God does it – but he’ll never let you down.  Just keep focused on his very special love and you’ll be so glad you kept him around! God has a way of loving that’s very unique indeed. You’ll never fully understand it – but just trust him and you’ll see!”

Announcements

Fellowship Church of God and Bishop Warren Tyus will host a citywide prayer service at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14 at Through the Grace of God Ministries, located at 75 Eighth St. S. in Clanton. Everyone is invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with the praise service theme: “Do you have mercy on others?” based on Daniel 9:9. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving even though we have rebelled against him. Do you fail to follow God’s directions? If so he is still merciful to you when we are wrong. I know we are wrong before God. We should be willing to accept whatever God’s will for us may be.

Songs sung were “I’m Satisfied With Jesus,” “Where Will I Be,” “Praise The Lord”  and “Will You Be Ready.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Steven Nunn. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “It’s Not What You See, It’s Who You Know.” John 20:24–31.

You don’t have to see to believe it; no visual image on spiritual things. We believe Jesus rose and did not witness it. Trust God; don’t use your eyes. Don’t limit your blessings. Faith comes by hearing, not sight. God is unlimited. Abraham trusted what he could not see. He became father of many nations. It’s not about the physical eye; it’s about your relationship with Christ. Let others see your good work and glorify your father in Heaven.  It’s not about you; it’s about God. You don’t have to touch or see to believe. Faith is blind. Trust God with all in everything. Visual belief handcuffs a Christian. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Lee Anna Worthy, Harold Frazier, Joe Sexton, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Evelyn Austin, Anita Nunn, Martha Binion and Willie McGee. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.