By Emily Agee

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:22–26)

Thought for the week: “He’s Always Near”

“How wonderful it is to know that God is always near, that even just a whispered thought he will most surely hear. No matter what you’re doing nor what the time of day, he never is too busy to listen as you pray. No need to kneel at bedside, no need to close your eyes, you need not even fold your hands, he’s always at your side. Remember just a thought, my friend, of our Father up above will bring you such contentment and will fill your heart with love.”

Announcements

A benefit program for Jerome and Cheryl Harris, who lost their house and contents in a fire, will be held Sunday, June 2 at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton at 4 p.m. All groups, choirs, soloists and male chorus are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the male chorus. Songs sung were “I’ll Fly Away,” “A New Day I’m Free” and “We Came This Far by Faith.”

The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Robert Callen. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “The Invitation Lord You Deserve the Highest Praise.”

Do you believe God can heal and has everything you need? Luke 14:16–24. The danger of rejecting God; don’t put off accepting Christ. Everything is coming out of the closet except a Christian.

Do you take a stand for righteousness? Do you let the enemy which is corrupt (Satan) take over? The enemy wants the church to look bad. You may be saved, but what are you doing for Christ? Work makes you stronger; seek him.

Time is not on your side. Trust God; he will direct your path.

Snatch and lock up your joy; you can still have joy. Invest in the Lord. Endure for the Lord. Salvation doesn’t mean you are not going to go through something. Why do we reject God’s invitation? Be willing to walk with him when others will not. Come to Jesus; your soul is at risk. If you don’t accept his invitation, you will not go to heaven. No excuses give God time. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Larry Smith in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m. at Agee Brothers Funeral Home Chapel. Agee Brothers directing.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Rena Dickerson, Janice Floyd, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Dorothy Sims, Nathan Shortridge, Harold Frazier and Lee Anna Worthey. 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.