By Emily Agee

“In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but through our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Thought for the week: ‘I Have Been Blessed’

“I have been blessed far more than I deserve, each new day brings some cause for giving thanks, I never could have made it all alone, outnumbered here among life’s crowded ranks. Had he not walked beside me all the way, I might have missed the path obscured by weeds, because of him my heart has learned to pray not for what it wants … but what it needs. I have been blessed in countless little ways, one of which is recognizing when, and if he places milestones in my way, why ‘tis to teach me how to say “Amen.” No night so dark there does not fall a ray of hope that shines far brighter than a star, no grief so great we cannot bear its weight, upheld by him, poor creatures that we are. He promised us that “those who seek shall find,” he said “who knocks will be admitted in,” time and again we’ve all had cause to know how true this is, and even now as then. The songs of birds, the sunlight through the trees, and simple faith that is its own reward, oh what a consolation just to know … I have been blessed a hundred-fold, my Lord.”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir with Jennifer Peoples directing. Songs sung were “Everybody Praise the Lord” and “Amazing Grace.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Bro. Robert Callen and Bro. Tillis.

The morning message was given by Bro. Johnny Tillis, pastor of St. James Highland Church in Jemison. His theme was “God’s Word Is Important to Me.” Matthew 11:12. Sub: Imposing the Kingdom of God.

God’s kingdom is inside of you. If we don’t impose God’s kingdom, the devil will depose it. Sometimes we get discouraged (John did). Doubt is the nemesis of faith that comes to every Christian, but they won’t retain it. They see the manifestations of Jesus. Jesus paid the price; the dominion that Satan took away from Adam.

Do everything God’s way. Seek ye first God’s way, ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find. Don’t ever give power to the enemy by giving up on God. Jesus went away but did not leave us without a comforter. John the Baptist preached Jesus would bring in the comforter.

The kingdom of God is being preached now by faith, through faith. Press your way through. Be of God’s courage. Christians have power; the kingdom of God is on the inside of you. Don’t watch your children and relationships be destroyed. Seek Jesus.

Fellowship and benediction were by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Ethel Davis and Rena Dickerson in their time of bereavement. Services for Davis will be held Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at Agee Brothers Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services for Dickerson will be Saturday, June 29 at 2 p.m. at West End Church of Christ in Clanton. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list, we ask you to continue to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Robertha Lee, Harold Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Dorothy Sims, Janice Floyd, Lee Anna Worthey, Versa Davis and Ethel Stone. 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.