New Year’s services set for Sunday morning

By Emily Agee (Contact) | Clanton Advertiser

Published Friday, January 2, 2009

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-8).

Thought for the week: “The Morning”

The morning is a splendid time to tell God of your love, a splendid time to praise him for all blessings from above.

Just thank him for your night of sleep and precious hours of rest and thank him for the cozy home with which your family’s blessed.

And thank him for the time of prayer that opens up your day, and for the sunshine of the rain whatever comes your way.

And thank him for the food he sends in this blessed land of ours, and thank him for the songs of birds and fragrant, lovely flowers.

Do thank him for your health and strength to finish every task, and for the answers to your prayers when in Christ’s name you ask. And thank him for salvation too, for Jesus so divine, who gave his life on Calvary to cleanse your sins and mine.

In adoration and in love lift up your words of praise, then you will find his gift of peace and joy throughout your days.

Announcements

New Year’s services will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at area churches: Morning Star, Hopewell, Union Baptist, West end Church of Christ, Fountain Chapel AME, World’s Church of the Living God, Jesus is the Way True Holiness Church, Kincheon Road Church of God in Clanton; Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Maplesville; Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Shiloh, St. Paul, Holly Grove Baptist Church and St. James Community Church in Jemison.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, scripture and songs by the senior choir. Songs included, “Down Here Lord Waiting on You,” “I Recommend Jesus” and “I Am Blessed.” The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “God to Move in your Life.”

The power is in believing; you believe with your actions, not your mouth.

Do you want something but don’t really believe the power is in the believer?

When you pray, forgive so you may be forgiven.

How do you believe? Life a clean, righteous life. Confess what happens as a result of your prayer. Tell the mountain to move in the name of Jesus.

What’s your mountain? Follow instructions given by God. Act like it’s already happening.

Keep believing and confessing even if things look bad and say, “By his stripes I am healed.” You can’t live a ragged life and expect God to bless you.

Enemies come up against faith. Doubt comes as your first enemy, but don’t say anything against your belief. Know your prayers will be answered.

Worry is an enemy. Thinking “what if,” we worry and throw our belief out the window.

Sin is an enemy. Only grace can help you; unmerited faith looking at the circumstances. Read 1 Corinthians 5:7. The devil can paint a pretty picture.

The devil masters what you see, but put your trust in God.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Annie Gill, Luther Lee, Joseph McCall, Sam and Vivian Hicks, and Dora Archie. 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 Saturday.

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