‘What are you seeking from the Lord?’
Published 8:20 pm Friday, November 21, 2008
“For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:12-21).
Thought for the week: “Another Day, Another Chance.”
Another day, another chance, ourselves to improve — some cobwebs left from yesterday we should seek to remove. There has been advancement, of course, by a determined will. Yet we have opportunities, and should do better still; another day, another chance — yes, only time will tell if we have lived it wisely and if we have lived it well. Let us start a new morning with some rich words of praise — and not sit in the scorner’s seat with the moan, grumbler’s gaze. We should not be swayed by envy if one’s success is shown — let’s not preach our neighbor’s duty but take care of our own. Another day, another chance — just before that last bell — no questions, then, how long we lived; but ah, my friend, “how well.”
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Clanton would like to invite you to their early Sunday morning worship service at 9 tomorrow. The Rev. Keith Moore is pastor. Everyone is invited.
Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service of songs, prayer, scripture and testimonies by the praise team. Songs sung included, “Come and Go To That Land,” Come To My Father’s House” and “Bless Your Name, God.” The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Willie Nunn and Pastor Dukes.
The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with the theme “What Are You Seeking from the Lord?” How bad do you want it; do you want to know him more? Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added. If you art in Christ, you are more than a conqueror. Don’t be afraid; the Lord is your light and salvation, the strength of your life.
Is God in his proper place in your life? Do you seek his face? He will make your enemies stumble; just trust him. Don’t make bad decisions in your life by doing things wrong; you will reap it. Trust God even when war arises in your life. Look for and seek God.
We need a spiritual desire, thirst and craving for him. Have a burning for him. Isaiah said “My soul yearns for him in the night.” He loved the Lord.
Love God’s house; seek it; fall in love with it. Dwell in God’s house, for his house is sacred. The love for God’s house depends on one’s devotion to him. There is a job to be done at your church; ask God what is yours. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than dwell in high places.
Benediction and fellowship was led by Pastor Dukes.
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Maplesville will sponsor a Thanksgiving Day dinner at the church Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. The Rev. Donald Nix is pastor.
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Charles Binion in their time of bereavement. Services will be held Monday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. at Union Baptist Church in Clanton.
On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Queen Worthey, Luther Lee, Lee Anna Worthey, Mattie Nix, Walter McCall Jr. and Mike Smith. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.
Note: Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Saturday.