“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandment’s and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servants knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another” (John 15:7-17).

Thought for the week: “Love Will Find A Way”

“When your hopelessness surrounds you like a dark, invading cloud, when your misery confounds you and your burdens wear you down…even though your heart is aching with the agony of doubt, even though advice you’re taking is not useful to you now… love will find a way. While a hundred explanations can’t explain the signs ahead, while at every destination, there are none you call a friend…even while your problems linger, even though you’ve done your best. Even while you seek the answers so your weary soul can rest. Love will find a way. Because love has no beginning, it has been here all along, because love has never ended, love is never really gone, so beyond your fear and agony, Count on love to get you through. Trust not your own abilities… God’s love, it will find you.”

Announcements

There will be a Valentine Love Ball Extravaganza today at 6:30 p.m. at Brandon’s Place located on Second Avenue North in Clanton. This event is about showing your “love” for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that someone special in your life. For more information call 280-0828, 389-2150 or 280-0496.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, scripture and songs. Songs sung: “Come and Go to That Land,” “I Got a Right to Praise the Lord” and “Nobody But You Lord.” The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Willie Nunn and George Brown.

Pastor Dukes brought the morning message. His theme was, “Develop Things in Your Life to Help You and Your Family.” Work and do God’s will like it’s no tomorrow. There are seven rules to successful living. Enjoy the life you have. There will be struggles, but keep your joy live to please God, not folks. Love your self and others; joy comes from the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

The rules for successful living are: 1. Rejoice always, not just in good times but always. Rejoice means God’s grace is in our life. A benefit of rejoicing is less stress and worry. 2. Let your moderation be more to all men. How do you hold up under pressure? Don’t crack under pressure. Life’s not always easy. Christians have trouble too; understand the signs. Jesus can return any moment, the table is already set. The Gospel is being preached all over the world. The time get right with God is now. Don’t play and pretend. 4. Have awareness, be careful for nothing and don’t take things for granted. Come out of your shell and be concerned for others, be aware of your surroundings. 5. We must pray — every Christian must have a prayer life. How can you serve and not communicate with him, even when you don’t need anything? Call and say thank you; don’t wait until trouble comes. Remember, no prayer, no power; more prayer, more power. Always pray and don’t faint (don’t get tired). 6. Be thankful — be thankful for what you have, and don’t worry about what you have. Be thankful for what God blessed you with. Take inventory. 7. There must be some peace; life without peace is difficult. The peace of God allows me to glorify God. It carries me through problems, and I can live peacefully with all men. Peaceful people encourage you, they are God fearing, peace keep my heart and mind. Paul said stop thinking on bad things. Think what is true, godly, just, pure, lovely and of good report — think on these things. Step out on love and walk on faith — put on the whole armor of gold. The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mr. Morris Darby, Mr. Odell Brown and Mr. Walter McCary Jr. Mr. Darby will be funeralized today at 1 p.m. at West End Church of Christ, Clanton. Arrangements for Mr. Brown and Mr. McCary are incomplete. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On our sick list we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Margie Hardnett, Sam and Vivian Hicks, J. D. Scott, Robert Robinson, Luther Lee, Joseph McCall, William White, Maude Moore 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 Saturday.