Thought for today: “May God grant you always…a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you, laughter to cheer you, faithful friends near you and whenever you pray, heaven to hear you.”

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching. or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:3-10).

Thought for the week: “Prayer of Hope”

“God, please help me find my way and give me room to grow. Comfort me through every storm and guide me as I go. My heart is weary time to time from living all alone. I need You to be with me — please make Your presence known. Life can sometimes take a turn upon a rocky road. I get worried and afraid to face this heavy load. Help me find an even ground to carry out Your will. Let me find a purpose, Lord, your promise to fulfill. And may I never fall apart nor take my eyes off You. I am weak, but You are strong — please show me what to do. I give You thanks for this good day, no matter how I fare. For You, dear Lord, have heard my plea; my pain is Yours to bear.”

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville will celebrate its All Annual Ministry Day on Sunday, May 24 at 3 p.m. The Rev. Johnny Turner, pastor of New Convert Baptist Church in Maplesville, will be the guest speaker. The Rev. L.C. Young is pastor. All churches are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the senior choir and male chorus. Songs sung included, “One More Time,” “God Is My Everything” and “We Offer Sacrifice and Praise.” The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme: “Experience is the Best Teacher.” Everything that happens to you teaches a valuable lesson. Pay attention because life has a lesson. Let your goal be to do right. Don’t let your church have a bad reputation, don’t accept what the devil says you should be. Have joy and accept what Jesus has for you. Don’t look for folks to make you happy.

Good and bad experiences continue to be the best teachers. You don’t understand until you go through it. While Paul was in jail, he learned to be content whatever state he was in. Can you be content through trials? You must learn to depend on Jesus. When you find contentment, God will fix it. Learn how to adapt. Know how to be hungry and be full. Know how to be thankful or suffer needs. God will bring you out.

Remember, “I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me.” He is my power source. The devil is trying to disconnect you from your power source; stay connected.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Rebecca Johnson Roberts, Lee Anna Worthey, William White, Queen Worthey, Sam and Vivian Hicks, J.D. Scott, Joseph McCall, Helen and Mamie Braswell, Bubba Rogers and Marie Singleterry. 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.