You might be surprised what God won’t ask

Published 9:04 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2009

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness, of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage but being en samples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:1-11).

Thought for the week: “God Won’t Ask”

“God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but He’ll ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation. God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your house. God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He’ll ask how many others you clothed. God won’t ask you about your social class, but He’ll ask you what kind of class you displayed. God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but He’ll ask if they dictated your life. God won’t ask how much money you spent on yourself, but He’ll ask you how much you gave back to Him. God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but He’ll ask what you did to help others. God won’t ask how many friends you had, but He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He’ll ask how you treated your neighbors. God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but He’ll ask about the content of your character. God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but He’ll ask how many times they didn’t. God won’t ask if His Son loved you, but He’ll ask if you loved His Son.”

Early morning services will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 8 a.m. The Rev. L.C. Young is pastor.

The morning message was given by Minister George Brown. His theme was “Anger Management.” Be angry and sin not. Folks will do anything during these times but Christians have an obligation to live by God’s word.

Can you control your anger? Read God’s word. Anger is a dangerous thing. Anger begets sin. Learn how to control it. Believe in yourself and have a made-up mind, but I say seek Jesus first.

Here are seven steps from scriptures: 1) Be determined and control your anger (Proverbs 29:11). A fool always lose him temper but a wise man holds back. 2) Restrain your mouth. Just talk how Jesus saved you. 3) Realize the cost. There’s a cost to everything good or bad. Good brings eternal life. Good works without faith is dead. A hot tempered man gets in trouble. Anger makes you lose your soul. 4) Think before you react. Turn the other cheek and call Jesus. 5) Be angry and sin not. Don’t lay down in anger, don’t lay down in your sin. Don’t let the devil control your life (Psalm 34:13-14). 6) Return good for evil (Romans 12). Overcome evil with good, not good with evil. 7) Request God’s help (Psalm 41:3). Call Jesus for any problem; he is a problem solver. Greater is he that is in me.

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Minnie Floyd and Ivie Nix in their time of bereavement. Ms. Floyd will be funeralized Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton. Mrs. Nix’s funeral is Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville. Agee Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers Linda Clay, Joseph McCall, Pinkie Nix, Lee Anna Worthey, Margie Hardnett, Queen Worthey, Jo Ann Gill and Charles Wilson. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

–Emily Agee’s column appears each Thursday.