“Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. And they come again to Jerusalem and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders. And say unto him, by what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.”

Thought for the week: “Family Ties”

“Spend some time with your children — set time aside each day to talk with them and listen to what they have to say. Spend some time reading stories or hiking here and there, and before they go to bed, spend some time in prayer. Go on picnics in the summer and fly a kite or two, sow seeds to start a garden and see what God can do! Take in a local ballgame and root for the home team, and go fishing now and then in a nearby pond or stream. Spend some time with your children — it’s always time well spent, for one day before you know it, you’ll wonder where they went!”

Mighty Through God Apostolic Ministry located at Third Street in Clanton (across from Fred’s) will present “For Marriage God’s Way” on Saturday, April 10 at 3 p.m. The Rev. Rodney Thrift is pastor.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the adult choir and men chorus. Songs sung included, “He Is Sweet I Know,” “Bless the Lord Is Near” and “Amazing Grace.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Kevin Nunn, Perry Nunn and Pastor Dukes.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “How to Handle Dead Ends” Do you utilize your faith? Things don’t go as you plan them. Life is full of dead ends. These could be financial, career-related goals or other things. You know a dead end when things look hopeless; only God can perform a miracle to get you out of some dead end. Life will rob you of joy and make you have a pity party.

How do you handle dead ends? 1) Remember what God can do. God can do the impossible; he takes nothing and makes something. Do you trust him? God is able. Always remember this.

2) Recall what God has said and call him on his promise. There are over 7,000 promises in his word — call him. God keeps his promises; get in position to get them.

3) Resist the facts you face in your life. Say you are not able to pay your bills — that fact should not control you. That’s where faith comes in. Don’t overlook what God can do. Don’t get caught up in what you see — don’t let emotions control you. Don’t look at others and don’t look back. You can fight it out. Keep God in your life.

4) Wait on God to act. Be strong in faith and trust him to act on your situation. Be fully persuaded that he keeps his promises. It gets hard but hold on and know God is able. No weapon formed against him will work.

The service concluded with remarks by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Lee Anna Worthey, Queen Worthey, Bertha Gates, Nathan Shortridge, Joseph McCall, Nathaniel Shortridge, Stanley Frazier, Earl Davis, Jo Ann Gill and Anneretta Fells. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.