James, a servant of God and of the Lord Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.  Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:  But the rich, in that he is made low:  because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.  For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth:  so also shall the rich man fade away in his way,  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:1-12).

Thought for the week: “Never Alone”

“Though I may move a thousand miles and leave good friends behind, the most important one I know is always in my mind.  The scene may change and climate chill is strange in a distant land, but I feel the warmth of Him who holds me in His hand.  I feel God in the morning sun and in the eventide, and never do I feel alone — he’s always at my side.”

Announcements

Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison will celebrate its annual Family and Friends Day Celebration on Sunday, April 10.  The Rev. Shawn Baily and the Rev. Anthony Nix will be guest speakers.  Also, guest singers will be Betty and Paul Barron.  The Community Outreach Choir will also sing.

Everyone is welcome.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the male chorus: “Come and Go To That Land,”  “Come Along My Friends”  and “The Lord Watches At All Times.”  The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Perry and Minister Kevin Nunn.

The morning message was given by Associate Minister Kevin Nunn.  His theme was “Talk Is Cheap, but Have You Done Anything?”

Why can’t you do what you say? Be slow to speak. Peter had the same problem we have today; Peter was passionate about his commitment to Jesus but did not know what he had to go through.  Commitments leads to passion, which leads to doing something.

Were Peter’s commitments misleading? Do you deny Jesus with your lifestyle; are you misleading young people? Are you good at talking and not listening?

Make things happen — don’t just talk about something happening. Don’t be misleading; do not deny Jesus by your lifestyle. Do you know what Jesus went through for you?

Do you need your commitment reevaluated? See where you stand with Jesus.  Remember talk is cheap.  Back up what you say with your lifestyle.

The service concluded with fellowship by pastor Dukes, Nunn, deacons and the congregation.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mrs. Annie Dennis in their time of bereavement.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete as of press time.  Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Margie Hardnett, Joseph McCall, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Jerry Wilson, Robert Spence, Hattie Love and Joe Frank Allison. 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.