By Emily Agee

“Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:9-16).

Thought for Today: “My Goal”
“I do not live to reach the height that many would call fame, but pray that I may glorify my Blessed Saviour’s name; each day to share the love He gives, to be a beacon bright upon the path where others grope their way in troubled night. Oh, how I pray for vision and a song, when deep distress would overcome a troubled soul lost in the wilderness. I pray to love, to reach, relieve the ones who hunger for the Bread of Life, the fountain pure, as He waits to restore. I pray that I can be that one my Master would call ‘friend,’ who serves his fellowman in love, God’s Kingdom to extend.”
—Anna Lee Edwards McAlpin

Announcements
Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise songs, scripture, prayer and testimony. Songs sung were “Glory To His Name,” “Bless The Lord With Me” and “I Just Want To Go.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Perry Nunn.

The morning message was give by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “What Happens in the Garden of Gethsemane?” Jesus asked the disciples to watch and pray, but they could not keep from falling asleep. Each Christian has his Garden of Gethsemane. We all struggle; how do you handle your garden? There are five rows planted that we need to make it through the garden:
1) The row of participation — Jesus went with his disciples into the garden. It’s hard to go through things alone; we need each other’s prayers and support.
2) Prayer — Pray until you get an answer, as Jesus did. Jesus prayed three times the same prayer. Say “Not my will but your will be done.”
3) Patience — Jesus has patience. Anytime the Lord leads you to pray, wait on God. Focus on him, not the problem. Your prayer life must mean patience and seriousness.
4) Peace — I have my answer and can run on now. God will stay with you; he will not sleep or slumber. Have peace in this.
5) Jesus prayed and handled his cross. Are you asleep when you could pray for forgiveness? Jesus will be with you.

What do you have growing in your spiritual garden?

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Joseph McCall in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 29 at 1 p.m. at South Park Seventh Day Adventist Church in Birmingham. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing. On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Juanita Shirley, Margie Hardnett, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Evelyn Austin, Robert Spence 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 Thursday.