By Emily Agee

“Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, [even] your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:3-14).

Thought for the week: “Believe and Pray”
“In trial and adversity let not your faith grow dim, but say a fervent prayer to God and keep your trust in Him. Let hope not wither on the vine of sorrow and despair; remember God knows everything and He is everywhere. However dark the day may seem or frightening the night, all troubles fade and disappear and life turns out all right provided you maintain your faith and do not yield to fear the while you pray for courage with a heart that is sincere. Resign yourself most humbly now to do God’s holy will and He will surely bless you and your least request fulfill.”

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with this thought: “Don’t be selfish. That’s one of Satan’s ploys; if he succeeds in making you selfish it will usually turn you away from God: what do you do with your overflow or leftovers? Do you rent or own a storage space or do you share?”

The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Steven Nunn. Songs sung were “Glory To His Name,” “Bless the Lord With Me” and “God Made Me Who I Am.”
The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with the theme “Recovering from Bad Choices.” What is life to you? It’s the greatest thing God gave you; not stuff, but life. Ultimately life is in Christ (Luke 15:13). People can’t make your life better; you must have a life in Christ.

Life is a terrible thing to waste. You can’t get it back. Have you used your life completely like Christ would want you to? There are consequences with life choices. We have things but something’s missing.

One mistake doesn’t determine your whole life. Remember the prodigal son, wanting to be a big shot and wasting his money? If you don’t have Christ, there is no joy or happiness. A relationship with Christ never leaves you alone. He won’t leave you or forsake you.

The prodigal son strayed from God but came back. He suffered from bad choices. He returned home and repented. He was lost but now he is found.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers Jerry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Melvin Melton, May Bell Williams, Robert Spence, Evelyn Austin 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.