By Emily Agee

“Who is as the wise man? And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing?  A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.  I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.  Be not hasty to go out of his sight:  stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.  Where the word of a king is, there is power:  and who may say unto him, What doest thou?  Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing:  and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.  Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, there the misery of man is great upon him.  For he knoweth not that which shall be:  for who can tell him when it shall be?  There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death:  and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.  All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun:  there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt” (Ecclesiastes 8:1-9).

Thought for the week: “A Lesson Learned”

“Ever so often we come to dead ends, and we have to decide what to do, and even advice from our well-meaning friends cannot lessen what we’re going through.  Nobody can tell us who’s never been there, some paths we must walk all alone, and it is the same most everywhere else, at least down the roads I have gone.  Once in a while the skies become grey, with never a hint of the sun, but I know in my heart there is always a way, and redemption for everyone.  And however prone we humans can be for getting our fingers burned, to give our lives over to God has to be the most beautiful lesson learned.”

Announcements

Plantersville Grove Baptist Church in Plantersville will celebrate its annual Deacons and Deaconess Day in appreciation of Deacon Roosevelt Morrow on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.  The Rev. J.R. Curry, pastor of Elyton Missionary Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker.  All choirs, groups and soloists are invited.  The Rev. Robert Murphy Sr. is pastor.
Union Baptist Church in Clanton will celebrate its Family and Friends Day Celebration Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2:30 p.m.  Minister Lamar P. Higgins of St. Paul AME Church in Montgomery will be the guest speaker.  Dr. Melvin Hunter is pastor.  Revival services are also in progress this week nightly at 7 p.m. at Union. Minister Bernard Hunter is guest evangelist.

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with songs, scripture and prayer following the theme “Improving Your Community Base” found in Judges 10: 6.  God’s patience has limits, but no matter how terrible the offense they commit, God still loves his children. Songs sung were “Come and Go To That Land,” “I Love he Lord,” and “The Sacrifice of Praise.”  The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “It’s All About Me,” taken from James 4:1-5.  “All about me” is a sinful attitude Christian struggle with; it’s a war of conflict.  About me wants his or her way in all things — it’s a proud spirit.  God says it’s never about you, it’s all about him — we overlook our own problems and point out everyone else’s.  The word “lust” means to satisfy self or self pleasure; the source is selfish.  You have not because you ask not — are you too selfish to ask God? You can’t communicate with a selfish mentality.

Do you pray and ask amiss? Praying with a selfish motive is asking amiss.  Remember it’s never all about me.  Be inclusive —the question is us, we, our — it’s all about God.  Don’t seek self-gratification, share your commitment with others. Cast all your cares on the Lord, whatever they are, and praise God for being there.

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers:  Roosevelt Morrow, Jerry Wilson, Lee Anna Worthey, Harold Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Dale Nunn, Flora B. Franklin,  Evelyn Austin and Martha Binion.  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.