By Emily Agee

“Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:16-25).

Thought for the week: “Morning Prayer”
“Lord, take my hand in Yours, hear me as I pray; guide my steps, my heart, my mind as I travel along life’s way. From deep inside my being, hear the words I humbly say, give me the strength and hope to face the dawn of another day. You are my holy Shepherd, within Your fold I long to stay. As you show me the path to take, it is Your will I choose to obey. My heart is filled with happiness; my spirit is light and gay. I’m in the shelter of calm waters — my ship has safely reached the bay.”

Announcements
Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service by the male chorus blessing us in songs, scripture and prayer. The scripture was read by Bro. McCary with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Steven Nunn. Songs sung were, “Running for Jesus,” “God Is My Every Thing” and “God Is Able.”
The morning message was by visiting church minister of St. James Highland, Bro. Tillis. His theme was “Lord Help Us.” We need him at all times, and our country needs help. Sin separates us from God; it’s a block. Seek ye first the kingdom of God then everything else will be added. Doing right in eyes of God will bring peace. The spirit of God will cut out Idol worship and strange gods. It commands you to hold onto God and let him order your steps. It’s not hard to do what God says. Remember sin brings destruction and opposition, but serving God brings rest and peace. But Satan will continue to attack you; as a child of God, look to God. The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.
On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Romeo Laister, Robert Spence, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Dora Archie, Ethel Smith, Flora B. Franklin, Lee Anna Worthey, Jerry Wilson, Evelyn Austin and Eliza Stewart. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mrs. Delores Morrow in their time of bereavement. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at press time. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home directing.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser.