By Emily Agee

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit . The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding” (Proverbs 12:1-11).

Thought for the week: “Make Your Day Bright by Thinking Right”

“Don’t start your day by supposin’ that trouble is just ahead, it’s better to stop supposin’ and start with a prayer instead, and make it a prayer of thanksgiving for the wonderful things God has wrought like the beautiful sunrise and sunset, ‘God’s gifts’ that are free and not bought — for what is the use of supposin’ the dire thing that could happen to you and worry about some misfortune that seldom if ever comes true — But instead of just idle supposin’ step forward to meet each new day secure in the knowledge God’s near you to lead you each step of the way — For supposin’ the worst things will happen only helps to make them come true and you darken the bright, happy moments that the dear Lord has given to you — so if you desire to be happy and get rid of the ‘misery of dread’ just give up ‘supposin’ the worst things’ and look for ‘the best things’ instead.”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with music by the senior choir with Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lowery directing. The scripture was read by Steven Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry. Songs sung: “Glad To Be Here,” “One More Time,” “Glory Hallelujah” and “Amazing Grace.” The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “How To Get God To Fight Your Battles.” God will fight our battles; it’s not good to not move forward. Everyone wants to get their needs met. Moses’ people attacked him for not having water. Don’t attack your leader; talk to God. God will tell you what to do; hear him, not people. So don’t complain and murmur about your pastor, pray to God. Hear the preached word. Obedience will take you closer to God.

The enemy comes in when you are confused and divided. When he shows up, it’s time to fight for success: follow the leader’s instruction and choose to stay together. Don’t just be a hearer of the word; be a doer and follow leadership.  Moses could count on Joshua to stand by him. God always has a faithful few. A good leader stays in position to help his people. Stay in victory formation.

The Church can be victorious if you follow leadership. God will bless you if you follow his orders.

On our sick list we ask you to remember Harold Frazier, Flora B. Franklin, Jeanetta Brooks, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Ellaree Childers, Jerry Wilson, Eliza Stewart, Albert Spence and J. W. Laister. 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.