By Emily Agee

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:1-9).

Thought for the week: “Beyond Our Asking”
“More than hearts can imagine or minds comprehend, God’s bountiful gifts are ours without end — we ask for a cupful when the vast sea is ours, we pick a small rosebud from a garland of flowers, we reach for a sunbeam but the sun still abides, we draw one short breath but there’s air on all sides — whatever we ask for falls short of God’s giving for His greatness exceeds every facet of living, and always God’s ready and eager and willing to pour out His mercy completely fulfilling all of man’s needs for peace, joy and rest, for God gives His children whatever is best. Just give Him a chance to open His treasures and He’ll fill your life with unfathomable pleasures, pleasures that never grow worn-out and faded and leave us depleted, disillusioned and jaded — for God has a “storehouse” just filled to the brim with all that man needs if we’ll only ask Him.”

Announcements
Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service of prayer, scripture and songs. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Kevin Nunn and Bro. Spencer Brown. Songs sung were “Come and Go To That Land,” “Where Will I Be Said the Lord” and “I Need You Lord Jesus.”

The morning message was given by Associate Minister Bro. S. T. Brown. His theme was “How To Pray With Power and Expectations.” Jesus taught us to pray. We serve a just God and a fair God. He taught us how to pray with expectations — if it’s his will and we are sincere, ask for forgiveness for our sins, lead us away from temptation. Don’t pray like a heathen and hypocrite, don’t pray repetitiously; don’t pray to be seen, go into your secret closet and pray to your Father.

Jesus prayed. Do you remember the Garden of Gethsemane? He prayed three times.  Denote not a selfish prayer; he is Father of all. We can call God our Father — call him when you get a chance; seek, knock and find him; he is waiting. Let his will be done in your life, not your will.

The benediction was led by the deacons and the congregation.

Please remember our sick and shut-ins in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Flora B. Franklin, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Lee Ana Worthey, Albert Spence, Eliza Stewart and Jeanetta Brooks. 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.