By Emily Agee

“Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. Surly thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Be hold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, he putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man” (Job 33:1–12).

Thought for the week: “I Have Been Blessed”

“I have been blessed far more than I deserve, each new day brings some cause for giving thanks, I never could have made it all alone, outnumbered here among life’s crowded ranks. Had he not walked beside me all the way, I might have missed the path obscured by weeds, because of Him my heart has learned to pray not for what it wants… but what it needs. I have been blessed in countless little ways, one of which is recognizing when, and if He places milestones in my way, why ‘tis to teach me how to say ‘Amen.’ No night so dark there does not fall a ray of hope that shines far brighter than a star, no grief so great we cannot bear its weight, upheld by Him, poor creatures that we are. He promised us that ‘those who seek shall find,’ he said ‘who knocks will be admitted in,’ time and again we’ve all had cause to know how true this is, and even now as then. The songs of birds, the sunlight through the trees, and simple faith that is its own reward, oh what a consolation just to know… I have been blessed a hundred-fold, my Lord.”

Announcements
Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir with music by Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lucas. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Bro. S.T. Brown.

Songs sung were “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child,” “Praise the Lord” and “I Need You Lord Jesus.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “The People Worked Together, They Worked To Rebuild The Wall” (Nehemiah 3:1-3).

Everybody takes responsibility. We struggle working together, but God’s work should be a priority. He blesses you when you put him first. God’s work doesn’t need spectators and critics; focus on your own job. The harvest is plentiful, workers are few, and the purpose of work is to glorify God and lift him up.

Ask God, “What can I do to make things better?” Plan your work and work your plan. Know what you need for each job. Don’t worry about men giving you credit; God will give you credit. Build strong enough to keep the enemy out, and work while you have strength (in your youth). Don’t let anyone come in and mess up your church, home or worship. They will tear you up and then leave.
Do whatever God asks you to do, and don’t be choosy. Have one common goal — leaders set the examples, go out in the vineyard and work, and whatever is right he will pay you.

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Ruth Tinsley, Annie Dixon, Eliza Stewart, Lee Anna Worthey, Jeanetta Brooks, Sam and Vivian Hicks and Harold Frazier. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

May each of you have a happy and blessed new year is my prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.