By Emily Agee

“Knowing God’s will for the future comes when we follow today what he’s revealed in the scriptures as his commands to obey.”

“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.” (John 33:1–7)

Thought for the week: “A Friend is a Gift of God”

“Among the great and glorious gifts our heavenly father sends is the gift of understanding that we find in loving friends, for in this world of trouble that is filled with anxious care, everybody needs a friend in whom they’re free to share the little secret heartaches that lay heavy on their mind, not just a mere acquaintance but someone who’s “just our kind”—for, somehow, in the generous heart of loving, faithful friends the good God in his charity and wisdom always sends a sense of understanding and the power of perception and mixes these fine qualities with kindness and affection, so when we need some sympathy or a friendly hand to touch, or an ear that listens tenderly and speaks words that mean so much, we seek our true and trusted friend in the knowledge that we’ll find a heart that’s sympathetic and an understanding mind … And often just without a word there seems to be a union of thoughts and kindred feelings for God gives true friends communion.

Announcements

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of scripture, prayer and songs. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Bro. S.T. Brown and Kourtney Nunn. Songs sung were “Just Like Fire,” “Our Father In Heaven” and “I’m Waiting on Jesus.”

The morning message was given by the Rev. Tillis with the theme: “Every Knee Shall Bow.” God has ownership. Are you busy doing what you want or what God requires? What is your moral standard to live by if you are a Christian. Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost where his spirit dwells in you. Do you allow Satan to run loose in you? You must deal with him. You are not your own, so glorify God – you were bought with a price. You have power over your enemy. We are the body of Christ and Satan has no power over us. That’s why God has ownership; don’t deal with Satan with flesh. You have to have Jesus. No weapon formed against you shall prosper when God has ownership. There is life and not death in your pathway when you have Jesus and God has ownership. Fellowship and benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Evelyn Austin in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. at West End Church of Christ in Clanton. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Lee Anna Worthy, Joe Sexton, Dorothy Sims, Jessie Andrews, M. McCary, Harold Frazier and Sam and Vivian Hicks. 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.