By Emily Agee

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not seeth the wolf coming, and leaveeth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I am the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:1–15)

Thought for the day

‘The memories of what God has done for us can become building blocks for today and tomorrow. How has God shown himself to be faithful to you and your family? What would help you to remember?’

Thought for the week: ‘Unaware, We Pass Him By’

“On life’s busy thoroughfare

We meet with angels unawares,

But we are too busy to listen or hear,

Too busy to sense that God is near,

Too busy to stop and recognize

The grief that lies in another’s eyes

Too busy to offer to help or share,

Too busy to sympathize or care,

Too busy to do the good things we should,

Telling ourselves we would if we could …

But life is too swift and the pace is too great,

And we dare not pause, for we might be too late

For our next appointment, which means so much;

We are willing to brush off the Savior’s touch.

And we tell ourselves there will come a day

When we’ll have more time to pause on our way,

But before we know it, life’s sun has set,

And we’ve passed the Savior but never met.

For hurrying along life’s thoroughfare,

We passed him by but remained unaware

That within the very sight of our eyes,

Unnoticed, the Son of God passed by.”

Announcements

The Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Dukes will celebrate his 11th Pastor’s Appreciation as pastor of Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. The Rev. Reese of Bessemer will be the guest speaker. Everyone is invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the male chorus. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn; Psalm 143. Prayer was by Pastor Dukes, the Rev. Tillis and Willie Nunn. Songs sung were “That’s Alright,” “Let the Church Say Amen,” “Oh Lord I Want You to Move” and “I’m Calling Your Name Lord.”

The morning message was given by the Rev. Johnnie Tillis.

His theme was “Making Contact with Jesus.”

Jesus has the power to heal. Healing is available today. Keep your eyes focus on Jesus and walk on water. Be careful who you give credit to. Jesus is knocking; please let him in. People come to hear him and be healed. He healed them with an unclean spirit. We have vexed spirits today. He has power to heal today. Those with faith operate in it and be made whole, make contact with Jesus. Remarks and benediction were by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Mildred Archie, Dorothy Sims, Ethel Smith, Dora Archie, Versa Davis, Ruby Dukes, Mildred Atchison, Georgia Swindle, Janice Floyd, Von Harris, Robertha Lee, Martha Binion and Minnie Avery. 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 week.