By Emily Agee

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preached deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at Liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down.  And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.  And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:18–21).

Thought for the week: “Thank You, Father”

“Thank you, Father, for your goodness, for the faithfulness you’ve shown through life’s ever-changing seasons’ oh, how quick the years have flown — swifter than a weaver’s shuttle… now just memories remain.  Carefree days of youth and vigor never will return again.  Looking back I see your footprints etched into the sands of time.  Your sweet presence brought such solace to a restless heart like mine.  You have given life a purpose, hope and strength for each new day.  You have given songs at midnight to a heart too worn to pray. Thank You, Father, for Your loving, guiding presence ever near.  There has never been another friend more faithful, nor more dear.”

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with singing, prayer and scripture by the male chorus.  The scripture was read by Freddy Arrington with prayer by Ministers Perry Nunn, Kevin Nunn and Carl Singleterry.  Songs sung:  “Come and Go To That Land,”  “He Said If I Live Right”  and  “Open Heaven Flood Gates.”

The morning message was given by Youth Minister Kevin Nunn.  His theme was, “We Have Lost Our Fear of God.”  Young folks and old folks have no fear; how long will we continue to disrespect God?  Listen to wisdom and what you hear. Solomon was a wise man, listen to wise counselors.  Your life is made up of choices — make wise ones.  Don’t follow the voice of temptation. It’s a powerful thing. Don’t play with temptation; anybody that tries to act outside of God is not a friend.  Don’t disrespect God.
The devil knows what you like.  There are things in your life you can’t handle — fear God. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way.  Wisdom speaks aloud; hear the truth — creation and conscience speak of wisdom.  The voice of salvation is speaking.  Love not the world or the lust of it.  It passes away, but God abides forever.  Avoid self-righteous people.  Don’t exhalt yourself; no one is righteous, not one.  Avoid religious hypocrites, church folks, they give Christians a bad name.  What matters is what God said.  Have a fear of God — the Church is God’s House.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers:  Sam and Vivian Hicks, Jerry Wilson, Lois Nix Richardson, Joseph McCall, Stanley Frazier and Robert Spence.  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.