By Emily Agee

“‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansion’s: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.’ Thomas saith unto him, ‘Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also; and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.’ Philip saith unto him, ‘Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, “Shew us the Father?” Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doest the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works sake’” (John 14:1-11).

Thought for the week: “Take a Minute Every Day”

“The world could be a better place, if we could simply stop to take… a minute out of every day to say “I love you” in some way! A smile, a prayer, a note, or gift; to give someone’s day a lift. Just sacrifice some time and you’ll see… how different your outlook on life will be. For we’ll reap more than we ever give by feeling there’s a need to live. Our goals and purpose will start to change, if our schedule is simply rearranged. A light in you will start to shine, and everyone you meet will find… that you now walk a different path. You’ve filled your heart with joy at last!”

Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison will celebrate a Community Women’s Friends Day Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. sponsored by The Women’s Outreach. The Rev. Kenneth Dukes is pastor, and everyone is invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with songs of praise, prayer and scripture. The scripture was read by Earl Lowery with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry. Songs sung included, “Leaning on Jesus,” “Glory To His Name,” “Jesus Is My Choice” and “Praise the Lord Everybody.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “Basic Christian Behavior.” We pick people up and put them down. We do that with our tongue, you bless folks and curse folks. There is the power of life and death in the tongue. Let your words always be encouraging.

Churches struggle because of the tongue. Peter and John encourage the man at the gate in Proverbs 18: 21. The tongue of the wise brings healing. Don’t let your emotions speak for you. If your tongue has power, use it wisely. Learn to be silent sometimes, for an uncontrolled tongue is a dangerous thing.

We’ve got work to do. Focus on yourself but don’t fail to recognize wrong when you see it. Think before speaking. The tongue can be pure evil, corrupted. A wild beast can be tamed, but the tongue can’t be tamed. The tongue is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It’s forked, it prays and speaks evil. A believer’s tongue should not be an instrument of confusion. Ask God to help you control your tongue.

Remarks were given by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Erskine Ford in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Jemison. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list we ask you to continue to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Joseph McCall, Joe Frank Allison, Robert Spence, Milton Bryant, Flora Talley Lee and Evelyn Austin. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.