By Emily Agee

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to knowledge temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:3–11).

Thought for the week: “Just When”
“Just when the burdens of life were most heavy, just when it seemed I was close to despair, God gently lifted each one of my burdens, making them lighter, more easy to bear.  Just when it seemed that my life was most happy, sorrow came knocking again at my door.  Heartsick and weary, my hopes seemed to shatter — gone were the dreams I had worked so hard for.  Just when it seemed that the sun had ceased shining, just when I felt that’s just how it would be, there in the sky shone God’s beautiful rainbow sending His promise of hope back to me.  Just when I needed that hope and assurance, just when such loneliness engulfed my days, God touched my heart and with loving compassion whispered, ‘My child, I am with you always.’  Knowing this truth, I can face each tomorrow.  God will not give me more than I can bear.  He knows the ‘just whens’ and He will deliver — great is His faithfulness, mercy and care.”

Revival services will be held at Union Baptist Church in Clanton Aug. 8-12 nightly at 7.  Minister Bernard Hunter of Destiny Church in Bessemer will be the guest speaker.  The Rev. Melvin Hunter is pastor.  All churches are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service by the male chorus. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.  The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “What God Expect From Us.”  Christians are the only hope the world has.  Christians should set the example for the world.  People gather where there is a crowd; don’t let a crowd change you. To be an influence you must have the right attitude — be humble, and be meek.  Meek is power under control.  Be hungry for righteousness.  Be merciful, a peacemaker and a child of God.  Christians will be treated badly if they are a witness for God.  We are the salt of the earth.  Jesus gave you a light; don’t hide it, let it shine.  Put God first because he loves you.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers:  Eliza Stewart, Roosevelt Morrow,  Sam and Vivian Hicks, Jerry Wilson, Robert Spence, Harold Frazier, Flora B. Frazier and Lee Anna Worthey.  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.