By Emily Agee

“How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” (2 Corinthians 12:4-15).

Thought for the week: “We Must Grow in Faith Together”
“We must never take for granted the blessings we receive, as we share the faith within us with others who believe. We must grow in faith together and lift each other up, as we gather at His table to share the bread and cup. We are free to assemble, to serve and praise the Lord, and bear witness to all nations in love and one accord. We must never be complacent or we’ll surely drift away from the fellowship that binds us when we worship and obey. We must grow in faith together, each one in his own way, as we gather with God’s children to worship Him and pray.”

Announcements
Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with the celebration of Pastor’s Appreciation events. Early morning service began with a praise service with the male chorus rendering music. Songs sung included, “Glory To His Name,” “Do You Know King Jesus” and “Lord We Need Your Holy Spirit.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn.

Associate Minister Kevin Nunn brought the message with the theme, “How To Overcome The Agony of Defeat.” Do you sometimes feel like giving up? Paul said when he desired to do good, evil was always present. The only help comes from Jesus. He will help you overcome the agony of defeat. Get yourself out of the way; don’t lean to your own understanding.
During the 11 a.m. service, Pastor Dukes brought the message “Helping One Another” from Galatians 6:1-5.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mrs. Mary Maul in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Nathan Shortridge, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Flora B. Franklin, Jerry Wilson, Lee Anna Worthey, Eliza Stewart, Earnstine Talley and Jessie Andrews. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser.