By Emily Agee

“Yea, they shall not be planted; yea they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, my way is hid from the Lord, and my judgement is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:24–31)

Thought for the week: “Without the Rain”

“Without the rain, we wouldn’t know the scent of summer flowers, without the pain, how could we feel the depth of joyful hours? Without the light, how could we see the beauty that surrounds us? Without the dark, how could the light’s bright glory shine around us? Without a friend, how could we be a friend, in truth, to others? Without God’s love within our hearts, we’d never love our brothers. What’er life brings – good or bad, may it be joy or sorrow – His grace and never-ending love will bless all our tomorrows.”

Announcements

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of songs, scripture and prayer. The scripture was read by Earl Lowery with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry. Songs sung were “Pass Me Not,” “Will You Be Ready?,” “I need the Lord on My Side” and “Where Would I Be?”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “The Battle Before the Blessing.” 1 King 18:1–4. It’s God’s will for you to be saved and blessed. Show who you are and show what seed you are. Show yourself to your enemy. Don’t be afraid. Face and take control; take the fight to the devil. You set the rules. Let God get the victory. We must have faith, obedience and sacrifice. A child of God is not afraid of the enemy. It’s your turn to tear down the enemy and build yours according to God. Make contact with God. He will come. Give God the glory and honor. Get prepared for the blessing.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Luessie Dennis and Thomas E. Davis in their hour of bereavement. Funeral services for Dennis will be Saturday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. at Agee Brothers Funeral Home Chapel. Davis’ funeral will be Saturday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church in Clanton. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: Inell Mitchell, Roberta Lee, Evelyn Austin, Anita Nunn, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Dorothy Sims 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.