By Emily Agee

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: Keep my commandments and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When though goest, thy steps shall not be straightened; and when though runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.” (Proverbs 4:1–14)

Thought for the week: “A Little Talk with Jesus”

“A little talk with Jesus, how it smoothes the rugged road; how it seems to help me onward, when I faint beneath my load. When my heart is crushed with sorrow, and mine eyes with tears are dim, there’s naught can yield me comfort like a little talk with him. I cannot live without him, nor would I if I could; he is my daily portion, my medicine and food. He’s altogether lovely, none can with him compare—the chief among ten thousand, the fairest of the fair. So I’ll wait a little longer, till his appointed time, and glory in the knowledge that such a hope in mine. Then in my father’s dwelling where ‘many mansions’ be, I’ll sweetly talk with Jesus, and he shall talk with me.”

Announcements

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of scripture, prayer and songs. The scripture was read by Earl Lowery with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Perry Nunn. Songs sung were “Glory to His Name,” “You Get Ready” and “I Still Have Praise.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme “Love: We can’t grasp how much God loves us.” He died for us, gave his life for us. God is love; nothing can defeat it. Does love control your choices? Today we are talking about God’s love (John 3:16) and experiencing God’s love. Do you know his word is the key for all others? Love overcomes anything (John 3:16).

Set the tone for what love is. Man doesn’t deserve God’s love. While we were yet sinners, he died for us. What is his love? His love is unconditional. He loves everyone. He loves the sinners, but hates the sin. Is your love unconditional? Do you love everybody? Love grows; it doesn’t get cold. If people don’t love God, they won’t love you. Love set the tone for your life.

How is your relationship with God? He came to pardon us. We are free. Learn to forgive people. Don’t judge on past sins. There are benefits in serving God. It’s everlasting life (spiritual). Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Evelyn Austin, Harold Frazier, Dorothy Sims, Mary and Joe Sexton, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Nthan Shortridge 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.