By Emily Agee

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” (Colossians 3:12–25)

Thought for the week: ‘No prayer goes unheard’

“Often we pause and wonder when we kneel down and pray, can God really hear the prayers that we say? But if we keep praying and talking to him, he’ll brighten the soul that was clouded and dim, and as we continue, our burden seems lighter, our sorrow is softened, and our outlook is brighter, for though we feel helpless and alone when we start, a prayer is the key that opens the heart, and as the heart opens the dear Lord comes in, and the prayer that we felt we could never begin is so easy to say, for the Lord understands and he gives us new strength by the touch of his hands.”

Announcements

An appreciation service for the Rev. Carl L. and Evangelist Kimberly Johnson will be held Sunday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton. The Rev. Roman Cecil Nix Jr. is pastor. Everyone is invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service themed, “Getting It Right,” based on Nehemiah 13:22: “Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Perry Nunn. Songs sung were “Jesus on the Main Line” and “Shine on Me.” The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “It’s morning time, we have joy,” based on Proverbs 22:6, and the importance of disciples. It’s important to train a child the right way. If you do, it will stay with him until he is old. Every home needs a father. Teach your child, establish self-control, establish character and mold it in them.

What is discipline? It is training on what is correct. This generation is cruel and heartless. Teach them to fear God. Parents, train your child (Proverbs 29:17). If not, they will bring you shame. Christian adults, neighbors should help; everyone has a responsibility to help raise children. Authorities should correct children (school teachers). Establish limits with your child, live within your limits and never compare what others have. Establish right attitudes about life. It’s important to set the tone for who you are.

Teaching nothing can separate them from the love of God. Teach them to serve. Serving is a responsibility. We are called to serve. We are servants of God. Train them up by God’s standard. When he is old, he won’t depart from it. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Robertha Lee, Harold Frazier, Dorothy Sims, Ella Faye Nunn, Janice Floyd and Von Harris. 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.