By Emily Agee

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise,) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye service as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:1-15)

Thought for the week: The Garden of Life

Do you know that each life is a garden, and we sow as the days go by seeds, for a future harvest to be gathered with smiles or sigh?

Then what of the soil of our garden? Is it fertile, or stony and old? Will it bring forth the thorn and the thistle, or the grain of a thousand fold? Have we planted the rose of forgiveness, and the lily of purest white that sends forth its sweetest fragrance through the long, dark hours of the night?

Have we planted the rare little blossom that blooms when the days are hot; ever echoing the voice of its Master, “Dear friends, forget me not?”

Have we planted much in our gardens from his wonderful Book of Life? Have we sown the seeds of obedience, his assurance of help through the strife?

Have we also sown the seeds of truth? Have we done the best that we can toward sowing that marvelous seed of love, love for both God and man?

You know that in this world’s sowing `tis true, and will ever be, there will come into every garden some grief from Gethsemane. But after the grief in the garden, the harvest we’d hope to see will blossom in all its beauty, through the glory of Calvary.

Then know that your life is a garden, and you sow as the days go by seeds for a future harvest, to be gathered with smiles or a sigh.

Announcements

Worship service at the Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with the praise service, led by the senior choir. Their theme was “Live What You Believe” based on James 2:26. Songs sung were “Running for Jesus,” Stand By Me, Lord“ and “God Is My Everything.”

The Scripture was read by Robert Callen with prayer by pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn. The morning message was given by Pastor Kenneth Dukes with his theme, “Take a Glance and Look Back: How You Got Over and How Good God Is.”

Don’t forget what God has done for you. The children of Israel worried about the enemy instead of trusting God. He gave them great leaders like Moses and Joshua and he brought them out of Egypt. What you have been waiting on all your life is right over the river. God parted the river for the remnants to go across by the Ark of the Covenant. Over 40,000 crossed. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Always know that is was God who brought you over.

A leader has to be out front. Joshua was a leader who cleared the way, was persistent and let God use him. Have a memorial showing from where God brought you. Tell your children and others about him. He will deliver you from your enemies. You don’t know the joy of fullness unless you have been hungry.

Don’t forget the day that God saved your soul; the day he reached down, picked you up and turned you around.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember these in your prayers: James Singleterry, Bridget Campbell, Larry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Nathan Shortridge, Martha Binion, Robertha Lee, Dorothy Sims, Harold Frazier, Lisa Wright, J.R. Booker, Joe Varner and Labell Kine. 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.