By Emily Agee

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven spirits which are before his throne: and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his fathers unto God and his father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever amen.” Revelation 1:1-6.

Thought for the week: I know God answers prayer

“I know not how it will be done, just how my God will answer prayer, but I have faith that he will hear, that he will know and care; As my prayer ascends to heaven, back will come the answer sure; If I pray for strength and wholeness, he will send his strength and cure. If my need be food and shelter, he will send his prompt supply; If I ask for his assistance, I can best on him rely; Ready, too, to take my burden when it seems to be a load, and lead me gladly along the heavenly road. I know not how he works or answers, know not how or when or why; he has given his assurance that he’s with me, ever nigh, giving help and love and substance when my heart lifts up its cry; he will answer when I call him; to my side in need will fly.”

Announcements

New Convert Baptist Church in Maplesville will celebrate its 134th church anniversary on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Harry Jones, pastor of the New Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Alabaster, will be the guest speaker. The Rev. Turner is pastor. All churches are invited.

Cross Road Baptist Church in Verbena will sponsor a women’s conference on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m. All women are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service based on Ephesians 4:4-5, “Living Together.” Songs sung were “Jesus the Wonderful Child,” “I Want to Go Where Jesus Is” and “God Is My Everything.” Prayer was led by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry with scripture by Earl Lowery.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme, “Do you give gifts and don’t know Jesus?”

Do you get upset and stay upset? Jesus is the common denominator in Christianity It’s satanic not to care about another human life. Do you have a personal relationship with Christ? Serve in your church because of your love for Christ. John was in the spirit of the Lord’s day. Are you in the spirit? John saw Jesus in his glory. Don’t be afraid to be in God’s presence. You see your shortcomings in God’s presence. If you don’t see them, something is wrong. Do you have unclean lips? He will clean you up. He will burn them away. Run to Jesus with arms opened wide. Never question his presence. He is everywhere. God is the first and last; he is alive forever more. He won’t leave or forsake you. Don’t doubt Christ’s power. He has the keys. We lost the keys when Adam and Eve sinned. He got our keys, not his. He never lost his. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: Lee Anna Worthey, Inell Mitchell, Toney Staffney, Rena Dickerson, Evelyn Austin, Roberta Lee, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Dorothy Sims and Harold Frazier. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Bertha Talley. Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at New Convert Baptist Church in Maplesville. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Jessie Abercrombie. Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at United AME Church in Verbena. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Thomas E. Davis. Services are incomplete at this time. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.