By Emily Agee

“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 armour 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 armour 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; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Ephesians 6:8-18)

Thought for the Week: ‘Before It’s Too Late’

“If you have a gray-haired mother

In the old home far away,

Sit down and write the letter

You put off day by day.

Don’t wait until her tired steps

Reach heaven’s royal gate,

Just show her that you think of her

Before it is too late.

If you’ve a tender message

Or a loving word to say,

Don’t wait till you forget it,

But whisper it today.

Who knows what bitter memories

May haunt you if you wait?

So make the loved one happy

Before it is too late.

We live but in the present,

The future is unknown,

To-morrow is a mystery,

To-day is all our own;

The chance that future lends us

May vanish while we wait,

So give life’s richest treasures

Before it is too late.

The tender word unspoken,

The letter never sent,

The long forgotten message,

The wealth of love unspent.

For these some hearts are breaking,

For these some loved ones wait,

O show them that you care for them

Before it is too late.”

—Author unknown

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise by the senior choir. Perry Nunn read the scripture, with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Robert Callen and the Rev. Kevin Nunn. Songs sung were “Pass Me Now,” “God on My Side,” and “I Did Not Have Any Doubt.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Kenneth Dukes. His theme was “Spot, Wrinkle or Blemish” from Ephesians 5:20, 27, 32.

What’s keeping us from being his church? Christ is coming back for a church without spots, wrinkles or blemishes. Does little stuff keep you out of heaven? Most of the world appears to be going to hell. Christ wants to clean out your life one spot at a time. Little things hinder your relationship with Christ. You are either for God or against him. Present yourself that you have been with God. Be consistent. God is not part-time. (Read Luke 18:18.) Put Christ first. What is your priority? What would bother you most to give up? Focus on your own spots, not those of others. God does not want lukewarm Christians. God has eternity.

The benediction was given by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list, we ask you to remember in your prayers: the Rev. Lenard Rogers, Martha Binion, James Singleterry, Pete Wilson, Minnie Avery, Larry Wilson, Lisa Wright, J.R. Booker, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Barbara Nix and Gary Singleterry. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care in our prayer.

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