ADVOCATE

With the turmoil in our world today, aren’t you thankful that we have an Advocate in heaven?

What does it really mean that Jesus is our Advocate?

The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes it this way: “First John portrayed a courtroom scene in which Jesus Christ, the righteous One, interceded with the Father on behalf of sinners.”

As we will discover in our scripture this week ,the term often refers to the Holy Spirit as our Advocate. Other versions interpret Him as our Counselor, Comforter, Friend, or Helper. The Greek word ‘parakletos’ is used in every instance of John’s writing. I like the images of Jesus and the Holy Spirit as our ADVOCATES as they both  intercede  on our behalf.

As we continue this Praise journey, take time to worship the Lord as your ADVOCATE this week.

Monday Manna

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

 1 John 2:1-2

Tuesday Treasure

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. … But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:16-17

Wednesday Wisdom

 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.”

John 15:26

Thursday Truth

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”

John 16:7-11

Friday Fact

Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.

Job 16:19

Saturday Song

PRINCE OF PEACE

During 2020, a pandemic swept across the world destroying lives and filling people with fear. Our nation witnessed riots in the streets and occupations in cities. Racial tensions were escalated by a few bad officers. People turned against our men and women in blue and assaulted them at every turn. Chaos reigned.

Then 2021 dawned with angry people breaking into the Capital and threatening members of Congress. Needless to say, the past 10 months have been difficult and even frightening. Many of you may feel hopeless and alone.

Do you need to hear this truth today?

No matter what you may be facing,

you can still have PEACE!

More than 2000 years ago, the PRINCE OF PEACE left His home in heaven and entered this world – a world in turmoil – a world ruled by evil – a world in need of a Savior. He brought peace the day He was born, and He continues to offer that same peace in our world. He has not left us or forsaken us. The PRINCE OF PEACE is still available to you today.

Join me this week as we journey through God’s Word and PRAISE HIM as our PRINCE OF PEACE.

Sunday Supplication

Father God, as we begin a new week and praise You as our Prince of Peace, fill our hearts with the assurance that You are always here and always in control.  Many of us are hurting. We’re grieving people we’ve lost this year. We’re fearful of the evil we see all around us. We don’t understand Your ways and Your purpose when things don’t go as we expect them to. But, even in our darkest valleys and our most intense battles, we can have peace because we know that You are still God and You are still good. Grant us peace in every trial we face this week. In Your Name, Jesus, we pray. Amen! So Be It!

Monday Manna

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

Tuesday Treasure

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Wednesday Wisdom

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

Thursday Truth

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace …

Ephesians 2:13-15

Friday Fact

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-9

Saturday Song