Sunday, August 19, 2018

Hi Brian! 

It looks like you and your family are having a great time in Chicago! The word for this week is "advocate". It's found only one time in the New Testament. 1 John 2:1:

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: KJV

This is the Greek word "parakletos". Strong's Concordance says: an intercessor, consoler. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: summoned, called to one's side, called to one's aid, one who pleads another's case before a judge, a pleader, counsel for the defense, legal assistant. Also a helper, succorer. This is reassurance for us that if/when we sin after the new birth, when our spirits are made new and the sin nature is gone, HE is still pleading our case before the Father so that His blood will continually cleanse us from ALL sin! When we meditate on this Truth so that it becomes real to us, then the enemy will no longer be able to get us to accept condemnation for our shortcomings and failures. The goal is to no longer have consciousness of sin, but one of righteousness. To know who we are as children of the Most High God who are seated IN HIM in those heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)! This is one of the most freeing Truths that I have ever learned! That I am not defined by my limitations, but by HIS work in me! I AM who HE says I am, whether I look like it or not! Children raised with this reality will truly believe that they CAN DO ANYTHING (Philippians 4:13 AMP)! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Every Little Thing":

VERSE 1: Your favour waits within the future My dreams are small compared to Yours Why should I worry about tomorrow when I know That all I gotta do is trust You Lord CHORUS: Every little thing is gonna be alright Every little thing is gonna be just fine Whether I can see it now I know You will work it out for good Every little thing Everything will be alright VERSE 2: Behind the scenes and in the details You plan the perfect way for me Why would I dwell upon the road’s uncertainties When all I gotta do is look to You

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!