Links to former News stories.

I was summoned to court monday after this past July 4 weekend to serve as a juror.  Just one month prior I had been excused.  This time I had to show up.  I went bent on the plan to talk my way out of serving. 

Along with nearly 25 others we were called in by the Judge to be questioned to see if we qualified as jurors.

I found myself right in the middle of God's plan for me on that late sunny Monday afternoon.  As the Prosecutor for the state of New York and the lawyer for the defendant began to question each prospective Juror I got a first hand of an advocate at work.  I knew by definition what an advocate was but to see it demonstrated is powerful. 

They lawyer for the defendant  a young man, a Chef who had been arrested on a  DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge began to speak on his behalf and make sure the jurors would give him a fare trial.  He began to plant seeds in the prospective jurors that the State makes mistakes, the breathalyzer device the police used could be faulty and that there were no preconceived prejudices against people who drink. 

What is an advocate? A person who plead on someone else's behalf.  Did you know that the Holy Spirit our advocate is before the Father night and day pleading our case. 

What does an advocate do?

An advocate pleads your case your helper  who go to bat for you.

John 2-1

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins–and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 

Oh my goodness we are not alone!  The Holy Spirit is always with us to help, teach, counsel, instruct, convicts and so on and so on. 

John 14:26

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative–that is, the Holy Spirit–he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Another term for advocate is Paraclete.  Paraclete does more than comfort, help, counsel, and console–he also advocates, exhorts, and teaches.

So many people feel they are alone in their life.  I just want to confirm that you are not alone but you do have a helper, a defender even when we sin our defender steps up and defends us before the Father.  You have to get excited about this truth.  I know I am.

So many times we are so hard on ourselves. We beat ourselves up over past infractions and wrongs.  The Holy Spirit is there to help you forgive you.

We just celebrated a day of liberty for our Country.  Thank God for freedom in the Holy Spirit.  If you are worshipping or serving in a congregation that is prejudice against women and God's use of women you may need to reconsider your membership.  2 corinthians 3:17 -For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. The Holy Spirit will help you and lead you where ever you need to go.

This is sooooo exciting.