Paraclete!

For Friday, July 24, 2026:

John 16:7 NLT, Jesus speaking to believers: “In fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”

Jesus promised to send the Advocate after he leaves. “Go be with the faithful, tout suite!” Advocate can also be translated Counselor, Encourager or Comforter. The Greek reads Paraclete. The KJB calls this form of God the Holy Ghost. Nowadays we refer to him as the Holy Spirit.

With those traits, we’ll certain be better off knowing the Holy Spirit. Having a supernatural God who is pulling for us can only be good, making our lives more tolerable. Remember that Jesus said our lives will be a struggle, filled with tribulation. Other people won’t like us simply because we know the Son. But Jesus also said not to worry as he has overcome the world.

Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” It was necessary that he return to the Father, but he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us in his absence. We are never alone!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Ascension!

For Thursday, July 23, 2026:

John 16:5-6 NLT, Jesus speaking to believers: “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you.”

John documents the life of Jesus, and Jesus knows he is leaving, returning to the Father. He wants all believers to understand that what is happening is not bad news, but good news!

Surprisingly, those listening don’t even ask where he is going, even though he’s told them about the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead of wishing him Godspeed and cheering for the event, the observers retreated into themselves, grieving the loss of their spiritual mentor.

Jesus: “Good news! I’ll be returning to Father God!”

Disciples: “Terrible. I don’t know how we can get along without you. This whole movement will probably die. I might just as well quit and go home!”

Friends, who should be the focus of this story? Jesus! (It’s not about us!) Who should be in the driver’s seat? Jesus! Who should we trust? Jesus, who is always truthful. Jesus, who is God walking alongside us. He’s celebrating being victorious. Jesus is about to conquer sin and death with one unselfish act. Shout ‘Hallelujah’ for the good path God has created!

As we live out the remainder of our earthly lives, let’s remember to keep God in the driver’s seat. He should set our agenda for each day. Do the right things for the right reasons. Do something nice and don’t get caught!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Prayer!

For Wednesday, July 22, 2026:

Matthew 19:13a NLT: “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them.”

What an opportunity, to have the Son of God pray for your children! Having seen the healings and other miracles, a Jesus touch on their children could only be a good thing. Form a line!

Has anyone ever asked that you pray for them? For some, that means add them to your prayer list when you get home. But for others, the request means stop what you’re doing, lay hands on the person, and pray right now. There’s an urgency to their request that we should not ignore. Some people are shy and reluctant to ask for help. We should still pray. That’s what real Christians do.

Some of the disciples thought Jesus was too busy and shouldn’t be bothered by the wee ones. Wrong! Jesus has time for everyone. He said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!” Other translations say, “Cause the children to come to me,” or, “See that it happens!” As the song says, “Jesus loves the little children!

Praying for others isn’t reserved for Priests or Pastors. All believers can now have the power of prayer. When Jesus was on the cross, the curtain guarding the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom, ending the separation of God from believers. We no longer need an intermediary. Each of us has the power to pray and expect results. Jesus said we should use his name.

If someone has a need you believe God could address, pray for a positive outcome. Others may like what they see and want to join you in prayer. Use Jesus’ name!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church