Another win . . .

Both of the kid’s basketball games went very well – both of our teams won. A they say, winning is not everything, but it sure is nice.
The weather turned cold on us (again), but there were several days last week which were some serious Springtime teasers.
The Hosanna Men’s Breakfast went very well. Russell laid out some good ideas and challenged the men to come closer to the Father and also to grow closer together as brother’s in Christ in order to be able to better serve the body. Turnout was excellent and I enjoyed seeing everyone and meeting some new faces. Hopefully, much will come from this gathering.

I have a meeting with my oncologist next week, he and I are going to appeal my treatment to Blue Cross. After that, I have another meeting with a surgeon to discuss repairing the newly developed hernia. If the appeal is successful, I may be able to have the Yttrium Spheres procedure after all. I continue to pray for God’s Will to be done.
Don’t the Muslims do the same? Pray for God’s will to be done? As do many people of many faiths – all praying for God’s will to be done. I do not judge them, I do not doubt their sincerity, honesty or piety one bit, I even admire it, but do you know the difference? Christians have an Advocate with the Father. We are privileged to not be depending upon our own good works to make us acceptable to the Father.
1 John 2:1-2 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world”.

Advocate: 3875 para,klhtoj parakletos {par-ak'-lay-tos}
Meaning:
1)summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid.

1a) one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate.

1b) one who pleads another's cause with one, an intercessor.

1b1) of Christ in his exaltation at God's right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins

1c) in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant

1c1) of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.

That, my friend, is THE difference. He (Christ) is the difference. I pray that everyone could meet and come to know Christ. His teachings are so full of truth, His heart is so full of love for people and He paid the price so that all who believe could have the access (which is what we all desire) to the Father of all Creation. Amen.

Valentine's Day is next week guys! Don't forget!

Hope to see you in church. George.