“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” John 14:26-27; 16:13
“‘And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, “Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.” As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.'” Acts 11:12-18
The Jews in Jerusalem were astonished to hear about the Gentiles receiving God’s word, and criticized Peter for this unorthodox mission. Against the heat of their angst, he explained that it was the Spirit who, after his vision in Joppa, directed him to follow his visitors to Caesarea, had spoken to the Gentiles there and then fallen on them so they would be saved. Yes, as the Holy Spirit spoke and directed, He reminded them of what Jesus had taught… it was all coming clear! Just like the resurrection! The Spirit was for all who believed, all to whom God had granted repentance leading to eternal life, and He was bringing Christ’s promises to pass! (John 2:20-22; Act 11:1-11)
When the Spirit indwells us, we carry a peace that passes all understanding into every conundrum and every critical attack. The more Scripture we have tucked into our minds and hearts, the more He brings to remembrance His promises and commands. People will fail to understand what He teaches and how He guides us, and we might too, but as we trust and obey He gives ongoing confirmation that we are in His paths. (Psalm 32:8; Psalm 119:11; John 16:33; Galatians 5:22-23)
How is the abiding Holy Spirit ministering daily to us? Are we aware of His ministry to our minds, how He gives wisdom and discernment by reminding us of God’s truth? Do we go about our work confidently counting on His promises? How practiced are we in calling out to Him first when we meet trouble or shock? How full is our spiritual storage so we can draw on His words and power, and what will we do to replenish the storehouse?
Lord, keep me diligent to study and know Your word, then keen to the inspiration and help of Your Spirit to follow. May every remembrance elicit a right response, to Your glory.
As the rain and snow 