Ministry of the Holy Spirit

A change of plans.  Here I am.

Chuckle: "Aging is a very high price to pay for maturity!"

Quote: "His tried Almighty arm Is raised for your defense; Where is the power that can reach you there? Or what can pluck you thence?" --Charles Spurgeon

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth. . . But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:16-17, 26 NIV).

On a rough flight, a lady became very air-sick -- she was totally wiped out. The flight attendant came by to help her. "Come, come now," she said, "buck up and get control of yourself. Sit up and take courage." She put her arm under the lady's arm and helped her sit upright in her seat, gave her gum to chew, and then went to get her some water. With the help of the flight attendant, the lady finished the trip in far better condition than when she began it.

This is like the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He comes alongside to help us when we are in hopeless defeat. He admonishes us, encourages us, and restores hope and faith in our lives.

After searching the Scriptures, I have found some 25 different ministries of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, I can't cover them all in such limited space. Therefore, I will take a general approach to the subject. Perhaps I will expand in later lessons. The Greek word translated "Counselor," or "Comforter," literally means someone to walk along side us -- like a trusted friend and confidant -- someone you can lean on for support, strength, guidance, encouragement, and instruction. So it is with God's Holy Spirit. If you allow Him, He will be constantly ministering to your needs, no matter how discouraged and hopeless you may feel.

Today, many people seek the help of professional counselors in dealing with personal issues such as broken marriages, depression, guilt, rebellious children, etc. There may be times for all of us when such professional help is warranted. However, as a Christian, God's Word tells us we have the Counselor of all counselors with us at all times and in all circumstances. The problem many of us have is that we refuse to sit down with God's Word and let the Counselor/Holy Spirit guide and teach us how to deal with and overcome our troublesome issues.

In our passage, Jesus' emphasis is on the Holy Spirit teaching us and reminding us of His words and God's Word in general. He wants to accompany you, console you, comfort you, teach you, convict you, encourage you, and strengthen you. He will minister to your every need if only you are willing.

Love, Jerry & Dotse