Here's Your Reminder!

I love making lists.

There is something about writing lists that is so helpful for me. I am able to see what I need to do. I write down those things in several places so that I don't forget to do what I need to do. And then - the best part - I get to check off the boxes! (Can I get an 'amen,' somebody!)

However, being human, sometimes, the lists that I make cause me a little more stress. I begin to think that there is so much to do and so little time! I can be overwhelmed with reminders.

The purpose of the list is not to cause me stress but rather to remind me of what I need to do.

And that's what we are going to talk about today, friend: remind.

re·mind

/rəˈmīnd/

verb

• cause (someone) to remember someone or something.

• cause someone to think of (something) because of a resemblance or likeness.

• bring something, especially a commitment or necessary course of action, to the attention of (someone).

I am someone who loves to reminisce. There is an old jazz song called These Foolish Things, and the artist sings about "a tinkling piano," "a ringing telephone," and "stumbling words" that recall them of their love, hence the lyrics, "These foolish things remind me of you."

I wonder how many things we have in our homes and dwelling places that remind us of our past, our shame, our guilt. When we look around our home or drive down the road in our car, are we reminded of our faults and shortcomings? Are our memories jogged with negative thoughts? Are we surrounded by foolish or faithful things?

I ask myself as I write: Are reminders good, bad, or neutral? I think it depends on the source. Reminders can be good should the source be Good. Or, reminders can be a nasty thing, should the source be from our enemy.

The enemy reminds us of our guilt.

The Holy Spirit reminds us of His grace.

The enemy reminds us of our past.

The Holy Spirit reminds us that our past, present and future are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The enemy reminds us of our old ways, and he even makes them tempting to fall back into.

The Holy Spirit reminds us that we are a new creation in Christ Jesus, and He will never leave us in a situation where we are tempted without an escape.

The enemy reminds us of hurts and offenses.

The Holy Spirit reminds us that we can only forgive by His power and because God forgave us.

The enemy does anything he can to distract us or take our minds off our mission.

The Holy Spirit gracefully nudges us back on track, for a life in relationship with God the Holy Spirit is our purpose and what Jesus wanted all along for us.

“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught."

John 14:25-27 (MSG)

You see, Jesus knew that we would always need reminders. Don't believe me?

Romans 8 says that as long as we are in this world, in our flesh, the flesh will always wrestle with the Holy Spirit. We must always choose to surrender our flesh to His Spirit.

Our flesh mind-set needs reminders! That is why Jesus asked the Father on our behalf to send His Spirit: to be with us even when He wouldn't be here physically.

Jesus also said that it is better that He go back to the Father so that we would have the Gift of His Holy Spirit.

I want to encourage you today. Ask God the Holy Spirit to whisper to your spirit today. Ask Him to give you little reminders throughout the day.

And just like the definition of remind above, the Holy Spirit wants to

• bring certain people and things to mind;

• He wants to remind you (and every human being) of the resemblance and likeness in Himself - the Maker!;

• He wants to remind you of the commitments you have made and to take action, even when you may not feel very brave.

Let's look back at John 14. Jesus says, "I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught."

Jesus says that the Holy Spirit is a gift of peace. We don't have to live in a state of feeling overwhelmed with all we have to do or be (remember, the 'overwhelming list' example I gave earlier?). When we have the Holy Spirit as our Friend, He is our Peace. Our Comforter. Our Advocate. He is cheering us on! His reminders are good for us. Recall the Fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When I think of the word remind, I can think of it like "re-mind." Like I'm saying to my mind, "Come back, mind! Remember!" God's Word tells us that we have to renew our mind with His Word. When we do that, that is how we are transformed!

Takeaway

I hope and pray this blog post is a little reminder of how much you are loved by Jesus - that He would ask the Father on our behalf to send us the best Reminder. The Holy Spirit.

What do you need to be reminded of today?

Pause and ask God the Holy Spirit to remind you of what you need to remember today. Allow His words to breath life upon your spirit and transform you (re-mind) you from the inside out!

Resources

• Song: Sound Mind by Bryan & Katie Torwalt

• The God I Never Knew | A book + sermon series by Pastor Robert Morris