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Category Archives: Faith

Content But Not Satisfied

01 Nov
Content But Not Satisfied

As we go through the book of Philippians, we’re coming to the last part of it. Paul is now giving some personal thoughts that let us know his attitude about life. We should follow his example of looking to Christ.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:10-11 NIV

We need to remember that this is a letter to a church that has supported Paul throughout his ministry to this point. It’s a letter of thankfulness for how faithful they’ve been.

Here, he’s letting them know that he understands that even though they are constantly concerned about him and in prayer for him, they can’t always show it. He wants them to realize that it’s not a problem for him. He’s not writing because he wants another offering. He just wants to encourage them.

That’s important for us to hear. Too often I’ve heard ministries on TV or radio begging for finances. “We need your offering right now or we’ll have to shut down the ministry. You need to give sacrificially.” What does that even mean?

What kind of God do you serve? My God will supply everything I need for my life and ministry whether you give me anything or not. Beyond that, I don’t expect you to give “sacrificially”. I only want you to give what the Lord, Himself lays upon your heart.

Paul gives us a great truth in this section. He says that he has learned by experience, to be content. That brings me to two words we need to understand. That’s the difference between being content and satisfied.

Content speaks about what you have right now. You’re able to be blessed and thankful about the place God has you. You’re content in Christ, right here, right now.

Satisfied is very different. The root of that word means that you’re all filled up – you can’t receive anymore. That’s something we should never feel as we walk with God.

I always want to increase in Christ. I want to grow in maturity and continue to receive all that He has prepared for me. So, in that sense, I will never be satisfied until Christ returns. I believe every Christian should be content, but not satisfied. That’s where Paul was.

We see that in his next statement.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

Even though he’s content where he is, Paul knows that God has more prepared for him. This is the spirit of gratefulness that the apostle walked in. He thanked God for what he already received. But, knowing the things still needed, he had faith that God would never fail him.

We need that same spirit of faith. Too often we spend our time focusing on what we lack. We get anxious or even get mad at God. We start complaining to Him, asking why He’s taking so long to meet our need.

It’s funny, but there have been many times when I’ve experienced that scenario in my life – worried about the future or voicing my frustration with God. And, each time, once the Lord finally answers my prayers, I’ve had to admit that His timing was perfect.

Looking back, I saw that I had no need to worry or fret. God had everything under control. He knows the end from the beginning, and I don’t. So, I have to learn, like Paul, to be content where I find myself and let God work out the details of my future.

Truly, I can do everything that the Lord has called me to do as He provides the strength in me to accomplish it. I don’t have to come up with it on my own. I just need to walk in the faith and contentment that comes from knowing the Lord personally.

Question: How content are you in your present walk with God?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on November 1, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, God's Provision, Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

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Your Thought Life 2

27 Oct
Your Thought Life 2

We’re continuing through the epistle to the Philippians. In my last post, we started looking at how we should manage our thought life. Paul gave us the areas we need to be dwelling on.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Last time I talked about the things that are true, noble, and right. Now I’ll move on.

Paul tells us we need to be thinking about things that are pure. This word speaks of things which are clean or innocent. The Apostle John talked about this.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

This should be a big part of our thought life. We’re looking forward to the return of Christ. That causes a desire to be pure in His presence.

I don’t know how a believer can live in this generation and not be thinking about the return of the Lord. The evidence is all around us. Every day the news is lining up more and more with the Scripture. The time is now to let our purity be seen by the world around us.

Then, we need to be thinking on things that are lovely. This is an interesting Greek word that literally means toward friendship. We should be thinking of ways to be a friend to those we meet on a day-to-day basis.

So many people in society today are content to ignore others and to be ignored. That’s not what we’re called to. We are to be the salt in the world – the preservative in society. Thinking about ways to help others will spur us on to a life of service for Christ.

Another part of our thought life should be things that are admirable. This is talking about things that are of a good report. That should speak to us in this generation.

So often we seek out bad reports. When listening to the news, people tend to flock to the evil things that are happening. Most of the news on the TV, radio, and internet is bad.

As Christians, we can’t be dwelling on all that negativity. We need to focus our thoughts on the good that’s taking place around us. This helps us to have a heart of thankfulness before God instead of a mean attitude.

We should also be thinking on things that are excellent. But we need to understand that this isn’t the normal word for excellent. It actually means strong or valiant.

We need to be bold for the Lord. We should be thinking about how to step out of our comfort zones to bring the love of Christ to the world. It requires bravery to embrace change for the cause of Christ.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV

The word, praises, in this verse is that same word that means strength and valor. We are called to walk in the light. That means we’re going to be noticed. That requires the courage of the Holy Spirit in us.

Finally, think about things that are praiseworthy. We should definitely be thinking on things that bring praise to God. He does so much for us. Sometimes we don’t even notice them, especially the little things each day.

We need to take the time to review all that the Lord has done for us. It’s surprising when you start to list them all. It should put a smile on your face.

Another area is music. Thinking about, humming, whistling, and/or singing songs of praise throughout the day will, without a doubt, change your attitude.

These are the things that will keep you thinking clearly in the uncertain days that we live in. Make sure that you’re focusing your thoughts in a positive way.

Question: How do you keep your mind on these good things?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 27, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Return of Christ, Spiritual Walk

 

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Your Thought Life 1

25 Oct
Your Thought Life 1

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, the apostle is giving some final exhortations before closing. He now deals with our thought-life.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

This is one of the most important areas of your life. It will either make or break you. It’s always interesting to see what people do with their “down time”. I’m talking about the time during the day that you’re not having to concentrate on what you’re doing.

This is the time that you’re getting dressed, driving to work, or doing other things that don’t require a lot of thought. These are times where you have nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company. Using the time wisely can be very challenging.

Of course, with many people, this time is filled by their radio or smart phone. The last thing this society wants, is to think too deeply. Like it or not, we need to take the time to think about important issues.

It has become abundantly clear to me, through the Word of God and my own experience, that what you meditate on during these times will ultimately shape your character. If you are to achieve the maximum benefit from this, then you need to focus on what is spiritual – the Word of God, God’s calling on your life, and songs of praise and worship.

As these thoughts start to fill your mind, a change starts to take place in your heart. You start to be drawn upward to God. This idle time will now become a time of spiritual growth, renewal, and refreshing.

Take the opportunity today to turn off the external “noise”. Begin to steer your thoughts toward the things of the Lord. Discover the power you need for living as you fill your heart with the only thoughts that can bring lasting change to your life.

I want to take a couple of posts to talk about these “thought lines” that Paul tells us to dwell on. It’s a very important part of our Christian walk.

He first mentions things that are true. This doesn’t simply mean true things, such as one plus one equals two. The word Paul uses means things that are not hidden. That’s important.

There are times when I’m reading the Scripture, when suddenly it opens up to me. The Holy Spirit shows me something I’ve never seen before. It was always there, but before now, it was hidden to me.

That’s what Paul’s talking about when he tells us to think on these things. Think deeply about the things from God’s Word that He has personally revealed to you. The Lord has a reason that He shows you these things. It’s up to you to find out why.

Next, he tells us to think about things that are noble. That’s a word that not many people use anymore. The Greek word comes from a root that means devout or religious. It’s speaking of something that’s worshipful.

We need to be thinking on things that cause us to worship God. No, I’m not talking about praise. We praise God for things He has done. We worship God for who He is.

We need to be dwelling on who God is. Who is God to you? How has He revealed Himself in Scripture? Healer, Creator, Redeemer, Provider. He is all these things and more. These thoughts bring us into a place of worship. That’s the place of power in the spirit.

Then Paul tells us to think on things that are right. This actually means to think about things that are just. Our problem is that we think about things in terms of fair. Just is very different. One thing you have to realize is that God is not fair – and I’m so grateful for that.

Fair would mean that I paid for my own sin. It was supremely unfair for Christ to take my sin upon Himself and go to the cross. But, justice, was satisfied by what He did. God is not fair, but He is just.

That’s what we need to be thinking on. The justice of God should motivate us to tell others about what Christ has done. Forgiveness is available for all who ask.

In my next post, I’ll continue with this.

Question: How do these things affect your thought life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 25, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

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The Place of Peace

23 Oct
The Place of Peace

We’re now going through the last chapter of Philippians. Paul is wrapping up his exhortations to that church.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV

That’s some command. Don’t be anxious about anything. If the church ever needed to hear that, it’s this generation. There are more things to be anxious about than ever before. How do we find that place of peace, where anxiety is unable to touch us? Praise God for His Word!

The word prayer in this verse literally means to draw near. When anxiety, worry, and confusion try to stir us up; there’s only one remedy. We must take the time to draw near to God.

As we draw near to God in worship, it’s like we’re being transported around His throne. That’s a wonderful place to be. That’s why we should all be worshipers. Look at where the Spirit brings us to.

Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
Revelation 4:6 NIV

In the book of Revelation and throughout the Bible, the symbolism of the sea speaks of nations. These are the saints of all nationalities worshiping Christ before His throne. But this sea is as calm as glass.

That’s because the place of worship is a place of peace. James talked about the negative reality of this truth.

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6 NIV

Doubt and unbelief puts us in a troubled sea of confusion. That’s not God’s will for us. The Lord wants to calm our sea. How does that happen? It only takes place as we spend time worshiping in God’s presence.

We take quality time with the Lord. Paul says that it may involve prayer, petition, and/or thanksgiving. It’s when we spend this time in Him that the anxiety falls away.

The next verse in Philippians tells us that the results are supernatural.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NIV

This peace is ABOVE your understanding. When we come near to God in worship the things that should be causing anxiety melt away in God’s presence. I’m reminded of a chorus we used to sing many years ago.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full on His wonderful face,
And the things on earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

That’s the place of worship. But we have to set aside the time for this. That’s usually our problem. We have plenty of time to wallow in confusion and doubt. But the very thing that will calm the storm just doesn’t fit into our schedule.

We need to get our priorities straight. I find that I’m much more productive when I’m operating in the peace of God. I think you will too.

Draw near to God with the things you’re anxious about. Let the place of worship bring peace to your storm.

Question: How has the Holy Spirit brought peace into your life in the past?

©2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 23, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Spiritual Walk, Worship

 

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The Place of Rejoicing

20 Oct
The Place of Rejoicing

We’re going through the epistle to the Philippian church. At this point, Paul is wrapping up his thoughts. He gives them some important things to keep in mind.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:4-5 NIV

Paul tells us to always rejoice in the Lord. That literally means to be joyful. Unfortunately, many believers equate that with happiness. Actually, true joy has no connection at all with being happy.

The words happy and happen come from the same root word. When something just happens it’s a random occurrence. We get happy because something good happens. Joy, on the other hand, has nothing at all to do with what’s happening around us.

The textbook definition of joy is to be calmly happy or well-off. Scriptural joy goes further than that.

We need to understand God’s definition of joy. Jesus talks about receiving His joy in John, chapter 15. It doesn’t take much reading to see that the main emphasis of that chapter was for us to remain in Christ.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

John 15:4 NIV

Here Jesus talks about remaining in Him and bearing much fruit. So, the fruit of joy must be included in that. But what, specifically, about remaining in Him brings us joy? The Lord goes on to talk about it with His disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

John 15:9-11 NIV

It’s a wonderful thing to be in Christ. But there’s another step to take if you want His joy. You have to cultivate that love relationship with Him. That’s remaining in His love.

When you’re in relationship with someone, then you know your place in that love. In a relationship, I love you, and I know that you love me. That’s what this joy is all about.

The joy of the Lord is the assurance from the Holy Spirit of who I am in Christ. It’s knowing who Christ is, and who I am in Him. If I’m in the Healer, then I’m healed. If I’m in the Provider, then I’m provided for.

It’s the sense of well-being that springs from knowing who I am in Christ. It doesn’t matter what comes my way. If something bad happens; that doesn’t change the fact that I’m in Christ and He’s already provided the answer for it.

A great example of this was the Macedonian Christians that Paul bragged about. When he was collecting an offering for the poor, he didn’t expect much from them, because they weren’t very wealthy.

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:2 NIV

Extreme poverty and rich generosity really shouldn’t be used to describe the same people. That is, unless they know who they are in Christ. That makes all the difference. That’s the place of rejoicing.

So, when Paul tells the Philippian people to rejoice always, that’s a command to always remain in Christ and in His love. The more aware we are of who we are in Christ, the greater our rejoicing. So…just like Paul, I’ll say it again – rejoice in the Lord always!

Question: What was a recent time that you saw God’s joy operating through you?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 20, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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Politics of Heaven

16 Oct
Politics of Heaven

I’m currently going through the book of Philippians. The Apostle Paul has been warning us about the lifestyle of half-hearted believers. Now he talks about the glory of a committed life.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:20-21 NIV

Paul starts by talking about our true citizenship. We’re citizens of heaven. This statement, especially in the original Greek, is critical for understanding our place in this present world system.

If you were to look at the meanings of each word separately, you would get a rich view. The apostle says that our citizenship is in quiet submission under an eternal perspective. That’s a mouthful!

First of all, I want to talk about our citizenship. If we could understand this, it would change everything. The Greek word Paul uses for citizenship, is the word from which we get our English word, politics. That should speak volumes in this generation. As a believer, my political affiliation is not of this world.

I’m not Republican, Democrat, or any other label. I’m tied in with the politics of Heaven. I have no business debating over which worldly party is the best. There will never be a vote that can change the hearts of people.

Yes, I participate in our government. I vote in each election. But, I do so knowing that my vote is not enough to bring the changes that we need. It’s more important that we participate with intercessory prayer and a living testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We need a full on move of God to sweep through our nation. That will only happen as God’s people see themselves as working outside the world system.

This comes as we realize our true citizenship. Paul uses the word, sky. Our citizenship is upward. We should have an eternal perspective on things.

Most of the worldly political battles are simply dealing with temporary issues. Finance, healthcare, infrastructure and the like are important. But the real issue is the spiritual health of the nation and its people.

That’s why our hope is in Christ. I’m not looking for a political party to save our nation. It’s the power of Jesus Christ that can bring everything under His control. He is the only Savior of our society.

When I put my hope in a man-made system, then I’m setting myself up for disappointment. Humanity will never be the salvation of humanity. I don’t care how wonderful their promises are. Christ is the only One who can bring lasting change.

So, we work for His kingdom. Our goal should not be to further an earthly political party. We want to see God’s kingdom advancing.

That means that we spend quality time with the Holy Spirit. We need to find the heavenly agenda. Then, in obedience to God, we move forward and see the effect that only God can bring about.

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Philippians 4:1 NIV

These are the attitudes needed in the uncertain days ahead of us. The only way we can stand firm is if we take on an eternal perspective. If I’m always looking at the things happening around me, it will produce fear, anxiety, and worry.

That’s not my portion. As a child of God, I’m a part of a different kingdom than what I see around me. I’m tied into a different system that makes me exempt from the fear and uncertainty around me. I know how it all will end. Jesus Christ wins. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

As I submit myself to His will and His ways, I’ll see the blessing of being a citizen of the eternal kingdom of God.

Question: How do you see the kingdom of God at work in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 16, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Return of Christ, Revival, The Gospel

 

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The Upward Road

11 Oct
The Upward Road

As we continue through the book of Philippians, Paul has been showing us his goals in ministry. That is, his desire to identify with Christ. But it’s not only a desire for the power, but in the fellowship of his suffering as well.

Now, he wants to make something very clear. He’s not perfect yet.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

Paul tells us two things that hasn’t happened yet. He hasn’t taken hold of it yet. And, he hasn’t yet arrived at the goal. He has to keep moving forward just like the rest of us.

What is that goal? It’s obvious from this verse that Paul doesn’t know the complete picture yet. He’s still hearing the step by step instructions from the Lord.

Right now, Paul’s desire is to find out why God chose him. What is the final destiny that awaits him at the end of his journey? That’s the big question that we all wrestle with.

We have to serve God with this understanding. We will not know the full scope of our ministry until we get the final picture at the end of our earthly lives.

We serve a God who requires us to operate in faith. That means we trust God, not knowing where the road will lead us. The Holy Spirit guides us one step at a time.

That’s not the way I would choose to go. I like having my whole route mapped out before I start on a road trip. But, I’ve learned that it’s not my will which takes priority. God is the one in control. He sets the agenda.

So, it’s up to me to follow the Lord’s leading, even when it doesn’t make sense to me. Sometimes it’s a struggle to keep up. At times it’s inconvenient. That’s not the issue. It’s about who has the final say in my direction. So, I follow in His footsteps.

Paul makes it clear that we’re being called heavenward. That’s an upward call. It’s like climbing a mountain. You know it will be a great view at the top. So, even though it’s tiring, you keep going.

It’s not always easy to press on. Sometimes it’s an effort just to put one foot in front of the other. As a hiker, I’ve learned to just keep moving forward.

There have been times when I was hiking, when because of injury or pain, I’ve felt like giving up. It’s in times like those that I had to keep telling myself, “As long as you keep taking each step, you’ll come out to the end of the trail.”

It’s the same thing in life. It’s usually not the big things that knock us down, but the continual monotony of our daily lives, day after day, week after week. It’s the constant grind that saps our strength and weakens our spirit.

In order to overcome, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We know that if we keep to His course for our lives, we’ll come out with His result. We’ll lay hold of the prize for which He has called us.

Don’t give up. Go to the Lord today and ask for His strength for the road ahead. Don’t live a day without allowing His renewing Spirit to work in your life.

Question: How well are you persevering at this point in your walk with God?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 11, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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Walking with Christ

06 Oct
Walking with Christ

We’re going through the letter to the Philippian church. In my last post, we talked about truly knowing Christ. Not just a surface knowledge of what’s written about Him in Scripture. I’m talking about truly knowing Him personally.

We left off looking at Paul’s desire in this regard.

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:10-11 NIV

I want to know Christ. Our vocabulary is watered down sometimes. We talk about how long we’ve known Christ, but what we really mean is how long we’ve been saved. Our salvation and truly knowing Christ are two separate issues entirely.

To know someone deeply, you need to spend time with them, one on one. One of the best ways is to walk together. The Bible uses that analogy over and over again concerning our relationship with Christ.

When you walk with Christ for the purpose of knowing Him better, things start to take place.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 NIV

One of the big results is that you will not walk in darkness. In other words, the Holy Spirit will begin to guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to wander around through life. Your direction forward will be clear.

This is how Jesus lived and ministered when He was with the disciples. When He heard that His friend, Lazarus was sick, He waited a couple of days. After that, He called them together.

Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?”
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

John 11:7-10 NIV

The Lord was led by the Spirit in all that He did. He didn’t go somewhere just because it was expected of Him. On the other hand, He didn’t stay away because of a fear of being killed.

Fear of the future is one of humanity’s greatest fears. We worry about what’s ahead all the time. But if we walk with Christ, listening to the voice of His Spirit, then we need not fear.

If the Spirit is leading, then He’s also protecting.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

Psalms 138:7 NIV

That’s why we need to cultivate a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. He’s our guide through all the uncertainties of life.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

I love this verse. In it I see the Holy Spirit as my “Life GPS”. We can’t afford to live without His presence.

That’s what a close, personal walk with Christ is all about. Learning to spend time in His presence. But not doing all the talking. Allow the Spirit of Christ to speak to us, then be ready to obey that voice.

That’s the real blessing of a walk with God.

Question: What was the last guidance you received from the Holy Spirit?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 6, 2023 in Faith, Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Grace, Faith, and Works

22 Sep
Grace, Faith, and Works

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he begins to talk about his purpose. In my last post, we saw that the church was exhorted to walk in purity, shining the light of Christ, and holding forth the Word of God.

Paul told them these things…

…in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Philippians 2:16 NIV

Paul did not want his labors in the Philippian church to be in vain. Literally, that word means to be empty. But, what is Paul trying to get across to them?

It’s actually an important concept that we need to take note of. Our desire should be that our walk before God is not an empty walk. I want to explain it to you from Scripture.

We first have to start with the grace of God. His grace has been poured out on all of mankind. Some choose to receive it, while others either reject or ignore it.

As believers in Christ, we must receive it with a purpose. Scripture is clear.

As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV

This is where it begins. The receiving of God’s grace. He has poured it out on us in abundance. But, what are we doing with it? That’s the real question.

So it’s not a matter of obtaining grace. You’ve already got it. You have the grace of God for everything you need. So what’s the problem?

Notice that Paul refers to his audience as God’s fellow workers. Do you see yourself as working alongside God in His field? If not, then that’s where you need to concentrate your prayers.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

You have the grace, now you need to start putting it to work. Your work, alongside God as a fellow worker, is not empty. It will have an effect. It will make a difference in your life and in those around you.

Grace always has a destination – a purpose – in mind. Receiving God’s grace, and not acting on it, makes for an empty life. All the work you’re doing is worthless.

That brings me to the final piece of the puzzle. We can’t act on God’s grace without a knowledge of God’s will. God’s Word is His will revealed to us. We should already know that faith comes by hearing that Word (Romans 10:17).

This faith has a relationship with grace.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

Romans 5:1-2a NIV

Faith gives us access to use the grace we’ve received. We hear God’s will. Faith is birthed I us. We trust that God’s Word is true. Then we act on it.

James understood this concept.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

James 2:20 NIV

This is an interesting verse because that word, foolish, is the same Greek word, vain that we’ve been talking about. If you don’t take the grace and faith that you’ve been given, and act on them, you’re empty and unfulfilled.

I don’t want an empty, unfulfilled life. I want to accomplish my destiny in the Lord. That will require me to take the grace and faith I’ve been given and use them to work alongside the Lord in His kingdom.

Let that be the desire of your heart!

Question: How are you putting God’s grace to work in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 22, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Together in Spiritual Warfare

01 Sep
Together in Spiritual Warfare

As we go through the book of Philippians, we now come to a very important truth. This is one of the epistles that the Holy Spirit used to concentrate on us as a body of believers.

After explaining the possibility of persecution for the faith, Paul gives the church this command.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God.

Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

In the past, I’ve posted about the connection between prayer in the spirit, unity, and the fight of faith. Did you know that they all go hand in hand? To read these posts, click here.

This is one of many Scriptures where we’re told to contend for the faith. I’ve read through this verse many times. After careful study, I’ve developed a very different take on this passage.

When I read it now, it sounds to me like an army general giving a final speech to his troops on the eve of battle. Listen to what Paul says. Stand firm in ONE SPIRIT. Contend as ONE MAN for the faith. How can this be done in the natural?

We know from God’s Word, that it can’t, it must be a work of the spirit. We must pray in the heavenly gift together, and so line up our spirits with each other and with the Holy Spirit. Only then can we stand firm in one “spiritual wind”. (The Greek word for wind and spirit is exactly the same.)

It’s without a doubt that prayer in the spirit unifies the church for war. This gift is the unifying factor in the body of Christ. There is, however, a deeper reason for using prayer in the spirit as a part of our warfare. I found this, of all places, while watching the Weather Channel.

They were airing a special about wind. Scientifically, the wind is simply air molecules in motion. They talked about everything from light winds to severe winds.

You would think that a 40 MPH wind is twice as strong, does twice the damage of a 20 MPH wind. So did I, and I was wrong. The effect of wind on its environment is an exponential increase as the speed increases.

This means that because of the nature of wind, a 40 MPH wind is actually ten times the strength and effect of a 20 MPH wind. Take hurricanes for example. A Category 1 hurricane, the weakest, is about 75 MPH. The strongest, a Category 5, is about 135 MPH. Even though it has twice the wind speed, a Category 5 hurricane does ten times the damage of a Category 1.

What does any of this have to do with prayer in the spirit? Well, all of this talk about the exponential increase of wind should remind you of a spiritual truth.

How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede.

Deuteronomy 32:30-31 NIV

We usually quote this by saying, “one can put a thousand to flight and two shall put ten thousand to flight.” Whether you know it or not this verse is speaking about the exponential increase of the move of the Spirit of God.

The truth we need to learn is that prayer in the spirit has an exponential effect on the object of that prayer. This is the true power of corporate prayer in the spirit.

This is an important truth for us to learn. That’s because of the generation we’re living in. There’s a rise in persecution against the church taking place. This is what Paul is referring to. He continues that thought.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 1:29-30 NIV

We need to begin contending together, as one man for the faith. The requires corporate prayer in the spirit.

Question: Why is the power of corporate prayer in the spirit largely untapped in our generation?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 1, 2023 in Faith, Fellowship, Power of God, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, The Church, Word of God

 

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