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Category Archives: Power of God

Prayer in the Spirit is Key

28 Jul
Prayer in the Spirit is Key

We are currently looking at Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. We’re in chapter 6, which deals with spiritual warfare.

Now the apostle will bring it all together. There are some practical things that we need to know if we’re going to walk in the power of God.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:17-18

I’ve already talked about the helmet and sword. They’re the pieces of armor that are issued after we’re properly trained and approved. If you remember, the word, take, actually means to receive or accept.

Now the question is; how do we receive these powerful spiritual weapons? To answer that, we need to understand the Greek language of these verses.

First, let me say that I’m grateful for the translators who have given us the Holy Bible in the English language. I’ve met some of them and I know that most of them are sincere in their service to Christ. The time and dedication that they gave is a wonderful gift to the church.

That being said, there are some inherent challenges when you translate a text from one language to another. Depending upon your experience and/or your spiritual baggage, sometimes your own thoughts can unknowingly color the translation.

This is especially true when dealing with prayer in the spirit – praying in tongues. We know that the Apostle Paul had a very rich experience praying in the spirit (1 Corinthians 14:18). He had an understanding of this discipline more than most believers, even in our generation.

The problem comes in when a translator who has never even experienced the gift tries to figure out what Paul is saying. They look at the Greek words but have no understanding of how to apply them. They then make their best guess at how to align the translation in a way that also works with their own personal experience.

On top of all that, the Greek language allows for what we would call some huge run-on sentences. Sometimes two, or even three, English verses are actually all one sentence in the original Greek text. In order for the passage to be more understandable to modern readers, the translators have broken them up for us.

This is the case in the above section of Scripture. The clue to this is when you see verse 18 starting with the word, and. That should tell you that verses 17 and 18 are actually all one sentence.

In the original text, the word translated, and, is actually the Greek word, dia. Dia literally means through or by means of. That one change brings a whole new meaning to this verse.

It literally reads, “Receive the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God by means of prayer and requests, always praying in the Spirit.” The apostle makes it clear that we receive these weapons through our prayer in the spirit.

I know that there are those in the body of Christ who don’t believe that this gift is still active and available. Unfortunately, that’s the result of some translation issues that I’ve outlined above. So, over the next few posts, I’m going to specifically write about prayer in the spirit (tongues) as it relates to spiritual warfare in Scripture.

God’s people need to be spending quality time in the spirit if we’re going to see the end-time harvest in our generation.

Question: How much time do you spend praying in the spirit?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 28, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Walking in Authority and Power

26 Jul
Walking in Authority and Power

We’re continuing our walk through the book of Ephesians. Over the past few posts, I’ve talked about the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, in chapter 6. I looked at them individually in order to understand what they are and how they operate.

But if you remember, when I first talked about them, I said that they were given to us as a set.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17

After we lift up the Shield of Faith, the next step is to receive, accept, the helmet and sword. As I’ve said, these are the two pieces of armor that God bestows on us once we’re sufficiently trained.

You may not like this teaching. Most others preach that these are ours to use simply by faith. However, I think that a quick look at the church today will prove that relatively few believers are victorious over the enemy and his kingdom.

Personally, I want to see results in my Christian walk. To do that, I need to trust what Scripture says and not a good sounding preacher.

I need to first prepare myself for battle. I take up the belt, breastplate, shoes, and shield. I submit myself to the training of the Holy Spirit. Only then am I in a position to receive the helmet and sword.

To review, the Helmet of Salvation is the authority of God working through me. The Sword of the Spirit is the power of God. This is a lethal combination against the enemy’s kingdom.

Authority is the permission you need to carry out your calling effectively. Power is the ability to see it accomplished. You can’t complete your assignment without both of these ingredients.

The concept of “issued armor” is not only a spiritual truth. It works this way in the physical as well. Think about what it takes to become a Police Officer.

First, they have to undergo classroom training. They need to learn the law, tactics, and procedures. Then they need weapons training. After that, they need to practice their fieldwork. If they pass all their training, they can graduate from the Police Academy.

However, even then, they can’t hit the streets and start arresting criminals or issuing tickets. There’s one more important step. They need to be accepted and hired by a police force.

Let’s say that a graduate from the academy is hired by the NYPD. Only then are they issued their two most important pieces of equipment. I’m talking about their badge and their gun.

The badge tells the city they work for, their rank, and the authority they have in the department. The gun gives them the power to enforce the authority that’s been given to them.

The Scripture teaches that it’s the same way in the spirit. We need to be issued a helmet and sword. Unfortunately, because of a lack of teaching about this, there are many believers trying to battle the enemy hand-to-hand. We were never called to do that.

On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4

We get into trouble when we ignore verses like this. Paul clearly taught that God has an approval process before He’ll entrust you with His Word of power. It’s the Holy Spirit that does the testing.

This concept is found all through the New Testament. We would do well to understand it and walk in it. Only then will we see the power and authority of Christ affecting the world around us. I believe that this is the next step on God’s agenda. He wants to train His church to live and minister as Christ did.

Question: How does the spiritual helmet and sword increase the effectiveness of our evangelism?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 26, 2023 in Anointing, Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Applying the Sword of the Spirit

24 Jul
Applying the Sword of the Spirit

In my last post, I explained that the Sword of the Spirit is a special Word that you’ve received from God. You get it by spending quality time in His presence. The Holy Spirit trains you before giving you this gift.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

This truth is hard for us to accept sometimes. The true Word of God is alive and active. It has a life and will of its own. I can speak it, but I can’t control what it does.

We sometimes think that if God would speak through us, we’ll have such a great time. That’s not always the case.

Think about Elijah. He heard from God and then spoke to a king saying that it wouldn’t rain for a few years. Because of that Word, Elijah had to live by a brook for his water. Later, the brook dried up and he had to go to a widow for provision.

When God’s Word is invoked over a situation, that Word has its own plan. Scripture makes it clear that it will accomplish what God ordained it to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

Even more than that, once God’s Word goes forth, nothing can be protected from it. It can totally change every area of your life. The writer of Hebrews continues with this thought.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13

When this verse says that everything is laid bare, it uses a special Greek word. It literally means to expose the neck of a victim so that they can be killed. This is a powerful spiritual weapon.

This is why the Holy Spirit must train us to use it. God will never entrust it to an infant, the unapproved, or fools. It can totally destroy the work of the enemy in someone’s life, in a city, or in a region.

As believers, we should desire to enter the spiritual battle. Our goal should be to set the captives free from the influence and control of the enemy.

In speaking about those with God-given authority, Paul made an interesting observation.

For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Romans 13:4

I know that in its context, this verse is talking about people in authority, such as the Police Department, who are authorized to keep the peace. But there’s a greater application.

Are you God’s servant? Do you desire to do good? If so, then this verse could be applied to you in a spiritual sense.

This verse tells me that there’s a reason why the police carry a gun. In the same way, the Lord doesn’t issue the Sword of the Spirit for no reason. If you have no reason to bear the sword, you will not be issued the sword.

What’s the reason that we’re given this sword? To explain it, I’m going to give a word by word translation of the last sentence of the above verse. In essence, God’s servant is a punisher, who repeatedly carries out justice against evil, while motivated by a violent passion.

Please remember – I’m ONLY talking about attacking the devil’s kingdom IN THE SPIRIT. I’m not talking about any physical attack.

With that in mind, if you have no intention of attacking the enemy’s kingdom with a violent passion, then you’ll have no reason to be given the Sword of the Spirit. To put it another way, God will have no reason to give you a special Word from Him.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to train us. Our generation needs more believers who can handle this sword.

Question: How passionate are you about seeing God’s will done on earth?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 24, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Applying the Helmet of Salvation

19 Jul
Applying the Helmet of Salvation

In my last post, we saw that the Helmet of Salvation speaks of the authority we’re given in Christ. If you remember, all of the armor is put on by my choice. This piece is received once I’m trained in its use.

Think about when Jesus entered the Temple courts and overturned the tables of the money-changers. At that point, the priests asked Him, “Who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23)

That’s because authority is like a chain. Each link is connected. Authority must be given and received.

So how does salvation enter into all of this?

Salvation means that we’re safe and defended. When I say that I’m saved, I mean that I’m safe in Christ. However, there are three distinct works that the word, salvation, refers to.

The first took place when I bowed my knee to Christ and prayed for Him to save me. I was saved. I was taken out of the world’s trash heap and placed in God’s house for His use.

Now, in God’s kingdom, I’m experiencing an ongoing cleaning process. All that “stuff” from the world that stuck to me is being removed – sin, sickness, poverty, anxiety, depression, bitterness, etc. I’m in the process of renewal. I am being saved.

Then, someday Christ will return to take physical possession of the earth. At that point, I’ll receive my new resurrected body. I will be saved from decay and death.

The question is; which of these works does the helmet speak of?

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
1 Thessalonians 5:8

If you read this verse in the original, you’ll see that it’s not saying that we’re hoping for salvation. Instead, it’s the hope, literally the expectation, that comes from our salvation. So it speaks of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

If I submit to the process of salvation, I am being saved. It’s this ongoing work that protects my authority in Christ.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

This verse makes it clear that salvation requires power. That’s important because, like I said in my last post, authority is the permission to use power. Submitting to this cleaning process allows God’s power to flow through me.

Please understand what I’m saying. You don’t have to be absolutely clean and perfect to walk in God’s power. But you do have to be submitted to the process.

How then do I receive and put on this helmet?

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13

It’s obedience to God that works out this salvation in us. The reason Paul tells us to use such respect – fear and trembling – is because it’s the God of the universe who’s working in us. Simply put, obedience is the acceptance of His process at work within us.

I put on the Helmet of Salvation as I submit myself to God’s ongoing work in me. That brings an expectation of the good things to come as a result of this.

Question: How well do you see yourself submitting to God’s process of renewal in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 19, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Spiritual Warfare

 

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Salvation as a Helmet

17 Jul
Salvation as a Helmet

I’m continuing to post about the epistle to the Ephesians. We have been going through the section on the Armor of God. In today’s post, we’ll talk about the Helmet of Salvation.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17

Before I talk about the helmet, there’s something I need to explain. The Greek text has an interesting and important twist in this verse. Up until this point, every piece of armor was taken with a unique word. For instance, under bind your feet with the shoes or take up the shield.

In this verse, there’s only one action for both pieces of armor. We’re literally told to accept or receive the helmet and sword. That leads me to believe that these two are an all or nothing combination.

In fact, once we understand these pieces, we’ll know why this is true. I’ll talk about why they’re combined together in a future post. For now, I simply want us to get to know them as individual pieces of armor.

So the question is; what is the Helmet of Salvation used for? The obvious thing is that a helmet protects your head. It’s also obvious what the head symbolizes in Scripture.

…and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:10

Christ is The Head. He has the final power and authority over all of Creation. But I am also a head under Christ.

First, I need to explain power and authority; they’re not the same thing. Power is the ability to act. We were told in Acts, chapters 2-3, that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on us. Do you have the Holy Spirit? That answer is yes if you’re in Christ. So, you also have power.

Authority is something very different. It is the right or permission to use that power. Now, I need to know where I can get this authority.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1

All authority is given by God. I can’t take it for myself. There are 4 distinct authority structures ordained by God. They are the church, the government, the home, and the workplace.

As we look at the pieces of armor, we find that there are groupings of items. First, there’s the “standing armor”, which is truth, righteousness, and preparation. Then there’s the “armor of approach”, which is faith so you can get near enough to strike the enemy.

The next two, the helmet and sword, are something else completely. The word, take, in the Ephesians verse, literally means to accept or receive. So these to pieces are the “issued armor”.

In the Roman army, the helmet told your birth country, your rank, what division you were in, and your place in the army. It was the sign of how much authority you had in this army.

The Helmet of Salvation is the same for us. It’s the sign of our authority. That’s important because if I haven’t received authority, then I can’t walk in authority. Without authority, I have no ability to use power.

The key is that I can never take authority. It can only be received when it’s given to me.

He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
Matthew 10:1

Authority can only be given by someone who has it. It flows from the top down. It’s vital that I do what’s necessary to receive God’s authority in my life.

God’s authority is how I accomplish the Lord’s work. It gives me the right to use the power of God against the enemy and his kingdom.

Question: Why is walking in both power and authority important for the church of our generation?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 17, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Spiritual Warfare

 

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Stand Your Ground

23 Jun
Stand Your Ground

As we go through the letter to the Ephesian church, I’m continuing to post about the spiritual battle that we’re in. The Apostle Paul had a lot of insight in this area. Of course not everything he wrote sounds good to me.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13

This is one of those scriptures that I have to take note of whether I like it or not. I’m told under the authority of the Holy Spirit to always be prepared to stand my ground.

This is a great lesson that the church needs to hear. So many people give up when things get hard. Some of us are under the impression that working for God should be all hearts and flowers.

Why then does Paul use the analogy of a warrior, fully armed, and dressed for battle? The fact is that there are spiritual forces that don’t want us to succeed in our service to the Lord. The victory comes from knowing that it’s the Holy Spirit giving you strength, and not giving up.

We need to learn how to stand in the center of opposition. The ancient Romans knew how to do this. It was the secret to the success of their army. Each of the Roman soldiers was taught how to defend a 3-foot square of ground from an invading army. When they stood, together, there was no way to break through their lines.

We need to get it into our heads that the only way to victory is to move forward in the Lord. Backing up WILL NOT get you out of the battle. It will only make you have to fight to regain that ground later.

Most of all, the thing about this verse that gives me the most trouble, is when Paul says when the day of evil comes. Not “if”, not “there might come a time when problems arise”. He tells us in a straight forward way that this day is coming whether you’re ready or not. So the best thing to do is prepare now.

The word that Paul uses for stand literally means to stand in opposition to. This word is used elsewhere in the Bible.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

The word resist in this verse is the same word as stand that Paul used. We need to stand our ground and resist the devil. We’re told that if we do this, in submission to the Lord, the enemy will flee. It’s the time frame between the resisting and the fleeing that gives us the most problem.

Why would the devil ever flee from us? After all, we’re not that strong compared to him. The answer is back in the verse from Ephesians.

The phrase after you have done everything actually translates after you have fully accomplished your work. When you have done everything you were assigned to do by the Lord, then it’s time for the Holy Spirit to take over. One thing I’m certain about. The enemy is no match for the God I serve!

So, being forewarned with the knowledge that the day of evil is coming, we need to be ready. We must be fully armed and prepared to stand our ground in Christ. Then we will see the victory of God manifest in our situation.

Question: What are you going through right now that will require you to stand your ground?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 23, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Warfare

 

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The Full Armor of God

19 Jun
The Full Armor of God

In my last post, I started talking about the spiritual battle that we’re involved in. The problems we face and the people who annoy us are not the issue. The real fight is with the unseen world around us.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11

We’re told to put on the armor. I’ve heard many believers talk about it, but do we understand what this means? Do we even know what the armor really is?

First and foremost we need to realize that this is the armor of God. It’s not my armor; it belongs to God. Actually, it’s God’s personal suit of armor. It was talked about back in the Old Testament.

At one point Isaiah got a prophetic picture of God getting himself ready for battle.

He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17

Because of the Lord’s outer garments, Isaiah could only see the helmet and breastplate. But that’s enough to know who the armor belongs to. The point is this – it’s not made to fit us, but God. That’s why being in Christ is so important.

The fact is that we’re told to put on the full armor of God. If I have to put it on, then I’m not automatically fully clothed. Putting on the armor is something I need to do.

I also believe that “confessing the armor on” or “praying it on” is not enough. While I do believe in confessing and praying the Word of God, there’s more involved here.

For instance, if you’re not walking in faith, you haven’t picked up your shield no matter how many times you confess that you’re holding it. The same with truth. If you’re not walking in the truth of the Word of God, then no amount of praying will put the belt on you.

In order to be protected, we need to be using the armor daily. We need to be walking in truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Only through practice can a warrior get good at using his armor and weaponry.

There are no overnight successes. We either use it or there’s no victory for us. The devil is playing for keeps. He’s not going to back down simply because we claim to have armor.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8-9

The enemy’s looking for an easy victim. Not one that’s fully armed. This verse literally says that he’s looking for someone he can gulp down in one bite.

Given the choice, do you think he’d rather take on a naked believer thinking that they’re armed or a spiritual warrior fully clothed and trained for battle? The answer is clear. Don’t be a meal for the enemy’s kingdom.

My prayer is that the church of Jesus Christ once again rises up in the Lord’s strength. Not just a few little groups here and there, but a majority of God’s people. That’s why this blog exists.

Don’t be the enemy’s next victim. Take your stand in the full armor of God.

Question: What’s the greatest challenge that you’re facing right now?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 19, 2023 in Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Warfare

 

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Strong in the Lord

16 Jun
Strong in the Lord

As we continue through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we now come to the section known as the Armor of God. It’s all about the spiritual battles that we face. I feel that this is one of the most important teachings of Scripture, so I’ll probably spend a lot of time in this section.

It’s unfortunate that many Christians wait until they’re in the middle of a spiritual firefight to learn how to be victorious. I might be dating myself, but one of my favorite Sy-Fy movies is The Matrix. It had an interesting concept.

Because they lived in a virtual world, if they needed to know Karate, they could just download it into their brain. If they needed to fly a helicopter, they could download that knowledge. We need to realize that our spiritual struggle doesn’t work like that.

How do we prepare for the challenges ahead? The same way a soldier does. Boot camp consists of two aspects – knowledge and work.

For us, it’s knowledge of the Scripture and God’s voice. Then we have to work at implementing what we know to do.

You may be thinking, “That’s not an easy thing to do.” You’re right. In most cases it turns out to be beyond our ability. But that’s why understanding the spiritual battle is so important.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10

I’m glad that we’re not told to psych ourselves up and power our way through the challenges. I don’t want to have to rely on my willpower. I’ve got an advantage that the world doesn’t have.

I’m told to be strong in the Lord. Sometimes this goes against our nature. We want the ability to brag about our accomplishments. We want to say that our intelligence or strength was what it took to overcome the obstacles before us.

Many Christians would rather bury their heads in the sand than face the truth. We’re in a battle. We’re fighting for the souls of the men and women around us. Most of them are not even aware of what’s really going on in the spirit.

That’s why so often we make our plans then ask God to bless them. Wouldn’t we be much better off if we asked the Lord for His plan right at the start?

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11

The fact is that it’s not about my glory, but His. If I were able to lay hold of my own destiny, why would I need Christ? The work before me is too much for me by myself.

If you’re not facing any challenges, then you’re not living up to your full potential in Christ. That statement is true, whether we want to hear it or not. As much as we’d like a nice easy road, that’s not what the Lord promised us.

When we finally learn to admit this truth, life gets so much more enjoyable. Not that I can sit back and let God do all the work, but I know He’s there to cover my weaknesses. I don’t have to worry about whether I can handle the problem or not.

If I’ll draw on His strength and listen to the Holy Spirit, then there’s nothing that can stop me. We need to rest in God’s ability and not our own.

Question: What are you going through right now that’s too big for you to handle?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 16, 2023 in Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Warfare

 

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The High Ground of Thanks

09 Jun
The High Ground of Thanks

In my last post, I talked about Paul’s exhortation on singing in the church. It’s the way we keep our attitudes right before God and each other. He ends this verse with a call for a thankful attitude.

As believers, we need to live a life of thankfulness to God. What most people don’t realize is that walking in thankfulness actually places you in a position of spiritual power.

…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20 NIV

This is actually a poor translation of what the Apostle was saying. Paul literally said we should be always giving thanks…OVER everything. We need to understand that in the name of Christ we are over the situation.

This verse tells me that giving thanks raises me over any situation that I happen to be in right now. We see the problems and they look so big.

It’s just like the Israelites who spied out the Promised Land. Most of the spies only saw that there were giants living there. They announced to Israel, “We were grasshoppers in our eyes.”

But Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand, were looking through eyes of thankfulness. They were thanking God for giving them the land. Their attitude was, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory.”

It doesn’t matter how big the mountain is. Thankfulness puts you over it. How does that work?

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

Philippians 4:6 NIV

You’re told not to worry about the situation you see before you. Listen to the response of God’s will. We are to go before God’s presence, then we bare our hearts before Him, and finally, we lay our needs at His feet.

Look at the outcome that’s promised to us.

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

Philippians 4:7 NIV

When you offer up thanksgiving in a worrisome situation, then the peace of God will begin its work in you. This verse says that it transcends your understanding. Do you know what that means?

The actual Greek word is Huperecho. It literally means to hold oneself above. So, when you present these challenging situations to God, with thanksgiving, God’s peace will hold you above all your human understanding.

This same peace of God will also be a guard, like sentries, around you. We need to see that it’s the peace OF GOD that will hold you above the circumstance.

But it’s the giving of thanks which results in the peace of God. Then, that peace is activated to hold you above the circumstance.

Allow the peace of God to work in you. Yes, thank God for all that He’s done in your life. But don’t stop there. If there’s anything that you’re facing that’s challenging or causing you to worry, thank God for the victory over it.

In faith, take the high ground today, and every day.

Question: What future victories do you need to thank God for right now?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 9, 2023 in Power of God, Prayer, Spiritual Walk

 

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Let the Light Do Its Work

02 Jun
Let the Light Do Its Work

We’re going through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. In my last post, I started talking about how we are to walk in the light of the knowledge of God. There’s a reason that this is good for us.

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.

Ephesians 5:11-14a NIV

This is a very important aspect of our walk with the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, this translation doesn’t do justice to what’s being brought before us. We really need to understand what the apostle is teaching us here.

The first thing he says, is that we shouldn’t be participants in the unfruitful works of the darkness. These are the things that we don’t want anyone to know about. They don’t produce any good fruit. They are the weeds in our spiritual garden.

Jesus said that these cares and desires choke the Word that we’re trying to plant in our lives (Mark 4:18-19). They cause it to be unfruitful in us.

This verse tells us that we need to expose these things. But expose is not really the word that Paul is using. He’s literally telling us to rebuke these things that would bring unfruitfulness. That means that we need to call them out as wrong.

No, I’m not talking about calling out the wrongs that other people are doing. I mean that we need to see our actions through God’s eyes, and rebuke ourselves, if needed. This is an important part of our Christian journey.

Paul was clear about this when writing to the Roman church.

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation — but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live..

Romans 8:12-13 NIV

This is how we come against the fruitless misdeeds of the flesh. We must put them to death by the spirit. But, how can this be accomplished if we never acknowledge them as works of darkness?

The above verse from Ephesians is all about us allowing the light of the Holy Spirit to bring these things to our attention. The way the above verse is translated makes it sound like it’s talking about other people.

In reality, the word, disobedient, is not in the original Greek text. What Paul actually said was that it’s shameful to even talk about these secret things. We would probably be embarrassed to talk about these faults with others. That means we need to deal with them in the power of the spirit.

The last sentence above, tells us that everything the light rebukes, becomes apparent. That’s the job of the light. Spending time in the presence of the Lord, causes us to see things the way He does. It causes sin to look sinful to us.

That’s why Paul exhorts us to come into the light of the Holy Spirit.

This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14b NIV

It’s very easy for us to become complacent in our sins and moral weaknesses. Time spent in the spirit changes all of that. If you want to see real change and a greater degree of fruitfulness, then apply this to your life. Allow the light of the Lord to expose, rebuke, and uproot these unfruitful works.

Question: How has the light of Christ exposed things in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 2, 2023 in Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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