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Category Archives: Spiritual Walk

What Are We Seeing?

11 Aug
What Are We Seeing?

In my last post, I started talking about life in our present society. In many ways it’s like when the children of Israel were captive in Egypt at the time of Moses.

There is great pressure on the church to agree with the world’s goals or stay quietly in the background. All the while, the enemy’s kingdom seems to be strengthening. Many of God’s people are in hiding, afraid to speak up.

Moses ran away from his problems and became a shepherd in Midian. As he was out tending the sheep, he sees a burning bush that isn’t being consumed.

As he checks it out, he hears the voice of God, speaking to him.

“…And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

Exodus 3:9-10 NIV

There are some important truths in this passage that we need to hear in this generation. One of the key statements is this: “I have seen the Egyptians oppressing them – so I am sending you to Pharaoh.”

Moses’ problem was that he thought the enemy was the Egyptians. The Lord set him straight. Pharaoh was where the victory needed to be won.

In the same way, our fight is not against flesh and blood. How do we see spiritual change? It won’t come about by attacking the Egyptians – the people of the world. We need to go against the spiritual “Pharaohs.”

However, there’s something that has to happen first. God said, “The cry of the Israelites has reached me.” That’s the important statement.

Are we crying out to the Lord? Do we even understand that we need the Lord’s help to rescue us? Or, are we happy to go right along with the world’s agenda?

This is the heart of the matter. Much of the church is content right where they are.

This is illustrated powerfully later on the book of Exodus. After the Israelites left Egypt, they were going through the wilderness. At one point they were complaining about the food God was miraculously providing.

The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

Exodus 16:3 NIV

Their view of the situation was skewed. They don’t seem to remember that they were tasked with building the enemy’s kingdom, brick by brick. They don’t remember the abuse they had to endure – only the pots of meat they had available.

For the most part, the church doesn’t even know they’re in slavery. In the USA we can get a rich spiritual meal anytime we want it. TV, radio, and internet. We can live stream a message from some of the greatest preachers in the world.

Then, once we finish our hefty spiritual “meal”, we run off to continue building the enemy’s kingdom. We chase after the world and all it has to offer us. There is so much available in the way of entertainment, athletics, recreation, and educational opportunities.

We can fill our schedules so full that there’s no room for what God is calling us to do. In many cases, our spiritual life consists of a church meeting (online or in-person) once a week.

Actually, in our generation, what is considered an average committed Christian attends church twice a month. We’re too busy doing other things.

We need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the present condition of the church.

Question: What’s your view of the church in this present society?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on August 11, 2023 in Ministry, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Spiritual Warfare, The Church

 

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The Moses Generation

09 Aug
The Moses Generation

In my last post, I finished the series through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. At this point, I feel led to talk about an important subject before going on to the next New Testament book.

Recently, I was out hiking and praying. Usually when I go out for a few days, I hear from God, and this trip was no exception.

God started speaking very clearly to me that we’re entering the “Moses Generation”. He brought me to the book of Exodus. At that point in history, Israel was in slavery in Egypt.

For a little background, in Genesis we see the children of Israel going to Egypt to escape a famine. One of their own, Joseph, was the head of the government. Now, years later, new leadership is in power.

This new Pharaoh begins to fear the Hebrews because of their great numbers. They made the determination to enslave the Israelites as a labor force to build up their cities.

They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor the Egyptians used them ruthlessly.

Exodus 1:14 NIV

The Hebrew people were forced to build up the kingdom of Egypt. As I meditated on this, I began to see the parallels with our society. The world is increasing the pressure for the church to conform to their way of doing things.

It’s gotten to the point where many believers refuse to share their beliefs for fear of ridicule or worse. Whether you want to accept it or not, God’s people are in a form of slavery right now to the world system. Were told, “Agree with us, or stay silent.” All the while, the enemy’s kingdom is being built up in the USA.

Back in the book of Exodus, we find that in spite of all this, Israel continued to increase and prosper. It got to the point where Pharaoh ordered that the male babies be killed at birth.

It’s really no different for us. Satan’s agenda rarely ever changes. There is pressure in our society to make the men irrelevant. Look at how men are portrayed on TV and in the movies. Men are either vilified or ridiculed. Even “good” men have an evil, dark side.

When I look at the church, I see men standing on the sidelines. In many places, women are doing most of the ministry.

No, I’m not one of those who believe women can’t be in the ministry. But I do want to see everyone rise to the place God has called them to. Right now, it seems that there is a shortage of Godly men who are willing to stand up for Christ.

We find that in Egypt, the males were either killed or building Pharaoh’s kingdom. Then, along comes Moses. He was raised in Pharaoh’s household. As he matures, he sees the problem.

Just like today, many believers are waking up to the spiritual problems around them. They see God’s people oppressed or in slavery to the world.

What does Moses do? He attacks an Egyptian. We see this all the time, especially on the internet. There are Christians verbally attacking the people of the world. We think we’re making a difference by telling them they’re wrong. THAT’S NOT THE ANSWER!

Then, Moses sees two Hebrews fighting. There was one clearly in the wrong. It makes me think of Christians fighting each other on the internet about politics or social issues. Even if one of the views is clearly anti-biblical, that’s not the place for it.

Look at the response of the one in the wrong.

The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us?”

Exodus 2:14 NIV

How many times have we heard that in our generation? Moses’ response – he ran away to the wilderness. Just like us. God’s people are in hiding, afraid to speak up for fear of ridicule or persecution.

The goal of this post was to get us to see the problem. Over the next few posts, I want to share the things that God spoke to me about where we are and where He wants to bring us in this period of history.

Question: How have you seen the pressure of society on the church?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on August 9, 2023 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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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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Your Spiritual Shoes

07 Jul
Your Spiritual Shoes

We’re continuing our study through the book of Ephesians. At this point I’m going through the section known as the Armor of God. In today’s post, I’ll talk about the shoes.

…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:15

It’s obvious that this piece of armor protects our feet. The question is; what are our spiritual feet?

Simply put, we walk with our feet. This includes three aspects. Direction…we point our feet where we want to go. Speed…this could be determined by a number of factors. Endurance…as a hiker I know that I can only walk as long as my feet are able.

So to answer my question I need to understand what it is that determines my direction, speed, and endurance in my spiritual walk. In life, it’s my will that brings all of these things into focus.

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
Psalms 18:32-33

God perfects the way before me, but I still have to set my will to walk it out. My will determines my direction, speed, and endurance. This is important for us to know.

Knowing this, we’re told that something needs to be fitted on our spiritual feet. The word, fitted, in the verse from Ephesians literally means an under binding.

That’s because my will is where I come in contact with the world. It’s just like in the natural; my shoes protect my feet as they contact the earth. When I live for Christ, my will comes in direct opposition to that of the world.

It’s in this place of contact that your endurance can get worn down. If you don’t wear shoes, or don’t wear the right shoes, the earth determines how you walk. With the right shoes, you determine your walk.

Like I’ve said, I’m a hiker. I have a good set of hiking boots. I’ve gone out for day hikes with friends who only had a pair of flimsy sneakers. I laughed as they slowly picked their way so as not to step in mud or on a sharp rock. But I was able to move straight forward because my feet were properly protected.

As I look at the armor, I notice that there’s a specific order to put it on. It starts with the mind (The belt), then moves to the heart (The breastplate), and now we prepare our will.

That answers a question that many ask. How do I know God’s will for my life? Once you protect your mind and your heart, you’re ready to hear God’s will. There’s a divine order to it.

Having said all of this, I think the keyword is readiness, the preparedness to do God’s will. We must realize, even before we know God’s will for us, that it’s going to be the opposite of what the world desires. Unless we’re prepared to protect it, our day to day life will wear it down.

Any believer can start doing God’s will. Only those who can endure to the end can finish what they started. We need the preparation that can only come from the Gospel of Peace.

We sometimes get the idea that everything’s okay. “When something comes up, I’ll do the right thing.” NO! You won’t unless you’ve prepared yourself for that evil day.

The fact is that if you don’t prepare beforehand, you won’t choose God’s will when you’re under extreme pressure. The Lord has provided a way for us to walk in victory, but we have to put the armor on.

At one point in Paul’s ministry, he knew God’s will for him was to go to Jerusalem. All along the way, prophecies came forth warning that he would be arrested. The church people pleaded with him not to go.

Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 21:13

We need that same preparation. No matter what comes our way, we’re ready to follow through and complete God’s will for our lives.

Question: What’s the next step in God’s plan for your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 7, 2023 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Spiritual Warfare, The Church

 

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Righteousness as a Breastplate

30 Jun
Righteousness as a Breastplate

As we continue in the book of Ephesians, I’m going through the Armor of God in detail. We’ve already seen how the Belt of Truth protects your store of spiritual seed. Today we’ll move on to the breastplate.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…
Ephesians 6:14

The first thing we need to recognize is the placement of this piece of armor. It should be obvious that this breastplate protects your heart. That’s an important point.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

Scripture tells us that the most important thing to guard is your heart. It’s where your life springs from. Why is that? And…if life flows from the heart, where does that life come from?

If we read the few verses preceding this one, we’ll get the answer.

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.
Proverbs 4:20-22

It’s clear that everything I need for life and godliness springs from my heart. That even includes healing for my body. But that’s all based upon the assumption that I’m placing God’s Word in my heart.

We need to get the seeds from the storehouse (our mind) and plant them into our hearts. Jesus taught the same thing to His disciples. We find it in the parable of the sower.

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8:15

Without question, your heart is the good soil of your life. Whatever you plant in it will grow and bear fruit. The real question is; are you planting wheat or milkweed?

When we come to Christ, our life is a mess. The Lord comes in and the Holy Spirit begins the process of cleaning us up.

The good soil of my heart is cleared of weeds. Through repentance, I turn the soil over regularly. Soon I have a heart of rich, nutrient-filled ground. It’s ready for planting.

The problem is that you can only plant what’s readily available. That’s why in my last post I talked about the importance of filtering what we place in our minds. Too often we allow the enemy to plant his seeds in our soil.

Then we get into the cycle of planting, letting the weeds grow, pulling them up, and then starting again. Instead, we should be getting God’s Word planted in our hearts.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4

Most people don’t understand what this verse is really saying. It’s NOT saying that if you delight in the Lord, He’ll give you whatever you want. It DOES say that if you delight in Him, He’ll put His desires into your heart.

As we place God’s Word in our hearts, His desires spring up. Then, we’ll bear the fruit of that Word.

That’s why we need to protect our good ground. This is where the Breastplate of righteousness comes in. In my next post, I’ll talk about how to use the breastplate to protect your ground.

Question: What have you planted in your heart that you desire to see bear fruit?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 30, 2023 in Revival, Spiritual Walk, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Mutual Submission Part Two

14 Jun
Mutual Submission Part Two

In my last post, we began looking at the section of Ephesians that talks about submission. To review, here’s the verse Paul started with.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 NIV

I talked about husbands and wives. Now we’ll go on to other relationships.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV

Now we get into the parent and child relationships. The home is the first place we learn to be obedient. Unfortunately, we live in a society where disobedience is held in high regard.

But, it doesn’t end with childhood. Once you grow up, there’s still an obligation. That’s to honor our parents. Especially for believers, this needs to be a part of our adult life.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 NIV

Then, there’s the role of the father. Too often, it’s ignored in our modern society. We somehow feel that raising children is the mother’s area. Scripture takes a different view.

That word, exasperate, literally means to anger alongside. I believe that’s talking about a father who only shows up to tell a child that they’re wrong. Or that they’re disappointed with them. That’s a very frustrating childhood.

Instead, our role should be that of a trainer. Our goal as a father should be the emotional and spiritual strength of our children.

This verse tells us that we need to give them instruction in the Lord. This means that we call attention to the ways of the Lord. We do that by allowing our children to see us praying and reading the Scripture. Spiritual manhood is something that can’t be overemphasized.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Ephesians 6:5-8 NIV

No, the Bible does not support slavery, but just the opposite. The book of Philemon is testimony to that. However, it does talk about things that were common practices in society, slavery being one of them.

This can be applied to the employee, employer relationship. Wherever we find ourselves in that corporate chain of command, we need to realize that Christ is our ultimate manager. We must work as we would work for Christ Himself.

That includes when they’re not watching us. We need to be a witness to the goodness of God, no matter what we’re doing. That also includes the times when we’re the ones in charge.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:9 NIV

Business owners need to act as Jesus would. Treat those under you with love and respect. This is how we show forth the glory of God. We desire to make the Gospel of Jesus Christ attractive to as many people as possible.

Question: How well do you portray Christ in you work relationships?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 14, 2023 in Prayer, Relationships, Spiritual Walk

 

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Mutual Submission Part One

12 Jun
Mutual Submission Part One

We’re continuing through the book of Ephesians. We’re coming to the part where many use it to force others to do their will. That’s not the intent. Listen carefully to how the apostle begins this section.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 NIV

This verse literally says to place yourselves under one another in the fear of God. That’s where it starts. God is the one in charge. I’m submitting myself to His authority.

Then, no matter where He places me, I’m under His care. The Lord is still on the throne. I don’t have to worry or get upset about what others are doing. I have to make sure my attitude is right.

Paul then talks about different areas of submission.

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5:22-24 NIV

I know that there are many husbands who use this to demand absolute obedience in their homes. Is that really what this is saying?

The key question is, how does the church submit to Christ? How do you submit to Christ? The fact is that Jesus doesn’t show up at your door demanding you to do something. Then, if you don’t follow through, does He scold you for your disobedience?

That’s not how our Lord operates. He lets us know what His desire is for us. But then, it’s up to us whether we pursue it or not.

Of course, many times husbands will ignore the next part. I think it’s the most difficult to accomplish.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV

This is a hard road to follow. As a husband, I need to see the example of Christ and the church. Then, I must live it out the way Christ does.

What does this mean? Think about it. How is the Lord perfecting His church? Does He use yelling and tantrums when He doesn’t get His way? Absolutely not.

Right now, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for His church. He is speaking the Word of God over us. This is the path that a good husband must take.

How much time do you spend in prayer for your family? That’s what it comes down to – time spent in prayer. That’s where we have to lay down our lives.

There are so many other things we want to do. Playing sports or video games can take up a lot of our time. How important is our family to us?

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church – for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:28-33 NIV

This section says it all. If I’m not giving up something, then I’m not following through with this. A great husband and wife relationship requires a form of submission from both parties.

I can say that my wife and I have been married for over 40 years. This is what keeps us together and happy through whatever comes our way.

Question: How well do you submit to Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 12, 2023 in Prayer, Relationships, Spiritual Walk

 

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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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Spiritual Music

07 Jun
Spiritual Music

We’re continuing through Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. He’s been dealing with how we should interact with one another. He talked a lot about the “don’ts”. But there’s an important “do” that affects our attitudes.

Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:18b-20 NIV

It’s better to be around people who have good attitudes. I’d rather be with people who are singing than with those who are complaining. The church should be a place that’s filled with music and singing.

Did you know that the Bible speaks about how we should aim our singing? That’s what determines our attitudes. There are two goals we should direct our music toward.

Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

Psalms 96:1-2 NIV

The first goal in our music should be pretty obvious.

Our music can be directed toward God in the praise of His glory. This is an important part of our relationship with the Lord. Singing His praises transports us into His presence.

I get so upset when believers view the praise and worship time as merely the “warm-up act” for the pastor’s preaching. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As we sing praise and thanksgiving to God, we’re brought into a deeper spiritual place. We become more open to the move of the Holy Spirit.

Praising God in song is an important part of a spiritual walk.

The second aim of music may surprise some of you. It’s what Paul talked about in the above verse.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord…

Ephesians 5:19 NIV

This aspect of our music can change the hearts of those around us.

Our music can be directed toward each other. There are many people (and I used to be one of them) that dislike the use of songs that are not directed toward God. This verse clearly shows the necessity of both types of music.

There are times when we need to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to one another. Why is that so important?

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

It’s through music that the Word of Christ can live richly in you. Singing music that’s directed at each other is a form of teaching and admonishing. As we sing, we learn.

This is an incredible truth. When my children were small, they learned all the states and their capitals because they were put to music. How much more important is it to get the Word into our hearts?

Through music, the Word of Christ can enter our lives and stay with us. That’s why I’m so adamant about not singing songs that contain bad doctrine. Too many Christians believe error because they learned it in their music.

We give praise to our God. We teach and admonish each other. Both of these can and should be done through the music of God’s people.

Question: Is there a song that opened up your eyes to a spiritual truth?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 7, 2023 in Encouragement, Music, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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