I’ve been posting about the power of God at work in us. This is the power that changes us and others. We saw that the first component of the Holy Spirit’s power in us is love. It’s this love of Christ that provides the spiritual pressure that propels us forward.
We started by looking at Paul’s view of this power.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
The second component of power is described here as self-discipline. Actually the word translated self-discipline is literally a saved mind in the Greek. I believe that the two components of power in the Word of God are love and a saved mind. If we follow this through we find that the rest of Scripture confirms this.
Remember what I said about electrical power. The two parts were voltage and current. How does electrical current relate to the truth of a saved mind? Physically speaking, current is electrical movement. Current is how fast the electrons are moving through the wires. In the verse we read from Second Timothy, Paul said that the components of spiritual power were love and a saved mind. Just how important is it to possess a “saved mind?”
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Without a saved mind, a mind that has been washed and renewed by the Word of God, we will never grasp what God’s will is for our lives. The problem is that most modern Christians don’t place a priority upon renewing their minds. We want to think and act the way the world does.
This makes for a very interesting dilemma. Most Christians seem to want to know God’s will for their lives. Yet, we don’t prepare our minds to receive it. According to this verse the only way to know God’s will, is to renew your mind.
This was evident in the ministry of Christ.
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”
John 6:38
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
John 4:34
In natural terms, electrical current is the movement of electricity in the lines. Power requires movement or action. Jesus was able to move and act because His mind was attuned to God’s will. It’s clear from Scripture and the life of Christ that a saved mind is spiritual current because it produces action. We know from the Word of God that “faith without works [action] is dead.” (James 2:17) A saved mind is a mind that is full of faith THAT ACTS upon that faith.
Question: Is renewing your mind a priority in your walk with Christ? What do you do to accomplish this?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: action, Christ, current, electrical current, electrical power, faith, forward movement, Holy Spirit's power, Jesus, Jesus Christ, movement, power, power of God, renewed mind, saved mind, secret of knowing God's will, self discipline, spiritual current, spiritual power, washed, word of God, works deeds
We have been talking about the nature of God’s power in your life – how His Spirit produces change in us and in those around us. We also saw that in nature, power is composed of two components, voltage and current. How about spiritual power? Scripture gives us some insight into this.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
It’s obvious from this passage that the Lord doesn’t want us operating in fear. What He desires for His people is a spirit of power. It seems that the more I meditate on this verse, the clearer I see it. I believe that this verse is telling us that the spirit of power is evidenced by two component parts – love and self-discipline.
The natural power law says that power is voltage times current. It’s a known fact that in the natural, power is always measurable. I believe that if you know the Word of God, you should be able to gauge your level of power.
The first component of power we’ll look at is voltage. In the natural realm voltage is electrical pressure. It’s the force that’s pushing the electrons through the wires in your home. How does this translate into the spiritual?
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
2 Corinthians 5:14
It’s Christ’s love in us that compels us to work for the Lord. By using the word compel, Paul means that it’s the love of Christ that puts pressure on us to minister for the Lord. This verse makes it obvious that love is the spiritual equivalent of voltage. It’s love that puts pressure on us to serve God, to reach out, and to help others.
Jesus Christ walked in more power than anyone who ever walked the earth. Do we see the evidence of this love putting pressure on His life?
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:14
This incident in the life of Christ happened just after the death of John the Baptist. Jesus had recently been told that Herod had beheaded John. Not only was John a colleague in ministry, he was also a family member. If you read through Matthew chapter 14, you’ll find that Jesus went to a remote place to get away from the crowds so that He could mourn the death of John in private.
When He arrived at what He thought would be a secluded spot, Jesus found that the crowds were waiting for Him. What would we do in that situation? We know what Christ did. Scripture says that He was moved, pressured by compassion to minister to the people in spite of His grief.
Question: Have you ever been pressured by the compassion of Christ to go beyond your normal boundaries?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: Christ, compassion, current, God's power, Jesus, Jesus Christ, love, love compels us, measure spiritual power, measureable, ministry, power, power of the spirit, pressure, produce change, spirit of power, spiritual power, voltage
I am hoping to wrap up my talk about faith with this post. I hope that by now it’s obvious that faith is an on-going process of discovery and response. It’s how we continue to grow in our walk with Christ.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Hebrews 11:1-2
Actually, even though I usually like the NIV, it’s not really a good translation of verse 2. The KJV is a little closer in saying that the ancients “obtained a good report.” Literally, the verse says that in faith, the elders witnessed.
We must go from being a discoverer to a witness. Let’s talk about our good friend Christopher Columbus again. In my last post I talked about him coming to the New World and discovering America. At some point he returned home.
At that point he has become a witness of what no one else in Europe has ever seen. He tells anyone who would listen, “I’ve seen a New World. I’ve discovered a land that no European has ever been to before.”
In the same way, faith is your witness. Every time you see something new about Christ, you choose to respond to it. You believe this new truth and embrace it. As you begin to put your confidence in it, you become a witness to this truth.
In the last post I used the example of hearing for the first time that Christ is the Healer. The Holy Spirit makes it real to you through the discovery of faith. You then go out and begin to share with others that Christ is the healer, even if you’ve never been healed.
It’s not a matter of, “Well, the pastor preached about it so I guess it’s true.” On the contrary – it’s on the inside of you. Then, when you need it, it’s there to heal you.
If you lay hold of each new truth, you will continue to trust Christ even if the enemy tries to knock your faith out of your hand. That’s why it’s so important that we see faith as a walk and not just an event.
The fact is, “we walk by faith and not by sight.” It’s time for believers to pick up their shields and move forward. Then, we must never back down, but respond in faith to each new discovery of the Word of God.
Question: How has your faith in Christ brought you through in your hard times?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: be a good witness, Christ, Columbus, discoverer, discovery, embrace the truth, faith, growth, healer, Holy Spirit, never back down, respond in faith, response, share, truth, walk by faith, walk in Christ, witness
I have been posting about faith lately. Our faith is seen in our choices. As we learn new things about Christ, we then have a choice whether to believe it or not.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
We looked at this verse in my last post. I said that being sure meant that our faith is a support to our expectations in Christ. So each time I learn something new about Christ, and make the choice to believe it – I add a new support structure. As long as this continues, my walk with the Lord grows.
The above verse also says that faith is being certain of what we do not see. The word translated as certain means proof or discovery.
Faith, then, is the discovery of things not seen. Notice that the writer of Hebrews did not say it was the discovery of things invisible. Rather, faith is the discovery of things you haven’t seen.
We say that Columbus discovered America. We understand that the New World was not invisible; it just couldn’t be seen from Europe. Through a series of choices Columbus got to a place where he could see it.
In the same way, you can discover new worlds of faith in Christ. You may not have known that the Lord paid the price for your healing. Through a series of choices, you came to a healing service. While there, you hear a message that touched your spirit proclaiming Christ as Healer.
As the Holy Spirit works in you, you choose to accept this truth by faith. Now your faith is the proof, the discovery, of that which was not seen.
The things that God has prepared for me are not invisible; I’m just not in a place where I can see them. Faith is the proof I need that they are there.
But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all…
1 Corinthians 14:24
When we let God speak through us, an amazing thing happens. Someone may hear the message that has not yet accepted Christ. He discovers that he’s a sinner. If he embraces this new discovery, he can make the choice to cross over into the kingdom of God.
Faith is always discovery and response. As I respond in faith to each new revelation, I lay hold of a new support. Each positive response helps me to climb a little higher. We must continue to live out this faith-walk and let God complete His work in us.
Question: What was the most recent discovery that added to your faith-walk?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: America, choice, Christ, Christ is Healer, Christopher Colombus, Colombus, discover a new world, discovery, expectation, faith, healer, new world, proof, response, revelation
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Think about it. Do everything in the name of Jesus. It doesn’t matter if it’s speaking, doing the dishes or driving the car. We must do it all in His name.
Many believers don’t know what this means. Doing things “in Jesus’ name” is part of a lifestyle of service to God. We need to see it as more than just a last line for a prayer. It means living our lives as if Jesus Himself were living through us.
We sometimes get the idea that Jesus only wants to be involved in the “religious” parts of our lives. That kind of thinking couldn’t be more wrong. We are, by nature, spiritual beings. We carry the spiritual with us wherever we go, whatever we do.
The challenging part is learning to cultivate the spirit no matter what the activity. That’s the goal of these posts. I want us to see our daily activities in a new light.
No matter what you do throughout the day, you can use it to strengthen your relationship with Christ. Take some time right now, and meditate on what it means, to you, to “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Tags: Christ, Christian, Christian witness, disciple, Jesus Christ, Jesus' name, lifestyle, name of Jesus, service to God, spiritual, spiritual life, testimony
Exodus 34:29-30
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.
Having spent time on a mountaintop with God, Moses’ face began to shine with a radiance like that of the sun. It was so bright that it caused the Israelites to fear even being near him. There was no doubt about it. Moses was changed, inside and out.
When you spend quality, intimate, time with the Lord, people will begin to notice a change in you. Your face will probably not begin to glow. But just like Moses began to reflect the glory of God, your life will begin to reflect Christ in a new and more powerful way. As a matter of fact, you may not notice the change as much as your family and friends will.
We all have areas in our lives that need change. Sometimes we try to do it on our own. Usually we fail – we are not strong enough. Lasting change comes from a deep work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The kind of work that requires a freedom from distractions. This means that you must have a “secret place” to get alone with Christ.
Spend some time with the Lord today. Open up your life to Him so that He might work in you. Yield your desires to the Lord that He might shed His transforming power upon your heart. Let lasting change begin today.
Tags: change, Christ, disciple, glory, Holy Spirit, inside and out, intimacy, Jesus Christ, mountain, mountaintop, prayer, presence of the lord, reflect Christ, reflect the glory
Isaiah 2:2-3
In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
When the temple was established in Jerusalem, no gentile could ever enter it, no matter how devout they were. Temple worship was the exclusive right of the nation of Israel.
Things are different now. Because of what Christ has done, all nations may now enter the invisible, holy temple of God. We can now climb the heights to His very presence. What was formerly impossible is now accessible by grace.
It is now possible to sit at the feet of the Lord and allow Him to teach you His ways. Even when the temple was open to Israel, only the priests had that privilege. Now, because of the cross, we can all experience the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Make that climb today, to the top, to the mountain of God’s temple. Approach the majestic presence of the Creator of all things. Worship at His feet, for He is worthy to receive it. Wait on Him, for His Spirit to move upon your heart. Lives are forever changed up on that mountain. Let yours be one of them.
Tags: accessible, Bible, calling, changed lives, Christ, Christian, cross, devotion, disciple, encouragement, fellowship, glory, God's temple, higher, holy, Holy Spirit, holy temple, holy worship, intimacy, invisible, Jesus Christ, mountain, power, praise, prayer, presence of the lord, revival, temple, victory
Luke 8:22-25
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Being out in the open water in a storm is very risky. Even with all the modern equipment that boaters have today, it is no easy thing to navigate in a raging storm.
In this passage, the disciples are crossing a lake and a huge squall engulfs them. The wind is against them and the waves are filling the boat. Imagine their terror when they realize they’re not going to make it.
Yet all the while, Jesus was with them. That was a factor that, apparently, none of them considered to be important. When they woke Him, Jesus showed Himself to be in control of the forces of nature.
Never forget that truth in your times of struggle. The Lord is in control of the winds and the waves. We have got to remember that, even when the road ahead seems hopeless. I can rest assured that nothing will touch my life, except that which will help me. I need never fear for the future.
Remember to place yourself in His care each and every day. The Lord has already walked the road ahead and is well able to bring you through. Trust His wisdom and grace to handle each situation that arises.
Tags: assurance, Bible, Christ, Christian, devotion, disciple, encouragement, enemies, faith, fear, forces of nature, God's faithfulness, God's wisdom, grace, hope, Jesus Christ, overcoming, problems, protection, storm, struggle, trust, victory, wind
I love the Fourth of July. It’s one of my favorite holidays. Picnics with family, outdoor fun, not to mention fireworks at night. Even more than that, I thank God for a nation where I’m granted the freedom to do all these things without fear.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
We are called to be free. Freedom is something that God wants for all humanity. Unfortunately, what most people consider freedom is not the real thing. Society thinks that freedom is the ability to do what I want, whenever I want. Their opinion is that freedom means that I can feel good all of the time.
That’s a very selfish definition. Freedom is not all about me. Our founding fathers gave selflessly in the cause for freedom. It was definitely not about their personal good, but the betterment of all that drove them to resist the most powerful nation on earth at that time. Many lost their lives to win this precious gift for us.
There are still those in the armed forces and public safety positions that lay their lives on the line each day, so that we can continue to live free. Freedom is more of a responsibility than a pleasure. I have to put as much into it as I receive from it.
That is what Paul was trying to tell us in the verse above. Freedom is not all about indulging my every desire, but the ability to serve one another unhindered. We need to listen to his exhortation. As believers, we have not only been blessed with our spiritual freedom in Christ, but our physical freedom in the USA.
Let’s live out that freedom responsibly. Not in the granting of our every desire, but in seeking the blessing of all through a life of service. Live free. Be a blessing to all those around you. And thank God for the freedom we share.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christ, Christian, Christian witness, devotion, encouragement, fellowship, fireworks, founding fathers, fourth of July, freedom, God's will, independence day, love, responsibility, serve one another, service, testimony
Mark 1:35-39
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Many times Jesus would leave a house to find a solitary place to pray. Most of the time He would leave while it was still dark. I’m sure that He didn’t even tell anyone He was leaving. It must have been much later when the disciples started their search.
When the disciples finally caught up with Him they rebuked Him for “getting lost.” It is amazing to me that in reply Jesus ignores their complaints and simply tells them what He had heard from the Father – the next step in their ministry to Israel.
Do you need to know the next step in your life? If Jesus needed to seek God in that way, I assume that the same has to be true for us. We desperately need a Word from the Father to complete our task.
Find that peaceful place today. Go before the Lord in the stillness that surrounds you and open up your soul to Him. Spend some time just listening for His still, small voice to your heart. Then answer the call in obedience to His will.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christ, Christian, destiny, devotion, disciple, distractions, encouragement, fellowship, God's will, Holy Spirit, intimacy, Jesus Christ, next step, prayer, presence of the lord, revival, seek God, solitary place, solitude, still small voice, word from God
I’ve been posting about the power of God at work in us. This is the power that changes us and others. We saw that the first component of the Holy Spirit’s power in us is love. It’s this love of Christ that provides the spiritual pressure that propels us forward.
The Spirit and the Word 