Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? Are they still going or have you given up on them?
I recently read a book called Changeology by John Norcross, PhD. He talked about some myths we’ve bought into about change. I’ve noticed them in the lives of many believers, so I’m adapting them for this blog.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
As Christians, our faith is in Christ as the agent of change, making us more like Him. We can’t afford to buy into the lie that change is beyond our grasp. Have you listened to the enemy’s deception in this area?
1. “I can’t change on my own.” This one is partly true. If you take God out of the equation, then change is a lot tougher. But the simple fact is that you have to start the ball rolling. It all begins with your decision to change, then God has your permission to act on your behalf.
2. “I can only make insignificant changes.” The deception in this is that no change is ever insignificant. Sometimes the smallest change has the greatest effect. On the side of a mountain, the smallest gust of wind can start a huge avalanche. If God can change something small in your life, then you can trust Him for something greater.
3. “I don’t have enough willpower to change.” It’s not about willpower, it’s about faith. Willpower places trust in yourself to do the work. You need to put your expectation in the power of the Holy Spirit working in you. The simple fact is that your flesh will never change itself. Time in God’s presence is the most effective means to see God’s hand upon your life.
4. “I can’t change who I am.” The Scripture above exposes this fallacy. In Christ, your past never determines your future. Personality, family traits, and even bad habits are not outside the power of God. The Lord can heal hurts and bitterness of the past. You need to open your heart to the Great Physician to do the work that only He can do.
5. “I’ve tried to change in the past and failed at it.” The Bible is clear that we might experience failure in our lives. The key is to not wallow in it. You may fall, but keep getting up. Perseverance is the key to victory. One great success will wipe out all the sadness of past mistakes. Let God strengthen your heart for the path ahead.
Maybe you have fallen victim to one of these insidious attitudes. If so, then it’s time to lay them down and choose the path to your destiny in Christ. Decide today to yield to the Holy Spirit’s power. Let Him work with you as you walk step by step to your high calling in the Lord.
Questions: What do you want to change in your life? How can you allow God to be a part of this process?
© Nick Zaccardi 2014
Tags: change, changed life, Christian, deception, faith, giving up, God, Holy Spirit, lies, new year's resolutions, on my own, power of God, willpower
We use the term disciple very casually these days. Many are of the opinion that just being a Christian automatically makes you a disciple. It that the truth? Let’s see how it worked for the first disciples who came to Christ.
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
John 1:35-39
There are some things that this passage can teach us about what it means to be a disciple. We see two men who were following John the Baptist. Then they were pointed to the Messiah. That’s when their lives were changed.
A disciple follows Christ. There’s no way around that. The word follow implies that they took the same road as Christ. Many teach that a disciple is a student. I’ve attended enough classes to know that not all students aspire to be like their teachers. A student wants to learn what’s being taught. A disciple wants to become what the teacher is.
A disciple comes near to Christ. Jesus asked these men, “What are you seeking?” Their response, in the original Greek, was amazing. They replied, “Where is your dwelling place?” Being a disciple is all about what you’re seeking. Many say that they’re pursuing God. But in reality they’re only after the things God can give them. A disciple simply wants to be near Christ.
A disciple wants to experience Christ. These men went to the Lord’s house and spent time with Him. Hearing about Him isn’t enough. What are you seeking? Facts and figures about what God has done? Or do you want to meet with Him and experience His home?
A disciple lives in Christ. This is what truly defines a disciple. Do you want to live in Him? Jesus made this point very clear. When most Christians are asked about it, they usually reply, “Of course I’m a disciple.” The real issue is; what are you seeking? Anything other than His dwelling place and you’re not a disciple.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31-32 NKJV
Abide in Him. Let His word abide in you.
Question: What steps are you taking to be a disciple of Christ?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: abide, abide in Christ, become like Christ, Christ, Christian, disciple, disciple of Christ, dwelling place, experience Christ, follow Christ, His dwelling, Jesus, live in Christ, Messiah, near Christ, same road, seeking, word, word of God
Do you ever fast? How often do you fast? Do you fast regularly? Weekly? Monthly? Why do you fast? Why don’t you fast? Is fasting even important in the life of the Christian?
I believe that fasting is one of the most powerful disciplines that you can participate in. So, I’m going to deal with some of these issues in a series of posts. Hopefully, by the end of this series, you will decide to fast at least one day a week. Not only that, but you’ll look forward to fasting with expectancy in what it will accomplish in your life and ministry.
The Old Testament is filled with references about fasting. I want to take this post to explain the Old Testament fast and how it relates to the New Testament. As in all areas, whenever an Old Covenant teaching is studied, it must pass through the filter of the cross before we can apply it to our lives. Only then can you know how much of it, if any, has a place in the New Covenant.
The first thing that should strike you as you study the Old Testament is that fasting was a very mournful experience. Here are a few occurrences for you to look up. In Judges 20:26, Israel fasted after a military defeat in order to gain a victory. In I Kings 21:9, they fasted during a time of judgment in order to show their humility and repentance. In Joel 1:14, it was to show repentance.
The principle found in I Samuel 31:13 shows fasting during a time of mourning. In Daniel 9:3, he fasted to remind God of the promise to restore Israel. Finally, Ezra 8:21 demonstrates humility before God in order to bring about the restoration of Jerusalem.
It’s clear from the above verses that a majority of the Old Testament fasting experience was one of mourning and humility before God. Unfortunately, many Christians spend a lot of time getting all of their fasting theology from the Old Testament.
They think that they have to mourn over sin and fast in order to do “penance.” They’re hoping that by doing something hard, they’ll obtain what they want from God. In essence, they’re trying to get God to do something for them by doing something difficult for Him. As you’ll see from Scripture, this is not the fast we’re called to.
Again the word of the LORD Almighty came to me. This is what the LORD Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.”
Zechariah 8:18-19
Zechariah was a prophet who ministered just before the “quiet time” between the Old and New Testaments. During his time, a prophecy came forth that some day fasting was going to change.
Instead of the mourning that Israel was accustomed to, fasting was going to become a joy. I believe that he was referring to the fast that we experience under the New Covenant. That’s the fast I will talk about in the upcoming posts.
Question: What’s your fasting experience at this point in your Christian walk?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: Christian, fast, fasting, fasting for you, happy, humility, joy, mourning, New Testament, Old Testament, penance, powerful, repentance, spiritual fast
I believe that God is about to pour out a revival upon His church. Right now, we’re in the preparation stage. Our concern should be, with positioning ourselves to receive it.
Jesus is our example in ministry. If we see how He positioned Himself, then we can follow His lead.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18-19
Christ’s ability to walk in the power of God was brought about in three major events. These were His baptism, temptation, and His announcement of ministry. This verse shows us His entrance into the public ministry.
After reading this portion of Scripture, the Lord announced that it was being fulfilled in their presence. I believe that this holds the key to positioning ourselves. It’s all about the anointing.
We’ve heard a lot of teaching on the anointing over the years. Unfortunately, some of it has been a little off base. Where was it wrong?
First, let’s look at where we were right. The anointing removes burdens and destroys yokes. That’s a true statement based upon Isaiah 10:27. Furthermore, that was Jesus’ whole ministry in a nutshell.
Another part is that the word Christ encompasses the Anointed One and His anointing. Since that’s true, it is also the case that as Christians, we are little anointed ones. That’s the meaning of the name.
The final truth that we must embrace is that we all have an anointing from God. Scripture is clear on that point.
With all of this truth, then where are we off? My question is this; with this entire teaching being proclaimed, why are burdens NOT being removed and yokes NOT being destroyed in much of the church?
I’ve also heard it taught that the Holy Spirit is our anointing. That’s where we’ve misunderstood the Scripture. Look at the above verse carefully.
Jesus clearly said, “The Spirit…is on me BECAUSE he has anointed me.” What we’ve missed is that the Spirit follows the anointing.
This is a different work than salvation. Yes, the Holy Spirit lives in me when I receive Christ as Lord. But the anointing for the power of the Holy Spirit is a different thing. That’s why there are so many believers in the body of Christ that live powerless in this generation.
We need to understand exactly what the anointing is and how to receive it. Then, like Christ, we can walk in the power of the Holy Spirit that this anointing opens up.
I’m going to take the next few posts to try and explain how this works in our Christian walk. If you haven’t subscribed to this blog yet, you should do it now so that you won’t miss any of this vital message to the church.
Question: Are you content with the level of power evidenced in the church today?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: anoint, anointed, anointing, Christ, Christian, destroy yokes, Holy Spirit, Jesus, ministry, misunderstood the anointing, power, power of God, powerless, remove burdens, revival, the Anointed One
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. Today I’m thinking about cookouts, flags, and fireworks. Is that what being American is all about?
I’m grateful for having been born in the United States. There’s been so much going on lately in this country, much of it is negative. However, I continue to believe that the USA is still the best nation on earth.
We were founded upon Christian principles. The question is; are we a “Christian Nation” anymore? Does a Christian nation tell you not to pray in public? Does a Christian nation tell you not to display Christian symbols where everyone can see them?
While it’s true that many Christians live in this country, we have to come to grips with the obvious. The United States, as an entity, is no longer Christian. As believers, we need to live understanding that fact.
When David became king of Israel, it was recorded that many groups came from all over that nation to join the ranks of his army. It describes the weapons they used and their strengths. There’s one group in particular that stands out to me.
…men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do – 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;
1 Chronicles 12:32
The only weaponry it tells about these men was their ability to understand the times and live their lives accordingly. This should be a lesson to us in the United States. The Apostle Paul echoes the same sentiment.
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
We are called to be just as Issachar was. We need to be people of understanding. We live in a nation where the attitudes are very quickly turning against any kind of Christian influences.
I don’t say that to scare us or sour our mood. I’m trying to get us, as the people of God, to wake up to the fact that coasting along with the crowd is no longer an option. We don’t live in a place where godliness is applauded and sought after.
We now live on an active mission field. That means that our lifestyles should look more like missionaries than consumers. God didn’t place us here at this time in history to merely bask in the pleasures of this society. Church is not just a place where we celebrate our salvation.
We’re more than that. The church in America should be a counterculture that is actively seeking to change people’s lives for Christ.
So, this Fourth of July, celebrate and enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans. There’s nothing wrong with that. But also, pray for the spiritual understanding that it takes to live for Christ in this generation.
Pray for, and actively seek, a revival in our land.
Question: How are you living counter to the culture around you?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: America, attitudes, celebrate, Christ, Christian, Christian nation, Christian principles, consumers, cookout, counterculture, fireworks, flag, fourth of July, freedom, God bless the USA, godliness, Jesus, mission field, missionaries, pray for revival, revival, understanding, understanding the times, United States of America, USA
It’s hard to believe, but in reality the United States can no longer be called a Christian nation. Yes, there are pockets of Christian majorities on various parts of the map, but overall the influence of believers is almost gone. I believe this is because we have lost sight of the true message of the Gospel.
I was recently reading a post about 5 issues the church will have to deal with over the next ten years. It was by Ed Stetzer, the President of Lifeway Research. In it he made some startling statements that I may comment about from time to time.
The issue that caught my attention, was that the church of this generation needs a clear understanding of the Gospel. It wasn’t many years ago that the flames of renewal and revival were sweeping across many parts of our nation. How have we fallen so far from the message of Christ?
Where has the Gospel of Jesus Christ gone? In many churches we are taught how to be “good people.” There are messages on how to live a great life – overcoming depression and other negative qualities. It’s almost as if the modern church has become a group emotional-therapy session.
Paul’s words should bring us a much needed wake-up call.
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel…
We wonder why our impact on society has diminished. This just might be the key. The Gospel is not about New Year’s resolutions or turning over a new leaf. It’s not even about wanting to be a better person, spouse, or parent.
The true message of the Gospel is not about what I do. It’s all about what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. He died, was buried, and He rose back to life on the third day. The Lord accomplished this so that we could receive His life and become a new person in Him.
Anything less than that is not the Gospel.
In his post, Ed Stetzer made a statement that I have turned into a question in order to check myself. As a pastor, I’m responsible for the message received by the people under my care. I’m going to be accountable for what I preach to them each week.
The question I must ask myself is this: Would the message I’m preaching still be true if Jesus hadn’t died on the cross? If so, then I’m not proclaiming the Gospel. It might be good and helpful to the listener, but it isn’t the Good News of the Bible. The Gospel is life-changing.
The church in America needs to return to the true Gospel message.
Question: How do you perceive a need for the Gospel in our generation?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: America, America needs the Gospel, believers, Christ, Christian, Christian nation, church, cross, good news, gospel, influence, Jesus, message, message of Christ, preaching, proclaiming, renewal, revival, true message, understanding, United States
Talk about a controversial subject. Why should we even bother discussing it? The debate over Creationism only gets people mad, and makes them think that Christians are backward thinking hicks. Is our view on this issue important to our walk with God? I want to take a few posts to weigh in on the subject. I think you’ll be surprised by some of the truths involved.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Hebrews 11:3
A little while ago I did a series of posts on the subject of True Faith. I came to the conclusion that faith is a walk of discovery and response. That is, discovering God’s truth and how we respond to it.
What do we discover in this verse? Actually, we see the foundation of our walk with God. So often we discount the importance of this truth. We get wishy-washy because it’s so controversial in our society. In our desire to sound modern and relevant, we end up denying the very core of who we are as believers.
The hot topic in question is intelligent design vs. evolution. We seem to think it’s only a peripheral debate.
If that’s the case, then why does the enemy think it’s so important to attack? Why is it such a main area of discussion when atheists try to show how “foolish” Christianity is?
The reason is crystal clear. Faith understands that there’s a Creator. That concept is foundational to our walk with the Lord. If there’s no Creator, then there’s no purpose to life. We would also have no responsibility for our actions. There would be no such thing as sin and no need for forgiveness. In that case, there would be no final judgment. Following that logic, there would be no need for a Savior, the cross, or the resurrection.
Everything we believe rests upon the truth that there is a Creator-God, and that we were created by Him and for Him. That’s why the subject is so important to those who oppose Christianity. The Creation account is the bedrock upon which everything else we believe is built.
If my faith in God as Creator is shaky, then anything else I believe will be subject to doubt. I must get the foundation solid in order to stand secure in my faith.
This is such an important subject. Let me suggest that you subscribe for these posts to come to you via e-mail so that you don’t miss any.
Question: How important do you feel it is to believe in Creation?
Tags: atheists, Christian, creation, Creationism, Creator, evolution, evolution vs creation, foundation, foundation of faith, importance, important, intelligent design, pourpose, purpose in life, truth, walk with God
I have been posting about the difference between the Christian culture and the culture of the world. In my last post, we saw that there are two anointings in the world – the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the antichrist anointing.
The apostle John talked about these anointings in his first letter. In that same context he also said the following…
See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us — even eternal life.
I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.
1 John 2:24-26
It is important that we remain in Christ – the Anointed One. If we do, then we will also remain in His anointing. The problem with many of us is that we try to jump back and forth.
Today we want the blessings of Christ. The next day we try and chase after what the world is offering. Sometimes we appear to be a little split in our loyalty.
We need to make a choice. What is it that I want from life? Do I want God’s best, or the world’s best?
After all, there are those who would try to lead us astray. It literally means that they are trying to cause us to roam. When that happens, we lose direction and focus.
It’s sad, but in many cases there are believers who are teaching us how to live with our feet in both worlds. While it’s true that we have to live within the present world system, we don’t have to embrace its philosophy of life. The priorities of the world should not be our priorities.
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him.
1 John 2:27
The truth is that the Lord wants to place His priorities in us. If we will listen to the Holy Spirit at work in us, we will walk in this anointing. If not, then we become a counterfeit.
A counterfeit is something that looks real, but it’s not. Usually, only something valuable is counterfeited. The counterfeit anointing is referring to those who appear to love God, yet really want what the world is offering.
Their priorities are in direct conflict with God’s, while appearing to serve, praise, and honor Him. Don’t be a Christian in appearance only. Remember, it’s what’s going on inside that counts.
Drink in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Let Him change your priorities from the inside out. Don’t fall victim to the counterfeit anointing that is so prevalent in the world today.
Question: Why is the world’s anointing so appealing?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: anointed one, anointing, antichrist, Christian, counter-culture, counterfeit, counterfeit anointing, counterfeit Christian, God's best, Holy Spirit, loyalty, remain in Christ, world, world system, world's best
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
Job 38:12-15
“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment. The wicked are denied their light, and their upraised arm is broken.”
Sunrise is a very special time of day. It is then that the dark, gray, formless world suddenly bursts with color, shape, and sound. I consider it a privilege to be able to wake up with the dawn. Just to see the blazing colors of the rising sun, to smell the earthy fragrance of the fresh morning dew, and to hear the chatter of the forest creatures as they begin their work in the new day is an experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
This should humble us as human beings. Just to think that this ritual of nature has been repeating itself since creation, and yet we have absolutely no control over it. The rising and the setting of the sun was set by God ages ago and is far outside the realm of our power and authority.
Don’t miss the opportunity to thank God for this new day. Each one is a blessing from Him. It is a gift from His hand, and we never know what it will bring until we walk it out. Start each new day with adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to the Lord. In that way you will have established it on a firm foundation. What you do at this critical time will set the direction and atmosphere for the rest of your day. Make good use of each one.
Tags: adoration, Bible, Christian, dawn, devotion, encouragement, glory, God's faithfulness, holy worship, humble, humility, joy, morning, new day, praise, prayer, sunrise, thank God, thanksgiving
Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? Are they still going or have you given up on them?
The Spirit and the Word 