Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm…
Job 40:6
From time to time I try to get away to the wilderness and get alone with God. A couple of weeks ago I felt a prompting of the Spirit, so I spent three days hiking on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire. I’m glad that I did.
The presence of the Lord was very real during that trip. I had some great prayer times with Him. But there is one thing that happened that I want to share in this post.
My plan was to start out early and park my car at the ending point of the hike. I had made arrangements with a taxi company to meet me there and take me to where I was to start. As I sat in my car, waiting for the cab to arrive, it started to lightly drizzle.
According to the weather, it was only a 20% chance of rain first thing in the morning, then clear skies later. Since there was no cell phone reception to call off the taxi, and I figured it would clear up soon, I decided to go forward with my hiking plans.
I put on my rain gear and took the taxi to the start of my hike. It started off fine. Under the cover of the forest, the slight rain didn’t even make it down to where I was walking.
However, the further I hiked up the mountain, the less cover there was. Then it happened – the sky opened up and I found myself in a torrential downpour. I had to scramble across slippery rocks, on the edge of a cliff, in the rain.
At one point the trees cleared for a bit giving me an incredible view. (That’s the picture I took at the top of this post.) It was at that moment that the Spirit of the Lord became wonderfully real to me. I had no choice but to stop, right where I was and worship God.
As I looked around, standing on the rocks on the side of a mountain, dripping wet in a rainstorm, I had the funniest thought. I told the Lord, “God, You even make rainstorms magnificent!”
It was an experience to remember. The sound of the rain and wind in the mountains. The sight of the clouds racing past me as I stood level with them. The expanse of the mountains and trees around me.
It all combined to inspire awe toward my Creator. I realized in that moment that I was experiencing something that few people ever will. Actually, few people would ever choose to be there!
In our Christian walk, if you desire to do great things for God then you will go through a spiritual storm. But in the middle of that challenge, know that the Holy Spirit is with you. If you turn the downpour into a chance to praise God, you’ll know the wonder of His presence with you.
Questions: Are you going through a spiritual battle at this time? Will you choose to give God praise during the tough times?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: Appalachian Trail, awe, challenge, hiking, Holy Spirit, mountain, praise God, praise Him in the storm, praising God in the storm, presence of God, presence of the lord, rain, Spirit of the Lord, spiritual battle, spiritual challenge, spiritual storm, voice of God, wilderness, worship God
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
In this verse, Paul is referring to Moses. When he was leading the children of Israel through the desert, they stopped for a while at the foot of Mt. Sinai. Moses went up to meet with God. As he spent time in the presence of God, he started to soak in some of the glory. At one point, upon his return, the people couldn’t look at his face because it shone like the sun.
The glory of God was reflecting off his face. Moses had to wear a veil until things were back to normal. It’s interesting that way the Bible relates it. It sounds like Moses wore the veil so that the Israelites wouldn’t see the glory fading. His experience was great, but it didn’t last a long time. He had an incredible encounter with God, but it eventually faded back to the way it was.
Understand this, the Lord has greater plans for us. The Holy Spirit is working in us to make us like Christ. Each day we are becoming more and more like Him, if we submit to His plan for our lives. This is the glory of God in us.
This glory that God is clothing us with is different than that of Moses. First of all, it doesn’t fade. It’s a glory that’s always on the increase. My prayer in the presence of the Lord is that throughout my life people will see more of Jesus and less of me.
This is a wonderful thought. God is doing greater things in us than He did in Moses! We sometimes look to the pages of Scripture and wish we were a part of what God did back then. In reality, there’s no need to go back. God is working just as powerfully today – if we let Him.
Another aspect of this glory is that we reflect it with unveiled faces. It’s not a glory that frightens others and pushes them away. It’s the warmth of love and freedom that draws men and women to the cross. Don’t ever use your walk with Christ as an excuse to condemn or put down other people. That’s not what the glory of God is about.
We are here to draw men to Christ. It’s the love, patience and passion of the Lord that brings people to a knowledge of His grace. We need to use the same tactics that He does.
What should our goal be? We must desire to spend time in the presence of this glory. Let it continue to do its transforming work in us. By doing this we are making it our goal to reflect more of His beauty. That’s what will attract people to Christ.
Question: How much quality time do you spend in God’s presence?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: Bible, Christ, draw men to Christ, fading, glory of God, God's glory, Holy Spirit, increase, Jesus, love patience, Moses, Mount Sinai, passion, pray, prayer, presence of God, reflecting, reflecting God's glory, unveiled faces
Ungodly. The word usually makes us think of the unsaved. The problem is that there are many ungodly Christians that are totally unaware of their condition. Are you one of them? Check out what the Bible says about it.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5
Paul tells us that we are to examine our lives. This word literally means to scrutinize how we live.
Do you know Christ is in you? Most Christians understand this concept. They realize that Christ is in them. When they asked Him to be the Lord of their lives, Christ made their heart His home. Most believers will pass this test.
Does it matter to you? This is where the test starts to get tough. It’s surprising that many who belong to Christ really don’t give Him a second thought. They go throughout the day without ever acknowledging Him.
It seems that they’re oblivious to the fact that Jesus is accompanying them wherever they go. He’s a silent listener of every conversation. If this was a reality to us, we would probably behave much differently.
Do you want to know God’s will? Not only is Christ with us at all times, but He has a plan for our lives. The question really comes down to; whose will is more important – mine or the Lord’s? Many don’t want to know God’s will for their lives because they’re afraid it will interfere with their plans.
Do you want to accomplish God’s will? Knowing God’s will is not the end of it. What we really need to do is accomplish it. Not only is Christ with us wherever we go, He expects us to represent him and His kingdom to the world. What many don’t realize is that unless we answer “yes” to this question, God will not reveal His will to us.
Are you seeking God’s approval? This is the final and greatest test of godliness. Who are we seeking to please? Are we after our own pleasure? That of our friends or family? The Bible is clear that unless we’re “God-pleasers” our lives will be worthless – there will be no reward at the end.
How do these questions play out in your life? A “no” to any of the highlighted questions should be a warning that you’re in danger of ungodliness. If so, then repent of it and move on with the Lord.
It’s time for God’s people to live like they truly understand the Lord’s presence in their lives.
Question: What signs of godliness do you see in your life?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: accomplish God's will, acknowledging Christ, Bible, Christ, Christ in you, danger, examine, God's approval, God-pleaser, godliness, heart, Jesus, kingdom, know God's will, presence, presence of God, repent, repentance, represent, reward, scrutinize, test, the Lord's presence, ungodliness, ungodly, ungodly Christians, unsaved, warning, warning signs of ungodliness
I have said that the United States desperately needs a revival. What is that? Is it a church full of weeping, “falling down under the power of God”, or huge crowds on Sunday morning?
Is it something we plan into our schedules? “Revival Meetings the first week of December.”
The truth is that it’s not something we put on, but a work that God performs in us. It’s a special presence of Christ revealing Himself to our society.
I believe that revival is birthed out of desperation. When we reach the end of what we can do, all we can rely on is the work of God in us.
It’s kind of like the condition of Israel as they prepared to leave Mt Sinai in the book of Exodus. They had already turned from God before Moses had even come down from the mountain with the law.
Now God has cleansed the camp and they are about to move out. They are headed for the Promised Land.
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
Exodus 33:15-16
Now there’s a desperate prayer! What if the modern church prayed like this and meant it? Most churches would close their doors the first week.
Unfortunately, we just go on with the show. We’ve learned how to experience growth without the move of God. A great music team and a charismatic preacher is all you need for success.
We need to learn that growth doesn’t mean that God is in the work. It grieves me to say it, but if the Holy Spirit left us today, 90% of churches would be unaffected. Much of the church in America is leaning on the arm of flesh to sustain it.
We need the presence of the Lord. What else will distinguish the church from any other good social program?
The key is transformed lives. That’s the proof of the power of God. When Christ works through His people, we don’t remain the same.
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Exodus 33:18
This is the prayer of desperation that needs to go up from God’s people. We must put aside our goals, and seek the glory of God in our lives. If He does the work, then He gets the glory.
It’s time for revival in our nation.
Question: How desperate are you for a move of God in our nation?
© Nick Zaccardi 2013
Tags: America, arm of flesh, Christ, church, desperation, foundation for revival, glory of God, God, God's people, Holy Spirit, Jesus, modern church, move of God, power of God, prayer, presence of Christ, presence of God, revival, the Lord, transformed lives, United States, weeping
2012 is over. We’re now in new territory! What does this new year hold for us? There is a way to safely navigate the unknown that lies before us.
Society is taking a dim view of the future. With talk of fiscal cliffs and higher taxes, many are worried. There are those who fear an increase in violence and unpredictable weather patterns. Where can we turn to for answers? The same place the truth has always been…
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11
Our God didn’t get stuck in 2012! He is with us today. He knows all about the latest technology – before it’s even invented. He is well able to bring though to a victorious new year.
It’s a blessing to know that God will never leave us nor forsake us. According to this verse, He’s the Guide that never fails. He can find water in the driest desert. He gives strength in the time of trouble. If we rely on Him, we will be just like a spring whose source never fails.
Many times people look at us and wonder what’s the secret of our strength. There seems to be nothing special about us. On the outside we’re as weak and mortal as everyone else.
What they don’t know is that our strength comes from far below the surface – deep within – where we have tapped into the presence of an Almighty God. This is the secret to the abundant life. We must learn to remain in the presence of the Lord.
Because of the hand of God upon our lives, we seem to have an ability to move forward in ways that others cannot comprehend. This only happens when we take a spiritual drink from the springs of living water that come directly from the Lord. This is the road to victorious living.
Spend time with your Guide today. Let Him empower you for the year ahead. Become that “well-watered garden” in His presence. That is the only way to assure an outcome of fulfillment and joy throughout 2013.
I pray God’s richest blessing upon you in the coming year!
© Nicolas Zaccardi 2013
Tags: 2013, blessing of God, fear, fiscal cliff, God, guidance, guidance for the new year, guide, living water, new year, presence of God, strength, taxes, the Lord, victorious, victory, violence, weather, wisdom of God, worry
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.
Isaiah 44:22-23
On Christmas Day – at least in my part of the world – I woke up to snow in the air. It was a beautiful sight to see a new blanket of white on the frozen ground. I was then blessed to spend the morning opening presents with my wife and children. God is so good!
Sometimes it just seems like everything is right with the world. “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” We look around, and all of nature seems to be singing God’s praise. Actually, this is a product of our attitude. It happens when we start the day meditating on what God has done for us.
At least for believers, that should be an easy thing this time of year. We are reminded of all the Lord has done for us. Taking on our humanity and living among us was truly a special gift. Then, bearing our sins to the cross and rising for our salvation was something we couldn’t have even imagined that God would be willing to accomplish for us.
What an incredible thing! To have your sins forgiven. To know that the blood of Christ washes you clean. To be able to approach His holy presence without fear of condemnation. It’s no wonder that Isaiah felt like all creation was bursting into song before him.
The privilege is ours now to run into His majestic presence. Don’t start the day without spending time with Him. Commit the day ahead to His care. Let Him establish and maintain you. Bring praise and worship before Him. Don’t you dare let the forests and mountains outdo you in the praise of His glorious name!
Question: Is there something you would like to praise God for right now?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: better than a tree, blessing, blood of Christ, creation, forests, forgiveness, gifts, mountains, nature, praise, presence of God, redeemed, salvation, singing, sins forgiven, snow, thanks, thanksgiving, the Lord, trees, worship
Do you find yourself feeling dry – spiritually speaking? Do you even know what this means? In the same way we try to keep our body healthy, we need to tend to our soul.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:1-2
I enjoy hiking on the Appalachian Trail. I remember a trip I once took up Holt’s Ledge in New Hampshire. It wasn’t very high – under 3000 feet. But, because of poor planning on my part, I ran out of water. To make matters worse, there were no springs ahead on the trail until I went up and over to the other side of the ledge.
It’s an awful thing when you know that you’re dehydrating. First you start to get light-headed. Then, every muscle in your body begins to cramp up. Just putting one foot in front of the other becomes agony.
In that situation there was only one thing I could do. I walked on with the realization that if I was going to survive, I must get to water. It was tough, but I eventually made it to a water source. I drank my fill, resupplied, and started to feel normal. Later, I vowed never to let that happen again.
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”
John 7:37-38
This is a great promise to us. Jesus said that those who trust Him will have streams of living water on the inside. We have access to that life-giving river all the time. The question is, do we draw from it?
Many Christians foolishly live in spiritual “dehydration” every day of their life. They ignore the presence of God and wonder why their spiritual life is so cramped up. Why is every step so hard to take?
We need to keep our souls healthy. This requires the same daily care that we give to our bodies. Make sure that you don’t suffer from spiritual dehydration – run to the stream of the Lord each day for refreshment.
Refresh yourself right now by spending time in His presence. Fill your soul with the living water only Christ can provide.
Question: Have you ever gone through a dry spiritual season? What did you do to overcome it?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: Christ, cramping, dehydrated, drink, dry, dry season, healthy soul, Jesus, light headed, living a dehydrated life, living water, presence of God, spiritually dry, streams of living water, thirsty, water, water source
In my last post I started talking about music as a spiritual force. Did you know that music has the power to transform your life? It can lift you up, or bring you to your knees.
The Old Testament book of Deuteronomy was Moses’ last exhortation to Israel before he died. In it he made some very interesting comments as he was led along by the Holy Spirit.
It also includes what happened in the last few days of his life. As he was nearing the end, he had a very interesting encounter with God.
At that point, the Lord summoned Moses and Joshua (his second in command) to the tent of meeting. They were to appear before the presence of God for some instructions. Joshua was to be commissioned to lead Israel after Moses was gone. This is all found in Deuteronomy, chapter 31.
When they came to the tent God spoke to them out of a pillar of cloud. He told Moses of his soon departure. Then the Lord spoke of the future of Israel. He said that very soon after Moses was gone, the Israelites would begin to worship some of the gods of the peoples around them.
Because of their condition, they would lose the blessing of God upon their nation and face many devastating hardships. This must have been frustrating news to Moses, knowing that he was about to leave and could do nothing about it – or could he?
God gave Moses a special instruction that would bring the people back to repentance.
“Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them.”
Deuteronomy 31:19
What can a song do to help?
And when many disasters and difficulties come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants.
Deuteronomy 31:21a
The Hebrew phrase, testify against them, literally means to announce in their face. God would use this song to bring conviction and repentance upon the nation of Israel. God knew that the only way to turn a backslidden nation around was to transport them back to a time when they were under His blessing.
That’s what the force of music can accomplish. There are times when I’m in the mall and suddenly I’m transformed into a teenager on summer vacation – because that’s when I first heard the song. If that’s what a secular song can do, just think what godly music, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit can do.
Spiritual songs have the power to hit the “reset button” in our lives. That’s why we should surround ourselves with the music of worship and praise.
Question: Has God ever used a song to bring you to repentance?
© Nick Zaccardi 2012
Tags: anointing, backslidden, blessing of God, conviction, godly music, Holy Spirit, Israel, Joshua, Moses, music, presence of God, repentance, song, spiritual force, spiritual songs, transformation, transformed, transforming power of music
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm…
The Spirit and the Word 