Posted on by Christian Armetta

Protection

Psalm 36

“1 I have a message from God in my heart. It is about the evil ways of anyone who sins. They don’t have any respect for God. 2 They praise themselves so much that they can’t see their sin or hate it. 3 Their mouths speak words that are evil and false. They do not act wisely or do what is good. 4 Even as they lie in bed they make evil plans. They commit themselves to a sinful way of life. They never say no to what is wrong. 5 Lord, your love is as high as the heavens. Your faithful love reaches up to the skies. 6 Your holiness is as great as the height of the highest mountains. You are as honest as the oceans are deep. Lord, you keep people and animals safe. 7How priceless your faithful love is! People find safety in the shadow of your wings. 8 They eat well because there is more than enough in your house. You let them drink from your river that flows with good things. 9 You have the fountain of life. We are filled with light because you give us light. 10 Keep on loving those who know you.  Keep on doing right to those whose hearts are honest. 11 Don’t let the feet of those who are proud step on me. Don’t let the hands of those who are evil drive me away. 12 See how those who do evil have fallen! They are thrown down and can’t get up.”

Protection

During a small group discussion this morning, we were called to read Psalm 136 and apply it specifically to the challenges in our lives. We were asked to insert our specific life markers with “His faithful love endures forever” after each one, which brings confirmation that God was not only with us but also very well aware of each situation we were going through. Thank you Leslie M. for that powerful message this morning. God is speaking through you! What a message and such truth.

In what I now realize as a providential mistake, I did not look up Psalm 136 this morning; instead, I “accidentally” (providentially) looked up Psalm 36 and not 136. I must admit, God had His way with me in this passage this morning! [For the record, I did go back and read Psalm 136 and complete the challenge as instructed – blessing – and I encourage you to do the same!].

As I read Psalm 36, images of the spiritual battle that tormented my mind all week flashed across my brain as though sitting directly in front of a big screen. I now fully understand why God drew me to this passage. I was meant to read this today, and it is worth sharing.

It is very clear that when you make a stand for Christ, the forces of evil get nervous and often make strategic plans of attack. I am fully aware that my God is more powerful than any force that attempts to come against me. However, the pain is real. In the passage above, David is reflecting on the evil in the world. David’s words resonate as we battle those who attack us today. We must all understand that our battle is not against flesh and blood – the Word says so! Ephesians 6:12 clearly states that our battle is “against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world.”

This is why it is imperative that we (A) pray for each other to bind evil forces from influencing those close to us and to also (B) put on the full armor of God daily to protect ourselves from possible attacks. David acknowledged God’s perfect character by describing His love, faithfulness, and holiness. This beautiful passage reminds us that we are to remain in the light of Christ and under the protection of God’s perfect wing. In doing so, God’s character will be shown through us and we will be ultimately protected.

My prayer for us all:

My Protector and Deliverer, you see all things. Nothing on earth, in heaven, and below the earth surprises You. You’ve ordained each second by your mighty right hand. The darkness prowls around attempting to avoid your light but they cannot evade your presence; You permeate all spaces and they cannot hide. They corral in the ungodly for refuge as your light is a witness to their wickedness. They cannot even find refuge in your creation because even the rocks cry out to You! Yet, they search scorched lands seeking the faintest of hearts with hidden secrets, unforgiveness, bitterness, rage, revenge, and retaliation. They rest in these dark areas only to evade your presence but you are everywhere! So they bleed decay within the human soul out of rebellion. Out of madness, they influence the seekers, unbelievers, and unguarded alike to hurl fiery arrows of confusion, sadness, anxiety, depression, and hurt all in an attempt to tear down the temple of God. Your wrath is great and timely. There is only prayer and petition that flow from the lips of the persecuted. Your powerful wing envelops the weak, tormented, and battered. In your presence there is healing and strength. You restore the broken-hearted and renew a right spirit within me!  Amen

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Community

Hebrews 10:24-25

“24 Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. 25 And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching.”

Community

The message I continue to receive from this passage is togetherness. God truly does not intend for us to “do life” alone. This type of thinking does not even match Jesus’ life here on earth. Jesus surrounded Himself with His own inner circle in order to teach, sharpen, and save. Why – so these apostles and disciples would go forth and spread the gospel. This is exactly our calling today; it has not changed as His Word never changes.

After a long work week, there is nothing more reinforcing and refreshing than spending time with your very own community. Just this evening, peace, love, and laughter were common themes as I watched several “intense” games of dominos. You see, I don’t play games – shocker I know! As sad as that may sound, I never enjoyed board games, card games, etc. Don’t get me wrong, my enjoyment comes in a different way. I’ve always been a multi-stimuli receptive personality – in other words – I love to listen and watch!

As the polystyrene plastic of each domino slid and banged across the dining room table, I couldn’t help but be transformed into a scene from “Alice in Wonderland.” There appeared to be a beautiful marriage of six to eight different conversations, singing, joking, laughing, dancing, and encouraging all at once. As it was even stated, “…to the introvert, this would drive him or her mad.” Yet, it was beautiful – peaceful even. I truly understand why; there is no condemnation in this house, in this group, in this place. There is zero tolerance for critique, arrogance, pride, and above all things judgement.

With eyes wide open, you take it all in and place the stimulation deep within your systematic recharger. You can only sit back and thank God for such a community. This brought me straight to the passage in Hebrews tonight. We can see that we are instructed to help each other and encourage each other. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Again, we are not designed to do life alone.

This passage also makes it clear that we must encourage each other to meet in the name of Jesus – through worship, prayer, and thanksgiving. This type of meeting within the assembly is not about what you can GET but what you can GIVE. This is a fundamental error in church attendance today. We are not to attend expecting to GET but to GIVE. We must give our worship to the One who is worthy of praise. We must give our attention in learning and sharpening. We must give of our talents in any way that pleases the Father. However, sadly, the devil has confused many believers into believing church is about pleasing them. We must look back to the very first church and gain wisdom. Seek a positive, Christian-community that you can share life together.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 1 Comment

Mercy

Titus 3:4-6

“4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy,
through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

MERCY

Missy Landscape Water Picture

Do you ever experience days and even weeks where you get punched in the gut everywhere you turn? During refinement seasons, it appears as though all living environments are gateways for attack; this could include work, home, social, etc.

I recently spoke of how easy it is to sit on the “shelf of life” where you experience very little to no disruptions. Yet, this is not our calling. As a believer, I am very aware of spiritual battles, gateways, and Satan’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy – there is no other plan. I am also very well aware of God’s refinement. You see, God takes all of our impurities, applies heat, and takes a very close look at His masterpiece! What is He looking for? His reflection! Why? God molds and applies perfect heat within your life until it is pure enough to reflect His image, which is the same process of removing impurities and imperfections from the finest gold – there is always a beginning and a journey!

 

My prayer is twofold. First, I give a thanksgiving prayer to God Almighty for His perfect mercy and grace. Dear friends, we are sinners; we are human; we make mistakes, and there is not one single thing you can do to earn God’s mercy and grace. This was freely given through the perfect sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. Come to the end of yourself – simply stop trying to earn His forgiveness and accept it.

Secondly, my prayer is that we grant those in our lives tender mercy and grace each and every day. We are called to live as Christ, who bore our sin’s yet lived a perfect life. We live in an imperfect world. We are surrounded by sin, chaos, and confusion. Yet, the beacon of light is love, tender mercy, and grace when you just don’t feel like it.

Let’s be transparent, you will hurt those you love because you are human. You will also get your feelings hurt by someone you call friend, neighbor, spouse, child, etc. However, forgiveness rests in the arms of mercy and grace as God looks down and says, “I did it for you–you must do it for others!”

The choice is yours. In fact, we make choices daily that either (A) draw us closer to each other in the goal of reflecting God’s image or (B) repelling others away from us. It’s time for believers across the land to set aside pride and sensitivity and trade it for tender mercy and grace.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 1 Comment

Brokenhearted

Psalm 147:3

“3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

brokenhearted

Parched and longing for a drink, I reached into the refrigerator and slowly pulled out one of my favorite carbonated teas. As sad as it sounds, I was looking forward to finishing off this bottle and enjoying the refreshing tastes of black tea, ginger, and lemon suspended in the breezy carbonation – you get the picture!

However, as I’m pulling out the glass bottle, the refrigerator shelving obstructs the bottle rim which causes me to lose my grip; the bottle slowly yet uncontrollably somersaults to the tile floor awaiting its broken fate. My anticipation quickly turns into brokenheartedness as I assess the damage. I am always amazed how far broken glass can travel from the origin of impact. Before commencing the cleaning ritual, the Holy Spirit literally used this opportunity to speak – doesn’t He always! I stared at the shattered glass for what seemed like an eternity all while the liquid crawled between the grout almost symbolizing our path in life!

Aren’t our lives just a little bit like the shattered glass on the tile floor? Do we have moments in time where we are comfortable and unshaken while sitting on the shelf of life then all of a sudden – falling, brokenheartedness, shattered due to forces outside of our control?

I must admit, though, I don’t want to be a Christian believer who is comfortable just sitting on the “shelf of life!” Therefore, in following His will, I will experience the hills and valleys if that means experiencing God and bringing others to Him. Is it worth it – emphatic Yes!

Let us not overlook this simple verse. In this passage, the Lord was faithful and just in taking care of His people. God’s people had a reason to be brokenhearted. After their captivity and release, they returned to their land which had been devastated. Through their repentance, God gave them exactly what they needed. He is a just and merciful Father and “binds up wounds.”

If you find yourself brokenhearted, look up! God is the Master Healer; He can heal any broken heart, but you must be willing to give him the pieces.

 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Check out this wonderful blogger next:

https://jeffulrichlegaciesblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/global-health-alert/

 

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 1 Comment

Betrayal & Forgiveness

Psalm 55:12-14

12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.

forgiveness

Betrayal is the ever growing decay that is planted deep within your heart by someone you called “friend”. Through events and platforms built upon gossip that turn into malice and retaliation, the one you called friend is now a foe. You sit quietly for days as the lies take flight through the cracks in the walls working quickly to enter your safe space – through your spiritual hedge as you find yourself weakening the walls yourself through fear, insecurity, and anxiety. The lies creep into your mind like a wicked web of confusion; you are saddened and ultimately heartbroken. Yet, there it is – a beacon of light – just a flitter. It lands in your spirit and awakens your soul. What is it? It’s a prayer! No, it’s the prayer of many warriors standing in agreement for truth and justice. You rebuke the lies and call upon the warrior angels for strength. You now realize – you are in a full out spiritual battle!

The Spiritual Foe = Evil Spirit of Betrayal

vs.

The Spiritual Warrior = The Holy Spirit as Intercessor

The stinging pain of betrayal will take your breath away. David in this Psalm eloquently describes the heartache one feels when betrayed by someone close. David’s counselor, Ahithophel, rebelled against David and broke his heart greatly. Why? These men were not strangers or enemies. They were companions and close friends. Even more, they worshiped the Lord together, which is an intimate act in itself. There is great comfort in empathizing with these great stories and messages in God’s Word.

Yet, I would be greatly remiss if I did not provide the most perfect example of forgiveness when faced with utter betrayal; this example could only be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here in Matthew 26, we see the perfect example of forgiveness in the face of betrayal by human hands:

50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

I will forever be astonished by Jesus’ initial reply, “Do what you came for, friend.” How many of us would greet our betrayer with the descriptor of “friend”? Be careful before answering this because we are called to live as Christ did! We are even called to love our enemies as written in Matthew 5:43-48

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are learning, each and every day, that no matter the pain, sorrow, betrayal, heartache, and abuse that one may relinquish upon us, we are still called to forgive, pray, and love. This is what I call a challenge! The world instructs us, even as children, to “get even.” However, our loving Savior makes it clear that He alone is the only One who is worthy of revenge.

Question: Have you been betrayed by a close friend? How did you respond? Do you need to forgive someone today? Release the hurt!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 6 Comments

Unashamed

Romans 1:16-17

“16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Unashamed

The apostle Paul made a clear and tangible statement here – I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ! This type of boldness can only come from one who has experienced God!

Paul longed to preach the gospel in Rome, but to most, this would have been considered “biting off more than you can chew!” From the standpoint of human capabilities, this task, indeed, would be considered doomed before it even started. You see, Rome exemplified pride at its best. One would not consider the Roman Empire to be humble, mild, and meek. The Romans considered themselves “too good” to listen, let alone believe, in the stories of a Jew (Christ) who died and rose to life again. The spirit of pride, power, and control can quickly blind you as well from seeing the truth.

Paul’s strength came from the Lord: He had faith of a mustard seed, and he knew he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength. He had no reason to fear because He was on assignment by the Most High.

As a college student, I had the wonderful experience of being a graduate assistant to one of my mentors. This job responsibility included teaching an undergraduate class for an entire semester under the direction of this professor. I remember walking just a little bit taller with a smile to match on the days I taught that class. Why? I was more than a graduate student for that hour. I was “the teacher!” Granted, all my prior knowledge and lesson plans were assigned by the professor. I was simply the messenger; however, I knew the information that I spoke was true, clear, and important because it came from my mentor in whom I trusted – why be afraid? I was unafraid and unashamed! I can only imagine how Paul felt knowing He had experienced the hand of God firsthand! His mentor was Jesus Himself! My professional mentor was an earthly figure; this would never compare to God alone, but we can at least see the parallel in the origin of confidence.

Paul’s confidence came straight from the power of God that brings salvation. Yes and Amen! Again, Paul didn’t sense any fear in approaching Rome because the power he was bringing through the gospel of Jesus Christ was more powerful than any Roman Empire.

The power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is strong enough to save your soul!

We can stand here today in full confidence that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all who hear and believe. My prayer is that this message will continue to permeate throughout the entire world to fulfill God’s Great Commission:

Matthew 28:19-20, “19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Question: Where does your strength come from?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

How to Say Goodbye

Proverbs 4:14-17, ESV Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

goodbye

You finally reached it – the crossroad of a relationship or friendship. How did you get there? Where did it go wrong? You are now facing decisions that will forever change the course of an established relationship. There’s no turning around. You feel paralyzed as you look left and right down a long and unfamiliar road, but the cost of turning around is just too great – Why? Turning around would only re-invite wickedness, heartache, bitterness, and anger – all things that are far from God.

So in prayer and with the strength that can only come from God Almighty, you lift your battered chin, teary eyes, and sunken chest and do what needed to be done long ago – you step into a different direction into healing.

Your very first step is on the stone of forgiveness; it’s a strong yet heavy stone. The weight of this stone reminds you of God’s hand pressing down on you and how strong your Father is in carrying your burdens! Your second step is stronger and lighter as you sense healing and light beginning to renter your soul. The years of tarnish are being renewed by the Holy Spirit Himself. You see, there is nothing too dirty, too wicked, too dark that God cannot heal and restore.

I encourage you to evaluate the relationships in your life. This passage in Proverbs washed over me today. In full transparency, I too have remained in unhealthy relationships/friendships that were marred by wickedness and ungodliness. These relationships oozed gossip, hypocrisy, envy, and pride. I found my light dimming. In my justification and conscious defense, I would utter to myself, “But these are self-proclaimed believers so they must be good people!” As the Scripture encourages, watch out for those who come in sheep’s clothing but are ferocious wolves.

This passage is encouraging to me, and I pray that you find light in this message as well. We are tasked with loving and praying for even those who persecute us. However, we must avoid entering the path of the wicked and falling prey to evildoers. Avoid doing as the world does and be the salt and light as we are called by our Creator God.

Question: How do you say goodbye?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 3 Comments

Overcome This World

1 John 5:4-5

“4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Cross is not a dead end

I took this picture several years ago in my hometown. I have driven by this sign and cross for years. However, one day the Holy Spirit literally said, “STOP the car, pull over, and really take a look!” – so I did! Granted, the picture was snapped using a cellphone that one would consider to be outdated by today’s standards but please bare with the lack of editorial quality – because the message is still just as important and the same!

What do you see here? My heart raced as the Spirit of God spoke loud and clear – To the world, death is a dead end, but for those who believe in My Son, Jesus Christ, the cross is the way to life everlasting!

I was reminded of this picture while reading my Bible in 1 John chapter 5. I love the word “victory” used in this passage. Not only are we granted mercy, grace, forgiveness, and the gift (and I truly mean free gift) of salvation, but we must fully understand that the message behind the cross is complete victory! Victory not only over sin but death, fear, defeat, abuse, addiction…Praise God for complete victory.

You see, I can live without a lot of things in this life. I’m learning most, if not all, of the things in our lives that attempt to entertain us in an effort to increase our productivity and happiness in fact draw us away from our true purpose – sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. So, I can live without watching t.v. for hours daily; I can live without driving the most expensive car; I can live without buying the newest electronic gadget. Yet, the one thing I cannot live without is the cross, and trust me when I say, You cannot either!

This passage brings me such peace, and I pray the same for you dear readers and friends. There is no guessing when it comes to the secret of overcoming this world. The answer lies within the cross – the very One who laid down His life to save you and me – Jesus.

If you see your life’s journey as a dead end, please seek answers within Jesus. There is absolutely NO dead end with Jesus. “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Question: Do you see your life’s journey on a dead end road? How do you overcome this world and receive victory?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Faith

Matthew 9:20-22

“20 Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years approached from behind and touched the tassel on His robe, 21 for she said to herself, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be made well!” 22 But Jesus turned and saw her. “Have courage, daughter,” He said. “Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that moment.”

faith

My heart breaks! The reality of our broken bodies can often be soul crushing – the struggling aches, chronic pains, unexplained conditions, new diagnoses, etc. seem to call out loudly from depths within that we just can’t seem to enjoy this life. Yet, I know God works all things for good for those who love Him – it’s a promise! I’m thankful to have a Christian worldview that teaches me faith, hope, and love above all things.

In this worldly reality, I learned today that my dear sister in Christ is struggling physically. Actually, she has struggled for some time, but her condition has resurfaced. My flesh travels to, “It’s not fair; she’s a wonderful servant believer!” However, as I lift my head, God meets me in my unbelief and selfishness and says, “She’s mine and I AM!” Yes, Lord!

I am quickly reminded of the passage where the woman who suffered for 12 years approached Jesus in a crowed and thought, “If I could only touch His robe, I would be healed!” – FAITH!  Jesus tells the woman that her faith has made her well – what a lesson! I hear in this passage, “She’s mine and I AM!“

I am challenged to have this type of faith, are you? I reach out for just the tassels of the Almighty’s robe – He’s that powerful! I stand in the gap for my dear friend as I reach just to brush my fingertips across the threads of His garments for a healing – THAT TYPE OF FAITH! What’s so profound is that He knew who was touching Him all along! Nothing surprises the Healer – NOTHING! As I pray for my friend, the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf, and I know He says, “She’s mine and I AM!” 

Know that God is awaiting your request. Pray in the spirit and pray without ceasing. Have faith and know, you are His and He is God almighty!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Blessed are the Forgiven

Psalm 32:1-2

“How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 2 How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!”

Forgiven.jpg

I must admit – this is a grace that I may never fully understand while on this earth. However, I lift my hands in praise for this gift of forgiveness – “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” I am heartbroken when I see those enslaved by their own guilt. This is the enemy’s ploy and his masterwork at its very best! Yet, through the authority given to us by Jesus Christ, we do NOT have to accept this lie! We do not have to fully understand God’s unlimited love and mercy –

WE JUST MUST ACCEPT IT!

In this passage, David is announcing the blessing he received (and all can receive) through the confession of sin to God the Father. You see, David, even Biblically described as a man after God’s own heart, was a sinner like you and me. Even more, David did what all humans try to do at least one time in their lives – cover up their sin! Yet, David provides a powerful testimony of the agony and heaviness his spirit felt when he remained silent and unwilling to confess. After entering in forgiveness through the confession of sin, David received such peace and joy, he couldn’t wait to shout and announce this blessing! David felt such freedom, granted by the Creator Himself, that it truly didn’t matter what anyone else thought of him or what else may happen to him.

THIS IS THE TASTE OF FREEDOM!

Dear believers, no longer live in the shadows of your guilt. Experience the taste of freedom as David eloquently dictated in this Psalm. We all can learn a lot from David. He was far from perfect. In fact, he was an adulterer and murderer. Yet, are you going to cast the first stone? I’m surely not!

Despite the sins in your life, God’s purpose is greater!

Question: What is keeping you from the sweet taste of freedom? Confess your sins to God and bask in His grace and mercy. You are not the product of your mistakes.

You are a son/daughter of the Most High!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta