Posted on by Christian Armetta

The Good Shepherd

John 10:11-15

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12 The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 13 This happens because he is a hired man and doesn’t care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, 15 as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.”

shepherd

Praise God that we worship the One who laid down His life for His flock! Yes and Amen! Even more, Jesus stated that He holds the right to lay down His life on His own and the right to take it up again because the Father has given His this right! Neither human hands nor principalities can take this right away! The powers of this world thought the cross was the end; they believed they won – that hope was forever lost. However, mighty God – our Shepherd willingly laid down His life for His flock. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He sealed the gift of eternal life and fulfilled God’s kingdom purpose to restore and revive His people! The true character of a good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his flock. A bad shepherd believes the flock exists for his purpose alone. Keep your eyes open to the spiritual truths and wolves in sheep’s clothing! The Bible beams with Christ’s character defined in terms of Altruism! 

Psalm 145:7 states, “They will give a testimony of Your great goodness and will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.” Knowing that the one and only true God sent His Son as our good Shepherd, which included laying down His life for His flock should make us all want to “joyfully sing” of His righteousness. Even more, verses 9-10 state, “The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all He has made. 10 All You have made will thank You, Lord; the godly will praise You.” Dear brothers and sisters, the good news of our faithful and loyal shepherd should ignite joyful singing and spontaneous praise – why – because He is worthy! Again, prayerfully mediate on this passage and record what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach you.  

I am thankful for our good Shepherd- Jesus! He continues to watch over His flock as He is alive and well. He holds the keys of death and He is worthy of praise and honor. When confronted with the gospel, does your spirit leap in joyful song and spontaneous praise or do you find yourself stagnate and lukewarm? Oh dear friends, you can either be hot or cold. Do not believe the lies of the devil. Christ warns of this very thing in Revelation 3:16, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” There is no need for further clarification. Today is the day! I choose to be on fire for Christ! Where do you stand at this very moment? The good shepherd is waiting for a full commitment.

P.S. I am thankful for a God-fearing, praying spouse. Today’s passage was inspired by my dear wife, Aimee, who sharpens me daily. The Holy Spirit is speaking, and my personal prayer is that I am always listening. I want to be but a vessel in sharing His goodness and word as the Spirit leads. I am thankful for a spouse and inner circle that ignites a Spirit-filled life – ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

My God is KNOWN

Acts 17:22-25

“22 Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. 23 For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed:

TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it—He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands. 25 Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things.”

Acts 17

During small group discussion (i.e., Frontline), this passage came up and sparked great conversation. I am afraid that the worship to an “Unknown God” applies even today. This is deeper than it initially appears! The implications are potentially disastrous upon our current Christian culture. How many proclaimed believers actually know and worship the true and all-powerful God? In a metaphorical vision, I look out upon a sea of believers with unchanged faces, darkened hearts, hollowed-eyes, fallen fruits,  broken vines, suffocating gifts, and parched missions. I would expect nothing less from those who worship an “Unknown God”. Yet, MY GOD —– IS KNOWN! Faces brighten, hearts enlighten, souls illuminate, praise rebounds, choirs rejoice, people proclaim, fruits abound…and most importantly God’s people get on mission to further His kingdom!

In this passage, Paul’s spirit becomes very troubled by the egregious idol worship in Athens. So Paul did what he knew best – he witnessed! Not only did he witness to those who believed in God in the synagogue, but he also witnessed in the marketplace “every day with those who happened to be there” (v17). First and foremost, why was Paul so passionate? The answer is easy to see – soul on fire; life transformation; eye-opening truth. I yearn for this type of Christian zeal.

It is during a witnessing engagement where Paul encounters the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Epicureans developed a worldview based around pleasure and happiness while Stoic philosophers promoted rational thinking over emotional thinking. Paul addressed a council that spent all their time telling and learning something new. He makes it very clear that the Athenians were very religious in every respect, but he clearly addresses the heart of their spiritual problem. You see, there was no short of gods to worship.  In fact, the Athenians built an idol even to an “Unknown God” just to make sure they didn’t miss anyone. Paul uses this opportunity to proclaim the gospel of the one and only true God! Paul eloquently explains that the “Unknown God” is the One who made the whole universe and does not live in shrines nor needs anything by the works of humans hands. God is near! He exists! Paul continued to deliver his full message where some even believed that day while others ridiculed him.

Where are you in this story? Are you Paul? Do you find zeal and energy in God’s mission? Do you worship the Almighty in all places because you know that He alone is God and He is good? Or are you the people of Athens at this time? Are you worshiping various idols and the “Unknown God?” Do you really know who you are worshiping? I ask you to prayerfully meditate on this passage today. You may be quick to cognitively align with Paul yet your actions are that of the Athenians. Allow the Holy Spirit to search your soul. Our God is known! He is great! He is powerful! He is good! Experience a fulfilled Christian life…your worship, prayer life, Bible study, attitude, mission, encounters, and worldview will forever change! Don’t hold back any longer! Stop, be still, turn around, open your eyes – HE IS KNOWN!

Question: Do you worship an “Unknown God?”

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

True Dedication

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Romans 12

Again this morning, the Holy Spirit spoke through another dear friend to further peel back the layers of our Christian walk. We discussed how God renews our minds – powerful! Let me clarify. The evil one has lied to you for so long that you begin to believe that these very traits are woven deep within your character and personality. I am here to say that satan is a liar! Once delivered from these demons, you think differently, you see sharply, and you speak clearly.  Do NOT spend one more day believing the lies of the enemy. You were not created to be fearful, jealous, envious, aggressive, hypocritical, poisonous, evil, seductive, confused, blocked, angry, etc! As a precious child of God, you ARE HIS! The traumas and pains of your past have no authority over you when you forgive and release. Place them under the authority of Jesus Christ and break free! Today, live a life transformed; exhibit faith of a warrior; and bask in a mind renewed by God Himself!

The passage above is a powerful witness for all believers. The Bible provides only two examples of “living sacrifices”: Isaac and Jesus. Isaac willingly stayed on the altar and would have sacrificed himself in obedience. God provided a ram in his place, but Isaac became a “living sacrifice” by trusting God’s purpose and will even to the point of possible death. Jesus, on the other hand, provided the second but perfect example of a “living sacrifice”. Jesus bore the sins of the entire world on His shoulders as He willingly suffered on the cross in full obedience to the Father even to death…but He arose victorious! Yes and amen! Jesus Christ remains our living sacrifice as He is alive today and sits in the place of honor!

As believers, Christ lives within us through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, our bodies should be living sacrifices in order to fulfill God’s ‘kingdom purpose’ daily. Sacrifice the flesh daily and yield to the Holy Spirit. This, according to scripture, is a worship experience and is pleasing to God. Furthermore, we must guard our minds from the evils of this world. The evil powers of this world will not be satisfied until you are completely destroyed. Many believers fail to guard their minds and easily fall. We must allow the Holy Spirit to change our minds from within. This requires daily Bible study, prayer, and sharpening from other believers. Decide today that you will sacrifice your control, will, and mind to the One who is powerful enough to save, restore, and transform…let Thy will be done!

Thank you for always sharpening me Leslie M. May you continuously be used for His purpose.

Question: What is keeping you from being delivered today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Do Not Judge

Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.“

Do not judge

It stings! – yes, conviction! After reading this passage, it is easy to do several things in response: (a) turn the page and ignore this very important principle or (b) apply this principle to those around you without self-reflecting. How did you respond initially?

Jesus Himself exposed a very personal, real, and intimate problem with humanity – judgement. During biblical times, the Pharisees demonstrated a false righteousness and judgement without self-examination. One who exploits the weaknesses of others by judging their character, actions, and words without a full self-examination is purely a hypocrite! Do not fall into this evil trap. These individuals demonstrate impatience, insensitivity, opposition, and strife when engaging with others. We have no right to “play God” and judge others. I implore you to redirect that energy inwardly and ask God to shed light on yourself. There you find true healing, understanding, empathy, patience, acceptance, and tenderness for others.

One very important fact in this passage revolves around sight. You must be able to see clearly before trying to assist others. How are you able to help your fallen brothers and sisters when you are blinded by your own sin? It was clear that the Pharisees judged others to make themselves look good. This occurs today in our workplaces, homes, and even churches. Self-examination prepares one to assist others as you humble yourself before the Lord. Assistance equals humility.

This principle does not forbid us from examining the lives of others as we must certainly exercise discernment. However, many of us would agree that we often fail to exercise self-examination and humility when practicing this principle. Our flesh battles against the truths and laws of the Lord. We find ourselves breaking this principle by judging others daily without once considering their circumstances (i.e., empathy). We break this principle by elevating ourselves above those whom we deem lower than ourselves on a worldly scale. We break this principle by judging those so no one else will question our own sin that is hiding deep within the walls of darkened heart. We break this principle by judging others so our “friends” see us as funny, popular, and entertaining. Jesus makes it very clear that “for with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Challenge: Refrain from being the judger/accuser in your home, workplace, church, etc. Ask the Holy Spirit to reform your heart and soul to be loving and kind to others showing great empathy.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Gratefulness

Psalm 100:1-5 (NIV)

“1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

give thanks to the lord

Where can one experience a divine encounter with God the Father? The answer may truly surprise you. We “expect” to encounter the Holy Spirit standing in a pew singing praise and worship songs and listening to an inspired sermon on a Sunday morning. However, do you expect to be touched by the Spirit in your day-to-day activities? I beg God to make us all keenly aware of His presence at all times! We are to shout for joy, serve Him with gladness, and give Him all praise and honor every day of the week.

While walking out of a doctor’s office this morning, I noticed a dear friend of mine standing in the waiting room. This sister in Christ is an anointed soul who brightens a room with the whole presence of the Holy Spirit. You see, God has used this special lady to teach, to sharpen, to edify, and to speak words of wisdom through such a gifting of the Holy Spirit. It was during this encounter that God spoke the words: gratitude, gratefulness, and graciousness. These words not only describe her character but they also exemplify our approach to the throne of God. We must only lift up the One who has the power to save us from eternal wrath and separation. We, ourselves, are not worthy of praise. God has designed each and every one of us with special personalities and exceptional gifts to fulfill His greater purpose. Humble yourselves and learn from others so that God will be glorified through your obedience.

This passage also brings a smile to my face. We should be filled with the Spirit in such a way that our life’s perspective would be that of joy, submission, and thankfulness. English words cannot express His goodness. Human syntax and semantics cannot fully express His faithfulness. What I know is that we are created to worship! This passage reminds me that no matter the trials and the valleys, He is worthy of worship and praise! We shout! – Yes – SHOUT for joy and worship Him with gladness.  How often have you stood in church singing praise and worship songs to the One who holds the universe in His hands yet our body language screams – disinterested? I’m just as guilty.

Yet, today is the day to rebuke the lies of the evil one, proclaim God’s goodness, shout for joy, and stomp on the devil. In praise, God does an amazing thing…He fills YOU back up. While being obedient to our calling and giving our praise rightfully to our Maker, God reflects His goodness back onto you! He is loving, and He is good! He cannot be evil in any way. He is pure light. Take a moment, even now, to allow God to wash away your fears, worries, and anxieties as you shout with joy, worship the Lord with gladness, submit fully to His authority, and give Him thanks for He is good!

I’m thankful for Holy Spirit encounters, even outside a doctor’s office on a rainy day with a dear friend. Thank you for your words this morning Mrs. Rita.

Question: How did the Holy Spirit speak to you today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Witness

John 3:31-36

“31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

JESUS Is Above ALL

During my Bible study today, the Holy Spirit spoke powerfully to the fact of Jesus being the great and almighty Witness. I do not want us to miss this my friends. Jesus spoke pure truth! His words and actions were fully based on what He had seen and heard from God – perfected truth! We can and must trust Him as He was given all authority from heaven.

This passage makes me think of my son listening to every word that I speak and often repeating what I say – the good, the bad, and the ugly. As a father, I am reminded daily that my words and actions must mirror that of Jesus because my son is always watching. We must ascribe to Matthew 16:24 daily, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

What we can easily rest upon is the fact that Jesus had the perfect example in God the Father. “He testifies to what He has seen and heard…” Through faith, we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and His words aligned with pure truth and light because God is truth and light. There is no room for deviation, error, difference, or opinion. Jesus spoke the words of God and Jesus is three in one.

Whoever believes in His one and only Son will have eternal life – another promise! But don’t just believe – even the demons believe – and shudder! Believe in this context means to place your faith, trust, and heart into the One who came to set the captives free; the One who took all the sins away; the One who defeated death; the One who stands in victory even today and forevermore – Jesus!

Let us not grow weary in doing the mission of Christ for the consequences for unbelief is wrath. In our society, everyone appears to be a “winner”, but the Bible is very clear that there is no “middle zone” while on this earth. Everyone will not be an eternal “winner” by default alone. Those who fail to believe are subjected to wrath and will see judgement; this is another type of promise – one we do not want our families, friends, or neighbors to experience let alone ourselves. Choosing to ignore Christ is another day choosing eternal wrath and eternal separation; there is no middle! I first pray that the Holy Spirit will charge you to press forward and place your trust, faith, and heart in Jesus our Savior. Secondly, I pray that we become active participants in the Great Commission. You are not here to simply hold an earthly job, pay bills, raise a family, and travel the world. As believers, our mission is to spread the good news that Jesus is Lord, and He came to bring the lost back into relationship with God.

Question: How do you see Jesus speaking truth?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Accepted

Romans 15:7-9 (HCSB)

“7 Therefore accept one another, just as the Messiah also accepted you, to the glory of God. 8 For I say that the Messiah became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, 9 and so that Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles, and I will sing psalms to Your name.“

Romans 15

This passage breathes Christ’s character onto a hurting world. Will you emulate His likeness? During our recent travels, I was easily reminded of the hurt and division within our world, even close to home. One can simply witness the overwhelming lack of acceptance and patience for our fellow man when traveling through an airport. You see, I am a people-watcher. I am always intrigued by the masses of people – what’s their story? Do they know Jesus? Where do they live? Where are they going? I am amazed how God knows each and every person intimately. Even more, I will never get used to the overt lack of human curtesy and acceptance as a people group. I pray for a nation-wide, world-wide heart change!

God used two very different personal encounters just this weekend to highlight this verse today. On one encounter, a gentleman demonstrated distain and frustration over the lack of coordination and speed during an airport security checkpoint as he verbalized, “All these workers, and they still can’t get anything done in a timely manner – figures -government bureaucracy!” My heart broke. I was convicted in the moment. You see, I used to be that person – negative, impatient, and rude; all things that do not point to Jesus. However, praise God I had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that changed my life’s perspective and mission.

The second encounter was just moments after, but it was one I won’t forget in a different way. After ordering a burger and sitting in a very generic booth, I quickly observed this young lady working with a smile! I must admit, this can be rare to see but a pleasant sight nonetheless.  There it is–someone acting like Jesus. Is she a believer? I do not know, but what I can answer is the mere fact that this young lady was happy to be serving others – all types of customers. As we get up to leave and throw away our trash, she offers to take our trash for us. I politely decline as I smile and say thank you! My thank you was meant for more than a “thank you for doing your job.” Yes, it was meant to communicate far more. She was living like Jesus. She didn’t have to say a word but her actions spoke!

Who receives pleasure, pure joy, in picking up other’s trash? Don’t answer so quickly. There are very few in this world who truly demonstrate this type of a servant’s heart. However, as believers we are all called to be servants. We are called to be accepting. We are called to live like Jesus. There is only one whom I know that IS perfect and chose to take my “trash” so that I may become a co-heir with Him – JESUS!

Question: Are you humble enough to serve others – be the hands and feet of Christ today!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Community 

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
“20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

This verse brings light to my soul. I immediately think of my dear inner circle that God has blessed me with to share life together. You see, this circle is not a group merely to reinforce our basic need for psychosocial cognitive stimulation. No, God artistically crafted this group together for a greater purpose – to gather in His name to sharpen and learn from each other. 

I clearly understand the importance of spiritual community! I am afraid, however, that many of our brothers and sisters fail to understand this special promise in this verse…simply attending church does not save you; walking into the worship center alone does not change your life! – seek an encounter with Jesus! This can be accomplished anywhere at any time. Yet, we as believers must build each other up within our community through church attendance, bible study, small group discussion, and even special dinners with dear Christian brothers and sisters. 

Evaluate your relationships today. When you gather with your friends, start a tradition of building each other up, worshiping together, praying together, and sharpening each other. God WILL be in the midst as He always keeps His promises.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta 

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Then God Said…

Genesis 1:14-19

“14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. They will serve as signs for festivals and for days and years. 15 They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made the two great lights—the greater light to have dominion over the day and the lesser light to have dominion over the night—as well as the stars. 17 God placed them in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth, 18 to dominate the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 Evening came and then morning: the fourth day.”


PRAISE GOD! I cannot verbalize the fullness one feels when he is faced with the beauty of God’s creation. My family and I are traveling this week and weekend for my son to participate in a soccer tournament in Tennessee. While typically I am overwhelmed by the “to-do’s” and the “have-to’s” in order to feed the distractor of a Type-A personality, I was immediately brought to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) and the creation story during this trip.

Although a pleasant flight, my mind races between schedules, noises, situational awareness, etc. and then…I look out the window. There He is, God! I was quickly brought to Genesis 1, “Then God said….” The noises fade; time appears to stop. The Creator was saying, “I am always here just be still and know!” My thoughts transition to my youth when I presented the creation story to wide-eyed children in places far away as part of a youth mission trip. How do we easily forget? God created! I would venture to say that it has been a long time since you have read Genesis 1 as well. However, I ask that you prayfully read this creation chapter with unveiled eyes today. Be still and know that He is God – God of creation and God of your situation. He is big enough and powerful enough to set the sun into motion with a word, and He is as personal enough to cover you under His mercy and grace in your darkest valley! 

Challenge: Do not become so distracted today that you forget to be still, and know that He is God. Take a look at His creation. Breathe Him in today. 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

The Good Word

Proverbs 30:5-6 (HCSB)
“5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Don’t add to His words, or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.”


This passage also reminds me of Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” We can rest on the fact that trusting in God and believing that His Word is true places us securely under His wing. Where else would you rather be? I find that spending more time in God’s perfect Word and communicating with Him shields me from fiery darts of the enemy. We are not exempt from trials, temptations, or struggles in this life; however His promise clearly affirms His protection for those who seek His refuge. 

As we dig daily in His Word, let us guard our hearts and minds with the perfect Word of God – the living Word! We must be alert to false teachings especially those that add or take away from the pure Word. In our current American culture, I strongly believe this is one of the Christian’s greatest battles. We must be strong students of God’s Word rebuking any false teaching or lie. The evil one is deceptive and will attempt to draw you away by believing the world’s interpretation of God’s Word – Be Alert!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta