Posted on by Christian Armetta

Whose Kingdom is it Anyway?

Mark 1:16-20

16 As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 17 “Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people!”18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets. 20 Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

kingdom

What kingdom are you building? Better yet, who are you building it for? We are all building a kingdom whether we are aware of it or not. So, let’s be informed so we can fight the good fight and rid ourselves of worldly behaviors that keep us from our mission. You see, the devil’s greatest ploy is distraction and deception! If he can distract you, then you can become easily deceived thereby significantly decreasing your productivity to God’s calling.

During my small group discussion this morning, this statement was made: “I want to be a sold-out somebody for God.” Naturally, my thoughts race! What does it take to be a “sold-out somebody for God?” As my personality would lend itself, I could eventually outline a sequencing step or beautiful outline to answer this question…and then I laugh…because God stopped me immediately and said, “There are no ‘steps’ my son. It is the easiest yet hardest thing you’ll ever do – surrender!” That requires a deep-breath moment for me – what a piercing!

What is the one thing we see throughout this passage in Mark – surrender! Initially, these fishermen were building a kingdom based on ‘self.’ Yet, with a simple calling from the Savior, “Follow Me,” they immediately left their gear and followed Him. They sacrificed their personal kingdoms for faith in an eternal and spiritually rich kingdom that can only come through Jesus Christ.

You may never be called to sell or leave all your personal belongings in obedience to God’s mission; however, there is one thing you may be holding on to that must be sacrificed – self-will.  Your desire to be noticed, accepted, praised, and even followed goes against a “sold-out somebody” for God! In fact, I know one other being who refused to sacrifice his self-will. In fact, this being’s desire to be noticed, accepted, praised, and even followed resulted in being cast out of God’s presence.

This may sound harsh dear friends, but your kingdom either identifies with God’s mission or it identifies with the works of Satan. I pray that you spend time is holy meditation asking God to reveal any hidden kingdoms in your life that keep you from fully surrendering! As another small group member stated, “Are we guided by our actions or by the Holy Spirit?” You cannot have it both ways dear believer. There is freedom in the release! As you pray today, be still and listen to these kingdoms fall! Then the Potter is abundantly able to fill and use you!

Question: What kingdoms do you need to sacrifice to God?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Submission

Psalm 143:8-10

Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I come to You for protection. 10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.

submission

Today was destined to be a good day. As believers we should be able to say that every day because we know that in Romans 8:28 it says, “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” For me, I received a special blessing when my dear friend and encourager, Ms. Rita H., came by to visit. We never miss an opportunity to share what God is teaching us, and the Holy Spirit takes out His blade and sharpens us both!

So today was a special day because we had spontaneous church! Who is with me? There is power in spontaneous Spirit-filled moments where God shows Himself. Why do we limit His presence to the sanctuary? Why do we expect His holiness to be contained only in the pristine chapels where we marvel at stained-glass and vaulted ceilings yet we fail to humble ourselves and raise a single hand to the One who created the heavens and the earth? How do we expect our ministers to lead us weekly when we treat them as our personal employees instead of humbling ourselves in service to them through obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ? Yes, I had church today and the Holy Spirit pierced! Always remember that God’s people are “the church” – not the physical building. So, I encourage you to break out and have spontaneous church wherever you are! You just might be surprised what God will reveal through your obedience.

There were many words spoken today yet I only heard one – submission! We spend an enormous amount of time processing and producing conversation, non-verbals, and figurative language all to simply get a point across. However, in the whirlwind of language processing, I could only focus on the word submission. What is it Lord? Thy will be done!

In our current society, the word submission can be rather controversial. I even hesitated placing it as the title as I did not want to invoke confusion. In fact, I rebuke confusion in the name of Jesus. Confusion and “his” pals panic, anxiety, fear, hatred, and rebellion are not welcome in my life or yours as we claim the powerful protection of Jesus Christ. There is power in the name of Jesus – do you believe?

I was brought to my knees in listening to my dear friend as she gives example after example of submitting to God! The claim, “Why do we make it so hard?” It’s a choice and there lies the problem! Let us be in tune to the spiritual battle my friends. Our flesh rages against the things of God while our spirit’s compass always points to the cross! Without sacrificing the flesh, daily, and fully submitting to God, you find yourself pulled between the two which makes you immobile! Sadly, I see a desert filled with believers stuck! They are figuratively hanging in the balance without any sense of direction or movement. It’s time to BREAK FREE!

Fully submitting to His will only catapults you to a fulfilled life – a life on mission – a purpose – a calling – a ministry! You must let go of the earthly things to fully grab onto what God is offering. You will find that once you let go, you have more to give when your hands are free! Even more, you have more to receive from the Father above when you let go of the little things and turn your hands to praise. God whispers daily, “Trust ME!” Will you let go of your grasp (i.e., life, control, fear, future, finance, relationship, etc.) and fully submit to God?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Mine

Acts 20:24

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Mine

I love this coffee mug! It makes me laugh every time I pick it up. I honestly cannot tell you why, but the seagulls in the movie “Finding Nemo” by Disney / Pixar simply crack me up! As Nemo’s dad and Dory flop around on the boat dock, hundreds of mindless seagulls begin to swarm the two screaming, “Mine!” as they jostle around hoping to partake in a lovely fish snack! It makes me crack a smile thinking about it even now.

Joking aside, I had no intention of writing about selfishness today. I love how God places things in your life as gentle reminders. This coffee mug, however, is more than a gentle reminder; it is screaming pure egocentrism. The dictionary defines egocentrism as “having little or no regard for interests, beliefs, or attitudes other than one’s own; self-centered.” Whoa! Do your toes hurt? Mine do! Ouch!

smack

I love a good attention-getter! To me, these are the first warning signs from the Holy Spirit. He sounds the alarm, “Red Alert! Red Alert! Turn around before it’s too late!” In our society today, we are driven to be selfish. You can simply turn on the news and see the effects of selfishness, which breeds envy, hate, jealousy, and destruction. As children of God, we cannot live this way! It is not about you. Nothing on this earth is yours. You cannot say, “Mine!” because God alone gives and takes away dear friends. The “Owner” (God) is the only one who has the authority and power to do this. We as “borrowers” do not have any authority to claim self-righteousness. Our sole purpose is to show the love of Christ, share His gospel, and live like Jesus to the fullest measure possible!

This passage in Acts is a perfect example of this very principle. The apostle Paul makes a bold statement in 20:24 where he stated, “I consider my life worth nothing to me.” Yes! Paul got it! Paul’s main goal was to finish his race and complete the task the good Lord had given him. There was no other purpose. The devil spends a great amount of time distracting you from your main purpose. There is a billion dollar industry on self-help and motivation; however, I am here to tell you the only motivation you need is to seek God’s direction in your life and simply—-DO! There is no greater satisfaction than surrendering yourself to His calling. Remember, we cannot say, “Mine!”–rather we must proclaim–“His!”

I do believe I saved the best for last. In order to fully comprehend how Paul lived his life as a borrower and not an owner, we must look at the verses spoken just before verse 24. In verses 22-23, Paul stated, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.” We almost need an intermission to digest these words! 

Simply put, Paul did not say, “Mine!” He is not an owner of his own life. He is a borrower and is giving back fully. How do we know? He was compelled by the Spirit. Yes and Amen! Let the Spirit be your guide. Furthermore, he already knew that in every city he would face imprisonment and hardships…all for His glory! God has gifted each of us with special abilities and spiritual gifts to fulfill His greater purpose no matter the cost.

Challenge: Ask God to reveal any selfish ambition within your life. No longer claim, “Mine!” Instead, let us all proclaim the truth in one accord, “His!”

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Truth

Psalm 15:1-3

A Description of the Godly

A Davidic psalm.

1 Lord, who can dwell in Your tent? Who can live on Your holy mountain? 2 The one who lives honestly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart—3 who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor.

truth

If you have not met my dear friend Ms. Rita Harris, then you are truly missing out. First of all, she will not be very “happy” with me for placing a very large spotlight on her because frankly her life’s mission is to impart the Word of God onto each and every person she comes into contact with; it is most certainly not to edify herself.

I met Ms. Rita many years ago in the business sector, and the best way I can describe her is infectious! She does not miss an opportunity to share the love of Christ with strangers and friends alike. I’ve seen her pray with broken souls without any hesitation while my initial tendency is to say, “I’ll definitely be praying for you,” while I walk away missing a perfect opportunity to minister right then and there. Ms. Rita’s ministry is active, dynamic, and real. I learn from her each time I see her.

Without a doubt, my spirit jumps when she is around…truly! When she speaks, my hair tends to stand on end. My senses are on high alert, and I cannot get enough. She is a mentor, a model, and a beautiful soul! I am blessed and privileged to call her my sister in Christ. She does not miss an opportunity to pray over anyone in need and to share the gospel in all environments. Having said that, I wanted to share a comment Ms. Rita posted yesterday [see below]. I pray the Holy Spirit unveils your eyes and you experience true worship through her words. She is the definition of living for Christ and we thank you!

thank you

From Ms. Rita Harris

I HATE the devil and His tactics!!!!!!! I couldn’t help but think about the scriptures in Romans 8 we’ve been studying for the conference! We serve an awesome God whose only reason for coming to earth was to seek and save the lost!

There are several questions Paul addresses in this chapter.
1. If (since/because) God is for US, who can be (successful) against US?
2. Who (Satan/anyone allowing him to use then) shall bring a charge against God’s elect?
3. Who (Satan) is he who condemns?

These three stick out this morning!
Paul had already answered these questions at the beginning of the chapter!
“There is therefore NOW NO CONDEMNATION to those (US) who are in CHRIST JESUS….for the law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in CHRIST HAS MADE US FREE from the law of sin and death!!!!!

Isaiah 61 clearly emphasizes why Jesus came!!!
The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy but JESUS has COME to give US LIFE AND IT MORE ABUNDANTLY! John 10:10
Paul ends the chapter with another profound profession…”WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS through HIM who LOVES US!

Therefore, it matters NOT what others say or think of us…it really doesn’t matter much what you think…the TRUTH remains: WE ARE NOT VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE!
WE ARE VICTORS!!!!!
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

~Rita Harris

________________________________________

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 4 Comments

Stealing Your Joy

Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

joy

This passage is very close to my heart. I have never heard these verses recited in song until a couple of years ago, and it stuck! More than that…this passage represented a time in my life where I can say I truly “experienced” God. I have been a believer for most of my life; however, growth is a process, and I’m still experiencing Him. My journey, and yours, will not come to a perfect end until you are face-to-face with your Maker. There is always something to learn, give, hear, and impart! I pray that you truly understand that you have something special to share! Yes, each and everyone of us.

This week has been marked with overt spiritual battles in those I hold dear. As I stated yesterday, we are not all that different from each other. Most of us carry around past hurts and sins that we bury deeper and deeper into our soul. We cry out, “What would people think of me if they really knew me?” Yet, at the same time we claim to be redeemed in Christ which brings complete cleansing. Do you hear the contradictory speech? Ah yes–there he is–he has been identified, and his name is Satan, the author of all lies.

Any thought, idea, action, or word that contradicts the Word of God is not from God as God is holy, pure, and truthful. He cannot lie to Himself! This is where the devil hides out my dear friends! He has managed to steal your joy and mine for entirely too long. As believers, there is power in the name of Jesus…period end of story! I am never surprised when a believer steps out in faith and then all of a sudden she is spiritual attacked! I hate to give too much credit to the enemy but this is rather clever–why? Satan knows all too well that we are weak in the flesh. He also knows that the battle is in our minds. If he can convince you that you did something wrong in standing for Christ or play with your emotions, then he has won. Victory quickly turns to victimized! 

I am here to say enough is enough Satan! You cannot have my family and friends in the powerful name of Jesus! Will you make the same claim? True deliverance through salvation ensures that Christ has washed those filthy sins away; they simply do not exist any longer in God’s eyes. So, why are you weary dear friends when opinions are wrongly imposed upon you? We have all heard before that your past does not define you. However, I would take that a step further: You cannot be defined by something that does not exist through Christ’s powerful blood.

When truth is spoken, Satan will naturally interject the opposite by using your friends and even family members as a direct point of attack, “Checkmate,” he exclaims! Oh but what he is unaware of is my God defined the rules, and He is saving His best move for last! My God is not limited by position or rules of engagement. Satan is the one who is limited! So what was God’s last move in the chess game of your life? God stands up as Satan appears to smirk saying to himself, “I won the game-this is it!” Yet, God leans in and with a powerful voice says, “Oh no fallen one, you have not won. In fact, I have been distracting you this entire time while my sweet believer is giving her testimony to many attending souls. In fact, the seed she planted will sprout personal revival that no one on earth or under the earth can extinguish”–as God turns to walk away he says, “I WON!”

Ask yourself, are you taking a stand for Christ? Have you given your testimony? Are you imparting the good news to those around you? I do hope so, and I would also expect you to say, “The battle is real.” Satan is not going to sit quietly as you take a stand. Feel confident that your spiritual team: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit will win any and all battles. Lift your hands in praise and turn the tears of sorrow to fountains of joy.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Overcomer

John 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

overcomer

God shows up in all situations, conversations, experiences, and relationships. Do you truly believe that? I do! For starters, He is omnipresent; He is truly everywhere! You cannot find a place where God cannot reach you physically, emotionally, or spiritually for He stitched you together in His image. You were created by perfect hands! You have a purpose and your gifts are unique to His mission. Can we just say–amazing God!

God is also omnipotent as there is no other force more powerful than God. His power is limitless…I implore you to pause – hit the rewind button and simply claim that one more time! His power is LIMITLESS! As you speak truth, there is strength building up inside of you because being a child of God is more than a special blessing; it’s an honor that cannot be contained. Finally, God is omniscient. There is absolutely nothing that takes Him by surprise! Now—exhale!

I was blessed to see God in three conversations today. Don’t miss the importance in that initial sentence. I strive, as imperfect as I am, to see God in all encounters. I ask myself, “What do You want me to learn from this conversation, meeting, interaction Lord?” Often I fail because I can be rather egocentric, task-oriented, and simply impatient. This flesh-oriented focus pulls me away from my mission which is simply His mission – imparting the love of Christ and sharing the good news of Jesus whenever and however I can.

However, after a very spiritually uplifting morning where my small group spent time edifying each other through Scripture and words of encouragement, I felt as though I was fully charged and ready to take on the day. What did I encounter through these very meaningful conversations? I found a common theme. We all hurt…I pause because my spirit groans. We are all currently suffering or have suffered in this life! As human beings, we are not all that different dear friends. Our hearts long for love and acceptance. We struggle with fear, anxiety, the unknown, painful addictions, battles, and loneliness. Yet, our face—yes, our face tells a different story.

We wake up each morning and sift through a drawer of masks trying to find just the right one; the mask that will hide the hurt we are carrying! We pass colleagues in the hallways and smile just praying that our masks are not unveiled. We worry, “Did they notice? Is it still on?” I couldn’t help but appreciate Necole Allen’s Facebook message when she mentioned that her face can tell her mood before she speaks. I truly can relate!! I am one who cannot wear masks well either. Yes, I try them on, but they seem to fall off rather quickly! I guess I haven’t learned how to tie them well. In fact, my face tends to “get me in trouble” well before my tongue.

Truth be told, we are all struggling, and we are all holding onto something in the past. Yet, my God is a deliverer and a healer! I emptied my “mask drawer” long ago and I beg you to do the same. Jesus is the best example of an overcomer any believer could hope for! Not only did He overcome every temptation, He overcame death in order to bring us life! YES AND AMEN! That is enough to send you rejoicing and dancing for joy. I hear chains falling, do you?

TAKE THE MASKS OFF FRIENDS! Satan has an army manufacturing them and supplying you fancy ones, but they are still chains! BREAK THE CHAINS through Christ.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Thoughts

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


This passage has always been such a wonderful reminder when I am feeling rather “out of control!” However, I typically stop at verse 7. During my reading today, I continued, and I’m glad I did. God really spoke through this directive. 

When my structured, well-planned, and some would say obsessively organized day begins to unravel, I am usually quick to make my requests known to God because I know I am lost in this sea of uncertainty, challenge, and trial. Yet, I will be the first to admit my thoughts throughout the day tend to focus more on the negative rather than what is right, lovely, and pure. We all can say, “The struggle is REAL!” 

This is where faith meets action for me! How can I claim to not be anxious and present my requests to God when hours later complaints cloud my conscience and judgment jars my praise? Are we convicted yet? I am! 

So, I crank up the praise music and sing like no one is watching for I refuse to be tormented by the lies of the devil. Remember friends, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness! Yes, there it is! I can’t figure this out and neither can you so let go and let God!

Even more, we are to think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Dear friends, I can think of only one person who is noble, right, pure, and worthy of praise – Jesus! It is in the moment of praise that we truly experience the type of peace that guards both our hearts and minds – WOW!

Satan would like to make you believe that you have some form of control over whatever situation you are in. Yet, we are clearly limited. Releasing through faith brings fulfillment. 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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God is Awe-Inspiring

Amos 8:9

“And on that day,” declares the Lord God, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.”

solar

 

I must admit…I am not tired of talking about the solar eclipse today, and I will tell you why. While watching The Weather Channel to see the first videos of the total solar eclipse, I couldn’t help but sense God’s presence as millions gathered to watch this celestial event.

Even more, The Weather Channel reporter began to cry as she attempted to verbalize how “touching” the experience truly felt in person. To be completely honest, this pierced my heart. It is during these times that we become simply overwhelmed with God’s awesomeness; our brains truly cannot comprehend the magnitude of His creation let alone His love for while we were still sinners He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us!

While scientists attempted to explain the statistics and physics concerning the axis, speed, size, angle, and degree of all three body masses moving in harmony to create such a speculator display, all I could truly think about was…Look at You God!

shadow

I was able to walk out of the hospital at just the right time to catch a perfect display of God’s beauty. My senses were overtaken when I visually processed hundreds of tiny eclipse shadows on the sidewalk as the light shaped the leaves in perfect mirror image of the solar eclipse. In my mind, God’s detail is far-reaching my friends.

While we are busy looking at the “obvious” in life, He is masterfully orchestrating the intricate details to support His will to perfection! In other words, how many times have we cursed God for abandoning us or being silent far too long when the whole time we were standing on hundreds of His promises without notice? This draws me back to the tiny eclipse shadows. I simply get lost in this picture. He never ceases to amaze me!

I pray that we are always seeking God’s hand in our lives. Remember, while you are looking up and seeking direction, don’t forget to humble yourself, bow your head, and maybe there…yes, there in the peace of humility, you will see His mercy and grace fluttering around your feet as He has been carrying you this entire time.

Question: Have you forgotten to look down as you seek God’s face? He is there too!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Expectations

Galatians 1:10

“For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.”

Believe

The apostle Paul was standing firm on His conviction and obedience to preach the gospel of Christ without attempting to alter it in any shape or form to please his audience or to escape their anger. There is always a temptation within the flesh to change the truth when there is potential retaliation or controversy involved. Yet, Paul did not waver. Paul strongly stated, “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.” Paul understood that he could not sit comfortably on the fence. He was either a slave for Christ or an enemy of God’s truth. He knew the truth and he refused to conform to the expectations of his audience because He knew the truth would set them free! This is standing firm on the solid rock of Christ! This is true faith…I believe…do you?

In full transparency, this verse in Galatians still pierces my heart every time I read it. During my college freshman year at Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana, which is now ULM, I surrounded myself with strong Christian believers. I knew it was vital to my Christian health and to continue my spiritual growth as a very young adult away from my parents. As my first year of college was coming to a close, a close friend and prayer partner asked to meet with me for Bible study, prayer, and to simply visit. This was pretty typical so I was excited for the opportunity to sharpen each other through God’s word and revelation. To my surprise, this mentor and friend read this verse and said the following words, “I feel as though you spend a great deal of time working to please others and should instead work to please God in all that you do.”

man alone

Heartbreak…I would be lying if I told you that I openly accepted this revelation and spiritual correction. Instead, I distinctively remember feelings of anger, pride, and even embarrassment rushing to the surface.  I thought, “How could he say that about me?” I sadly internalized that moment and used it to fuel a seed of anger. I learned to be quick to anger and impatient. It wasn’t until many years later through many more encounters with the love of Christ that I finally broke…my friend was right all those years ago! I did spend countless hours, years, and possibly decades working to please those around me to be accepted. Yet, God was standing with open arms the entire time gently calling, “I accept you just the way you are, come to Me!” My entire personality changed. I became softer, more compassionate, loving, long-suffering, and empathic. My focus was firmly on Christ. This reminds me of Colossians 3:17 that says, “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.”

Expectations can be positive generating where one is motivated to achieve far more than ever imagined. On the other hand, expectations can mimic chains which are imposed unjustly where one is bound in place. Today, I pray that you break the chains of expectation! Christ came to set the captives free! You are here on this earth for a greater purpose and it is not to simply win the favor of people. You are here to share the gospel of Christ to all the nations of the world.

Question: Are you being held down by the expectations of others? Are you striving to win the favor of people or God?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The Mystery of Time

3 There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
6 a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

seasons

I truly love when you have an “aha moment” during your day. I also call these God-winks! My prayer has always been to be keenly aware of God’s voice throughout the day. My dear friends, I just don’t want to miss anything, and I know you feel the same! There are so many stories and lessons from His creation to the words spoken from an innocent child’s heart that we can see and hear God in all things. My prayer for you is that you seek His face and voice in all things because trust me, He is speaking…even in the silence there is a message.

While wrapping up the work day, I was talking to a coworker who made a profound statement that simply washed over me…”What would I say to myself if I were my own best friend?” I couldn’t help but interject and ask this friend to repeat this self-reflecting interrogative. I braced myself on the wall as I continued to feel the Holy Spirit flood my soul with memories and edification. I couldn’t help but reflect upon my life and the seasons I have endured. This was almost a soul-cleansing experience.

The message that continued to boil up inside of me following this question involved “seasons of life.” God paints us a beautiful example, naturally a perfect example, of change; this change occurs four times a year without fail in reference to our particular weather patterns and physical divisions of the year. However, we also experience seasons of life that are also characterized by divisions in life patterns, behaviors, experiences, emotions, friends, family, and trials.

So, why do we accept the changes in our weather through the four natural seasons yet we fail to accept change ordained in our own lives? Yes, let that sink in for a moment. That actually may sting a little. As human beings, we crave consistency for the most part. We thrive on familiarity. This is where we feel comfortable enough to let our personal walls down…to feel vulnerable. However, when the cool air of personal change begins to blow in, we exhibit stubbornness, defiance, and most certainly resistance!

The best example I can provide is through friendships. Throughout my lifetime, I have had seasons of very close friends, those that I spoke to daily and spent a great amount of time with. Yet, due to changes in schedules, work, kid’s sporting events, etc., you simply drift apart. This has always been tough to understand and even accept. However, I truly see it as a season in life. I do not resent the change or place blame. I am thankful for God placing these people in my life because I always learn from them. I pray that you always see each relationship as a learning opportunity. God will use anything to draw us closer to Himself; we must be quick to listen.

What other season of life examples have you experienced?

What are you currently experiencing?

Are you refusing to accept the change?

change

God longs to speak to you, and He often places change in your path to (A) draw your focus to the King and to (B) build your faith. The worst thing you could do is to hold on to what God is trying to let go. If you find yourself in a season of change, I encourage you to evaluate what you learned. Then, I strongly encourage you to walk confidently through the door He has opened.

Where God leads, He provides.

Where God leads, He protects.

Where God leads, He teaches.

Where God leads, He sharpens.

Where God leads, He molds.

Where God leads, He crafts perfection.

Dear friends, do not hold on to the things that God has removed or is attempting to remove in your life. Where He closes one door, He opens another. Keep your eyes focused on the cross and you will always be surefooted. You will pass through many doors throughout your life. As you walk through, don’t look back! God is escorting you ahead. Turning around only invites Satan to confuse you and play with your emotions. May you be blessed and protected as you travel your God-given mission accepting your beautiful seasons of life.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta