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

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Sacrifice

Luke 9:23

“23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Follow me

What is the true measure of a man? We have all heard this saying from a skewed worldview; however, what does the Bible say about this topic? I can quickly tell you that true sacrifice, taking up your cross daily, and following Jesus Christ is the ONLY measure that matters!

This week, my wife and I are hosting three staffers from “Camp in the City.” This is a day camp, Monday through Friday, where campers experience Jesus through a variety of activities: Bible study, worship time, and other camp activities such as rock climbing all while actively engaging with college students who have sacrificed their entire summer to travel across the country to serve as followers of Jesus Christ.

I would call this true sacrifice! 

In our current society, we learn to be selfish and envious of others. What does this look like in our day-to-day lives? “My car isn’t as nice as his.” “My house isn’t as big as hers.” “I wish I had the newest cellphone like my friend.” “I work harder than she does.” You see, we are constantly comparing ourselves – why? Our society teaches us such practices. Yes, my dear friends, this is not Christ-like.

Denying yourself brings true freedom!

It is beyond refreshing to listen to these young adults while they share their passion for leading young children and today’s youth by living like Jesus. As they ponder their future, they know that Jesus is at the center of their decisions. They are the quintessential definition of role-model while here on earth.

We must be full of Jesus and less of ourselves! 

 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Promises

Genesis 9:12-17

“12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all future generations: 13 I have placed My bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all the living creatures: water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature. 16 The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all the living creatures on earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have confirmed between Me and every creature on earth.”

Rainbow

Yes – this happened today! I stop, stare, and marvel in His promises. You see, there are many in this world who plead, yes beg, for a “sign” from God. Oh my friends, you are looking at it! The first thing that comes to my mind are the words from the hymn “I Stand Amazed in the Presence” – How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me! 

Even more, I am amazed that God Himself says this is v14, “Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all the living creatures: water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature.” God not only keeps His promises (always) but He never forgets! God Himself, the Creator, made a personal statement to His creation by saying “I will remember...” How does this resonate with you? For me, I see Father God looking down with love at the sight of every rainbow all across the world saying, “Look at what I’ve done for YOU!” Yet, are you too busy to even notice? The God of all creation is having an open dialogue by this visible sign; however, many fail to even look up and acknowledge its existence.

We are increasingly losing our focus on God in this sinful world. The enemy has masterfully orchestrated distractions to lure you away from the Creator. What are your distractions? I encourage you all to bask in His presence the next time you witness the miracle of a rainbow – yes miracle. God placed this sign in the sky as a covenant with all living creatures; I would call that a miracle my friends!

I beg you not to miss the “rainbows” in your life. God is constantly speaking; however, are you listening, watching, seeking? 

Stop! Take a breath! Look up! He’s speaking to you AND the whole world!

I am forever grateful for dear friends that shared this experience with me. Thank you Sarah F. and Nelda R for your obedience and worship!

Question: Are you too distracted to see God speaking in plain sight?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Are You Ready?

Matthew 24:42-44

“42 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this: If the homeowner had known what time the thief was coming, he would have stayed alert and not let his house be broken into. 44 This is why you also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Are you ready

There is no time to delay! The time is now. Are you truly ready for the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? I received a call this evening from a great friend today. This man sharpens me in many ways. You see, I know when I see his name on my caller identification that I am about to experience worship and deep spiritual sharpening; I am never disappointed. We discussed the meaning of Matthew 7:21-23 that says, 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’

Listen dear children. My soul is breaking for this very cause. I have spoken in the past and continue to feel a conviction to announce the truth! Where is your relationship with Christ? Both of these passages pierce the soul for urgency. First, we are to live each day in beautiful anticipation of our Lord coming back – riding on the clouds! We do not know the exact day or hour; therefore, we should remain alert and watchful.

Secondly, preaching, casting out demons, and calling on the name of the Lord alone is not necessarily declaration of salvation – let that sink in. Does that sting a little? I yearn for all of us to “get it” now before it’s too late! The Word makes it very clear that, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.” The only way you can do the will of the Father is to KNOW HIM intimately! Memorizing Scripture, going to church, and reciting rote religious oaths are all “good things” but can all be accomplished without developing a relationship with Christ and without following His will. I implore you to search your soul as the Holy Spirit opens up the true meaning behind these passages. The purpose of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection was to restore a broken relationship! He expects a personal relationship as granted through His forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

My pastor often says, “We are closer to the second coming today than we were yesterday.” This statement not only makes me laugh but brings such reality to cognitive awareness. Yes indeed – we are closer today than we were yesterday; moreover, are you ready? I continue to feel an urgency in sharing the truth – the time is near. Let’s be a part of the awakening. What does this look like for you? First, it requires an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ – to know Him, to speak to Him, and to listen to Him daily. Once you experience this type of intimate relationship, then you will be charged to worship Him with complete surrender. Be filled this moment as He awaits your decision.

Question: Do you know Jesus intimately? Do you follow the Father’s will?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta