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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

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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

Rooted

Colossians 2:7

7 Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.

Rooted

I received a drawing from my wife today that stated, “Rooted in Him.” First of all, it’s refreshing to receive a word from the Lord through your spouse as I pray over her daily before leaving for work early in the morning. I pray that God will equip her and gift her to share His message of love, faith, and salvation to all those she comes into contact with daily. It’s not uncommon to see her sitting in her favorite chair with countless Bibles and reference books at her side digging into Scripture. To me, I see a godly woman planting roots in Christ. What a wonderful example!

Rooted in Him

We are reminded that developing spiritually deep roots takes work. One must truly dig into God’s Word to learn about Him. We must also communicate with our Creator daily. This is more than “checking off the list” that you said your morning and evening prayers. To me, this involves true interpersonal communication with your Savior throughout the day. This is what “praying without ceasing” means to me. I want to be so “deep rooted” that my thoughts automatically go to Him in time of praise, request, petition, or need.

My biggest personal revelation regarding being rooted in Christ involved being “deep rooted” as mentioned above. What does this really mean? In plant science, we know that deep roots aid in drawing nutrient rich minerals, water, and elements to the plant. Roots that are embedded deep within nutrient rich soil are most certainly healthier. Nutrient rich soil aids in preventing diseases and builds a strong foundation.

Do we see the connection?

Growing deep spiritual roots in the vine of Christ ensures spiritual health and stability. This does not guarantee freedom from storms and floods. Yet, strong spiritual roots anchored in the vine of Christ will never fail or be destroyed by the things of this world. The trials we persevere while on this earth will not destroy those who are rooted in Him.

Question: How will you develop deep spiritual roots in Christ?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Hate Never Wins!

all are precious in His sight

1 John 2:9-17

9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

Reasons for Writing

12 I am writing to you, dear children,
    because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
    because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
    because you have overcome the evil one.

14 I write to you, dear children,
    because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
    because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
    because you are strong,
    and the word of God lives in you,
    and you have overcome the evil one.

On Not Loving the World

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh,the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

sadness

Sadness overwhelms our hearts as we try to understand the news coming out of Charlottesville, Virginia…such hatred, bigotry, and pure evil. My brain still cannot process the still image of human beings flying through the air after being struck by a car…the motive – hate! In an effort to draw peace to my senses, I quickly reverted to music. I was reminded of the precious song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Words by C. Herbert Woolston, music by George F. Root

Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world.
Jesus died for all the children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus died for all the children

Of the world.
Jesus rose for all the children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus rose for all the children

Of the world.

There is such truth in this song. God loves each and every one of us so much that He sent His very own Son, Jesus Christ, to take on human form to live and ultimately die as the perfect sacrificial lamb; He came to take away the sins of the world. God does not discriminate; His grace and mercy belong to all those who call upon His name. So you see dear friends, our world does not have just a hate problem; our world has a SIN problem! We must come to the end of ourselves and accept Jesus in order to break the chains of such evil. Deliverance from hate, envy, intolerance, and pride await those who seek the mercy seat!

As we pray for this community, the injured, our nation and beyond, ask that God equips each of us to be salt and light! Pray that those with hardened hearts and evil motives, which are borne out of hate, experience a “Road to Damascus Conversion” story that only the Holy Spirit can create. I am asking God the Father to revive the hearts of each believer where His love will be made known and His fame will grow.

Ultimately, hate NEVER WINS! I choose love. I choose to be the hands of feet of Jesus. I pray that this will ignite your passion and drive to follow His lead as well. We must remember that all are precious in His sight – ALL! As you reflect upon our current culture, ask yourself, “What can I do?” Trust me…revival does not start by erecting tents and booking the best choirs. Revival starts in you!

“All are precious in His sight!”

Question: Do you believe we can ignite a “Road to Damascus” conversion story within our current culture and nation? YES I BELIEVE

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 6 Comments

Letting Go

“14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

faith

How many of us would admit to always trying to help God?—o.k., yes me too. My heart is heavy today. I find myself wanting to help the brokenhearted, but I just can’t. Well…not in a physical sense I cannot. As a natural problem solver and overly logical thinker, I find myself analyzing every possible solution to problems that only God can fully comprehend. Yet, there we go entering the Holy of Holies with tablet and pen ready to show God just how amazing our analytical outlines are—boy He should be proud, and I’m certain He must need my input….wrong!

Throughout God’s Word we hear repeatedly…be still! The Almighty does not need your assistance dear friend. Now don’t get me wrong; He might call you, but that is different than seeking your opinion because He cannot form His own! Trust me, God is not pacing back and forth, pondering life’s most difficult questions while biting His nails. In fact, He is so in control, He set the course of time before time existed…is our mind blown yet?

Our world changes in an instant. Laughter at the dinner table quickly turns to sadness when someone calls to deliver devastating news. You see your daughter’s dreams vanishing from her eyes as the nurses wheel her away for emergency surgery. The joys of motherhood turn into mourning when you no longer feel the flutters from deep within. Yes, our world does change in an instant, but our God fights for us when we remain still — IN HIM!

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We will never fully understand His ways because frankly…they are HIS WAYS and not ours. But what I do know is He is kind, He is loving, He is merciful, He is good, He is peaceful, and He is always working for our good.

If you are in the middle of a storm, I want to encourage you today. Continue to be faithful! 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” No matter how deep your valley, God’s faithfulness will find you there. Therefore, be still my friend and let God fight your battles for you!

Prayer Request: As prayer warriors, I ask that you lift up a dear family today. Please remember the Allen family as their daughter has undergone brain surgery. We lift her up into God’s hands for complete healing and recovery. I pray in the name of Jesus that this healing will be a testimony to bring a whole community into Your presence and Kingdom. This precious child will speak Your life, Jesus, onto all those she comes into contact with. In Jesus name I pray-Amen.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

It Is Well

Psalm 62:5

“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him.”

It is well with my soul

I must admit, this picture is stunning! Thank you Anne R. for sending this magnificent display of God’s beauty here on earth for me to share. So the question now becomes…what do you see? How does God move you and speak to your soul through His pure awesomeness?

I share this because I have always been moved by God’s colorful creation. Here in southwest Louisiana, we do not have majestic mountains or thundering waterfalls, but we do have some of the most colorful sunsets known to man. In speaking the truth, this picture does not closely resemble the deep palette of colors intertwined around the sun as if dancing harmoniously across the sky.  The rays strike a prismatic balance of the most well-matched colors one can process with the human eye. There are not many things in this world that can get me to simply — stop and reflect — but this is definitely one of them.

I am thankful for the simplicity in His calling yet the complexity in His presence that invites a busy world to pause and simply rest in Him!

This may be your journey. This is my vision as I interpret this picture of God’s creation:

The road is long!

You begrudgingly lift one foot and place it in front of the other with very little emphasis on purpose. You are simply surviving because the next step only ensures that you remain upright and still moving forward. However, with a wayward perspective of God’s calling on your life, you repeatedly step into your own direction without looking up.

The road is long!

You find yourself stumbling. The gravel mimics quicksand and each step is increasingly weighted. You weep tears of reflection. Why is it so hard? The road is battered and the heat absorbed by a punishing path appears to transfer its fire through your heels. You are fighting against God’s will and the spiritual battles of this life.

The road is long!

You feel alone yet others share your journey. You begin to recognize that this long road is not only for you but is shared by many. You begin to pay more attention to their ease and fluidity and not only your own struggles. Why are they moving successfully down the same battered road? – Life on mission!

The road is long!

In that moment, you come to full recollection that your head has been down the entire journey until now. You stretch your spine and feel the release of many demons appearing as weighted bearings attached to your back keeping you from seeing the sight of angels waging war. The demons dig in; they don’t want to let you see for they know their time is short. The warrior angels light up the sky with unimaginable colors encircling the Son – yes the Son of man. He is bright, oh so bright! The rays from His garment splinter the darkness and you are able to hear His calling.

The road is long!

Your steps are lighter as you keep your eyes focused on Christ. You gain speed and hear the metallic sounds of chains striking the pavement as they fall from your legs and arms…the angelic choir sings, “Freedom found for those who trust in Him!” The road is long, yes indeed, but the journey transitions from suffering to deliverance…peace, rest, quietness overcomes your soul as you bask in His presence. You feel the breeze for the very first time as it tingles your senses. The rocks cry out, “Holy is the Lamb who was slain!”

The road is long!…but your perspective has changed. Where are you going? What is your purpose? If you are a believer or a seeker, come and rest in God alone. Find peace in His presence and be filled with the hope that can only come from Jesus Christ.

Question: What is your purpose? What is your mission?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Inadequacy

Luke 5:18-26

18 Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. 19 But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

21 The teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers thought to themselves, “Who is this Man Who speaks as if He is God? Who can forgive sins but God only?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to them, “Why do you think this way in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?

24 “So that you may know the Son of Man has the right and the power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who could not move his body, “I say to you, get up. Take your bed and go to your home.” 25 At once the sick man got up in front of them. He took his bed and went to his home thanking God. 26 All those who were there were surprised and gave thanks to God, saying, “We have seen very special things today.”

Praying

God has spoken loud and clear today! He speaks everyday; yet, I’m thankful for the affirmations of His voice through various entities. Today, He has spoken deeply through three dear friends. Even more, these messages are in agreement with each other, which makes this even more special. The lesson: personal inadequacy, God’s love, and following God’s will.

In our struggle to remain in control, we find that we sit at the table with anxiety, stress, worry, fear, and doubt. We push back the chair and shout, “Enough!” I refuse to invite these demons as intimate company to my table. I no longer choose to sit in the presence of anything that goes against God’s promises and His commands. You turn around and something changes; you now see the filthy and ugly spirits that inhabit your personal space. How did this happen? I don’t want them here! Your eyes have been unveiled and the lies are uncovered. You are weak, bruised, and unable to carry your burdens alone! In what feels like the last ounce of strength, you call out for prayer! Your spirit begins to rebound and you find just enough strength to crawl into the inner sanctuary where Father God gently picks you up and places you softly under His wing – you rest! Yes – VICTORY! There is no defeat in surrendering to God! His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

In humble spirit, God places before you a vision while you rest. You see flashes of light breaking through the darkness and eliminating the doubts. You see warriors rushing into spiritual battle waging war through prayer and petition on your behalf – warrior angels all around! Legions upon legions of His mighty army are called to your right hand as your enemies fall. A path is created by the mighty arm of God’s protection where you see your prayer warriors reaching in to lift you up. Each one bearing a special gift. You are lifted effortlessly and carried into the inner sanctuary and placed at the throne!

You awaken in God’s arms feeling refreshed and full of light. You feel your questions leaping off your mind into God’s ears without uttering a single word. Your mouth remains closed as in full reverence – as it appears as though the tongue would taint the atmosphere. Yet, He hears you! He answers without hesitation and without prompting for He knows all things, “My child your sins are forgiven. You were brought here on the prayers of your friends. You were carried by those you entrusted, and they await your return.” In full abandonment, you can only utter, “I’m inadequate, my Lord! I cannot do these things you are asking.” With the tilt of His head and a piercing eye, He breathes His Word upon your spirit, “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—with the blood of the everlasting covenant,21 equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen.

You begin to feel His love pour over your soul, pressed down, shaken, and running over. You are renewed, delivered, and sanctified. Through continued prayer and fasting, you gain an even deeper understanding of His calling on your life, your purpose, and your mission to do His will! You fully understand that in your own strength you will fail; however, with the strength of the Lord, all things are possible for you can do anything through Christ who gives you strength. Therefore, go and do as the good Lord has called you. Moreover, seek to remain under His wing and watch Him do far more than you could ever imagine! The seasons will change, your children will get older, and you’ll turn around one morning and remember the day you surrendered to His will – all for His glory!

Thankful for Christian friends and prayer warriors. Thank you Sarah F., Jeremy F., Aimee A., Leslie M., Katie T., Tanya J., Rita H. for all your spoken words today. You will never fully understand how your separate messages throughout the entire day were used collectively to speak God’s message today!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Harmony

Romans 15:5

“5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus”

Seaside1

I am often reminded of my previous therapy team that I had the distinct privilege of managing in Plano, Texas. We were just so different; however, we all recognized our common bond as human beings and citizens of this earth. I speak globally because this team represented just that – citizens from various countries across the world.  We had staff members from China, India, Iran, Mexico, Philippines, and South Africa to name a few. What made us different? Harmony!

Our physical features were definitely different from each other. We each had an accent of origin, varying worldviews, and degrees of beliefs. Are you surprised to hear that we enjoyed each other’s company? Even more, we enjoyed working as partners and co-workers for many years before several of us moved on to other locations. I will say that it is through the encouragement of our Savior Jesus Christ that we are to live in harmony with one another.

Sadly, we live in a world where the color of your skin is enough variance to pass judgement yet we bleed the same and Jesus died for all mankind. Even more, we live in a world where the origin of your birth is enough to persecute your neighbor. Furthermore, we congregate within our own cities and towns with those who only think like we do and most certainly believe exactly like we do because pride is soul-deafening.

My eyes span the masses and it’s always the same. We speak of unity and harmony yet our cognition succumbs to the traditionalism and habitual patterns of our existence resulting in stagnate character. This does not exemplify Jesus Christ! He was a master at seeking the different, the strange, the…shall we say, “Sinner!” This can only represent ever single human being – even the one staring right back at you in the mirror. His very existence emulated unity and love! In fact, I had a wonderful conversation with a very dear friend of mine just yesterday who shared this same sentiment. We truly cannot comprehend the depth and breadth of God’s love for us in that while we were still sinners He sent His Son to die for us! I fall on my face at the mere thought!

I pray that we spend each day seeking unity and love for our fellow man…in essence, living like Jesus!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta