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Trial by Senses

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

fire and water

[Interpretive Narrative]

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil [Psalm 23:4]. Yet the shivers down my spine cry for attention. Death. Pain. Heartache. Disease. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals, but standing on faith often feels like the hardest battle of all.

~When you feel like you’re drowning, the enemy falsely has you under water because my God has placed my feet on dry ground. Faith gives you the courage to take your next step while you see a wall of water on your left and right. God didn’t say you wouldn’t smell the sea as you pass, but He promised that the water wouldn’t overtake you.

~When you feel the intense heat and pressure, the enemy falsely has you under his grip because my God has placed another in the fire next to me. He is there to protect me under His mighty wing and bring me to safety for His glory. God didn’t say you wouldn’t smell the fire but you surely would not get burned.

~When you feel weighted down and hopeless, the enemy falsely has you in spiritual paralysis and without prayer because my God tells me that if I abide in Him and if His word abides in me, then anything I ask of Him will be done. God didn’t say that the stones would just fall from the sky, you have to pick them up and sling them toward your enemy.

~When you feel weak and overcome with fear, the enemy falsely has you in his pit of despair because my God tells me that He has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind. God didn’t say you wouldn’t see the lions circling but he promised to shut their mouths in your presence.

Dear believers, please be in prayer for those who are suffering during this time and for those undergoing health issues of all sorts. We are surrounded, and for some of us, personally impacted by crises. I truly believe that Satan’s biggest weapon is manipulating our emotions and senses. Faith rises above and breaks these manipulations. Always remember to walk by faith and not by sight. May Jehovah-Rapha heal you wherever you are in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Keeping Pace

Galatians 5:25

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Sports background. Runner feet running on road closeup on shoe.

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of running with some super stars! No, they do not hold world records in track and field nor do they wear Olympic medals around their necks. Yet, they will beat you any day of the week. Anne Rudd, Summer Bailey, and Hannalize Slate are some of the fiercest, strongest, and fastest runners I’ve been around.

One time or another, I have either trained or run a long distance race with these ladies in particular. I learned very quickly that I could not keep their fierce pace. No matter what I did, how long I trained, and how hard I tried…my pace was not their pace. I became very content in cheering them on as they sprinted off knowing they would be at the finish line encouraging me in the end.

Life is but a race! The faster we learn this…the better off we will be. My race is not their race, and your race is not mine! One of my devotions recently referenced Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Whoa!…I immediately saw racers’ feet. My mind was the only thing sprinting. I had flashbacks of the many races I had run with so many different friends and family members along the way. The goal is to simply finish, but you always want to achieve a personal record. Each runner knows deep down that he or she cannot run another person’s race; he can only encourage. Each race is marked by the individual feet that strike the pavement. 

So the question then becomes…how many of you are trying to keep pace with your friend’s spirituality, your neighbor’s spiritual gifts, or your spouse’s journey instead of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit? Just as in a real race, the journey is much more enjoyable and teachable when you focus on your own race, your own pace, and your own journey instead of keeping “out of pace” with others. Then, and only then, are you able to actually cheer, encourage, and see the blessings.

Enemy forces want nothing more than for you to believe that you are missing something! If you cannot “keep in step” with your friend’s spirituality, for example, then you are actually off course. What a lie! Your heavenly Father wants nothing more than to take you on your own personal journey – just for you to bring full honor back to Him. When your focus is on Christ, you are not worried about who is in front or behind you! In fact, you will spend your time cheering and encouraging those around you to finish their race strong too. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes of Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith! There is absolutely no human being who can give you this promise.

So I encourage you today my brothers and sisters. Get out there and run your spiritual race! Cheer on those “Boston qualifiers” of spiritually because we need them! We need those fast-paced racers who can charge through the pavement and get to the next task that God has prepared. These warriors prepare the way as God leads! Go ahead and cheer on the “fast walkers” too. These are the dear saints that give us the biggest cheers and encouragement along the way. We need you when we feel defeated in life and tormented. We need your prayers and attention to detail. Say thank you for the “interval runners” for these believers know when to sprint and when to walk. They know how to hit the enemy square in the jaw in mighty prayer but they also know how to pray quietly in the spirit.

I pray that you find “your race” marked especially for you. May God’s peace fall fresh on you. I pray that our heavenly Father will bring all types of believers with many different gifts and talents alongside you to encourage you. We are truly one body in Christ. Through it all, keep only in pace with the Holy Spirit and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Foundation Shaking Faith

Acts 16:16-34

Paul and Silas in Prison

16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

19 When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

Holy Spirit Fire

~When chaos sounds his battle cry…sing songs of praise!

~When lies leap…pray!

~When bruised and beaten for believing…be still!

Oh this passage. This is truly one of my most favorite passages in the Bible. There are just so many lessons in this passage. Yet, I simply want to focus on the impact! – ground zero, foundation shaking, earth shifting, earthquake splitting – impact! You see, Paul and Silas were not complaining to each other about their unfair punishment. No, that’s not what you read. They didn’t use this time to validate the obvious – lies, torture, battered, and bruised. Instead, they exemplified what every Christian is called to do – consider it pure joy when you face various trials for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Following being beaten and chained…they prayed and sang.

But the impact…oh the ears that hear! Thank you Lord for speaking in such a time as this. Paul and Silas were not alone; their songs did not reverberate against cold stone walls and fall dead to the ground. No! These hymns penetrated earthly material like an arrow through a leaf! God’s truth dancing on the notes of hymns entered into the ears of the other prisoners. Nothing can stop a heart full of faith and truth, and nothing can stop holy spirit fire and power.

As their prayers and hymns filled the atmosphere, the foundation itself could no longer remain silent as it shook violently through the mighty hand of God…chain breaking, wall shaking, foundation swaying – FAITH. What happens next further intensifies the integrity of these believers – they stayed! Wait! Yes…they stayed! In fact, when the jailer woke up, he thought the prisoners had escaped and he was about to kill himself – but wait! “Don’t harm yourself,” Paul said, “We are all here!”

Be still…the true testament of peace is when you don’t run out of fear just because you see one opening…[pause]…that is speaking to someone even now. Can’t you just feel the blanket of peace as Paul and Silas prayed and sang those hymns? Broken chains and an opened door did not mean they were free to run – they were mission-minded which allowed them to be still and witness to the jailer. This act of faith resulted in an entire family receiving Jesus that night and being baptized, and don’t ever miss this…”he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.” A man just moments prior on the verge of suicide, lost without God, now filled with the joy of the Lord because two men who didn’t look at their pain, bruises, hurt, or situation; instead, they prayed, sang…and stayed!

Challenge: What doors are you running through without first being still and letting God do the impossible? This week, I challenge you to be mission-minded wherever you are! Sometimes we are seeking a quick exit when God just wants to shake the foundation you’re already on! I also encourage you to speak life in your marketplace of life. Don’t forget to pray and sing instead of grumble and complain for you never know who’s listening! May God Almighty be glorified in everything we do in word or deed.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Training

Acts 20:24

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.

track

There is nothing better than race day adrenaline. You’ve trained for so long and finally the day has come – you’re running your biggest race! You stretch before walking up to the starting line and you even visit with those around you. Conversations range from pre-race diet tips to running pace. As you inch closer to the starting line, excitement boils over! You are about to step over one single white line that separates years of training from actual performance.

~This is it!

~This is what you were made for!

~This is what you’ve trained your whole life for!

~Your only aim is to finish the race and complete the task strong!

There are many life seasons that parallel both training and performance. We see this in raising children, going off to college, and starting a new job for example. Yet, what happens when life throws a curve ball? Are we truly prepared? Have we trained for those moments? In our culture, we place great emphasis on collecting, obtaining, and achieving. However, this usually has to do with material possession; therefore, some in this world are not very prepared when thrown off course.

I have to say, however, as believers, we are quite different! The Word gives us clear instruction on how to live – in times of prosperity and poverty – in times of health and sickness – in times of joy and sorrow. I love how the passage above says it…my life is worth nothing to me! Ah…there is the key to happiness. The world is always looking for the fountain of youth and joy. It is found in God’s Word – LOVE GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE.

I know there are people who are suffering even in this hour. Yet, the joy of the Lord is their strength! Please my dear brothers and sisters listen closely. Your life is but a training field for your greatest race! As you cross over that starting line, know that you are well prepared because God goes before you to prepare the way. He goes behind you to protect you. He goes above you to watch over you, and He goes beside you to comfort you.

As you run, don’t forget this is your greatest performance! You’ve waited your whole life for this! Enjoy every foot strike on the pavement pushing you forward. Attune your ears to the cheers of the great cloud of witnesses and those friends awaiting at the finish line. Feel the breeze as the Holy Spirit breathes upon you giving you exactly what you need for each step. Open your eyes and saturate your spirit with the beautiful sight of those souls around you who will need you to help them finish their race too! The best part of racing is that everyone is a runner – slow, fast, tall, short, young, and old. May you run your race looking to serve so you may testify of God’s amazing love along the way.

As we wait patiently for you to cross the finish line, one thing is for certain…you will receive a reward. The medals are totally worth it I must say! Yet, one day…just one day…you’ll receive that crown you’ve waited for your whole life. Yes, the one you trained for since you were a child. Your Master has been holding it this whole time at His finish line waiting to say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

So, lace up those shoes my friend…we have a race to run, souls to win, people to support, and a finish line to cross!

[Please specifically be in prayer for our dear sister Leslie Morgan. We come together as one body to ask our Father boldly to do amazing things in her and through her in such a miraculous manner that only God Almighty can get the praise. We ask for complete protection and the blood covering of Jesus Christ to wash over her. We know in full faith that no weapon formed against her shall prosper as it is stated in your Word. She will not fear the arrow by day nor the terror by night. Cover her tightly with your feathers and use her in this new place to plant your seeds that only she could do at this exact time. Give her your words to speak life to all those she comes into contact with, and may she amaze doctors and nurses with your miraculous healing in her. We fall on our faces in humble submission and ask all these things in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.]

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Do Good

Galatians 6:10

10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

do good

During the Christmas season, it isn’t hard to see and hear positive phrases and statements all around us. Some of these include the following: ‘Tis the Season; Merry Christmas; Merry and Bright; Peace on Earth; Joy to the World; Peace, Joy, and Love; and Making Spirits Bright. We teach that it is better to give than to receive, and many of us volunteer at soup kitchens or homeless shelters. Even more, we preach the real reason for the season – a Savior is born [Luke 2:11].

Yet, I cannot help but make an obvious observation. This “do good” season fades and life reprioritizes if you will. Schedules are flipped on end and life becomes more about checking off the to-do lists instead of “ministering to His sheep.”

The passage above does not suggest that believers should “do good” only at Christmas time. No! This passage clearly states…”Whenever we have the opportunity.” That statement alone is what you call soul-piercing. Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, schools, hospitals, and the widow next door need you all year round. It’s time that we stop making fitness goals for New Year’s resolutions. Instead, we should make spiritual commitments.

The second part of the passage above tends to sting a bit as well. Just as the enemy would have it, we, as a faith family, tend to be really good at judging one another and tearing each other down while the world sits back and observes. In our technologically advanced world, we can even judge in “silence” and not feel so guilty. This is true modern-day hypocrisy.

Instead of taking every opportunity to do good – especially to those in the faith family, we spend precious time strategizing how to delete friends from social media platforms or spending hours criticizing someone’s social media status. We turn anger and bitterness into false wisdom. The scariest part of it all is who is actually whispering in your ear!

It’s time that we take this passage to heart and ask God to stitch this deep within us. I encourage you this Christmas season to meditate on this “do good” passage in two parts: (A) “Whenever you have the opportunity, do good to everyone” and (B) “Especially to those in the faith family”

I know the Holy Spirit has prompted me to challenge you just as He has challenged me. May the Christmas season continue in and through us all year long, and may we not only do good to everyone but truly live in love with those around us. May your efforts be filled with peace, love, and joy. This takes active work and doing things that most certainly go against the flesh. Be encouraged, and I’m looking forward to hearing how the Holy Spirit speaks to you!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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What an Honor

Jesus on Beach

John 2:7-11

Jesus Changes Water Into Wine

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

~Today I got to assist the King! To be honest, I started my day believing this would be like any other day. I would fill my space like I normally do and help others because that’s just what I do. I’m known for washing over people, which makes them feel better but I’m usually left drained. I’m sad to say that I wasn’t expecting today to be extraordinary. You see, I know I’m supposed to choose joy in all situations and even in the mundane, but it most certainly is a challenge. But today I saw the King! He actually needed me to accomplish His purpose. The very One who was with the Father the day Heaven and Earth were created prayed over me and I was literally transformed before His eyes; I’ve been made new and will never be the same…so said the water that turned into wine.

Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

~Today I got to assist the King! It started out like any other day when I ate breakfast and ran a little in the field. I worked in the garden and even carted some goods from town back to the house. I truly thought it was going to be like any other day, but the King needed me! I had no idea that He was on His way and He wanted me. His friends said He needed me! Yes, the Messiah needed me! My life was made for a purpose long ago, and I just didn’t know the impact it would have on eternity. When I walked up to Him, I couldn’t believe I was meeting my Maker face-to-face. He spoke to me without moving His lips. On that day, I got to carry the King who created me…so says the colt.

Matthew 27

The Crucifixion of Jesus

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the jews.

~Today I got to assist the King! When I was young, I never imagined my role in this life. To be honest, I thought of myself as a nobody. In fact, I purposefully didn’t stand out and made sure that I hung around quietly with others just like me. I’ve had some rough patches in my life, but when people look at me in general they don’t like what they see. I never truly felt appreciated as much as I did today. You see, a man needed me today….not just any man but the Savior of the world. I would hear from Him when He was close, but today I got to support Him in His toughest part of ministry. I listened while He prayed and I soaked up His sweat the best I knew how. You see, today I held Jesus as He died and saved you and me…so said the cross.

1 Corinthians 12:27

27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

I truly witnessed the body of Christ in action today and it radiated with love. There is nothing better than serving others and being a powerful witness to the greatness of Jesus Christ. There are numerous examples and commands in the Bible concerning this very message. From worshiping in one accord, prayer walking, cooking, filling book bags, praying with children, to face painting, God’s love was poured out today. My strongest encouragement and challenge would be to seek opportunities to be Jesus to those around you. I found myself overwhelmed with pure joy today because Jesus wanted to use us for His purpose. Just as He can use a colt, water, and a cross – He can use you. The difference is the relationship! So, today I got to assist the King, and I know it changed the world because He changed me!

Challenge: Seek service opportunities this week to live like Jesus in your community.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Reaching

Acts 17:27

27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

Reaching

[Interpretative Journaling]

I hear you forming; I see you in the distance. Your winds brush against the back of my neck in a taunting manner; trust me I know you’re there. Chaos grabs disunity and forms a funnel cloud of spiritual proportion.

As you approach, you are not very quiet. In fact, your roaring entrance has silenced everything and everyone around me; that doesn’t scare me. I stare at you because I know who you are; I’m unmoved. Lightening strikes the earth below. The ground practically crumbles underneath my feet as stability is wiped away.

As you swirl even closer, you gain even more strength by oppressing the souls of those whom I love. I’m still staring at you. You race toward me as you destroy everything in your path, but be prepared when you get really close. I know who you are; I’m unmoved.

tornado

Psalm 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

~You failed to see the King in me!

~Reinforcing arms come from afar.

~The horn sounds for His army.

~Even foreign tribes have promised to protect me.

~What was once familiar has fallen behind.

~The call from mighty warriors rip through your core.

~Affirming visions spanning across the globe dismantle your evil intentions.

~In unity, we reach out to our Savior to ultimately destroy you.

~Never forget that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.

~When you see me again, you’ll remember that I don’t back down because my father is the King.

lion

Proverbs 30:30, “A lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.”

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Invade the Impossible

Matthew 7:21-23 (HCSB)

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!

line in the sand

Boldness! Today, I speak with boldness because frankly we need to hear this, and it’s time that the lie of the enemy stop here and now. It saddens me greatly when Christians argue over Biblical interpretation (i.e., Hermeneutics). Satan enjoys nothing more than believers posting or verbalizing their arguments for or against polarizing passages. Honestly, we are playing into his hand; this should alarm us more than what we are arguing over in the first place. The mere fact that we are being used as pawns is frightening to me!

I pray that the Holy Spirit pierce each and every one of us over the passage above; we must get it! I pray that the veil be removed from the unbelievers’ hearts and those who “think they know” yet who haven’t transitioned from knowledge to a personal relationship with Jesus.

It is time to invade the impossible! We, as limited-minded human beings, can create a line in the sand. However, the Holy Spirit wants to erase that line and fill us completely; He awaits your release!

I was recently “educated” by a fellow “believer” that the gifts and miracles of the Holy Spirit ceased with the original disciples. I typically do not engage in debates concerning interpretation; however, I cannot sit quietly. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead lives inside you and me. This miraculous Father does not sit quietly. Yet, He will if you want to quench Him.

Secondly, I must comment on the passage above. We believe that Jesus is the same yesterday, day, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Why, then, would be believe that Jesus is only talking about people during “His time” on earth? He says in Matthew 7:22, “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?’” Hum, My God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, Jesus must be referencing any person who had knowledge of Jesus (in the past, in the present, and in the future) yet failed to FULLY know Him. These individuals had “head” knowledge but failed to know Him personally.

What should pierce us even more is the mere fact that these individuals were capable of casting out demons, prophesying, and performing miracles yet were not even saved!!! WAKE UP! This is how powerful the name of Jesus is! Just think what the Holy Spirit wants to do in your life if you would grant Him full access.

It is time that you allow the Holy Spirit to erase your line in the sand. Humble yourself before the Lord and tell Satan to flee! Stop getting lost in hermeneutics and start getting lost in the Holy Spirit. Stop limiting the resurrecting Savior and start accepting His gifts. We must fully understand that Jesus clearly stated here in Matthew chapter 7 that many will have “head knowledge” of Him and be able to perform many signs and wonders just by the mighty name of Jesus (yesterday, today, and forever!) so stop saying the gifts stopped with His disciples 2,000 years ago!

Start claiming your right, authority, and power through the Holy Spirit. Stop assisting the enemy and turn in your jersey! This is your wakeup call. Too many “believers” are limiting a limitless God. I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to erase your lines today!

Challenge: Allow the Holy Spirit full control to erase all lines in the sand.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Come and Stay Awhile

Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV)

25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

He-Who-Searches-Mind-and-Heart

[Narrative]

The cheers disappear and the chatter is all but gone.

~You light the way.

The silence is deafening and negative emotions begin to take hold.

~You call me into the Holy of Holies.

My soul pours out until it reaches critical emptiness.

~I enter through the torn veil.

My heart breaks as silence fills my ear.

~Your words never return void.

The gift of edification is met with worldly destruction.

~You call out and say, “Come and stay awhile My child.”

The ‘coat of silence’ is heavy and weighing me down.

~”Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”

Do you mind if I rest here for a moment, Lord? It’s hard out there.

~”I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.”

Challenge: I was blessed to hear a sermon on encouragement last night. I’ve learned through personal trial and through teaching that the enemy wants nothing more than to keep Christians busy – so busy that they fail to sharpen one another.

Americans have this mastered perfectly! We do not need any further training; we don’t need the syllabus; we don’t even need the practice test! We already know how to overextend ourselves through work and play to where we forget the “main thing”…making disciples; loving God with all of our heart, mind and soul; and loving our neighbor as ourself. Within this process, there is a great deal of encouragement and edification.

Conversely, when we are focused only on climbing the career ladder, refreshing social media accounts, and making sure our elementary children make it into the major leagues when they grow up [-laugh please-], then we have truly failed. That might be hard to swallow, but we all know it’s true. Living a life filled with the Holy Spirit and on track with Jesus’ ministry means doing exactly what He did when He walked this same dirt thousands of years ago. The first church gives us the best example; they were a body knit together. Can’t you just see it?! Praying, worshiping, eating, sharpening, sharing, helping – Kingdom work!

When you live life together, you can’t help but encourage those around you! So, I encourage you today – look up! First and foremost, let the Holy Spirit fill you up to where you have His rushing waters flow from your spirit onto those around you. Does your family need a refreshing? What about those around you at work? Let the Holy Spirit flood you and those around you. Secondly, be intentional! Make a point to step outside of yourself and encourage those around you. For some, this is super easy. For others, this is foreign and hard. However, the reward flows both ways! Be blessed as you pour out a blessing.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Broken Walls

Broken Walls

Nehemiah 1:1-10

Nehemiah’s Prayer

1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.

I, Nehemiah, was in the capital city of Susa. It was in the month of Kislev. This was in the twentieth year. 2 One of my brothers named Hanani came from Judah. Some other men were with him. I asked them about the Jews who lived through the captivity. And I also asked about Jerusalem.

3 They answered, “Nehemiah, those who are left from the captivity are back in the area of Judah. But they are in much trouble and are full of shame. The wall around Jerusalem is broken down. And its gates have been burned.”

4 When I heard these things, I sat down and cried for several days. I was sad and did not eat food. I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 I said, “Lord, God of heaven, you are the great God who is to be respected. You keep your agreement of love with those who love you and obey your commands. 6 Listen carefully. Look at me. Hear the prayer your servant is praying to you day and night. I am praying for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites have done against you. My father’s family and I have sinned against you. 7 We have been wicked toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, rules and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8 “Remember what you taught your servant Moses. You said, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you come back to me and obey my commands, I will gather your people. I will gather them from the far ends of the earth. And I will bring them from captivity to where I have chosen to be worshiped.’

10 “They are your servants and your people. You have saved them with your great strength and power.

[Narrative]

You trailed behind me making me believe you left long ago; however, clanging bones revealed your position. You were closer than I ever imagined! Pausing long enough to catch your eye [pause] – brings back sorrowful emotions. Visions flood my mind where captivity, chains, and venom abound. When I saw these things, I could only cry. Evil freely enters through broken walls without any awareness or plan to fortify. Replaying the events mimicked learning to ride a bicycle yet falling repeatedly on gravel without any one there to help mend the wounds.

The hair on the back of my neck stands at attention in the first line of defense. The legion has been identified and their war cry is deafening. The sickening sound of anger, resentment, fear, and seclusion swirl around me like fiery hornets. My posture changes to prayer as my physical calls for help go unnoticed by man; I’ve been looking but no one comes. The hills are empty and my voice carries with purpose yet the echo returns empty. As I hit my knees, my Spirit always reminds me:

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

storm coming

Falling prostrate in prayer allows my God to fight my battles! I am transformed into a field of peace, where His hand of protection covers me and allows me to stand on His solid Rock [His Son] where I am able to look at the storm, head on, only through the eyes of my Savior who took the battle ahead of me. Through His ultimate protection, I begin to feel the Potter rebuild the damaged walls and fortify His city within me. I continue to rely on 2 Corinthians 12:10, “So I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles. All these things are for Christ. And I am happy, because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.”

Thankful,

Christian Armetta