Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

It’s Me

Matthew 25:31-33, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Matthew 25:37-43“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

walking with jesus

I recently watched a video where a pastor dressed as a homeless man and sat in front of his church to assess his members’ reactions. I’m not here to give an expository on that one video; rather, I am here to shed light on a very dark secret even within devout Christians…our eyes and hearts look a lot like everyone else in the world when we are faced with things that make us uncomfortable, things that are different, things that challenge our religionism, and things that challenge our rule system.

I’m here to tell you…you’re missing the point! Jesus is in our midst and we are too concerned for our own comfort and religious rules to even see Him! I am pleased to know that the majority of the church members in that video did in fact respond with the love of Christ to the “helpless” man. What about you?

Naturally, my mind goes in both directions. “I need to help this homeless man because I know that’s what Jesus would do, but what if he asks me for my jacket and money? I really like this jacket. I’ve only worn it twice and I get a lot of complements on the tailoring and color. This homeless man doesn’t need an expensive jacket, and I honestly don’t think he needs my money because he will just abuse it.” Sounds insane, right?!

Hum, this example might be an exaggerated stretch for dramatic intentions. Yet, we act this out every single day. Does it have to be an example of a homeless man? What about failing to help a stranger change a flat tire in the rain on your way to church…yes, that actually happened to me. When did religionism and legalism become the two chains that keep us from actually living like Jesus?

Dear friends, you’re missing your Savior each and every day.

~He’s at the food bank and soup kitchens feeding those who only eat when food is available that week, but I can’t volunteer because of all my committee responsibilities.

~He’s on the side of the road in the pouring down rain comforting the young man trying to change a flat tire, but I really don’t want to get soaked before church.

~He’s at the altar of your church when a teenager submits to the Holy Spirit and walks to the front to claim the mercy seat of forgiveness and grace, but everyone knows we finish at noon so we really need to wrap this up so we can go home.

~He’s at the grocery store when the lines are so long that you want to send a complaint to administration for inconveniencing you because we all know our time is more precious than waiting for anything.

~He’s at the drive-thru window where a young worker is trying to make enough cash to help pay the bills so the water doesn’t get turned off the next day, but she was rude to me so I will do everything in my power to get her fired.

~He’s in your office when a co-worker asks you how you remain joyful and hopeful no matter life’s trials, but a report is due so you brush him off.

I’m afraid that we are all missing it…better yet…we are missing Jesus right in front of us. I’m here to tell you, it’s not about checking off boxes in your life, in your church, in your home. It’s not!  It’s about being filled with the Holy Spirit where you can only see through His eyes in all your environments. I can tell you that I’m done checking off spiritual boxes. My Father did not send His one and only Son for me to waste any more time…the gift of salvation is absolutely just too precious to…miss the point. I encourage you to pray for renewed eyes, renewed spirit, and renewed hope that you were placed on this earth for a great purpose, not just a task, a great purpose.

So…keep your eyes open. Take off the blindfold. What do you see now?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Deafening Silence

Zephaniah 3:17

17 “The Lord your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

silence

 

One thing I’ve never claimed to be is a theologian…and I’m o.k. with that! God and I have awesome talks and the Holy Spirit reveals such amazing truths through the Word, which is alive! I came across this passage today at just the right time and wanted to share some thoughts.

I’ve always known that God is with me. I truly do not doubt His magnificent presence in and around me. But…truth be told…the silence can be deafening. Some times I wonder as I sit unmoved on the Potter’s wheel, “Lord, what will you make of me today?…Lord?! Do you hear me?” I find myself sitting on the Master’s wheel waiting to hear His foot press against the pedal igniting the spinning wheel. I yearn to feel the breath that sparked life into man upon my heart as it brings comfort. I anticipate the Potter’s skillful hands shaping a vessel requiring painful trimming at times but the result is priceless in the end.

I sit and ask, “Lord, do you want me to be a basin today? I’ll take the dirt from those around me as long as you give me strength to help me impart the cleansing power of encouragement. Wait, maybe a cup, Lord. Fill me up and allow me to overflow your love onto those around me. Hum, let me think…a vase! Yes, Lord, I am willing to be an open container where you are glorified and shown for all to see.”

Yet, I wait! You see, I’ve been those things before. I know how to operate easily in the world of “basins, cups, and vases.” In the deafening silence, I have found myself begging God to build me into something familiar…something I could easily control to gain peace…ah…not Godly peace but worldly peace. That’s where we all fail.

So the question truly remains, “Do we/I really trust the Potter’s hand?” Based on the passage above, I want to change my perspective and I ask that you do the same! Let us bask in knowing that God is always with us because His Spirit lives in us. I will rest in knowing that my God may show His love in quiet times and also rejoice over me with shouts of joy.

I encourage you to always remember that there is no greater love than God sending His only Son, Jesus, to die for us while we were still sinners. Therefore, even in the deafening silence, I know I am loved. Stay on the wheel my dear friends! The greatest deception from our enemy is to make you believe that God is finished with you. Don’t ever believe that your wheel is not moving…what will He make of you now?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Stand Still

Exodus 14:14

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

praying by the lake

[Narrative]

The finish line draws near; however, peace is not my prize. As I pick up speed, I notice the ribbon sagging from the weight of this world. It drips with sorrow, lies, hypocrisy, disunity, and pride. The ribbon holders laugh at my stride and posture which once represented faith, hope, and love. A quick look over my shoulder reinforces my deepest fears…I’m on the wrong road.

My foot strikes the ground with discernible force through the activation of every fiber in my body causing me to abruptly stop. Both force and motion propel me to the ground; yet, I refuse to brace the fall. Through slow-motion action, my past replays through my mind just before slamming face-first into the ground…stillness.

Multiple wounds appear but the origin is suspicious. After careful inspection, my flesh is unharmed but my soul is damaged. Each movement in an attempt to get back on my feet deepens the fragile soul. A prayer is heard and a still small voice whispers from above.

Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I am lifted into the Father’s arms where the shadow of the Almighty soothes my soul. I am taken to a mighty oak tree. The Holy Spirit imparts wisdom and truth while resting under the branches. The shifting shadows and flickering lights force a weary mind to be still and know that He is God for only God could make light dance through the trees. I am whisked away high upon a mountaintop where the snow sings a gospel chorus. I see the Father’s hand effortlessly conducting this melodious symphony bringing praise back into His arms. I am then carried to the seashore where the sand welcomes the tide as if begging to be refreshed. My eyes are unveiled as I observe the Father placing the waves exactly where He pleases. The boulders accept His announcement by clapping the waters together resulting in an eruption of praise.

A gentle stare is interrupted with the warmest of touches. The Father’s hands rest on my shoulders causing me to fall backwards. This fall was most certainly different than the one before. I expected an embrace this time! My soul fell upon His gentle embrace and my faith was restored. As I attempted to look into His face, the blinding light shouts a promise, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

I then awaken on my new road…one with purpose and paved with His will. My eyes remain on the cross as a great cloud of witnesses cheer me on. The fiery darts do not stop; however, they are extinguished by the blood covering of the spotless Lamb. Each step brings new meaning and strengthens my desire to do more for the Kingdom, and praises abound from a heart overjoyed with knowing that I am truly free!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 1 Comment

Revive

2 Chronicles 7:14

14 if My people who are called by My name put away their pride and pray, and look for My face, and turn from their sinful ways, then I will hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

revive

Venom drips from the mouths of the deceitful – REVIVE US OH LORD!

Worldly fruits are ripe for the picking in the garden of pride – REVIVE US OH LORD!

Apathy slithers across the aisle and blots out flickering lights – REVIVE US OH LORD!

The dragon’s forked tongue paralyzes the weak – REVIVE US OH LORD!

Strongholds multiple in the assembly of discontent – REVIVE US OH LORD!

Melodious worship is drowned out by traditionalism – REVIVE US OH LORD!

Giants will fall with one stone and Holy Spirit guidance – YOU ARE WORTHY!

The dragon is defeated by the sword of truth – YOU ARE WORTHY!

Venom soaked cloth is washed away by the blood of the Lamb – YOU ARE WORTHY!

Strongholds flee at the faintest breath of the Almighty God – YOU ARE WORTHY!

Dry bones awaken with a renewed spiritual nourishment – YOU ARE WORTHY!

Mountains will fall into the sea from the sound of the faithful – YOU ARE WORTHY!

Dear friends,

I am encouraged because my God is victorious. I encourage you to remain in the shadow of the cross. Remember, our Savior, Jesus Christ, is ALIVE! Keep your eyes firmly planted on Him.

When surrounded by crashing waves, keep singing because the waves will hush in the spiritual lullaby.

When surrounded by the spirit of negativity, keep praising because peace is a strong spiritual weapon.

When surrounded by apathy and discontent, keep praying because evil cannot stand in the presence of the Almighty God.

When surrounded by crushing mountains, keep believing because faith as small as a mustard seed is strong enough to move mountains.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Name Tag

John 10:14

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

My name is

Hello, my name is…well…that all depends. Satan wants you to believe that you are forgotten, a mistake, and a loser. However, God turns the forgotten into the forgiven. He transforms a mistake into a masterpiece, and the Almighty changes the loser into life everlasting.

Names are truly important. They can even shape your character and future. We know all too well that children live up to the names they are called. Insulting names (e.g., dumb, loser, disappointment, etc.) create long-lasting negative implications. Reinforcing names (e.g., blessing, loved, valued, etc.) unlock a world of possibilities. Research already confirms these truths. Therefore, why do we listen to Satan’s lies as adults?

~Hello my name is mistake…God doesn’t want me. I’m too much of a screwup to be loved by Him or anyone else.

~Hello my name is forgotten…No one notices me. I’m living in this world alone. The silence is deafening. I’m a ghost to those around me. It’s not worth it.

~Hello my name is regret…I can’t be forgiven for the things I’ve done. I’m too evil, and I’ve done too many bad things.

~Hello my name is loser…I can’t catch a break. I lose everything that’s important to me. I’m being punished daily.

~Hello my name is tortured…my demons won’t go away. I don’t have the strength to fight anymore.

Do any of these names sound familiar? Some of you might be wearing one or more of these name tags right now. However, Romans 8:17 tells a different story, “Now if we are children, we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with the Messiah—if, in fact, we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

~Hello my name is saved…I was once lost but I found grace and chose salvation.

~Hello my name is blessed…My worth is not found in worldly treasures but in God’s freedom.

~Hello my name is forgiven…nothing in this world can separate me from the love of God.

Question: What name tag are you wearing right now? How can you replace your negative name tag with God’s name tag designed for you?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

What If

Psalm 71:15

My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all.

testimony

[Narrative]

~I will tell of your righteous deeds and your saving acts! Dear friends, you have a story to tell of God’s saving grace…so tell it – your testimony will save others! You ALL have a story!

~You tried to steal my joy and pin me against the wall with an angry fist. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~The demon of destruction tried to kill my innocence as my cries absorbed into the wall. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Selfishness and pride consume my thoughts. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Worldly absorption is my pillow when I rest. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Fulfilling every spark of the flesh is your goal. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Substance abuse masquerades as a safety net. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Perpetual lies create a false sense of security. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Personal accomplishments identify themselves as idols. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Failure repeatedly laughs at you as a way to strengthen your chains. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Habitual sin scoffs at your attempt to sacrifice it at the altar. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

~Spiritual apathy resembles a puppeteer. Yet, your testimony releases Satan’s control.

___________________________________________________

My dear friends, you all have a story to tell. Your testimony sheds light in the darkness places. Do not be afraid to speak God’s truth because your message will change lives.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta