Posted on by Christian Armetta

Goals

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

saying goodbye

I was reminded today that my goals are not your goals but they all must match God’s goals! You see, in a matter of three weeks, I will lose another spiritual sharpener. I almost can’t even type without the sound of tear-soaked keys. People come and go, but you are never prepared to let those very dear to you leave the close perimeter of your life especially when you have witnessed such spiritual metamorphosis in such a soul.

~My goals are not your goals but they all must match God’s goals.

Sure, it’s not about me but there are always lessons to learn! Just this year alone, I have watched three precious families and courageous hearts dear to me leave the familiar and venture out into new lands. Now, in just a blink of an eye, we will raise palms to the sky and release another warrior into her promised land. Stunned, shocked, yet rejoicing.

~My goals are not your goals but they all must match God’s goals.

As I listened to her speak, I heard the same words uttered from my mouth twelve years ago when God called my family back to Louisiana from Plano, Texas. You cannot deny open doors; God doesn’t miss an opportunity to outline the doorframe with tissue I know! I’ve been there before.

~My goals are not your goals but they all must match God’s goals.

So, I raise a hallelujah for surprise blessings! Yes, it’s not about me but one thing for sure…I’ve grown through her salvation, encouragement, praise, worship, and prayer. May we all learn that no matter where we go the mission remains the same: to love one another and to make disciples. I cannot wait for my dear friend and strong colleague to see God’s footprint as she settles into her new promised land.

~My goals are not your goals but they all must match God’s goals.

This is what I want to be known for truly. Your mission is where you are! It does not matter if you are working at a hospital, in a school, in a church, or at home…your mission is God’s mission and that never changes. This is also why every church should follow God’s mission and goals. Church goals should always reflect that of discipleship and brotherly love. Goals that fail to include God’s clear command will always end in destruction.

~My goals are not your goals but they all must match God’s goals.

Inward self-seeking service is rooted in pride. My encouragement and challenge for you this week is to study God’s commands and expectations for the body of believers. Always remember that the life of Jesus was remarkably people-minded because souls were hanging in the balance. I honestly want you to examine your mission field. Have you lost your focus for people? Is your calendar inwardly focused? Have you become just too busy in the world of distraction? It’s not too late to refocus on God, His mission, and His heart for people. It’s why He came and provided the ultimate sacrifice for us. So, it’s time that we all re-examine ourselves, our groups, and our culture. Let’s all agree that Satan no longer can distract us from our mission…to be light and salt in a dark world…making disciples.

~My goals are not your goals but they all must match God’s goals.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Doors

1 Corinthians 16:9 (NIV)

9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

open door

[Interpretive Journaling Based on a Personal Encounter]

We walked through the door of melodic destiny without recognizing God’s divine plan; it’s funny how a melody can be the master key – capable of unlocking the hardest of doors. The unfamiliar faded with each turn of the “familial knob.” Doors swung open aligning multiple families further reinforcing the body of Christ – the purpose – to sharpen, to edify, to deliver, to train, to correct, and to magnify the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I watched as each member of the familial unit was drawn by the Holy Spirit to various looking doors – some small and crescent, some tall and narrow, some wide and scalloped. As the doors were opened, God revealed one amazing surprise – His purpose remained the same no matter what door He opened. His main goal for going through each door revolved around finding His love, His grace, and His Son. Yes, each door was different, but the purpose was the same.

Each time, the familial unit would gather back and share of their glorious adventures through their doors that day, year after year; they would testify of God’s great work in their lives and even how He turned trials into triumphs. We even saw territories expanded and barriers erased all because God said “turn the knob and do not fear.”

God has continued to bless this familial unit with nearly daily excursions through different doors…until. There’s one particular door that just appeared off in the distance. The knob has a peculiar keyhole that I cannot open. When I look into each members’ eyes, it becomes evident that this knob is special and will require a sacrifice. One cannot turn it without giving something else to God in return; we weep! We place your hand on the knob and the creases in your palm match the keyhole.

We once walked through a spiritually swinging door, but I can’t go through this one. Yet, I see my prayers penetrating with ease! You do not walk alone for the prayers of the unit carry you.

Challenge: God’s kingdom is too vast to get stuck on the wrong side of the door. Take hold and turn the knob. It starts with letting Jesus in!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Less and Less

John 3:30

30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

ladder of success

I just love the running community. This weekend we are celebrating the Beauregard Watermelon Festival here in Beauregard Parish. All the area runners come out in support of the Beauregard Christian Women’s Job Corp to run the local 5K. It is notorious for being hot, fast, and fun. This year did not disappoint.

We all love the competition and seeing who will place year after year; however, the goal is simply to finish which is an accomplishment in and of itself. After the award medals were placed around the winners’ necks and celebratory chatter died down, I couldn’t help but think about our Christian walk.

We spend our entire lives climbing the ladder of success in all aspects of our lives not just professionally. Our society teaches us to climb as high as we can. Some worldly philosophies would even support jostling your competition just to surpass him or her. Don’t get me wrong, I love races and winning medals, but when it comes to our walk with God, I want us to consider this verse in John that says, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”

As we elevate Christ, we become less important [pridefully speaking]. You see, it truly isn’t about you or me – are you shocked? Of course you’re not! Matthew 20:28 also says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Yes, God incarnate came to serve others and to give his life for many who would spit on him, punch him, beat him, curse him, and nail him to a tree. Sadly, we are still doing that today. Even as believers, we abuse grace for recurrent sin. Instead of elevating Christ, we continue to lose focus on the prize – being a powerful witness. You can’t be a witness when you are too busy jostling people off your spiritual ladder.

I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to dig deep within your soul. Flip your ladder upside down. While the world is climbing a ladder that will rust and fade away, spend time working your way off the pride ladder. Let God change the rungs so when you step back on, you step on the rung of mercy, then grace, then peace, then patience, then kindness, then thankfulness. Before long, you are at the top…however, the world will see only Christ in you as you are elevated high like a bright light. Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” So I’m going to keep climbing but in the fruits of the Spirit and not flesh so that Jesus will become greater and greater, and I will become less and less.

Question: What do people see at the top of your ladder? Personal Pride or Christ Himself

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Easter…Everyday!

Acts 13:38-39

38 Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

Easter Jesus

According to Merriam-Webster, Easter is a “Christian church festival that celebrates the return of Jesus Christ to life following his death; also : the Sunday in early spring on which this festival is observed.”

During last week’s choir practice, I looked over at a dear friend who recently lost her son and had a thought, “I wonder what his first Easter in heaven will look like?” God immediately answered that question through the piercing of the Holy Spirit when He said, “The same as it does every day in My presence – freedom, praise, wonderment, majesty, and joy.” I simply smiled and said, “Yes, Lord!”

You see, many of us only celebrate the true meaning of Easter in the literal translation – once a year! The other 364 days we find ourselves in contempt of His great sacrifice as we take our eyes off the cross and gaze upon our misfortunes. Easter, my friends, lives in us every day! We are afforded an opportunity to celebrate this great festival once a year collectively; however, we should individually celebrate God’s greatest gift to humanity each and every day!

I am thankful that every day in God’s presence is a festival of thanksgiving! The greatest news is that we do not have to wait to get to heaven to experience this great joy. The Word tells us that everyone who believes in Jesus is set free from sin:

~Freedom NOW

~Joy NOW

~Praise NOW

~Wonderment NOW

~Majesty NOW

My challenge to you is to live like it’s Easter – every day! Christ came to set the captives FREE! Isaiah 51:22 tells us that “I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again.” PRAISE GOD! This is not a one time a year celebration my dear friends – this is a daily promise! Go forth and proclaim His good news this Easter season…and EVERY DAY!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Awake, Oh Sleeper!

Ephesians 5:14

“This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'”

Awake

~I see you spirit of insecurity…yet my God says awake, arise and stand behind the cross of security.

~I see you spirit of apathy…yet my God says awake, arise and stand behind My all consuming fire.

~I see you spirit of confusion…yet my God says awake, arise and bask in My awareness.

~I see you spirit of doubt…yet my God says awake, arise and know I give you peace.

~I see you spirit of worthlessness…yet my God says awake, arise and know that My Son says you ARE worthy enough to die for.

~I see you spirit of fear…yet my God says awake, arise and claim power, love, and sound judgment!

~I see you spirit of pride…yet my God says awake, arise and enjoy a life filled with humility.

Oh evil one, you walk in plain sight. I’m calling you out under the authority of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Eyes have been unveiled; chains have been broken; strongholds have returned to dust. You have lost. Mighty men have declared God’s victory and denounced your power in their lives. Collectively, we reclaim the ground you stole as Christ followers. In the true Spirit of the one and only God, we say – be gone in Jesus name.

[Dedicated to FWSL #27 FEARLESS! 2 Timothy 1:7]

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

A Gentle Whisper

1 Kings 19:11-13

11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

whisper

“Yes My child?” the Lord asserts. “I’m afraid!” exclaims the broken. “I have had enough,” the exhausted continues. “Enter My presence, and I will restore you!” proclaims the Lord. With reverent fear, the fractured soul walks to the edge. He thinks, “Is this the end of my very existence?” At that very moment, the Lord passes by causing mountains to shake, rocks to crumble, and fire to erupt!”

With jolted spirit, the humbled says, “Thank you Lord for speaking to me in such a mighty display renewing a wavering faith.” Yet, a whisper moves gently across your neck as it peacefully reaches your ear. While the earth is resting from an awe-inspiring display of His majesty, His voice, ever so softly, bends your inner ear in order to force acute concentration to His words…”I wasn’t in the mighty wind, or the earthquake, or the fire. I’m standing right next to you!”

You hit your knees as your brain begins to comprehend the magnitude not of what you witnessed with your eyes but from what you heard. You begin to understand that the Lord’s presence is strong enough to move the entire earth; yet, His voice is gentle enough to draw you away from your deepest fears, anxieties, and heartaches to a place of tranquility and peace…His gentle whisper.

My dear friends, are you watching for God to speak through a “mighty wind” or are you humbly prone listening for a gentle whisper? What a lesson in this passage!

Thought: Awake with a renewed perception of God’s voice and presence!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Vulnerability

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!

sitting on bench

While sitting on a newly dusted sofa, she anxiously awaits the knock at the door. Through the deafening clicks from the clock on the wall, she mentally sounds off every painful second…tick-tock, tick-tock. It’s almost as if time itself is reinforcing her deep-rooted insecurities. Each secondhand click brings forth these dreaded words: unwanted, unloved, failure…She is now paralyzed by her own insecurities and fear.

She cannot remember a time when anyone stumbled across her doorstep much less through an open invitation. Today was different. Since giving her life to Christ, she has experienced a transformation through the power of His blood – transformational! Although continuing to fight the inner demons of insecurity, she is choosing to remove tall walls, layer by layer, that have isolated her for years.

While staring at the wall recalling her life’s struggles, she comes face-to-face with her deepest fear – vulnerability. Just at that time she hears the knock at the door. “What do I do?” she thinks. The dark inner voices come forth and say, “Why did you invite them here? You know they will eventually hurt you! You aren’t worth their love anyway so just hide, and they will go away!”

Tears begin to flow from the deep well of personal torment. She stands up in what appears to be self-defeat; the demons cheer as they continue to press her to retreat. Yet, she reaches for the door handle instead of turning to run. The inner voices leap forward in their last attempt to self-harm. She nearly retches as she slowly opens the door all while fighting her inner-demons.

With the most fluid of motions, the church members awaiting outside glide into the foyer where they individually embrace their new small group member. One by one, they speak words of encouragement and thankfulness, “It’s so good to see you! Your home is beautiful. Thank you so much for inviting us over for Bible study today.” Every single word, phrase, and physical embrace marking the true love of Christ through His people appear to wipe away every negative thought. She turns around to find a room full of Christ-loving believers in the same space where she once gave in to self-defeat and depression.

A smile replaces apprehension! As she walks back into the living room, she offers a prayer of thanksgiving. She is thankful for opening not only her home but her heart. She thinks, “I never dreamed being vulnerable would be so fulfilling; thank you Lord!”

Dear friends, there is no greater reward than building God-honoring relationships; however, this requires vulnerability. Do not withhold your love. Allow God to deliver you from fear, anxiety, and doubt. Also, ask Father God to fill you up with His peace where you can share the love of Christ in return.

Thought: Satan loves an isolated Christian! There is power in community. Tear down the walls and open up your heart.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

It Won’t Help!

Matthew 6:27

“27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

The doctor closes the exam door leaving a depleted man and his hopeful spouse to contemplate the plan of care proposed for the next six weeks. The prayerful yet cautious bride finally speaks up. She walks over and grabs her husband’s hand yet it wasn’t the same. The strong hands that once held her while she delivered their three children years ago now appear weak and worn. She gently squeezes in hopes of initiating a powerful return yet his eyes speak a different story – tired and defeated. 

Just as he closes his eyes, she longs for the days of driving with the top down through the Rocky Mountains while singing old country songs, dancing in the kitchen when the kids were all asleep because it was more fun than washing a sink full of dishes, and sitting poolside reading a book and talking about the future. 

She is quickly drawn back to reality when she hears the doctor clear his throat from across the room. She thinks, “When did he come back in? I didn’t hear him enter?” The doctor says, “Have you all given some thought to the plan of care?” She collapses in anxiety as the weight of the world and the hopes for their family crumble around her. “No,” she answers, “We haven’t been able to talk; he’s just too tired.” As the doctor turns to walk away, she manages to grab the corner of his medical coat. He turns his head while his body remains opposed. He says, “Yes, do you have a question?” She embraces him without return and whispers, “I worry about him day and night! I can’t eat or sleep. What do you mean he only has three months to live? I will waste away worrying so you must promise me that he will get better.” 

The doctor who initially appeared to have very little empathy removed a small Bible from his jacket pocket and said, “I too received some bad news today but couldn’t leave my job. You see, my grandmother passed away today, and I will miss her funeral this week. I loved her like a second mother! I cling to the cross and to the hope we have in Christ to keep my feet moving, one step at a time. For the Word tells us that all our worries won’t add a single hour to our lives so I give it all back to Him in full surrender; it’s truly the only thing left I can do.” 

With tear-filled eyes, he hands her the Bible, and he walks away. She gently holds the Word as she sits at the bedside watching her soulmate rest. She opens the Bible and reads, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). 

As she closes her eyes to pray she hears her husband whisper, “Dear, what are you doing?” She replies with a reverent heart, “I’m releasing all my worries to God for tomorrow is a new day and we will rejoice for He is good no matter our outcome.” At just that moment, the husband says, “You finally understand my love, and now we can truly live!” 

Thought: Life is filled with stress, disaster, twists, and turns. How will you respond? 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Acoustics

Romans 8:26-27

26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

sounds

At first glance, the title of today’s blog just might frighten some of my “Communication Science and Disorders” friends because this college course in Acoustics was tough to say the least! This course included the study of all mechanical waves across all states of matter. It was intriguing and profound. This science even propelled my wife into her profession as an Audiologist. Among many related duties, she now spends her career assisting patients in sound manipulation to enhance their quality of life. Praise God for science!

Among the many lessons during this single course, I will never forget beginning to understand the complexity of our world – the things seen, unseen, tangible, and intangible. As strange as it might sound, I am always reminded of this course when I come across this passage in Romans – the groanings (i.e., sounds) of the Holy Spirit which are projected on our behalf.

For just a moment, I want you to try to comprehend the complexity of this passage – the beauty, comfort, detail, and love for every single child of God. This is not a “special” gift for some believers. This is not a special anointing or spiritual gift – so no man can boast. This is simply how the Holy Spirit works in your life while in complete unity with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

During our deepest moments of weakness – when our language no longer forms through traditional routes from cognitive processing to motor planning – when the tongue can no longer find the strength to articulate the simplest of prayers…our God is still listening as the Holy Spirit speaks through “unspoken groanings” to the Father in complete agreement with His will—for there is no contradiction in their communication! PRAISE GOD!

My thoughts race as I ask, “What does this type of language and sound wave look like God? What beautiful language is coming from the Spirit?” I almost can see vivid lights erupting from the Spirit filling the Father’s ear without uttering a single word because the “unspoken groanings” are just enough! My dear friends, we can no longer believe the lies that we are (A) alone in our life’s journey or that (B) God must have abandoned us because we no longer hear Him. The truth is clearly written that the Spirit is communicating on your behalf when you truly are out of words! Yes and Amen!

Be encouraged and filled with such peace that the Spirit knows exactly what to say—when you don’t!

Question: Do you ever feel like God has stopped communicating with you?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

The Chase

Ezekiel 34:11-12

“For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.”

reaching

The seeker aimlessly wanders the broken road chasing the things of this world in an attempt to fill a God-shaped hole. The chase is lonely and unfulfilling. At every stop, the wanderer succumbs to the traps devilishly placed to distract him further from the truth.

He cries out, “How can I be fulfilled?” Confusion sets in like a dark cloud with the goal to suffocate any chance of light. Desperation replaces hope. The dark voices multiply and spew words of failure. The seeker can no longer hear the cloud of witnesses offering encouragement as his eyes have been long removed from the cross.

He says, “This journey is entirely too hard.” So, he takes the first step off the path, and he sits. In his vulnerability, the dark powers encroach upon his space in the last efforts to destroy. Yet, in the deepest of spiritual valleys, a burst of light scatters the darkness. For while the seeker was resting, he offered a simple prayer acknowledging his wayward ways; he made a choice to no longer chase the things of this world; instead, his Spirit reached to the Father who was chasing him the entire time.

The embrace between the Father and His child was blinding. All evil was repelled. The Father’s wing enveloped His child which offered security and rest. The seeker was transformed into the select!

bench

I am beyond encouraged by this passage in Ezekiel! Not only does our Savior seek us out, but He RESCUES us when we’ve been scattered by the dark forces! YES! I can truly picture this in my head…God the Father reaching down in a mighty force to rescue the scattered. His mighty right hand is strong, precise, yet tender.

I pray dear friends that you stop chasing the things of this world! This includes chasing people – anything you place before God is an idol. We must be powerful witnesses to His Kingdom. Is it time for a personal purge? What are you chasing or even holding on to that is preventing the Spirit from working fully in your life? God is a rescuer – allow it!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta