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Betrayal & Forgiveness

Psalm 55:12-14

12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.

forgiveness

Betrayal is the ever growing decay that is planted deep within your heart by someone you called “friend”. Through events and platforms built upon gossip that turn into malice and retaliation, the one you called friend is now a foe. You sit quietly for days as the lies take flight through the cracks in the walls working quickly to enter your safe space – through your spiritual hedge as you find yourself weakening the walls yourself through fear, insecurity, and anxiety. The lies creep into your mind like a wicked web of confusion; you are saddened and ultimately heartbroken. Yet, there it is – a beacon of light – just a flitter. It lands in your spirit and awakens your soul. What is it? It’s a prayer! No, it’s the prayer of many warriors standing in agreement for truth and justice. You rebuke the lies and call upon the warrior angels for strength. You now realize – you are in a full out spiritual battle!

The Spiritual Foe = Evil Spirit of Betrayal

vs.

The Spiritual Warrior = The Holy Spirit as Intercessor

The stinging pain of betrayal will take your breath away. David in this Psalm eloquently describes the heartache one feels when betrayed by someone close. David’s counselor, Ahithophel, rebelled against David and broke his heart greatly. Why? These men were not strangers or enemies. They were companions and close friends. Even more, they worshiped the Lord together, which is an intimate act in itself. There is great comfort in empathizing with these great stories and messages in God’s Word.

Yet, I would be greatly remiss if I did not provide the most perfect example of forgiveness when faced with utter betrayal; this example could only be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here in Matthew 26, we see the perfect example of forgiveness in the face of betrayal by human hands:

50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

I will forever be astonished by Jesus’ initial reply, “Do what you came for, friend.” How many of us would greet our betrayer with the descriptor of “friend”? Be careful before answering this because we are called to live as Christ did! We are even called to love our enemies as written in Matthew 5:43-48

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are learning, each and every day, that no matter the pain, sorrow, betrayal, heartache, and abuse that one may relinquish upon us, we are still called to forgive, pray, and love. This is what I call a challenge! The world instructs us, even as children, to “get even.” However, our loving Savior makes it clear that He alone is the only One who is worthy of revenge.

Question: Have you been betrayed by a close friend? How did you respond? Do you need to forgive someone today? Release the hurt!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Unashamed

Romans 1:16-17

“16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Unashamed

The apostle Paul made a clear and tangible statement here – I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ! This type of boldness can only come from one who has experienced God!

Paul longed to preach the gospel in Rome, but to most, this would have been considered “biting off more than you can chew!” From the standpoint of human capabilities, this task, indeed, would be considered doomed before it even started. You see, Rome exemplified pride at its best. One would not consider the Roman Empire to be humble, mild, and meek. The Romans considered themselves “too good” to listen, let alone believe, in the stories of a Jew (Christ) who died and rose to life again. The spirit of pride, power, and control can quickly blind you as well from seeing the truth.

Paul’s strength came from the Lord: He had faith of a mustard seed, and he knew he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength. He had no reason to fear because He was on assignment by the Most High.

As a college student, I had the wonderful experience of being a graduate assistant to one of my mentors. This job responsibility included teaching an undergraduate class for an entire semester under the direction of this professor. I remember walking just a little bit taller with a smile to match on the days I taught that class. Why? I was more than a graduate student for that hour. I was “the teacher!” Granted, all my prior knowledge and lesson plans were assigned by the professor. I was simply the messenger; however, I knew the information that I spoke was true, clear, and important because it came from my mentor in whom I trusted – why be afraid? I was unafraid and unashamed! I can only imagine how Paul felt knowing He had experienced the hand of God firsthand! His mentor was Jesus Himself! My professional mentor was an earthly figure; this would never compare to God alone, but we can at least see the parallel in the origin of confidence.

Paul’s confidence came straight from the power of God that brings salvation. Yes and Amen! Again, Paul didn’t sense any fear in approaching Rome because the power he was bringing through the gospel of Jesus Christ was more powerful than any Roman Empire.

The power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is strong enough to save your soul!

We can stand here today in full confidence that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all who hear and believe. My prayer is that this message will continue to permeate throughout the entire world to fulfill God’s Great Commission:

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.”

Question: Where does your strength come from?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Prayer and Petition

Daniel 9:15-19

15 “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts,turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill.Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.

17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear;open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”

Prayer

My dear friend Leslie M. reminded me of “Daniel’s Prayer” this morning. The entire prayer is recorded within Daniel 9:1-19. However, verses 15-19 spoke volumes to me this morning, and it is always worth sharing! I strongly encourage you to read this entire passage beginning with verse 1.

What do I see and hear when I read this passage? Prayer and Petition!

Even more, I see a man demonstrating intimate conversation with “the great and awesome God” (v4). This type of intimate dialogue does not happen overnight. This reminds me of my relationship with my closest friends. Did we start out in complete openness, unity, likemindedness, and most importantly trust? Absolutely not! This type of relationship requires time, communication, detail, active listening, faith, love, and trust. Does this sound familiar? As humans, we can easily ascribe these characteristics to our earthly relationships, and we truly understand these steps. Yet, many of us fail to apply the same interpersonal communication rules and regulations to our relationship with God Almighty.

We go about our day with very little interaction with the One who created us in His image! Yet, when disaster strikes, we hit our knees expecting, at the very least, an answer from the One whom we have ignored. Does He still listen? Emphatically YES because He is omniscient; He knows absolutely everything before we even speak it. I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating – nothing surprises the Creator of Heaven’s Armies.

It is not for me to say or analyze how God answers prayers. I know His ways are higher and greater than ours. What I do know is that we should work daily on building a stronger relationship with Him so that our communication: worship, prayers, and petition align with His will. Speaking from experience, there is nothing in this life more satisfying than tasting God’s richness through intimate communication.

In this passage, Daniel lowers himself by confessing the sins he and Israel have committed. He praises God for His grace and mercy, and he petitions God to restore His people and land in order that God will be gloried – don’t miss this! Do your prayers revolve around glorying God or you? The beauty in this entire passage is that God did answer Daniel’s prayer because it aligned with His will. Praise to the One who knows and controls all things.

Question: What is your prayer life like (me-centered or God-centered)?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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How to Say Goodbye

Proverbs 4:14-17, ESV Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

goodbye

You finally reached it – the crossroad of a relationship or friendship. How did you get there? Where did it go wrong? You are now facing decisions that will forever change the course of an established relationship. There’s no turning around. You feel paralyzed as you look left and right down a long and unfamiliar road, but the cost of turning around is just too great – Why? Turning around would only re-invite wickedness, heartache, bitterness, and anger – all things that are far from God.

So in prayer and with the strength that can only come from God Almighty, you lift your battered chin, teary eyes, and sunken chest and do what needed to be done long ago – you step into a different direction into healing.

Your very first step is on the stone of forgiveness; it’s a strong yet heavy stone. The weight of this stone reminds you of God’s hand pressing down on you and how strong your Father is in carrying your burdens! Your second step is stronger and lighter as you sense healing and light beginning to renter your soul. The years of tarnish are being renewed by the Holy Spirit Himself. You see, there is nothing too dirty, too wicked, too dark that God cannot heal and restore.

I encourage you to evaluate the relationships in your life. This passage in Proverbs washed over me today. In full transparency, I too have remained in unhealthy relationships/friendships that were marred by wickedness and ungodliness. These relationships oozed gossip, hypocrisy, envy, and pride. I found my light dimming. In my justification and conscious defense, I would utter to myself, “But these are self-proclaimed believers so they must be good people!” As the Scripture encourages, watch out for those who come in sheep’s clothing but are ferocious wolves.

This passage is encouraging to me, and I pray that you find light in this message as well. We are tasked with loving and praying for even those who persecute us. However, we must avoid entering the path of the wicked and falling prey to evildoers. Avoid doing as the world does and be the salt and light as we are called by our Creator God.

Question: How do you say goodbye?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Faith

Matthew 9:20-22

“20 Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years approached from behind and touched the tassel on His robe, 21 for she said to herself, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be made well!” 22 But Jesus turned and saw her. “Have courage, daughter,” He said. “Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that moment.”

faith

My heart breaks! The reality of our broken bodies can often be soul crushing – the struggling aches, chronic pains, unexplained conditions, new diagnoses, etc. seem to call out loudly from depths within that we just can’t seem to enjoy this life. Yet, I know God works all things for good for those who love Him – it’s a promise! I’m thankful to have a Christian worldview that teaches me faith, hope, and love above all things.

In this worldly reality, I learned today that my dear sister in Christ is struggling physically. Actually, she has struggled for some time, but her condition has resurfaced. My flesh travels to, “It’s not fair; she’s a wonderful servant believer!” However, as I lift my head, God meets me in my unbelief and selfishness and says, “She’s mine and I AM!” Yes, Lord!

I am quickly reminded of the passage where the woman who suffered for 12 years approached Jesus in a crowed and thought, “If I could only touch His robe, I would be healed!” – FAITH!  Jesus tells the woman that her faith has made her well – what a lesson! I hear in this passage, “She’s mine and I AM!“

I am challenged to have this type of faith, are you? I reach out for just the tassels of the Almighty’s robe – He’s that powerful! I stand in the gap for my dear friend as I reach just to brush my fingertips across the threads of His garments for a healing – THAT TYPE OF FAITH! What’s so profound is that He knew who was touching Him all along! Nothing surprises the Healer – NOTHING! As I pray for my friend, the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf, and I know He says, “She’s mine and I AM!” 

Know that God is awaiting your request. Pray in the spirit and pray without ceasing. Have faith and know, you are His and He is God almighty!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Blessed are the Forgiven

Psalm 32:1-2

“How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 2 How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!”

Forgiven.jpg

I must admit – this is a grace that I may never fully understand while on this earth. However, I lift my hands in praise for this gift of forgiveness – “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” I am heartbroken when I see those enslaved by their own guilt. This is the enemy’s ploy and his masterwork at its very best! Yet, through the authority given to us by Jesus Christ, we do NOT have to accept this lie! We do not have to fully understand God’s unlimited love and mercy –

WE JUST MUST ACCEPT IT!

In this passage, David is announcing the blessing he received (and all can receive) through the confession of sin to God the Father. You see, David, even Biblically described as a man after God’s own heart, was a sinner like you and me. Even more, David did what all humans try to do at least one time in their lives – cover up their sin! Yet, David provides a powerful testimony of the agony and heaviness his spirit felt when he remained silent and unwilling to confess. After entering in forgiveness through the confession of sin, David received such peace and joy, he couldn’t wait to shout and announce this blessing! David felt such freedom, granted by the Creator Himself, that it truly didn’t matter what anyone else thought of him or what else may happen to him.

THIS IS THE TASTE OF FREEDOM!

Dear believers, no longer live in the shadows of your guilt. Experience the taste of freedom as David eloquently dictated in this Psalm. We all can learn a lot from David. He was far from perfect. In fact, he was an adulterer and murderer. Yet, are you going to cast the first stone? I’m surely not!

Despite the sins in your life, God’s purpose is greater!

Question: What is keeping you from the sweet taste of freedom? Confess your sins to God and bask in His grace and mercy. You are not the product of your mistakes.

You are a son/daughter of the Most High!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Celebration

Revelation 19:9

Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb ‘” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.”

Revelation 19-9

Today is a special day! It is my anniversary. Seventeen years ago, my bride said “I do” to an undeserving young man. I knew I was marrying my best friend and gaining someone special for the rest of my life. However, God continues to peal back the layers of this special relationship year after year, and it is richer today than it was seventeen years ago! The source belongs to our Creator God who brought us together many years ago as very young adults in college. As we elevate our worship to the One who united our souls years ago, we continue to grow closer together through Him. So today I say I am still undeserving, but I recognize I am blessed!

As I reminisced over that very hot Louisiana day seventeen years ago, I could not help but think about another celebration – God’s invitation to the great banquet! This marriage supper focuses on the bridegroom – The Lamb Jesus Christ! The bride is the church. What a great honor to be invited to this celebration! Our duty is to share the love of Christ! Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Father God has sent out an invitation to His great marriage supper of the Lamb. Who will accept His invitation? Have you? Do not delay! Accept His Son today and you will be seated at this celebration at the coming day! Yes and Amen!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Promises

Genesis 9:12-17

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

Rainbow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Are You Ready?

Matthew 24:42-44

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

Are you ready

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

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

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

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

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

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Power in Faith

Mark 9:14-29

“14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Help my unbelief

The disciples learned a very valuable lesson this day! What can we learn from this amazing story? As a father myself, there is nothing more debilitating than being unable to help your son. As the father of the boy with an evil spirit becomes increasingly weary and heartbroken over the condition of his own son, I believe he initially felt relief when he encountered the disciples. Upon his interaction, he might have thought, “I’ve finally found some help for my child!” One cannot truly fathom caring for a child who was being destroyed by this evil spirit – v22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him” – what helplessness consumed this family! Yet there’s hope on the horizon!

When Jesus came back to the disciples after his transfiguration, he encounters two distinct problems: (A) The disciples were unable to cast out this evil spirit and (B) the teachers of the law arguing with them. How did unbelief play a part in giving the devil a foothold in this situation? How does the lack of faith play a part in giving the devil a foothold in your life? Upon further questioning, Jesus learns that the disciples were unsuccessful in delivering this child from an evil spirit. Jesus expresses deep, yet righteous, disappointment over the lack of faith demonstrated by His chosen followers and stated in v19, “O unbelieving generation…how long shall I put up with you?” As the child was brought before Jesus, the spirit immediately threw the boy into a convulsion – stop, mediate on this verse, and be in awe! The evil spirit was not confused! This spirit knew exactly who was standing before him. More importantly, the evil spirit knew his time was short! – PRAISE GOD! The convulsions and distractions did not deter Jesus, He commanded the evil spirit to leave the boy and to never return! Yes and Amen! The boy was restored! What does restoration look like in your life? God intends for you to live free from such burdens, evil spirits, fear, guilt, and shame. These are not from our heavenly Father.

Let us not forget two very important pieces within this story. The boy’s father verbalized his unbelief when he stated, “But if you can do anything…” Jesus responds with a powerful, “If you can? said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes.” My dear brothers and sisters, do you struggle with unbelief like this boy’s father? We must believe and have faith that this very promise is true as God is incapable of lying. Rebuke the lies of the devil and claim this victory and promise for your own life! Just as the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief,” we must pray the same!

The second important factor involved the unsuccessful deliverance conducted by the disciples. The disciples did ask Jesus why they were unable to drive out this evil spirit, and Jesus states very clearly in v29 “This kind can come out only by prayer.” We must remember that casting out evil spirits is more than a proclamation we verbalize in the name of Jesus. I believe this was a humbling experience for the disciples. Maybe we get “too comfortable” and “too confident” within our own abilities and then the words lose their power because this power granted by Jesus Christ alone is mixed with our selfishness. These two cannot coexists! Selfishness will never equate to spiritual power! It’s like oil and water – it won’t mix! Christ’s power rests on HIM ALONE! Once we taint it with selfishness, pride, and lack of faith, then we place faulty human traits on a powerful God – Let’s not do that my brothers and sisters. When we fail to acknowledge through prayer and fasting the origin of our God-given power, then we have closed our spiritual eyes. We then open gates for pride, selfishness, envy, and anger as we close the door on God’s anointing. The words, “In Jesus’ name” carry great power and authority to believers – those that crucify the flesh daily. Let us learn from our brothers that walked with Jesus. Let us not become prideful and remain humble in spirit.

Question: Is unbelief keeping you from experiencing fullness in Christ and His power?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta