Posted on by Christian Armetta

Mine

Acts 20:24

“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.”

Mine

I love this coffee mug! It makes me laugh every time I pick it up. I honestly cannot tell you why, but the seagulls in the movie “Finding Nemo” by Disney / Pixar simply crack me up! As Nemo’s dad and Dory flop around on the boat dock, hundreds of mindless seagulls begin to swarm the two screaming, “Mine!” as they jostle around hoping to partake in a lovely fish snack! It makes me crack a smile thinking about it even now.

Joking aside, I had no intention of writing about selfishness today. I love how God places things in your life as gentle reminders. This coffee mug, however, is more than a gentle reminder; it is screaming pure egocentrism. The dictionary defines egocentrism as “having little or no regard for interests, beliefs, or attitudes other than one’s own; self-centered.” Whoa! Do your toes hurt? Mine do! Ouch!

smack

I love a good attention-getter! To me, these are the first warning signs from the Holy Spirit. He sounds the alarm, “Red Alert! Red Alert! Turn around before it’s too late!” In our society today, we are driven to be selfish. You can simply turn on the news and see the effects of selfishness, which breeds envy, hate, jealousy, and destruction. As children of God, we cannot live this way! It is not about you. Nothing on this earth is yours. You cannot say, “Mine!” because God alone gives and takes away dear friends. The “Owner” (God) is the only one who has the authority and power to do this. We as “borrowers” do not have any authority to claim self-righteousness. Our sole purpose is to show the love of Christ, share His gospel, and live like Jesus to the fullest measure possible!

This passage in Acts is a perfect example of this very principle. The apostle Paul makes a bold statement in 20:24 where he stated, “I consider my life worth nothing to me.” Yes! Paul got it! Paul’s main goal was to finish his race and complete the task the good Lord had given him. There was no other purpose. The devil spends a great amount of time distracting you from your main purpose. There is a billion dollar industry on self-help and motivation; however, I am here to tell you the only motivation you need is to seek God’s direction in your life and simply—-DO! There is no greater satisfaction than surrendering yourself to His calling. Remember, we cannot say, “Mine!”–rather we must proclaim–“His!”

I do believe I saved the best for last. In order to fully comprehend how Paul lived his life as a borrower and not an owner, we must look at the verses spoken just before verse 24. In verses 22-23, Paul stated, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.” We almost need an intermission to digest these words! 

Simply put, Paul did not say, “Mine!” He is not an owner of his own life. He is a borrower and is giving back fully. How do we know? He was compelled by the Spirit. Yes and Amen! Let the Spirit be your guide. Furthermore, he already knew that in every city he would face imprisonment and hardships…all for His glory! God has gifted each of us with special abilities and spiritual gifts to fulfill His greater purpose no matter the cost.

Challenge: Ask God to reveal any selfish ambition within your life. No longer claim, “Mine!” Instead, let us all proclaim the truth in one accord, “His!”

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Truth

Psalm 15:1-3

A Description of the Godly

A Davidic psalm.

1 Lord, who can dwell in Your tent? Who can live on Your holy mountain? 2 The one who lives honestly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart—3 who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor.

truth

If you have not met my dear friend Ms. Rita Harris, then you are truly missing out. First of all, she will not be very “happy” with me for placing a very large spotlight on her because frankly her life’s mission is to impart the Word of God onto each and every person she comes into contact with; it is most certainly not to edify herself.

I met Ms. Rita many years ago in the business sector, and the best way I can describe her is infectious! She does not miss an opportunity to share the love of Christ with strangers and friends alike. I’ve seen her pray with broken souls without any hesitation while my initial tendency is to say, “I’ll definitely be praying for you,” while I walk away missing a perfect opportunity to minister right then and there. Ms. Rita’s ministry is active, dynamic, and real. I learn from her each time I see her.

Without a doubt, my spirit jumps when she is around…truly! When she speaks, my hair tends to stand on end. My senses are on high alert, and I cannot get enough. She is a mentor, a model, and a beautiful soul! I am blessed and privileged to call her my sister in Christ. She does not miss an opportunity to pray over anyone in need and to share the gospel in all environments. Having said that, I wanted to share a comment Ms. Rita posted yesterday [see below]. I pray the Holy Spirit unveils your eyes and you experience true worship through her words. She is the definition of living for Christ and we thank you!

thank you

From Ms. Rita Harris

I HATE the devil and His tactics!!!!!!! I couldn’t help but think about the scriptures in Romans 8 we’ve been studying for the conference! We serve an awesome God whose only reason for coming to earth was to seek and save the lost!

There are several questions Paul addresses in this chapter.
1. If (since/because) God is for US, who can be (successful) against US?
2. Who (Satan/anyone allowing him to use then) shall bring a charge against God’s elect?
3. Who (Satan) is he who condemns?

These three stick out this morning!
Paul had already answered these questions at the beginning of the chapter!
“There is therefore NOW NO CONDEMNATION to those (US) who are in CHRIST JESUS….for the law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in CHRIST HAS MADE US FREE from the law of sin and death!!!!!

Isaiah 61 clearly emphasizes why Jesus came!!!
The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy but JESUS has COME to give US LIFE AND IT MORE ABUNDANTLY! John 10:10
Paul ends the chapter with another profound profession…”WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS through HIM who LOVES US!

Therefore, it matters NOT what others say or think of us…it really doesn’t matter much what you think…the TRUTH remains: WE ARE NOT VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE!
WE ARE VICTORS!!!!!
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

~Rita Harris

________________________________________

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 4 Comments

Stealing Your Joy

Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

joy

This passage is very close to my heart. I have never heard these verses recited in song until a couple of years ago, and it stuck! More than that…this passage represented a time in my life where I can say I truly “experienced” God. I have been a believer for most of my life; however, growth is a process, and I’m still experiencing Him. My journey, and yours, will not come to a perfect end until you are face-to-face with your Maker. There is always something to learn, give, hear, and impart! I pray that you truly understand that you have something special to share! Yes, each and everyone of us.

This week has been marked with overt spiritual battles in those I hold dear. As I stated yesterday, we are not all that different from each other. Most of us carry around past hurts and sins that we bury deeper and deeper into our soul. We cry out, “What would people think of me if they really knew me?” Yet, at the same time we claim to be redeemed in Christ which brings complete cleansing. Do you hear the contradictory speech? Ah yes–there he is–he has been identified, and his name is Satan, the author of all lies.

Any thought, idea, action, or word that contradicts the Word of God is not from God as God is holy, pure, and truthful. He cannot lie to Himself! This is where the devil hides out my dear friends! He has managed to steal your joy and mine for entirely too long. As believers, there is power in the name of Jesus…period end of story! I am never surprised when a believer steps out in faith and then all of a sudden she is spiritual attacked! I hate to give too much credit to the enemy but this is rather clever–why? Satan knows all too well that we are weak in the flesh. He also knows that the battle is in our minds. If he can convince you that you did something wrong in standing for Christ or play with your emotions, then he has won. Victory quickly turns to victimized! 

I am here to say enough is enough Satan! You cannot have my family and friends in the powerful name of Jesus! Will you make the same claim? True deliverance through salvation ensures that Christ has washed those filthy sins away; they simply do not exist any longer in God’s eyes. So, why are you weary dear friends when opinions are wrongly imposed upon you? We have all heard before that your past does not define you. However, I would take that a step further: You cannot be defined by something that does not exist through Christ’s powerful blood.

When truth is spoken, Satan will naturally interject the opposite by using your friends and even family members as a direct point of attack, “Checkmate,” he exclaims! Oh but what he is unaware of is my God defined the rules, and He is saving His best move for last! My God is not limited by position or rules of engagement. Satan is the one who is limited! So what was God’s last move in the chess game of your life? God stands up as Satan appears to smirk saying to himself, “I won the game-this is it!” Yet, God leans in and with a powerful voice says, “Oh no fallen one, you have not won. In fact, I have been distracting you this entire time while my sweet believer is giving her testimony to many attending souls. In fact, the seed she planted will sprout personal revival that no one on earth or under the earth can extinguish”–as God turns to walk away he says, “I WON!”

Ask yourself, are you taking a stand for Christ? Have you given your testimony? Are you imparting the good news to those around you? I do hope so, and I would also expect you to say, “The battle is real.” Satan is not going to sit quietly as you take a stand. Feel confident that your spiritual team: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit will win any and all battles. Lift your hands in praise and turn the tears of sorrow to fountains of joy.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Overcomer

John 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

overcomer

God shows up in all situations, conversations, experiences, and relationships. Do you truly believe that? I do! For starters, He is omnipresent; He is truly everywhere! You cannot find a place where God cannot reach you physically, emotionally, or spiritually for He stitched you together in His image. You were created by perfect hands! You have a purpose and your gifts are unique to His mission. Can we just say–amazing God!

God is also omnipotent as there is no other force more powerful than God. His power is limitless…I implore you to pause – hit the rewind button and simply claim that one more time! His power is LIMITLESS! As you speak truth, there is strength building up inside of you because being a child of God is more than a special blessing; it’s an honor that cannot be contained. Finally, God is omniscient. There is absolutely nothing that takes Him by surprise! Now—exhale!

I was blessed to see God in three conversations today. Don’t miss the importance in that initial sentence. I strive, as imperfect as I am, to see God in all encounters. I ask myself, “What do You want me to learn from this conversation, meeting, interaction Lord?” Often I fail because I can be rather egocentric, task-oriented, and simply impatient. This flesh-oriented focus pulls me away from my mission which is simply His mission – imparting the love of Christ and sharing the good news of Jesus whenever and however I can.

However, after a very spiritually uplifting morning where my small group spent time edifying each other through Scripture and words of encouragement, I felt as though I was fully charged and ready to take on the day. What did I encounter through these very meaningful conversations? I found a common theme. We all hurt…I pause because my spirit groans. We are all currently suffering or have suffered in this life! As human beings, we are not all that different dear friends. Our hearts long for love and acceptance. We struggle with fear, anxiety, the unknown, painful addictions, battles, and loneliness. Yet, our face—yes, our face tells a different story.

We wake up each morning and sift through a drawer of masks trying to find just the right one; the mask that will hide the hurt we are carrying! We pass colleagues in the hallways and smile just praying that our masks are not unveiled. We worry, “Did they notice? Is it still on?” I couldn’t help but appreciate Necole Allen’s Facebook message when she mentioned that her face can tell her mood before she speaks. I truly can relate!! I am one who cannot wear masks well either. Yes, I try them on, but they seem to fall off rather quickly! I guess I haven’t learned how to tie them well. In fact, my face tends to “get me in trouble” well before my tongue.

Truth be told, we are all struggling, and we are all holding onto something in the past. Yet, my God is a deliverer and a healer! I emptied my “mask drawer” long ago and I beg you to do the same. Jesus is the best example of an overcomer any believer could hope for! Not only did He overcome every temptation, He overcame death in order to bring us life! YES AND AMEN! That is enough to send you rejoicing and dancing for joy. I hear chains falling, do you?

TAKE THE MASKS OFF FRIENDS! Satan has an army manufacturing them and supplying you fancy ones, but they are still chains! BREAK THE CHAINS through Christ.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 5 Comments

Thoughts

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


This passage has always been such a wonderful reminder when I am feeling rather “out of control!” However, I typically stop at verse 7. During my reading today, I continued, and I’m glad I did. God really spoke through this directive. 

When my structured, well-planned, and some would say obsessively organized day begins to unravel, I am usually quick to make my requests known to God because I know I am lost in this sea of uncertainty, challenge, and trial. Yet, I will be the first to admit my thoughts throughout the day tend to focus more on the negative rather than what is right, lovely, and pure. We all can say, “The struggle is REAL!” 

This is where faith meets action for me! How can I claim to not be anxious and present my requests to God when hours later complaints cloud my conscience and judgment jars my praise? Are we convicted yet? I am! 

So, I crank up the praise music and sing like no one is watching for I refuse to be tormented by the lies of the devil. Remember friends, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness! Yes, there it is! I can’t figure this out and neither can you so let go and let God!

Even more, we are to think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Dear friends, I can think of only one person who is noble, right, pure, and worthy of praise – Jesus! It is in the moment of praise that we truly experience the type of peace that guards both our hearts and minds – WOW!

Satan would like to make you believe that you have some form of control over whatever situation you are in. Yet, we are clearly limited. Releasing through faith brings fulfillment. 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

God is Awe-Inspiring

Amos 8:9

“And on that day,” declares the Lord God, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.”

solar

 

I must admit…I am not tired of talking about the solar eclipse today, and I will tell you why. While watching The Weather Channel to see the first videos of the total solar eclipse, I couldn’t help but sense God’s presence as millions gathered to watch this celestial event.

Even more, The Weather Channel reporter began to cry as she attempted to verbalize how “touching” the experience truly felt in person. To be completely honest, this pierced my heart. It is during these times that we become simply overwhelmed with God’s awesomeness; our brains truly cannot comprehend the magnitude of His creation let alone His love for while we were still sinners He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us!

While scientists attempted to explain the statistics and physics concerning the axis, speed, size, angle, and degree of all three body masses moving in harmony to create such a speculator display, all I could truly think about was…Look at You God!

shadow

I was able to walk out of the hospital at just the right time to catch a perfect display of God’s beauty. My senses were overtaken when I visually processed hundreds of tiny eclipse shadows on the sidewalk as the light shaped the leaves in perfect mirror image of the solar eclipse. In my mind, God’s detail is far-reaching my friends.

While we are busy looking at the “obvious” in life, He is masterfully orchestrating the intricate details to support His will to perfection! In other words, how many times have we cursed God for abandoning us or being silent far too long when the whole time we were standing on hundreds of His promises without notice? This draws me back to the tiny eclipse shadows. I simply get lost in this picture. He never ceases to amaze me!

I pray that we are always seeking God’s hand in our lives. Remember, while you are looking up and seeking direction, don’t forget to humble yourself, bow your head, and maybe there…yes, there in the peace of humility, you will see His mercy and grace fluttering around your feet as He has been carrying you this entire time.

Question: Have you forgotten to look down as you seek God’s face? He is there too!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Expectations

Galatians 1:10

“For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.”

Believe

The apostle Paul was standing firm on His conviction and obedience to preach the gospel of Christ without attempting to alter it in any shape or form to please his audience or to escape their anger. There is always a temptation within the flesh to change the truth when there is potential retaliation or controversy involved. Yet, Paul did not waver. Paul strongly stated, “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.” Paul understood that he could not sit comfortably on the fence. He was either a slave for Christ or an enemy of God’s truth. He knew the truth and he refused to conform to the expectations of his audience because He knew the truth would set them free! This is standing firm on the solid rock of Christ! This is true faith…I believe…do you?

In full transparency, this verse in Galatians still pierces my heart every time I read it. During my college freshman year at Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana, which is now ULM, I surrounded myself with strong Christian believers. I knew it was vital to my Christian health and to continue my spiritual growth as a very young adult away from my parents. As my first year of college was coming to a close, a close friend and prayer partner asked to meet with me for Bible study, prayer, and to simply visit. This was pretty typical so I was excited for the opportunity to sharpen each other through God’s word and revelation. To my surprise, this mentor and friend read this verse and said the following words, “I feel as though you spend a great deal of time working to please others and should instead work to please God in all that you do.”

man alone

Heartbreak…I would be lying if I told you that I openly accepted this revelation and spiritual correction. Instead, I distinctively remember feelings of anger, pride, and even embarrassment rushing to the surface.  I thought, “How could he say that about me?” I sadly internalized that moment and used it to fuel a seed of anger. I learned to be quick to anger and impatient. It wasn’t until many years later through many more encounters with the love of Christ that I finally broke…my friend was right all those years ago! I did spend countless hours, years, and possibly decades working to please those around me to be accepted. Yet, God was standing with open arms the entire time gently calling, “I accept you just the way you are, come to Me!” My entire personality changed. I became softer, more compassionate, loving, long-suffering, and empathic. My focus was firmly on Christ. This reminds me of Colossians 3:17 that says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Expectations can be positive generating where one is motivated to achieve far more than ever imagined. On the other hand, expectations can mimic chains which are imposed unjustly where one is bound in place. Today, I pray that you break the chains of expectation! Christ came to set the captives free! You are here on this earth for a greater purpose and it is not to simply win the favor of people. You are here to share the gospel of Christ to all the nations of the world.

Question: Are you being held down by the expectations of others? Are you striving to win the favor of people or God?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The Mystery of Time

3 There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
6 a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

seasons

I truly love when you have an “aha moment” during your day. I also call these God-winks! My prayer has always been to be keenly aware of God’s voice throughout the day. My dear friends, I just don’t want to miss anything, and I know you feel the same! There are so many stories and lessons from His creation to the words spoken from an innocent child’s heart that we can see and hear God in all things. My prayer for you is that you seek His face and voice in all things because trust me, He is speaking…even in the silence there is a message.

While wrapping up the work day, I was talking to a coworker who made a profound statement that simply washed over me…”What would I say to myself if I were my own best friend?” I couldn’t help but interject and ask this friend to repeat this self-reflecting interrogative. I braced myself on the wall as I continued to feel the Holy Spirit flood my soul with memories and edification. I couldn’t help but reflect upon my life and the seasons I have endured. This was almost a soul-cleansing experience.

The message that continued to boil up inside of me following this question involved “seasons of life.” God paints us a beautiful example, naturally a perfect example, of change; this change occurs four times a year without fail in reference to our particular weather patterns and physical divisions of the year. However, we also experience seasons of life that are also characterized by divisions in life patterns, behaviors, experiences, emotions, friends, family, and trials.

So, why do we accept the changes in our weather through the four natural seasons yet we fail to accept change ordained in our own lives? Yes, let that sink in for a moment. That actually may sting a little. As human beings, we crave consistency for the most part. We thrive on familiarity. This is where we feel comfortable enough to let our personal walls down…to feel vulnerable. However, when the cool air of personal change begins to blow in, we exhibit stubbornness, defiance, and most certainly resistance!

The best example I can provide is through friendships. Throughout my lifetime, I have had seasons of very close friends, those that I spoke to daily and spent a great amount of time with. Yet, due to changes in schedules, work, kid’s sporting events, etc., you simply drift apart. This has always been tough to understand and even accept. However, I truly see it as a season in life. I do not resent the change or place blame. I am thankful for God placing these people in my life because I always learn from them. I pray that you always see each relationship as a learning opportunity. God will use anything to draw us closer to Himself; we must be quick to listen.

What other season of life examples have you experienced?

What are you currently experiencing?

Are you refusing to accept the change?

change

God longs to speak to you, and He often places change in your path to (A) draw your focus to the King and to (B) build your faith. The worst thing you could do is to hold on to what God is trying to let go. If you find yourself in a season of change, I encourage you to evaluate what you learned. Then, I strongly encourage you to walk confidently through the door He has opened.

Where God leads, He provides.

Where God leads, He protects.

Where God leads, He teaches.

Where God leads, He sharpens.

Where God leads, He molds.

Where God leads, He crafts perfection.

Dear friends, do not hold on to the things that God has removed or is attempting to remove in your life. Where He closes one door, He opens another. Keep your eyes focused on the cross and you will always be surefooted. You will pass through many doors throughout your life. As you walk through, don’t look back! God is escorting you ahead. Turning around only invites Satan to confuse you and play with your emotions. May you be blessed and protected as you travel your God-given mission accepting your beautiful seasons of life.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Tempted yet Triumphant

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

freedom

In order to fully understand this passage, we must back up just a bit and read Matthew 3:16-17, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'”

After this mountaintop revelation and spiritual experience, Jesus was then led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. As the reader, you almost want to look up from the Bible, tilt your head, and simply contemplate the sequencing of events between these verses…in turn, you really want to say, “Huh? What just happened here?” In one sense, there is pure joy, celebration, and affirmation. Then in the blink of an eye, there is trial, tribulation, and pain. What I truly love about this Biblical application is how familiar this sounds to our everyday lives. This just might sound like your life too. How many times have you gone from mountaintop moments to deep valley difficulties within a blink of an eye? See, you can relate! This is why God is a personable Father! He can relate to absolutely every one of life’s moments! The common denominator is that Jesus experiences VICTORY in both mountaintop moments and deep valley difficulties. We can most certainly learn from Him and we must lean on Him daily. 

First, there is victory in God the Father affirming the identity and mission of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we witness the trinity converge during Jesus’ baptism. Secondly, there is victory in trials as Jesus used the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, to successfully defeat the devil despite being physically weakened from hunger. We are taught in Ephesians chapter 10 to put on the full armor of God. Most of the armor is defensive in nature: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace fitted over your feet, shield of faith, helmet of salvation. Yet, there appears to be one offensive tool: sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Why is there only one offensive measure? Because you only need one to defeat the devil! The word of God is that powerful! Yes and amen! The most amazing thing is that devil knows it too! Do not stand for his lies. He cannot control you when you are under the authority of Jesus Christ. James 4:7 clearly states, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” AMEN!

armor of god

Question: How can you learn to achieve victory in life’s mountaintop moments and deep valley difficulties?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Rooted

Colossians 2:7

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

Rooted

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

Rooted in Him

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

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

Do we see the connection?

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

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

Thankful,

Christian Armetta