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Mercy

Titus 3:4-6

“4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy,
through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

MERCY

Missy Landscape Water Picture

Do you ever experience days and even weeks where you get punched in the gut everywhere you turn? During refinement seasons, it appears as though all living environments are gateways for attack; this could include work, home, social, etc.

I recently spoke of how easy it is to sit on the “shelf of life” where you experience very little to no disruptions. Yet, this is not our calling. As a believer, I am very aware of spiritual battles, gateways, and Satan’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy – there is no other plan. I am also very well aware of God’s refinement. You see, God takes all of our impurities, applies heat, and takes a very close look at His masterpiece! What is He looking for? His reflection! Why? God molds and applies perfect heat within your life until it is pure enough to reflect His image, which is the same process of removing impurities and imperfections from the finest gold – there is always a beginning and a journey!

 

My prayer is twofold. First, I give a thanksgiving prayer to God Almighty for His perfect mercy and grace. Dear friends, we are sinners; we are human; we make mistakes, and there is not one single thing you can do to earn God’s mercy and grace. This was freely given through the perfect sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. Come to the end of yourself – simply stop trying to earn His forgiveness and accept it.

Secondly, my prayer is that we grant those in our lives tender mercy and grace each and every day. We are called to live as Christ, who bore our sin’s yet lived a perfect life. We live in an imperfect world. We are surrounded by sin, chaos, and confusion. Yet, the beacon of light is love, tender mercy, and grace when you just don’t feel like it.

Let’s be transparent, you will hurt those you love because you are human. You will also get your feelings hurt by someone you call friend, neighbor, spouse, child, etc. However, forgiveness rests in the arms of mercy and grace as God looks down and says, “I did it for you–you must do it for others!”

The choice is yours. In fact, we make choices daily that either (A) draw us closer to each other in the goal of reflecting God’s image or (B) repelling others away from us. It’s time for believers across the land to set aside pride and sensitivity and trade it for tender mercy and grace.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Brokenhearted

Psalm 147:3

“3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

brokenhearted

Parched and longing for a drink, I reached into the refrigerator and slowly pulled out one of my favorite carbonated teas. As sad as it sounds, I was looking forward to finishing off this bottle and enjoying the refreshing tastes of black tea, ginger, and lemon suspended in the breezy carbonation – you get the picture!

However, as I’m pulling out the glass bottle, the refrigerator shelving obstructs the bottle rim which causes me to lose my grip; the bottle slowly yet uncontrollably somersaults to the tile floor awaiting its broken fate. My anticipation quickly turns into brokenheartedness as I assess the damage. I am always amazed how far broken glass can travel from the origin of impact. Before commencing the cleaning ritual, the Holy Spirit literally used this opportunity to speak – doesn’t He always! I stared at the shattered glass for what seemed like an eternity all while the liquid crawled between the grout almost symbolizing our path in life!

Aren’t our lives just a little bit like the shattered glass on the tile floor? Do we have moments in time where we are comfortable and unshaken while sitting on the shelf of life then all of a sudden – falling, brokenheartedness, shattered due to forces outside of our control?

I must admit, though, I don’t want to be a Christian believer who is comfortable just sitting on the “shelf of life!” Therefore, in following His will, I will experience the hills and valleys if that means experiencing God and bringing others to Him. Is it worth it – emphatic Yes!

Let us not overlook this simple verse. In this passage, the Lord was faithful and just in taking care of His people. God’s people had a reason to be brokenhearted. After their captivity and release, they returned to their land which had been devastated. Through their repentance, God gave them exactly what they needed. He is a just and merciful Father and “binds up wounds.”

If you find yourself brokenhearted, look up! God is the Master Healer; He can heal any broken heart, but you must be willing to give him the pieces.

 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Check out this wonderful blogger next:

https://jeffulrichlegaciesblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/global-health-alert/

 

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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

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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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Overcome This World

1 John 5:4-5

“4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Cross is not a dead end

I took this picture several years ago in my hometown. I have driven by this sign and cross for years. However, one day the Holy Spirit literally said, “STOP the car, pull over, and really take a look!” – so I did! Granted, the picture was snapped using a cellphone that one would consider to be outdated by today’s standards but please bare with the lack of editorial quality – because the message is still just as important and the same!

What do you see here? My heart raced as the Spirit of God spoke loud and clear – To the world, death is a dead end, but for those who believe in My Son, Jesus Christ, the cross is the way to life everlasting!

I was reminded of this picture while reading my Bible in 1 John chapter 5. I love the word “victory” used in this passage. Not only are we granted mercy, grace, forgiveness, and the gift (and I truly mean free gift) of salvation, but we must fully understand that the message behind the cross is complete victory! Victory not only over sin but death, fear, defeat, abuse, addiction…Praise God for complete victory.

You see, I can live without a lot of things in this life. I’m learning most, if not all, of the things in our lives that attempt to entertain us in an effort to increase our productivity and happiness in fact draw us away from our true purpose – sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. So, I can live without watching t.v. for hours daily; I can live without driving the most expensive car; I can live without buying the newest electronic gadget. Yet, the one thing I cannot live without is the cross, and trust me when I say, You cannot either!

This passage brings me such peace, and I pray the same for you dear readers and friends. There is no guessing when it comes to the secret of overcoming this world. The answer lies within the cross – the very One who laid down His life to save you and me – Jesus.

If you see your life’s journey as a dead end, please seek answers within Jesus. There is absolutely NO dead end with Jesus. “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Question: Do you see your life’s journey on a dead end road? How do you overcome this world and receive victory?

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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Sacrifice

Luke 9:23

“23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Follow me

What is the true measure of a man? We have all heard this saying from a skewed worldview; however, what does the Bible say about this topic? I can quickly tell you that true sacrifice, taking up your cross daily, and following Jesus Christ is the ONLY measure that matters!

This week, my wife and I are hosting three staffers from “Camp in the City.” This is a day camp, Monday through Friday, where campers experience Jesus through a variety of activities: Bible study, worship time, and other camp activities such as rock climbing all while actively engaging with college students who have sacrificed their entire summer to travel across the country to serve as followers of Jesus Christ.

I would call this true sacrifice! 

In our current society, we learn to be selfish and envious of others. What does this look like in our day-to-day lives? “My car isn’t as nice as his.” “My house isn’t as big as hers.” “I wish I had the newest cellphone like my friend.” “I work harder than she does.” You see, we are constantly comparing ourselves – why? Our society teaches us such practices. Yes, my dear friends, this is not Christ-like.

Denying yourself brings true freedom!

It is beyond refreshing to listen to these young adults while they share their passion for leading young children and today’s youth by living like Jesus. As they ponder their future, they know that Jesus is at the center of their decisions. They are the quintessential definition of role-model while here on earth.

We must be full of Jesus and less of ourselves! 

 

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