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 · 2 Comments

Starting Over

Isaiah 43:25

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

starting over

I am thankful that God blots out our transgressions and removes them as far as the east is from the west. Yet, I must admit I struggle with the term “starting over.” I was introduced to a Christian song today that speaks of this very concept. Granted, this was a beautiful song. However, I found myself struggling with the very phrase designed to bring about peace…”starting over.”

You see, I don’t want to start over! [pause]…There was a time in my life that I would have given anything to hit the rewind button or at least the RESET! Yet, God’s promise reveals a greater purpose for my pain…to share, to testify, to reveal, and to reclaim.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to use my story of unforgiveness to heal a believer’s bitter soul.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to break the chains of a believer’s self-doubt through my life’s circumstances.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to shine the light on Satan’s lies when he told me I wasn’t good enough or smart enough so that young men and women will know that they too are worthy in His eyes.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to be my witness to the unbeliever who doesn’t see how his life can be any different.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want to watch the Holy Spirit flood a room full of men as the words of my testimony fill the space…[Did you hear that?…yes, that’s the sound of chains breaking!]

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to be heard through the song of a cautious child who learned how to rely on God’s strength in order to stand tall as a Christian leader.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want my prayers from a once tainted tongue to pierce the darkness because Christ goes before me.

You see my friends, I don’t need to start over! I know God has washed me clean. Instead, I want my story to be used to heal others – however God ordains. Listen carefully dear believer, Satan may use those around you or certain circumstances to evoke your oppressive past. Yet, 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

To that I say, “You can’t have my story Satan! God allowed those events to pass through His protective hands so that I may learn to trust Him fully. You won’t suppress any part of my being in your darkness. The truth will shine light on your lies and God’s people WILL be healed!” In Jesus name amen.

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

Arrow

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
arrow.jpeg
[Narrative] – My prayer for my dear friend K.T.
I thank God in advance for this blessing! Thank you Lord for faith.
“For I will form you in your mother’s womb my child, and you will fly like a mighty arrow to accomplish My will for your life,” says the Lord. The child replies, “But Father, here in heaven, there’s such great peace and wonderment as we revel in your glory.” The Lord replies with great authority, “Yes, my child, but much will be required of you as you walk the earthly sod. You will see My face in the mountains. You will hear the call of Yahweh in the rocks. You will smell the sweet fragrance of salvation in the rain. You will touch my heart when you willingly accept my Son, Jesus, as your own, and you will taste a sweetness greater than honey when you experience true faith without sight.”
The child rests upon God Almighty’s shoulder basking in thought. The Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon the child. As the child rests, two young men approach. “Sleep tight my child; we will await your return with mom and dad,” they state without moving their lips. God’s light of familial connection immediately bonded the three before this child was sent into the womb. The eyes of the Lord pierced forward and addressed His target with perfection. The bow did not shake. As the arrow was drawn closer to His face, He kissed the child with protection. The arrow released with God’s speed…and an infant cry was heard as a mother and father held their precious child.
————————————————-
I am so thankful for God’s purpose! May we never forget that we came into this world with God’s precision as the master Archer. Be blessed this day! No matter how many times the enemy uses his fiery darts to disrupt your course, God will use all things for His good because He created your course from the very beginning. Praise God!
Thankful,
Christian Armetta
Posted on by Christian Armetta

“The Puzzling Puzzle! Is Christ Divided?”

~Written by my dear friend Ms. Rita Harris~

1 Corinthians 12

Spiritual Gifts

12 Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. 2 You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. 3 So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

One Body with Many Parts

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:

first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.

29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

___________________________________________________________

puzzle

Have you ever picked up a single puzzle piece and said, “What an amazingly beautiful work of art?” Probably not! Most of us realize that the beauty of a puzzle can only be accomplished by putting each piece in its proper place.  As a matter of fact, the designer’s intention when making each part was to ensure that each piece would be joined together to become one awe-inspiring picture of perfection.
Once the pieces are connected and each are in their proper place, a masterpiece appears. Even though each piece has a distinct shape and cut in order to fit into the bigger picture, if they remain in pieces (divided) its beauty cannot be displayed.
The Apostle Paul addressed division in his first letter to the church at Corinth.
He asked if Christ divided? In the High Priestly prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed for unity in the body; He prayed that we would be one even as He and the Father are One.
Even though we are different, we are all part of One body in Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 12, we see that each Christian is a unique part of the body of Christ with different callings, gifts and such. We are called to be united, connected and joined…and when we are, we will clairvoyantly bring Glory to God! The Lord looks at His body and He sees His Beloved Son! This is the most beautiful puzzle ever!
Our challenge is to eradicate division in the Body. Romans 16:17 says to mark them that cause division and avoid them. 2 Timothy 3 says to turn away from those who have a form of godliness and deny the power thereof. Remember, we’re not wrestling against people; we’re fighting the invisible kingdom of Satan. Ephesians 6: 11-12, “Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.”
“We must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace! There is One body and One Spirit, just as you were called in One hope of your calling; One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism; One God and Father of All, who is above All and thru All, and in you ALL.” Ephesians 4:3-6
Let’s put on and keep on the Armor of God and do our part so that the Body of Christ will be a brilliant work of Art for all to see!
Much love and blessings,
Rita
Posted on by Christian Armetta

It’s Not Over Yet

Isaiah 41:10

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation–so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

strength

I wanted to share two powerful passages that I received from dear friends this morning. In times of uncertainty, we can be sure of one thing – God is always with us. In fact, I’m not even sure I like the phrase, “In times of uncertainty” anymore…because God is always in control and surefooted. As a child of the King, it truly doesn’t matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can be SURE that (A) it doesn’t surprise God and (B) He has a purpose if we just get out of the way! We are afforded many examples of faithful believers in God’s word that exemplify these very principles.

I have learned a great deal about waiting, being still, careful listening, God’s strength, and human limitations already this year. I genuinely desire for you to also understand God’s “Lamp upon my feet.” You too may be seeing darkened walls inches from your face truly unsure where to turn; yet you STEP! You step in the direction of God’s voice. You do not have to know where you are going – thus FAITH. God’s strength propels you despite inner weakness if you rely on Him. I love the visual in the picture above.

My inner strength has nothing to do with me! It has not one thing to do with any human measurable level. My strength comes from the Lord! I pray that in whatever situation I find myself in God will be glorified. I am reminded of wedding vows that state “…For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” We appear to gloss over the negative yet James 1:2-3 clearly states that trials will come.

“2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

I pray that we all find God’s strength in the seasons that can be described as “worse, poor, or sick.” As believers, we must be Christ’s example on the mountaintop and in the valley. No matter what…HE IS VICTORIOUS! Stand firm on His solid rock and refuse for Satan to steal your joy wherever you are in this life. Seek Godly counsel from fellow believers and find rest under His wing.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Ability

Exodus 4:10-12
Then Moses said to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” The LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.”
running
Nothing humbles you more than running long-distance races facing pain head-on. My ten-year old son and I just completed the Houston Half Marathon yesterday, and I always learn valuable lessons along the way. This year, I was overwhelmed with joy observing the different “types” of runners: Men, Women, Children, Young, Old, Disabled. These worldly labels define us according to age and physical ability. However, one thing was very clear during this race – we were all runners facing challenges in order to cross the finish line. Some faced blindness that required guides; some faced knee pain that required trainers; some faced amputations that required prosthetics; some faced paralysis that required wheelchairs – the goal was the same – RUN AND FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED!
The most amazing part about the whole experience is that you are able to witness passion, determination, discipline, and grit. This is why I enjoy the running community so much. There are truly no labels. It doesn’t matter what shape you’re in or what physical limitations you might have, you set your eyes on the prize and nothing will stop you from crossing that line.
In this passage above, I couldn’t help but relate this to my race experience. Moses did not feel adequate based on God’s calling. Yet, we know that God is faithful to equip His children according to His perfect will. There is no such thing as a limitation, disability, or dysfunction when God calls – for who stitched you together in the first place? I urge you to listen closely and follow God’s calling over your life. God promises, even as stated in this passage, to be with us.
Thankful,
Christian Armetta
Posted on by Christian Armetta

Perspective

Matthew 6:25-34

25 “This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? 27 Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! 30 If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith? 31 So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

worry

Attempting to control one’s life is a fundamental misstep in the practice of faith…and yes, I’m speaking from experience! God’s Word bathes us in His love and faithfulness; yet, we continue to rely on our own understanding thereby causing extreme anxiety and pain. At times, this life is filled with pitfalls and heartache, some more than others, yet God is ultimately in control!

There are multiple passages directing, not suggesting, that we focus on the cross. Here in this passage we read, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” These “things” do not imply or even suggest worldly possessions to make us happier as that goes against God’s character. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t beak in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

_____________________________________

~Faith is a practice. Practice takes discipline. Discipline is a mindset. 

Therefore, let us have the mind of Christ and relinquish control today!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 4 Comments

Even If…

Daniel 3:14-18

14 Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 Now if you’re ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you don’t worship it, you will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire—and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question. 17 If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king. 18 But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

hot

This is simply jaw-dropping to me! I have read this passage multiple times; yet, it means so much more at this present moment in my life – FAITH! Not only did these men exhibit the utmost faith in believing while not seeing but they also demonstrated something that most of us long for our entire lives- obedience by acknowledging God is ultimately in control. We hear too many stories in the media and in our current culture of how God “didn’t show up” when in fact He was in charge and in control the whole time. I am afraid to say that we have assigned God’s job description for Him instead of the other way around. We sadly blame Him when He doesn’t meet our expectations especially when it comes to waiting on His voice or rescuing us!

Isaiah 55:8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration. 9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

These men demonstrated the “even if” better than most!

Even if God doesn’t rescue us, He is still worthy!

Even if God doesn’t rescue, He is still in charge!

Even if God doesn’t rescue, He is omniscient!

Even if God doesn’t rescue, He is not wrong!

Even if God doesn’t rescue, He is still sovereign!

Even if God doesn’t rescue, He didn’t fail!

Even if God doesn’t rescue, He still loves!

Why?…because He didn’t rescue His own Son, Jesus, from death to save you all along!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

By His Nature

Hebrews 1:3-4

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs.”

His Nature

There is no greater name than the name of Jesus. After reading the first chapter in Hebrews, I felt as though I was transformed into the presence of the King. God has allowed me to discern great truths from His Word because it is alive. However, today was different. To be fully honest, sometimes I approach my quiet times with the selfish idea that the Holy Spirit is supposed to reveal a profound life application to help me or others with the struggles of this world. Yet, today I was humbled…

While reading the first chapter in Hebrews, God simply said, “Reverence!” As I entered even further into His throne room, I continued to hear “Awe!” – revealing an overwhelming feeling of admiration and respectable fear. As I entered through the vestibule, I cautiously approached expecting to hear life’s application to the world’s problems…instead…I bowed.

The Father simply yet profoundly announced the power of His Son, which is the exact expression of His nature as described in verse 3 above. One cannot stand when in the presence of such splendor. The Father clearly reveals His Son’s position even as beautifully described in Philippians 2:8-11, “He humbled himself in obedience to God   and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

So my friends, I did learn a very valuable life application lesson today. It is good and pleasing to simply bow in awe, reverence, and respectable fear before the Lord soaking up His nature, which is the exact expression of Father God. It is here that we understand our true place, calling, and position. I am thankful for worship through His Word. Let us remain prostrate before the one and true Lord Jesus Christ today – everyday – because His nature alone demands it. The day will come when pride will flee from every soul causing every knee to bow in His presence. I encourage you to submit to His authority today.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta