Posted on by Christian Armetta

Who Are You Kidding?

1 John 2:4

Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,


I’m truly starting to understand the differences. In one corner you have head knowledge. In the other corner you have heart faith. I have said once before that many will stand before the King and sadly hear, “Depart from me, for I never knew you.” 

Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

What does this look like on earth? For starters, I cannot and will not judge. However, the Word makes it very clear that believers should bear fruit! 

Galatians 5:22-23, “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Where do you see yourself?

-peacemaker or instigator?

-gentle or harsh?

-calm or rash?

-joyful or sorrowful?

-kind or abrasive?

-humble or prideful?

We are not perfect, BUT the Spirit yearns to produce such good fruit when we actively strive to become more like Christ. We must stop saying, “I know him” but our actions scream otherwise. 

Do you find yourself stirring up trouble? Do you rebel against worship? Do you secretly seek praise and reinforcement to feed your pride even when it comes to “Godly things?” Who is responsible for instigating these evil fruits within you? It’s time to clean house my friends! 

Question: Do you REALLY know your King? Let Him search your heart – for there you will find your answer. 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Burdened 

John 14:1-4

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”


We cannot avoid it. We live in a sinful world. The flesh battles against the Spirit daily. There remains an internal struggle in the hearts of every human. Things happen that cause our hearts to be troubled. What does Jesus say about burdens and troubles? 

How can we measure the level and impact of our troubles? The answer lies within your emotional reactions. Jesus clearly states that we should not let our hearts be troubled. Why? He knows HOPE! In fact, Hope = God. Jesus was verbally declaring the promises of the Father! In that, we should be filled to the brim with excitement. You see, our Hope isn’t in this world, people, or things. Our hope is in the Lord. 

When troubles stir, people disappoint, stress abounds, bodies ache, and the mind controls, we should look to the Hope in our Savior. We focus on Him alone for He has gone to prepare a place for us! Do you truly believe? He not only is sitting at the right hand of the Father, but Jesus has gone to prepare our eternal home. He promises, therefore, to return for His children! To that I say – BE GONE burdens! 

Challenge: Dear friends, it’s time to self-evaluate. If you are only on a spiritual high when things are going your way then you need to assess your level of true dependence upon the Lord. Allow the Potter full access. How are you responding to the trials in your life? Are you weary? Are you burdened? Are you depressed? Or… Are you hopeful for the promises to come?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

It Won’t Help!

Matthew 6:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Hands and Feet

Mark 10:45

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.

help

Oh Lord you hear our cries. As the waters rise and the clouds swirl, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

When our earthly possessions snap and crumble like little sticks broken in two, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

When the rain appears persistent with a mission to destroy, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

As our hearts flood with angst just as we count the inches before ruin and devastation, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!  

In the midst of death and despair, there are strange hands reaching out to save, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

Tears fill hollowed eyes while little children grasp on to any source of hope, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

Where separation once defined a nation, togetherness and unity outlasted any sense of indifference, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

As volunteers gathered to shelter the worn by offering light, hope, and love, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

Dear brothers and sisters, we pray! In the wake of hurricane and then tropical storm Harvey, our community and neighboring state of Texas face complete devastation. You do not have to go very far to see the story written on the victims’ faces.

I am always reminded during a hurricane that the “eye of the storm” is calm and peaceful. No matter the extreme destruction lurking all around, there remains a center of peace.

How does this translate to living like Jesus? To me, being the hands and feet of Jesus through service is the best way to “share” your testimony. Often, you do not have to say a single word, your actions speak louder than words.

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”-The glory belongs to God the Father NOT YOU!

James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”- This requires action!

1 John 3:18 says, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”-be the hands and feet of Jesus!

There are many examples of strangers volunteering before, during, and after this storm. We stand and applaud each of you for your service! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!  However, I would be remiss if I did not highlight my personal friend Leslie Morgan for her service today. At a time when suffering is right around the corner, she put feet to faith. My dear friend volunteered at the Civic Center in Lake Charles today for the displaced, hurt, and scared. Thank you Leslie for sharing the love of Christ to complete strangers. We pray that your special touch, warm embrace, encouraging word, edifying prayer, and selfless act will show Christ’s goodness, mercy, and grace to all those you came in contact with today! I know you run from praise, but thank you for allowing me to use this forum to show how God’s light lives in all believers, and He calls us all to serve and share!

Request: If you are unable to physically assist during the aftermath of this storm, please consider donating funds, items, etc. to a local church or shelter. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus in time of need.

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

It’s a God Thing

Nehemiah 9:6

“You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You.”

Recently, I was talking with a dear friend about how awesome God’s timing is in all situations. I said in response to a providential statement, “It’s a strange thing!” She quickly corrected me and said, “No, it’s a God thing!” My eyes widened and I exclaimed, “Yes! Correct!” It’s nice when those around you see God’s hand in all of life’s circumstances.

The story I am about to share is very close to my heart and one I’ll never forget. God used an unconventional location paired with a nonconformist personality to bring two worlds together. 

One Saturday afternoon back in April 2016, I was sitting on a bench at a trampoline park when I noticed this man and his family walk in the doors. From my initial observations, I was not the only one looking at him. From a sociology prospective, he just didn’t “fit in.” He didn’t just blend in with the crowd. What made him stand out you say? From a distance, it appeared as though he was covered in tattoos, even all over his face. Let me quickly interject; the tattoos were not what sparked my interest…well maybe initially. The second I noticed him, the Holy Spirit pierced my heart and specifically told me to minister to him…[pause]…can you image the look on my face after that revelation? I rebutted and said almost aloud, “You HAVE to be kidding, right?” Yet, God had spoken and He was standing firm on His direction. I was in fact charged with ministering, somehow, to this stranger who just walked in to the trampoline park with his family. 

As I watched him walk the perimeter of the park, I kept thinking, “How, Lord? How am I supposed to minister to a stranger? I am just a simple man myself!” The Lord was steady and sure as He continued to build my confidence. I resorted to the fact that I wouldn’t even get up from my bench. If I’m to minister to this man, he would have to literally walk right over to me and sit down next to me…do we sense a little rebellion? Ha, well maybe! Truth be told, this was an act of disbelief. To my surprise, this man walks right in front of me and proceeds to take a seat next to me! I literally laughed and said to myself, “SO, You ARE serious Lord!” I could almost see God orchestrating the whole meeting despite my disbelief or rebellion. 

I turn to the man and attempt to introduce myself; yet he doesn’t hear me. After three tries, he turns and we share introductions. We briefly discussed the meaning of several of his tattoos on his arms, legs, face, and ears. He disclosed a battle that occurs daily between good and evil represented by the demon tattoo on one ear and the angel tattoo on the other. He said, “They battle in my head daily; the battle against good and evil.” Before I knew it, his family was leaving so he got up and genuinely said, “It was nice talking to you,” and then he left. 

“Lord, I failed; I’m sorry!” This was my initial response as I didn’t get to pray with him or ask him about his salvation. Yet, the Lord said, “I’m asking you to pray for him daily and that is ministering, and it’s not over until I say it’s over.” Yes, I was called to pray for a complete stranger…and I did! I also had close friends that met me in this calling and prayed with me as well. 

For one full year, I prayed for “tattoo man.” You see, I couldn’t even remember his name, but I prayed! I prayed that God would draw him closer to the Father and that he would be surrounded by Godly examples for uplifting words. Exactly one year later in April 2017, I saw a picture of this man on a Facebook timeline. It so happened that my wife knew his sister and mother this entire time! It wasn’t until his sister posted a picture of him that we made the connection! This isn’t strange! It’s a God thing!

Since then, we have been able to connect, meet for dinner, pray together, and…minister…in turn fulfilling God’s call and promise. It’s a God thing. You see, I didn’t fail God like I thought I had. This was all part of the plan of obedience. I now call this man a dear friend. I can’t imagine my life not knowing him. I am thankful for God’s perfect timing and His calling. The question is…are you listening? Are you being obedient even when the request sounds so strange? Remember, it’s not strange. It’s a God thing!

May God open your spiritual ears to hear Him clearly. Don’t hesitate when He calls. 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Miracle

Luke 8:50

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

healed

I pray that you continue to lift up the Allen family and sweet Elley as she recovers from brain surgery. There is power in prayer, and I believe fully that the prayers of this community and those afar are flooding Heaven’s throne with heartfelt petitions for a true miracle. The amazing part is that God hears each and every one of them!

There is nothing more precious than watching a child demonstrate such strength and courage in the midst of a storm. In essence, I would say this is a perfect example of encountering Jesus. You see, Elley’s testimony will impact the masses. Her childlike faith will be a beacon of light that will shatter darkness and dispel doubt and fear. Her story of trial and healing will draw others to Jesus for our God does not waste a single moment to increase His Kingdom. However, you must see this through the eyes of Jesus.

Matthew 18:3 says, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” What is Jesus saying here? We must enter His presence with meekness, humility, and submissiveness. There is absolutely zero tolerance for pride and egocentrism. Sadly, as we grow older we trade maturity and wisdom for pride. I beg you to crucify the flesh daily and seek His ways with childlike faith.

Dear friends, have you truly encountered Jesus? Have you witnessed a miracle? First and foremost, the mere fact that you are taking in oxygen and your organs are functioning without your voluntary control is indeed a miracle. I pray that we never become desensitized to that. Secondly, watching the video of this precious child walk and talk following brain surgery is most certainly a miracle. I give God all the praise and honor for His watch-care. Psalm 139:1-3 says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” You see dear friends, we never escape His eye! He is acquainted with all our ways. Therefore, trusting in Him is the only answer.

I believe in miracles! I am praying for a continued miracle. Even more, I pray that God will turn what Satan meant for tragedy into testimony. I simply smile at the fact that Satan lost! The Allen family refused to curse God for they know He is worth of praise despite the trials. Furthermore, we could all learn from the childlike faith of Elley. Allow this testimony to take root and grow. Praise God for Elley’s faith and the outpouring of love. We give You all the honor and praise for You are worthy.

Question: Have you approached God with childlike faith?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Glory and Priase

Revelation 7:12

They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”


Reflection is a powerful action. It requires one to engage in serious thought. I also believe that in moments of true reflection, you step into pure humility. Can we all just admit that we are not as important as we would like to think we are! 

Pride is a dangerous attribute. James 4:6 says, “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'” So the question becomes…when you reflect upon your life,  do you place your focus on yourself or your Creator?

Stepping outside of yourself is not only humbling it is freeing. I pray that God equips each of you with the very best gifts to further His Kingdom. Yet, we tarnish these precious and perfect gifts by our own interference. For He alone is perfect, holy, and just. 

This passage in Revelation brings such clarity in praise. It is almost as if the descriptors which reflect God’s character could go on forever. In fact…they do. Every praise is to our God! The entire world’s vocabulary including all components of language therein from semantics to syntactic cannot begin to describe His glory and grace! He absorbs all things pure because He emulates perfection. 

As you reflect on God our Father today, I pray that you first approach the throne with humility. Then strip off all things “self”; that might be your biggest challenge but it’s required. Then you will only be able to utter praise and worship for He is worthy! Dear friends, no matter what you faced today or will face tomorrow, He is worthy of our praise!

Question: Have you stopped and reflected lately?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta