Posted on by Christian Armetta

Harmony

Romans 15:5

“5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus”

Seaside1

I am often reminded of my previous therapy team that I had the distinct privilege of managing in Plano, Texas. We were just so different; however, we all recognized our common bond as human beings and citizens of this earth. I speak globally because this team represented just that – citizens from various countries across the world.  We had staff members from China, India, Iran, Mexico, Philippines, and South Africa to name a few. What made us different? Harmony!

Our physical features were definitely different from each other. We each had an accent of origin, varying worldviews, and degrees of beliefs. Are you surprised to hear that we enjoyed each other’s company? Even more, we enjoyed working as partners and co-workers for many years before several of us moved on to other locations. I will say that it is through the encouragement of our Savior Jesus Christ that we are to live in harmony with one another.

Sadly, we live in a world where the color of your skin is enough variance to pass judgement yet we bleed the same and Jesus died for all mankind. Even more, we live in a world where the origin of your birth is enough to persecute your neighbor. Furthermore, we congregate within our own cities and towns with those who only think like we do and most certainly believe exactly like we do because pride is soul-deafening.

My eyes span the masses and it’s always the same. We speak of unity and harmony yet our cognition succumbs to the traditionalism and habitual patterns of our existence resulting in stagnate character. This does not exemplify Jesus Christ! He was a master at seeking the different, the strange, the…shall we say, “Sinner!” This can only represent ever single human being – even the one staring right back at you in the mirror. His very existence emulated unity and love! In fact, I had a wonderful conversation with a very dear friend of mine just yesterday who shared this same sentiment. We truly cannot comprehend the depth and breadth of God’s love for us in that while we were still sinners He sent His Son to die for us! I fall on my face at the mere thought!

I pray that we spend each day seeking unity and love for our fellow man…in essence, living like Jesus!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 3 Comments

Path

Proverbs 4:26

“Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.”


I love God’s promises. They are well-established and true. I am sadly often reminded that we “trip” on our life’s path when we veer right and left from a straight path – God’s path. 

It starts with a glance. We quickly take our eyes off the cross ahead. Yet it’s only a glance; what harm can that cause in my life? However the seed has already been planted. Without rebuke and forgiveness, this seed grows in the cognitive soil of pollution. What grows is not a beautiful example of Christ’s character; instead, choking weeds sprout deep and entangle the soul – temptation! 

It starts with taking your eyes off your path. The evil one entices as a lure. Before you know it, you are clearly off your path and into the traps of the world. However, I am here to say that it only takes one action, one moment, one decision to make it right – forgiveness. Through God’s sovereignty, He graciously forgives those who humbly ask. You then place your feet firmly back on your straight path protected under His wing. 

No matter how far you’ve gone – there is absolutely no place untouchable by God. You can never be “too far!” Search Him today; seek His path, and set your feet firmly on His ways. Bask in His promises for your life. 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 1 Comment

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