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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

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 6 Comments

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

Posted on by Christian Armetta

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

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

How to Say Goodbye

Proverbs 4:14-17, ESV Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

goodbye

You finally reached it – the crossroad of a relationship or friendship. How did you get there? Where did it go wrong? You are now facing decisions that will forever change the course of an established relationship. There’s no turning around. You feel paralyzed as you look left and right down a long and unfamiliar road, but the cost of turning around is just too great – Why? Turning around would only re-invite wickedness, heartache, bitterness, and anger – all things that are far from God.

So in prayer and with the strength that can only come from God Almighty, you lift your battered chin, teary eyes, and sunken chest and do what needed to be done long ago – you step into a different direction into healing.

Your very first step is on the stone of forgiveness; it’s a strong yet heavy stone. The weight of this stone reminds you of God’s hand pressing down on you and how strong your Father is in carrying your burdens! Your second step is stronger and lighter as you sense healing and light beginning to renter your soul. The years of tarnish are being renewed by the Holy Spirit Himself. You see, there is nothing too dirty, too wicked, too dark that God cannot heal and restore.

I encourage you to evaluate the relationships in your life. This passage in Proverbs washed over me today. In full transparency, I too have remained in unhealthy relationships/friendships that were marred by wickedness and ungodliness. These relationships oozed gossip, hypocrisy, envy, and pride. I found my light dimming. In my justification and conscious defense, I would utter to myself, “But these are self-proclaimed believers so they must be good people!” As the Scripture encourages, watch out for those who come in sheep’s clothing but are ferocious wolves.

This passage is encouraging to me, and I pray that you find light in this message as well. We are tasked with loving and praying for even those who persecute us. However, we must avoid entering the path of the wicked and falling prey to evildoers. Avoid doing as the world does and be the salt and light as we are called by our Creator God.

Question: How do you say goodbye?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta