Posted on by Christian Armetta

Broken Things

Exodus 4:10-13

10 But Moses replied to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since You have been speaking to Your servant—because I am slow and hesitant in speech.” 11 Yahweh said to him, “Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, Yahweh? 12 Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” 13 Moses said, “Please, Lord, send someone else.”

Imperfection

B – Bound by human restraints yet freed through His sacrifice

R – Reluctant to submit to His kingdom authority when fear cripples the senses

O – Oppressed in our human limitations yet inexhaustible in the Spirit

K – Kneeling before the throne offering our imperfections as our only sacrifice

E – Exalting the Savior and edifying the believers through spiritual freedom

N – Nail-pierced markings on the Lamb who corrected all of humanity’s iniquities

“Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, Yahweh?” – Yes, Lord it is YOU! Please forgive our unbelief! What do you see in your “broken things”? First, we see in this passage above that Moses himself was bound by his imperfections. Ah, there we find Satan yet again – convincing you that you are bound by your perceived limitations.

I can completely relate to Moses! Earlier in this passage, Moses battled unbelief and the fear of being perceived as a liar – and possibly fear of being perceived as crazy –  when he stated, “What if they won’t believe me and will not obey me but say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” (Exodus 4:1)

God at that very moment provided several miraculous signs that He would bestow upon Moses to convince the Israelites that Yahweh did in fact appear before Moses. Following these miraculous signs, we see the enemy step in through the gate of doubt! This is a powerful lesson my dear friends. God not only gave a directive, which is reason enough to obey, but He also provided signs and wonders to battle against doubt. Yet, Moses’ immediate response was ‘Nope-not me! Send someone else-please-I’m just not good enough and here are the reasons why Lord!’

Wow! Yes, you hear yourself in that same rebuttal don’t you? We all do! What amazes me the most is that God already knew! Father God is the very one who stitched Moses together in the first place. Yahweh intimately knew every part of Moses – his strengths AND weaknesses. Did that stop God from using “broken things”? – resounding NO!

Question: What are your “broken things”? Are you allowing Satan to convince you that these imperfections – from a human’s perspective – prevent you from God’s work? Well my friend, we just exposed one of Satan’s number one mental tactics, and we rebuke these lies in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. The Bible is filled with examples of God using human imperfections to accomplish His purpose. Remember, He is God and you are not!

~You do not have to speak eloquently to move the masses.

~You do not have to recite prayers with fluent semantics to prompt the Spirit.

~You do not have to have a strong stature to take down giants.

I rest on 2 Corinthians 12:9 which says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Thought: It may be time to stop asking God to remove a personal weakness and instead place it at His altar for service.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Courage

Mark 6:49-51

49 When they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded.

courage

We’ve all experienced it. Some are paralyzed by it every day, and some invite it based on certain activities of daily living. What am I describing? – Fear! What do you fear?

[Pause, think, and journal!]

We can truly all relate to this question. Common fears include financial ruin, death, and disease. Yet, what about those fears that have ripened out of instinct and sprouted dark roots throughout your soul? What do those look like in your life? Obsession, hoarding, debilitating anxiety, anorexia, gluttony, paranoia, depression, alcoholism, addiction, etc. This list sadly could go on and on…but why? What fear or terror have you internalized and allowed to remain in the temple of God? Dear friends, they don’t have to stay! They aren’t welcomed in your life, but you must believe that through the power of Jesus Christ, you can break their strongholds. Yes and Amen. It’s time to “CLEAN HOUSE!”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “19 Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.”

There it is! There is no second guessing here my friends. The Holy Spirit lives in each believer. Therefore, we must rebuke all things unholy from entering into the gates of our temple – our body and soul. The Spirit cannot be corrupted as the Spirit is part of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Yet, our flesh and minds most certainly can be influenced by what we open! This is why putting on the full armor of God is crucial-daily!

If you are battling fear or any form of mental angst that keeps you from (A) fully focusing on Christ or (B) fully experiencing His joy then I implore you to shed off these demons by acknowledging God’s complete control in your life. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Start by claiming this powerful Word and promise! Rebuke these demons in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, and fill your life with His Word so that you will be protected.

Question: Are you ready to “clean house”? I pray for personal revival and deliverance to spread across our community and land.

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

Whose Kingdom is it Anyway?

Mark 1:16-20

16 As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 17 “Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people!”18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets. 20 Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

kingdom

What kingdom are you building? Better yet, who are you building it for? We are all building a kingdom whether we are aware of it or not. So, let’s be informed so we can fight the good fight and rid ourselves of worldly behaviors that keep us from our mission. You see, the devil’s greatest ploy is distraction and deception! If he can distract you, then you can become easily deceived thereby significantly decreasing your productivity to God’s calling.

During my small group discussion this morning, this statement was made: “I want to be a sold-out somebody for God.” Naturally, my thoughts race! What does it take to be a “sold-out somebody for God?” As my personality would lend itself, I could eventually outline a sequencing step or beautiful outline to answer this question…and then I laugh…because God stopped me immediately and said, “There are no ‘steps’ my son. It is the easiest yet hardest thing you’ll ever do – surrender!” That requires a deep-breath moment for me – what a piercing!

What is the one thing we see throughout this passage in Mark – surrender! Initially, these fishermen were building a kingdom based on ‘self.’ Yet, with a simple calling from the Savior, “Follow Me,” they immediately left their gear and followed Him. They sacrificed their personal kingdoms for faith in an eternal and spiritually rich kingdom that can only come through Jesus Christ.

You may never be called to sell or leave all your personal belongings in obedience to God’s mission; however, there is one thing you may be holding on to that must be sacrificed – self-will.  Your desire to be noticed, accepted, praised, and even followed goes against a “sold-out somebody” for God! In fact, I know one other being who refused to sacrifice his self-will. In fact, this being’s desire to be noticed, accepted, praised, and even followed resulted in being cast out of God’s presence.

This may sound harsh dear friends, but your kingdom either identifies with God’s mission or it identifies with the works of Satan. I pray that you spend time is holy meditation asking God to reveal any hidden kingdoms in your life that keep you from fully surrendering! As another small group member stated, “Are we guided by our actions or by the Holy Spirit?” You cannot have it both ways dear believer. There is freedom in the release! As you pray today, be still and listen to these kingdoms fall! Then the Potter is abundantly able to fill and use you!

Question: What kingdoms do you need to sacrifice to God?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Truth

Psalm 15:1-3

A Description of the Godly

A Davidic psalm.

1 Lord, who can dwell in Your tent? Who can live on Your holy mountain? 2 The one who lives honestly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart—3 who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor.

truth

If you have not met my dear friend Ms. Rita Harris, then you are truly missing out. First of all, she will not be very “happy” with me for placing a very large spotlight on her because frankly her life’s mission is to impart the Word of God onto each and every person she comes into contact with; it is most certainly not to edify herself.

I met Ms. Rita many years ago in the business sector, and the best way I can describe her is infectious! She does not miss an opportunity to share the love of Christ with strangers and friends alike. I’ve seen her pray with broken souls without any hesitation while my initial tendency is to say, “I’ll definitely be praying for you,” while I walk away missing a perfect opportunity to minister right then and there. Ms. Rita’s ministry is active, dynamic, and real. I learn from her each time I see her.

Without a doubt, my spirit jumps when she is around…truly! When she speaks, my hair tends to stand on end. My senses are on high alert, and I cannot get enough. She is a mentor, a model, and a beautiful soul! I am blessed and privileged to call her my sister in Christ. She does not miss an opportunity to pray over anyone in need and to share the gospel in all environments. Having said that, I wanted to share a comment Ms. Rita posted yesterday [see below]. I pray the Holy Spirit unveils your eyes and you experience true worship through her words. She is the definition of living for Christ and we thank you!

thank you

From Ms. Rita Harris

I HATE the devil and His tactics!!!!!!! I couldn’t help but think about the scriptures in Romans 8 we’ve been studying for the conference! We serve an awesome God whose only reason for coming to earth was to seek and save the lost!

There are several questions Paul addresses in this chapter.
1. If (since/because) God is for US, who can be (successful) against US?
2. Who (Satan/anyone allowing him to use then) shall bring a charge against God’s elect?
3. Who (Satan) is he who condemns?

These three stick out this morning!
Paul had already answered these questions at the beginning of the chapter!
“There is therefore NOW NO CONDEMNATION to those (US) who are in CHRIST JESUS….for the law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in CHRIST HAS MADE US FREE from the law of sin and death!!!!!

Isaiah 61 clearly emphasizes why Jesus came!!!
The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy but JESUS has COME to give US LIFE AND IT MORE ABUNDANTLY! John 10:10
Paul ends the chapter with another profound profession…”WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS through HIM who LOVES US!

Therefore, it matters NOT what others say or think of us…it really doesn’t matter much what you think…the TRUTH remains: WE ARE NOT VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE!
WE ARE VICTORS!!!!!
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

~Rita Harris

________________________________________

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