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God is Awe-Inspiring

Amos 8:9

“And on that day,” declares the Lord God, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.”

solar

 

I must admit…I am not tired of talking about the solar eclipse today, and I will tell you why. While watching The Weather Channel to see the first videos of the total solar eclipse, I couldn’t help but sense God’s presence as millions gathered to watch this celestial event.

Even more, The Weather Channel reporter began to cry as she attempted to verbalize how “touching” the experience truly felt in person. To be completely honest, this pierced my heart. It is during these times that we become simply overwhelmed with God’s awesomeness; our brains truly cannot comprehend the magnitude of His creation let alone His love for while we were still sinners He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us!

While scientists attempted to explain the statistics and physics concerning the axis, speed, size, angle, and degree of all three body masses moving in harmony to create such a speculator display, all I could truly think about was…Look at You God!

shadow

I was able to walk out of the hospital at just the right time to catch a perfect display of God’s beauty. My senses were overtaken when I visually processed hundreds of tiny eclipse shadows on the sidewalk as the light shaped the leaves in perfect mirror image of the solar eclipse. In my mind, God’s detail is far-reaching my friends.

While we are busy looking at the “obvious” in life, He is masterfully orchestrating the intricate details to support His will to perfection! In other words, how many times have we cursed God for abandoning us or being silent far too long when the whole time we were standing on hundreds of His promises without notice? This draws me back to the tiny eclipse shadows. I simply get lost in this picture. He never ceases to amaze me!

I pray that we are always seeking God’s hand in our lives. Remember, while you are looking up and seeking direction, don’t forget to humble yourself, bow your head, and maybe there…yes, there in the peace of humility, you will see His mercy and grace fluttering around your feet as He has been carrying you this entire time.

Question: Have you forgotten to look down as you seek God’s face? He is there too!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The Mystery of Time

3 There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
6 a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

seasons

I truly love when you have an “aha moment” during your day. I also call these God-winks! My prayer has always been to be keenly aware of God’s voice throughout the day. My dear friends, I just don’t want to miss anything, and I know you feel the same! There are so many stories and lessons from His creation to the words spoken from an innocent child’s heart that we can see and hear God in all things. My prayer for you is that you seek His face and voice in all things because trust me, He is speaking…even in the silence there is a message.

While wrapping up the work day, I was talking to a coworker who made a profound statement that simply washed over me…”What would I say to myself if I were my own best friend?” I couldn’t help but interject and ask this friend to repeat this self-reflecting interrogative. I braced myself on the wall as I continued to feel the Holy Spirit flood my soul with memories and edification. I couldn’t help but reflect upon my life and the seasons I have endured. This was almost a soul-cleansing experience.

The message that continued to boil up inside of me following this question involved “seasons of life.” God paints us a beautiful example, naturally a perfect example, of change; this change occurs four times a year without fail in reference to our particular weather patterns and physical divisions of the year. However, we also experience seasons of life that are also characterized by divisions in life patterns, behaviors, experiences, emotions, friends, family, and trials.

So, why do we accept the changes in our weather through the four natural seasons yet we fail to accept change ordained in our own lives? Yes, let that sink in for a moment. That actually may sting a little. As human beings, we crave consistency for the most part. We thrive on familiarity. This is where we feel comfortable enough to let our personal walls down…to feel vulnerable. However, when the cool air of personal change begins to blow in, we exhibit stubbornness, defiance, and most certainly resistance!

The best example I can provide is through friendships. Throughout my lifetime, I have had seasons of very close friends, those that I spoke to daily and spent a great amount of time with. Yet, due to changes in schedules, work, kid’s sporting events, etc., you simply drift apart. This has always been tough to understand and even accept. However, I truly see it as a season in life. I do not resent the change or place blame. I am thankful for God placing these people in my life because I always learn from them. I pray that you always see each relationship as a learning opportunity. God will use anything to draw us closer to Himself; we must be quick to listen.

What other season of life examples have you experienced?

What are you currently experiencing?

Are you refusing to accept the change?

change

God longs to speak to you, and He often places change in your path to (A) draw your focus to the King and to (B) build your faith. The worst thing you could do is to hold on to what God is trying to let go. If you find yourself in a season of change, I encourage you to evaluate what you learned. Then, I strongly encourage you to walk confidently through the door He has opened.

Where God leads, He provides.

Where God leads, He protects.

Where God leads, He teaches.

Where God leads, He sharpens.

Where God leads, He molds.

Where God leads, He crafts perfection.

Dear friends, do not hold on to the things that God has removed or is attempting to remove in your life. Where He closes one door, He opens another. Keep your eyes focused on the cross and you will always be surefooted. You will pass through many doors throughout your life. As you walk through, don’t look back! God is escorting you ahead. Turning around only invites Satan to confuse you and play with your emotions. May you be blessed and protected as you travel your God-given mission accepting your beautiful seasons of life.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Hate Never Wins!

all are precious in His sight

1 John 2:9-17

9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

Reasons for Writing

12 I am writing to you, dear children,
    because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
    because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
    because you have overcome the evil one.

14 I write to you, dear children,
    because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
    because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
    because you are strong,
    and the word of God lives in you,
    and you have overcome the evil one.

On Not Loving the World

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh,the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

sadness

Sadness overwhelms our hearts as we try to understand the news coming out of Charlottesville, Virginia…such hatred, bigotry, and pure evil. My brain still cannot process the still image of human beings flying through the air after being struck by a car…the motive – hate! In an effort to draw peace to my senses, I quickly reverted to music. I was reminded of the precious song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Words by C. Herbert Woolston, music by George F. Root

Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world.
Jesus died for all the children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus died for all the children

Of the world.
Jesus rose for all the children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus rose for all the children

Of the world.

There is such truth in this song. God loves each and every one of us so much that He sent His very own Son, Jesus Christ, to take on human form to live and ultimately die as the perfect sacrificial lamb; He came to take away the sins of the world. God does not discriminate; His grace and mercy belong to all those who call upon His name. So you see dear friends, our world does not have just a hate problem; our world has a SIN problem! We must come to the end of ourselves and accept Jesus in order to break the chains of such evil. Deliverance from hate, envy, intolerance, and pride await those who seek the mercy seat!

As we pray for this community, the injured, our nation and beyond, ask that God equips each of us to be salt and light! Pray that those with hardened hearts and evil motives, which are borne out of hate, experience a “Road to Damascus Conversion” story that only the Holy Spirit can create. I am asking God the Father to revive the hearts of each believer where His love will be made known and His fame will grow.

Ultimately, hate NEVER WINS! I choose love. I choose to be the hands of feet of Jesus. I pray that this will ignite your passion and drive to follow His lead as well. We must remember that all are precious in His sight – ALL! As you reflect upon our current culture, ask yourself, “What can I do?” Trust me…revival does not start by erecting tents and booking the best choirs. Revival starts in you!

“All are precious in His sight!”

Question: Do you believe we can ignite a “Road to Damascus” conversion story within our current culture and nation? YES I BELIEVE

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

It Is Well

Psalm 62:5

“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him.”

It is well with my soul

I must admit, this picture is stunning! Thank you Anne R. for sending this magnificent display of God’s beauty here on earth for me to share. So the question now becomes…what do you see? How does God move you and speak to your soul through His pure awesomeness?

I share this because I have always been moved by God’s colorful creation. Here in southwest Louisiana, we do not have majestic mountains or thundering waterfalls, but we do have some of the most colorful sunsets known to man. In speaking the truth, this picture does not closely resemble the deep palette of colors intertwined around the sun as if dancing harmoniously across the sky.  The rays strike a prismatic balance of the most well-matched colors one can process with the human eye. There are not many things in this world that can get me to simply — stop and reflect — but this is definitely one of them.

I am thankful for the simplicity in His calling yet the complexity in His presence that invites a busy world to pause and simply rest in Him!

This may be your journey. This is my vision as I interpret this picture of God’s creation:

The road is long!

You begrudgingly lift one foot and place it in front of the other with very little emphasis on purpose. You are simply surviving because the next step only ensures that you remain upright and still moving forward. However, with a wayward perspective of God’s calling on your life, you repeatedly step into your own direction without looking up.

The road is long!

You find yourself stumbling. The gravel mimics quicksand and each step is increasingly weighted. You weep tears of reflection. Why is it so hard? The road is battered and the heat absorbed by a punishing path appears to transfer its fire through your heels. You are fighting against God’s will and the spiritual battles of this life.

The road is long!

You feel alone yet others share your journey. You begin to recognize that this long road is not only for you but is shared by many. You begin to pay more attention to their ease and fluidity and not only your own struggles. Why are they moving successfully down the same battered road? – Life on mission!

The road is long!

In that moment, you come to full recollection that your head has been down the entire journey until now. You stretch your spine and feel the release of many demons appearing as weighted bearings attached to your back keeping you from seeing the sight of angels waging war. The demons dig in; they don’t want to let you see for they know their time is short. The warrior angels light up the sky with unimaginable colors encircling the Son – yes the Son of man. He is bright, oh so bright! The rays from His garment splinter the darkness and you are able to hear His calling.

The road is long!

Your steps are lighter as you keep your eyes focused on Christ. You gain speed and hear the metallic sounds of chains striking the pavement as they fall from your legs and arms…the angelic choir sings, “Freedom found for those who trust in Him!” The road is long, yes indeed, but the journey transitions from suffering to deliverance…peace, rest, quietness overcomes your soul as you bask in His presence. You feel the breeze for the very first time as it tingles your senses. The rocks cry out, “Holy is the Lamb who was slain!”

The road is long!…but your perspective has changed. Where are you going? What is your purpose? If you are a believer or a seeker, come and rest in God alone. Find peace in His presence and be filled with the hope that can only come from Jesus Christ.

Question: What is your purpose? What is your mission?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Inadequacy

Luke 5:18-26

18 Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. 19 But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

21 The teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers thought to themselves, “Who is this Man Who speaks as if He is God? Who can forgive sins but God only?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to them, “Why do you think this way in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?

24 “So that you may know the Son of Man has the right and the power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who could not move his body, “I say to you, get up. Take your bed and go to your home.” 25 At once the sick man got up in front of them. He took his bed and went to his home thanking God. 26 All those who were there were surprised and gave thanks to God, saying, “We have seen very special things today.”

Praying

God has spoken loud and clear today! He speaks everyday; yet, I’m thankful for the affirmations of His voice through various entities. Today, He has spoken deeply through three dear friends. Even more, these messages are in agreement with each other, which makes this even more special. The lesson: personal inadequacy, God’s love, and following God’s will.

In our struggle to remain in control, we find that we sit at the table with anxiety, stress, worry, fear, and doubt. We push back the chair and shout, “Enough!” I refuse to invite these demons as intimate company to my table. I no longer choose to sit in the presence of anything that goes against God’s promises and His commands. You turn around and something changes; you now see the filthy and ugly spirits that inhabit your personal space. How did this happen? I don’t want them here! Your eyes have been unveiled and the lies are uncovered. You are weak, bruised, and unable to carry your burdens alone! In what feels like the last ounce of strength, you call out for prayer! Your spirit begins to rebound and you find just enough strength to crawl into the inner sanctuary where Father God gently picks you up and places you softly under His wing – you rest! Yes – VICTORY! There is no defeat in surrendering to God! His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

In humble spirit, God places before you a vision while you rest. You see flashes of light breaking through the darkness and eliminating the doubts. You see warriors rushing into spiritual battle waging war through prayer and petition on your behalf – warrior angels all around! Legions upon legions of His mighty army are called to your right hand as your enemies fall. A path is created by the mighty arm of God’s protection where you see your prayer warriors reaching in to lift you up. Each one bearing a special gift. You are lifted effortlessly and carried into the inner sanctuary and placed at the throne!

You awaken in God’s arms feeling refreshed and full of light. You feel your questions leaping off your mind into God’s ears without uttering a single word. Your mouth remains closed as in full reverence – as it appears as though the tongue would taint the atmosphere. Yet, He hears you! He answers without hesitation and without prompting for He knows all things, “My child your sins are forgiven. You were brought here on the prayers of your friends. You were carried by those you entrusted, and they await your return.” In full abandonment, you can only utter, “I’m inadequate, my Lord! I cannot do these things you are asking.” With the tilt of His head and a piercing eye, He breathes His Word upon your spirit, “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—with the blood of the everlasting covenant,21 equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen.

You begin to feel His love pour over your soul, pressed down, shaken, and running over. You are renewed, delivered, and sanctified. Through continued prayer and fasting, you gain an even deeper understanding of His calling on your life, your purpose, and your mission to do His will! You fully understand that in your own strength you will fail; however, with the strength of the Lord, all things are possible for you can do anything through Christ who gives you strength. Therefore, go and do as the good Lord has called you. Moreover, seek to remain under His wing and watch Him do far more than you could ever imagine! The seasons will change, your children will get older, and you’ll turn around one morning and remember the day you surrendered to His will – all for His glory!

Thankful for Christian friends and prayer warriors. Thank you Sarah F., Jeremy F., Aimee A., Leslie M., Katie T., Tanya J., Rita H. for all your spoken words today. You will never fully understand how your separate messages throughout the entire day were used collectively to speak God’s message today!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Don’t Judge

Romans 14:12-14

“12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.”

judgement

This passage delivers such conviction! I strongly believe that each encounter, every single one, is inspired to teach. What are you learning from those you encounter each and every day? You are not simply on a hamster wheel without purpose and most importantly without destination. Your life is God-inspired and perfectly designed by your Creator.

I almost could not see through the endless piles of documents, patient charts, and mail as I opened by office door this Wednesday morning. You see, being away from work for over a week can be relaxing from some, but for others, let’s just say – stress awaits! In my organizational attempt to outline and complete my “to-do” list, I almost missed the most important part of my day – interacting with people – learning from others.

The “old me” would have basically locked my door and knocked out all my tasks until fully completed – to essentially achieve peace in accomplishment. However, let me emphasize, the “old me.” I’m not perfect, but I placed my worries and stress into the hands of Father God and kept my door open. Don’t get me wrong…you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal?” Leaving my office door open signifies, “I’m available to you!” Meaning, I will drop whatever I’m doing to listen and engage in your request, your problem, your story no matter what is in front of me or what deadline I must meet. For someone with a task-oriented personality, this can be rather difficulty – but I did it!

During one late afternoon open door encounter, I was brought to such conviction and quietness as one individual began to ask for prayer for a new onset of significant medical complications. My soul rested and peace filled the atmosphere as God appeared to say, “This is what life is about my child” – listening, engaging, sympathizing, ministering, and praying. This individual shared a profound prospective that is worth spreading to the world.

Through her eyes, she sees and has experienced judgement herself. People can truly be cruel, hateful, jealous, and down right mean. In her words, “After dealing with the loss of a child and a near death encounter myself, I choose to love others and show compassion. There is no time for hypocrisy, backstabbing, jealously, and rudeness.” These words were sharp yet needed to be spoken. It was almost like a cleansing. Truth and light are power. Darkness will be exposed and lies will be crushed! The devil has convinced many that it is our right to judge others. I mean, I have “better taste” than she does so that gives me the right to judge how she chooses to live; I have advanced educational degrees so that gives me the right to judge him for his lack of knowledge. I have lived in large metropolitan areas so that gives me a right to judge those who never left “small-town” living; I have worked in this job for a lot longer than she has so that gives me the right to judge her for her errors…o.k. you see how silly this sounds! We would never stand for this if someone outright verbalized this type of thinking. However, we ALL believe some form of this as it relates to our own lives. Let’s stop the cycle now!

We are not qualified, justified, or deemed righteousness enough to judge anyone; this can only be fulfilled by the hands of the Lord. Let us seek peace and understanding as we draw others closer to God the Father, not farther away!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 3 Comments

Arise & Shine

Isaiah 60:1

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines over you.”


What glory fills the soul when you rest on the promise that God is for us and not against us. In a season of conflict and darkness, we hear these strong words – Arise, Shine! 

Currently, I’m in a season of seeing light! While driving early this morning, the sunrise peaked over the land as to announce its authority; it’s coming; it cannot be stopped. It’s worth repeating, no amount of darkness can stamp out God’s light! 

The glory of God lives within us; therefore we no longer shall remain silent – Arise, Shine!

His faithfulness endures forever and to all generations – Arise, Shine!

His mercy is new EVERY morning – Arise, Shine!

His hand is in all things, and He works ALL things for the good of those who love Him – Arise, Shine!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Light Up the Darkness

Philippians 2:14-16

“14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

For a moment, just sit back and take a long look at this picture. What do you see? I find such peace and quietness. Don’t miss the greater purpose here. This is not simply a ray of light. My soul is transformed into this place – this very moment – where God’s light breaks the darkness and my eyes are drawn to majesty. For most, our eyes are drawn to the light, and this example does not disappoint.

Breathe it in! The piercing quality of God’s light represented in righteousness and holiness shatters the darkening grip this world assimilates upon society and culture. Let me make it clear – no numerical force can overpower God’s light. A single ray of God’s holiness breaks through the thickest and ugliest of forces. How does this apply to us my dear friends? You and I are not perfect; we are not God. The answer is such sweet resonance. As a believer, God in the presence of the Holy Spirit lives in you and me!

Therefore, our fundamental goal is to live like Jesus Christ! You may never preach or teach…but the world will know who lives in you by observing your actions and listening to your daily speech! Therefore, we are to do everything without complaining or arguing as the Scripture instructs.

Sadly, our culture is chipping away at all things respect and submission. Today, we teach our children that it is right to complain and argue when we don’t get your way. This leads to very unproductive adults attempting to survive in the workforce. I am sure we can all agree that work is not a democracy. We don’t get to “take a vote.” On the contrary, we are given a set of rules, responsibilities, policies, and procedures to follow. We have a choice. We follow these rules without complaining or arguing, which ultimately gives God the glory or we simply do just the opposite leading only to destruction and division.

Jesus made it very clear that we are to live blameless lives. No matter the situation you are in – tough, difficult, unfair, etc., I encourage you to shine like the stars in the universe! Follow the instructions outlined throughout the Word and specifically in this passage – “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”

Remember, people may be drawn to darkness because the flesh is weak, but their eyes see light from distances far away! Be the beacon of light that others focus on because you are the only example of Christ that they may ever see!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta