Prayer – Page 8 – My Deliverer

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Christian Armetta

True Life

Ephesians 2:1-10

From Death to Life

2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins ²in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, the spirit now working in the disobedient. ³We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. ⁴But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, ⁵made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! ⁶Together with Christ Jesus He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens, ⁷so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

looking to heaven

There are so many awesome principles, promises, and proclamations in this passage. For starters, “You are saved by grace!” I cannot tell you how peaceful that promise resounds in the ears of a perfectionist like me. In life, my greatest peace comes when I know I have reached the “end of me.” Sadly, I think I’m playing the spiritual control game very well – only to recognize too late that God is in control the entire time; therefore, I am only battling myself through the deception of the evil one. God simple says, “Let go my child. It is a lot easier on my side!” He’s always right!

The greatest lesson I continue to learn in reading God’s word is the overt evidence of spiritual war. We clearly read in the beginning of this passage that there is a ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, which is the same spirit working in the disobedient. This is the same ruler who entices us to walk in the ways of the world and not of Christ. But — praise God — Jesus took our place even while we were dead in sin.

We should, therefore, spend our time on this earth worshiping the one true King and sharing His love to the ends of the world. In fact, this passage says that we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

“We are His creation…” [pause] – Naturally, the ruler of this earthly world would do everything in his power to destroy God’s handiwork. In fact, he prowls around with this as his main goal – to destroy God’s people, deceiving us to follow the ways of the world. I am thankful that I submit to God’s free gift of grace. There is absolutely nothing I can do to “make-up” for being a sinner. God only demands acceptance by faith. The ruler of this world has lost! Yet, he will continue to deceive and battle God’s people. Do not allow the evil one to deceive you into legalism and traditionalism.

This passage, along with many others, clearly shows the invisible war. Dear friends, I pray that God unveils your eyes to the spiritual battles that compete for your devotion. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin. We are alive in Christ! Are you alive in Christ? What do you need to release today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Christian Armetta

Things Above

Colossians 3:1-11

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

⁵Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. ⁷You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.¹¹Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

walking in freedom

I’m walking in a minefield of worldly intentions! Each step marred with the grasps of evildoers. Jealousy, pride, and unforgiveness appear to cushion my gait one step at a time attempting to regain my focus away from Christ. The veil is lifted and the sense of sure-footedness is in fact deception. The pillow of lies masks the reality of treading on bones and nails – death! The environment quickly unravels into spiritual war.

The Holy Spirit assists me in tightly securing my feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Laced with authority and a readiness that is strengthened through Christ’s promise, dry bones are made alive again. The deceived now becomes the warrior. As I set my gaze firmly on the cross, the things of this world begin to cascade off my joints freeing a once frozen soul. Spiritual freedom abounds and Christ is gloried throughout the land.

Dear friends, I strongly encourage you to read and meditate on this passage. How does this passage speak to you? Does the world still have a stronghold in your life? Most of us would say, “Absolutely not!” However, if we truly dissected our daily lives, most of us would find many examples of worldly living. In fact, we would find more than fragments of this world embedding into our soul, we would find large pieces that represent such things mentioned in this passage: evil desires, rage, greed, and filthy language to name a few.

Does this make us bad? Actually, this makes us a sinner in need of Christ’s redemption! We must take off the mask of deception. As believers, we must still take up our cross daily. We make choices every single day. These choices not only impact our witness but they either build up or tear down the temple of God. I encourage you to evaluate what you give permission into your life. Rebuke the excuses and set your feet firmly on the Rock!

Question: Is there anything in your life that you need to release to Christ?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Christian Armetta

Salty

Matthew 5:13

¹³“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

salt and light

I had a dear friend return from a mission trip in Peru. Days after her return, these words rang loud and clear as she exclaimed, “I cannot readjust to the ‘luxury’ of this life we have!” This is someone who is describing living in a rural town lacking many amenities. Yet, my friend had an encounter. She saw the face of true poverty and need, and God melted her heart instantly. She used her spiritual gifts in a mighty way. She was uninhibited because she was set free! She tasted God’s presence and it wasn’t about the things of this life. Instead, it was about being His example.

The things we often complain about are in fact bathed in richness when we look at them through God’s eyes. This is exactly what happened to my friend. Her eyes were unveiled to a believer’s real purpose on this earth – to be the salt and light wherever we are.

You do not have to travel to a third world country to be needed nor do you have to travel very far to see the blessings around you. No matter where you are, you have a purpose. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I pray that we see His plans unfold through our lives as we touch those around us.

I am afraid that these “luxuries” have masked our perceptual reality. Everything is relative and Satan knows how to deceive us with this very thing. You may be looking at your neighbor who just purchased an expensive car and think, “That’s the example of luxury.” Yet, there is someone looking at you saying the same thing because you simply have running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity [think about it].

Satan has done a good job distracting you from the main thing – being the hands and feet of Christ – being salty. We spend an exorbitant amount of time comparing ourselves to others and to that I say -“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23).

Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving. I am beyond thankful to my family and friends. Above all things, I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who died on a cross to take away my sins. Even more, he walked out of His tomb three days later holding the keys to life and death – victoriously! There is no greater story! I pray we remain focused on Christ in order to be salt and light to those around us. You lose your saltiness and flavor when you start focusing on yourself and listening to the lies of the devil. Give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness and mercy in forgiving us. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Question: Are you salty for Christ?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Wonderment

Acts 4:31

³¹After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

Holy Spirit

We breathe you in like a mighty rushing wind. You are all powerful, mighty Father. Your people await your presence with hearts ablaze. Fear and doubt tremble at your name. Traditionalism and Ritualism flee at just the sound of your presence. Your church is ripe for the picking. Unleash your best gifts upon your people….Holy Spirit you are welcome in this place.

Prayer warriors have been called to the front line. The invisible war rages on. Legions upon legions of warrior angels amass in clear understanding and authority from the One whose name is above all names. Principalities strategically orchestrate their assault on God’s people.

Unfamiliar and unaware, the body of Christ blindly expects the ordinary. Worship rolls off their tongues out of traditional obligation…until…”the meeting place shook.” The spiritual realm severs the line between human reality and spiritual awareness. The fiercest battle ensues. Satan has been notified; the territorial demons have moved in to arrest the Godly movement.

With a rushing mighty wind and thundering foundation, the breath of the Holy Spirit washes over the community. The faces of the believers turn from unenlightened to kissed by the Spirit. All existence of evil vanishes. Although physical darkness encircles the believers, spiritual darkness flees while individual revival sparks the light. The altar fills with renewed hope, faith, awareness, prayer, and worship.

Lesson = What was meant for evil was transformed into spiritual empowerment through the Holy Spirit…never underestimate the power of prayer and always expect the unexpected!

Acts 4:31, “After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.”

Question: Do you expect your meeting place to shake with the presence of the Holy Spirit? — I DO! Dear believers, come into His presence with such faith and expectation for He can do far more than we can ever imagine…all for His glory, Amen.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Christian Armetta

Invisible War

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians. 6:11-17

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.” Is. 54:17

“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Jesus

Evil lurks in the shadows. The spirit of unforgiveness transforms into a predator and stalks his next victim. The wolf crouches and slowly encircles your camp searching for unlocked gates that are easily accessible. There he strategically plans his attack. He’s in!

You begin to sense disruption in your life. “Why is everyone against me?” you plead. The spiritual battle remains cloaked as your focus initially rests upon the flesh and not against the powers of this dark world. Now deep within your camp, unforgiveness invites anger and resentment. Your hedge is weakened as you’ve turned your eyes from the Lord and have discerned fiery arrows blistering the air around.

You withdraw from the footing of your cornerstone and attempt to locate the origin of the arrows through your own power. Each step away from the Rock creates a chill and frailty. You reach the edge of illusion and divinity and come face to face with pure evil! The dark cloak of fear grows violently – the source – spiritual rebellion and defiance.

Disbelief quickly transforms into reality. “Oh Lord, my God! Save me!” you shout. You sense the Holy Spirit stirring deep within your soul. Reconciliation overtakes your conscience. You speak, “Lord, please forgive me for my disobedience and rebellion. I ask that you carry me safely to your hiding place. You already won the battle against good and evil, and You hold the keys to victory and life. As a child of the King, I rebuke these weapons formed against me in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. They will not stand!”

Darkness flees in an instant. You remain prostrate in holy submission. As you lift your head, you see the silhouette of your Savior with outstretched arms. Darkness cannot exist in His presence. The dove of peace shields you as you regain clear focus on Jesus. The Lord says, “Keep your eyes on Me, the perfecter of your faith.” He continues by stating Psalm 91:9-16

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
¹¹For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
¹²They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on October 31, 2017October 31, 2017 by Christian Armetta

Encouragement

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

We Are God’s Ambassadors

¹¹Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. ¹²Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. ¹³If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. ¹⁴Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. ¹⁵He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

¹⁶So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! ¹⁷This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

¹⁸And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. ¹⁹For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. ²⁰So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” ²¹For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

encourage

Did he say homework? [Smile] Yes, our pastor ended his piercing sermon on Sunday with the statement, “Now here’s your homework for this week. Read the passage in 2 Corinthians 5 and think about how this relates to encouraging others.” Since then, I’ve read the entire chapter of 2 Corinthians 5 several times, and God peels back the layers each and every time.

To be fully honest, God is revealing more and more about the true meaning of life. No, I’m not being overly dramatic. Just like I posted in my last blog, “What are we doing?” The answer is very clear. We are called to live fully in Christ and share His gospel in all that we say and do. The passage above is even entitled, “We Are God’s Ambassadors.” If, therefore, we are God’s Ambassadors, then we represent God Himself! This most certainly makes me stand a little taller and serve a little harder. I pray that we act upon this very important role and responsibility by seeing others how Christ sees them –

Colossians 3:3, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

2 Corinthians 5:21, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”

Galatians 3:27, “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.”

Do you see? As believers, we have actually “put on” Christ just like wearing new clothes. God strips us from our old, worn-out garments, and He clothes us with purity through His perfect reconciliation…[ponder]…then why do we treat each other with such antagonism?

I must admit dear friends, we have an “ego” problem within our churches and communities. We spend an exorbitant amount of time critiquing, criticizing, and crucifying our brothers and sisters – especially our anointed ministers – and to that I say, “ENOUGH!” I have only one word that sums up this demon – PRIDE. Sadly, the spirits of pride, rebellion, and division parade around our church hallways, homes, offices, etc. with such ease because they are given legal permission to commune in our minds. This saddens me greatly.

[Error in spiritual thinking]

“That worship music just isn’t my style, they need to stop all that hand-raising and moving around and just sing hymns. That’s how it has always been done. If they don’t stop then I’m finding a new church.”

“I’m going to ask the pastor on Monday if he owns a suit because he apparently can’t find one to wear on Sunday mornings. All the former pastors in this church have worn suits, why can’t he?”

“Who made this new policy change in the church? I don’t like it, and I’m going to withhold my tithes until they change it back.”

“Why is that new couple sitting in my seat? Don’t they know that’s my seat? I’ve sat there every Sunday since I was a little boy. They are going to have to move.”

“Who approved to plant a tree right there in the front of the church? It should have gone on the side. I’m going to complain to the grounds committee.”

I think you get the point, and if I’m stepping on toes…then I will call it a spiritual piercing in the hopes that we are sharpening each other instead of offending one another. I pray that we all crucify our own flesh and put on Christ! Start encouraging and stop antagonizing; the world is watching, and right now they see a broken body in Christ. It is up to us to show the world that we can humble ourselves and live as ambassadors to the one and only King!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Christian Armetta · 3 Comments

What Are We Doing?

Psalm 101

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
    I will praise you with songs.
²I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home.
³I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
    I will have nothing to do with them.
⁴I will reject perverse ideas
    and stay away from every evil.
⁵I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
    I will not endure conceit and pride.

⁶I will search for faithful people
    to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
    will be allowed to serve me.
⁷I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
    and liars will not stay in my presence.
⁸My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
    and free the city of the Lord from their grip.

Stressed Young Woman

I received some devastating news a few days ago. My childhood best friend’s mother passed away unexpectedly. When I saw my friend’s name scroll across the caller I.D., I was initially thrilled. We haven’t spoken in so long now that we live in separate states. I was most certainly not expecting to hear the words, “She’s gone.” I sank. I spent my entire childhood in her home. We lived in the same neighborhood, and both of our families shared life together. She was such a kind woman. During summer breaks, I am certain I became one of her own kids as I spent as much time as I could there. Those memories are priceless!

I was convicted thereafter. I couldn’t help but think, “What are we really doing as Christ-followers here on earth?” I must share the thoughts of my friend as it speaks volumes:

“Do not take a single day for granted. We aren’t promised any time at all here on earth. Make sure people know how you feel about them. Get right with God, and get right with others, or you may lose the opportunity. You may be the only bight spot in someone else’s day, make the most of it!”

This my friends is the answer! We are called to grow closer to God through an intimate relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. We are charged to share this relationship through His gospel with those around us. We most certainly are instructed to quickly forgive in order to prevent Satan from gaining a foothold, and we are always advised to be the salt and light of the world.

I also providentially came across this passage in Psalm today. I encourage you to read it carefully, and meditate on it wholeheartedly. Psalm 101:2 says, “I will be careful to live a blameless life.” How many of us can actually say we strive to live a blameless life? What about living with integrity? Do you protect your eyes from all things vile and vulgar? Are we convicted yet? [YES]

We will miss our dear family friend. Yet, in true encouraging fashion, we are still being reminded to live like Christ through the reflection of her life and to that we say, “Praise God!” I echo my friend’s words. Strive to live a blameless life dear friends. Be the salt and light in a tasteless world.

What impact are you leaving? Better yet…what impact are you LIVING?

In loving memory of Ms. Rita Mann.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Christian Armetta · 5 Comments

Journey

Philippians 1:6

⁶And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

God at work

We are called to give God thanks in everything! Some experience a lifelong journey of trials and tribulation. Others “appear” to coast through this life without much turbulence. We are not called to compare or even judge. In fact, we are instructed to keep our eyes on Christ. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” So—what does your journey look like?

I couldn’t help but think about this passage while a physician was injecting medication to block nerves in my eye socket, temples, jaw, and forehead yesterday morning all while experiencing the worst migraine in my life. You see, I’m on a journey (and so are you!). I will give God all the honor and praise even when I’m severely nauseated and vomiting from migraine pain. I will lift my hands to the Father even when I can’t stand up on my own strength, and my wife has to guide my steps. I will call upon His name when the doctor says, “You need another surgery which most likely will leave more scars on your face.”

As my thoughts pondered enduring another migraine surgery and the very real possibility of facial scars, the world grew quiet. The doctor continued to speak but my thoughts drifted to [scars]. Have you ever, truly, thought about the excruciating pain Jesus Christ went through. What about His scars? The one to two inch scars that remain around my head, neck, back, and hip from a previous unsuccessful surgery are nothing in comparison to whips, thorns, nails, rods, and spears.

John 19:1-3, “Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. ²The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. ³“Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.”

This my friends represents pain, suffering, and scars! Even more, Christ willingly endured this torture, unimaginable pain, and death on a cross out of obedience to the Father’s will. This obedience resulted in our eternal salvation. His suffering, pain, and scars were used for our good! I truly try to apply this in my life. There is nothing happening to me that surprises God the Father. He is in complete control.

Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

My pain and scars are nothing in comparison to the enteral salvation given freely through nail-pierced hands. I pray not only for a physical healing in my life but for a testimony. I don’t want to be healed just for the sake of being pain free. No, my journey will be a testimony that will draw others to Christ.

What is your journey? When you feel like you cannot take another step or the scars paralyze you emotionally, focus on the One who endured such torture and has the scars to prove it. He sits at the right hand of the Father awaiting to see us face to face. What a glorious day that will be. Tears will be erased and scars will melt away as we receive a new body in His glorious space.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Christian Armetta

Provider

Genesis 22:1-2; 7-14

Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” ²“Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

⁷Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” ⁸“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together. ⁹When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. ¹⁰And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. ¹¹At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”

¹²“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” ¹³Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. ¹⁴Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”).

walk