Posted on by Christian Armetta

Focus

Matthew 14:25-33

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus walking on water

Faith without fortitudinous is futile! If you fail to remain fully focused on Christ through the entirety of your circumstance, you still sink!

The account of Peter walking on the water teaches us so many lessons. First, I am encouraged that faith is potent enough to produce supernatural occurrences when God is in it! We should truly be thinking far beyond our capabilities and welcome God’s supernatural experiences in our lives for His greater purpose.

Also, I am challenged by Peter’s fall. Peter takes his eyes off of Jesus and focuses on the wind. He becomes instantly afraid and begins to sink. We spend so much time blaming the wind for Peter’s fall when in fact anything other than Jesus would have been enough of a distraction for Peter.

Stay with me for a moment…the ultimate lesson is remaining focused on Christ! It would not have mattered if the scene depicted calm seas, beautiful skies, and cheerful disciples. If Peter would have diverted his focus from Christ, the author of his faith-filled supernatural experience, to anything else, he still would have failed. The result would have been the same – Peter sinking and crying out to the Lord to save him!

Dear friends, stay focused on Christ while in your deepest valleys when the wind is deafening and the darkness is terrifying. Christ is able to produce in you the same faith-filled supernatural experience! Secondly, stay focused on Christ while you are riding high on your mountaintop basking in the sunshine and breathing the air of peace and tranquility.

Focusing on the deafening wind and terrifying darkness will only invite the spirit of fear to reign in your life ultimately preventing freedom and supernatural experiences with your Savior. Focusing on the sunshine and fresh air of peace and tranquility will invite the spirit of apathy and pride. Who is ultimately in control of your valley and mountaintop life experiences? Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world! Therefore, remain focused on Christ at all times and walk confidently to your Savior without fear of sinking.

Question: What are you focused on?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Wholehearted

1 Samuel 12:24

24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

wholehearted

 

[Narrative]  You attempt to enter the Holy of Holies with tainted heart. The free gift of grace has tarnished your conviction. The temple veil, massive in symbolic separation, now covers your eyes as you walk freely into the inner sanctuary — you are spiritually blind yet see through evil intentions. You bring pride, bitterness, guilt, idolatry, lust, hatred, and fragments from the world with you. At a time where the high priest would have perished immediately, you continue your gait with worldly confidence. You stumble over the Ark of the Covenant; however, you are too distracted by the enemy to notice. When all hope seems lost, you take your last step and reach the mercy seat! There He is – the One who was drawing you in the whole time – God Almighty. Your tongue forms language that fills the sanctuary with praise yet you thought you were asking questions. Angels assist you to your feet from your prostrate position yet you thought you were walking on air. The Father says open your eyes my child yet you just knew you were already seeing new colors. Then…the Son appears. Jesus says, In order to be a child of mine, you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me – wholeheartedly – now wake up!

This narrative describes many believers today. We walk into our churches, work settings, and homes with worldly fragments impairing our relationships. More importantly, these fragments are preventing us from being powerful witnesses to the greatness of Jesus Christ. I am calling Satan’s ploy out in plain sight – division! You are on notice evil one. The body of Christ has identified your scheme and we say NO in Jesus name! We will promote unity, love, service, selflessness, humility, self-control, and patience. We will not stand and watch you destroy our churches, families, friends, and communities. Greater is the One who is living inside of me than he who is in the world. AMEN!

Challenge: We must join together in prayer so that the body of Christ may fully unleash God’s power.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

The Road Less Traveled

Exodus 13:17-18

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.

long road

~But I know best! — Sadly, most of us find ourselves in this very situation. We are standing at a crossroads problem solving the quickest and easiest way to get from point A to point B in life. However, God has already gone before us to protect us! Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Why, therefore, do we spend so much precious time “evaluating” a plan that has already been designed for our best spiritual and physical outcome? – Interesting! Why, then, do we fail to spend that time in prayer humbly seeking God’s guidance and will?

This devotion pierced my heart! I want to spend a life full of His purpose – not mine! If this means taking the road less traveled then I’ll pack extra shoes and go. I pray that we all see God’s hand in our current circumstances. We truly don’t have to understand why God has placed us on this particular road. We TRUST that He has gone before us to PROTECT us.

Psalm 100:3, “Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

Challenge: Do you see God on your long road?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Easter…Everyday!

Acts 13:38-39

38 Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

Easter Jesus

According to Merriam-Webster, Easter is a “Christian church festival that celebrates the return of Jesus Christ to life following his death; also : the Sunday in early spring on which this festival is observed.”

During last week’s choir practice, I looked over at a dear friend who recently lost her son and had a thought, “I wonder what his first Easter in heaven will look like?” God immediately answered that question through the piercing of the Holy Spirit when He said, “The same as it does every day in My presence – freedom, praise, wonderment, majesty, and joy.” I simply smiled and said, “Yes, Lord!”

You see, many of us only celebrate the true meaning of Easter in the literal translation – once a year! The other 364 days we find ourselves in contempt of His great sacrifice as we take our eyes off the cross and gaze upon our misfortunes. Easter, my friends, lives in us every day! We are afforded an opportunity to celebrate this great festival once a year collectively; however, we should individually celebrate God’s greatest gift to humanity each and every day!

I am thankful that every day in God’s presence is a festival of thanksgiving! The greatest news is that we do not have to wait to get to heaven to experience this great joy. The Word tells us that everyone who believes in Jesus is set free from sin:

~Freedom NOW

~Joy NOW

~Praise NOW

~Wonderment NOW

~Majesty NOW

My challenge to you is to live like it’s Easter – every day! Christ came to set the captives FREE! Isaiah 51:22 tells us that “I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again.” PRAISE GOD! This is not a one time a year celebration my dear friends – this is a daily promise! Go forth and proclaim His good news this Easter season…and EVERY DAY!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Starting Over

Isaiah 43:25

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

starting over

I am thankful that God blots out our transgressions and removes them as far as the east is from the west. Yet, I must admit I struggle with the term “starting over.” I was introduced to a Christian song today that speaks of this very concept. Granted, this was a beautiful song. However, I found myself struggling with the very phrase designed to bring about peace…”starting over.”

You see, I don’t want to start over! [pause]…There was a time in my life that I would have given anything to hit the rewind button or at least the RESET! Yet, God’s promise reveals a greater purpose for my pain…to share, to testify, to reveal, and to reclaim.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to use my story of unforgiveness to heal a believer’s bitter soul.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to break the chains of a believer’s self-doubt through my life’s circumstances.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to shine the light on Satan’s lies when he told me I wasn’t good enough or smart enough so that young men and women will know that they too are worthy in His eyes.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to be my witness to the unbeliever who doesn’t see how his life can be any different.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want to watch the Holy Spirit flood a room full of men as the words of my testimony fill the space…[Did you hear that?…yes, that’s the sound of chains breaking!]

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want Jesus to be heard through the song of a cautious child who learned how to rely on God’s strength in order to stand tall as a Christian leader.

No, I don’t want to start over; instead, I want my prayers from a once tainted tongue to pierce the darkness because Christ goes before me.

You see my friends, I don’t need to start over! I know God has washed me clean. Instead, I want my story to be used to heal others – however God ordains. Listen carefully dear believer, Satan may use those around you or certain circumstances to evoke your oppressive past. Yet, 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “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.”

To that I say, “You can’t have my story Satan! God allowed those events to pass through His protective hands so that I may learn to trust Him fully. You won’t suppress any part of my being in your darkness. The truth will shine light on your lies and God’s people WILL be healed!” In Jesus name amen.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Protection

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

shade

~Prayer~

You meet us in reverent prayer. You welcome us with open arms as we kneel in our prayer closet and also in the center of a community led concert of prayer.

~Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Your Spirit rebounds purpose as we lift Your name on high. You give meaning to language, and tongues leap with affirmation and praise, “YOU are holy; YOU are worthy!”

~Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Your people are growing and the enemy is unsettled. The devil prowls around like a lion in our midst. The Spirit of the Lord cannot be shaken for there is only ONE Lion of Judah!

~The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

You call out to your servant, Awake my child! The enemy draws near but I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, will protect the righteous – those who call Me King.

~The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;

The prayers of Your people amass warrior angels to guard the innocent. A hedge of protection prevents the spirits of death, envy, and pride from entering.

~Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Thanks be to God, who give us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Awake, Oh Sleeper!

Ephesians 5:14

“This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'”

Awake

~I see you spirit of insecurity…yet my God says awake, arise and stand behind the cross of security.

~I see you spirit of apathy…yet my God says awake, arise and stand behind My all consuming fire.

~I see you spirit of confusion…yet my God says awake, arise and bask in My awareness.

~I see you spirit of doubt…yet my God says awake, arise and know I give you peace.

~I see you spirit of worthlessness…yet my God says awake, arise and know that My Son says you ARE worthy enough to die for.

~I see you spirit of fear…yet my God says awake, arise and claim power, love, and sound judgment!

~I see you spirit of pride…yet my God says awake, arise and enjoy a life filled with humility.

Oh evil one, you walk in plain sight. I’m calling you out under the authority of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Eyes have been unveiled; chains have been broken; strongholds have returned to dust. You have lost. Mighty men have declared God’s victory and denounced your power in their lives. Collectively, we reclaim the ground you stole as Christ followers. In the true Spirit of the one and only God, we say – be gone in Jesus name.

[Dedicated to FWSL #27 FEARLESS! 2 Timothy 1:7]

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Unshakable

Hebrews 12:25-29

25 Make sure that you do not reject the One who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected Him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven. 26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now He has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also heaven. 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

unshakable

During a summer family vacation several years ago, my son was able to experience recreational gold panning at a local park in Arkansas. He could barely contain his excitement as the anticipation of finding the “world’s largest nugget of gold” filled his imagination. Hours were spent panning that day. Granted, he did not find the world’s largest nugget of gold – or any gold for that matter. Yet, the smile on his face did not change. He remained excited through the anticipation. Not only was it pure entertainment and simple fun, there was a sense of excitement through anticipation. After reading Hebrews chapter 12, I could not help but relate this to God’s character as well.

You see, in order to pan for gold, you place deposits in a large pan which naturally contain rocks, pebbles, sediment, and other debris. You then agitate these deposits with water. Gold will naturally sink to the bottom due to its weight (i.e., higher specific gravity). Deposits with low specific gravity will simply spill out of the pan; these deposits cannot handle the agitation and are tossed aside.

The day will come when God calls the trumpets to sound and heaven and earth will shake; this is a promise. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, proclaimed the good news while on this earth, and His voice shook the earth at that time. Lives were changed and people were saved. Yet, some still rejected Him. He has promised that there will come a day when He will not only shake the earth but also heaven. My prayer is that you do not reject His free gift of grace through salvation. Through His acceptance, we receive “high specific gravity” and therefore will not be shaken when God, the all consuming fire, comes down. We know, as believers, that the Holy Spirit lives within us. Therefore, we cannot be moved as we hold firmly to grace the day both heaven and earth shake.

Thought: In my heart, I truly believe God has the same smile of anticipation as my son had panning for gold that hot summer day. Instead, God is anticipating the return of His children into His arms. As the all consuming fire shakes the earth and heaven, will you still stand or be tossed aside?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

True Love

John 3:16

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

cross

During the Valentine season, we are bombarded by the world’s view of love: red and pink hearts, Cupid, bows and arrows, roses, balloons, and chocolate. Yet, I was reminded of God’s view of true love while pulling up today’s Bible verse. I am afraid that believers are becoming desensitized to this most powerful verse. I’m also afraid that we fail to meditate on this verse when it comes to mind because we think we truly understand it. I’m here to say that this verse never gets old. In fact, nothing in the Bible is capable of “getting old.” Jesus, the physical manifestation of the Word, is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Therefore, it’s breathes forever and never will die.

This passage above is beyond timely. I encourage you to focus on God’s truth this Valentine’s day. The truth is God loved the world so much that He sent His One and Only Son to take away our sins in order to restore a broken relationship with our Creator. This my friends is true love because He did this while we were still sinners!

~Roses will die yet my God’s true gift of love lives forever.

~Valentine’s day cards will be thrown away yet my God’s true gift of love lives forever.

~Balloons will deflate and fall to the ground yet my God’s true gift of love lives forever.

~Chocolates will spoil and be thrown out yet my God’s true gift of love lives forever.

I am thankful for God’s true love. If you desire such an unfailing love, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Arrow

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
arrow.jpeg
[Narrative] – My prayer for my dear friend K.T.
I thank God in advance for this blessing! Thank you Lord for faith.
“For I will form you in your mother’s womb my child, and you will fly like a mighty arrow to accomplish My will for your life,” says the Lord. The child replies, “But Father, here in heaven, there’s such great peace and wonderment as we revel in your glory.” The Lord replies with great authority, “Yes, my child, but much will be required of you as you walk the earthly sod. You will see My face in the mountains. You will hear the call of Yahweh in the rocks. You will smell the sweet fragrance of salvation in the rain. You will touch my heart when you willingly accept my Son, Jesus, as your own, and you will taste a sweetness greater than honey when you experience true faith without sight.”
The child rests upon God Almighty’s shoulder basking in thought. The Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon the child. As the child rests, two young men approach. “Sleep tight my child; we will await your return with mom and dad,” they state without moving their lips. God’s light of familial connection immediately bonded the three before this child was sent into the womb. The eyes of the Lord pierced forward and addressed His target with perfection. The bow did not shake. As the arrow was drawn closer to His face, He kissed the child with protection. The arrow released with God’s speed…and an infant cry was heard as a mother and father held their precious child.
————————————————-
I am so thankful for God’s purpose! May we never forget that we came into this world with God’s precision as the master Archer. Be blessed this day! No matter how many times the enemy uses his fiery darts to disrupt your course, God will use all things for His good because He created your course from the very beginning. Praise God!
Thankful,
Christian Armetta