Posted on by Christian Armetta · 5 Comments

Weak

Matthew 26:41

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”


While driving my son to soccer practice we found ourselves scanning the satellite radio for a perfect “sing along.” Granted, we listen to Christian music 99% of the time, I found myself tuning into the “Today’s Hits” station to catch a cool song because-yes-every dad wants to be cool deep down inside. However I found the devil in the remaining 1%. Yes he was there and his words were HAUNTING!

Without much delay, my spirit appeared to alarm the sirens: WARNING! WARNING! RED ALERT! My ears turned off the inviting rhythm and transitioned to language comprehension! Just as the Holy Spirit was saying, “Do you hear what you’re exposing yourself and your child to…” I simultaneously heard these lyrics:

“One sip, bad for me. One hit, bad for me. One kiss, bad for me. But I give in so easily. And no thank you is how it should’ve gone. I should stay strong But I’m weak, and what’s wrong with that? Boy, oh boy I love it when I fall for that.”

Let’s just say, I couldn’t turn the station back to praise and worship fast enough! You see, I stepped out from underneath the protection of my Savior’s wing into what appeared to be a harmless act-it’s just music, right? WRONG! Dear brothers and sisters, this was more than music, this was a gateway that I was in the process of opening all in the name of rhythm and beat. 

Let’s look back at these lyrics and understand fully what we are exposed to but moreover what our children are exposed to. In the song, it lists a series of “dangerous” encounters; instead of crucifying the flesh, we hear through these lyrics that it’s ok to be weak and “Boy, oh boy I love it when I fall for that.” 

If you’re not careful, you too are singing right along to the catchy song not fully understanding what you are opening! You are opening yourself up to temptation! Instead, the Word instructs us to RUN! Don’t sing along to songs that reinforce gratifying the flesh-NO! RUN! 

In full transparency, my flesh wants to rebel back and say, “But the songs are just so catchy and my son and I love to crazy dance to the beats. It’s good bonding time right?” Sadly, this is the best manipulation of the devil that one can identify. You are not bonding with your child, you are not having fun, you are not enjoying the catchy rhythm…you are systematically exposing yourself and your children to the temptations of this world. Even worse, you are singing words that say, “It’s ok that you fall for these things; it’s fun; it feels good; you’ll love it!” When the whole point is to trap you and destroy you! 

I pray that while we live life together, we continue to encourage each other to remain faithful, pure, and protected. Don’t venture out from your Father’s wing. What appears as harmless is only satan’s master manipulation to get you to step out! Instead, RUN from his temptations and be ever so cautious! Stay Alert dear friends!

Question: Have you really LISTENED to your music lately?

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

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 4 Comments

Illusion

James 4:7

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

Illusion

Oh the lights! It’s just so memorizing – the wave nature of the lights appear to draw you in just like a magnet. Atop the inviting staircase, a peak of majestic brightness calling you one step at a time in curiosity. A wondering soul hears optimism as if all things in this world are good and safe. This calling makes each step easier, lighter, faster as anticipation overtakes reasoning. You break from the safety of the Father’s wing and just like the force of a mighty wind you race to the attraction.

Wait! This can’t be! I’m here but the light isn’t as pretty in person. Your eyes span across and you see the unveiled truth of what you were chasing – broken glass, burned out lights, pests, trash, danger! What went wrong? From a distance, it was all so beautiful; I just wanted a closer look! How could this have happened? I’m afraid, it’s cold up here. Where did my protection go? – and then as quickly as you raced to the unknown, you hear the cold whisper pass just across your senses alerting you of the very thing you failed to consider – you fell into the trap of the evil one’s illusion.

Dear friends, I hope we never forget that the devil does not masquerade around with a pitchfork attempting to scare – quite the opposite. He was initially described by the Creator as perfect in beauty. Therefore, it would make complete sense that his easiest tool for drawing people into complete destruction is through enticement, illusion, allure.

Yet, we stand again on another promise from our Father. We are to submit to God and resist the devil and He will flee. Yes and amen! This does not say that the devil may consider fleeing or that he is even strong enough to withstand the rebuke. Despite the tricks, he holds zero authority and power in the presence of God almighty. Remaining under the protection of God’s wing assures a successful resistance – so do NOT leave your safe space!

Whether you are a believer or a seeker, trust and seek God! The devil has lied to you far too long. Take back what is rightfully yours – kingdom authority given by Jesus Christ alone! As you develop a deeper relationship with God the Father, you will begin to see these traps and illusions a whole lot easier. Yet, do not be prideful. Satan is a master craftsman, and his skill is destruction. Yet, my God’s skill is perfection in salvation and NO ONE on earth, above or below earth is more powerful than that. Let us strive to be blameless in His sight.

Question: What are examples of your life’s illusions and traps? How have you learned?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 3 Comments

Don’t be Blinded

Luke 21:36

“36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”


I see so much in this picture. It speaks volumes to me. I’m very much a visual person – not just a visual learning – I process stories as they unfold right before my eyes. I pray to always be “in touch” with God. I want to be deep rooted in His vine. Our very nutrients for spiritual survival come from the Father – remaining connected to His branch guarantees a life of spiritual satisfaction through surrender. 

While enjoying God’s creation today, I noticed the announcement in the sky as depicted in this picture that I snapped, “I’m on my way to blot out the tranquility and peace and there’s nothing you can do about it!” What a warning – and then…the stroms arrived, rain fell, harder and stronger. We thought we would be exempt from this passing storm. You see, the weather app didn’t predict this summer thermal storm to pass right over us – but it did! 

The visual formation and route of the clouds proved in advance that we would be facing storms in the very near future; yet we didn’t heed the obvious warning. The app may have failed us but our eyes did not! Weren’t we warned? YES! Did we listen – NO! 

How often in life are we given a warning of impending “storms?” Not very often indeed! This passage in Luke instructs us to “be alert at all times…” If you allow me to say, this is such an easy principle to follow that almost assuredly guarantees strength through the passing. This does not exempt us from storms nor assures a pain free journey. However strength and reliance on the Lord are heightened principles in faith. 

What does it truly take to remain alert at all times: 

1. Praying without ceasing

2. Daily Bible study

3. Scriptural memorization

4. Daily praise and worship

5. Crucifying the flesh 

This list is not finished. We could continue this list, and I encourage you to post your best methods for remaining spiritually alert at all times to this blog. Let’s build each other up and help one another remain spiritually fit and therefore alert! 

My dear friends, the storms of life are coming; we are not exempt. They will not cease their passage but God will shelter us as we remain in Him. Shelter does not mean prevent – simply allowing His sovereignty over our lives! Let’s praise Him in the storms – don’t avoid – be prepared and stand firm!

Share your thoughts…

Thankful,

Christian Armetta 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Protection

Psalm 36

“1 I have a message from God in my heart. It is about the evil ways of anyone who sins. They don’t have any respect for God. 2 They praise themselves so much that they can’t see their sin or hate it. 3 Their mouths speak words that are evil and false. They do not act wisely or do what is good. 4 Even as they lie in bed they make evil plans. They commit themselves to a sinful way of life. They never say no to what is wrong. 5 Lord, your love is as high as the heavens. Your faithful love reaches up to the skies. 6 Your holiness is as great as the height of the highest mountains. You are as honest as the oceans are deep. Lord, you keep people and animals safe. 7How priceless your faithful love is! People find safety in the shadow of your wings. 8 They eat well because there is more than enough in your house. You let them drink from your river that flows with good things. 9 You have the fountain of life. We are filled with light because you give us light. 10 Keep on loving those who know you.  Keep on doing right to those whose hearts are honest. 11 Don’t let the feet of those who are proud step on me. Don’t let the hands of those who are evil drive me away. 12 See how those who do evil have fallen! They are thrown down and can’t get up.”

Protection

During a small group discussion this morning, we were called to read Psalm 136 and apply it specifically to the challenges in our lives. We were asked to insert our specific life markers with “His faithful love endures forever” after each one, which brings confirmation that God was not only with us but also very well aware of each situation we were going through. Thank you Leslie M. for that powerful message this morning. God is speaking through you! What a message and such truth.

In what I now realize as a providential mistake, I did not look up Psalm 136 this morning; instead, I “accidentally” (providentially) looked up Psalm 36 and not 136. I must admit, God had His way with me in this passage this morning! [For the record, I did go back and read Psalm 136 and complete the challenge as instructed – blessing – and I encourage you to do the same!].

As I read Psalm 36, images of the spiritual battle that tormented my mind all week flashed across my brain as though sitting directly in front of a big screen. I now fully understand why God drew me to this passage. I was meant to read this today, and it is worth sharing.

It is very clear that when you make a stand for Christ, the forces of evil get nervous and often make strategic plans of attack. I am fully aware that my God is more powerful than any force that attempts to come against me. However, the pain is real. In the passage above, David is reflecting on the evil in the world. David’s words resonate as we battle those who attack us today. We must all understand that our battle is not against flesh and blood – the Word says so! Ephesians 6:12 clearly states that our battle is “against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world.”

This is why it is imperative that we (A) pray for each other to bind evil forces from influencing those close to us and to also (B) put on the full armor of God daily to protect ourselves from possible attacks. David acknowledged God’s perfect character by describing His love, faithfulness, and holiness. This beautiful passage reminds us that we are to remain in the light of Christ and under the protection of God’s perfect wing. In doing so, God’s character will be shown through us and we will be ultimately protected.

My prayer for us all:

My Protector and Deliverer, you see all things. Nothing on earth, in heaven, and below the earth surprises You. You’ve ordained each second by your mighty right hand. The darkness prowls around attempting to avoid your light but they cannot evade your presence; You permeate all spaces and they cannot hide. They corral in the ungodly for refuge as your light is a witness to their wickedness. They cannot even find refuge in your creation because even the rocks cry out to You! Yet, they search scorched lands seeking the faintest of hearts with hidden secrets, unforgiveness, bitterness, rage, revenge, and retaliation. They rest in these dark areas only to evade your presence but you are everywhere! So they bleed decay within the human soul out of rebellion. Out of madness, they influence the seekers, unbelievers, and unguarded alike to hurl fiery arrows of confusion, sadness, anxiety, depression, and hurt all in an attempt to tear down the temple of God. Your wrath is great and timely. There is only prayer and petition that flow from the lips of the persecuted. Your powerful wing envelops the weak, tormented, and battered. In your presence there is healing and strength. You restore the broken-hearted and renew a right spirit within me!  Amen

Thankful,

Christian Armetta