Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Keeping Pace

Galatians 5:25

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Sports background. Runner feet running on road closeup on shoe.

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of running with some super stars! No, they do not hold world records in track and field nor do they wear Olympic medals around their necks. Yet, they will beat you any day of the week. Anne Rudd, Summer Bailey, and Hannalize Slate are some of the fiercest, strongest, and fastest runners I’ve been around.

One time or another, I have either trained or run a long distance race with these ladies in particular. I learned very quickly that I could not keep their fierce pace. No matter what I did, how long I trained, and how hard I tried…my pace was not their pace. I became very content in cheering them on as they sprinted off knowing they would be at the finish line encouraging me in the end.

Life is but a race! The faster we learn this…the better off we will be. My race is not their race, and your race is not mine! One of my devotions recently referenced Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Whoa!…I immediately saw racers’ feet. My mind was the only thing sprinting. I had flashbacks of the many races I had run with so many different friends and family members along the way. The goal is to simply finish, but you always want to achieve a personal record. Each runner knows deep down that he or she cannot run another person’s race; he can only encourage. Each race is marked by the individual feet that strike the pavement. 

So the question then becomes…how many of you are trying to keep pace with your friend’s spirituality, your neighbor’s spiritual gifts, or your spouse’s journey instead of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit? Just as in a real race, the journey is much more enjoyable and teachable when you focus on your own race, your own pace, and your own journey instead of keeping “out of pace” with others. Then, and only then, are you able to actually cheer, encourage, and see the blessings.

Enemy forces want nothing more than for you to believe that you are missing something! If you cannot “keep in step” with your friend’s spirituality, for example, then you are actually off course. What a lie! Your heavenly Father wants nothing more than to take you on your own personal journey – just for you to bring full honor back to Him. When your focus is on Christ, you are not worried about who is in front or behind you! In fact, you will spend your time cheering and encouraging those around you to finish their race strong too. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes of Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith! There is absolutely no human being who can give you this promise.

So I encourage you today my brothers and sisters. Get out there and run your spiritual race! Cheer on those “Boston qualifiers” of spiritually because we need them! We need those fast-paced racers who can charge through the pavement and get to the next task that God has prepared. These warriors prepare the way as God leads! Go ahead and cheer on the “fast walkers” too. These are the dear saints that give us the biggest cheers and encouragement along the way. We need you when we feel defeated in life and tormented. We need your prayers and attention to detail. Say thank you for the “interval runners” for these believers know when to sprint and when to walk. They know how to hit the enemy square in the jaw in mighty prayer but they also know how to pray quietly in the spirit.

I pray that you find “your race” marked especially for you. May God’s peace fall fresh on you. I pray that our heavenly Father will bring all types of believers with many different gifts and talents alongside you to encourage you. We are truly one body in Christ. Through it all, keep only in pace with the Holy Spirit and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Fighting With Faith

Exodus 14:10-14

10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Spiritual-Warefare

You get exactly what you see! Human eyes downloading the impossible. We cannot be too quick to judge the Israelites! Why? I’ve been there too. Your greatest fear chasing you down, and it’s breathing down your neck. You turn around and your human eyes are filled with despair, turmoil, anger, resentment, sadness, regret, and doom…it’s over.

A worldview through the lens of the soul will lead you to filter through your human mind, will, and emotions. The enemy you hear marching around the corner travels across the synapse of fear. This, my friend, is bondage.

A worldview through the lens of the Holy Spirit inside of you will lead you to filter through power and truth. The enemy you hear marching around the corner is nothing but an opportunity for God Almighty to fight for you; you need only to be still.

~When your back is up against the wall and you are truly trapped, be still.

~When you are out of answers and the world feels heavy, let the Lord fight for you.

~When the enemy marches insight and you hear their drums, stand firm and watch a miracle unfold before you.

~When the impossible laughs in your face, don’t blink because the waters open up and you’ll walk untouched as your enemy drowns.

Dear believers, we are more like the Israelites in this passage than we think. Many of you are facing battles or decisions that seem impossible. Some of you are wiping the spit off your face from the enemy shouting at you even now. Still, there are those few who believe the lie that it would be easier to just “turn back.” Oh dear brother and sister…faith!

I pray that you feel empowered today, even now, as you read this message to stand still as you face your enemy; let the Lord fight for you, and expect the impossible! May you be filled with the Holy Spirit and submit all authority of your soul and flesh under His power and truth. Live with eyes wide open and filtered through a spiritual lens. See everything through the promises of God. Surrender your mind, will, and emotions daily to the authority of the mighty Savior who lives inside of you and be lead by the Spirit. Smile knowing your back is never up against a wall when the Lord is your Shepherd. He will make a way and He is even able to create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Therefore,  shout a hallelujah!…smile!…and sing!…in the the presence of your enemy knowing God has made a way where there is none! I am asking, even now, that you stand up, be still, and praise Him for making a way! Do you believe?

~Do you believe you will walk on dry land?

~Do you believe He will create rivers in the dry wasteland?

~Do you believe He can heal with just a word?

~Do you believe His name is that powerful?

~Do you believe your enemy will watch you prevail?

~Do you believe you will be delivered?

BE STILL…AND LET THE LORD FIGHT FOR YOU!

Challenge: It’s time for a spiritual adjustment! Spirit – Soul – Flesh. May you be filled, daily, with the Holy Spirit and submit to His control.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Wilderness Warrior

Matthew 4:8-11

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

surrender to Jesus

If those without spiritual authority are forced to bow to the Messiah, then what’s stopping you? Pride! This passage above is everything! I would love to dissect every piece of Matthew 4:1-11 but I’m especially pierced by these verses above.

When Satan failed two other times in this passage, he decided to pull out all the stops…so he thought. He made another fatal mistake! He lifted Jesus above the worldly kingdoms and offered them as a reward for worshiping Lucifer himself. However, My King knew something the devil has failed to understand to this date. The only way to true worship is not elevating ourselves above anything…but on our faces in pure submission and obedience to the one and only King.

I would like to think that Jesus looked around at all those worldly kingdoms and saw dust, rust, and decay while Satan tried to paint over them with shimmer and glitter; Jesus knew and saw right through it!

My Jesus might have even thought, “I might be hungry and we’ve been out here for a really long time, but I’m never trading my Father’s house for these things!” For it also says in Matthew 21 that Jesus calls His Father’s house a “house of prayer.” Jesus was not interested in these earthy buildings no matter how pretty or tall! He clearly showed us that the Father’s house is made up of prayerful worship not fancy things this world can offer.

Matthew 6:19-20 even says, “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.” 

However, this ploy is still working today! Satan continues to pick us up and show us our own kingdoms and ask us the same question! Why then are you contemplating the answer? Your response should be that of Jesus’, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Ah! and then…Read, Set, Go! Then ministering angels flooded the land to attend to Him! Why wouldn’t Father God do the same for His inherited children?

Remember, you are a co-heir, worthy, purposed, loved, friend of God, child of God, justified, redeemed, set free, accepted, saint, made new, sealed, seated, chosen. Our Wilderness Warrior, King Jesus, knew the answers to defending the biggest enemy and we should be paying attention!

Our flesh and this world will always attempt to lift you off your feet; it’s “prettier” up there, right?! Wrong! It is an atmospheric mirage. The only place to receive true peace and freedom is bowing before, head down, the one and only King Jesus. The greater the submission, the deeper the relationship. 

[Interpretive Message]

holy spirit coming down

You press my spirit but the flesh taunts your gesture. You never give up and patiently await my submission. Days may pass but you walk in step wishing to hold my hand. You reach for my face but something else has caught my eye. The second hand ticking at my wrist tightens the worldly shackles. Worldly position has only increased deadlines and personal responsibilities which appear to mimic pack mentality as it laughs in unison. It hurls insults of which it learned from listening to the world, “You’re a loser! You’ll never win! You aren’t as smart as him/her! Your spiritual gifts aren’t as useful and supernatural as hers. Why do you even try?” The lure of these worldly kingdoms begin to elevate my heels as my thoughts take me higher and higher.

But then…the Word of the living God floods through like a rushing army. Taking every thought captive through the Sword of the Spirit centers me and peace lace my stance. My eyes are unveiled and I see arrows bending under the force that surrounds me. The heavens are opened and my knees buckle. Warrior angels stream out with weapons of song, truth, and praise. A battle ensues but my face in planted firmly in the ground. Prayer and worship have replaced egocentrism. This world along with religionism is not my master and feathers have slowly fallen to shield me. As my face melts deeper into the ground, I feel His touch and He says, “Welcome! I’ve been waiting for this moment.”

Challenge: Dear believers, the enemy has no choice than to fall down and worship the King. You hold spiritual authority by housing the Holy Spirit in your body but have failed to truly worship by doing the same. What is stopping you? It’s time to get on your face daily. Ask the Holy Spirit to free you from the things that keep your nose in the air and your heels elevated: pride, envy, untamed tongue, lust, anger, revenge, unforgiveness, idolatry.

Note: Please seek and purchase the book How to Worship a King by Zach Neese.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Reaching

Acts 17:27

27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

Reaching

[Interpretative Journaling]

I hear you forming; I see you in the distance. Your winds brush against the back of my neck in a taunting manner; trust me I know you’re there. Chaos grabs disunity and forms a funnel cloud of spiritual proportion.

As you approach, you are not very quiet. In fact, your roaring entrance has silenced everything and everyone around me; that doesn’t scare me. I stare at you because I know who you are; I’m unmoved. Lightening strikes the earth below. The ground practically crumbles underneath my feet as stability is wiped away.

As you swirl even closer, you gain even more strength by oppressing the souls of those whom I love. I’m still staring at you. You race toward me as you destroy everything in your path, but be prepared when you get really close. I know who you are; I’m unmoved.

tornado

Psalm 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

~You failed to see the King in me!

~Reinforcing arms come from afar.

~The horn sounds for His army.

~Even foreign tribes have promised to protect me.

~What was once familiar has fallen behind.

~The call from mighty warriors rip through your core.

~Affirming visions spanning across the globe dismantle your evil intentions.

~In unity, we reach out to our Savior to ultimately destroy you.

~Never forget that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.

~When you see me again, you’ll remember that I don’t back down because my father is the King.

lion

Proverbs 30:30, “A lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.”

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Unraveling

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

warrior

The devilish storms collide as I watch pieces of faith unravel around me.

~Hard pressed on every side but not crushed.

My eyes see your squall filled with your venom but my ears only hear silence.

~Perplexed but not in despair.

Norms are replaced with abnormalities to persecute, pierce, and punish.

~Persecuted, but not abandoned.

The evil grip punctures my heart and your forked tongue relentlessly plants lies.

~Struck down, but not destroyed

Abandoned and deserted while pride, hypocrisy, and judgment rise all around.

~The life of Jesus may be revealed in our body.

Before walking out of my house each morning I pray that God would help me put on the full armor of God. Honestly, I imagine Him dressing me as I pray over each piece. This image brings me both strength and joy.

However, no matter how old I get or how “seasoned” of a believer you are, you are truly never prepared for an all out war! This is why I like the picture of the warrior who dropped his sword but his eyes have not moved while he is picking his sword back up! They are firmly planted, and trust me…the only way we can survive is to not only put on the full armor of God but to also keep our eyes firmly planted on the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1-3

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 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.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I pray that you are courageously wearing your armor. I also pray that you are fixing your eyes on Jesus while you run this difficult race of life. The war is real and some seasons are more difficult than others.

I had a dear friend recently tell me that the hard pressing will result in “diamond-faith” if you allow Jesus to use it for His purpose and stop fighting it. “Diamond faith” is created under extreme heat and pressure! We often want to fight God and yell, “TIME-OUT!” Yet, He just wants you to stay in and rely on Him – the result – perfection! I am thankful for this word as it encouraged me and renewed my faith.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Vapor

James 4:14

14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Vapor

Dear friends, I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend. I was blessed to spend my time with my family most of the day on Sunday. There is nothing sweeter than worshiping our risen Savior together followed by a wonderful meal and hours of fellowship and laughter. However, not all families experienced such bliss and excitement.

You see, some families were experiencing heartache, separation, resentment, and even death. My spirit is heavy today because I have witnessed so many emotions these past few days. For the most part, we continue to live our lives in complete spiritual apathy.

~We rob God of the greatest gift of worship because we are prideful and rebellious humans. Sounds very reminiscent of the Israelites in the Old Testament.

~We expect tomorrow to present itself in the same way today did and the days before that because – well – we are the kings and queens of our world and the sun will always rise on our watch.

~We fill our cravings with artificial satisfaction because we are ultimately trying to fill a hole that only Jesus can seal.

~We sit in rebellion in the presence of the Almighty because frankly tradition tells me you are to entertain me.

~My hands were made to create money to fill my pockets; they surely won’t be seen lifted high for the Lord.

~We witness a beautiful soul sing for the last time with failing human breath; however, in less than twenty-four hours, she is singing with endless tone in the presence of the King!

If only! My prayer is that everyone would truly encounter the living Savior. Trust me, you wouldn’t be sitting if you did. I do not apologize for my boldness in Christ Jesus.

~Would you sing for Jesus like you had twenty-four hours to live?

~Would you dance for Jesus like you had twenty-four hours to live?

~Would you share your faith like you had twenty-four hours to live?

I ask these questions because this just happened to someone we know; it’s shocking; it’s unfathomable. Yet, it’s exactly what Jesus teaches. We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, but we are walking around in our little kingdoms expecting the church to glorify us, praise us, minister to us, entertain us.

May your soul be pierced today.

~Live everyday like it’s your last!

~Love others as you love yourself.

~Lead your family into deeper relationships with Christ.

~Disciple those around you and continue reaching.

~Be on fire for the Lord.

~Don’t stop until He says to you face-to-face, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Challenge: Change your apathy into an unquenchable appetite for the Lord. Don’t stop! Always remember – you do have a choice! Your life is made up of millions of choices.

Question: What choices will you make to glorify God in this life?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Immeasurably More

Ephesians 3:20

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

By Faith

[Narrative by Christian Armetta]

My ears spontaneously dim the environmental noise echoing from the crowded whispers. The hairs on my arm instinctively respond to a spiritual call. The Holy Spirit widens my narrow pupils and indescribable colors appear to dance above the beloved.

A spiritual magnet is released from the pastor’s breath as he proclaims a healing service. Legalism and traditionalism announce their rightful place at the center of the aisle. Who would dare attempt to pass through their narrow vestibule to get to the wounded sitting behind them?

Without further thought, the chosen spring up and confidently draw near. Each step is protected as angels dress the warriors with the armor of God. An army presses while eyes are unveiled to the spiritual readiness from the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. 

In tandem, the forces of legalism and traditionalism link arms creating a barrier in the resounding prayer. The army draws strength from the Almighty as light pierces the darkness. Outstretched hands release a guttural cry that only the Holy Spirit can discern. Voices marinate in God’s cleansing basin at the altar of faith. Oil now drips from each brow of the anointed.

The enemy, sensing defeat, calls forth the fallen and chains begin to separate the healing light. Through unconscious tongue and endless petition, Christ steps forward and breaks the chain of darkness! Healing light flows through the prayers into the depths of physical matter. As the prayers begin to calm and flutter into the Holy of Holies, the body of Christ strengthens under the obedience of the chosen.

Faith wins!

[We continue to pray for our brother in Christ and his family this day and every day.]

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

————————-

In collaboration with my dear friend Ms. Rita Harris, please continue reading her words below:

Question: “Why do we go to the Lord God Almighty in prayer with limited expectations when He is an unlimited God?”

Let’s think about it! When’s the last time you asked your spouse, a friend, a co-worker for a few bucks? First of all, you go to them because you believe they have it and secondly, you trust that if they have it, they’ll give it to you, right? We dare not ask for more than they could give…because we realize most of the people we know are limited in the amount that they can give us.

God’s Word says, in Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

This power is the Witness, Holy Spirit, who bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. As children, we are heirs, coheirs with Christ!

Therefore, we CAN expect that the impossible is made possible in Christ alone! Let’s begin taking Him at His Word. Let’s begin to exercise our faith in the ONLY One who is faithful!

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Much love and blessings,

Rita

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 · 1 Comment

Battlefield of the Mind

Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

light and darkness

You lurk outside my prayers waiting to distract. Your slithering approach gives you away. Yet, your goal was accomplished – eyes off the cross. The Holy Spirit announces your purpose, and you cannot hide – so – you strike! You lurch forward and fangs appear with discernible purpose to kill and destroy. However, there will be no flinching for fear is silent in the presence of God. There is utmost protection under the shadow of the Almighty! Warrior angles encircle the darkness and eradicate evil’s purpose – God remains fully in control and at the center of it all!

Dear friends, negative speech masquerades as a viper. Ephesians 4:29 says, “No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” There are multiple problems with a negative tongue. First and foremost it is not God-honoring and does not represent the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Secondly, it strikes spiritual venom in the minds and hearts of those listening to you.

I beseech you dear friends to remove negative speech from your lips. Seek God’s protection over your words and fully represent the characteristics of Christ in your mission fields (e.g., work, school, home, etc.). Seek to build others up instead of tearing them down. Avoid entangling others by spewing negative speech out of anger, bitterness, jealously, and pride! Most certainly, please do not be a stumbling block to those around you.

Challenge: Avoid negative speech and gossip. Commit to these verses and build others up!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Battle

Psalm 34:1-4

I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. 3 Proclaim Yahweh’s greatness with me;
let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given to us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and soberness of mind.

delivered.jpeg

Bondage is such an unnecessary self-imposed trap! Christ holds the keys to victory! In the Psalm above, David even stated that he sought the Lord and God delivered him from all his fears! Even more, we know that God does not give us this evil spirit but one of power, love, and sound mind!

Satan might be deceivingly clever but his attacks remain constant – kill, steal, and destroy! There are many avenues to accomplish this which include multiple spirits to impose doubt and fear – remember the battle is in the mind!

Therefore, we too can construct a battle plan. However, a believer’s battle plan is already written in God’s Word – Just as David said in this Psalm, we are instructed to simply seek the Lord. I say simply because God already holds the keys. The hardest part is to let go and let God…the rest is…well…victorious!

Therefore, rebuke fear in Jesus name and it will flee for the Word says to resist the devil and he will flee.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta