Posted on by Christian Armetta

Heart

1 Samuel 16:7

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

different

The world is cruel. Society is ruthless. Peers are vicious. However, as believers we are called to a different standard – a higher one! Mark 12:30-31 says, “30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” [Pause]…Did we just read that correctly? Yes, yes we did! Now who feels the conviction? Me!

I have said it before and I will say again…the world does not have a policy problem, it has a sin problem. These two commandments cut to the “heart” of our problem…love and acceptance. From a sociology perspective, we tend to gather around the norm; it’s safe and comfortable. Sadly, we then begin to point fingers at what society labels as abnormal and different. The fundamental principle is that our hearts are all the same; there are ventricles, valves, atria, and aorta. It pumps blood throughout our bodies all day and night. We truly are not that different underneath skin, muscle, and bone. Yet, Satan has convinced us otherwise.

Matthew 7:1-2 says, ““Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” Not only are we instructed not to judge, but Jesus clearly states not to judge based on outward appearance. Jesus is always concerned with the heart! 

One of my most favorite examples from such a cruel account involves the crucification story. In Luke 23:41, the criminal states “…for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” The criminal continued when he stated, “42 Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Ah, this is a beautiful example of a heart judgment by the righteous One; the only One who can truly judge!

Was Jesus concerned with this man’s looks? No.

Was Jesus concerned with this man’s religious correctness? No

Jesus was only assessing the heart! We ought to be ashamed of ourselves for superimposing our judgment over what Jesus clearly states is more valuable – the heart!

So, the next time you feel the need to condemn your fellow neighbor for not living up to YOUR standards, please humble yourself before the Lord and seek forgiveness. The old adage is true, “When you point one finger at someone, there are three pointing back at you.” Do not judge for you will be treated as you treat others.  Friends, the only way to change your heart it to allow the Master in! Digging into your relationship with the Father is a sure way of living a life like Christ.

Question: Do you have three fingers pointing back at you? Then put your hand down! Instead, lend a helping hand to those you initially judge or condemn.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Did He Really Say That?

Genesis 6:9-22

9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. 10 Noah was the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence.12 God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.13 So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth!

14 “Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. 15 Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. 16 Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat—lower, middle, and upper.

17 “Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. 18 But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives.19 Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. 20 Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive. 21 And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals.”

22 So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.

Sad-man

Does God really want me to do that? We’ve all felt the tug, piercing, and even near audible call to step out in faith, but we doubt! Instead of placing feet to faith, we entertain our own logic which inadvertently fosters doubt…”Did He really say that?”

Most of us know this passage by heart. We can retell the story in great detail. It’s amazing! After re-reading this passage today, I gleaned even more valuable information. This is actually typical each time I pick up the Word. What about you? The Holy Spirit has a supernatural way of revealing something new each and every time you open the Bible. I love how He peels back the layers.

For me, I was drawn more into Noah’s character than the objective details God outlined in constructing the ark. What did you notice? Genesis 6:9 says it all, “Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” What a testimony!

Yes, I fully understand that we are to emulate Jesus Christ, and He alone is our model; however, I would love to be characterized like Noah in this passage. As God looked down upon all the corruption in the earth, He was drawn to this one man because of his faithfulness, integrity, and righteousness. I pray for such qualities! Even more, he walked closely with God. There are many people on this earth that truly have a nice personality; they are even kind to strangers and give to those in need. However, they are still lost because they do not have a personal relationship with their Savior, Jesus Christ. We must remember that “niceness” alone will not get you to heaven. This, of course, is a natural fruit of being a believer, but simply being nice and doing good works will not come close to sanctifying us. 

I urge you to live a life that can only be characterized by righteousness, blamelessness, and in close fellowship with your Creator. What a challenge…or is it? Don’t get me wrong. I fully understand the temptations and worldly draw. However, this is more than a challenge my friends; this is an expectation! All believers are called to live clean and innocent lives as children of God. Therefore, this is more than a challenge; it’s an expectation.

Surrounded by evil and endless mocking, Noah did not waver. According to verse 22, “Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” In essence, Noah didn’t say, “Lord, let me check my calendar, consult with scholars, or think about that a bit longer because what you are asking is short of insane.” Instead, Noah did what? — got busy for the Lord! I love it! He could have asked so many questions. If you’re like me, you would have attempted to present a detailed outline of pros and cons as part of your business model. I’m just thankful our God is a patient Father because He most certainly has to be patient with me! 

A valuable lesson today:

-God doesn’t need your business model. He wrote the rules!

-God doesn’t need your approval. He IS the Ruler!

-God doesn’t need your analysis. He desires your faith!

-God doesn’t need your doubt. He seeks your conviction!

-God doesn’t need your suspicion. He assesses your dependency.

So, has God asked you to build an “ark” in the middle of a field, nowhere near a body of water lately? Now you’re thinking! What has God called you to do that you think is outlandish? Is it time to be faithful and trust Him? —YES! Do you want to be seen as righteous, faithful, and dependent? —ABSOLUTELY!

Thought: Stop controlling and give in to His calling. What is He asking you to do?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Service

Luke 22:27

Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

service

There is nothing more humbling than listening to the testimony of a young man describing his childhood where he lived in deplorable conditions. He painted a vivid picture of extreme poverty; yet he overcame! He went on to say that being raised in Panama City, Panama was very difficult for his family. Naturally as a child living in these conditions, he did not know what Xbox was or even an iPhone. He didn’t fight with his sisters over which t.v. show to watch that evening; conversations revolved around cleaning the mud out of the house every time it rained and if there was going to be any food to eat for dinner that night. He fully understood that even the simple things in life were hard to come by. This was an awakening moment for me.

You see, this young man was the recipient of “Operation Christmas Child” sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. This young man learned to trust in Jesus through this wonderful organization.

Samaritan’s Purse Mission Statement:

(https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/about-us/)

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This young man, now living in the United States, travels the country giving his testimony and rallying believers to not only participate in this wonderful ministry but to also volunteer by either packing boxes or delivering them. After watching the video of God’s precious children gleefully opening their Christmas boxes, there is only one response I can make – GO and DO in Jesus’ name. Most children in America are used to opening expensive gifts, gadgets, and clothes. However, these children are thrilled to see pencils, paper, flashlights, and soap…PERSPECTIVE!

I truly do not think we “get it.” Most of us are surrounded by luxury compared to other parts of the world. Honestly, if you have running water and an indoor bathroom, then you are miles ahead of many in this world! We complain when our cell phones aren’t fast enough or our cars aren’t polished enough. We argue to complete strangers over the smallest inconveniences while children are going to bed literally starving.

To this I say – ENOUGH! Our greatest model of servanthood was and continues to be Jesus Christ. God in human form served better than anyone else. He could have easily sat at the head of the table and demanded to be served. However, that was not His mission AND IT’S NOT YOURS! So stop it!

I pray that we humble ourselves and simply give. Give time, energy, and even money if you feel led. Whatever you do…simply serve! There are so many hurting souls. Are we convicted enough to get up from our comfortable couches and plush chairs and get our hands dirty? Are we even convicted enough to go hungry if it meant giving our last meal to a starving family?

Thought: We are quickly approaching the holiday months, and I implore you to simply give! Ask the Holy Spirit to use you in a powerful way.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Don’t get Sidetracked

Proverbs 4:26-27

26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

winding path

Damian storms out of the house well past curfew seeking to fulfill his addiction. His mother cries out in a strong yet depleted voice, “Please stay home my son–not again–let us help you!” Her words reach the front door just as he shuts it closed. She slumps in her chair and offers a prayer similar to the ones before: “Dear Lord, he is my son, and I love him so much. I pray that you will continue to place your watch care over him even though he is not listening or seeking you! Pierce his heart for all things holy and pure, and draw him closer to you each and every day. Above all things, Lord, give us peace, comfort, and direction as we continue to minister to our son. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.” Damian wanders a crooked path welcoming destruction. It is almost as if sin and all things evil are attracted to him. His life-choices mimic open gates inviting loss, heartache, ravage, extinction, havoc, rebellion, and downfall. He projects these demons onto his family and those around him out of hate. Yet, through the faithful prayers of his family, church, and friends, he will soon experience deliverance. His tragedies will soon become his testimony. Once bound by addiction, he will lead the masses to acceptance in Christ.

Dear friends, what do you see from this passage in Proverbs? I see preparation, “Mark out a straight path for your feet.” Marking any path takes time, study, practice, and implementation. We cannot expect to succeed in this life by simply wearing Christian-themed T-shirts or slapping a catchy biblical bumper sticker to our cars. While these things are “good”, they do not closely define our Christian walk. I strongly encourage you to dig deep into God’s Word where you can study His principles and practice! Prepare your Christian walk and remain on the straight path – “stay on the safe path.” When you are prepared, you are able to remain focused, keeping your feet far from evil.

Thoughts: Do you find yourself becoming spiritually sidetracked and removing your feet from His safe path? How will you combat this today?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Acoustics

Romans 8:26-27

26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

sounds

At first glance, the title of today’s blog just might frighten some of my “Communication Science and Disorders” friends because this college course in Acoustics was tough to say the least! This course included the study of all mechanical waves across all states of matter. It was intriguing and profound. This science even propelled my wife into her profession as an Audiologist. Among many related duties, she now spends her career assisting patients in sound manipulation to enhance their quality of life. Praise God for science!

Among the many lessons during this single course, I will never forget beginning to understand the complexity of our world – the things seen, unseen, tangible, and intangible. As strange as it might sound, I am always reminded of this course when I come across this passage in Romans – the groanings (i.e., sounds) of the Holy Spirit which are projected on our behalf.

For just a moment, I want you to try to comprehend the complexity of this passage – the beauty, comfort, detail, and love for every single child of God. This is not a “special” gift for some believers. This is not a special anointing or spiritual gift – so no man can boast. This is simply how the Holy Spirit works in your life while in complete unity with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

During our deepest moments of weakness – when our language no longer forms through traditional routes from cognitive processing to motor planning – when the tongue can no longer find the strength to articulate the simplest of prayers…our God is still listening as the Holy Spirit speaks through “unspoken groanings” to the Father in complete agreement with His will—for there is no contradiction in their communication! PRAISE GOD!

My thoughts race as I ask, “What does this type of language and sound wave look like God? What beautiful language is coming from the Spirit?” I almost can see vivid lights erupting from the Spirit filling the Father’s ear without uttering a single word because the “unspoken groanings” are just enough! My dear friends, we can no longer believe the lies that we are (A) alone in our life’s journey or that (B) God must have abandoned us because we no longer hear Him. The truth is clearly written that the Spirit is communicating on your behalf when you truly are out of words! Yes and Amen!

Be encouraged and filled with such peace that the Spirit knows exactly what to say—when you don’t!

Question: Do you ever feel like God has stopped communicating with you?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Broken Things

Exodus 4:10-13

10 But Moses replied to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since You have been speaking to Your servant—because I am slow and hesitant in speech.” 11 Yahweh said to him, “Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, Yahweh? 12 Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” 13 Moses said, “Please, Lord, send someone else.”

Imperfection

B – Bound by human restraints yet freed through His sacrifice

R – Reluctant to submit to His kingdom authority when fear cripples the senses

O – Oppressed in our human limitations yet inexhaustible in the Spirit

K – Kneeling before the throne offering our imperfections as our only sacrifice

E – Exalting the Savior and edifying the believers through spiritual freedom

N – Nail-pierced markings on the Lamb who corrected all of humanity’s iniquities

“Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, Yahweh?” – Yes, Lord it is YOU! Please forgive our unbelief! What do you see in your “broken things”? First, we see in this passage above that Moses himself was bound by his imperfections. Ah, there we find Satan yet again – convincing you that you are bound by your perceived limitations.

I can completely relate to Moses! Earlier in this passage, Moses battled unbelief and the fear of being perceived as a liar – and possibly fear of being perceived as crazy –  when he stated, “What if they won’t believe me and will not obey me but say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” (Exodus 4:1)

God at that very moment provided several miraculous signs that He would bestow upon Moses to convince the Israelites that Yahweh did in fact appear before Moses. Following these miraculous signs, we see the enemy step in through the gate of doubt! This is a powerful lesson my dear friends. God not only gave a directive, which is reason enough to obey, but He also provided signs and wonders to battle against doubt. Yet, Moses’ immediate response was ‘Nope-not me! Send someone else-please-I’m just not good enough and here are the reasons why Lord!’

Wow! Yes, you hear yourself in that same rebuttal don’t you? We all do! What amazes me the most is that God already knew! Father God is the very one who stitched Moses together in the first place. Yahweh intimately knew every part of Moses – his strengths AND weaknesses. Did that stop God from using “broken things”? – resounding NO!

Question: What are your “broken things”? Are you allowing Satan to convince you that these imperfections – from a human’s perspective – prevent you from God’s work? Well my friend, we just exposed one of Satan’s number one mental tactics, and we rebuke these lies in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. The Bible is filled with examples of God using human imperfections to accomplish His purpose. Remember, He is God and you are not!

~You do not have to speak eloquently to move the masses.

~You do not have to recite prayers with fluent semantics to prompt the Spirit.

~You do not have to have a strong stature to take down giants.

I rest on 2 Corinthians 12:9 which says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Thought: It may be time to stop asking God to remove a personal weakness and instead place it at His altar for service.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Overcomer

John 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

overcomer

God shows up in all situations, conversations, experiences, and relationships. Do you truly believe that? I do! For starters, He is omnipresent; He is truly everywhere! You cannot find a place where God cannot reach you physically, emotionally, or spiritually for He stitched you together in His image. You were created by perfect hands! You have a purpose and your gifts are unique to His mission. Can we just say–amazing God!

God is also omnipotent as there is no other force more powerful than God. His power is limitless…I implore you to pause – hit the rewind button and simply claim that one more time! His power is LIMITLESS! As you speak truth, there is strength building up inside of you because being a child of God is more than a special blessing; it’s an honor that cannot be contained. Finally, God is omniscient. There is absolutely nothing that takes Him by surprise! Now—exhale!

I was blessed to see God in three conversations today. Don’t miss the importance in that initial sentence. I strive, as imperfect as I am, to see God in all encounters. I ask myself, “What do You want me to learn from this conversation, meeting, interaction Lord?” Often I fail because I can be rather egocentric, task-oriented, and simply impatient. This flesh-oriented focus pulls me away from my mission which is simply His mission – imparting the love of Christ and sharing the good news of Jesus whenever and however I can.

However, after a very spiritually uplifting morning where my small group spent time edifying each other through Scripture and words of encouragement, I felt as though I was fully charged and ready to take on the day. What did I encounter through these very meaningful conversations? I found a common theme. We all hurt…I pause because my spirit groans. We are all currently suffering or have suffered in this life! As human beings, we are not all that different dear friends. Our hearts long for love and acceptance. We struggle with fear, anxiety, the unknown, painful addictions, battles, and loneliness. Yet, our face—yes, our face tells a different story.

We wake up each morning and sift through a drawer of masks trying to find just the right one; the mask that will hide the hurt we are carrying! We pass colleagues in the hallways and smile just praying that our masks are not unveiled. We worry, “Did they notice? Is it still on?” I couldn’t help but appreciate Necole Allen’s Facebook message when she mentioned that her face can tell her mood before she speaks. I truly can relate!! I am one who cannot wear masks well either. Yes, I try them on, but they seem to fall off rather quickly! I guess I haven’t learned how to tie them well. In fact, my face tends to “get me in trouble” well before my tongue.

Truth be told, we are all struggling, and we are all holding onto something in the past. Yet, my God is a deliverer and a healer! I emptied my “mask drawer” long ago and I beg you to do the same. Jesus is the best example of an overcomer any believer could hope for! Not only did He overcome every temptation, He overcame death in order to bring us life! YES AND AMEN! That is enough to send you rejoicing and dancing for joy. I hear chains falling, do you?

TAKE THE MASKS OFF FRIENDS! Satan has an army manufacturing them and supplying you fancy ones, but they are still chains! BREAK THE CHAINS through Christ.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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Thoughts

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


This passage has always been such a wonderful reminder when I am feeling rather “out of control!” However, I typically stop at verse 7. During my reading today, I continued, and I’m glad I did. God really spoke through this directive. 

When my structured, well-planned, and some would say obsessively organized day begins to unravel, I am usually quick to make my requests known to God because I know I am lost in this sea of uncertainty, challenge, and trial. Yet, I will be the first to admit my thoughts throughout the day tend to focus more on the negative rather than what is right, lovely, and pure. We all can say, “The struggle is REAL!” 

This is where faith meets action for me! How can I claim to not be anxious and present my requests to God when hours later complaints cloud my conscience and judgment jars my praise? Are we convicted yet? I am! 

So, I crank up the praise music and sing like no one is watching for I refuse to be tormented by the lies of the devil. Remember friends, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness! Yes, there it is! I can’t figure this out and neither can you so let go and let God!

Even more, we are to think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Dear friends, I can think of only one person who is noble, right, pure, and worthy of praise – Jesus! It is in the moment of praise that we truly experience the type of peace that guards both our hearts and minds – WOW!

Satan would like to make you believe that you have some form of control over whatever situation you are in. Yet, we are clearly limited. Releasing through faith brings fulfillment. 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta