Posted on by Christian Armetta

Burdened 

John 14:1-4

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”


We cannot avoid it. We live in a sinful world. The flesh battles against the Spirit daily. There remains an internal struggle in the hearts of every human. Things happen that cause our hearts to be troubled. What does Jesus say about burdens and troubles? 

How can we measure the level and impact of our troubles? The answer lies within your emotional reactions. Jesus clearly states that we should not let our hearts be troubled. Why? He knows HOPE! In fact, Hope = God. Jesus was verbally declaring the promises of the Father! In that, we should be filled to the brim with excitement. You see, our Hope isn’t in this world, people, or things. Our hope is in the Lord. 

When troubles stir, people disappoint, stress abounds, bodies ache, and the mind controls, we should look to the Hope in our Savior. We focus on Him alone for He has gone to prepare a place for us! Do you truly believe? He not only is sitting at the right hand of the Father, but Jesus has gone to prepare our eternal home. He promises, therefore, to return for His children! To that I say – BE GONE burdens! 

Challenge: Dear friends, it’s time to self-evaluate. If you are only on a spiritual high when things are going your way then you need to assess your level of true dependence upon the Lord. Allow the Potter full access. How are you responding to the trials in your life? Are you weary? Are you burdened? Are you depressed? Or… Are you hopeful for the promises to come?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Instruction

Proverbs 9:9-10

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.


How is our society different today than just a few decades ago? For starters, our culture is consumed with a rebellious spirit. I was always taught to say yes sir, no ma’am, and to represent my family’s name with the utmost of integrity-no matter what situation I found myself in. 

Yes, there were plenty of times when I wanted to express my dislike, distaste, or down right disagreement in certain situations. However, I always understood my position. Where do you see our current culture today? How can we glean upon the Word to develop a more mature Christian walk? Don’t get me wrong! I don’t mean pious. I pray that we stretch ourselves into the deepest of God’s understanding which allows us to be better servants! As we see in the passage above, it starts with the fear of the Lord.

We are seeing an increasingly large number of people in this world who lack this fundamental principle – fear of the Lord. In fact, they fail to demonstrate fear of anything because they are driven by selfish desires. This is true sin-nature – the essence of Satan himself. The world teaches us to please “self” at all cost! It also instructs us to step on those who disagree with us or who get in our way…what a stark contrast from the life of Christ! 

You cannot turn on the news without seeing report after report of frustration, hate, murder, abuse, injustice, revenge, and tournament. Yet, I refuse to think things are hopeless. My God is the Author of hope and while the Holy Spirit is still operating fully in this world through believers like you, why wouldn’t we think otherwise. 

Yet, we must exercise our spiritual muscles. They do not become conditioned and exhibit increased endurance without hard work and exercise. We must first fully surrender to the King. We must stop giving the spirit of rebellion and control permission to inhabit us! They must be gone in Jesus name! Then we open ourselves up to the power of the Holy Spirit through fear of the Lord. We gain wisdom and a deeper knowledge of the Spirit like never before! YES and AMEN!

I pray that the Spirit pierces your heart to dig deeper into your relationship with the Father. Start by humbling yourself at His altar! Humility and pride cannot coexist. They are always battling. Dear friends, you hold the power as granted through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. 

So today we say collectively, “Satan, you cannot have our homes and you do not have permission to inhabit my life. I fear Jehovah, God Almighty; the One who has already written your fate evil one! I will become stronger, wiser, and more powerful as I seek the Father’s will above my own. I rebuke rebellion and pride through the blood of Christ that covers me. You can’t stand in the way of this power because you were defeated at the cross. So, get behind me Satan and tremble as I worship and fear the King!” 

Question: Are you giving permission for the spirits of rebellion and control to inhabit you? How will you break the chains now?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

It Won’t Help!

Matthew 6:27

“27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

The doctor closes the exam door leaving a depleted man and his hopeful spouse to contemplate the plan of care proposed for the next six weeks. The prayerful yet cautious bride finally speaks up. She walks over and grabs her husband’s hand yet it wasn’t the same. The strong hands that once held her while she delivered their three children years ago now appear weak and worn. She gently squeezes in hopes of initiating a powerful return yet his eyes speak a different story – tired and defeated. 

Just as he closes his eyes, she longs for the days of driving with the top down through the Rocky Mountains while singing old country songs, dancing in the kitchen when the kids were all asleep because it was more fun than washing a sink full of dishes, and sitting poolside reading a book and talking about the future. 

She is quickly drawn back to reality when she hears the doctor clear his throat from across the room. She thinks, “When did he come back in? I didn’t hear him enter?” The doctor says, “Have you all given some thought to the plan of care?” She collapses in anxiety as the weight of the world and the hopes for their family crumble around her. “No,” she answers, “We haven’t been able to talk; he’s just too tired.” As the doctor turns to walk away, she manages to grab the corner of his medical coat. He turns his head while his body remains opposed. He says, “Yes, do you have a question?” She embraces him without return and whispers, “I worry about him day and night! I can’t eat or sleep. What do you mean he only has three months to live? I will waste away worrying so you must promise me that he will get better.” 

The doctor who initially appeared to have very little empathy removed a small Bible from his jacket pocket and said, “I too received some bad news today but couldn’t leave my job. You see, my grandmother passed away today, and I will miss her funeral this week. I loved her like a second mother! I cling to the cross and to the hope we have in Christ to keep my feet moving, one step at a time. For the Word tells us that all our worries won’t add a single hour to our lives so I give it all back to Him in full surrender; it’s truly the only thing left I can do.” 

With tear-filled eyes, he hands her the Bible, and he walks away. She gently holds the Word as she sits at the bedside watching her soulmate rest. She opens the Bible and reads, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). 

As she closes her eyes to pray she hears her husband whisper, “Dear, what are you doing?” She replies with a reverent heart, “I’m releasing all my worries to God for tomorrow is a new day and we will rejoice for He is good no matter our outcome.” At just that moment, the husband says, “You finally understand my love, and now we can truly live!” 

Thought: Life is filled with stress, disaster, twists, and turns. How will you respond? 

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Strife

Proverbs 20:3

“Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.”


I just love Proverbs! It is beyond wise to refresh yourselves with these principles often. If you find yourself needing a personal refresher’s course, I strongly suggest opening the Word and heeding these precepts. 

During my youth (wink-ha), I cannot say that I followed this Proverb wholeheartedly. In fact, I appeared to welcome strife as a very young man- the cause – masking pain! The once curly, red-headed, skinny youth was now ready to fight! Sadly, no he wasn’t; he was just putting up “a front” so he couldn’t get used or hurt again. 

As I matured in my Christianity and family, I learned the value in keeping the peace. I love that this Proverb says, “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor.” Why then do we teach our sons to stand up and fight at the smallest of offenses instead of teaching them true biblical honor – love your neighbor as yourself. Trust me–I think we LOVE ourselves a whole lot in this society; just think what the world would look like if we followed this principle! Mind blowing!

This principle also would save a lot of pain in relationships. How many of us find pride in always having to be right in an argument with our spouse, brother, child, loved one? Arguing for the sake of “being right” does not bring honor to you, your relationship, and especially God! I implore you to find peace by avoiding such traps. God always, and I mean always, has our best interests at heart. Following His ways will prove true and honorable. 

Question: Do you struggle with anger? Give it to the Father today!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta 

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Courage

Mark 6:49-51

49 When they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded.

courage

We’ve all experienced it. Some are paralyzed by it every day, and some invite it based on certain activities of daily living. What am I describing? – Fear! What do you fear?

[Pause, think, and journal!]

We can truly all relate to this question. Common fears include financial ruin, death, and disease. Yet, what about those fears that have ripened out of instinct and sprouted dark roots throughout your soul? What do those look like in your life? Obsession, hoarding, debilitating anxiety, anorexia, gluttony, paranoia, depression, alcoholism, addiction, etc. This list sadly could go on and on…but why? What fear or terror have you internalized and allowed to remain in the temple of God? Dear friends, they don’t have to stay! They aren’t welcomed in your life, but you must believe that through the power of Jesus Christ, you can break their strongholds. Yes and Amen. It’s time to “CLEAN HOUSE!”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “19 Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.”

There it is! There is no second guessing here my friends. The Holy Spirit lives in each believer. Therefore, we must rebuke all things unholy from entering into the gates of our temple – our body and soul. The Spirit cannot be corrupted as the Spirit is part of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Yet, our flesh and minds most certainly can be influenced by what we open! This is why putting on the full armor of God is crucial-daily!

If you are battling fear or any form of mental angst that keeps you from (A) fully focusing on Christ or (B) fully experiencing His joy then I implore you to shed off these demons by acknowledging God’s complete control in your life. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Start by claiming this powerful Word and promise! Rebuke these demons in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, and fill your life with His Word so that you will be protected.

Question: Are you ready to “clean house”? I pray for personal revival and deliverance to spread across our community and land.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 2 Comments

Hands and Feet

Mark 10:45

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.

help

Oh Lord you hear our cries. As the waters rise and the clouds swirl, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

When our earthly possessions snap and crumble like little sticks broken in two, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

When the rain appears persistent with a mission to destroy, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

As our hearts flood with angst just as we count the inches before ruin and devastation, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!  

In the midst of death and despair, there are strange hands reaching out to save, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

Tears fill hollowed eyes while little children grasp on to any source of hope, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

Where separation once defined a nation, togetherness and unity outlasted any sense of indifference, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

As volunteers gathered to shelter the worn by offering light, hope, and love, you are still God!

~Even the winds and sea obey Him!

Dear brothers and sisters, we pray! In the wake of hurricane and then tropical storm Harvey, our community and neighboring state of Texas face complete devastation. You do not have to go very far to see the story written on the victims’ faces.

I am always reminded during a hurricane that the “eye of the storm” is calm and peaceful. No matter the extreme destruction lurking all around, there remains a center of peace.

How does this translate to living like Jesus? To me, being the hands and feet of Jesus through service is the best way to “share” your testimony. Often, you do not have to say a single word, your actions speak louder than words.

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”-The glory belongs to God the Father NOT YOU!

James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”- This requires action!

1 John 3:18 says, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”-be the hands and feet of Jesus!

There are many examples of strangers volunteering before, during, and after this storm. We stand and applaud each of you for your service! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!  However, I would be remiss if I did not highlight my personal friend Leslie Morgan for her service today. At a time when suffering is right around the corner, she put feet to faith. My dear friend volunteered at the Civic Center in Lake Charles today for the displaced, hurt, and scared. Thank you Leslie for sharing the love of Christ to complete strangers. We pray that your special touch, warm embrace, encouraging word, edifying prayer, and selfless act will show Christ’s goodness, mercy, and grace to all those you came in contact with today! I know you run from praise, but thank you for allowing me to use this forum to show how God’s light lives in all believers, and He calls us all to serve and share!

Request: If you are unable to physically assist during the aftermath of this storm, please consider donating funds, items, etc. to a local church or shelter. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus in time of need.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 4 Comments

Stealing Your Joy

Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

joy

This passage is very close to my heart. I have never heard these verses recited in song until a couple of years ago, and it stuck! More than that…this passage represented a time in my life where I can say I truly “experienced” God. I have been a believer for most of my life; however, growth is a process, and I’m still experiencing Him. My journey, and yours, will not come to a perfect end until you are face-to-face with your Maker. There is always something to learn, give, hear, and impart! I pray that you truly understand that you have something special to share! Yes, each and everyone of us.

This week has been marked with overt spiritual battles in those I hold dear. As I stated yesterday, we are not all that different from each other. Most of us carry around past hurts and sins that we bury deeper and deeper into our soul. We cry out, “What would people think of me if they really knew me?” Yet, at the same time we claim to be redeemed in Christ which brings complete cleansing. Do you hear the contradictory speech? Ah yes–there he is–he has been identified, and his name is Satan, the author of all lies.

Any thought, idea, action, or word that contradicts the Word of God is not from God as God is holy, pure, and truthful. He cannot lie to Himself! This is where the devil hides out my dear friends! He has managed to steal your joy and mine for entirely too long. As believers, there is power in the name of Jesus…period end of story! I am never surprised when a believer steps out in faith and then all of a sudden she is spiritual attacked! I hate to give too much credit to the enemy but this is rather clever–why? Satan knows all too well that we are weak in the flesh. He also knows that the battle is in our minds. If he can convince you that you did something wrong in standing for Christ or play with your emotions, then he has won. Victory quickly turns to victimized! 

I am here to say enough is enough Satan! You cannot have my family and friends in the powerful name of Jesus! Will you make the same claim? True deliverance through salvation ensures that Christ has washed those filthy sins away; they simply do not exist any longer in God’s eyes. So, why are you weary dear friends when opinions are wrongly imposed upon you? We have all heard before that your past does not define you. However, I would take that a step further: You cannot be defined by something that does not exist through Christ’s powerful blood.

When truth is spoken, Satan will naturally interject the opposite by using your friends and even family members as a direct point of attack, “Checkmate,” he exclaims! Oh but what he is unaware of is my God defined the rules, and He is saving His best move for last! My God is not limited by position or rules of engagement. Satan is the one who is limited! So what was God’s last move in the chess game of your life? God stands up as Satan appears to smirk saying to himself, “I won the game-this is it!” Yet, God leans in and with a powerful voice says, “Oh no fallen one, you have not won. In fact, I have been distracting you this entire time while my sweet believer is giving her testimony to many attending souls. In fact, the seed she planted will sprout personal revival that no one on earth or under the earth can extinguish”–as God turns to walk away he says, “I WON!”

Ask yourself, are you taking a stand for Christ? Have you given your testimony? Are you imparting the good news to those around you? I do hope so, and I would also expect you to say, “The battle is real.” Satan is not going to sit quietly as you take a stand. Feel confident that your spiritual team: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit will win any and all battles. Lift your hands in praise and turn the tears of sorrow to fountains of joy.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta · 5 Comments

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

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Tempted yet Triumphant

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

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.

freedom

In order to fully understand this passage, we must back up just a bit and read Matthew 3:16-17, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'”

After this mountaintop revelation and spiritual experience, Jesus was then led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. As the reader, you almost want to look up from the Bible, tilt your head, and simply contemplate the sequencing of events between these verses…in turn, you really want to say, “Huh? What just happened here?” In one sense, there is pure joy, celebration, and affirmation. Then in the blink of an eye, there is trial, tribulation, and pain. What I truly love about this Biblical application is how familiar this sounds to our everyday lives. This just might sound like your life too. How many times have you gone from mountaintop moments to deep valley difficulties within a blink of an eye? See, you can relate! This is why God is a personable Father! He can relate to absolutely every one of life’s moments! The common denominator is that Jesus experiences VICTORY in both mountaintop moments and deep valley difficulties. We can most certainly learn from Him and we must lean on Him daily. 

First, there is victory in God the Father affirming the identity and mission of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we witness the trinity converge during Jesus’ baptism. Secondly, there is victory in trials as Jesus used the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, to successfully defeat the devil despite being physically weakened from hunger. We are taught in Ephesians chapter 10 to put on the full armor of God. Most of the armor is defensive in nature: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace fitted over your feet, shield of faith, helmet of salvation. Yet, there appears to be one offensive tool: sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Why is there only one offensive measure? Because you only need one to defeat the devil! The word of God is that powerful! Yes and amen! The most amazing thing is that devil knows it too! Do not stand for his lies. He cannot control you when you are under the authority of Jesus Christ. James 4:7 clearly states, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” AMEN!

armor of god

Question: How can you learn to achieve victory in life’s mountaintop moments and deep valley difficulties?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Posted on by Christian Armetta

Miracle

Luke 8:50

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

healed

I pray that you continue to lift up the Allen family and sweet Elley as she recovers from brain surgery. There is power in prayer, and I believe fully that the prayers of this community and those afar are flooding Heaven’s throne with heartfelt petitions for a true miracle. The amazing part is that God hears each and every one of them!

There is nothing more precious than watching a child demonstrate such strength and courage in the midst of a storm. In essence, I would say this is a perfect example of encountering Jesus. You see, Elley’s testimony will impact the masses. Her childlike faith will be a beacon of light that will shatter darkness and dispel doubt and fear. Her story of trial and healing will draw others to Jesus for our God does not waste a single moment to increase His Kingdom. However, you must see this through the eyes of Jesus.

Matthew 18:3 says, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” What is Jesus saying here? We must enter His presence with meekness, humility, and submissiveness. There is absolutely zero tolerance for pride and egocentrism. Sadly, as we grow older we trade maturity and wisdom for pride. I beg you to crucify the flesh daily and seek His ways with childlike faith.

Dear friends, have you truly encountered Jesus? Have you witnessed a miracle? First and foremost, the mere fact that you are taking in oxygen and your organs are functioning without your voluntary control is indeed a miracle. I pray that we never become desensitized to that. Secondly, watching the video of this precious child walk and talk following brain surgery is most certainly a miracle. I give God all the praise and honor for His watch-care. Psalm 139:1-3 says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” You see dear friends, we never escape His eye! He is acquainted with all our ways. Therefore, trusting in Him is the only answer.

I believe in miracles! I am praying for a continued miracle. Even more, I pray that God will turn what Satan meant for tragedy into testimony. I simply smile at the fact that Satan lost! The Allen family refused to curse God for they know He is worth of praise despite the trials. Furthermore, we could all learn from the childlike faith of Elley. Allow this testimony to take root and grow. Praise God for Elley’s faith and the outpouring of love. We give You all the honor and praise for You are worthy.

Question: Have you approached God with childlike faith?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta