Do You Pick and Choose

Do You Pick and Choose?

When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin,and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.

“Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin.The righteous things he did will not be remembered and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

Ezekiel 3:18-21

Have you ever left out part of God’s Word or sugar-coated it so the person you were talking to would not feel bad?                                                      

I know I have and then the Lord began to work on me. If I believe God, then I must know His Word and if I know His Word I must speak it as Truth – all of it! 

He does not say, oh it is okay if you add to my word here and say don’t worry about it God will forgive you. God may forgive them but you are commanded to tell them what His Word says. Then it is their decision to continue in the sin or follow His Word. 

I don’t know about you but I don’t to be held accountable for the blood of someone I did not tell the Truth to. I believe that is why so many churches are asleep today, why we are not seeing the power God says we have. 

This is not an easy step to take but with God’s help we don’t have to worry or fret because He will give us His Words at the right time and He will protect us. 

““I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:4-12

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. II Thessalonians 3:3

I can profess to know God, to have faith in His Word but am I walking my talk? 

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:18-19

Demons believe but they do not fear the one True God so they keep sinning, ignoring the Word of God. We as believers, walking in faith, are called to know God’s Word, when we know God’s Word and have a relationship with him (making the changes we need to make during our lifetime) we are able to help others grow in their faith and show it by their deeds. 

Satan is pretty slick, he will come in and say ‘everyone is doing it, even those in the church, so why should you lose out on the fun?’ 

The Bible is pretty clear on what God hates, this is just one passage of many.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,  envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21  

Now I don’t know about you but I have had to repent of several of these things and more than once! That is why I believe we are to tell the Truth in love. We are not to beat them over the head and neither are we to tell them  it’s okay because their circumstance is different (if  it’s in the Bible it’s not okay!). 

Too many believers want people to feel sorry for them so their ‘sin’ is lost in the emotional.

They talk bad about another person, telling things they should not be telling and usually leaving out the part they played in it. They have the poor me syndrome and that is not from God! We are anything but poor once we have accepted the Lord as our Savior, repented of our sins and started on our faith journey.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:17

I know this will seem harsh to some of you, but if you are believers you can’t pick and choose what you want from God’s Word.

 I want to speak the Truth in love, and then it is up to them to make the choice according to what God says. Neither I nor you can make that choice for anyone, not our husbands, our parents, our children, our friends….but we can search God’s Word and ask Him for wisdom on how we are to act and speak so they will be drawn to God. 

So make sure when the Lord has you speak to someone, write about something, whatever He tells you to do – make sure you are doing it with God’s love, with a true concern for them to know what God has to say.

Whatever God says to do or not to do something, He will always give you the strength and the way, we are never alone.

How many times have I not spoken Truth to someone, or shared my faith. Now to listen to God and see how to do this in love, not in fear, not in Bible beating, but in genuine love because you want to see them blessed by their Father. Because you have your Father’s heart to see them saved and not suffer the consequences for a bad decision – a sin.

If you get attacked, let it go and trust God, love them and pray for them.  It could be the Holy Spirit working on them, making them uncomfortable and you are just an easy target. Again, love them and pray for them. 

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up      Luke 18:1

I’m grateful for the people that spoke truth to me and never gave up praying. 

It’s never too late to repent  -  Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death 2 Corinthians 7:10
 Let Jesus release you from those chains!

   By: Christena Hammes

             Blessed and Fit

Thought I Was Going to Blog About the Pastor's Message; God Had a Different Message

I was asked in May to write a blog for the church’s blog site. Since that time I have asked God, “Lord, what am I supposed to write about?” and His answer has continued to be, “You’ll figure it out.”  Even sitting down to write this, I thought I might know what I was supposed to write about.

I thought I was going to be blogging about Pastor Mitch’s sermon from last Sunday, June 10^th, and what God spoke to me during the sermon.  While I’ll be mentioning it a little later, it has transformed into something completely different as I’ve began to type.

Sunday, Pastor Mitch posed the question, “Are you eating from the right tree?”  Pastor Mitch did a great job of defining the trees; one tree being the word of God and what He says is truth, and the other tree being the tree of knowledge of good and evil—the tree of what the world says.

For many, I’m sure they were able to understand this just from this explanation. I’m not always like that. I found myself saying, “Okay, Lord. I believe Your word is true, so where am I missing it?” 

He showed me two examples where this applies. He said, “The wrong tree is the doctors telling you, you are sick and dying. I am the tree of life. The wrong tree is the world saying you’re poor and defeated. I am the tree saying you are prosperous and victorious.” The examples can go on and on.

I’m an analytical learner. I like details, examples, metaphors and visuals. This is the way God speaks to me.  He is either giving me check points, using examples in my life or visually showing me things and saying, “it’s like this”. His voice is always the same, but His tone changes. For me, it’s been patient, friendly, chiding, or humorous. It just depends on what He’s saying and how long He’s been saying it. Sometimes He’s my Father, and sometimes He’s just speaking as my friend.

 In church we’ve been talking about prayer lately, and how we pray. As a family, we have set times during the day where we pray; morning, meal times and bedtime. We use these prayer times to thank God for what He’s done, what He’s doing and what He continues to do.

If a problem presents itself throughout the day I thank Him for providing me His patience, strength and wisdom in helping me through the situation. If I get a prayer request from a friend or someone else I pray very similarly. I provide scripture to the person and let them know what I’m agreeing to believe with them on and that God receives all the glory for it. 

I’ve found myself asking, do I pray enough, and do I pray the right way. His response to me was, “Praying isn’t just ‘God help me; God, do this; God, do that, God, why won’t you do this; God, why won’t you do that.’ 

Prayer is communion with Me. It’s showing respect and knowing what I do for you and knowing what I’ll keep doing for you. As a parent, as an employer, as a person in a position of authority, or as a friend - would you want your children, employees, subordinates, or friends to continually bring all their problems to you for you to fix them? No. You want them to use what you have given them, use what you have taught them to solve their own problems.  If you have given your word on something, it’s okay if they remind you of it because you want them to know you care for them and they can depend and rely on you to honor your word. You want them to talk to you and share with you things they find important, just as I do with you.”  

He went on to tell me how much time I don’t even realize I am talking to Him and with Him just because it’s become a ‘normal’ part of my day. He told me it’s okay and He’s pleased, and that made me smile.

 At the beginning of the year, the Lord shared with me that I was being selfish by not sharing with others what he speaks and has spoken to me.  I made a commitment to share and have honored that commitment. 

Today, he wanted me to share that He speaks to each of us differently in a way that is most beneficial to each of us. There is no right or wrong way to hear from Him. If you are confused rather you’re hearing Him or not, He says if whatever he’s said, or instructed you to do or change is followed with a feeling of peace, it’s Him.

                                                     by: Jessica Carlisle

What Is It That You Seek?

Pastor Mitch has been mentioning Matthew 6:31 a lot, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”  

We have learned that this verse is a commandment from God instructing us not to concern ourselves with these things.  We know that this is instruction from God because Jesus said it, and Jesus says what he hears his Father say.  

Not only is this verse instruction to the believer, but it is also comfort.  Without reading any further, Matthew 6:31 is comfort because by telling us to not concern ourselves with food, drink, and clothes, He is telling us that he will take care of them.  We don’t have to do anything other than believe that God’s word is true.  Think about it, there is no way that our God, who loves us more than we could ever know, would ever allow us to go without these things, especially after telling us not to concern ourselves with them.

Matthew 6:32 reads “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”  

This confirms what the believer should take away from the previous verse.  Jesus is confirming to us that our Father is aware of our needs, and if this was not enough, the second half of verse 33 says “and all these things shall be added unto you.”  So even though the believer should be able to deduct from verse 31 that God will take care of these things, Jesus goes on to spell it out for us in verse 33.

There are a couple of additional points to take away from verses 32 and 33.  

Verse 32 starts out with “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)”.  

Here, Jesus is pointing out that there should be a difference between believers and non-believers.  If we are seeking the same things that gentiles are seeking, then there are no differences between us.  If there is no difference between the believer and the gentiles, God will not be seen in His people.  

In the beginning of verse 33 Jesus tells the believer how they should be different and what they should be seeking.  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.”  So here, Jesus tells us what should consume our thoughts.  Not only do we believe God to provide those things that we need, but we seek our God’s kingdom and righteousness in place of those other Earthly needs.

The second, but equally as important point to take away from verses 32 and 33 is that there is a cause/effect relationship between what a person seeks and what God will provide.  The second half of verse 33 is conditional upon obeying his command in the first half of the same verse.

 If you seek His kingdom and righteousness, these things (that the gentiles seek) will be added unto you.  Meaning, if you are seeking anything other than His kingdom and righteousness, you do not qualify for God to add food, drink and clothes to you.  Why would He add things to you when He will not get the credit for it because you were trying to achieve it yourself? 

Matthew 6:31 – 33 separates the believer from the non-believer.  The difference between the two can be found in what they seek.  The non-believer seeks food, drink, and clothes.  The believer seeks God’s kingdom and His righteousness.  What is it that you seek?

By Chris Carlisle

Faith, Hope and Love

Faith, Hope, and Love

What mountain must faith move to find where we stand?

Where must hope go to gain entrance to our hearts?

What must love do that it may come close?

For the only mountain faith must move is our own desires to allow it to work in us.

Hope must go nowhere; for, it lies in the Scriptures waiting for us to receive it.

Love must only draw near once we submit and likewise have drawn close.

For these things are the individualities of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

by: Nick Mosier

Are You Willing and Obedient?

Recently, the Lord has been talking to me about listening more intently to Him. He brought me to Proverbs 4:1-6. It says:

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not and she shall preserve thee: love her and she shall keep thee.

The Bible is a living Word given to us to learn how to live, overcome and have joy in this fallen world. Nothing can substitute what the Holy Spirit can speak to us, both individually and as a corporate body through divine revelation of the Word. When God speaks to us through His Word and through those whom He uses to teach us His Word, its best that we take heed to what He is trying to get across to us.


One thing I have noticed in the last couple of years is that God is preparing His people to go home. He wants a pure and spotless bride that is ready to stand before Him. He is dealing with us in areas that many of us have desired to be left alone. It’s too hard, emotionally and physically to deal with…or so we have allowed the enemy to convince us.

We must make a choice to believe and trust God to help us let go of the things that hold us back or that seem too painful to deal with. We have to believe that just like ripping a band aid off of a sensitive area – it will only be painful for a few moments, but then we are free of it and can finally move forward without fear or pain!

In Isaiah 1:19-20 it says:  If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

The Lord made it very clear to me that you need to be both willing and obedient when He speaks to you about changing things in your life. If you are not willing you will not be obedient and if you are not obedient then you are not willing.

If you truly have a desire to do what God is calling you to do in these last days and to do it with the Power of God flowing through you…isn’t it time to face those things holding you back and have victory over them?

Philippians 4:13 AMP version says: I have strength for ALL things in Christ (*the Anointed One and His anointing*) which empowers me (I am ready for anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency).   * added from the Greek

He will give you the strength, courage and boldness to do ALL that you need to do and the grace (the supernatural ability) to overcome.

Be Blessed

Pastor Kathy Mosier
Life Church and Training Center
www.lcindy.com

Job or Position Description

Position Description

Job Title:  Believer/Over comer/King/Priest/Ambassador

Reports To:  God

Principal Purpose of Position:  Bear much fruit to bring glory to God.  (John 15:7-8)  (This is not referring to the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, etc.)  Successful candidate will be able to understand and demonstrate John 15:7.  (In other words draw attention to God).  This position operates the same way Jesus operated.  (Acts 10:38) He demonstrated the will of heaven on earth.  The Bible says in Psalm 119:89 that the Word of God is settled in heaven.  Heaven operates according to the Word.  The Word of God is the will of God.  In John 15:7 Jesus and the Word of God must abide in the believer so the will of heaven will be demonstrated in the earth.  The demonstration is Acts 10:38.  

Work Environment:  Your community, neighborhood, workplace and the world. 

Essential Job Functions: 

·         Must multiply goods that are given to you.  (Matt. 25:14-30)

·         Seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness must be the number one priority in your life.  (Matt. 6:33)

·         Must be involved in the Great Commission.  (Matt. 28:19-20)

·         You must pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  (You must know what God’s will is.)  (Luke 11:2)

·         Study of God’s Word and learning from Jesus is essential on a day to day basis.  (The Holy Spirit will help you.)  (1 Peter 2:21, Matt. 11:28—30)

Qualifications and Capabilities:

·         Must be born again.  (John 3:3)

·         Must be filled with the Holy Spirit.  (Eph. 5:18)

·         Must allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.  (John 16:13)  The Holy Spirit is your helper.  If you have any questions on how something is done in this organization (kingdom) he will guide you.  One of your primary objectives is understanding and operating within the mysteries of the Kingdom. (Luke 8:10)

·         Must desire spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.  (1 Cor. 14:1)

·         Must be willing to relocate.  (Col. 1:13 & Php. 3:20)

·         Must be willing to change.  (Matt. 4:17)

·         Must Love the Lord with all your being and your neighbor as yourself.  (Mark 12:30-31)

·         Must be able to forgive.  (Matt. 6:14-15)

·         Must be able to put on the full armor of God and understand its use.  (Eph.6:11) 

·         If you are married your marriage must mirror the relationship Christ has with the Church.  (Eph. 5:22-34)

Salary:

 Psa 103:1  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psa 103:2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psa 103:3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Psa 103:4  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Psa 103:5  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psa 103:6  The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Mar 10:29  And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

Mar 10:30  But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

A sermon outline from Pastor Mitch Mosier

Life Church and Training Center

Indianapolis, IN 46237

Focus

Focus 

 Recently, I did not get a job that I really wanted.
 I thought that I had a really good shot. The interview went well. I know people in the office, all of whom endorsed me, and I am more than qualified for the position. Put all of that together with God’s favor and I thought I had the job.

 While I was waiting to find out whether or not I got the job, I kept telling God that regardless of the outcome, I would praise and glorify Him.

 Well, now my own words are being tested.

 I have had to remind myself over and over again that God is my supply and through Him all things are possible. I know these things to be true, but to recognize them repeatedly reminds me that a job is a natural, material thing is irrelevant when it comes to the things of God.

 Over the weekend I watched the movie Facing the Giants.

 In that movie God does some pretty miraculous things through a high school football coach. The coach was able to tab into God’s favor by making two decisions.

 The first decision he made was to give God his best effort regardless of what he was doing. He was no longer working to keep his job. He was not working so that he could pay the bills. He was working, and more importantly living to glorify God. Everything he did was to praise God. 

The second decision he made was to not allow natural results to effect how he praised God. He told his players that they would praise God when they won and praise God when they lost. This attitude spread to the teenagers that he was coaching. They began to see their efforts in life as more meaningful because they were serving a hire purpose, and as a result they started to see God’s blessing in their lives.

In the movie, God tested the coach’s resolve. Not everything would go the way the coach wanted them to, but the blessing came when he stuck to his guns, put his emotions under, and continued to give God his best.
He was tempted along the way by Satan, but he, like Jesus, was determined to do his Father’s work.

 What I take aware from this is that the job I wanted is not as important as giving God the glory and continuing to do my best at my current job. Regardless of where I am working, I am ultimately working for God. I will continue to praise God for the fact that I have a full-time job and he continues to provide resources to provide for my family. I recognize that absolutely nothing is impossible to God, and he is able to do anything regardless of the natural circumstances.

 Isaiah 26:3 says “Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

 This passage tells us that if we keep our focus on God, He will keep us in perfect peace. I believe this is telling us that if God and His kingdom remains our first priority, He will guard us from anything that would hinder our peace by providing our needs to the point that natural circumstances are inconsequential.

Mathew 6:31 tells us that we are not to worry about necessities because He has already provided them for us. If we start looking to the natural for these things, we may get them, but then we will start giving the natural credit for them. God wants us to rely on Him. By relying on Him, we eliminate any chance of failure and disappointment, and we able to continually glorify Him.

Christian Carlisle