Author Archives: Christlike Ministries NWA

Leading with Confidence: “Abide In Him”

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John155

Scripture Reference:  John 15:1-11

Introduction:

This is my second attempt at writing this message.  The first one must’ve been awesome because the devil made sure it didn’t get posted.  However, as much as I allowed it to aggravate me…it’s not going to keep me from trying again.  Just like I did in the first attempt, I’m going to rely upon the Holy Ghost to help me write a message that’s going to be even better than the first one.

This is also only the second message in this series, and in the first one we talked a lot about reading the Bible.  Today, we’re going to talk about Abiding in Him, but one of the main ways that we do this is by reading the Word of God.  I’m not going to spend a lot of time on the introduction, but before I get into this message I am going to ask the Holy Ghost for help in writing it, and ask you to believe with me that God’s going to speak some amazing things to us through this message.  In fact, why not just type out a live prayer so that you know what I pray when I’m in the process of beginning to write a message.

Lord, I thank You for the opportunity to write another message.  I yield myself to You and ask that You would make my fingers that as a pen of a ready writer…writing only of the oracles of You.  That You would supply me with that supernatural ability to write with clarity, boldness, and power.  I ask, Holy Spirit, for the unction and anointing to flow, and that You would sink this message deep within my heart and the hearts of the readers.  I ask, Lord God, for ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts that are receptive and responsive to that which You are about to speak to us through this message.  I thank You, Holy Ghost for Your help, and ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus…Amen and Amen.

Okay, now I’m ready to get into this message…

Today’s Message  “Abide In Him”

Josh Radford “Abide in Him” at New Life Christian Center

Whenever I combine talking about reading the Bible and Abiding in Christ I can’t help but to think about how one of the main ways we abide in Christ is by abiding in the Word of God.  We know from John that in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God, right!?!  If we read on in John Chapter 1 we find out that the Word became flesh and dwelled among us, right?  We know that Jesus Christ came and was God in the flesh, right!?!  Therefore, the conclusion that I always come to is that when I am reading the Bible, not only am I reading God’s Word, not only am I hearing God’s voice, but that I am holding Jesus in my hands.  I like to some times refer to the Bible as being Jesus Christ in book form…because that’s what it is.  Everything written in the Bible is God breathed, God inspired, and while the Bible was written by many writers…we know that it really had one Author, and that it really is all about Jesus.

Jesus refers to himself as “the true vine” and to his followers as “the branches.” In the midst of the descriptive narrative on the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus suddenly draws upon the vine and the branches to describe the spiritual intimacy, union or connection he came to bring into the lives of his followers. Jesus makes it clear that he is out to make them spiritually alive so that they will become spiritually productive. Jesus reveals his goal, his method and means of doing this. These shine a light on the way Jesus works in our lives.

How many of you know that it’s impossible to abide in Christ, and not abide in His Word?  Friends, the Word of God is the way that we nourish ourselves spiritually.  The Bible is constantly referred to as manna from Heaven.  Jesus referred to Himself and the Bible as food and water.  When Jesus was being tempted by satan the first thing satan did was tempt Jesus with food…and Jesus’ response was that man shouldn’t live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.  Paul writes about the milk of the Word of God, and meat.  About how the Word of God is substance to us.

We must feed upon the Word of God or we will all be malnourished Christians.  Come on, look around today, and you’ll find so many Christians who have no real understanding of the Word of God.  In fact, many of us think it’s enough to go to church on Sundays, and maybe make the mid-week service so that pastor so and so can tell us what the Word of God says.

Friend, I can tell you from my own personal experiences I’ve been in church services where the preacher will be talking about what he thinks God said, and while he’s talking God has spoken up on the inside of me that not only is what this person is preaching not biblical…but that God’s insulted by what this person was preaching.  The Bible talks about people who are carried to and fro by every wind of doctrine, and I can honestly admit that I was one of those people.  I was until I began to study the Word of God for myself, and have the Holy Ghost teach me His Word and how to rightly divide it…and as I got to know the voice of the Good Shepherd I found myself knowing who was preaching good, sound biblical truth or something that was complete garbage.

Not everyone who opens a Bible to preach is working for the Lord, and the ONLY way we’re going to know that is if we are reading the Bible for ourselves, and therefore making a serious effort to abide in Him.  We abide in Christ when we are abiding in His Word.  Apart from the Word of God we cannot abide in Him.  Jesus’ blood flows through us, but it’s the Word of God that nourishes our spirits…and there are a lot of Christians who are malnourished because they refuse to read the Word of God for themselves.

And preachers…I don’t know how in the world you can have anything to say if you’re not using the Bible.  I love Christian books, but I don’t want you to preach me a sermon on Rick Warren’s “Purpose Filled Life” because there’s no Holy Ghost anointing on anyone else’s book.  The anointing, the yoke breaking anointing is only found in one place…the Word of God…and if you’re not preaching from it…you will be judged by it….and that’s not my warning…that warning is found in the Word of God.  I may use devotional articles to assist me with illustrating what I’m writing…but I can assure you that the real anointing isn’t in what I’m writing or in what I’m using…the anointing is in the Word of God, and when I rely upon the Holy Ghost to help me write these messages I’m not writing what thus saith Pastor Bryan…I am writing what I sense is from the Holy Ghost.  My fingers are that as a pen of a ready writer writing only of the oracles of God.  That means everything I write is Holy Ghost inspired, and the reason that happens in these messages isn’t because I’m some kind of journalism major…I have no professional writing experience at all.  Everything I write here is because I rely upon the authority found in God’s Word, and the Holy Ghost.

Otherwise…I have nothing to say or write.  When I started doing this I’ll freely admit my messages were very hard reads, but as I allowed the Holy Ghost to develop me as a writer…I’ve grown and become much better at it.  I didn’t have anyone teach me how to format anything….except the Holy Ghost…and therefore how dare I stray from the Word of God.  The ability isn’t within me…it’s within the anointing…and the anointing only comes from abiding in the Word of God.

Jesus’ discourse on the vine and the branches not only calls the followers of Christ to be connected to (i.e., “stay joined to”) him, but makes sure we let God’s words get connected to us. He calls us to something beyond simply reading. He doesn’t want us to just meditate on his Word; you might say he wants us to marinate in it! Scripture engagement means getting immersed in God’s Word and allowing it to change us. After all, when we open ourselves up to someone, isn’t that exactly what happens? We share more of our thoughts and our ideas, and we more carefully consider the other person’s words and opinions. That is intimacy. That is engagement with the Word of God.

We have to make it a point to search the scriptures daily.  Just like we have to pray daily we must be in the Word of God daily.  The Bible is just as vital to us as breakfast and coffee.  Yes, I admit a lot of times coffee is my breakfast, but the point I’m trying to make is really a very simple one…daily intake of the Word of God is necessary for our spiritual growth and nourishment.  Just as food and water nourish our physical bodies…the Word of God nourishes our spirit…and we’re always told that we need to starve our flesh and feed our spirits.  Most of us are starving our spirits because the only thing it feeds upon is what we take in with our eyes and ears.

Friend, if the only thing you read is the Breaking Dawn series your spirit is feeding on that.  If you read nothing but Sports Illustrated your spirit is feeding on that.  If you read romance novels that have stuff written in them that’s basically soft pornography and some of those are pretty graphic…you’re feeding your spirit that kind of stuff…and what you feed upon is what’s going to show.

I love the use of the word marinate here.  For Mother’s Day, I grilled some steaks for my wife, and I used a marinade for the meat.  The instructions for it that for at least a half and hour or so to put the meat into this marinade before cooking it.  The longer the meat is in the marinade…the more of the flavor from the marinade soaks into the meat.  So, if one person marinated the meat for a couple of hours, and one marinate it for a half an hour…the one who marinated it longer is going to have more flavorful steaks…is that right!?!

So, if the only time you are marinated in the Word of God is on Sunday’s, and you’re pastor is marinating on the Word of God every day…guess why I can walk around quoting scripture?  Guess why there’s more flavoring on his life?  It’s because he is constantly marinating in and upon the Word of God.  Friends, the life changing, life altering Word of God can only be and do that if we’re constantly feeding upon it.

Here’s a great illustration, okay.  I listen to a lot of sports radio.  So, when I get into a conversation with someone about certain sports topics I have allowed myself to be marinated by what I hear from those who are talking about those topics on the radio.  I also listen to a lot of good, solid bible teaching preachers on the radio as well.  I have a mixed marinade of sports and bible based teaching to draw from when I have the opportunity to get into discussions.  I have very little marinade within me when it comes to politics.  There are a lot of people who have a much better ability to explain political things than I do because I don’t marinade my mind with political stuff.

There are words like immerse, marinate, and saturate.  That’s what we’re supposed to be doing with the Word of God.  Marinating in it, being immersed in it, and saturated with it.  The more we are reading, the more we study, and the more we feed upon the Word of God the more it will impact who we are and how our lives are shaped by what we read.  It’s also going to help us to know who is preaching a bunch of mumbo jumbo, and rightly divided scripture.  Friends, the only way we can really, truly know God’s voice is by abiding in His Word.  That’s how we know what His voice sounds like…and that’s why it’s so important to understand by reading the Bible we are abiding in Him because His Word is His Voice.

Can I ask you a simple question before moving on to the next point…what do you allow your mind to marinate on?

Jesus doesn’t just tell these leaders that in order to experience intimacy with him they need to let his words dwell richly within them. Jesus says that if they allow his words to become part of their lives, thoughts and actions, then they “will become fruitful disciples” (v. 8).

I don’t know about anyone else, but when Jesus talks about something that will help me to become a fruitful disciple…I want to listen.  I want to try to do what He says will make me fruitful.  Here’s another word that comes out of a message like this, and that word is intimacy.  If you want to have, develop, and maintain a real, serious, intimate relationship with God…you cannot do it if you do not read His Word.  I can’t say it anymore clearer then that.  If you don’t read the Bible…don’t expect to know God as intimately as someone who reads it all the time.  If you want the kind of relationship with God that your pastor has…I bet you if you asked him why he has such an intimate relationship with God…he’s going to tell you it’s because he spends time with God.

If you want to have an intimate relationship with God you must allow these four things to become the most important parts of your day…and before you start doing these things try to find yourself a private, quiet intimate place where you can get alone with God…and DO them.

Number one…take time to worship Him.  Thank Him and praise Him.  Give Him glory, honor, and praise for what He’s done, what He’s doing, and what He’s yet to do in your life.  Thank Him for giving His Son so that you can be in relationship with Him.  Praise Him for His faithfulness, goodness, love, and holiness.  Personal praise and worship is a necessary part of this intimate relationship because it allows His presence to fall and once it does then you’re ready to do the rest.

Number two…pray.  Friends, the most important part in any relationship is communication.  When we pray we are talking to God, but remember that communication goes both ways and this is why it’s important to get away in to a quiet, private place known by many as a prayer closet.  Because it’s just as important for you to talk to God about what’s in your heart and on your mind as it is to listen to Him, and one of the ways we listen is by doing the next thing.

Number three…read the Bible.  I can’t tell you how many things I’ve prayed about and gotten the answer by reading it in the Bible.  The Word of God is the Voice of God.  If you want to know what He thinks about certain subjects then find them in the Word of God, and do a word study.  If you want to know what God has to say about sex before marriage for example…you can find out all about it if you do a word study on fornication.  If you want to find out about how God feels about drinking alcohol then you can do a word study on drunkards.  If you want to find out about how the Bible can encourage you to know your saved…then you can do a word study on salvation.  The answer for every issue of life is found in the Bible.  If you want to know what He thinks about divine healing…it’s in the Bible. If you want to know what His will is concerning your life, pray about it, and then get into the Word of God…I promise you that if you pray before you open the Bible you will inevitably find the answer you were looking for within His Word.

Number four…regular church attendance.  Listen to me very carefully.  If you’re going to church to chat with the Johnson’s then you’re wasting your time.  That’s why there’s coffee shops and places to go for lunch or brunch or whatever else.  If you go to church for the sole purpose of having an encounter with God’s presence…I promise you that’s exactly what you’re going to have.  In fact, for me I’ve come to realize that the only real purpose for going to church is to be instructed something by the Word of God that’s going to be profitable for me (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but the other reason is because I am going is for the sole purpose of encountering God’s presence.

I promise you that if you get serious about being serious with God, and you incorporate those four things into your relationship with Him before long you’ll start to notice how different your relationship with God becomes.  You’ll notice you can hear His voice clearer, and feel His presence more often.

The main difference between Christianity and any other religion in the world is the fact that our God desires to have intimate fellowship with each and every one of us.  We truly can abide in Him and with Him.  We can have as intimate a relationship with Him as Adam and Eve did in the garden before sin entered into the world.  We can have that kind of relationship with Him.  He wants to be our Father…He wants us to refer to Him as “Abba, Father” which is the Bible’s description of an intimate term…He wants us to know Him as Daddy.

If you want that kind of relationship with God then we must abide in Him, and the main way we do that is by maintaining a healthy relationship with the Word of God.  Again, it’s as important to our relationship with God as food and water are to our nourishment within our bodies.  The more of the Word of God we feed upon the more nourished we will be…Amen!?!

It’s tempting for leaders to live out of insufficient sources of motivation — from sheer adrenaline or over caffeinated to tracking it out on the ministry treadmill or running on auto-pilot. As leaders, we often face the question, “What am I living out of?” In other words, “What is my prime source of motivation and strength as a leader?” Christ wants us to obey him and live for him out of the motivation of relationship, intimacy and love (cf., Luke 10:27). And that intimacy stems from the place we give to God’s Word in our lives.

I can understand why it’s tempting to use someone else’s book for a sermon.  Preaching the Word of God isn’t very entertaining.  You know, when I’m in church I’m not there to be entertained…I’m there to be enriched and enlightened and instructed.  Sure, my pastor’s usually have some kind of joke or funny or something they do…but it’s not about being entertained it’s about being educated in the things of God.

Listen, we went through hours upon hours of classroom instruction to receive our diplomas or college degrees or whatever, right?  It’s the same thing with the Word of God.  Faith comes by hearing and by hearing the Word of God, right?  So does knowledge, understanding, and the ability to rightly divide scripture.  Much of the foundational beliefs I have today are because of the teaching of my pastors, and of course the Holy Ghost teaching me His Word while I was studying it.

I have nothing against reading good Christian books.  I read them.  However, what’s important to understand here is the reason we grow from glory to glory and faith to faith is because of what we learn and have revealed to us by and thru the Word of God.  The Bible is of vital importance to us as believers.  It’s so important that if we don’t take time to read it, study it, and have it preached to us…then we will be spiritually malnourished…and don’t even get me started on why there’s so many powerless Christians walking around…I will just say it’s because they’ve neglected to read the Word of God…and really feed upon it.

Scripture engagement brings us closer to God…and I don’t know about anyone else…but my desire is to always do things that will bring me closer.  The more of His presence I experience in my life the better, and one of the best ways to abide in Him is to make sure we’re abiding in His Word.  Amen!?!

In Closing:

Well, praise God!  Did you receive this message today?  Can we all agree that we can do a better job of taking time to abide in God’s Word?  I know I can.  I know that I don’t spend nearly enough time reading the Word of God that I should.  I’m a pastor that writes Bible based messages, and I admit I can still spend more time reading the Bible.

It’s important for us to really spend time with God in our quiet place with Him as well.  I gave four things that will help to improve our intimacy with God, and I would like to encourage you to take the next month or so to do those things.  Test them out.  Most importantly, find yourself a quiet, private place where you can go to be alone and be with God.  Turn on some worship music, turn off your phones, televisions, and just focus all of your attention upon Him…and see if doing this doesn’t change the relationship you have with God.

Thank you all for your continued support of Christlike Ministries NWA.  All of you who follow this ministry are a blessing to me and confirmation that I’m doing exactly what God destined and called me to do.

Blessings and Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan Kizer

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” (1 Cor. 16:24)

 

 

Restart: Leading with Confidence – SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT

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Scripture Reference:  Mathew 4:4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Introduction:

It’s been a long while since I felt lead to get into a series, but this seven message series seems like the perfect one to get into, and I’m believing that God is going to speak some awesome things to us through it.  I’d simply like to ask you to believe and pray with me that this series will be one that will be good for us, and that it will instruct us in a way that we will not only hear it…but apply it.

So, thank you for your patience, and I hope you’ll join me as we see what God has to say to us through this series.

Today’s Message: “Scripture Engagement”

About a year ago we did a really long series “Why Read The Bible?”.  I remember as I was preparing for it there was a startling statistic that said that nearly 85% of Bible believing Christians either don’t read their Bible at all or read it as much or as often we would like to or should read it.  I find myself in the not as often as I’d like to or should.  However, the truth is that unless we know the Word of God we cannot have a clue what we have, who we are, or what God has done for us.

It’s absolutely vital for us to read the Bible, and yet like many I find that it’s something that even I have to force myself to do some times.  Why?  Is it because we’re so busy that we don’t have time?  If that’s the case we need to shut off the phones, computers, and televisions for a while…and reacquaint ourselves with the Word of God. Is it because we’re doing things that the Word of God will point out and we’ll feel convicted?  If that’s the case then if there’s things you’re doing that make you not want to read the Bible…then we need to stop doing those things, repent, and get back to walking with the Lord.

It can be easy for Christian leaders today to look to the latest, best-selling business books for tricks and quick fixes for leadership. But while these types of materials have their place, our most powerful resource as Christian leaders will always be the Bible.

Listen, I’m not opposed to reading books by good, Bible based Christian authors. I’m not opposed to reading Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life”, but what I am opposed to is when those novels take the place of the Word of God behind the pulpit.  There’s nothing wrong with reading and trying to use the principles in someone’s book, but there’s a lot wrong when someone’s book takes the place of the Word of God in the pulpit.  It’s no wonder there are so many churches that have no power of God, have no movement or anointing of the Holy Ghost, have no signs or wonders, and are completely powerless, dry, good for nothing churches…because they have replaced the Bible and what “thus saith the Lord” with whatever popular Christian book’s author says.

There is NO power in any other book, but the Word of God.  Yes, there are good points and ideas and principles to apply to our personal walk with the Lord, but when you stand behind a pulpit and you would rather preach what Rick Warren wrote instead of what Paul, Peter, Timothy, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote by inspiration of the Holy Ghost…then YOU are deceived…your entire congregation is deceived, and you’re going to answer for substituting the Word of God.

You cannot leave the Word of God out of your pulpit and expect God to be happy about it.  If you are…then you are the one who is deceived…and you’re also on the devil’s payroll.  The devil is the one who wants to make sure that the Word of God isn’t preached in the church because as long as he can keep people out of the Bible…it keeps them from discovering that they have the power and authority to defeat him.  The devil is defeated by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God…not Rick Warren, not Joel Osteen, not Joyce Meyers, or any other preacher that’s written a book.  The Bible is the ONLY book that has the power to save, destroy yokes, and teach us how to take the power and authority we have to defeat the enemy in our lives.

Get those Christian novels out of the pulpit.  They don’t belong there.

Take a moment to reflect on two reasons why this is true: 1) The pace of the leader sets the pace for the team. Your ‘go-to’ source of spiritual strength will ultimately be the one that influences those you lead. 2) In the hectic world of church leadership, it’s all too easy for pastors and church leaders to end up simply reading the Bible to prepare (or cram) for the next weekend’s message, instead of to intentionally engage God’s Word.

What is your “go to source”?  Is it the Word of God or the latest book written by TD Jakes?  Is it the Bible or what you hear on TBN?  If your source isn’t the Bible then you aren’t being lead by the Holy Ghost, but by a man or woman.  If you’re source is the latest Christian living book…then you’re not being lead by God…but by the person who wrote that book.  If you’re preaching the latest Christian living novel in your church…you’re not only leading yourself to follow that author, but your entire congregation.  Don’t use your pulpit to point people to TD Jakes…use it to allow the Holy Spirit to point them to Jesus. 

We have to “intentionally engage” the Word of God.  There’s NO substitute for it.  You cannot get the power of the Holy Ghost apart from it.  If you need proof look back at the creation of the world.  The Holy Spirit did NOTHING until the Word from God was spoken.  If you’re quoting TD Jakes to illustrate a point that’s one thing…but if you’re quoting him because it’s your sermon…you aren’t leading people to Christ…but to TD Jakes.

Don’t get things twisted here either.  I love TD Jakes, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyers, and the list goes on and on.  There are a lot of good things they have written.  They have a lot of good things to say and to apply to our lives…but when you would rather preach what they say instead of what God says…that’s where the problem lies because there’s no power or anointing apart from the Word of God.

When Jesus spoke the words “People need every word that God has spoken,” he was not only identifying a great need in our lives, he was tapping a deep hunger in our souls. While fasting and praying in the wilderness, Jesus asserted the fact that his greatest sustenance was the Word of God. The reality is that people deeply need God’s Word, especially those who preach and teach it.

The Word of God is essential to the Christian walk.  It’s how we know the voice of the Shepherd. It’s how we know who we are in Christ Jesus. It’s how we know what Jesus did for us on the Cross. It’s how we know what God thinks about situations.  It’s how we get the answers we need for every area of our lives. 

There are some who say the Bible is old, outdated, and not relevant to today’s issues.  However, that’s because they have forsaken it.  IF you feel the Word of God has no way to relate to what is going on in the world today that’s simply because you are not reading it.  The Bible is still relevant to what’s happening in the world today because it prophetically describes in accurate detail what today’s world is like.  The Bible is still relevant today.  The Bible is the ONLY book that is still writing it’s story today.  It’s the ONLY book that is still revealing itself, and it’s the ONLY book that is proving itself to be truth right before our eye.

Faith comes by hearing and by hearing the Word of God.  We cannot grow, we cannot mature, and we cannot become who God desires us to be without being a student of the Word of God.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

We simply MUST hear and read the Word of God in order to grow and become the people who God desires us to become.

Matthew 4 is the chapter that immediately follows the baptism of Jesus. When John baptized Christ, the Spirit of God was present in the form of a dove, and the voice of the Father affirmed Christ saying, “This is my own dear Son and I am pleased with him” (3:17). Immediately following that affirmation of God and validation of the Spirit, the enemy endeavored to question and diminish the identity of Christ (“If you are God’s Son …” 4:3).

Can I be any more clear about the importance of the Word of God in our lives?  It is absolutely vital to our walk with God.  We simply must read and study the Word for ourselves.  We cannot even blindly accept what our pastors or preachers say without making sure that what they are teaching and preaching lines up with the Bible.  If you don’t read the Bible…then you will not know if what’s being preached is taken out of context or if it’s really what thus saith the Lord. It’s easy to see what so many Christians have no idea what to believe as truth…because they are cared to and fro by every wind of doctrine…and they refuse to investigate for themselves as to whether or not what’s being preached is scriptural or not…because they don’t read the Bible…they just allow every pastor and preacher so and so to impart into their lives without checking with the Word of God to see whether what’s being preached is biblically accurate or if it’s a lie straight from the pit of hell.

Listen to me very carefully.  I didn’t realize for a long, long time that what was being preached to me was a lie. I used to think that just because the person preaching had a degree and was standing behind a pulpit was telling me the truth because they have a degree and are standing in the pulpit.  However, once I began to study the Word of God and began to understand and familiarize myself with the Voice of the Shepherd…and once I did that I was able to know when someone was preaching something that didn’t line up with the Word of God. Now, I am very good at discerning what’s a lie and what the truth is…but until I was actually encouraged by my pastor to check what he preached against the Word of God…I had no idea that satan is preaching sermons all across this nation. 

Yes, that’s right, friends.  I said satan stands up and preaches in church on Sunday mornings too.  Do you know how I know that?  By reading and studying the Word of God.

Perhaps the most amazing aspect of Matthew 4 is the natural way in which Jesus wielded the Word of God (the Scripture) as his inspiration from the Father and his weapon against Satan. It flowed from his lips seemingly effortlessly and naturally. It seems that the Word of God kept Jesus focused in heart and clear in mind. He asserted that God’s Word was more important than his next meal.

The Bible is linked to things like food, water, and air.  Outside of prayer our only offensive weapon in the armor of God is the Word of God. Do you know how we get the Word of God to flow from our lips?  By getting it into our hearts.  Jesus said that the fruit of our lips is what is sown into our hearts.  If you want to be able to effortlessly and naturally allow the Word of God to flow from your lips you have to get it into your heart.  We have to read it, listen to it, and read it some more.  The more Bible that gets in you…the more Bible will come out of you. 

We cannot live in the natural without food, water, and air.  We cannot live in the supernatural without our spiritual food…and that spiritual food comes from digesting the Word of God.

In our ministries, we are called to respond to the greatest need of all: spiritual hunger. Although physical hunger must be satisfied, Jesus emphasized that food alone is insufficient for life in its truest form. The words of God are the food we need most.

Listen, if what I’m writing points to myself or anywhere else…then it’s no good.  I don’t want my writing to point to me.  I want it to point you to Jesus.  I want it to point you to the Word of God.  The whole mission and purpose of this ministry isn’t for me to be noticed, but for you to establish, develop and maintain your own personal relationship with God.  My goal and mission is to encourage people to read the Bible, pray, and attend a good, bible teaching church.  My goal and mission is to have an Ephesians 4 ministry that’s useful to feed, develop, and help you to maintain your relationship with God so that you can begin to grow, walk and flourish in doing what God’s calling you to do.

When God called me into ministry He used the encounter that Peter had with Jesus at the end of the Gospel of John to do it.  I had read that encounter hundreds of times, but one day the Lord made it very personal…but the key to it becoming personal is I had to read it hundreds of times before I was able to hear the Shepherd’s voice.  As He asked Peter if he loved Jesus…I began to sense that question wasn’t for Peter…it was for me…and just like Peter I answered in stages.  My first answer was kind of nonchalantly given, and by the end of that encounter I understood that I was being called to feed, minister, and tend to His sheep.

Listen to me, preacher…this right here is free…and it’s not part of today’s message…but it’s important that you have your pride bubbles burst.  Are you ready for this?  This is what Jesus told me when He called me into ministry that keeps me from getting prideful over the followers God has led to my ministry.  Are you ready!?!  Some of you need this to burst your pride bubble…don’t get mad it me…it’s from the Holy Ghost…

The sheep I draw and lead to your ministry are not your sheep – they are Mine. – Jesus

That’s right, friends.  You know how I know that was the voice of Jesus?  I read the Bible.  I know His voice.  He said that My Sheep know My voice.  I know His voice.  I heard His voice yet again as I was reading through a devotional book, and the Bible verses for that day were Psalm 28:7-9 (NLT). That was when I understood that He was calling me to be a pastor.  He gave me that title.  He called me, He anointed me, He chose me, He educated me, and He graduated me as Pastor Bryan J. Kizer of Christlike Ministries NWA…and He did all of it through the Word of God. 

If I never took the time to read the Bible I wouldn’t have known His voice.  I wouldn’t have heard Him call me into ministry in 2001, and I wouldn’t have heard Him graduate me as Pastor in January of 2011.  If you’ll notice, I began this ministry full-time in February of 2011. 

So, the Word of God is absolutely vital to us as believers, friends.  It’s the reason why I am writing these messages today…and I would like to encourage you to do like I’ve had to do.  I’ve had to fast from television, computer games, sports talk radio, and secular music because those things had more of an importance to my life then the Word of God.

Friend, we must do whatever we must in order to ensure that we are actively engaged in the Word of God…especially in this day and age where there is so much garbage being preached in today’s churches.  The only way we can know what’s pure and true is by reading the Bible…other wise we’re going to wind up being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine like Paul warned.  Was that Paul? Was it Timothy? Was it Peter? Who was it that gave that warning? If you don’t know…maybe it’s time to get out your Bible and start reading to find out…Amen!?!

Closing:

Well, praise the Lord!  Wasn’t that an awesome message?  What a wonderful way to get back into writing for the Lord.  This is why I took such a long time between series.  I never want to write without the anointing from the Holy Ghost.  I hope you receive this message with the heart in which it was written.  I always write from an attitude and heart of love.  My desire is for us all to be changed and transformed…and for all of us to use what the Lord speaks through my writings to help us to grow, mature, develop, and maintain our relationship and walk with God. I don’t want what I write to point to me…but to Him.  In the end, this is all really about Jesus…and my desire to help us all learn to conform more and more into the image of His Son.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this message.  It’s the first message of seven in this series.  I hope that you like it, and more importantly apply it…and come back for the next message in this series.

Blessings & Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan J. Kizer

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24

 

A Change of Scenery

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Scripture Reference:  Genesis 19:15

With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”

Introduction:

This message was written on the Christlike Ministries NWA Facebook Fan Page back on June 14 of last year.  I haven’t written anything lately because I really haven’t had anything on my heart, and I really do rely upon the Holy Ghost.  So, rather than try to conjure up a message I believe the best thing to do is either not write or find something that I’ve already written to move from my Facebook Notes over here.  I’m sure that I’ll have some new things to add, but I feel like this is a pretty good message to move here as we edge closer to another landmark for Christlike Ministries NWA.  We’re getting closer to 300 messages, and once we get there…I believe we’ll have a new series.  Until then, I’m going to work on transferring a few messages over…and then see what the Holy Ghost wants us to get into.

I actually got this message as we were in the middle of the Why Read The Bible Series, and so I would like to finish this introduction by including the introduction I wrote in this message:

I couldn’t help but to write something about this verse.  I am in the middle of trying to get us caught up on our “Why Read The Bible?” series, but I read this because I know there are some of you who know that God is calling you to go to a new place with Him both spiritually and physically…and you’re wondering if it’s really God or just your imagination.

I believe in these last days…God is calling all of us to a new place with Him, and I hope this message will speak that to our hearts.

Today’s Message: “A Change of Scenery”

I’m not sure how many of you know, but I’m originally from Wisconsin.  I moved to Arkansas a little over 3 years ago because I was kind of at the same cross roads that Lot and his family found themselves at.  I could stay in the comfort of Wisconsin, and face certain destruction, or I could accept a one way bus ticket to Arkansas from my mom…and have a change of scenery with an opportunity to start a brand new life.

Friends, let me assure you that sometimes you just have to put your faith and trust in God, and if He’s asking you to pick up and go somewhere it’s not because the place you’ve been is wrong for you, but because He has something better planned for you.  I can’t imagine what my life would’ve been like had I remained in Wisconsin, but I’m guessing that it wouldn’t be anywhere near as blessed as it is today.

Sometimes, friends, we need to leave our comfort zones in order for God to really be able to move and do things in our lives.  I even tried to bring some of Wisconsin down here with me, and it turned out to be one of the most painful moments in my life…because what God was wanting from me was to completely sever my ties to Wisconsin, but I was still trying to do like Lot’s wife…I was still looking back at the city I loved.

God completely closed the door to Wisconsin for me, and I know from watching the movie “Facing the Giants” that God closes doors no man can open, and opens doors no man can close.  Sometimes, friends, as in the time here with Lot even though the place we’re in is comfortable to us…it’s doing us no spiritual good.  Isn’t it strange how God always had the people He called leave where they were?  The first thing God did when He called Abram was to pick up and go and that He would show Abram what to do along the way.  We see the same thing here with Lot.  God told Lot to get out of Sodom and Gomorrah…and not to look back.  Lot and his two daughters obeyed, Lot’s wife looked back…and was turned into a pillar of salt.

I’ve been in Arkansas for a little over three years now, and you’re reading the results of what God’s done in my life every time you read a new message I’ve posted on my Christlike Ministries NWA WordPress site.  God has done such an amazing work in…with…and through my life, and it began the moment I accepted the opportunity to move down here, and completely sever all ties to Wisconsin.  Since moving here, God has restored my broken relationship between myself and my parents, He’s given me a godly woman as a wife and help mate, and lead us to New Life Christian Center where I’m being fed the Word of God like never before, and He’s helped me to become and step into the ministry that He called me to over 11 years ago.

All of this has happened in three years, and what I’m saying to those of you who may be on the fence about deciding whether to stay where you’re comfortable or go for the complete abandon and trust God to move you to a new location…trust God to move you to a new location.  Friends, I cannot guarantee you anything, but God does guarantees that if you will take a step towards Him…then He will bless your socks off.

Sometimes, beloved, we need to leave what we believe is the comfort of Egypt in order to find ourselves in the Promised Land that God has for us.  I know that God would’ve taken care of me had I stayed in Wisconsin.  I belong to Him, and His grace and mercy is there for us always.  However, I am convinced that had I stayed in Wisconsin that my life probably would’ve taken a turn for the worst, and I would’ve gone back down roads that God had gotten me off of…and that’s why He told me to move.

See, friends, in order to really make a change for God…sometimes a change of scenery is necessary.  Why?  Because that’s when we have to rely upon Him.  Look, the only people I knew here were my parents, and there really wasn’t any guarantee that it was going to be a good thing.  After all, my parents and I had a severely strained relationship that had spanned the better part of a decade.  So, there wasn’t any guarantee that the move was a good idea, but in my heart I saw coming here as a chance to change the course of my life.

I had no idea what God was up to, but I knew that moving here was from God.  I knew it was something I was going to have to do, and so I moved.  See, I had to place all my trust in God because even though my parents were here I really knew nothing about this area, and I didn’t know anyone here.  I love how God works because He allowed me to have a relationship with someone from back home down here for a while to make sure that Arkansas would feel like home, and you know what…it did…and it does.  Arkansas is now home to me, and it’s also home to Christlike Ministries NWA.

I love Wisconsin, and will always have a place in my heart for my home state and home town.  However,  what God has done in my life since I’ve been here has been amazing beyond belief, and Arkansas has now become my home.  I’m sure that Lot probably always had a place in his heart for his home town, but I’m betting that he was glad to be in the new place he was.  I’m sure Abram may have missed his hometown, but when he got to the land of Canaan…I’m sure he was much happier there…because that was the place where he found and grew his relationship with God.

Arkansas has done the same for me, and I’m so thankful that God lead me to come here.  I’m thankful that I was obedient, and I know that because I allowed God to change my scenery I was able to find Him, and have a relationship with Him that I’ve only dreamed of…and of course…He’s helped me to launch Christlike Ministries NWA.

So, if you’re feeling the urge to get up and go…don’t assume that it’s your imagination.  It may be God speaking to you telling you it’s time to go to a deeper place with Him.  It may be God telling you that He’s got greener pastures, or a promised land of your own.  He may be leading you to your own Canaan…but in order to get there you have to trust Him enough to pick up and go.

Believe me, any steps you take toward God is far more worth it.  I want to pray for you in closing…

Lord God, I thank You for leading me to my own land of Canaan.  Lord, I know by Your Spirit that there are some who are reading this message whom You are leading to leave their comfort zones…and allow You to lead them to a much better place…a place the You have destined for them…their own promised land.  I ask, You Lord, to give them the courage to follow You…and I ask You Lord to give them the peace to know that while picking up and leaving may be the most difficult thing they’ve ever done…that if they will take the steps toward You…give them the peace to know that You will be there with them each step of the way.  Let them know, Father God that you’ll walk beside them as You did me…and that You’ll never leave them alone to walk the journey on their own.  I pray, Father, that you’ll allow this message to be an encouragement to them, and that You will sink this into their hearts…and I pray for those who decide to follow after You and obey Your leading to leave their comfort zones that You would be with them.  I ask You to place a hedge of Your protection around them…and give them a sense of Your peace and presence…and let them know, Lord God that You are there, You are with them, and that You are leading them.  I ask these things in Jesus’ name…Amen & Amen.

Beloved, I want to encourage you to take the steps towards God.  If you feel a leading in your heart to pick up and move don’t assume that it’s your imagination.  Take some time to pray and seek God.  He’s big enough to let you know whether the leading in your heart is from Him or not.  I know in my own case there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that when my mom told me she was sending me a one-way bus ticket that it was God’s way of saying that He was closing the door to my life in Wisconsin…and that it was time for me to get up and go into a land which He had prepared for me.

The results have been amazing, and that abundant life the He promised in John 10:10 has been coming true before my eyes.  You see, the abundant life isn’t about stuff…it’s about the stuff that money cannot buy.  See, everyone hears the messages about prosperity, and thinks the promised land is full of stuff, financial independence, big houses, expensive suits, and luxury cars.

The truth about the abundant life (and this is a little extra teaching for this message) is that the abundant life is full of the things money cannot buy.  Yes, having more money may have you feeling a bit more secure, but money cannot buy happiness.  I can tell you today that I’m happier in my life than I have ever been.  You cannot buy joy, but I have joy today that’s unspeakable.  You cannot buy peace, but I have the peace of God in my life today that surpasses all understanding.  The abundant life is having the fruits of the spirit manifest in your life…those are the things money cannot buy.  I am full to overflowing with love today…you cannot buy love…but I have the love of God shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost.

Sure, I have stuff.  I have a roof over my head, food in my stomach, clothes on my body, and a car to drive.  I have all the basics that I need to have taken care of.  I have no worries today because I know that God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches and glory.

Friends, all of this has come to me because I was willing to trust God, and move to a land in which He had prepared for me.  I can tell you that I had no idea what to expect when I moved here, but I’m so glad that I did because what God’s done in and through my life has been nothing short of spectacular.  God is so good, and I promise you…No…He promises you that if you will take the steps towards Him that He has for you…He will be with you and bless you beyond all that you could think or imagine.  I know that He has me.  Amen?

Conclusion

God continues to bless me beyond measure, and I am still thankful that I listened to Him when He told me to move.  The new life I have lived since moving here has been nothing short of amazing, and the journey that’s been Christlike Ministries NWA is awesome as well.  I’ve gone from having a handful of people who are fed by this ministry to almost 50o in around 100 nations. That’s just awesome to me, and I know it’s only going to get better.

I am thankful for all of you who follow this ministry. You’re all amazing, and keep my humbled and encouraged. I hope you enjoyed another piece of the testimony of my life, and that you found encouragement.  It’s always important to trust God…completely.  He will never lead you in a direction that He can’t walk with you in.

Blessings and Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan Kizer

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 16:24)

 

Is He or Isn’t He? The Story of a Thief

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Scripture Reference:  Luke 23:32-43

Introduction:

There are so many stories in the Bible that it’s practically impossible to pick a favorite, isn’t it?  You have the story of the first couple, you have the Christmas story, you have the story of Noah and the Ark, and you have the story of mankind’s redemption.  The Bible, in my opinion, is the greatest book ever written.  It’s got poetry, drama, and short stories…and it’s a one of the greatest non-fiction writings of all time.  There are literally hundreds of characters to choose from.  As the disciples go…I think I can more closely identify with Peter.  As a Christian I sometimes identify with David because I have made some major mistakes in my life, but God never gives up on me or changes His mind about what He’s called me to do.  Anyone who reads the Bible and doesn’t love Jesus…there’s just something wrong with you, and you need to be checked to make sure you have a pulse.  However, there is one character that always gets overlooked, but to me is perhaps one of the single most important people in all of the New Testament.  The story of the encounter of the two thieves that were crucified with Jesus is probably one of…if not my favorite encounters with Jesus in the Bible…and in this message I am going to tell you why that encounter is so important…and also why I believe religion overlooks it.

I believe this message is going to be awesome, perhaps powerful, and quite frankly might be one of the best messages I’ll ever write…because hidden in this story is my favorite subject to write on…the ministry of reconciliation.  So, I hope you’ll enjoy this message.  I hope you’ll believe with me that God will speak some mighty things to us through this message.  In fact, before I get into this message…I think it’s a good idea to just open it up in a word of prayer…Amen!?!

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for dropping this message in and upon my heart.  I ask, Lord God, that You would anoint my fingertips, my mind, and help me to write this message with Your words, Your inspiration, and Your guidance. I ask, Lord God, that You would make my hands the hands of a ready writer…writing only of the oracles of You.  That the Holy Ghost would give me that supernatural ability to write with clarity, boldness, and the unction and utterance that comes only from You.  I pray for ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts that are receptive and responsive to what You’re about to speak to us through this message.  I ask that You would sink this message into my heart, and the hearts of those who are about to read what You are going to impart to us today through this message…on this day.  I ask these things in Jesus’ name.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Message – “Is He or Isn’t He? The Story of a Thief

The first thing worth noting from this story is that there were two thieves that hung on crosses that day with Jesus.  I would like to suggest that both of those thieves represent the very simple truth that there are only two things that you can do when it comes to Jesus.  You can be like the thief who boldly and pridefully rejected Jesus all the way to his dying breathe…or you can be like the one who humbled himself and accepted the offer that only Jesus can give.  Remember Jesus said there will be sheep and goats in Heaven?  The goats will be the ones who Jesus says “Away from me I never knew you.” and the sheep are the ones who will hear “well done”!?!  Listen, here’s the truth.  We only have two choices to make when it comes to Jesus.  Either we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus did what He did for us, and become whosoever’s that call upon the name of the Lord to be sozo’ed…or we can reject Him to our last breath and be sentenced to eternal life in hell fire and brimstone.  Let me make sure you understand that Heaven is a real place, and so is hell.  There are people who are really going to be in Heaven for all of eternity, and there’s also…sadly…people who are going to spend eternity in hell.  I don’t know about anyone else…but eternity to me seems like an extremely long time.  I would rather be one of the stupid Bible thumping Jesus Freaks and be wrong…than to be one of those who pridefully rejects Jesus until they’re standing before Him at the Great White Throne to find out all those Jesus Freaks were right…because when you’re standing there before the Lord…then it will be too late to call upon the name of the Lord for salvation…so…let me be clear.  You have two choices to make.  Be prideful and reject Jesus…and spend eternity in hell…or humble yourself and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior…and spend eternity in Heaven.  Listen, anyone who knows me knows I like hot weather…but as hot as I understand it’s going to be in hell…I don’t want to be there for ever and ever and ever.

Let’s get ourselves a serious reality check here okay.  Adam and Eve have been dead for a long, long time…haven’t they?  I mean they lived for over 900 years, and this was well before the flood, and long, long before Jesus walked the earth.  I bring them up to tell you that as long as they lived and as long as they have been dead…that’s a twinkle of an eye in the scope of eternity.  Eternity is like God.  There’s no beginning or end…it just goes…and goes…and goes.  The Bible says that life is but a vapor.  Have you ever seen vapor?  Have you ever seen how quickly it evaporates never to be seen again?  That is how our minute 70 – 100 years on earth is.  It’s like one tiny grain of sand out of all the grains of sand in the world…and then it’s still not enough.  It’s like all the stars that you can see, and how there are billions, trillions, and gazillions more stars that we cannot see with the naked eye or even the Hubble Telescope.  So, when I say that the most important decision in your life has nothing to do with where you live, what kind of car you’ll drive, who you’ll marry, what kind of career you’ll have, or who you’ll vote for during the next Presidential election.  The single greatest decision you’ll ever be face with in your life is what you will do with Jesus.  Will you accept Him or reject Him…because that is the ONLY decision that has eternal consequences attached to it…period.

Listen, I’m not going to preach a religious message here.  I can’t stand religion.  If you’re looking for some kind of message that’s going to tell you the do’s and do not’s of Christianity…I’m not going to write that message.  I am about the ministry of reconciliation, and that means I don’t have time to talk to you about how you should give up the booze or womanizing or whatever it is you’re doing.  My pastor and mentor’s favorite story for me about leading someone to the Lord is that one time he ran into this fellow who literally had a 40 ounce of beer in one hand, and a marijuana joint in the other, and a cigarette in his mouth.  My pastor lead this man to Jesus, and before he walked on to meet with someone else…he said to that man…repeat this after me.  “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.”.  Most religious people would be appalled by that right there.  How can God save someone with a 40 ounce of beer in one hand, a marijuana joint in the other, and a cigarette hanging from his mouth?  Well, how could God have saved you in the midst of what you were doing when you became a whosoever that called upon the name of the Lord to be saved? 

The Bible says that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  In other words, you were a sinner when you called upon the name of the Lord to be saved.  You weren’t already righteous and holy when you said some version of the sinners prayer were you?  So, what gives you the right, now that you are saved, to judge the condition of another person who becomes a whosoever?  Just because they may have sinned differently than you!?!  I got news for you, friend, if you’re judging the condition of someone’s heart and life when they come to Jesus…YOU ARE SINNING YOURSELF AND NEED TO REPENT…OTHER WISE YOU ARE GOING TO BE JUDGED BY HOW YOU ARE JUDGING THAT PERSON WHO HAS JUST MADE THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION OF THEIR LIVES.  Instead of belittling them…you should be rejoicing like Heaven is whenever someone calls upon Jesus to be Lord and Savior.  You do know that Heaven rejoices every time someone gets saved…right!?! 

So, why is this thief’s encounter with Jesus so important?  It’s important because the ministry of reconciliation is put on display right then and there.  The ministry of reconciliation is found here…Corinthians 5:17-21:

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The significant part of the ministry of reconciliation is found in verse 19, and because this verse is of such importance to the understanding of where I’m going here…I’m going to use the Amplified Version.

It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor). 2 Corinthians 5:19 AMP

What the religious world teaches is that in order for us to be good enough to approach God for salvation we need to clean up our lives first.  Do you know that’s what kept me from complete surrender to the Lord for such a long time.  I looked at my life in the scope of religion, and I thought there’s no way I’m ever going to get my life cleaned up enough to be able to approach God for anything let a lone salvation.  I had bought the lie that religion teaches…which is you must have your life squared away before you can come to the Lord for forgiveness…and that even after you do…it’s not a given that you’ll be forgiven.  That Jesus’ blood and sacrifice on the Cross wasn’t enough…and you can probably see why there’s a special place in the pit of hell for preachers who make the Cross of no effect, and teach people leading them astray that in order for them to be accepted…they must earn it.  Friends, we cannot earn one thing from God…everything we have access to in the Kingdom of God is obtained by grace through faith.  There’s no earning anything from God.  There’s no such thing as extra credit.  But, the truth of what happens when a person becomes a whosoever is seen right here in this thief’s encounter with Jesus.

What’s significant to understand here is that the thief had no time to clean up his life, did he?  He didn’t have time to go and make restitution or repay all that he had stolen, did he?  He didn’t have the opportunity to get off the cross, and have someone baptize him, did he?  Do you know what else is significant?  Jesus didn’t say or ask the thief anything about his sin, did He?  There wasn’t a chance for him to visit a confessional, he didn’t give some big long list of what he did, and as we can tell from the length of the story…all he simple did was ask Jesus to remember him when He went into His Kingdom.  Is that right!?! I mean it is written in Luke’s account.  If it’s written…then that’s exactly what happened and how it happened because we know that there isn’t anything in the Word of God that’s in there by mistake…is there!?!

You see, this is why religion doesn’t want you to hear this story, and there’s rarely mention of this story, is there?  However, like I said to you.  I believe this is the single most important encounter in the New Testament.  Okay, maybe the second…what happened with Saul who became Paul is probably the greatest encounter because two-thirds of the New Testament was written by Paul…including the ministry of reconciliation.  So, the next most significant encounter is this thief…but that’s my opinion. 

I have one simple question to ask, and it’s the title of my message.  If we truly believe everything that is written in the Bible to be 100% Holy Ghost inspired and God approved…then the question I want all those religious folk to answer is a very simple, yet profound question that will have them stuttering to give you a response.  Is the thief in Paradise with Jesus or isn’t he?  If you believe that the Bible is absolutely 100% infalible…then you believe like I do…that thief is going to be there to greet me when I get to Heaven just like David, Moses, Noah, Paul, Peter, John, and all the others who will be there to greet me when I get to Heaven.  If you don’t believe the Bible is 100% accurate then you’re going to have to explain why you’re calling Jesus a liar…because Jesus told that thief “Most assuredly I say to you this day you WILL BE WITH ME in Paradise.”  Friends, if there was anything other than calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation…Jesus couldn’t have made that promise.

Listen, it really is that simple.  If there was more required to be reconciled to God then to believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and Savior…then Jesus could not have promised that thief (or anyone) a place with Him in Paradise.  Jesus’ answer would’ve had to have been something completely different…otherwise…Jesus is a liar.  Either you believe Jesus is The Truth or you don’t.  If you believe that Jesus is The Truth…then you believe like I do that thief is in Heaven.  If you don’t believe Jesus is The Truth…then you can’t believe that thief is in Heaven.

Let me save you the trouble.  That thief is going to be there to greet us when we all get to Heaven just like all those others who have passed on as believers.  The answer to the question is simple…yes…the thief is in Heaven.  If you truly believe the Word of God…then you cannot come to any other conclusion.  So, I don’t know about you, but I am thankful that encounter is printed in the Bible because what that story does is put the ministry of reconciliation on display even before the dispensation of grace began.  You might say that thief was the first convert under the new covenant.  At that moment when Jesus said this day you will be with me…that thief’s life was instantly transformed.  The most important part of the ministry of reconciliation is the fact that if you are a new creation in Christ Jesus…that God is no longer counting your sins against you.  Why?  Because you have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus…and because of what Jesus did on the Cross…you are in right standing with God.

The message to you is simple.  If you’re a whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord to be saved…Jesus is saying to you just as He did to the thief.  THIS DAY, your name is written in the Lambs Book of Life, and you are already seated with Him in Heavenly places.  So, stop working for what you’ve already received, and start walking in the Victory that’s been purchased for you on Calvary’s Tree…Amen.

Closing:

Did you receive this message?  What an awesome message to hear straight from the heart of God, Amen!?!  Well, I never like to close a message like this without giving you the opportunity to make Jesus Lord of your life.  It’s really simple to do.  You don’t have to come up with some huge extravagantly and eloquently spoken prayer.  All you simply need to do is say something simple and similar to what that thief said.  If you don’t know what to say, I would like to encourage you to take a moment to get alone, get before God, and just say this simple little prayer…and you too will become a whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord…and you will be saved.

Let’s pray:  Dear God, I know that I am a sinner.  I know that I need a Savior.  I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that what Jesus did on the Cross was for me.  I ask You, Lord, to come into my heart.  I ask You to forgive me of all my sins.  Make me a new creation in Christ, give me Your Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.  I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth…I AM SAVED.  I thank You for saving me.  In Jesus name I pray…Amen and Amen.

Friend, if you said that simple prayer, your name is now written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and just like that thief on the Cross…this day you are seated with Christ in Heavenly places.  I would like to encourage you to seek a good, strong Bible teaching church.  If you need materials to help you start your walk with God, please write us at christlikeministriesarkansas@yahoo.com, and we will do our best to help get you some basic materials to get you started in your walk with God.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message today.  I hope that you, like me, will understand the significance and importance of this thief’s encounter with Jesus.  I hope you’ve enjoyed this message, and I pray that it’s been a blessing to you.

 

Blessings and Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan J. Kizer

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 16:24)

 

Quest for Joy: Six Biblical Truths with John Piper – The Benefits of Repenting and Trusting

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Scripture References: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31

Introduction:

At last, we’re at the last message in this series.  I don’t know about you, but I think it’s been a pretty good one.  Even though only a handful of you actually took the time to vote I want to thank you for being willing to be involved.  You guys selected a fantastic series that I think we were taught a lot more than how to find joy.  We talked a lot on how we ought to not be so judgmental, and we did talk some about how to find joy too.  I never really know what to expect when I start writing, but as long as we rely upon the Holy Ghost…we always write exactly what’s on the mind of God for us to talk about…and that’s more important to me than sticking to the topic.  At least it’s more important to me.

So, let’s get into the last message in this series, and see what it is the Holy Ghost would have to speak to us today, and see how all of this ties in to helping us in our quest for joy. Amen!?!

Today’s Message:  “The Benefits of Repenting and Trusting.”

Well, when I think about the title of today’s message the first thing I think of is that the main benefit of repenting is that we’re removed from darkness to light, from eternal life in hell to eternal life in heaven, and that we were once strangers with God…but through repentance we become sons and daughters of the Most High God.  I don’t know about you, but knowing that God is my Daddy…that’s enough to give me joy for the rest of my time on this earth.  I am sure that I don’t have to spend much time talking about the benefits of trusting God…do I!?!  I mean, two of the most quoted and paraphrased Proverbs talk about this important aspect of the Christian’s walk with God.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding.  Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

So, let’s see where the Holy Ghost leads. Believe and pray with me that He will take over this message, and that He will do the speaking through my ready fingers.  That I’ll write only of the oracles of God, that He’ll supply me with that supernatural ability to speak with utterance and unction that only comes from Him.  That I’ll write with clarity, boldness, and that all those who read this message will have ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts that are receptive, responsive, and sealed with the word in which I’m about to write.  Let’s believe that we will all be changed, challenged, and transformed by what we read…Amen!?!

“Repent” means to turn from all the deceitful promises of sin. “Faith” means being satisfied with all that God promises to be for us in Jesus. “He who believes in me,” Jesus says, “shall never thirst” (John 6:35). We do not earn our salvation. We cannot merit it (Romans 4:4-5). It is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a free gift (Romans 3:24). We will have it if we cherish it above all things (Matthew 13:44). When we do that, God’s aim in creation is accomplished: He is glorified in us and we are satisfied in him forever.

When we accept God’s free gift of salvation (and we know that the word saved is the word sozo…and that it means we’re completely saved, sanctified, justified, and in right standing with God) God’s am in creation is accomplished.  Think about that.  Friends, when God created Adam and Eve…He walked with them just like we walk with one another today.  In other words, God was present with them.  He was there with them in the garden.  Do you know that’s the main goal of God’s?  He desires that kind of fellowship with each and every one of us, and that’s why what Jesus did is so important…and why it’s so important that we become whosoevers and call upon Him to be saved…because when we’re in Heaven…we’re all once again going to walk in the cool of the day in the garden with God…just like Adam and Eve did.  We’re going to enjoy the same fellowship with God that made Him take Enoch.  We’re all going to have that kind of relationship with Him on the other side of eternity.

However, do you know we have the ability to have that kind of relationship with Him right now!?!  Why don’t we, Pastor Bryan?  I’m glad you asked that question.  The reason we don’t is because we don’t trust that when we repent and trust God at His word, and we become whosoever’s…we don’t believe we have that right based upon what we think of our lives before we became whosoevers…and even after we confess Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Listen, if we truly believed that we are saved by grace thru faith we wouldn’t get so bent out of shape when we sin or miss God.  We’d understand that when we sin or miss God that it’s part of being in this fleshly body, and learning how to live the best we can to be good examples and ambassador’s for Christ Jesus.

Listen, I have said this many a time, and I’ll continue to say it.  If you’re looking to me to be a perfect representation of Jesus…I’m sorry to let you down, but I’m hardly even a perfect representative of myself.  I miss God all the time.  I sin on a regular basis…and not even because I’m trying to.  There are many times I utter a cuss word, but if you listened to the religious world they would have you to believe that every time you drop an “f-bomb” that you forfeit your right to eternal life in Heaven.  Really?  The Bible says that God is no longer counting or imputing my sins against me.  Do you know what that means?  The only person who holds my sins against me…is me.  If I am struggling to allow God to forgive me of a particular sin…it’s not because God hasn’t forgiven me of it…it is because I don’t trust that when I repented and confessed Christ as my Lord and Savior…that sin I am struggling to receive forgiveness for isn’t being held against me by God…but by myself.  My sins have been removed as far as the east is from the west, my sins have all been blotted out by the shed blood of Jesus.  When God looks at me (or you) He doesn’t see my sin…He sees the shed blood of Jesus.  So, again, I say that the only one who is holding my sins and shortcomings against me isn’t God…it’s me.

Friends, listen to me, if the Bible says that God isn’t counting our sins against us, and that they’re removed from us as far as the east is from the west.  If the Bible says that once we confess our sins God is faithful and just to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.  If the Bible says that once our sins are removed from us that God remembers them no more.  Then that means, friends, that God really doesn’t hold our sins, shortcomings, and failures against us…and that the only one in our relationship with God that does…is us.  If God say He doesn’t remember our sin…and that God isn’t a man that He should lie…and that God exalts His Word above His Name…then when the Bible says that God’s no longer imputing our sins against us…that’s exactly what God means.  So, if you’re struggling to let go of a particular sin or shortcoming…God’s not holding that against you…YOU are holding that against you.

When I began to understand the ministry of reconciliation, and what that all meant…it changed my life.  I went from always having my sin before me to always having the Cross before me.  I went from wondering how God could love me to being able to hear Him say that He loved me, forgave me, and that I am His son.  I went from running from my call into ministry to embracing it.  I went from wondering how in the world I could be a pastor, and like Abraham I began calling myself Pastor Bryan because that’s what God had been calling me for a decade…and until I started to look at myself the way HE saw me…I couldn’t embrace what He was calling me to do.  Until I stopped looking at myself the way I saw myself, and the rest of the world…and I started looking at myself through God’s perspective…I was constantly walking with one foot in the world and one foot in Christ…once I understood that I wasn’t trying to BE reconciled…and that I already AM reconciled to God…it changed my life…and it allowed me to step into the call of God upon my life.

Now, that doesn’t mean I do a perfect job of that either.  There are times I still find myself wondering how in the world God could use a bum like me.  There are times where I have really blown it, and I wonder how in the world God could forgive me.  However, God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love aren’t based upon my merit, they’re not based upon whether or not I’m worthy of them, and they’re not based upon me…they’re based upon Jesus.  Friends, I’ve said this once or twice in this series…and it’s coming again right here.  When I get to Heaven and I stand before God…and He asks me why I should be allowed into Heaven…the ONLY acceptable answer is because I placed my faith and trust in what Jesus did for me on the Cross.  He’s not going to be interested in what I did with my ministry.  He’s not going to be interested in my volunteer work.  He’s not going to be interested in what I spent my money on.  He’s going to be interested in one thing…what was my decision regarding His Son…and if I accepted His Son then I have eternal life…if I rejected His Son…then I do not have eternal life…it really is that cut and dry…and that simple.  Don’t believe me!?!  Read the encounter between Jesus and the thief.  If there was anything more required to obtain eternal life than confessing Jesus as Lord…then Jesus couldn’t have promised the thief a place in paradise…but Jesus said “Most assuredly I say to you THIS day you will be with Me in Paradise.”  If there was more required…then Jesus lied to that thief…but I believe when I get to Heaven…that thief is going to be there to great me just like Peter, Paul, John, Abraham, Issac, David, Moses, and everyone else who passed on with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Do you desire the kind of gladness that comes from being satisfied with all that God is for you in Jesus? If so, then God is at work in your life.

I think an even better question to really get us to the depth of understanding this message is to ask if we are satisfied with all that God is for us.  Remember what Paul wrote about how he had learned to be content with whatever state he was in?  I believe that’s because Paul was satisfied with all that God was for him.  We know from Paul’s testimony to King Agrippa what a work God did in Paul’s life, and then we learn when he’s near the end of his life that he learned to be content with whatever state he was in.  Friends, he wrote that while he was in prison, and let me remind you that prison in Paul’s day wasn’t like it is today.  So, I believe Paul was able to find that kind of contentment because he was fully satisfied that all that God was for him.  Are you that satisfied with all that God is for you?  Even I have to think about whether or not I am truly satisfied with all that God is for me.  In fact, to be honest with you…I’m not sure I know how to answer that question myself.  I’m not sure I’m fully satisfied with all God is for me.  I’d like to say that I am, and I’d like to believe that I am…but it be fully content no matter what state I’m in…I can’t honestly say I’ve reached that place that Paul was in.

I mean.  I think about how I’m always wanting us to have a nicer home, I think about how I’m always wanting a better job, a nicer vehicle, and a better looking wardrobe.  Paul didn’t have any of the things I have, and yet he was completely content and full of the joy of the Lord.  I have certainly learned to be thankful for what I have, but I don’t necessarily know that I’ve found myself content and full of joy.  I’m just being real here for a moment…can I do that!?!  That doesn’t mean I’m any less saved, that I’m not grateful for the blessings I have, but what it does mean is that I have a long way to go before I can say like Paul that I’m content with whatever state I’m in.  That’s just me being real.

Now, don’t take that way out of context.  There are things in my life I am content with, and for the most part I have found that I do have joy in my life.  I am satisfied with the majority of what God is for me, but here’s another point I’m going to make with me just being real.  I still have a lot to learn when it comes to understanding all that God is for me.  I still have a lot to learn about all that God is doing in me, with me, for me, and through me.  I’m not super spiritual, I don’t have all the answers, and I certainly don’t have it all together.  I haven’t got the pride or ego to even try to suggest to you that I have it all together, but I’m willing to be humble…and honest enough with you (and myself) to admit I don’t.  I don’t do things perfectly, but I try to do the best I can.

What should you do?

Turn from the deceitful promises of sin. Call upon Jesus to save you from the guilt and punishment and bondage. “All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Start banking your hope on all that God is for you in Jesus. Break the power of sin’s promises by faith in the superior satisfaction of God’s promises. Begin reading the Bible to find his precious and very great promises, which can set you free (2 Peter 1:3-4). Find a Bible-believing church and begin to worship and grow together with other people who treasure Christ above all things (Philippians 3:7).

These are the steps to finding that contentment that Paul wrote about while he was in prison.  The first and most important step to finding that elusive joy in you life is by having a relationship with the only One Who is able to give it to you.  That’s Jesus.  I told you that the acronym was J = Jesus, O = Others, and Y = Yourself.  So, obviously the first and most important step to finding joy is becoming a whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord to be sozo’ed.  Now, listen, just because you become a Christian that doesn’t automatically turn your life into being full of joy.  Remember I said that joy is a fruit of the spirit!?!  It takes time to find that place of contentment and joy.  I didn’t even realize I knew what joy and contentment were until I had a much more mature relationship with God…because I thought for the longest time that happiness equaled joy…but it doesn’t.  Happiness is an emotion, but joy is a state of being.  Joy comes from knowing that I never have to spend another moment wondering if my Heavenly Father loves me or if I’ve some how managed to disappoint Him.  Joy comes from having that knowledge that this side of eternity is only temporary, and that I will be spending the other side of it with Jesus forever.  Joy comes from understanding that the abundant life that Paul wrote about isn’t about having stuff, but about discovering that the fruits of the spirit are in operation in your life.

Joy comes from knowing that you can truly love someone without condition because you understand that 1 Corinthians 13 isn’t about an unconditional love, but perfect love.  Perfect love is the way that God loves each and every one of us.  That perfect love is also according to Paul shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  So, you begin to recognize, understand, and give love because you know that you’re not loving people with your earthly ability to love…but God’s love.  You realize that you have that peace that surpasses all understanding…even in the midst of the struggles of life.  For some reason, you just have this peace in your heart that you don’t know how, but God is going to work things out for good because He loves you and called you according to His purposes.  You find joy because you realize that the things you couldn’t control…now you can because there’s this fruit of self-control that’s come into your life, and as long as you heed the voice of the Holy Ghost…you find the things that used to control you…you are now controlling them by the grace and mercy of God.

You hear people reference to how patient you are with them, and they wonder why that is.  You can’t really explain it yourself.  You just know that God’s working in and upon your heart to help you to come to a place where you are long-suffering and patient with people…like our Heavenly Father is long-suffering and patient with us.  The bottom line, friends, is that joy comes to our lives because it’s part of the fruits of the Holy Spirit…it’s not part of our emotional make up.  I know parents are going to tell me that their children bring them joy, but the truth is our children can bring us happiness.  Joy isn’t an emotion, friends.  Joy is a fruit of the spirit.

So, the most important part of all of this quest for joy is to make sure we start with the most important part…Jesus.  Without becoming a whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord to be saved…there’s no opportunity to obtain joy because we cannot get joy from our flesh.  We can’t create joy.  Joy has been given to us as part of the completeness of being saved, but just like the rest of the fruits of the spirit…we have to have faith to receive and believe and walk in this joy.

The best news in the world is that there is no necessary conflict between our happiness and God’s holiness. Being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus magnifies him as a great Treasure.

I don’t know about anyone else, but my relationship with God is most definitely a treasure.  The best news in the world to me is that I’m no longer a stranger to God, but a son.  I’m adopted into His family, and that brings me joy, unspeakable joy…and so it’s with that joy that I embrace His call on my life to feed and tend to His sheep by using this gift He gave me.  It’s a joy to write these messages, and to allow Him to speak through me.  It’s a joy to know that people’s lives are being touched by doing what I took for granted for so many years.  I have nothing but joy when it comes to writing for Jesus…and I hope you enjoy reading what God gives me to write.

Conclusion

This is the final message of this series.  I hope that you have enjoyed reading these messages as much as I have enjoyed writing them.  In this message I talked about the most important part to finding joy is doing what Romans 10:13 says, and becoming a whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord to be saved.  It’s the simplest thing to do, but the most important decision of your life.  If you’ve never entrusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior…I’d like to invite you to take this opportunity to do so.  It’s really easy to do.  You don’t have to go to a church, you don’t have to go confess your sins to a priest, or anything else.  All that’s required are a few simple things.

Romans 10:9-10 say that if you believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth that what Jesus did on the Cross.  His death, burial, and resurrection was for you…and you truly believe that…then if you’ll say this quick, but simple prayer…right here…right now…out loud…you will be sozo’ed.

Pray this:  Dear God.  I am not a religious person, but I believe in You.  I don’t have the answers, but I know You do.  So, from this point forward…I want to rely upon You.  Please forgive me.  I surrender my life to You, I ask You to come into my heart, I make You my Lord and Savior.  Please give me Your peace, make all things within me new, and I will follow You all the rest of my days.  In Jesus’ name I pray…Amen.

Friend, if you really meant business with God when you said that prayer…you are now a whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord, and just like the thief on the Cross you are saved, and on your way to spending eternity in Heaven with Jesus.  I would like to encourage you to get into a good Bible teaching and believing church.  Get yourself a Bible, and if you need help knowing what to read…please write to us at christlikeministriesarkansas@yahoo.com, let us know that you’re a brand new believer, and we will do our best to put together a few things to help you begin your walk with God.

If you’re already a believer…the stop trying to find joy in places it’s not meant to be found.  Joy isn’t found in external sources.  There’s only One source for true joy…and that source is Jesus Christ.  Stop placing the burden on your career, family, or yourself.  None of those things can bring you joy…especially if they’re out of order.

Thank you, friends, for reading along and being patient through this series.  I’m not able to write as much or as often as I used to.  I do very much appreciate your support.  As always, know that more than anything I covet your prayers, and hope that you’ll come back for more.  In the mean time, I am also working to move a series of messages on “Living A Divinely Inspired Life” to a secondary blog I write at www.agiftofwisdom.com.   I may work to get a few of more of those messages posted while I’m looking for our next series.

Blessings and Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan J. Kizer

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 16:24)

 

Quest for Joy: Six Biblical Truths With John Piper – “We all deserve God’s judgment.”

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Scripture Reference:  Romans 6:23

Introduction:

We’ve been talking the last couple messages about how judgmental we can be as Christians, and one of the main reasons I believe we do that is because we forget what we were like before we became whosoever’s who called upon the Lord for salvation.  It’s easy to look at other’s when you don’t look in the mirror.  If you don’t take time to reflect upon what God did in your life, and what He brought YOU out of…then it’s easy to look at someone else’s life in judgment.  However, if we look in the mirror, and look back over our own shoulder it’s not too hard to see that we have absolutely no right to pass judgment upon anyone else’s lives.

So, let’s get back into this series, and see what the Holy Ghost would have to say to us today…Amen!?!

Today’s Message: “All of us are subject to God’s just condemnation.”

You know, I really have been taking stock of how I look at other people’s lives since I began doing this series because I have seen how judgmental I can be, and I have also been scolded by the Holy Ghost because He’s had to remind me that passing judgment isn’t my job.  Whether as a Christian or a pastor…it’s not my job to judge your life…it’s my job to work out my own relationship with God…and when I look at your life in judgment…I am being disobedient…and therefore I have to make sure that my eyes are upon my own life…and not yours.

Let’s think for a moment about this statement:

“All of us are subject to God’s just condemnation.”

Does anyone else feel a little more conviction about trying to do God’s job?  It’s the job of the Holy Ghost to convict people of what they’re doing in their lives that’s displeasing to God, but we think we need to help the Holy Ghost out…don’t we.  We act like maybe God doesn’t know what so and so is doing, and therefore it’s our duty as “loving Christians” to speak the truth in love to our fellow Christian who is doing something that he or she ought to not be doing.  Friends, there’s nothing loving about heaping condemnation upon someone, and let’s be clear…we’re not trying to convict them because it’s not our job to convict the world of sin or their need for Jesus.  The Bible is clear that is the ministry of the Holy Ghost…not us.

I know, you’re going to try to tell me that the Lord speaks to you about so and so, and therefore that gives you the right to judge them or bring what the Lord is supposedly speaking to you about that person to them so they can deal with it.  That, my friends, is a lie.  I am a pastor, I know how the Lord works and speaks, and I can honestly tell you that the Lord has never gossiped to me about what a certain so and so is doing.  Do you know why?  Because it’s none of my business.  He may put someone on my heart to pray for, but He has never ever told me anything about something someone else is doing for the purpose of me to point it out to them.  He doesn’t even tell me what the reason is I need to pray…often He’ll just put someone on my heart, and I have no idea what for…but I know it’s because He wants me to pray for them.

Listen, you’re not ever going to convince me that God speaks to you about Bob’s life.  He speaks to you about YOUR life.  If He does speak to you about Bob’s life…it’s not so you can confront him, but it’s because God wants to confront something that Bob does that YOU do or shouldn’t do.  He’s never…ever told me to go up to a certain so and so and tell them to stop doing what they’re doing because it’s disgusting and not very Christian of them to do whatever it is they’re doing.  Instead, God will show me something Bob is doing, and then He will tell me the important part…I don’t want you doing that.  That’s the extent of what God speaks to me about you…because usually it has something to do with what He want to remove in me.

We have all belittled the glory of God. How? By preferring other things above him. By our ingratitude, distrust and disobedience. So God is just in shutting us out from the enjoyment of his glory forever. “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

I don’t know about you, but when I read that…I’m again really made to understand that I have enough to work out in my own life with fear and trembling that I really don’t have the right, the time, or the ability to tell you what you need to work out in yours.  Can you honestly read that we belittle the glory of God, and then tell me that you’re right to judge Bob or Susie’s life?  Get real, friends.  God hasn’t given any of us the duty of judging one another because that’s not our job…that position isn’t open and He’s not hiring for judges.  Do you know why?  That job belongs exclusively to HIM. Period.  There’s no discussion on this fact, and it’s not open for debate.  If you’re standing in judgment over people and their lives, the way they worship, the way they came to know Jesus, or the fact that they still do things that make them look like they’re not Christians…then you need to repent yourself and ask God to forgive you for being so prideful…and for dishonoring God by thinking you are qualified to judge that person’s life or lifestyle.

Listen, I’ve said this before, and it bears repeating.  God is the only One Who knows the lives of every one of us that walk the face of this earth right now.  He knows the beginning, He knows the middle, He knows the end, and He knows every thing.  He knows what you’re doing right now.  He knows that you’re rolling your eyes right now because there’s another pastor telling you that you have no right to be so judgmental because that job isn’t open…it’s already filled by the King of kings and Lord of lords, and you’re just as guilty and in need of repentance as that homosexual that you’re judging.

The word “hell” is used in the New Testament fourteen times, twelve times by Jesus himself. It is not a myth created by dismal and angry preachers. It is a solemn warning from the Son of God who died to deliver sinners from its curse. We ignore it at great risk.

I know that we are all sad about the enormous amount of people who are on their way to hell, and I know because of that sadness we want to point out what they’re doing.  I know that we think we’re doing them a favor by pointing out what they’re doing or not doing, and how they are going to go to hell if they don’t stop.  Which brings me to my next point, and it’s always in context of the thief on the Cross that had the sense to call Jesus Lord before they died.

My favorite story in all the Bible is actually the short, but very important encounter this thief had with Jesus.  Friends, the thief on the cross next to Jesus didn’t have time to clean up his life, he didn’t have time to get down off the cross, make amends for what he did, get baptized, and then get back up on the cross, and we know this because as soon as the encounter was over…death had come.

The reason I love this encounter so much is because it should serve as a slap in the face of all of us who think we’re so much better than the sinner.  We’re no better than anyone because we all must do the same thing in order to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior…and therefore  also receive the assurance of eternal life.

You know, if Jesus was like us, can you imagine how that conversation would’ve gone?  I can.  The thief would’ve said what he did.  “Lord, remember me when you enter into thy Kingdom.”, and if Jesus were like we are He probably would’ve said something like this.  “You stole from so many people.  If you want to enter into My Kingdom, then you need to make restitution to every one you stole from, and then you need to clean up your life, get baptized, and prove to me those things are done…and then I will think about allowing you to enter into My Kingdom.”

But Jesus didn’t say anything like that at all did He?  Jesus said.  “Most assuredly, I say to you this day you will be with Me in Paradise.”  Friends, I don’t know about you, but when I get to Heaven…I expect to see that thief there to great me just like Paul, Peter, Abraham, King David, and everyone else who died with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Hell is a very real place, but that doesn’t give us permission to judge people who are headed there, and it also doesn’t give us the right to judge our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.  I can’t say this enough, but I guess I have to.  It’s not our job.  The Bible told us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.  It doesn’t say anything about making sure that Bob or Susie are working out their salvation, and it doesn’t say that we’re to work out their salvation for them.  Our job is to pray for them, encourage them, and try to help them to know what the Word of God has to say about their lives.  It’s God’s job to take care of cleaning up the inside of their lives, their hearts, and their minds…not yours or mine.

If the Bible stopped here in its analysis of the human condition, we would be doomed to a hopeless future. However, this is not where it stops…

All of us need to remember that the wages of our own lives both before and after we became Christians is death.  I don’t know about anyone else, but even after I became a child of God I have missed God frequently.  I make mistakes.  I sin.  I fall short of God’s glory on a regular basis.  I deserve the wages of death even now, but because of God’s grace, mercy, love, and the blood of Jesus…I am redeemed, I am saved, I am sanctified, I am washed, and I am not going to receive what I deserve, but what Jesus died and rose again to give me.

Because I haven’t forgotten where I came from before I came to know Jesus.  Because I know that still today, my life is deserving of death…that keeps me from pointing a judgmental finger at your life because of what you’re doing that’s worthy of death.  It keeps my focus squarely upon my own life, and that means I’m not standing in judgment of yours.  Why?  Because I deserve the same penalty and punishment for my own life…and therefore I need to keep that in the foremost part of my mind…and when I’m tempted to judge your life…God is quick to remind me of how easily you could judge mine…and furthermore…He reminds me of just how I am worthy of death and judgment myself.

Friends, let’s take more time to look inward, and realize that we’re just as deserving of the punishment that person we’re judging is.  After all, it’s not our job, and the position isn’t open.  It belongs to God…and God alone. Amen!?!

Conclusion:

In this series, we’re supposed to be talking about the quest for joy, but it’s turned into a series about how judgmental we are…and it’s been a series rebuking us for being so judgmental.  I had no idea this series was going to take the turn it has, but that’s why I rely upon the Holy Ghost for the content of these messages.  I would rather write about how this relates to us finding joy, but I have yet to get passed the judgmental topic.  I’m not going to apologize…I’m thrilled that God is speaking this through me, and as long as He wants to talk about this…this is exactly what we’re going to talk about.

So, I hope you’re enjoying this series, and I will post another message tomorrow…as we work to wrap up this series within the next day or so.

Blessings & Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan J. Kizer

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 16:24)

 

Dear WordPress followers

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Greetings to you.

I often take the time to update my Facebook followers on the progress of this ministry, but now that God’s growing the number of people who follow by WordPress (we’re up to 45) I thought maybe a newsletter type post might be of interest to those of you who follow us here.

Of course, I would like to encourage you to like us on Facebook that link is www.Facebook.com/ChristlikeMinistriesNWA, and to let you know that you can follow us on Twitter as well.  Our handle is @ChristMinistNWA.

We’re nearing 300 messages that I’ve posted since I embraced what God has been calling me to do, and how to use the gift that He’s placed within me that was prophetically spoken to my by my mentor and father in the faith…Pastor Stephen Robbins.  I started out with barely 10 followers last January, and now we’re up over 300 followers and still growing.

As many of you in ministry know, once God begins to promote you that means that the devil has begun to know your name also, and that means he’s begun to work to bring down what God has begun.  I would like to let you know that if there’s anything I covet most of all, other than to hear God tell me “well done” it would be that those of you who follow this ministry would keep my ministry, my family, and of course me in your prayers.  As many of you know, once the devil is aware of who you are…he begins to work to discredit you, and the first place he starts is within the home.

It’s been an amazing journey that God’s taken me on in just over a year’s time.  I’ve reached over 100 nations with the messages I write, and that let me know that my vision for this ministry was too limited in the sense that I originally thought I would just reach my family and friends…and now I’m reaching people as far a way as New Zealand and as close as right here in Bentonville, Arkansas, and even my home town in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

God is so faithful, friends.  Even when we’re not, and we’re still learning how to walk and become the man of God you’re called to be.  I’m learning how to be a husband, how to be a father, a son, a pet owner, a good employee, and a pastor all at the same time.  I fail often, but the beauty of God is that just because I make mistakes…He doesn’t change His mind about what He’s called me to do.  The gifts and calling of God are without repentance…that means that just because we screw up…God doesn’t take away our gifts and calling…rather He expects us to use what we go through to enhance them, and become a part of the testimony of the workmanship that He’s doing in, with, and through our lives.

I admit there are times I’m intimidated because I’m not a world renown writer, I haven’t ever been to a Bible college or seminary or even gotten a degree online.  I’ve never been officially or legally licensed or ordained as a pastor.  The only schooling and instruction I’ve received were from gifted men of God who imparted into my life, and the Lord Himself.  I guess I describe my ministry training as having gone through Holy Ghost University…how many of you know the best training to receive is by the Lord Himself.

I know, however, that my calling is to be a pastor, and that’s because of what God spoke to me through His Word.  I know that my ministry is to be involved in social media like I am now, and to use the ability to write He’s given me as my pulpit.  I know that God has told me about the fact that the people He draws to this ministry aren’t my sheep…that you belong to Him, but that He’s entrusting some part of the feeding of your lives to me…and that’s what I’m trying to do…equip you.

My ministry is really an Ephesians 4 ministry…working to encourage and equip you to do the work of the ministry you’re called to.  We’re all called to represent God in some form or fashion.  We’re not all called to be pastors, evangelists, teachers, apostles, or prophets…but we are all called to be ambassador’s for Christ.  What’s our ministry?  I’m glad you asked.

We’re called to be ministers of reconciliation. We’re called to go into all the world preaching and teaching the gospel.  We’re to make disciples of all nations.  We’re to be salt and light to a world that’s lost it’s flavor and is in the dark of their own desires.

We’re here to use the gifts that God has given us to advance and add to the Kingdom.  If someone like me can do what I’m doing then there’s no reason anyone else can’t do it too.  I think we make ministry too difficult.  We worry about standing in a pulpit or going off to some foreign land for a missions trip.  I have been asked to visit several places, but you know what…thanks to the internet…I visited over 100 nations over the last year without leaving my home.  I’m still reaching people, I am still preaching the good news, and I’m still giving people an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of their lives by what I do right here from my computer.

Anyways, thank you for taking the time to follow my ministry.  All of you are an encouragement to me, and every person God adds helps me to know that I’m doing just what He designed me to do for such a time as this.  I hope you’ll visit us on Facebook, and Twitter.  I hope that you’ll continue to like and enjoy the messages I put out…that are all written by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, by the way.  I thank all of you for your support, and most of all your prayers.

Eventually, I am working on a way to set something up through PayPal so that if you desire or are led by God to support this ministry financially there will be a way for you to do that.  I want it to be known that there is never any obligation to give anything to this ministry.  We depend 100% on the Holy Ghost to lead people that way.  We will never ask for money, we will never charge for any of our messages, and we will always let you know exactly what it is we would use any money you donate to us for.  All ministries have operating costs, and there are things we’d like to so that we can upgrade our WordPress page and all…and of course that takes money…but we depend upon the Lord for those funds.  If they’re not there…they’re not there…and we’ll never solicit money from any of you at any time.  Should that be something we’re able to set up…I will be sure to let you all know…and leave it to you and the Holy Ghost to decide what to do with that information.

Well, friends.  I believe that’s all for this ministry newsletter of sorts.  I love all of you, and thank you again for your support, encouragement, and prayers.

Blessings and Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan Kizer

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24

Quest for Joy: Six Biblical Truths with John Piper: “We Have All Failed”

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Scripture Reference:  Romans 3:21-26

Introduction:

Oh Lord, as soon as I saw the title of today’s message I knew where the Holy Ghost was ready to go with this message.  This is going to be one of those messages that may not wind up being too popular, but I’m not concerned with popular…I’m concerned with the Holy Ghost.  If He has a specific direction He wants to go with a particular message…that’s the direction we’re going to go.  So, like yesterday, I’m not going to spend a lot of time on the introduction.  We’re on our third message of six in this series, it’s been a fun series to write about, and we’ve gotten a lot of likes for the messages…which I appreciate greatly, and want you to know it’s very encouraging to have people like what I write.  Let’s me know that we picked the right series to talk about…Amen.

Okay, let’s get off the introduction, and get into this message…We Have All Failed.

Today’s Message:

I only needed to see the Scripture References for this message, and I had the Holy Ghost drop the direction of this message in my spirit.  We talked a lot in the last series about judgmental Christians, and He’s not finished talking about it.  When we think about the truth here…we all have failed God whether it’s before we called upon the name of the Lord to be saved or afterwards.

Friends, I hate to break the news to you, but maybe it’s time someone does.  None of us are going to leave this world, and stand before God with a 100%.  There’s only One who lived and walked this life perfectly, and that’s Jesus.  Let me bring a more obvious truth…none of us are Jesus.  Therefore, none of us have anything to boast of except about Jesus.  Yes, we’re made perfect in His image, we’re made perfect and blameless by His blood, but as far as we are concerned there’s not one of us that’s going to be able to stand before God and say we did everything perfectly…because we haven’t, we can’t, and we won’t.

We all know Romans 3:23  says that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Can I ask a simple, but obvious question!?!  How many is all?  It doesn’t say some have sinned and fallen short, it doesn’t say a select few have sinned and fallen short, and it doesn’t say none have sinned and fallen short…it says ALL of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Do you know what that means? It means even I as a pastor fall short and sin.  It means that Billy Graham sins and falls short of the glory of God.  It means that T.D. Jakes sins and falls short of the glory of God.  It means Joel Osteen sins and falls short of the glory of God.  It means YOU sin and fall short of the glory of God.

So, that begs the obvious question.  If all of us sin and fall short of the glory of God…what gives you the right to point out the failures of others…whether they be Christian or not?  Listen, there isn’t a one of us who lives in a glass house that doesn’t have windows broken.  I’m just as guilty of being judgmental, but it’s one of those things the Holy Spirit has really dealt with my heart on…especially since I embraced my calling as a Pastor. Can I tell you that just because I’m a pastor that doesn’t give me the right to judge someone else’s life…on the contrary…that’s one thing the Holy Ghost has made clearer to me…that’s not my job at all…it’s His.

Listen, I said it during the 7 Hebrew Words for Praise series, and I’ll say it again here.  Our job as Christians isn’t to judge people.  Our job as Christians is to love one another, bear with one another, to encourage one another, and to pray for one another.  No where in the Bible are we told that we’re to beat one another over the head with our sins and failures…and the reason that is…is because it’s NOT OUR JOB.  The ONLY one who has the right to judge another’s life is God.  He’s the ONLY one who knows our hearts inside and out…He’s the only one who has seen every step of our lives…and He’s the only one who knows all sides of our story…and therefore…He is the only one qualified to judge my life, your life, and the life of that guy on the corner holding the sign you keep driving by.

You and I classify sin.  You and I look at rape, murder, child molestation, and we think of those things as the worst of sinners.  Do you know what God considers the worst of all sin?  Those who lead people astray by preaching a false gospel.  Those who are stuck in prideful rejection of His Son.  God doesn’t see big sin or worse sin…He looks at all sin as sin.   He doesn’t look at a murderer any differently than He looks at a pastor who preaches a false gospel…both of those people are sinners…and both of them are destined for the Great White Throne Judgment…and if neither of them repent…they will be sent away to a hell that is very real.

Can I give you an even more real point of view here.  God doesn’t see the difference between a murderer, a preacher preaching a false gospel or someone who has never accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  All three of those people are destined for hell unless they become whosoever’s who have called upon the name of the Lord to be saved.  Sin is sin to God.  It doesn’t matter if it’s theft of a pack of gum, murdering someone, or preaching that Jesus isn’t the only way to Heaven.  All of that is sin to God, and whether we see it that way or not has no bearing upon how God sees it.

So, now we’re  coming back to the point of today’s message…and that is that we’re all failures if we compare ourselves to Jesus.  That’s why we all need Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  It’s His holiness that we acquire when we become whosoever’s that call upon Him for salvation.  By the way, the word there for salvation is “sozo”.  I’ve said it before, and it remains important to repeat…that means it’s a complete salvation.  When we’re saved…the moment we’re saved…we receive all the holiness we’re ever going to possess.  Why?  Because it’s not our holiness…it’s Jesus’.

I have an entire message The Doctrine of Spiritual Pride that explains what I’m getting at there in much better detail than I have time to get into today.  I would encourage you to check that out, and reblog it, tweet it, and share it with your people.  I think you’ll find that message to be quite powerful…and I hope that you’ll take the time to check it out and pass it along once you have.

For the sake of time today, I’ll just say that if you want to know how God feels about us being judgmental then I would like to encourage you to read my messages in the “7 Hebrew Words for Praise” series.  He had a lot to say in the first two messages of that series.  7 Hebrew Words for Praise – Halal and 7 Hebrew Words for Praise – Yadah.

So, let’s see what Mr. Piper has to say about today’s message, and see what we can say about that…and then we’ll see what the Lord wants us to talk about.  Then we’ll wrap this message up.

What does it mean to “fall short of the glory of God?” It means that none of us has trusted and treasured God the way we should. We have not been satisfied with his greatness and walked in his ways. We have sought our satisfaction in other things, and treated them as more valuable than God, which is the essence of idolatry (Romans 1:21-23). Since sin came into the world we have all been deeply resistant to having God as our all-satisfying treasure (Ephesians 2:3). This is an appalling offense to the greatness of God (Jeremiah 2:12-13).

None of us have trusted and treasured God the way we should.  There’s a mouthful right there isn’t it!?!  I know that I don’t always trust and treasure God the way I should.  You know, when I think about how much I fall short of the glory of God the last thing in the world I think about is you falling short because I am just as guilty as you are.  I am just as guilty as sinning and falling short of God’s glory as anyone else, and just so you know just because I’m a pastor called to serve God…that doesn’t make me some how immune to sinning and missing God.  However, it also doesn’t give me the right or the authority to judge your lives because you sin and miss God.

I don’t know how many times the Holy Spirit is going to have me say this…but it’s not our job to judge people’s lives…it’s not our job to point fingers, to bring condemnation or “godly conviction” as we like to call it.  It’s not “godly conviction” it’s your spiritually proud religiously prideful self looking down upon someone else because they don’t live as holy a lifestyle as you.  I hate to break the bad news to you, but you’re not holy because you don’t drink, smoke, cuss, or hang out with people who do those things.  The ONLY reason you are holy at all is because of Jesus.  The holiness that you brag about carrying around with doesn’t belong to you…it belongs to the One who died to make you holy.  It’s Jesus’ holiness that we have, it’s Jesus who makes us holy, and if you think that you’re holy by your “good works” then you…sir or ma’am are full of pride…and you’re not as holy as you think.

If you’re trying to get to Heaven on your own merits…then you’re not going to make it.  Jesus is the only way to Heaven.  You can’t get there by being a good person or doing good deeds.  You can’t get there by having a lifestyle that is apart from drinking, smoking, cussing or anything else that’s considered a bad habit.  Just because you don’t do those things…there’s no extra credit with God…you’re either saved or you’re not.  You’re either a whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord…or you’re not.

Paul is very clear that we’re not saved by what we do…we’re saved by what we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths.  The Christian life is by grace thru faith.  If it were attainable any other way…don’t you think God would’ve revealed that to Paul?  If God wanted to make sure it was written that all we receive is by grace thru faith…and not works because that removes our ability to boast about how great and holy we are.

Still…there’s so many Christians…and don’t tell me there isn’t because I see it on my Twitter timeline.  They brag and boast about their “holy lifestyle”, but that’s not what is going to get them into Heaven…the ONLY thing that will satisfy the demands of sin upon our lives is whether or not we’re whosoever’s who have called upon the name of the Lord to be saved.  If you have the Son…you have eternal life.  If you don’t have the Son…you do not have eternal life.  It really is that simple, but we think because we don’t smoke cigarettes or drink a beer or have premarital or extra marital sex or we don’t steal or don’t kill or don’t covet something someone else has that we’re going to some how obtain extra credit from God…friends there’s no extra credit.  The basics of the Christian life is this.  If you have the Son…you have eternal life.  If you denied the Son…you don’t have eternal life.  It really is that simple…and if you’re trying to do it any other way…you’re not going to make it.

We have not been satisfied with His greatness and walked in His ways.  Oh, Lord, forgive us for not being satisfied by the sacrifice that You provided.  Forgive our religious pride that looks down our noses, and our spiritual pride that causes us to boast in our greatness instead of Yours.  God, break us of this pride that makes us so judgmental and prideful over our lives.  Help us to see that it’s not our greatness that saved us or keeps us saved…it’s Yours.  In Jesus name…break the hearts of the body of Christ to see they have way to much of themselves…and not enough of You.  In Jesus’ name!

I can’t even think of myself as not being satisfied with the greatness of God.  How in the world can I not be?  Before I came to God’s embrace…my life was anything but satisfying.  I’m still not satisfied.  I can still stand to have plenty of me crucified with Christ, but thank God I’m not who I used to be.  There’s the old saying that says:  “I’m not where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be.”  How in the world can we have that mindset…and then look down our religious noses at anyone else who reached the same bottom we have…and then think that God’s okay with us judging their lives.  He’s NOT OKAY WITH US JUDGING ANYONE’S LIVES BUT OUR OWN.

Listen, the Bible says very clearly that we are to WORK OUT OUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING. It doesn’t say anything about working out someone else’s salvation.  In fact, I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again.  There are things God has given me the grace to do that He hasn’t given the grace to someone else.  There are things that God will allow someone else to do that He won’t allow me to do…but one thing He will not allow me to do is judge what He allows someone else to do that He doesn’t allow me to do.  In fact, He’s told me that what’s between Him and someone else is none of my business…and vice versa.

No where are we told to judge our neighbor, but we do it all the time.  No where are we told that we’re to take the place of the Holy Ghost, and bring conviction to our neighbors…but we do it all the time.  No where in the Bible does it say to judge one another…it says to love one another…but we think we’re doing each other a favor by pointing out the speck in someone else’s eye when there’s a big old log sticking out of our own.

I am all for encouraging someone to not do a particular thing.  I would never encourage someone to have an extra marital affair, but I certainly am not going to judge someone who has one either.  I am certainly not going to encourage someone to get addicted to pornography, but I’m also not going to judge someone who is.  I’m not going to encourage someone to be bound in their minds by thoughts they can’t control, but I’m not going to judge someone for that either.  Do you know why?  If you’ve been reading along…because it’s not for me to judge.

You know what.  I have had an extra marital affair with my first wife…and I know what it’s like to have people thumb their noses at you because of it…and the worst part is that those who thumbed their noses at me were Christians.  I have been addicted to pornography before, and I know what a struggle that is to over come.  There have been times I’ve stumbled with it, but the sad thing is God is more understanding then the body of Christ is.  He doesn’t look at me, and throw up His hands in disgust wondering how I could allow myself to do such a thing….He certainly doesn’t want me to do them because it knows it will harm me…but He’s not disappointed in me…He loves me…and no matter what I do…I can’t sin myself away from His love, His grace, or His mercy.  The body of Christ looks at the admission I just made…and disqualifies me from my calling, but the call and gifts of God are without repentance…so just because I was addicted to pornography…God didn’t change His mind about what I was called to do…in fact…it’s part of my testimony…that God’s done something I never could on my own…He’s delivered me of that addiction.

I know what it’s like to have thoughts that I cannot control.  I know what it’s like to be lost in my thoughts and mind.  I know what it’s like to think that my life is worthless, and that maybe it would be better if I just went to be with Jesus.  I know what it’s like to by the lies of the devil, and believe that no one would miss me if I wasn’t around.  I know what that’s like…and I know what it’s like to have God use people to change that.  He has surrounded me with people who remind me that I’m loved, needed, and wanted…and further more…He told me Himself that He loved me…and has a purpose for me.

Friend, whatever it is that you judge that person for…some time you just need to thank God that you’re not bound up like they are.  Instead of being judgmental…perhaps you ought to be thankful that God kept you from being addicted to pornography, maybe you should be grateful that you don’t know what it’s like to be an alcoholic, know what it’s like to have to find a way to forgive yourself for an abortion you had many years ago, and more.  You cannot judge my breakthrough because you don’t know my been through.

We have sought our satisfaction in other things, and treated them as more valuable than God, which is the essence of idolatry (Romans 1:21-23).

Whoa!  What a statement!  We have sought our satisfaction in other things, and treated them as more valuable than God.  I know that I can be guilty of this, and just seeing it here makes me feel like I should be ashamed of myself even more for having the time or the gull to look at someone else’s life when there’s so much of my own that needs to die.  How can I judge your life when mine can be so easily judged?  How can I look at your failure when I fail God myself…and I’m a pastor.  I’m supposed to have it all together, have all the answers, and have it all figured out…but the truth is…I’m a person.  I still have flesh that I have to deal with, that I have to crucify, and that I need to decrease.  I am in NO position to judge anyone’s life.

All of us have failed to glorify God as we should

All of us have failed to glorify God as we should.  There isn’t one of us that is perfect.  There isn’t one of us that’s going to get a 100% when we stand before God on that day.  You know, the way people brag about themselves on Twitter makes me wonder if they’re going to be bold enough to do that when they’re standing before God.  I wonder if they think He is going to be impressed with all they’ve done, all they didn’t do, and as they’re giving their resume for why they believe they should be allowed to enter into Heaven…the only answer that is acceptable has nothing to do with us at all.

The truth is…when God asks us why we deserve to be in Heaven…the only acceptable answer has nothing to do with anything we’ve done.  I can promise you that the One that made everything we see come into existence isn’t going to be impressed by the people you helped, the money you gave, the things you did, the time you volunteered, the number of tweets and Facebook updates you wrote, and He’s not going to be impressed by the number of blogs you wrote.  He’s not going to be impressed with the amount of Bible you can quote…He wrote it.  He’s not going to be impressed with what you did for a living.

The ONLY acceptable answer for why we should be allowed into Heaven is I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  If you give any other answer then that…you’re probably not going to like the results.

Conclusion:

I knew the direction this message was going to go the moment I saw “All of us have failed to glorify God as we should.”.  How dare we look at anyone else’s life with a judgmental eye in the context of that statement?  I don’t know about anyone else, but this message was clear to me that I’m not qualified to judge anyone else’s life…especially when I am barely qualified to judge my own.

I guess the only way I can think of that’s appropriate to close this message is to pray.  I just feel like maybe we all ought to pray, and ask God something like this:

Oh Lord, forgive me.  I am sorry that I spend so much time looking upon the failures of others when I have my own.  Forgive me.  I am sorry that I have so much pride to think that I’m on some kind of pedestal that qualifies me to look upon someone else’s life with a judgmental eye.  Lord, I know that’s not pleasing to You, and I don’t want to do things that displease You. I certainly don’t want to do anything that allows me to think I have the right to take Your place.  Lord forgive us for being so judgmental, and help us, Lord God, to take our eyes off of what everyone else is doing…and put our eyes upon the person in the mirror.  I ask that You would convict us of our judgmental thoughts the moment they come, and that we would repent right then and there.  Lord, I ask You to wash and cleanse my mind, my heart, and my all with the blood of Your precious Son…in Jesus’ name….Amen

Blessings & Grace to you.

Pastor Bryan

Christlike Ministries NWA

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24

quest for joy – 6 Biblical Truths with John Piper – Every Human Should Live for God’s Glory

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Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Introduction:

We are continuing today to work through our series “Quest for Joy”, and staying with the thought that we are here to live for God’s glory…and not our own. I believe that this is going to be another powerful message, and therefore I’m not going to take much time here in the introduction. We’re just going to get right into today’s message.

Today’s Message: “Every Human Should Live For God’s Glory”

I am not a psychologist. I don’t have any training for when it comes to understanding the way we are as humans, but I would like to offer up this thought as we’re talking about joy, and now the topic of today’s message.

I believe that part of the reason there are so many people who are down and out is because they’re living for their own glory. Can I share with you that I was living for my own glory for a long time, and even now I still find myself seeking my own glory…but that when I seek my own glory I rarely ever find joy. I may find a little bit of happiness, but it’s usually fleeting. In other words…when I’m living for my own glory any joy I get from it is relatively little compared to the joy I receive when I’m living for God’s glory.

In the last message we were reminded that we’re to do all that we do for God’s glory, and here today is the second message where we’re being reminded of that very same thing. We’re not here to glorify ourselves…we’re here to glorify God. That’s not to say that we’re not allowed to experience happiness and joy…because God wants us to be happy…He wants us to have and experience joy…but not apart from Him. We’re to obtain our happiness and joy by living our lives for Him, with Him, and thru Him.

The most joy I experience comes when I’m walking with God. The further away I am from Him the less joy I experience. There’s a lot of depressed people in the body of Christ that would be cured of their “chronic depression” if they would just return to the Cross. I don’t’ know who I’m talking about…but depression was nailed to the Cross with Jesus so to provide us the cure. Friend…depression has a name, and we know that any thing in this world that has a name is subject to the name of Jesus. If you’re struggling with depression…the cure is found in the name of Jesus.

I believe another cure for depression is found when we stop seeking joy from things that cannot and were not designed to give us joy. Listen, I love my wife, but I cannot place upon her the burden of giving me joy. She can’t. I am looking forward to our daughter arriving into the world, but I cannot place the burden upon her to bring me joy either. I love my dog, but I can’t place the burden of giving my joy on him either. I like my job, but it doesn’t bring me joy. Do you see where I’m going here? All these things in my life…my wife…my job…my ministry…my daughter…they can bring me happiness, they can bring me contentment, but the one thing they can’t bring me is what only my relationship with God can…joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit…not of the flesh.

Joy is not an emotion…it’s one of the fruits of the spirit. The joy of Who? The Lord shall be my strength. Joy is only found in one source, and if you’re trying to find it in your spouse, your career, your ministry, your children, your hobby, or whatever else…you’re not going to find it…because you cannot find something that’s a fruit of the spirit within your flesh. That’s not to say those things won’t bring you happiness and contentment.

Remember Paul said that he reached a place where he was able to be content whether he had a lot or a little, was in prison or free? That’s something that I have found…contentment. I am content with my life as far as my family, my career, and even my ministry. I’ve found happiness and contentment. But, I believe the reason people don’t experience joy is because they’re looking for it in the wrong places…because it can only be found in Christ.

If God made us for his glory, it is clear that we should live for his glory. Our duty comes from his design. So our first obligation is to show God’s value by being satisfied with all that he is for us. This is the essence of loving God (Matthew 22:37) and trusting him (1 John 5:3-4) and being thankful to him (Psalm 100:2-4) It is the root of all true obedience, especially loving others (Colossians 1:4-5).

How many of us are satisfied with all that God is for us? I can read by my Twitter timeline that there aren’t many. There are so many Christians forfeiting their joy because they can’t do simple things like understand their identity in Christ. They identify themselves as saved sinners. I’m sorry to have to say this, but you cannot claim to be a sinner and in Christ at the same time. You’re either still a sinner or you’re in Christ…not both.

You see, I don’t know about anyone else, but I am reconciled to God. How do I know that? Romans 5:10 tells me so. I don’t know about anyone else, but I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. How do I know that? 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells me so. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have the Son and therefore I have eternal life. How do I know that? 1 John 5: 11-13 tells me so.

You see, my joy comes from knowing that I am complete, lacking nothing because I am in Christ Jesus, and that cause something inside of me that’s much more than just happiness. How do I know I’m complete in Christ Jesus? I’m glad you asked, but if you’d read your Bible a little more often you would know that Colossians 2:10 tells us that we’re complete in Christ. My joy comes from Christ…not my circumstances, not the people, not the ministry, and nothing else. Those things can and do produce happiness, but true joy comes solely and only from my relationship with God.

In fact, there’s an acronym that I use from time to time in the context of how we can find joy.

J – Jesus – Because everything starts with Jesus. If Jesus isn’t first then there’s no way to have and get joy.

O – Others – Putting others before my own needs and desires. Being selfish doesn’t produce joy it produces pride…and we all know what comes with pride.

Y – Yourself – Friends, we have to take care of ourselves. We do need to be all about God first, we need to make sure that we prefer others above ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we ought to forget about ourselves.

In fact, I submit to you that if we put these things in the proper order…we will always have joy in our lives because if we have Jesus first, and meeting the needs of others second…then God will see to it that our needs are taken care of. So, really we take care of ourselves by keeping these three things in it’s proper place…if we do that…we find joy. If any of those things are out of order…we don’t have joy.

I like what Mr. Piper writes here: “So our first obligation is to show God’s value by being satisfied with all that he is for us.” Our first obligation is to show God’s value by being satisfied with all that He is for us. Are you satisfied with all that God is for you? If you’re having a hard time finding joy in your life…that may well be the reason…you’re not satisfied with all that God is for you. Let me just say that if you’re not satisfied with all that God is for you, has done for you, and is doing through you…then you’re either unaware of all that God is for us or you have a lot of you that needs to be crucified.

Is God valuable to you? Do you understand that you’re valuable to Him? So valuable that He sent His Son to die for you so that He could have a relationship with you. Then we murky up all that value with trying to earn something we can’t…and then wonder why we don’t have joy. When we lose sight of the fact that the Cross supplied everything…then we lose the joy of our salvation. When we start to feel like we’re unworthy in and of ourselves (which we aren’t), and don’t understand our place in Christ and just what God has provided for us through the Cross…then there’s no wonder why joy is so hard to come by…because there’s no joy in trying to earn God’s love…we can’t earn it…we have to receive it.

I don’t know about you, but there’s enough in this world that’s trying to steal my joy. I don’t need to add to it by trying to acquire things from God that I can only receive by grace through faith in a relationship with God. The harder I work to earn those things from God the less joy I have…but the more I allow those things to come to me by faith…the more I understand who I am and what I have in Christ…the more joy I experience.

If you’re having a hard time experiencing joy…try looking at the order of how you have the three relationships. Are you putting others above Jesus? Do you have yourself above Jesus? Do you have Jesus first, but don’t really care about the needs of others? Do you put others first, but have yourself and Jesus out of order? If you don’t have those relationships in the proper order ( Jesus, Others, Yourself) then you won’t have joy until you learn their proper place in your life…Amen!?!

Conclusion:

It’s been a while since I thought about that very simple acronym for joy. Jesus, Others, and Yourself. I know it’s simple, but it provides us with an easy checklist to inventory as to why we’re lacking in joy. If you have any of those relationships out of order…then that’s why you’re lacking in joy. It’s important to remember that no matter what Jesus is our first obligation, and then putting others above ourselves, and then if we do that…I believe and know from my own experience God will take care of our business if we’re about those first two things. So, in essence the best way to take care of yourself is to put Jesus first, and then others second. If you have yourself anywhere other than last…there’s no joy.

I know that’s a simple thing, but it’s true. You can’t have joy if you spell it any other way, and just like you have to spell it correctly…we have to have those three relationships in it’s proper place…or we won’t have the joy in which we seek.

I hope this message has been a blessing to you. Some times the simplest of illustrations can bring the most revelation. I pray that the Holy Spirit sink this message deep into your hearts, and that He protects the truth in this message from the devil that would seek to steal this word from you. I pray for ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts that are receptive and will respond. In Jesus name…and everyone said…Amen

Blessings & Grace to you.
Pastor Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24

Quest for Joy: Six Biblical Truths With John Piper – God created us for His glory

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Scripture Reference:  Isaiah 43:1-7

Introduction:

Welcome to the first message of our new series “Quest for Joy”.  This series was put on YouVersion by John Piper.  We’ve had some pretty good messages and series when we’ve done something by Mr. Piper before.  So, I suspect that we’ll have just a good a time with this one both writing and reading…and applying what we learn from it to our personal relationships with God…Amen.

I’m excited to get into this series.  I know I can always use a lesson on how to add more joy to my life.  So, without any further delay…let’s get into today’s message.

Today’s Message  “God created us for His glory”

Before I go to far, I want to just stop and think about the title of today’s message for a moment if you don’t mind.  You would think that by the way people act that we were created to bring ourselves and one another glory, and we live like we believe that…don’t we?  I spent a great deal of time in our last series talking about how judgmental of other Christians we can be, and how it’s not our job to be judgmental…is it?

“God created us for His glory”.  Think about that, friends.  I was created to worship God.  I was created to serve God.  I was created to glorify God.  I’m an employee for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, I am a husband, an expecting father, and a son.  I am a former United States Marine, I’m the Pastor and Founder of Christlike Ministries NWA, and I’m the proud owner of a dog named Vinny.

As I look at that list, however, in the context of the statement I was created for God’s glory…I suddenly realize there is a whole lot of me that still needs to be crucified, Amen!?!  While I am here to do a good job for Krispy Kreme…the Bible is clear that I’m to do my job not for the purpose of man…but how?  To glorify God.  Colossians 3:23-24 say that I’m to do all I do as unto the Lord…that includes my job.  I’m not there to collect a paycheck, I’m not there to make Krispy Kreme look good, but I’m there to do what I do to bring glory to God.  In turn, when I do my job to glorify God…then He will make sure I’m promoted, prospering, and noticed by men…again not to bring me glory…but Him.

When I write these messages…it’s important for me to realize that no matter how many people like them or follow this ministry…I’m to do this all for God’s glory…not my own.  As a husband I’m supposed to treat my wife the way Christ would treat the church, and I’m the first to admit I fall short on that all the time.  All of my relationships are to be done as unto the Lord as well, and He will be the one to help me to build, develop, and maintain those relationship…for His glory.

I had no idea the message was going to go this way, but perhaps the best part of writing for the Lord is that when He has something important to say…like this right here…it’s okay to step aside and allow God to use the gift of writing He’s given me…for His glory.  Right now, He wants to talk about us making sure we understand that it’s not about us at all…it’s about Him and what brings Him glory.

Don’t you know that the best times and most joy I have in my life is when I’m doing things exactly the way God intends me to do them.  When I lose my joy…it’s because I’ve stopped doing things for His glory…and started doing what I think brings me joy and glory.  Anyone else notice that…or am I alone here?

Friend…you and I are created to bring God glory…not ourselves.  The more I do for my glory…the less joy I have, and the less God blesses what I’m doing (whether it’s being done out of love or not…because it’s not being done for Him).  The more I do for God’s glory the more joy I have, and the more God blesses what I’m doing because I’m doing it for HIM.

Listen to me.  When I started this ministry I barely had 10 people following me.  Now I have over 300 people following this ministry.  Why?  Because this ministry is about bringing glory to God…not myself.  I am thankful for all 300+ followers, but the one thing God told me when He called me into ministry I have never…ever forgotten…and it keeps me from becoming prideful.

I have a feeling there are some people in ministry positions who follow me, and need to hear this so I am going to make sure they read it and see it loud and clear.  Ready!?!

“THE PEOPLE I DRAW TO YOUR MINISTRY ARE NOT YOUR SHEEP THEY ARE MINE.” – GOD

That’s right, friends.  I told you that one of the many times I read Peter’s encounter with Jesus at the end of the book of John that in one of those times I encountered God.  He spoke to me about how a pastor is called to feed and tend to the flock, and that’s what He called me to do. That’s when He also told me that to keep me humble that statement I just wrote above.  You aren’t my sheep, you don’t belong to my ministry…you’re God’s people and you belong to Him…and if you’re following this ministry that’s because He has entrusted some part of your relationship with Him to my care.  He’s trusted me to feed you, tend to you, and help you along your journey with Him.

So, I don’t know why I wrote all of that, but now that I have I believe God’s finished with that topic, and it’s time to really get into our message for today.  All of the above was 100% Holy Ghost inspired…and God ordained for me to write.  I don’t know who all that was for…maybe I was writing it to myself…but I think we all need to remember that we’re not here for the purpose of serving and glorifying ourselves…we’re here to bring glory and honor to Him…we are created to bring HIM glory…not our jobs, our families, or even our ministries…HIM…Amen!?!

Now on to the message:

“God made us to magnify his greatness, the way telescopes magnify stars. He created us to put his goodness and truth and beauty and wisdom and justice on display. The greatest display of God’s glory comes from deep delight in all that he is. This means that God gets the praise and we get the pleasure. God created us so that he is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” – John Piper

Hmm.  Well, I guess maybe that was the message.  The message being that we are here to bring Him glory.  I like this statement here:  “God gets the praise and we get the pleasure”.  It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be able to use this ability God has given me to write.  It’s a privilege and a pleasure to know that He’s drawing you to this ministry.  It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be able to do this to help you to bring Him praise, glory, and walk with Him.

We’re here to magnify the Lord, and not ourselves.  We’re here to show the world they need Jesus…not that they need us.  We’re here because we’re created by God for God.  I don’t know about you, but I think that is a pretty good place to leave this message…and look forward to what God’s going to speak to us through the next one.

Conclusion:

This is only the first message in this series, and if this message is any indication of what God’s going to be speaking to us about then I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series.  In order to find joy…we need to understand our place in this world, and that our joy comes from fulfilling what God has for us to do.  We’re created to bring Him glory…and when we do that we get the pleasure of knowing we’re bringing him praise, glory, and honor.

For the religious I know you’re going to jump on this and tell us how we need to live holy lives, but we don’t bring Him glory by trying to live holy.  Friends, we are holy not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus did.  There’s no joy in trying to earn what Jesus already died to give us for free.  Trying to earn what Jesus did doesn’t bring Him glory…it’s an insult to Him…and furthermore…if we could earn what Jesus did…then there would be a reason for us to brag and glory in ourselves.

From the moment we confess we’re whosoevers that have called upon the name of the Lord…the only way we bring God glory is by learning who we are and what we have in Christ…and then learning how to put what we have on the inside of us on the outside for the world to see…so that they too will give God glory.

I am so excited about this series, and can’t wait to write the next message.

Blessings & Grace to you
Pastor Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

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“Changed” – How A Country Song Blessed My Sins Off

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“I got off track, I made mistakes…back slid to that place where souls get lost, lines get crossed…and the pain won’t go away…I hit my knees, now here I stand. There I was, now here I am…Changed.”

I have listened to this song about 25 times already since downloading it.  There’s a beautiful message in this song, and a fantastic testimony that I believe could be the testimony of anyone of us that are whosoever’s who have called upon the name of the Lord.

I know there are some who are going to frown upon me for posting a “country music band“, but if you’re too religious to enjoy a song like this…I’m sorry…but I’m not.  This song is awesome, tells an awesome story, and I’m not ashamed to say it’s blessed me…yes…a country music band sang a song that’s blessed me…the pastor of Christlike Ministries NWA.

God can use anyone who has a desire to be used by Him, and whether it’s the members of the band (which I applaud for putting this kind of song on a country music album…and releasing it to be played on the radio), the songwriter, the stations who aren’t afraid to play this song, or a man like me who isn’t too religious to hear the message of hope, reconciliation, and the gospel in this song…then who am I to frown upon it…and say this can’t be of God.  I believe it is, and therefore I am posting it…and if that causes me to be hated or persecuted…Praise the Lord!

I will support anything that has a message like this.  A message that says no matter how far off track you are…God is always waiting and watching for you to appear at the end of the drive way…like He does for all of us who are Prodigal sons and daughters…and if you’ve forgotten what it’s like to come back to the Father after back slidding away from Him…there’s a pretty good chance you’re backslidding right now…or you have too much pride.

There’s been many a time that the chorus of this song has been my life…but the best part of the good news of the Bible is that no matter how far off track you get…God is always ready, willing, and waiting to take you back…dust you off, put a robe & ring on you, kiss your face, and kill the fatted calf to throw a party for your return.  Never forget that when we return…how God rejoices…and that’s not my message…that’s the message of the Prodigal son which is in the Word of God.

I hope this song blesses you…like it has me…and reminds you (like it did me) that we can always come home…to our Daddy.

Blessings & Grace to you
Pastor Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

ATTN Christlike Ministries NWA WordPress followers!!!

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I am conduction a poll for my next series.  The choices are.

  1. 5 Message Series Titled:  ”Remembering All That God Has Done”
  2. 6 Message Series Titled:  ”Quest for Joy”
  3. 8 Message Series Titled:  ”Seeking God in Worship.

The poll question is on the Christlike Ministries NWA Facebook page at:  www.Facebook.com/ChristlikeMinistriesNWA.  I also have posted them as separate Tweets on Twitter.  Our account is @ChristMinistNWA.  The topic will be tabulated by the most votes and retweets.

Voting is open until Saturday.  The winning topic will be announced on Sunday, and will begin next week.

So, please visit us on either Facebook or Twitter to cast your vote.

Thanks for your time, your vote, and have a blessed day.

Blessings & Grace to you
Pastor Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

7 Hebrew Words For Praise: “Tehillah”

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Scripture References:

Introduction:

With this message, we will complete and wrap up our series on the 7 Hebrew Words for Praise. As I said with the last message, my hope is that we’ve all been challenged, encouraged, and helped to understand the praise and worship of God isn’t just something we do…it’s what we were created for.  We’re all created to bring glory to God.  We’re all created to worship Him, and we know the Word says that if we don’t He will cause a rock to praise Him.  I don’t know about you, but I’m in full agreement with the words of the old gospel song:  “Ain’t no rock gonna cry out in my place.”…Amen!?!

So, let’s see what God is going to say to us as we close out this series, and what He has in mind for us through this last message.

Today’s Message:

I would like to thank all of you who have been patiently bearing with me through this series.  I appreciate all of you who continue to follow along even though I’m not writing as frequently as I did last year.  I’m enduring a new season of life, and working at becoming a reliable employee.  I have seen my efforts have good results for my store, and I hope that eventually that will translate in to promotion and prosperity…but how many of you know that we rely upon God for promotions, raises, and accolades…Amen!?!

Anyways, let’s see what tehillah means, and how we say it…

Tehillah is derived from the word halal and means “the singing of halals, to sing or to laud; perceived to involve music, especially singing; hymns of the Spirit.

This word is pronounced T-HHIHL-ah, teh-i-lla, or te-hil-la.  I suppose that’s not extremely helpful is it.  So…let’s talk more about what this word means, and how it relates to us when it comes to worship.

So, Psalm 34:1 clears up this word and worship for us, doesn’t it.  “His praise (tehillah) shall continually be in my mouth.”  Do you know what that means?  It’s just like we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  That verse simply says that we’re to “Pray without ceasing.”, and Psalm 34:1 says that His praise shall “continually be in my mouth”.

Can I tell you that I don’t walk around all day long saying: “My Precious, Heavenly Father”, and say some long prayer that never ends.  I walk around often, and I’ll have something on my mind or heart…and say something like:  “You know, Lord, I’m tired today…I need Your strength…thank You for being with me.”  or “Lord, I just want to tell say I love You.” or ‘Lord, help that person.”  Can I tell you that God loves it when we talk to Him like He’s our friend, and not when we talk to Him like He’s some kind of distant dictator who has no interest in a personal, intimate relationship with Him!?!

We’ve talked about this before, and it’s interesting that we’re talking about this in context of not just prayer, but praising God, too. Can I tell you that everything we see is a reason to praise God?  Thank You, Lord for the birds, the grass, the trees, the sun, the rain, the moon, the stars, my dog, my life, my health, my family, my wife, my children, my husband, my parents, my grandmother who prayed over me, for the Bible, for my computer, my phone, worship music…can you see how our praises for Him can and should be continually in our mouths!?!

Just like we can walk around praying without ceasing…we can walk around praising God without ceasing too, Amen.  Praise and prayer are necessary in the daily life and walk of the believer. Let’s take a moment to think about the things that we’re suppose to do daily.  We have a list…don’t we!?!  God’s kind of given us a “honey do” list, hasn’t He?  For those of you who are married, like me, we all know what the honey do list is…don’t we.

Let’s take a look at the Lord’s honey do list.

  1. We’re to pray without ceasing.
  2. We’re to pick up our cross daily.
  3. We’re to search the scriptures daily. (that’s daily time in the Word).
  4. We’re to have His praises continually in our mouths.
  5. We’re to do all that we do for the glory of God, and not man…every day.
  6. We’re to love our neighbors, enemies, and ourselves…every day.
  7. We’re to walk out our own salvation…every day.
  8. We’re to examine ourselves…every day.

How’s that for a list.  Those are things we’re suppose to do every single day.  I can admit that some times…I don’t do any of those things in a day.  I can admit that some days I do some of them.  I can also admit that there are a lot of days where I don’t do enough of them.  I’m sure we all can admit we don’t spend enough time reading the Word of God, can’t we.  I know we can admit we don’t walk around praying or worshiping without ceasing…but that’s part of that taking up our cross daily and walking with Him daily.

I can admit I have days where I don’t feel like doing any of those things.  Come on, are we all so super spiritual that we can’t admit that we don’t read the Bible, pray, or worship God like we should?

Can I get back to something I talked about in a few messages during this series?  The subject of being judgmental is coming back to my heart.  I’m sure there’s more that I could add to our daily list of things we’re to do, but one thing I’m sure wouldn’t make that list is pointing out the flaws in other believers lives.  You know, I look at that list, and I’m convicted that I even think I have the time to take a look at someone else’s life…anyone else get that conviction?

There’s enough in that list right there for me to not have any time at all to focus or judge someone else’s walk with God.  It also goes to show that if we’re doing those things daily our focus will not only be upon our own lives…but upon God…and that means if our focus is on us and our own walk with God then it won’t be on what everyone else or anyone else is doing.

The one thing that I have found is that when I’m focused on what everyone else is doing…God will actually ask me what business is it of mine.  Being judgmental is one of those things that God will immediately correct me on…especially being in ministry.  Why?  It’s not my job.  It’s not my job as a pastor to pass judgement upon someone else’s life.  It’s not even my job as a Christian.  My job as a Christian is to make sure that MY life is worthy of God, and if I’m honest with you…there’s enough of my daily life that ISN’T.  So, what in the world gives me the time or the right to look at your life, and judge it.

I said this in the first message.  Now where does the Bible say that we’re to go around beating people over the head with their failures.  If it does, and you can show me where that verse is…then I will be glad to change what I’m writing…but the fact is…God doesn’t give us the right or place to judge other believers…because He’s not hiring for the job.  That is HIS job, and HIS job alone.

For those of you on Twitter, Facebook, and everywhere else being judgmental and having a critical spirit over what someone is doing…what are you doing that can be judged?  Matthew 7 is very clear about how we are to be careful when we pass judgement upon others because the same judgment we pass is going to be used against us.

Listen, I don’t know about you, but I have enough that I can judge myself upon.  I don’t have time to look at your life, and point out the speck in your eye because mine is full of logs, beams, and specks of my own.  I also don’t need you to point out the logs, beams, and specks in my eye…that’s not your job…it’s God’s.

The Bible tells us to pray for one another, love one another, to bear with one another, and no where does it say judge one another.  We’re allowed to judge the fruit of someone’s life in order to make a wise decision as to whether or not they ought to be a part of our lives…but just because their fruit may show we ought not hang out with them…still does NOT authorize us to judge them…we’re to judge their fruit.

You know, there are many who talk about loving people, and then I see tweets about how they can’t believe so and so could do such and such.  Hypocrite…what are you doing that someone is saying I can’t believe they’re doing such and such? Better yet, what are you doing that Jesus could ask why you’re doing such and such.  The Holy Spirit has something to say to all of us right here…right now…are you ready!?!

We ALL live in glass houses…and that means NONE of us ought to be throwing stones.  The ONLY ONE worthy of throwing a stone said:  “Where are your accusers?  There aren’t any?  Well, neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

Friends, listen to me.  That list is by no means an exhaustive list of what God expects of us on a daily basis, but what it says to me is that I have plenty to keep me busy.  It tells me that I have enough to do within my own daily walk with God to take time out to make a judgement of yours…and I have also found that some of the things I can point out in judgment of your life…I am doing or not doing also.  Remember the old “If you point at someone you have three fingers and a thumb pointing back at you.”?

So, now let’s get back to praying without ceasing, and the praises of God continually being in our mouths.  We have so much to be thankful for as Christians that just praising God continually could, would, and should take all day.  We should be praising God from sun up to sun down.  I know, I don’t do that either, but I should.  We should be praying from sun up to sun down.  I know, I don’t do that either, but I should.  Between those two things I should be too busy to worry about what you are or are not doing…because just upon those two things God has enough to convict me upon.  Then, I have the nerve to add it judging someone else…how dare I?  How prideful is that?

You know, Paul wrote pray without ceasing.  He didn’t say that we should or might think about or ought to pray without ceasing, did he?  Do you know what that means?  It means by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Paul gave us a commandment that’s just as serious as Jesus’ commandments to love God and to love others.  Paul said:  “Pray without ceasing”.  Friends, that’s not a suggestion…it’s a commandment.  I believe the same thing can be said of David’s saying that God’s praises shall continually be in his mouth.

Listen, we all would like to be known by God as David was, wouldn’t we?  I know I would.  For those of you who don’t know, David was called by God as a man that was after the pursuit of His own heart.  You know why God said that?  Because David was a worshipper.  David praised and worshipped God with that Halal which is brought back here in this word…”Tehillah is derived from the word halal and means “the singing of halals.”  David was clamorously foolish about his praise and worship of God, and he did so continually.  If we want to be known by God as a person after His heart…don’t you think we ought to act like the person who God named as a person after His heart?  I don’t know about anyone else, but I do.

All of us as Christians ought to desire to be “Christ-like”.  Many of us, myself included ought to want to imitate the greats like Paul, Peter, John, and David.  If we want to be mighty men of faith…we ought to be like Peter and get out of the boat.  If we want to be good, strong disciples we ought to want to strive like Paul to know nothing save Christ Jesus, and Him crucified.  If we want to have love be the primary fruit of our lives, then we ought to learn how John loved, and see why Jesus tabbed John as His beloved disciple.

You see, I don’t know about anyone else, but there’s enough between praise, prayer, bible study, and focusing upon becoming a better man, pastor, husband, son, future father myself then to have time to judge you.  In ministry, we do have access and the ability to be godly counsel…but that’s all we should do…counsel, pray, encourage, rebuke (only as the Lord directs), and that’s it. Let this message be a reminder to all of us, myself included, that we have enough to do every day to keep us busy, and focused on our heart, our actions, our motives, our fruit, and our lives to take the time out to focus on what anyone else is doing…Amen!?!

I believe this is the best place to wrap up this message, and this series.  We’ve come full circle in that we’re back to having to take a look at ourselves, and stop looking at everyone else.  I know I have been convicted through this series to make sure I have my house in order.  I’m so thankful that this series has been so much fun, and with that…I will say thanks again for following along.

Conclusion:

I think this has been a really good and fun series.  I know that I’ve learned a lot from it, and I hope you have too.  It’s time to close out this series, and I never like to close one without giving the opportunity for those of you who may not know Jesus to be introduced to Him.  So, for those of you who have never met Him I would like to ask you to take a moment to visit the most important page on my WordPress site…the Do You Know Jesus page.

It’s going to give you some things to read, a music video to listen to, a video for you to watch, and it’s also going to give you an opportunity to make the most important decision of your life…what you’re going to do with and about Jesus.

I hope you’ll make the decision to say the prayer, and become a whosoever who’s called upon the name of the Lord.

Blessings & Grace to you
Pastor Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

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7 Hebrew Words For Praise: “Zamar”

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Scripture References:

  • “Be exalted O Lord, in Thine own strength, so will we sing and praise (zamar) Thy power.” (Ps 21:13)
  • “Sing to Him, sing praises (zamar) to Him; speak of all His wonders.” (1Chr 16:9)

Introduction:

We are two messages away from wrapping up this series, and I believe that unless the Lord has other plans we may just wrap this series up today.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and I hope that you have also.  It’s been informative, encouraging, challenging, rebuking, exhorting, and it’s helped me to look at myself.  It’s helped me to look at my worship of God, and it’s also caused me to stop looking around at others.

So, as we wrap up this series…I pray that you too have found this series to be what I have, and that you’ll agree with me that we all can do a better job at worshipping God.  We can also all do a better job at being glad that others are worshipping Him, and instead of making fun of them…maybe we might try to worship God like they are…and see if God will encounter us like He does them.

After all, the entire purpose of praising and worshipping God is to encounter Him and His presence…and if that’s not what we’re doing…then we’re wasting time.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to go to church or turn on worship music and not encounter God or His presence…because it’s in His presence we’re changed and molded and conformed more and more into the image of His Son…Amen!?!

Today’s Message:  “Zamar”

Well, let’s look at what Zamar means, and how to say it…and then we’ll get off and running to see what the Holy Ghost would have to speak to us…Amen!?!

Zamar means “to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing, to praise; a musical word which is largely involved with joyful expressions of music with musical instruments.

Zamar is not pronounced like the movie Harold and Kumar.  I have to confess I’ve never seen that movie, and I can further confess I have no desire to see it.  Remember on day one I told you that God’s strict with me about what movies He will allow me to watch.  I don’t know that this is a movie God didn’t allow me to see or if I just never had a desire to see it…but that’s not really the point of this message…but maybe someone needs to read that if God doesn’t allow you to do something He gives grace to someone else to do…don’t judge them by that.  What God does in your life is between you and God.  Likewise, what God does in someone else’s life is between them and God…and is none of your business.

We should never judge someone else’s walk with God by our own.  God has always told me that what He wants to do in my life is just for me.  He may want to do something entirely different in someone else’s.  He allows me the grace to listen to music like 3 Doors Down, but He may not allow someone else the same grace.  However, as I shared with you before…the one thing He will NOT permit me to do is force what He will or will not allow me to do on someone else. It’s none of our business when it comes to specific graces for things He allows us to do or doesn’t allow us to do, or things He will or won’t allow others to do.

You see, friends, God knows my heart, my life, and what He wants to do with, in, and through my life.  The things He doesn’t allow me to do hinder His plan for my life, and the things that He allows me to do have no impact upon what He allows.  If I do the things He doesn’t allow me to do…then it impacts my ability to hear from Him, to feel His presence, and of course it’s disobedience so I have to repent.  If I do or don’t do the things He allows me to do…it has no impact upon my relationship with God.

Anyways, I don’t know why I went on that little side journey, but let’s get back to Zamar, and how to pronounce it. Zamar is pronounced zaw-mar.  This is the lucky person who is gifted to be able to play a guitar, and other musical instruments.  This would include my best friend Jay Yates, another friend who is a fantastic worship leader in Jonny Hale (I’ve posted many of his songs on my pages), it also includes a ridiculously talented friend of mine named Kevin Hammond (I’ll include a video of him and his music so you know what I’m talking about), and the others who can pluck and strum their way…I have to admit I’m envious of anyone who has the ability to play a musical instrument because I do not possess that ability.

This is my good friend and brother in Christ…Kevin Hammond…singing “Soon & Very Soon”

If there was one thing that I covet it would be that I wish I could play some kind of musical instrument successfully, but unfortunately for me…God did not bless me with the ability to be that co-ordinated.  I’m lucky that He blessed me with a half way decent voice to make a joyful noise with.  I certainly don’t have a voice for American Idol, but as long as I stay within my vocal range it’s tolerable.

I know, God loves to hear me sing praises to His name, and did you know that He loves to hear you do that too.  I am not lucky enough to have the ability to play any kind of musical instrument, but if you do…did you know that you can use that ability to worship God.  I know that a lot of the songs my friend Kevin has written came from playing around with chords and scales on his guitar.  Like this song here…Soon and Very Soon.  I’ve no doubt in my mind that he was strumming and plucking along on his guitar…and as he did…I believe eventually the Lord began dropping the words of this song into his heart…and out came a simple, but very powerful reminder that Soon and Very Soon…Jesus is coming back…and all of us can go with Him when He does…Amen!?!

My best friend and best man, Jay Yates found this out when he decided to go to school to become a worship leader.  He’s played the guitar and sang for many years, but recently having a chance to speak to him he told me that going to worship school has changed his life.  It shows because my wife and I saw him this past weekend, and he looks and sounds like a new man.  I know the things he left behind, and to see him full of joy and love is a testimony that I hope he will share with me…so that I can share it with you.  But, what I can share is that he left town a confused, hurt, broken man…and returned with such a peace in his heart that only comes from God.  He’s a new man…and it’s awesome to see what God can do to a surrendered life.

Friend, I don’t know you, but God does.  You may not have the ability to write like I do, but you might have the ability to play a musical instrument like I don’t.  What ever your talent.  Whether it’s writing, drawing, painting, sculpting, playing an instrument, singing, cooking…it doesn’t matter what the talent…that’s your gift from God…and when you discover and surrender it to God for Him to develop…that becomes your gift to the world.

The more I write…the better I become at it.  It has become my ministry.  Whatever talent God has given you.  Maybe it’s more than one.  Maybe you can play and sing.  Maybe you can write and play and sing like my friend can.  Whatever your gift or talent is…if you’ll give it to God and ask Him to help you develop and use it to bring Him glory…He will.  I know this because that’s what He’s done for me with my writing.

No matter what.  The most important thing we can do is give praise and glory to God…because no matter what…He deserves it…and He’s worthy of it…Amen!?!

Conclusion:

I hope this message was an encouragement to those of you who have been blessed with the ability to write, draw, paint, or whatever talent you have.  People make ministry too complicated, and I see questions all the time about what they think God wants them to do.  Friend, if you have a specific talent…that’s what you’re ministry is.

I know I used to think that the only way to minister was through the five fold ministry gifts…pastors, prophets, teachers, apostles, or evangelists.  Most of you know I’ve never set foot in a Bible school, but God spoke thru His Word that He called me to be a pastor.  He spoke through a former pastor of mine that I’d use my ability to write to minister to people…and don’t you know that’s exactly what my ministry is today!?!

What have you had God speak to you?  Did He give you the ability to sing?  Maybe you ought to see if you can be part of the church choir.  Did He give you the ability to play an instrument? All that’s required to minister is a desire in your heart to impact people for the Kingdom of God…and if you have a specific gift or talent…the key is giving it to Him to help you develop and use…He will…all you have to do is be a submitted, surrendered vessel…and you’ll be reaching nations like me.

Thanks as always for following along.  I hope this message was a blessing to you…and if you ever read anything you think will bless someone else…please feel free to share it…and point people in our direction.  I appreciate and thank all of you who follow us.  You’re all an encouragement to me.

Blessings & Grace to you
Pastor Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

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7 Hebrew Words for Praise: “Barak”

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Scripture References:

  • “O come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our maker.”  (Ps 95:6)
  • “Then David said to all the assembly, “Now bless (barak) the Lord your God.” And all the assembly blessed (barak) the Lord, the God of their fathers, and bowed low and did homage to the Lord and to the king.” (1Chr 29:20)
  • “I will bless (barak) the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  (Ps 34:1)

Introduction:

We’re almost to the end of this series of messages on the 7 Hebrew Words for Praise series.  I’ve decided to include the link to the page that’s been a reference guide to me during this series because there’s other scripture references.  So, if you should decide to investigate further into these Hebrew Words for Praise…then you can.  I have really enjoyed this series.  I’ve been much more inspired to challenge you, and I’ve been challenged myself by it.  I don’t think I’ve had this much serious fun writing a series since our “Why Read The Bible?” Series.

Anyways, as we work to wrap up this series with the last couple of words…let me just encourage you one more time to take these messages to heart.  Think about the challenge in them to let go of our pride and dignity…and stop being so ashamed to be clamorously foolish about praising the One who gave His life so that we could know and be assured of eternal life with Him.

So, let’s see what’s going to come forth from today’s message on “Barak”.

Today’s Message:  “Barak”

Oh boy, I feel something brewing on the inside of me already.  I think this message may become one of the better ones I’ve written in this entire series.  I’m so thankful that God is speaking these things through me, and so that I continue to write only that which He would have me to write…let me just stop and ask Him for the anointing, unction, and supernatural ability that only comes by the anointing of the Holy Spirit to speak that which He would have me to say…that it would impact your lives, that He would give you ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to receive.  I ask this in Jesus name…Amen.

So, let’s see what the meaning is, and how to pronounce the word, and go from there.

Barak means “to kneel down, to bless God as an act of adoration.”

Well, in a way, I’m thankful today because the way we say this word is how we say the President of the United States first name.  That’s right it’s pronounced just like it looks…Barak.  The ironic thing is that what it means, and what our Barak stands for are two totally different things when it comes to God.  Perhaps if President Obama were to be more in line with what Barak means…the direction our country is headed would be entirely different.  I am not, however, going to use this as a way to bash the President, but just to suggest that there’s a bit of irony in the fact that Barak means to bless God as an act of adoration, and our Barak is doing everything he can to dishonor God with his pride, arrogance, and unwillingness to bow his knee to God for anything.

Oh, man…where do we go with this message, Lord.  I think as Christians we have lost the meaning of this word.  It used to be common practice for us to kneel before God, but even I have to admit that it’s something that I do very little of these days.  I acknowledge that I have to become more aware of the respect and adoration I am displaying before my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He deserves to have us bow our knees to Him in praise.  He deserves us to bow in adoration to Him…and I should also point out that the Bible says one day ever knee will bow and ever tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

Unfortunately some are going to bow in despair as they’re told “away from me I never knew you”.  Some are going to bow and it’s going to be too late.  Some are going to bow for the first time, and then spend the rest of eternity regretting that they never bowed before Him before that day.  I wonder at that day if some are still going to stubbornly resist to bow before Him in the same manner of defiance as they do now.  I wonder if they will arrogantly thumb their noses at the God that’s about to sentence them to eternal life in hell for their lifelong rejection of Him and His Son.  I wonder if at that moment they will tell God that He doesn’t exist.  I wonder what that day is going to be like as all of those who thought us Jesus Freaks that we’re dillusional simpletons who believe in a God that doesn’t exist.  I wonder what they’re going to do and say on that day…as they’re cast in the lake of fire for all of eternity.

Friends, let me say this as lovingly as I possibly can.  Our 75-100 years of life is going to be a grain of sand in the scope of eternity.  A grain of sand.  All of the grains of sand in the world are still going to be as a drop of water in all of the water that covers this planet.  All of the water that covers this planet is nothing compared to what a mile in our solar system is equal to…and none of it is long enough to measure how long eternity is.  The 10,000 years or so our earth has existed is less than 100,000,000,000,000 of a  100,000,000,000,000th of a mila-second in the scope of the measure of time in eternity.  There’s no way to measure eternity because it doesn’t begin or end, and it’s not in anyway measureable by the time restraints we have.

What am I saying?  I am saying that it would be wise of us to all make sure that before that day comes where we stand before the Lord…to make sure that the first time we bow to Him as Lord isn’t on that day.  I would like to challenge all of us to make sure that we take more time to bow our knees in adoration to God, and taht if we do it for no other reason than to bless God we should because He is worthy of that from us.  He’s worthy of us never getting up off our knees, but all of us (myself included) need to spend more time on our knees.  That’s not really a suggestion, friends.  I am being serious here.  We need to realize that standing before God is okay, but kneeling before Him is part of that understanding that we should bow the knee in awe of Him…OFTEN.

I know that messages that include the scope of eternity can some times be very difficult to read…they’re hard to write.  It’s hard to write that there will  be many, many people who will leave this world for the final time in prideful defiance to God thinking that all this stuff us Jesus Freaks talk about as far as God, Heaven, the devil, and hell are not real…but one day all these things are going to be very real to them…and when they are there…it will be too late because they will never…ever get the chance to leave there.  There is no escape, no way to get out, or purgatory or anything like that.  Once they are in hell…that’s where they will stay for all of the rest of eternity.  There will be no more opportunities to accept what Jesus did for them on the Cross.  There will be no escape.  There will be no pardons or stays of execution…there will only be eternal hell fire…forever.  I don’t know if you know this…but forever is a long time, friends.

So, let us be sure that we aren’t too prideful or arrogant to hit our knees now, while we still have the time and opportunity to do so.  Let us be sure that we are doing our part to fulfill the great commission.  We know there are still going to be many who reject Jesus, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still do our part to minister and reach the ones who will.  It’s important that we recognize, like I do, that bowing the knee in adoration to God isn’t something that’s suggested or optional…but required.  It’s not just a way to praise God…it’s a way to signify that we are surrendered to Him as our Lord.  Just as out stretched hands are a sign of surrender to the Lordship of God…so too is the kneeling before Him.

Let’s remember to take time to bow before Him here, and that way when it’s time to bow before Him for real…it will be something we’re used to doing.  Just like the rest of these Hebrew words for praise.  If you think the only time we’re going to use these ways to praise God…then you might want to read more about Heaven.  You might want to read about the beasts that do nothing else than praise God all day every day…and they have been doing it for all of eternity.  We too are going to be praising God all day, every day for the rest of eternity…so why not practice doing it now…Amen!?!

Conclusion:

I never like to write messages like this.  It’s hard to think about the fact that millions…if not billions of people are going to be satisfied with the same death penalty that was only really meant for the devil and his angels.  However, there’s going to be many, many people who will just as defiantly as Satan reject God and join their god in hell for the rest of eternity.  I will not be one of them.  I hope you won’t be either.  I can think of no better way to close a message like this than to make sure I close it with giving those of you who haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior an opportunity to do so.  How can you be assured that you too will spend eternity in Heaven with me, and all of those who chose to bow the knee to the Lord now?  How can you be assured that your name will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

I would like you to visit one of the most important links on my WordPress page:  http://christlikeministriesnwa.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

There will never be a more important decision to make than this one.  I hope that if you don’t know Jesus…you will by the end of this message.

If you don’t visit the link…then please take the time to say this simple prayer.  Make sure you say it out loud, and most importantly believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.  I hope you will become a “whosoever that’s called upon the name of the Lord” today.

Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

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7 Hebrew Words for Praise: “Shabach”

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Scripture References:

  • “O clap your hands, all peoples; shout (shabach) to God with the voice of joy (or triumph).” (Ps 47:1)
  • “One generation shall praise (shabach) thy works to another and declare thy mighty acts.” (Ps 145:4)
  • “Cry aloud and shout (shabach) for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isa 12:6)

Introduction:

Welcome to message number four of seven in our current series: “7 Hebrew Words for Praise”. We’re almost finished with this series, and then it will be time to check with the Holy Ghost to see where we go from here. I am really enjoying the opportunity to write this series of messages, and am hoping that you’re all getting as much out of these messages as I am. It truly is an honor and a privilege to be able to do this, and have the unction and backing of the Holy Ghost. It’s a lot of fun to write these messages, and just wait for the Holy Ghost to take control.

So, I’m excited to see where the Lord will take us today as we talk about this fourth of the seven Hebrew words for praise. Please join me as we find out together what the Lord would have us to know about this form of praise.

Today’s Message: “Shabach”

I think today’s message is really going to be excellent. I have a sense that the Lord has some things to say similar to what He’s already been speaking to us, and continuing to challenge us to become more radical and as we found out on day one…clamorously foolish when it comes to worshiping our King of kings and Lord of lords…Amen!?!

Shabach means, “to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph.”

Well, that’s pretty simple isn’t it. The correct way to pronounce this word is this way: shaw-bakh’. I realize that doesn’t sound to easy…so the way we say this word is Shaw Bach…I hope that’s a little more helpful than shaw-bakh’. Maybe I can search Google for an image of what we’re about to talk about. I know there’s several songs that use Psalm 47:1 in them “shout unto God with a voice of triumph…shout unto God with a voice of praise (shabach).” That’s what “Shabach” is, that’s what it means…when we shout unto God…that’s exactly what Shabach is.

“Shout Unto God With A Voice of Triumph”

Instead of finding an image, I found a video of Hillsong’s version of “Shout Unto God” to listen to while you read this message.

Okay, you know exactly where we’re going because we’ve been going here for the last three messages. This goes back to the shouting clamorously foolish for our favorite sports team, but when we are in church for some reason we can barely muster up a voice to shout “Jesus” or “Hallelujah” or “Praise the Lord”. Now, before you think that I’m only speaking to you…I have inserted the “we” here because I am just as guilty of standing in church some times with passionless worship while I can be excited and shout out “touchdown” or “homerun”.

Listen, (I guess I have adopted Charles Stanley‘s “Listen” as my catch phrase when the Lord gives me something important to say.) I’ve had the Holy Spirit deal with me about these things that’s why and how I know they’re done in the church pew or seat or in the midst of an amazing conference. All I know is that when I can’t shout for God, but I can for the Redskins or White Sox or Badgers or whomever it is I’m cheering for…then the problem isn’t with the worship band, it’s not the song choice, the melody or rhythm of the song…the problem is within me. That problem is what I touched on a little bit in the last message…it’s know as PRIDE.

Before you say it. I understand that some of you are from religious places that frown upon shouting to the Lord as well. I know that there are congregations out there who prefer you to sit quietly while the worship team sings their songs, and when they’re finished then you can clap and maybe say a few amen’s, shake some hands, and then be seated quickly so the sermon can be given. I’ve been there with you. I know what that’s like, and that’s why I’m no longer in those places…because I can’t be in a place that’s passionless about their worship and pursuit of the heart of God. Not anymore because my passion and pursuit of the heart of God demands that I do something other than sit or stand in a place that has no passion for God.

Christlike Ministries NWA Family, the Bible says that God is looking for people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth, and a lot of folks focus on the spirit and truth part of that. However, what I hear when I read that verse is that God is looking for people who will worship HIM. Christlike Ministries NWA Family, we know that our God is a jealous God so why is it that we can shout “Woo Pig Suey” for the Razorback games, but when we’re standing in church the worship leaders have to practically beg us to get out of our flesh, press past our situations and circumstances and maybe muster up enough of a voice to shout out a half-hearted “Amen”.

Look, I’ve come to realize and to the point where I don’t give a rip who is around me or what anyone else thinks of me. God has done so much for me, with me, through me, and now because of me that there’s no reason I can think of that prevents me from worshipping God with passion and love and awe because of who He is and what He has done. Therefore, if I feel the urge to shout while I’m praising and worshiping God…then that’s what I’m going to do. If I feel the need to “Halal” God (get clamorously foolish for Him), if I feel the need to “Towdah” God (raise a hand to Him when I’m driving), or if I feel the need to “Yadah” God (extend my hands in praise and worship of Him) or in today’s case “Shabach” God (shout unto God with a voice of triumph and praise)…I’m going to do that because for no other reason…He is worthy of my praise, my adoration, and for me to worship Him in the way that He is seeking.

For crying out loud, friends. If we have nothing other than Jesus to shout over…then that is more than enough for us to shout about from here to eternity. That’s not adding into all of the things that He’s done in, with and through our lives. That’s not including the countless people He’s used us to touch, or the countless number of people He’s used to touch our lives. That’s not including the many things that He’s blessed us with, the grace that He gives us every time we fail Him, the mercy He shows when we fall, and the love He gives us that makes us inseparable from Him once we’re His children. There is so much that God has done that I can hardly keep from shouting as I’m writing this message.

“Shout unto God with a voice of triumph”. God IS victorious, friends. He has already fought the battle and secured the victory for us…and He won the battle. God has NEVER lost. He has a perfect record. There is none or no one that has defeated Him. Just as a short list…He has defeated death, hell, the grave, sin, sickness, disease, and more just by sacrificing Jesus upon the Cross…in your place and mine. Jesus made an open spectacle of satan as He took back the keys, He took back the authority that Adam lost in the garden, and He brought satan through the streets like the old solders used to do with kings that they defeated in battle to embarrass and bring them to an open shame. That is what the death, burial, and resurrection did…it allowed Jesus to drag satan through the streets of hell in an embarrassing fashion. In fact, there is scripture in Isaiah that says that when we finally get to Heaven…we’re going to take one look at satan…and we’re going to say to ourselves: “this is who gave us so much trouble?”…because he is stripped of all his power. The ONLY power he has over us and our lives is the power and access we give him…because if we’re believers and in Christ…then we’re fighting against an enemy that’s already been defeated.

So…how can I not shout unto God because there’s so much that He has done and won for us without us doing anything. The best part is the ONLY thing we have to do in order to take part in all of this is to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior…and EVERYTHING that God did for us through Jesus is ours…EVERYTHING.

Listen, there wasn’t anything left out when it comes to the Cross. God thought of absolutely EVERYTHING and nailed it to the Cross with Jesus. So, whether it’s sin, cancer, or whatever it is you can possibly think of…God has already defeated it! He’s already purchase the victory. He has already won every battle we will ever face. He is victorious…and through Jesus so are we. If that doesn’t get you to wanting to shout…then you may need to have someone hold a mirror in front of your face to see if you’re still breathing or check your pulse to make sure your heart is still beating. I can’t even write this message without wanting to shout.

Christlike Ministries NWA Family, I understand that some times we’re tired from work or we have a million things going on. I understand that some times we have situations and circumstances we’re facing that the devil tries to use to keep us quiet. I can imagine there were many times that those people who were walking around the walls of Jericho that they had many opportunities to think that what they were doing was stupid or useless. I’m sure there were lots of solders watching them march around the walls thinking what a bunch of morons they must be. I’m sure there was a lot of ridicule. However, when they shouted and those walls came down…I would’ve liked to have been there as faith arose in them like never before.

Christlike Ministries NWA Family, can I ask you a couple of questions? What walls are standing in your life? What’s going on in your life that a good shout unto God with a voice of triumph could bring down? After all, the best line of that song to me is “the enemy has been defeated”. It doesn’t say “the enemy will be defeated”, “the enemy might be defeated”, or “the enemy could be defeated”. It says the enemy HAS been defeated. That’s past tense, Christlike Ministries NWA Family! That means the enemy was defeated before we did anything…we’re just shouting unto God because He’s the One that secured the victory. Amen!?!

Do you need victory? Do you need breakthrough? Maybe you should try swallowing your pride and giving God some shouts of triumph and praise…and see if those walls of your own Jericho come down.

Conclusion:

I hope that you have enjoyed this message. Please understand that I’m not trying to pick on anyone. I’m just trying to challenge you to be more clamorously foolish in your worship of God. If it’s been a while since you’ve felt His presence, you need an encounter with Him…then some times we need to do something different. Some times we need to praise Him in a different way. I’m trying to encourage you to see God in a different way so that maybe it will fill your heart with more passion and love and the more you think about what He’s done in, with, and through your life…the more difficult it will become to contain your praises and worship of Him.

There’s no malice or any ill-will when it comes to writing these messages. The sole motivation and intent with all of my messages is love and the truth in love. If you feel condemnation…then understand that isn’t coming from God or me…condemnation is from the devil. However, if what you’re feeling is conviction, and that small voice inside of you is speaking to your heart…that’s the Holy Ghost…and He’s trying to let you know that you need to look at your heart…and that perhaps there’s more of you that needs to decrease so that God’s presence in your life can increase.

As always, I wish to thank all of you who take the time to read these messages, and pray that it helps you to begin, develop or maintain your relationship with Him.

Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

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7 Hebrew Words for Praise: “Towdah”

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Scripture References:

  • “Offer unto God praise (towdah) and pay thy vows unto the Most High.” (Ps 50:14)
  • “The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise (Towdah) the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the Lord. (Jer 33:11)

Introduction:

This winter weather advisory gives me the perfect opportunity to sit down, and work on typing out another message to continue our “7 Hebrew Words for Praise” series that’s inspired by the current series: “Accessing the Throne” that’s being preached by Pastor’s Cass Hill and Curtis Holt of New Life Christian Center.

So far, we’ve covered Yadah and Halal, and even though we’ve only covered two of these words to this point…I’m hoping that this week will give me an opportunity to cover a couple of them. However, as always it’s important to rely upon the Holy Ghost for the anointing to write…Amen!?!

So, let’s see what we can learn from this form of praise.

Today’s Message: “Towdah”

As always, we’ll start out today’s message with the correct way to pronounce Towdah, and what it means.

Towdah comes from the same principle root word as yadah, but is used more specifically. Towdah literally means, “an extension of the hand in adoration, avowal, or acceptance.” By way of application, it is appratent in the Psalms and elsewhere that it is used for thanking God for “things not yet received” as well as things already at hand.

The correct way to pronounce Towdah is to-daw’ tow (as in the truck) + duh (as in no kidding).

So, Towdah is the one that we ought to be using while we’re driving. This is where we raise one hand in praise to the Lord, and keep the other hand on the steering wheel. It goes on to tell us that we’re thanking God for things not yet received as well as things at hand. This form of praise also looks like what we used to have to do in school when we had to raise our hands for permission to speak. Towdah could also be considered a way to seem like you’re being friendly in traffic. Some people may see you with your hand extended in praise for the Lord, and think you’re waving at them so they wave back. So, when you’re in traffic instead of extending a finger in anger towards that person that just cut you off…extend your hand in praise to the Lord that He kept that person that just cut you off from hitting your car.

Now, I’m was not going to get back to talking about how sad it is that we can be clamorously foolish about all kinds of things, but when it comes to praising God we have to maintain our dignity. Unfortunately, what we’re really trying to maintain isn’t our dignity…it’s our pride. Listen, when you care more about what the people around you think of you then what God thinks…that’s not trying to maintain dignity…it’s being prideful.

How many times does the Holy Ghost have to call us out on the fact that if we are going to act ashamed of God before men…He will be ashamed of us when we stand before Him. I get tired of writing that I don’t know about anyone else, but when I stand before the Lord…that’s NOT the place or time that I want Him to be ashamed of me. Not that there’s a good time to have God be ashamed of us, but when it’s time for the Great White Throne Judgment…how many of you know…that’s really NOT the time you want God to be ashamed of you?

So, why is it that it’s so easy for us to be clamorously foolish about the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Green Bay Packers, Arkansas Razorbacks or whatever sports team you cheer for? Why is it so easy to rock out to Three Doors Down, Garth Brooks, or whatever music you listen to? Why is it that we’re willing to dance like fools for our friends, maybe our spouses, or complete strangers in a club…but when we are in church…suddenly we need to compose ourselves and not act like idiots?

Why is it that David felt compelled to be so clamorously foolish when he danced in praise to the Lord that he wound up naked, but we being fully clothed can’t hardly muster up a Holy Ghost Hop if we’re standing in church? Why is it that we can throw our hands up in delight when our team scores a touchdown or field goal…but when we’re in church we can barely remove our hands from our pockets?

Friends, there’s no other way to say this, but we have too much pride. Listen, if we can’t humble ourselves enough to realize that we owe God our best when we’re standing in church or even at home…then we are full of way too much pride. It’s not about preserving your dignity. I realize that’s what you think, but it’s not dignity your protecting…it’s your pride and ego. It’s your pride that won’t allow you to get clamorously foolish about God.

There is, however, a second reason I believe this is, and it has to do with religion. As I mentioned before, there are many churches and congregations and denominations that won’t allow you to be free to worship God as you want. Many of them won’t even tell you that you’re free to worship God as you want.

I have been in churches where there’s no freedom to worship God. There’s no freedom to even clap or raise your hands in worship to God. I understand how that can be. I understand that maybe you’re attending one of those churches that frowns upon being clamorously foolish about your worship and love for God. I know what it’s like to be in them, and how little of God’s presence you feel in there unless you’re able to put all of the legalism aside and focus on worshipping Him. If you’re in one of those places I understand you may not be aware that worshipping God in a clamorously foolish way may be foreign and even seem like a crazy show to you.

On the other hand, I have also been in places where the people are whooping and hollering it up, dancing in the aisles, and putting on a show…but there’s no presence of God there because they’re really after emotionalism…and it’s not there’s a spiritual presence…but not the One we’re seeking.

So, I understand there are a couple of reasons that don’t have anything to do with pride at all, but for the most part…I believe that much of the reason we don’t want to be clamorously foolish when worshipping God is because we’re concerned about public opinion of us…and that means we’re too prideful.

Friends, if we can look foolish while cheering on our favorite team, if we can dance like fools in the club without worrying what people are going to think…then when we think about what God has done in, through, and with our lives…there shouldn’t be any reason at all that we can’t humble ourselves to be fools for the Lord.

You know, maybe it’s just because I’m too old to care about being cool anymore or if it’s just that I realize what God’s done in my life…but I am not concerned at all about looking foolish for God. If I feel like dancing like an idiot before the Lord…then that’s what I do. If I feel like shouting hallelujah in Halal to the Lord…that’s what I’m going to do. If I feel like raising my hands to Yadah the Lord…that’s what I’m going to do. If I’m driving along listening to worship music, and I feel like raising a hand in Towdah to the Lord…that’s what I’m going to do.

I would like to just ask you to do a self inventory of the reason why you find that you’re unwilling to worship God in a clamorously foolish way. Is it because you came from a religious background where that kind of thing was a crazy show without a real presence of God? Is it because you came from a religious background where worshipping God like that was frowned upon? Or…is it because you are too concerned about what the people around you are going to think of you?

Conclusion:

I am enjoying the opportunity to look at the different Hebrew words for praise, and how they relate to us. It helps to understand why we’re compelled to shout hallelujah or be foolish in our worship, or why we feel compelled to raise our hands or hand to Him. In addition to a way to worship God raising our hands is a sign of surrender to God…which is why it’s important to take inventory of why we have a hard time raising our hands in worship to God…and why it may be more of a pride issue then anything else. If we can’t raise our hands in surrender…then that’s a pride issue…not a religious issue.

So, I would like to encourage you to use these three forms of worship we’ve talked about, and continue to follow along as we look at the rest of these words…and how they relate to us.

As always, thank you for following along, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and like what I post. My prayer is that everything I am able to write will equip you to begin, develop, and maintain your walk with God. I also pray that what I’m able to write will equip you, and encourage you in your ministry. There’s never a charge for any of our messages, and should you believe that someone could benefit from any of the messages I post…please feel free to share them with whom ever you wish.

Thanks again for your continued support, prayers, and encouragement to me.

Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)

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7 Hebrew Words for Praise: “Yadah”

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Scripture References:

    • Give thanks (yadah) to the Lord, for his loving-kindness is everlasting. (2Chr 20:21)
    • So I will bless thee as long as I live; I will (yadah) lift up my hands in thy name. (Ps. 63:1)
    • Oh that men would praise (yadah) the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. (Ps 107:15)

Introduction:

Well, what a way to start of this series with a message like we had the other day, Amen!?! I don’t know about you, but I really enjoyed reading the first message in this series as much as I enjoyed writing it. That very message is an example of why it’s so important to wait upon and trust the Holy Spirit when you’re operating in ministry. You never want to do anything in ministry without the anointing of the Holy Ghost…because when you do it with your own abilities…there’s no where near as much power as when you trust the Lord to lead and guide and anoint you to do what He wants…Amen

So, let’s see what the Lord would have to say to us today about this form of praise.

Today’s Message: “Yadah”

So, I know the first questions are the same ones we had yesterday. How in the world do we pronounce this Yadah word, and what in the world does it mean?

Yadah is a verb with a root meaning, “the extended hand, to throw out the hand, therefore to worship with extended hand.” According to the Lexicon, the opposite meaning is “to bemoan, the wringing of the hands.”

So, yadah is where we get the idea of raising our hands in praise and worship when we’re in church, in the car, in our homes, or wherever we may be worshiping God. In fact, just so you know what Yadah worship looks like…here’s a picture I found on Google that will help us with today’s message.

Yadah Praise

It just so happens that this picture is part of our Scripture References for this message. Psalm 63:1 says that “I will lift up my hands in thy name.”

I would like to take a moment to ask you when is the last time you made a decision to lift up your hands in the name of Jesus? I talked about this a little bit in the message I wrote the other day, and it’s coming back into my mind as we talk about Yadah today.

Why is it that when we’re watching our favorite football team on television we have no problem lifting our hands when our team scores a touchdown or kicks a field goal, but again when we’re in church some of us can barely get our hands out of our pockets?

Listen, like I said the other day. I am in no place to judge the way someone worships God. I realize that people come from different backgrounds, and maybe congregations where openly praising and worshipping God may be frowned upon. I’ve been in those places, and frankly I couldn’t really wait to get out.

Friends, I don’t know about you, but I know full well the work that God has done in and through my life since I made the decision to fully embrace Him and stop running from Him. So, when it’s time to praise and worship God…I can’t just sit on my hands and not allow myself to get clamorously foolish and raise my hands to worship Him whether I’m in church, at home, or in my car.

How many of you know that when we lift our hands to God that signifies two things. One, that we love God, and that we’re unashamed to worship Him. Two, it is a sign of our surrender to Him as Lord of our lives. When we lift our hands in praise, we’re affirming that we’re not ashamed of God nor to admit that we love Him, and we’re also confirming that we are surrendered to His Lordship over our lives.

Remember that Jesus said that if we’re ashamed of Him before men He will be ashamed of us when we stand before God at a time when the last place we want Jesus to be ashamed of us is when we’re standing before God. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want Jesus to be ashamed of me when I’m standing before God. Therefore, raising my hands to Yadah Him is no problem for me to do.

How about you? Are you too ashamed to Yadah the Lord or are you like me? Are you unwilling to share that you’re surrendered to the Lord, or do you want the world to know that you realize you can’t do anything without Him?

Conclusion:

Raising our hands in Yadah to the Lord is probably one of the ways to praise God we’re most familiar with seeing either in our own churches or sermons that you see on television.

It’s simply doing just like Psalm 63:1 says. We’re raising our hands in praise, worship, and surrender to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)
Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA

 

7 Hebrew Words For Praise: “Halal”

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Scripture References:

    • Praise (halal) ye the Lord, praise (halal) o ye servants of the Lord, praise (halal) the name of the Lord. Ps 113: 1-3
    • Praise (halal) the Lord! Praise (halal) God in his sanctuary; Praise (halal) him in his mighty expanse. Ps 150:1
    • Let them praise (halal) his name in the dance: let them sing praises with the timbrel and harp. Ps 149:3

Introduction:

I got the idea for doing this series from the current series that we’re in at New Life Christian Center.  I hope that I can do this series as much justice as my pastor has, but that’s why we rely upon the Holy Spirit…amen!?!

This series is going to cover the 7 Hebrew words for the way people in the Bible praise God, and will hopefully help us to find some ways to praise Him too.

So, without much delay, let’s get into today’s message on Halal, and see what the Holy Ghost would have to teach us about this form of praise.

Today’s Message:  “Halal”

So, what in the world does Halal mean, and how in the world do we pronounce it? 

Halal is a primary Hebrew root word for praise. Our word “hallelujah” comes from this base word. It means “to be clear, to shine, to boast, show, to rave, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish.”

halal (pronounced haw-lal’)

Haw-lal is how we say this word, and like the description says…this is where we get the word “Hallelujah” from.  What I’d like to point out here is the actual definition of the word.  That it means to be clear, to boast, to show, to rave, to celebrate, to be clamorously foolish.” when praising the Lord.  I think that many of you who have followed me for any length of time know where I’m heading with this topic, and can pretty much guess that this is going to be more of a message full of rebuke and challenges to be more clamorously foolish about worshipping God.

You see, I am a sports fan.  I don’t know how many of you are, but I am.  I have favorite teams in many sports.  For example, being from Wisconsin I am a serious Wisconsin Badger’s fan especially when it comes to football.  I’m not as big into the college basketball scene, but am always excited when the basketball team does well. I enjoy the fun bashing during the Major League Baseball season between loyal Chicago Cubs fans, and fans of the Chicago White Sox.  In fact, I inherited the management of a Chicago White Sox fan page on Facebook.  I am also a huge Washington Redskins fan, and am praying fervently that RGIII will recover from his knee injury and have the kind of year that Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson had after recovering from his.

I have no problem with people within the church being sports fans, and in fact my problem with the church in general is that there are many who think that we shouldn’t have any interests at all outside of Jesus, reading the Bible, going to church, and trying to be this holier than thou person in the world.  Listen, if you’re so religious and pious that you can’t enjoy a football game because it takes away from your time in the Word of God…good for you, but don’t judge my love for the Lord because I watch football all day on Saturday and as soon as I get home from church on Sunday.

However, where I do have a problem is that there are people who get more excited about what their favorite teams are doing then what God has done in their lives.  They have no problem being clamorously foolish about cheering on their teams, but when it comes to praising and worshiping God…they can’t hardly even holler and “Amen” or “Hallelujah” or “Praise the Lord”.

Listen, I now live in Arkansas where there’s a lot of fanatics when it comes to the Razorbacks, and after every touchdown the fans go crazy and yell out “Woo Pig Sooie” (to me is sounds more like Woopy Doo), but those same people will be in church with their hands in their pockets, checking their watches, and complaining that the worship team is singing the same song over and over wanting them to get on with the service.

Friends, I don’t know about you, but when I think about where my life was before God took control of it, and how my life is today…there’s no way I can stand in church or even sit in my car sometimes without raising my hands in praise and being clamorously foolish about my worship and adoration of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I don’t mind the worship team singing the same song over and over because whenever that happens that means that the Holy Spirit has shown up because all of us are worshipping in one accord like they did on the day of Pentecost, and so if they only get to sing one song for an hour…then that’s awesome because God’s moving and working on people’s lives and hearts.

Don’t you know that the best church services to be in are the ones where the preacher doesn’t even have to say anything because the power of God is so heavy all we can do is worship, and pray for people cause God wants to bring healing, restoration, and breakthrough to people’s lives!?!

Listen, I’m all for jumping around and shouting when the Redskins score a touchdown (especially when they score against the Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles), but I’m equally as excited when God delivers someone who has struggled for years with depression or alcoholism or healed from some kind of illness.  I’m all for clapping like a fool when someone on the White Sox hits a home run, but I’m also all for clapping like a fool when someone accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during the altar call.

Friends, we should never feel like we can’t enjoy some of the things of this world.  Jesus enjoyed feasts and parties.  A lot of religious folk skim over the part about the marriage feast, and we know that Jesus celebrated the Passover with the disciples…He was born during the Jewish law by the way.  So, whenever the Jews had an occasion to celebrate…don’t you know that Jesus was probably there?

I have a bone to pick with all these super religious folk who say that we can’t listen to whatever kind of music we want or watch television shows like NCIS or Criminal Minds.  I have an issue with the religious folk who say that we should be reading our Bibles all day every day and never be on the computer or reading the newspaper or even reading a book by a favorite author that’s not writing Christian books.

I don’t think that as Christians we’re to be so religious that we can’t enjoy a good book, a Garth Brooks album or even have a favorite TV show like Criminal Minds.  I think that as Christians we’re not to allow those things to have more of an impact upon our lives then the Word of God.  I think that as Christians if we’d rather do these things than read the Bible or go to church…that’s not right…but to simple chastise people because they enjoy the entertainment that the world has to offer I don’t think is right…if you feel like watching television or movies or listening to certain kinds of music is wrong for you…then that’s the Holy Spirit telling you not to do those things…but don’t you dare take what the Holy Spirit says is wrong for you…and judge people who the Holy Spirit allows for those things that are wrong for you.

The Holy Spirit has made it clear to me that I’m to be careful what kinds of movies I watch, there are certain kinds of television shows He won’t allow me to watch, there are certain kinds of music that He won’t allow me to listen to, and there are other things He will allow me the grace to do that He might not allow someone else…but one thing He will definitely not allow me to do is judge someone who is allowed to watch certain kinds of movies, certain kinds of television shows, listen to certain kinds of music, and do thing He won’t allow me to do.  Why?  Because what’s between another person and the Holy Ghost is none of my business, and for me to force what He has told me is wrong for me on someone else isn’t trying to help them live holier lives…it’s me being spiritually proud and trying to force my beliefs upon someone else.

No where in the Bible does it say that we’re to go around beating people over the head with stuff they do is wrong…we’re to preach the gospel…we’re to preach the Word…and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to dictate to people’s lives what HE wants them to do and not do.  It’s not our job as Christians to point out the logs, specks, and beams in someone else’s eyes…it’s our job as Christians to love one another, to bear one another’s burdens, to pray for people, to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, and walk out OUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling.

I don’t know why this message went this way, but I guess the Holy Spirit has some things to say here about how critical and judgmental we are of other people’s business.  I am not here to be judge, jury, and executioner.  I am here to preach the Word, to preach the Gospel, and to do the best I can to write good, sound Bible based…Holy Ghost inspired messages.

It is okay for me to challenge people to be more clamorously foolish in their praise and worship for the Lord, but it’s not okay for me to criticize people for the way they worship God.  Maybe they don’t know it’s okay to raise their hands and shout, or maybe they do that in their private worship time.  I know that I do things in my private worship time I don’t always do in church, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love the Lord and praise Him like a fool when no one else is around.

I guess this message has taken this turn because I feel like there’s so many Christians who look down their nose at other believers because they don’t worship like they worship.  They do things like drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, the some time swear and lose their temper in traffic, and have extra marital affairs.  There are so many Christians who spend so much time judging the lives of others and throwing stones at folk and being like the Jews who were constantly testing Jesus with people like the woman caught in adultery.

We’re so quick to judge while Jesus told us to love one another, and to pray for one another and to bear one another’s burdens.  He never told us to be rude and obnoxious with what we believe, preach or teach…He told us to preach the gospel…and let God do the rest.

How much better a world we would have if people in the church would stick to doing just that.  Preaching the gospel, praying for people, loving them, and allowing God to decide what He wants to do in people’s lives instead of deciding what we want God to do in someone else’s life.  Listen, what God might want to do in my life may be completely different from what He wants to do in someone else’s.

No, friends, our job as Christians is to love one another as Christ loves us.  Our job as Christians is to bear one another’s burdens and pray for those who are hurting and struggling…not to tell them they must not have enough faith otherwise they would be healed or whatever.  Our job as Christians is to edify and build one another up…not tear each other down, and make ourselves out to be some religious giant over someone else.  That’s not true Christianity.

No, true Christianity loves regardless of spot or wrinkle.  True Christianity says of course I will pray for you, and believes God to do what He needs to do in the lives of those we pray for.  True Christianity reaches out to fill a need.  Being Jesus to people means that we’re to show mercy, peace, compassion, love, patience, long-suffering with one another…and allowing God to do what He wants to do in, and with, and through their lives.

When we take more time to look at ourselves in the mirror and allow God what He wants to do in our lives…then praising Him in a clamorously foolish way doesn’t become difficult…it becomes normal…like cheering on your favorite sports team.

The longer I’m in ministry the more I realize that the motive for everything I do has to be love…because that’s the motive for everything my Daddy does…and if I want to display the image of God in my life…then every thing I do ought to be done out of a heart of love…and if I’m not…then whatever I’m doing is useless and has no value to the Kingdom of God.

How do you worship God?  Do you judge the way others worship Him or are you more concerned with how you worship?  Do you spend more time throwing stones or do you look at your own life to see how many stones could be thrown in your direction?  Is your motive love or religion?  Would God be clamorously foolish about what you’re doing for Him or would He call you an evil servant?

Conclusion:

I have no idea why the Holy Ghost took this message in the direction it went, but I’m going to assume it’s going to cost me some people who follow me.  I’m not concerned about being popular or preaching to itching ears…I’m concerned about writing what the Holy Ghost wants me to say…and if that offends you…then I’m okay with that.  These days, I’m more concerned about offending God than man.

I look forward to the next message in this series, and hope that you’ll be back for it too.

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)
Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA

 

Embracing Faith: “Celebrate”

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Today’s Scripture:  Numbers 9:2

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.

Introduction:

Greetings Christlike Ministries NWA Family…and welcome to 2013.  I believe this is going to be a fantastic year for so many reasons, and that 2013 is going to be a year where we build upon what God’s already started with this ministry.  I read my 2012 year in review, and was astonished, but humbled to find that we’ve reached over 100 countries last year.  I am so excited about that.  That’s the best news I’ve read on the impact and reach of this ministry, and I’m looking forward to seeing if we can reach 200 this year.

This year, I’m going to move away from relying on YouVersion, and use an actual 365 day devotional.  As you might notice, we’re 5 days into January, but I’m going to start this on day one and work through it as best we can.  I’m not quite able to fully balance my day yet, but I’m getting closer.  I stayed home from church this morning because I know I’m going to have to work tonight, and I’m also trying to rest my body a little bit.  I’ve also not really had much time where it’s just me and the Lord…and so while I know skipping church isn’t a good thing…some times…we have to listen to our bodies and also know that we don’t need to be in church to encounter God…I sense His presence right now…and therefore I know it’s time to get into this message.

The title of this Devotional is Embracing Faith, and like I said it’s a 365 day devotional.  I know we’re going to get some good stuff from this devotional, and I am trusting God to really speak to us and teach us how to grow, mature, and embrace our faith…and develop a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him…after all…how many of you know it’s impossible to please God without faith!?!

So, I think that with all the political and financial uncertainty that we’re facing today…this devotional may actually be right on time…so let’s pray and get into today’s message…Amen!?!

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for a fantastic 2012, and for leading us into 2013.  I thank You, Lord for leading me to this Embracing Faith devotional, and I pray that You will teach us, inspire us, correct us, and challenge us through it.  Most of all, I pray that You will help us to grow, mature, and have a deeper and more intimate relationship with You.  Help our faith to grow, and unbelief to shrink.  Let us each encounter You, but let us all know of Your love, Your grace, Your mercy, and Your presence.  Help us, Lord, to become more committed followers of You, and to walk closer with You…and help us to develop unwavering faith in You, Your Word, and help us to know our place in You is secure.  I pray for every reader that You will touch their lives, and that they will not be the same at the end of 2013 as they are now…at the beginning.

I pray that You will continue to help me to become a better writer, and that the Holy Spirit would give me the supernatural utterance and ability to speak only of the oracles of You…speaking that which You would have me to speak.  I pray that my words would impart grace, faith, and love.  I pray that I would speak Your Truth, that I would speak it in love, and that there would be open minds and hearts and ears to hear, receive, and walk out those things that You would have to say to us through these messages.  I pray that I would grow, and that I wouldn’t be the same at the end of 2013 as I am today in the beginning.

I pray and ask for the guidance of the Holy Ghost now as I begin to write today’s message…and that You would speak through me.  We give You all the praise, all the glory, and all of the honor…In Jesus’ name…Amen & Amen

Today’s Message:

The Israelites were commanded to celebrate the Passover, their deliverance from Egypt.  It’s crazy, but some times – even most of the time – people need to be reminded to celebrate: to appreciate, to be thankful, to remember.

As I think about what was said here, I am reminded that I am one of those people who needs to be reminded to celebrate.  Most who know me know that I am very unassuming about what I’m doing at work, at home, or through this ministry.  For instance, I am thankful that our first anniversary of this ministry is upon us, but the most important thing to me is that we’ve reached 109 countries…and the some 200 people who are following this ministry  in one way or another.  I am stunned that the Lord has used me to impact as many lives as I have in just the first year, and what we’ve done through Christlike Ministries NWA is far greater than anything I could have imagined.

I think about how I am at work where I have been promoted to an extremely important route for our store, and that the route I’m doing has become the only route that’s profitable for the store.  I think about the coming Kizer baby this August.  I think about another year of marriage to be celebrated with Mrs. Kizer.  I think about a lot of these things…and how I still have to be reminded that it’s okay to celebrate.

I think about how my Washington Redskins won the NFC East, my Wisconsin Badgers got to play in their 3rd straight Rose Bowl (and even though they lost I was glad for another successful year for them), and how my Chicago White Sox had a good season last year and I’m looking forward to them hopefully having another good one this year.

There’s a lot of reasons for me to celebrate, but yet…I need to be reminded that it’s okay to do that.  It’s okay to take some of the credit for the success of the route I’m doing for Krispy Kreme.  It’s okay to be excited when my sports teams do well.  It’s okay to celebrate the fact that I’m going to be a father, and another year of marriage.  It’s okay to celebrate the first year of this ministry, and it’s really okay to celebrate that we’re 200 strong and reaching 100 nations.

I’ll tell you one thing that it’s not hard for me to do or be, and that’s thankful.  I am blessed beyond measure by all that God’s doing in, with, and through my life.  I think back to a year ago, and if you’d have told me that I was going to reach over 200 people and 100 countries I would’ve told you that’s way too many people…but we serve a big God…and in today’s world with social networks and blogging sites…what a better way for me to take my place in God’s Kingdom by reaching nations from right here in my living room.

God has done some amazing things in my life, and the best part is that all that has happened is just the beginning.  There’s more to come, and I’m excited about all of it.  I am really excited to find out what God has in mind for Christlike Ministries NWA, and working with Him to build upon what we’ve started…and continue to grow it to reach more people, more countries, and most importantly…impact your life…yes…you…the one reading.

The goal and purpose of this ministry isn’t the masses…it’s you.  It’s helping you to develop and maintain your relationship with God.  I remember many years ago when God first called me to minister to His sheep He said this:  “Quality sheep are just as important as quantity.”  I want to help each of you to become quality sheep.  I want you to have the faith to step out and start your own blog, go to that country that God’s calling you to go to, speak to that neighbor God’s got on your heart, or simply to impact your family.

My job is to equip you while being equipped myself for the work of the ministry.  Whatever your work of the ministry is…that’s between you and God…but I take seriously the charge to “feed My sheep”, and that’s the thing I celebrate the most…I’m feeding over 200 sheep…and I’m thankful for each one of you.

Celebrations are fun but often mean a lot of work.  For example, the Passover feast required many preparations.  Lambs had to be slaughtered, and other specific rituals precisely followed.  Concerning the Passover, verse 3 says to “celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations.”  Most celebrations don’t have to be so elaborate, but they still require a concerted effort to make them meaningful.

As mentioned, the Kizer family has a new addition on the way, and there’s quite the planning that goes in to preparing for baby Kizer’s arrival.  At some point, I would assume that there’s going to be a baby shower or two for my wife.  It’s a lot like preparing for marriage.  Some times the groom and his grooms men will get together for the Bachelor party which takes lots of preparation.  The same with the Bridal party that gets together to put on a Bridal shower.

We just finished going through the Holidays beginning with Thanksgiving.  There was a lot of planning as far as menus, where the dinners were going to be, Christmas parties, and of course New Year’s parties.  There’s always a lot of preparation and planning that goes into these things.

However, all the planning and preparation are necessary when you think about it.  I mean, you wouldn’t celebrate a 50th Wedding Anniversary like you would a 1st, would you?  You might have a different celebration for a college graduation then you would a high school graduation.  The way we celebrate things today is much different than the way the Israelites did, but for certain events I suppose we do still do a lot of planning and preparation like they did for the Passover.

I do know that a well planned celebration is a lot of fun, and that some times the planning and preparing is just as fun.  I just hope that we take a little more time this year to appreciate and be thankful.  I know I am learning to be more appreciative of the little things in life…I suppose that comes with age and wisdom…but I am certainly learning to not take anything in life for granted anymore…and that includes finding time to celebrate.

Surprisingly, celebration comes hard for many Christians.  Rather than being party people, we’re often seen as sober killjoys.  Yet of all people, we have the best reason to celebrate, for God has come into our world by His Son to bring us new life.  And if we are going to celebrate that, then New Year’s Day is a great time to start.

I celebrated New Year’s Day by getting up at 2am to deliver doughnuts, but I agree completely with the point made here.  We, as Christians, have the greatest reason of all to celebrate.  God made it possible for us to have a secure, doubtless relationship with Him through His Son.  Friends, no other god offers that to those who practice that religion.  Muhammad doesn’t offer that.  Buddha doesn’t offer that.  Hinduism doesn’t offer that.  No other god of no other religion in the world offers you the ability to have a personal relationship with Him…and that’s reason enough for us as Christians to always have an attitude of gratitude and be thankful…Amen!?!

At the end of the football playoffs some of us are going to have an opportunity to celebrate when our team becomes Super Bowl Champions, and while that celebration might be a good time…let us never forget to take time out each day to celebrate and be thankful that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that those of us who believe upon Him and call Him Lord can be saved and assured that we have a relationship with Him.

I do believe that 2013 is going to be a great year…the theme for this year is summed up in one word:  “Abide”.  The more we abide in Him…the more reason we’re going to have to celebrate.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, throughout the coming year, help us to remember who You are and what You have done in, with, and through our lives.  Help us to not just remember, but respond more with praise, adoration, and celebration.  To You, Lord, be all the glory, all the honor, and all of the praise.  In Jesus’ name we pray…and everyone says…Amen!

Conclusion:

Well, Christlike Ministries NWA family, it was great to get back in front of the old computer, and get back to doing what I love. I’ve missed being able to sit down, and write. I am sorry that it’s been so long in between messages, but I’m getting closer to being able to do this again on a more regular basis.

I have a reason to be thankful and celebrate…and that reason is for those of you who continue to support and follow this ministry. I’m truly thankful for all of you, and hope that this devotional will be a blessing to us, and to our walk with the Lord…Amen!?!

God bless all of you, and thank you for the honor and privilege of being able to write messages that speak and hopefully impart into your lives.

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)
Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA

Numbers 9:2

Celebrate!

2012 in review

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The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 8,400 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 14 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

 

Merry Christmas From Christlike Ministries NWA–Ministry News December 2012

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ChristMinistNWA Logo

Greetings once again Christlike Ministries NWA Family,

I would like to take some time to wish all of you a Merry Christmas from our family to yours, and being that it’s Christmas Eve what a better time to take a moment to let you know what’s going to be happening as 2012 draws to a close, and 2013 begins.

Tomorrow is Christmas Day.  Many of us starting tonight or maybe already have begun gathering to celebrate with family many of us like we did for Thanksgiving.  Only the difference is we gather to open gifts, and mimic what the wise men did when they brought baby Jesus gifts.   It’s funny how many try to take credit for starting what God started, and even try to trademark what God already has the all the legal rights to.  Like I’ve said before, if God decided to sue everyone for infringing upon His copy writes, trademarks, and patents…there would be quite a few people who would be flat broke…Amen!?!

Most of you know that I had to cancel the rest of the Christmas devotional series, but many of you may not know why.  So, now that I have time to give you the explanation I owe you…here it is:  For my “day job” I am a route driver for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and shortly after we begun the Christmas series I was given a new route.  This route is a very important route for our franchise because it involves maintaining a strong and very good relationship with Walmart.  So, with this new route came a pay raise, and increased responsibility because this new route could be the beginning of some really good things for our local Krispy Kreme franchise.  As a result of being a reliable and dependable employee, and God making sure that I had the favor with my employer to be recognized for my hard work and dependability…my work day went from being 6 hours at the most to lasting anywhere between 10 to 14 hours, and it’s been difficult to find time to rest, write, spend time with family, or my own personal devotional time with the Lord.

So, as you might be able to understand…my time began to quickly get out of balance.  I needed to cancel the rest of the series because I just couldn’t really find time to make sure I was getting enough rest, and as punishment for that my body has rewarded me with my first almost full blown cold (for Christmas) in about two years.  However, I should also note that even though it’s taken me and God a few weeks…I believe I am starting to find a way (with God’s help) to get it all to balance again.  I admit that I still have a bit of work to do in that area, but I believe that come 2013…when I believe that I’ll be more able to resume posting the sound Bible base messages you’ve come to expect from this ministry.

So…here’s some of the things I already know that 2013 are going to bring…

  • A New Addition to the Kizer Family:  My wife and I are expecting a child to arrive some time within the first couple weeks of August.  We found out a couple weeks ago, and now that our close family and friends know…I’m free to announce it to all of you.  God’s blessed us with the greatest gift of all…a new life.
  • Embracing Faith:  During a shopping trip to Dollar General, I found this daily devotional book, and feel like it’s a good daily devotional for us to walk through.  I believe that this may wind up being our sole teaching tool this coming year.  I will continue to monitor the devotional series that YouVersion puts out, and of course continue to rely upon the Holy Ghost to put whatever He desires on my heart to write about.
  • The 2013 Theme:  I was in the midst of writing the Christmas Eve message when I heard a simple word dropped into my spirit.  That word:  Abide.  The theme for next year not just for myself, but all of us who are of the Christlike Ministries NWA Family is going to be “Abide in Christ”.  We’re going to have to rely upon God more than ever before.  As I wrote in a message not too long ago…we’re going to have to learn to approach the throne of grace with boldness to obtain mercy and grace to help us in our times of need.  We’re not going to be able to rely upon our own strength and abilities…we are going to have to remain attached to the Vine…and that means we’re going to have to be even more committed to abiding in the Word, taking time to worship & pray in our prayer closets…and make sure that we’re gathering together with likeminded believers in good, solid, strong Bible believing and preaching churches.
  • The Beginning of the Year Fast:  Starting January 2nd, I am going to be fasting for 21 Days, and the things included in this fast are going to be things like coffee, soda, junk food, energy drinks, doughnuts, secular music, television, sports talk radio, and I’m not sure what else.  I know the hard ones already are going to be the things I rely upon to give me energy during work…like coffee, soda, energy drinks.  21 Days without coffee is definitely going to require me to lean upon the Lord for strength…Amen!?!  That’s the point of fasting anyways…disciplining your flesh to rely upon God for what you need…and therefore as much as I am dreading the fast from coffee, soda, and even tea…I know that relying upon the Lord during this time will allow me to really tap into what I need from Him…and hopefully bring a real, personal encounter with Him.  That’s the goal of fasting…amen!?!  Encountering God.

I believe that’s all that I can think of at the moment.  Right now, as we stand…this post will be our 275th message.  There are 97 Facebook fans (www.Facebook.com/ChristlikeMinistriesNWA), 114 Twitter followers (@ChristMinistNWA), and 39 that follow this ministry via WordPress (www.christlikeministriesnwa.wordpress.com).  Since February 25, 2012 we have reached over 100 nations (including the United States, Canada, and Mexico).  Christlike Ministries NWA truly has a global reach, and I’m trusting God to continue to help us reach every shore with the truth of the Word of God.

I want to thank all 240 of you who follow Christlike Ministries NWA however you may be following us, and let you know that all of you are an encouragement to me.  I trust God to help us to continue to grow, and add followers to this ministry.  I trust Him to help me to continue to write messages that will impact our lives, and help us to maintain a more personal and intimate relationship with Him.  I trust Him to help me grow personally, and continue to grow and become a better writer.

With that, I believe I will close this message, and wish all of you a Merry Christmas…and a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year.  I hope all of you will return to follow this ministry in 2013, and will accept the mission to Abide in Christ even more.  Please continue to keep me in your prayers, and know that all of you are in mine.

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)
Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA

The Kizers Too

 

Carols: A Christmas Devotional – O Holy Night

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Today’s Scripture:  Luke 2:32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Introduction:

I am sorry that we had to cancel the rest of this series, but I just wound up with a few too many things upon my plate. I started a new route at work that has me working 5 of the 6 days we run that route, and I’ve gone from working 5 – 6 hours a day to no less than 10 hours a day.  I am hoping that by the beginning of 2013 that I will have a better handle on my work schedule, when to rest, and when to write.  I humbly ask that those of you who follow me and my ministry to please continue to bring me before the Lord…that He will help me learn how to balance family, work, ministry, and personal worship time.

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity in my spirit to write a Christmas Eve message, and what could be a more appropriate message to do than to write about that Holy Night…when Jesus came into the world as Emmanuel.  Who knew, but God what the significance of Jesus’ birth would be.

Yes, I realize that the prophets spoke of Jesus’ coming, but I wonder if they really had a grasp of how significant what they were speaking of was going to be.  I wonder if they really knew that this Savior that they spoke of wouldn’t just come, but that He would deliver them as well.  The story of this coming King must have sounded a lot like today’s stories of the promised second coming of Jesus.  I wonder if there were people back then who were like those today who keep trying to predict the second coming.  I wonder how many times they thought a certain king was going to be the King that these prophets spoke of…or if there’s just people who do that today.  You know…like the latest who thought the end of the Mayan calendar would bring the end of the world…but it didn’t.  It just became the latest in another failed attempt to predict the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I can tell you that I don’t know when Jesus is going to return.  I don’t even try to predict something that’s not for me to know anyways, but what I do know is Jesus came to the earth, lived a sinless life, and chose to go to the Cross…and the thing that makes it the most humbling is thinking that even if I was the only person in the world who would’ve accepted what He did on the Cross…He would’ve still died upon that Cross and rose again for me…and He would’ve done the same for you.

So, let’s take a moment to look at “Oh Holy Night”, and see what we can learn and apply to our lives from the story of this beloved Christmas Carol.

Today’s Video:

Another opportunity to post a video by one of heavens angel’s…Carrie Underwood was the perfect choice for a song such as this.

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices! Oh night divine…Oh night when Christ was born!

 

Today’s Message:  “Oh Holy Night”

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

Before I get too far…if you or I ever have a problem falling to our knees…then we need to find out why that is.  I mean, when I think about the fact that if I was the only person in the world…Jesus would’ve still come for me…that helps remove any inability on my part to humble myself, and fall to my knees before the Lord from time to time.  I mean, maybe you don’t have that revelation…but let me repeat this point…if you were the only person in the world…Jesus still would’ve endured the Cross for you.  If you can’t find it in your heart to humble yourself and fall to your knees before the Lord…then the problem isn’t with Jesus…it’s within your heart.  Not trying meddle or preach too much in this message, but I just sense that there are many of you who are reading this message that haven’t fallen upon your knees before the Lord in quite some time…and if that’s the case…you are full of way too much pride.  We should never have a problem falling upon our knees before the Lord, and if we do…the problem isn’t Jesus…the problem is in our heart.  Amen!?!

In the midst of so much imperfection, the night Christ was born can be considered one of the most perfect nights ever in the history of mankind. God used difficult circumstances (travelling on a donkey with a very pregnant wife) and an uncomfortable location (not even a hotel room, but a barn with only a manger to sleep in) to bring His perfect and holy Son into the world. God could have easily made Jesus’ birth triumphant, but He chose not to.

There’s certainly a little bit of imperfection in today’s world isn’t there?  As I write this I think of the tragedy at Sandyhook Elementary School, the super storm that ravaged the East Coast, and the fact that there are men and women all over the world that instead of celebrating Christmas with their families…are spread abroad making sure that we are safe to celebrate it here at home.

There’s such uncertainty when you hear about the fiscal cliff, the instability of the stock market, the value of the dollar, and the threat of terrorism that still exists no matter who tries to assure us that it doesn’t.  There’s the fact that our President is vocal in his support of abortion and gay marriage, but is working methodically to remove the Biblical principles this nation was founded upon…and then is shocked when tragedy strikes…and tries to make the scapegoat to be guns or weird weather patterns…when maybe he ought to heed the warnings that are clearly written in the Bible that nations who laugh and scoff at God shouldn’t be surprised when He fires warning shots that He’s not happy with how we’re conducting ourselves as a nation…and that we need to get our hearts right with Him before it starts to rain.

The signs of the times we live in is just as perilous as the times before the great flood of Noah’s day.  There’s so many who laugh and scoff wondering where this God that us Jesus Freaks serve is.  They scorn and laugh saying that if there really is a God then He can be a loving one because of all the uncertainty, imperfections, and the unrest that is in not just the United States…but all over the world.

The warnings of Paul ring out loud and clear today as preachers have abandoned the Cross to preach a prosperity gospel for the purpose of their own financial gain.  Preachers who are willing to allow anyone and all to be a part of the body of Christ without doing the one thing that all of us must do in order to be saved.  Preachers who say that there’s many roads to heaven, and that Jesus isn’t the only way…He’s just a way.  Preachers who would rather preach to itching ears then to preach a message that would confront sin or offend their congregations because empty church pews mean less money in the offering plates.

Pastors are more interested in entertaining than evangelizing the world.  Pastors are more interested in having programs than preaching the Word of God, and have no idea that the presence of God is not in their church because God hasn’t been allowed in their churches for years.  The Church refuses to take a stand for things that are clearly against the Word of God, and are interested in being politically correct.  Pastors and preachers alike are more concerned about offending people then they are with offending God…in fact…they don’t even seem to care that they are offending God.  The openly offend God, and wonder why there’s no power in their churches.  I can answer that…there’s no Word of God being preached in their pulpits.  No Word of God = No Holy Spirit.  No Holy Spirit = No Power.  No Power = Dead Religion.  If you want to restore the power in your church…you must return the Word of God to it’s rightful place in the pulpit…and start being more concerned about offending God than offending the people who are within the sound of your voice.  I can tell you that this pastor isn’t concerned about those who are offended…my only concern is preaching the Word…and making sure that God’s not offended by what I’m teaching…and as long as I do those two things…whether you get offended or not…I can take comfort in knowing that since I’m committed to preaching the Word…what you’re getting is the unadulterated truth…which is more important to me than the number of people following this ministry.  If I wound up writing these messages just to myself…I would continue to write them…and that’s the honest to God’s truth.

There’s so much that if you looked at it all…it’s easy to get discouraged, and maybe even start to think that those who scorn and scoff and laugh at us Jesus Freaks may actually have a point.  I can imagine that even though Noah had faith in what God told him that there were times when Noah must’ve listened at least a little to what the people who laughed and scorned at him said.  I’m sure there were days when Noah was building this ark he wondered what in the world he was doing, and maybe even felt ridiculous building this ark nowhere near a body of water.

It’s not hard to draw a comparison between Noah’s days…and the day and hour in which we ourselves live today.  We have people trying to predict the coming of the Savior, the end of the world, and none of them are right…because it’s not for man to know when Jesus is going to return.  My theory is that if it was for man to know…that man’s name would be in the Bible…but there’s only one name in the Bible that’s said to know the day and hour that Christ would split the heavens and return upon that white horse to destroy satan once and for all.

It’s really not hard to imagine how these two time periods so far apart…are so closely related after all…is it?  I mean there’s been roughly 10,000 years or so between today and the flood…but it’s not the flood that’s important here…what is important is what happened leading up to the flood…God was getting ready to save His people by placing them in the Ark that Noah built before He destroyed the world with the flood.

Friends…the flood gates are soon to be opened again.  The Ark today is Jesus…and it’s important that we all find our place IN Christ…because you don’t have to mark my words…you can mark the Word of God…Jesus is coming…and He’s coming soon…and just like in the days of Noah…once the rain started falling it was too late to get into the ark.  Today, once you hear the sound of the trumpet…or you notice there’s a whole lot of people who have just vanished…it’s too late to realize us Jesus Freaks were right…and therefore I would like to urge you that if you haven’t fallen upon your knees before the Lord…make today the day that you do…and make sure your place in the Ark is secure.

The way God brought His son into the world is much the same way He works within our lives. Oftentimes God takes the imperfections in our lives and uses them to perfect us. God loves to transform physical and emotional scars and use them to grow us into stronger people. He also desires us to take what we learned from our imperfections and help others who may be struggling with the same things.

So, now this message takes a personal turn to look at ourselves, and not at the world around us.  I don’t know about you, but there were (and still are) a ton of imperfections in my life that God is either using to perfect me or trying to remove from me on a daily basis, but unlike the wise men…I am not so wise because I think my imperfections are alright…and because of that I don’t really want to surrender them to the Lord’s workmanship.  Yes, friends, I just admitted that I’m not always in perfect submission to the work of God in my life, and that I don’t always want to surrender the things He wants me to give Him.  As always, I feel I must add my usual disclaimer that if you’re looking for a pastor who is always walking in the spirit, never fulfills the lusts of his flesh, never misses God, never makes mistakes (some of those mistakes I make willingly), and always does exactly what God wants him to do…I’m not that pastor.

I can’t even try to pretend that I always make the right decisions, that I always surrender everything God wants me to surrender, that I always love the person God puts in front of me, that I never miss God, and that I always do exactly what God says for me to do.  I’m a real person, and because I’m a real person…I still give into my flesh, I still allow myself to become enslaved to sin, and I some times even willingly do things I know God doesn’t want me to do…but that’s just me being real, authentic, and genuine.

I could fake it.  I could tell you that I never listen to rock music.  I could tell you that I never utter a cuss word.  I could tell you that a drop of alcohol never passes my lips.  I could tell you that I love every person God puts in front of me.  I could tell you that I never get angry or frustrated because I know God’s grace is sufficient for every circumstance.  I could tell you that I never forget to bring a situation or circumstance to God for Him to take care of.  I could tell you a lot of things…but just because I could tell you those things doesn’t mean they’re true.

Part of being a real, authentic, genuine person who happens to be the pastor of this ministry is being real enough to admit I don’t have it all together.  I don’t have all the answers, but I do know the One who does have ALL of the answers.  However, it’s up to me to submit and surrender to Him.

The more that God teaches me…the more I can teach.  The more God reveals to me the more revelation I can speak about.  For instance…one of the greatest things I’ve come to understand is that the abundant life that Jesus speaks of has very little to do with earthly treasures or wealth…it has to do with discovering the fruits of the spirit that are growing within you…and the only way that continue to grow is that you have to stay grafted to the Vine…

I already know what my theme for 2013 is going to be.  It’s really quite simple:  “Abide”.  It’s going to require more time in His Word, in His presences, and seeking His face.  Abiding in Christ is going to be the key for 2013…because there’s a lot of things coming our way that we’re not going to be able to do with our own strength and abilities.  We’re all going to have to rely more upon God than perhaps we have ever done in our lives…it’s important to remember that we have a High Priest, and that we can boldly and confidently come to His throne of grace…because we’re going to need His grace and mercy to help us.

So…Abiding in the Vine is going to be more important than ever!  Who’s going to do that with me!?!

Jesus was a light to reveal God to all the nations, and we can reflect that same light as well. Don’t let your imperfections hold you back. Instead, allow God to use them to shape you into the person He designed you to be, which is a light in a dark world. Give God your weaknesses so that He can turn them into your greatest strengths.

As much as I let you know that I’m no where near perfect the other thing I’ve learned is to not allow myself to get discouraged, and allow my imperfections to keep me from walking with God, and fulfilling the calling into ministry that’s upon my life.  I know that no matter what, God loves me, and that He’s on my side.  I know that there’s nothing that I can do that can separate me from Him or His love, and that His grace is sufficient.  His love is sufficient.  The Blood of Jesus is more than capable of covering and cleansing all of my sin…and while I may tend to feel unworthy…that’s because I’m humble enough to realize the only reason I am worthy is because I am abiding in Christ.

Friend, I would like to encourage you to not look at your life, and wonder like I did for so many years why God desires to use you…instead…ask yourself why not.  In addition, all that’s really necessary is for you to be willing to be used by God, and He will use you imperfections and all.  How do I know that?  Because that’s what He does through my life every single day…and every time I sit down to write a message.

“Give God your weaknesses so that He can turn them into your greatest strengths.”

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

I can’t think of a better way to close this message that with these words.  Some times, friends, we’re at our strongest when we fall to our knees…Amen!?!

Questions:

What weaknesses do you need to give God so that He can perfect you?

In what ways do you see yourself as being a light to reveal God’s truth to others?

In Closing:

I would like to take a moment to wish every last one of you who follows this ministry whether by Facebook, Twitter, or WordPress a very Merry Christmas.  I would like to thank all of you who have clicked the “like” and “follow” buttons.  You are all such an encouragement to me, and I thank God and pray for all of you.

I want you to know that 2012 is just the beginning, and that 2013 is going to bring some great things.  For the Kizer family…it’s going to bring a new addition around August, but for Christlike Ministries NWA…it’s going to bring more of the same messages you’ve been reading for all of 2012.

We’re committed to bringing you nothing, but good…solid Bible based teaching, preaching, and messages.  Our main goal and mission as always is to help you to develop and maintain your own personal and intimate relationship with God.  I hope that you’ve been able to do that through our messages.  I hope that our messages have helped you to know the love of God, the importance of personal devotional time, and the importance of attending a good Bible preaching church.

I look forward with great optimism to 2013, and am thankful for the blessings that came in 2012.  I love you all, and thank you so much for being a part of the Christlike Ministries NWA Family.

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 16:24 (KJV)
Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year!

The Kizers Too

Carols: A Christmas Devotional–Do You Hear What I Hear?

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Today’s Scripture:  Mark 16:15-16

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Introduction:

Here’s another one of the carols that I tend to like to listen to, but I have to be honest to say that it kind of depends upon who is singing it.  I like how I can search for songs on YouTube, and it will show me different singers…and the version of this song I believe I’ve found will be as thought it’s sang by an angel.

I guess that was more of an introduction for the video than the message, but I think that this is going to be a pretty good message.  I don’t really sense the Holy Spirit ready to let loose, but I trust that once I get writing He’ll have plenty to say that won’t disappoint…Amen.  So, without any further delay…let’s see what we are about to get into as we talk about this Christmas Carol.

Today’s Video:

I am not much for country music, but when I saw this was the song for this message…I knew that if Martina McBride sang it…it would be awesome…and…well…I was right.

Do You Hear What I Hear- Martina McBride (lyrics & slideshow)

Today’s Message:  “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

Over 2000 years ago, the Savior of the world was born. Have you ever stopped to think about how people found out about His birth? The song “Do You Hear What I Hear?” gives us an example of how the news of His birth might have spread.

It’s not like today is it?  If Jesus was born today the news would be all over Twitter, Facebook, CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, and who knows where else.  The point is, there wasn’t any news or social networks when Jesus was born.  So, God used a star and word of mouth.  You know, God really does think of absolutely everything…doesn’t He?

At the end of the flood, He used a rainbow to signify His covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy the world with water.  Yeah, I know that today the Gay Right’s Activists think that the rainbow belongs to them…but they’re wrong.  Just for a moment, could you imagine all the people out there suing for copywrite violations, patent infringements, using trademarks without permission, stealing symbols, and so on and so forth.  Could you imagine how many companies God could sue for using His symbols as theirs?  I’m not going to spend any time talking about the rainbow or anything like that here…I’m just basically giving us something to think about.

Getting back to the point of this message…there wasn’t much of a way to get news to people in that day, but we hear in many Christmas Carols about this start in the sky…and thus we get that one of the names of Jesus is Morning Star.  Ah…but Jesus is the light of the world, and isn’t it interesting that the symbol used to announce His arrival was…a bright and shining star that people could see all over the world.  Just another one of those observations that comes to mind in a message like this…Amen!?!

The song starts with the Holy Spirit asking the lamb, “Do you see what I see?” The Lamb then goes to the shepherd and asks, “Do you hear what I hear?” The Shepherd immediately goes to the King and asks “Do you know what I know?” When they shared what God had told them, an entire nation heard about the birth of their Savior, Jesus, and what His birth meant for the entire world.

This brings to mind the old telephone game.  Anyone ever remember playing that game?  It was some times used in school wasn’t it?  Everyone would sit in a circle, and the teacher would start at one end of the circle, and whisper something in the first kid’s ear…and by the time it got all the way around the circle…it was amazing what kind of story was made up…especially when at the end the teacher reveal what was said in the beginning…and usually what you got at the end was a completely different story.

However, here that didn’t happen.  I think it’s interesting also that the Holy Spirit said asked a lamb.  Another name of Jesus isn’t it?  Jesus…the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world?  The lamb then goes and tells the shepherd…another name for Jesus…He identifies Himself as The Good Shepherd.  The shepherd goes and tells the king…we all know that Jesus is the King of kings, right!?!

That’s amazing.  There’s the Holy Spirit who is the perfect representation of Jesus who is the perfect representation of the Father.  The lamb, the shepherd boy, and then it gets all the way to the King.  This song is full of references to Jesus…isn’t that amazing!?!  Even secular people who sing this song don’t realize that there’s so much of Jesus in just this one song…glory to God…Amen!?!  Anyone else kind of speechless at the moment…or just me?

Here’s the great news: this too is our calling as followers of Christ – to share with others what we have been told! God reveals Himself to all of us in different ways, depending on our personalities and gifts. For some, He shows us visible things about Himself, like a star in the sky. Others may grow closer to Him best through reading scriptures, some through singing praises to Him. The question is what are we doing with what God gives us? We have to realize that God will use us to bring people to Him through what He has revealed to us individually.

And here’s where we get to the point of the Holy Ghost ready to take over.  Our calling as followers of Christ – to share the good news of what we’ve been told.  What good news you ask?  Well…in order for all of us to come to the saving knowledge of Christ…we needed to hear the good news not just of Jesus’ birth, but His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  In other words, we have been told the Gospel…and it’s up to us to go and tell others about what we’ve been told.

Paul writes this:  “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”  2 Corinthians 5:18 (KJV).  He goes on to say that we’re all ambassador’s for Christ, and that as His representatives we need to bring this ministry of reconciliation to the world.

Maybe that means sharing your testimony with someone about how you came to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  However it is that you share with the world what God has done in your life…that’s what the important thing is.  Sharing with others what we have been told, sharing with others what God has reveal to us, sharing with others what God is doing or has done in our lives.  The point being that the lamb told the shepherd who told the King…and once the king found out…then he was able to get the word out too.

I realize today we have so many different ways to tell people things.  We can Facebook them, Tweet it, Blog about it, but the whole point is we need to be diligent about sharing about what it is we’ve heard, and what God’s done…and that what we’ve heard and what God has done in our lives…He wants to do in the lives of others…Amen!?!

In this song, God chose a shepherd boy’s voice to tell others about what he had heard and, as a result, an entire nation heard about Jesus’ birth. What about today? If we want people to know about a Savior that has been born, we have to take the time to share with others what He is revealing to us. Lives are changed when we tell the people in our lives what God has shown and done for us.

Remember the other day that I was talking to you about Mary, and how God uses the seemingly unimportant people to accomplish great things?  Here again, God uses a lamb to tell a shepherd boy about the birth of Jesus…and get the word to the king.

Friends, we’re all shepherd boys to those around us.  Whether it be our work place, our neighborhood, or even our families.  I’m not saying that we’re unimportant people, but what I am saying is that if you feel like I did at one time about not being worthy to be any good for the kingdom of God…then you’re just the kind of person God is looking for.

Listen, the Bible says that God will use the foolish things of the world to confound the wisdom of the wise.  You may feel like a foolish thing in the world, but to God you’re a little shepherd boy who can be used to announce history.  You might be a cashier at Walmart, but you have an opportunity to share God’s love with people every day.  I am a route driver for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts…and I have the opportunity to share the love of God with so many people.  No matter where I go, I am an ambassador for Christ…and as that ambassador for Him…don’t you know that I can preach without even saying a word!?!

I like what the last line says here, and with this I believe I’ll close.  “If we want people to know about the Savior…we have to take the time to tell people about Him.”  Who can you be a little shepherd boy to?  Don’t you think it’s time to go and share the good news of what God’s done in your life?

You know the neatest thing about Facebook and Twitter…is that you can tell all your fans, friends and followers by posting something simple. You don’t have to post a sermon…you could simply post something like:  Jesus loves you.  Don’t you know that might be exactly what someone needed to read?

Don’t be like the foolish man building a bigger barn for his corn…share your goods with the world…so that they too can know what it’s like to have the Savior in their lives…Amen!?!

Questions:

  • What has God shown or told you lately that you should be sharing with others?
  • In what ways does God reveal Himself to you?

In Closing:

I don’t have much to say in closing this message…I’d just like to say like I said the other day when we were talking about Mary.  I’m sure one of the things Mary thought as she was being given this remarkable revelation that she had found such favor with God that she was the chosen woman to bring Jesus into the world.  I remember for many, many years when I knew that God had chosen me to be in ministry I remembered thinking and saying that I’ve no idea what God could use me for…but God’s used me to reach nations just by writing these messages.  Paul writes about how there are no insignificant parts in the body of Christ…and that’s really the truth.

We all have a part to play.  We all have a job to do in carrying out the Great Commission, and going into all the world.  I’ve said it before, and I feel like I need to say it again in closing…”God doesn’t call the qualified…He qualifies those who He has called and chosen.”.  It’s up to us to be willing to share like the shepherd boy…it’s up to Him to prepare us for the work that we will do for Him.

Believe me, friends…I know that’s true because every day God’s helping me to be a better writer, but all He wants from me is the willingness to write.  All He wants from you is the willingness to be used to tell the world whatever it is He wants you to tell them…and He will take care of the rest.

So…I’ll close with this question:  What has God shown or told you that you should be sharing with others?  Don’t you think it’s about time you get busy sharing it?

“Be strong & take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm. 31:24
Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA

 

Carols: A Christmas Devotional – Ding Dong! Merrily On High

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Today’s Scripture:  1 Kings 19:11-12

11  And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: 12  And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

Introduction:

Here’s another Carol that I’ve not really heard of.  You know it’s rare when the most recent people to sing it are Roger Whitaker and Julie Andrews.  So, this is one of those messages where I’m going to have to rely upon the Holy Ghost for.  It’s always good to rely upon the Holy Ghost, but some times with messages like this with a song I’m not familiar with…I’ve to lean upon Him to help me write.

So…I’m going to get out-of-the-way, and let the Lord say what He wants to say…Amen!?!

Today’s Video:

Today’s Message:  “Ding Dong Merrily On High”

Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav’n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv’n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

I had to try to find lyrics.  I also had to look it up on YouTube to see how it went, and of course once I heard it then I could finally remember what it sounded like.  So, how many of you have seen the word “excelsis”, and since I’ve seen it a few times I wanted to know what it meant.  It simply means:  “Glory to God in the highest“.  You add in “Hosanna” which is defined as “A shout of fervent and worshipful praise.”, and you come up with something like this:  We’re shouting with fervent and worshipful praise “Glory to God in the highest.”!  So, this message is probably going to be about worship.

You know, I found myself standing next to one of those people this morning who had his hands in his pockets during worship.  Now, understand when I write this I’m not standing in judgment of anyone.  Maybe in his own private time with God the man does things differently.  However, I guess I find it hard to understand how when you know all about what God’s done for us (think about the last message)…I don’t understand how you can just stand there, and keep your hands in your pockets.

I don’t know how many of you know this, but I live in Arkansas Razorback country.  The fans here are very passionate about all things Arkansas Razorbacks.  For instance, with the football team whenever they score a touchdown…you get the “Woo Pig Suey”, and everyone is all excited jumping up and down shouting…having a good ole time.

I have nothing against being emotional about your favorite sports teams, but when you’re able to get more excited for a football team than the King of kings and Lord of lords Who shed His blood so that you and I could be reconciled to Him…I can’t for the life of me figure out how you can stand there in the middle of worship unmoved.  Am I the only one who thinks that’s not right?

You can hoot and holler it up for the Razorbacks, but we can barely get an audible “Amen” from you during a song.  Look, I’m not saying that I’m always in church hooting and hollering it up, but I can tell you that it’s practically impossible for me to just sit there with my hands in my pockets unmoved by the Holy Ghost.  When I think about all the Lord has done in me, through me, with me, and for me…I can’t sit there without any sense of worship at all…and there are many times that I have that fervent and worshipful praise in my heart…how about you!?!

We seem to have so many bells and chimes and rings in our lives. Whether the microwave is letting us know that the “”homemade” chicken nuggets are ready, or our car is beeping to tell us that our seatbelt is unbuckled, or that super annoying “”aaaeee! aaaeee! aaaeee!” coming from our alarm clock is piercing through the dark bedroom to jolt us from our slumber; our lives are surrounded by noises and alarms. These alarms can mean so many different things.

That alarm clock is a jerk isn’t it?  I know when mine goes off…more often than not…I’m not too thrilled to hear it.  The alarm clock signals the beginning of another day of work, and while I’m grateful to have another day of life…I’ve to be honest enough to say that I’m not excited about the day until my second (and some times third) cup of coffee.  There sure are a whole lot of buzzers and bells and chimes aren’t there? Even my coffee maker beeps at me to let me know it’s finished brewing my coffee. By the way, anyone else feel like I do about coffee?  Thank the Lord for it…Amen!?!

From this classic, beautiful Christmas carol we are drawn a picture of the celebrating chimes from heaven. It’s almost as if the author of this song is describing the way we might hear a call from heaven. In several different passages, scripture describes how someone heard from God. In some instances it was a booming sound like thunder and in others a still small voice.

I guess I’ve never really thought about all the bells and chimes of Christmas until just now, and I guess I never really thought of the significance of them until just now.  Jingle bells, silver bells, and all the other sounds of Christmas.  It’s a beautiful, musical time of year isn’t it?  There really isn’t another time in the year like it.  Could you imagine instead of fireworks letting bells, chimes and the other sounds of Christmas illustrate the Fourth of July?  It doesn’t really match does it?

I’ve learned that Christmas time really is the most wonderful time of the year.  You have these cheerful Christmas carols, the music is mostly upbeat, and for the most part people are joyful.  Yes, I know that there’s always rude people no matter what time of the year it is, but for the most part from Thanksgiving through the end of New Year’s it really is just a wonderful time of the year.

I think that maybe it’s like that because we get a slight glimpse of what heaven is going to be like…only there won’t be any rude people there.  Everyone is going to be full of joy and happiness.  It’s going to be a place unlike any we’ve ever known here on earth.  But, in a small way…for just a few weeks it almost feels a little bit like heaven on earth.

Have you ever heard that gentle whisper calling you like Elijah heard in 1 Kings 19:12? God can call us in so many different ways. But what he calls each of us to is unique. He may be calling you to minister to a friend going through a tough holiday season. He may be calling you in your profession. God can use doctors to serve those who cannot afford treatment, contractors to build a school in a poverty-stricken country, a lawn care worker to cut the grass of an elderly widow in the neighborhood, or whatever your talent might be. The important thing is for you to listen to His voice, just like the beautiful chimes from heaven. He is calling you to be a light in someone’s life this Christmas.

I have heard that gentle whisper from God.  However, the writer of this devotion is absolutely right.  We have to learn to train our ears to hear that still small voice of the Holy Ghost.  How do we do this?  We get trained to the voice of God by reading and studying His Word.

Family, you do realize that very rarely are we going to have the burning bush experience, and the reason that is…it’s because we already have a burning bush that over 80% of the Body of Christ barely pays attention to.  The Bible is our burning bush, friends.  Less than 20% of the Body of Christ reads and studies it every day…the other 80% barely pick it up or don’t pick it up as often as they should.  It’s much easier for someone to tell us what the Bible says that for us to find out what it says for ourselves.  So, that’s why there’s so many Christians walking around in error today…because they’re receiving their teaching in error.

There’s a whole lot that can be said right now, but I don’t have the time nor the unction to get into it.  If you’d like to know my thoughts on this…then I’d like to encourage you to read the Why Read The Bible? series we did a while back..

But, we have a burning bush already that the majority of the Body of Christ ignores.  God speaks through other means, but why would He use them if we don’t use the main one already?  I mean Jesus said:  “My sheep know My voice.”.  I promise you the fastest way to know the voice of God is by reading the Word of God.  Listen, if you have no idea what the Bible says you’re not even going to know whether what the man your listening to on Sunday’s is preaching the unadulterated Word of God or if he’s preaching from Joel Osteen’s lastest novel.

The important things for us is to LISTEN TO HIS voice…and the ONLY way we get to know HIS VOICE is by READING AND STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD….Amen!?!  (I’m going to move on or I’ll never get this message closed).

So, go ahead and hit that snooze on your alarm clock, but answer the call of the Father on your life.

What’s the call of the Father on your life?  It’s simply for you to “come”, and if you’re already in the body of Christ…the call of God is to “stay”.  Jesus issues all of us the great invitation, and He gives us another one in Revelations when He says that He’s standing at the door knocking…if if we let Him in…we’ll dine with one another.  The book of Revelation is written to believers…and can I tell you that the only reason I know that is because I know the voice of the Shepherd?

What is God saying to you?  Is He saying come or stay or come back home?  Are you someone who has never answered the call of God on your life?  Are you someone who needs to answer the invitation to accept Him as Lord and Savior?  Are you a prodigal son or daughter?  Have you known of the voice of God only to wander away into the wilderness, and now you find yourself in the pig pen of life?  If you have said “yes” to any of these questions…then this next section is for you…if you have trusted Christ as Savior and become a prodigal son or daughter…or if you’ve never trusted Christ as Savior…then this is how you become a son or daughter of the most High God…this is how you answer the call of God.

A- Admit
Admit to God that you are a sinner. Repent, turning away from your sin.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life. Romans 6:23
B- Believe
Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3: 16
C- Confess
Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:9-10, 13

This next question is the most important one:  Are you ready to answer the call of God, and accept the initiation to make Jesus the Lord of your life?  If so, then you’re ready to pray this simple prayer out loud…so all of heaven and hell can hear you!

Dear Lord Jesus…come into my heart.  Forgive me of my sin.  Wash me, cleanse me, and set me free.  Jesus, thank You that You died for me.  I believe that You are risen from the dead and that You’re coming back for me.  Place me IN Your Ark right now, today.  Fill me with the Holy Ghost.  Give me a passion for the lost, a hunger for the things of God, and a holy boldness to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I boldly confess that I am a whosoever that has called upon the name of the Lord…that I am IN the Ark…and that I am saved…I am born again…I am forgiven…I am the righteousness of God IN Christ Jesus…and I am In the Ark and on my way to Heaven because I have Jesus in my heart.  In Jesus name I pray…Amen!

Friend, if you just prayed that prayer…you are born again…and you are now part of the Body of Christ.  If you need materials to help get you started…please read on through the rest of this message as I will let you know how to get in contact with us…and write us.

For the rest of us…I believe I’m going to close this message by reposting the last line of this devotional…

So, go ahead and hit that snooze on your alarm clock, but answer the call of the Father on your life.

I don’t know about you…but I’m ready to answer the call of the Father on my life…Amen!?!

Questions:

I think I’m just going to rename this section…and leave it be the same kind of honor system.  I’m not going to ask you to answer the questions, I’m not going to check with y’all to see if you have.  This section is all up to you if you desire to go and dig deeper.  This section is going to be between you and God…and if you answer the questions or not…it’s all up to you…and what you want out of your relationship with God.

How have you heard from God in the past?

What is God calling you to do for someone else this Christmas season?

In Closing:

Well, glory to God!  What a message!  I think I might have to print this one out it’s so good…Amen!?!  I am just so thrilled that this series has turned out some really good messages, and that it’s speaking so much to our hearts.  I am so thankful for all of you who are following along, and I hope these messages are blessing you.  I also want you to know that none of these messages are copywritten or anything like that.  If you read a message that you think someone else could benefit from…please feel free to forward it to them anyway you can.  I have freely received what I write…and therefore it’s freely given…and there’s never going to be a charge.

There may be a day where we’ll have the ability to receive donations if you feel like you’d like to financially support this ministry, but we will never charge for our messages…and we would actually prefer it if you’d share our messages, tell people about our pages, and invite them to check us out.  So, please feel free to share what you read…Amen.

For those of you who may have made the decision to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved…you can write us at christlikeministriesarkansas@yahoo.com, leaving us a name, and a way we can contact you.  We have a few things that we can send you to help you to begin your walk with the Lord, and we will do our best to help you find a good, solid Bible believing, preaching, and living church in your area.

Thanks for reading along, and may God bless you richly.

“Be strong & take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm. 31:24
Blessings & Grace to you
Bryan J. Kizer
Christlike Ministries NWA