Troy A. Brewer's Blog, page 227
March 28, 2020
THE END OF YOUR ROPE
The Father is there for you. Cry out to Him, seek Him and you will find Him. He says to ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. It is a lifestyle that takes being intentional.
THE END OF YOUR ROPE
On Thanksgiving morning of 2000, my wife and I were staying in a crummy hotel in London, England. It was our very first mission trip and that day was going to be a biggie. To us, it seemed that we were at the end of the earth and nothing was going our way – nothing.
I woke up very early because my internal clock was out of whack and when I opened my Bible, my eyes fell on Psalm 61. God really moved that morning when I realized that this verse is deeply personal for you and me, just as it was for David when he penned it.
Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. – Psalms 61:1-2
When David says he will cry out to God from the ends of the earth, he is not talking about geographical location. In modern terms, we would translate that phrase as “the end of my rope.”
To stress the point, the very next thing David says is that his heart is “overwhelmed.” He is really at the end of his rope or “at his wit’s end.”
The last thing Jesus said before His ascension into heaven is that he would be with us always, even unto the “ends of the world.” What our Savior was really saying is that He would be with us to the end of our ropes, when our hearts are overwhelmed. He promised to be with us even at our wits end!
For your survival, you need to learn how to find the presence of Jesus when your heart is overwhelmed. That ability is limited by your ability to seek Jesus at the end of your rope. Trouble is, when you are there, you generally throw a fit when you should bend a knee or bow your head.
Been there? I have. My world has come crashing down and, in despair, I stomped my foot and demanded to know why all this was happening to me. Heaven was silent. However, when I learned to get small – to be humble in the face of great adversity – and ask the Lord for help because I’m at the end of my rope, deliverance came.
It came that dreary Thanksgiving Day in England, and it will for you as well.
Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. – Psalms 61:1-2
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO LEARN HUMILITY IN THE FACE OF GREAT DESPAIR. WHEN YOU ARE AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE, DON’T THROW A FIT! BEND A KNEE AND ASK FOR HELP FROM YOUR FATHER WHO LOVES YOU.
From my book: Soul Invasion
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March 27, 2020
HATE MAIL
Don’t let hatred block you from moving forward. Combat hatred with love and know that Jesus will reward you no matter the other person’s response.
HATE MAIL
I didn’t anticipate the problem I’d have with hatred since being on the radio. I always thought it would be cool to be protested or to get hate mail. It’s not.
I’m being real when I admit to you I have problems. I’ve had a difficult time dealing with the hostility that comes with being a public figure, and I want to repent of that. It’s not just me. There are all kinds of good guys among us that the world despises.
Right now in our culture, the good guys are attacked while thieves, wife beaters, drug addicts and murderers are celebrated. Just watch reality TV. Despite being some of the most messed up people in the world, they have high ratings and an international following on Twitter and Facebook.
This should not come as a surprise. The Bible says the day when good is called evil and evil is called good will come. It’s here. Why do they hate us? Because of the Name.
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” – Matthew 10:22-24
Jesus warned us we will be hated for His name’s sake. If you do good works and show kindness on behalf of the heart and name of Jesus, you will be hated. You need to wrap your brain around the pushback you will get for serving the poor, setting the enslaved free and supporting Israel. Satan hates Jesus and anything that resembles Him. In the context of serving, we are acting in His image.
Know this: He who endures to the end will be saved. It’s not going to get better. It will only get worse and we need to expect that, and even welcome it. Satan only attacks threats to his evil kingdom. If you’re not hated or attacked, maybe you’re not a threat.
Want to be dangerous to the enemy? Want to serve the poor, free slaves and tell the world about a good God and savior who is not mad at them? I do. Even if I’m hated.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BECOME A THREAT TO THE DEVIL. SERVE. LOVE. WORSHIP. WHEN THE WORLD ATTACKS YOUR KIND EFFORTS, DO EVEN MORE GOOD IN JESUS’ NAME!
From my sermon series I LOVE MY TRIBE
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March 26, 2020
Episode 33 – The Alamo Part 2
Pastor Troy Discusses the history surrounding the Alamo with a group of men on his annual trip
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A TALE OF TWO KINGS
There are probably innumerable miracles wrapped up in the beauty of everyday blessings. These hidden miracles are awaiting notice to activate your praises so as to release more! Look for them!
A TALE OF TWO KINGS
Several years ago, a man named James King woke up on a Wednesday morning with a word and a mission. That word? “God is going to help me find that little girl today.”
The girl was Nadia Bloom, an autistic child who had gone missing without a trace four days earlier near an alligator-infested swamp. Police and rescue workers had given up hope of finding the child alive, saying they needed a miracle.
They got one that Wednesday afternoon. James King dialed 911 and said, “I’ve found the missing girl, Nadia.”
The chief of police said, “I never believed in miracles before, I do now.”
The details of the “Miracle in the Swamp” were broadcast worldwide including King saying, “God led me to her. He told me to recite Proverbs three and call out her name.”
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
“That’s what I did and I found her,” he told the national media.
Nadia’s dad added, “Let’s give the glory to God.”
I know another King who searches for and finds lost people. This King is also a miracle worker willing to go where nobody else is willing to rescue the hurting and save the lost. This King is actually the King of Kings and I know Him personally.
In whatever swamp you find yourself sinking in this week, call out to the King who can save and redeem. He wants to pull you out of the mire and clean off the grime, setting you on the correct path.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BELIEVE IN MIRACLES. LOOK FORWARD TO THE IMPOSSIBLE WHEN YOU CALL KING JESUS FOR HELP!
From my book: BEST OF THE BREWER
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March 25, 2020
CREATIVE GENIUS
God is doing a work in your thought life in those places of anxiety. Think on the joy the Lord brings and He will give you strength.
CREATIVE GENIUS
There’s a group of people I call the “spikey-haired people.” It’s a demographic of creative people and I love creative people because I have a creative side to me. In fact, if I can’t be creative, I start getting mad.
I have learned a huge part of my job is to come up with content – sermons, radio and TV shows, books, songs and the devotion you’re reading right now. I really seek God about the stuff I write.
What I write needs to be fun and full of life. It needs to be all those things Jesus wants it to be, so there’s a creative kind of groove that I’ve got to get into whether putting together a message or writing a song or a book. Over the years, I have found one truth about the creative process: Anxiety is the kryptonite of creativity.
Anxiety takes you into survival mode. You cannot be creative and fun and come up with fresh, new ideas in survival mode. Believe me, you need to be creative in your thinking every day!
When God is in creative mode, He is so much fun. I love that about God. As the Creator, He can start anything. He can finish anything. He can go back in our timeline to apply the blood of Jesus or work all things for our good today.
We need God to be creative every day because we get into messes every day, and He’s the creative genius who turns ashes to beauty!
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. – Isaiah 61: 2-3
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO RECOGNIZE ANXIETY BEFORE IT STEALS YOUR CREATIVE JUICES. CALL ON JESUS FOR DELIVERANCE FROM WHAT IS PULLING YOU DOWN!
From my sermon series: EXODUS
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March 24, 2020
CALLING DOWN THE THUNDER
Some of the greatest growth we’ll encounter in others comes when we change. Take hold of the change needed in your life today to receive His promises.
CALLING DOWN THE THUNDER
Have you ever wanted to call down fire from heaven? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.
We, like the disciples, are tempted to call down the thunder and torch our enemies when we are hated because there’s something in us that’s surprised when that happens.
Secretly, we’re all convinced we’re cool. We tend to be shocked when someone else disagrees. I was only 12, but when the old man next door made a rude remark about my “plumber’s syndrome” when I had outgrown a pair of pants, I got a bad case of “I’m gonna get you back.”
As that man called me names, he had no idea that behind my blue eyes were visions of his fields burning to the ground. While I didn’t do that, my friends and I did wait until nightfall. We took white paint and tagged every one of that man’s cattle with derogatory statements on their black hide. Although it is one of my favorite childhood memories, and my friends and I laughed our heads off at the sight of him chasing his cows around with a hose, it was not the right way to handle a hater.
What is?
To continue what you are doing for the Lord. Hold tight to your reputation and testimony. Pray for them and keep serving the Lord. Too many people let detractors stop them from their calling. Don’t let that be you.
Take a lesson from Nehemiah. When his enemies came to heckle, mock and even threaten him as he rallied the people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, he didn’t get scared or discouraged. He didn’t quit. He armed his people and told them to continue to build as he and others kept watch for the enemy to attack.
When your haters come after your reputation, testimony, ministry, family, business or blessings, arm yourself with the Word. Take a page from Nehemiah’s playbook: pray and continue working to please God. His opinion is the only one that matters.
Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders. So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. -Nehemiah 4:4-6
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SPITEFULLY PERSECUTE YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR BLESSINGS. PRAY FOR THEM TO BE CONVICTED AND CORRECTED SO THEY CAN FIND THEIR OWN BLESSING AS YOU CONTINUE TO GO AFTER THE GOOD THINGS GOD HAS FOR YOU.
From my book: Soul Invasion
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March 23, 2020
DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT?
Do you hear it? Jesus is calling you into new and deeper places. He is ultimately personal with you, knowing your fears and desires. He is asking you to come closer. Do you hear Him?
DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT?
The Bible is very clear: God never changes. He stays the same yesterday, today and forever. There is no shadow of turning in Him. He is a rock, a fortress and our strong tower. These are incredible attributes.
So if He is constant, how does He always manage to show up in our lives in new and different ways?
Because He is amazingly personal with each of us. He is so amazing that He’s indescribable.
That’s what Paul called Jesus in 2 Corinthians 9:12 – an indescribable gift.
Paul understood there are not enough words to describe Him. As a matter of fact, the tripped-out cherubim who endlessly fly around His throne each have four faces. As they circulate, these four faces see new and different attributes of God and are constantly amazed, crying out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty.”
Just like that, there are not enough words to describe the endless ways He speaks to us.
The voice of the Lord is on the waters, the voice of the Lord is on the many waters. – Psalms 29:3
Circumstances, nature, His Word, friends, the stars, numbers or even today’s headlines – all are ways the Lord speaks into our lives. He speaks to us in endless ways, innumerable voices.
What is Jesus calling you into? Are you believing Him for a miracle? Maybe He’s speaking to you about upgrade, a new ministry or a plan to prosper your life.
Know this: just because you’ve never heard God speak to you about this subject or in whatever voice He’s using to get your attention, does not mean He’s not speaking. He is doing a new thing! While He never changes, He loves to surprise us. Listen for His voice and perceive it!
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO LOOK FOR STREAMS IN YOUR WASTELAND. PERCEIVE THE WELL SPRINGING UP AND THE NEW DIRECTION HE IS TAKING YOUR LIFE!
From my book Living Life /Forward
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March 22, 2020
REMEMBER THE ALAMO
The war for freedom has been won! Our ongoing battles with the bully of darkness is to remind us of this victory and our need to uphold God’s glory. When that molester of souls comes around, remind him that he’s not only defeated, but you’ve got the keys, and authority, to lock him up, and do it!
REMEMBER THE ALAMO!
My fascination with Texas history in general, and the Alamo in specific, began my seventh-grade year.
You don’t have to be black to revere Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or Catholic to love Mother Theresa. Just like that, you don’t have to be a Texan to love the men who fought and died trying to defeat the evil dictator Santa Anna.
I’ve read dozens of books on the battle and visited the site nearly 50 times. Every time, my tripped-out mind sees Crocket still atop those adobe walls, firing against all odds. Travis is fighting for his life and legacy on the cannon platform at the northeast corner of the fortress despite looming defeat.
I also love the victory of the Battle of San Jacinto. I often visit that battlefield and imagine Sam Houston on his white horse in full gallop toward Santa Anna’s tent.
Oh, the fight for freedom! There is something special about those who battle darkness so they can unlock the chains of others in bondage. I have noticed that while not all revolutionaries are Godly people, Godly people are always revolutionaries. We love freedom!
Yes, a true characterizing of the love of God is to hate bondage and oppression!
Nearly 2,000 years before the freedom fighting Texans fell at the Alamo, Jesus Christ was lifted on the cross. He hated oppression and bondage to sin (the devil) so much that He was willing to die to overcome it.
He loved humanity and wanted you and I to be set free so badly, He was willing to give up His own life to give us a shot at true freedom. Get this straight: Jesus is not your warden. He is your deliverer. The Bible says that whom He sets free is “free indeed!”
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slave. – Galatians 5:1
It is my humble opinion that Jesus is the only way to have the freedom to forgive, to have joy and peace, to love, and to pursue a life of passion that makes a difference to others. Take advantage of this free gift! Acknowledge Him as your savior today!
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE A FREEDOM FIGHTER! JESUS HAS ALREADY WON THE WAR FOR YOUR FREEDOM. IT’S UP TO YOU TO WIN THE DAILY BATTLES SATAN WAGES IN YOUR MIND AND IN YOUR LIFE. REMEMBER THE CROSS!
From my book: Best of the Brewer
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March 21, 2020
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
I look at you and see increase; increased peace, joy, hope, love, blessings… abundance, overflowing for others to enjoy with you.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
God is the richest person who ever lived. He doesn’t think like poor people think. He thinks like rich people think. So how do rich people think? They think in terms of investments.
Your Father in Heaven, who is the most generous person ever, expects a return on His investment in you. Has the Lord invested in your life? He sure has. You need to look in the mirror and ask yourself these questions:
How many miracles has it taken for me to be living the life I’m living?
How many people better than me never got to live the life I’m living?
What kind of price has God Almighty had to pay?
And how many people before me had to pay the price for me to live the life I’m living?
Should there be a return on the investment in you? God sees things eternally and He says yes, there should be a return. That’s what the harvest is all about. God doesn’t just want your life to be fruitful. He wants your family and friends to be fruitful because of His investment in you and your investment in them.
This takes some labor on your part, but know this: God wants you to be in heaven, but He’s not looking for you to show up alone. Invest His love, His Word and your time in others and you will hear these words:
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” – Matthew 25:23
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO INVEST IN OTHERS. SHOW THEM HOW JESUS HAS WORKED IN YOUR LIFE AND WATCH THE FRUIT PORTFOLIO GROW!
From my sermon series LORD OF THE HARVEST
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March 20, 2020
MOB MENTALITY
When was the last time you asked me a question that I answered wrong? Why doubt me now? Be patient, watch, pray and praise me for who I AM.
MOB MENTALITY
In society, we sacrifice our selfish desires for the sake of something better. If there’s going to be a civilization, my friends, there has to be selflessness among us.
It’s why we wait in lines without causing a riot. It’s why we stop at red lights instead of starting a stampede. It’s why we walk our kids to school and stay faithful to our families. It’s why we celebrate the military and it’s why we stand for allegiance during our national anthem. We are aware of something bigger than ourselves.
The mob is different. You and I are called to stay out of the mob. Why?
The mob is totally selfish, destroying at its pleasure. It doesn’t care about collateral damage or victims. The devil created the mob environment. The “prince of the power of the air,” loves the atmosphere of the mob. He stirs it until we, his pawns, are whipped up in a frenzy of offense.
The mob is the crowd yelling, “Crucify Him!”
The mob is the Roman Coliseum.
The mob is the Spanish Inquisition.
The mob is equivalent of gang rape.
The mob is Nazi Germany in 1940.
The Mob is the Ku Klux Klan.
The mob is Islam demanding its way.
The mob is the left-wing agenda of haters and mockers right here in the United States. It has no value for anything real and thrives on anything dramatic because the mob must be entertained.
We have replaced truth with drama because we have replaced society with the mob, my friends. While we are supposed to be “in this world, not of it,” too many of us are part of the mob.
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” – Luke 17:1
Many Christians don’t realize they’ve jumped on a bandwagon and have been blinded to their true calling. We easily forward that email, sign that petition or join the picket line. Sharing and commenting on politics or social agendas on Facebook is a huge plot of the devil. It’s his demonic distraction.
Sure, you’re protesting abortion or railing against liberal policies. While these things are good, they are not God’s best. We must focus on what matters to the Kingdom: saving the lost and hurting from the clutches of God’s enemy.
We can’t do that on top of a soapbox, a bandwagon or entrenched in the mob. In those places, we are filled with hatred, despair, self-righteousness and anger. We’re incapable of spreading His love because there is no love in the mob.
Stop spinning your wheels in offense! Ask the Lord to convict and correct you of the mob mentality. Get off the bandwagon by leading the lost to Jesus. There is no greater reward.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalms 139:24
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO COME AGAINST THE MOB MENTALITY IN YOUR LIFE. DON’T FALL OUT OR LOSE FOCUS. THE SALVATION OF THE LOST IS YOUR HIGHEST CALLING.
From my sermon series I LOVE MY TRIBE
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