Troy A. Brewer's Blog, page 235
January 13, 2020
CASUALTIES OF WAR
It’s time to be intentional in your Kingdom walk. Build yourself up in the Lord and be doggedly determined to take territory for the Kingdom of God every day!
CASUALTIES OF WAR
America has seen its share of war casualties: 25,000 in the Revolutionary War; 212,938 in the Civil War; and 291,557 in WWII. These numbers may look high, but compare them to the millions of Christians who were strong for the Lord in short seasons, but were overwhelmed before the war was over.
Paul said he didn’t want to become a casualty. He decided he would be a key player at the end of his life. We might think of this in terms of people losing their faith.
A lot of really godly people only do exploits for the Lord in very short times in their lives. Those people, who do great things then burn out, might make a valuable contribution in the Kingdom, however, they miss the mark in terms of legacy.
If you don’t finish well by leaving a godly legacy, someone else has to do that for you. Someone who made a plan and was doggedly determined to finish well. This reminds me of the very last letter one of my heroes penned from behind the walls of the Alamo.
“Take care of my little boy. If the country should be saved, I may make him a splendid fortune; but if the country should be lost, and I should perish, he will have nothing but the proud recollection that he is the son of a man who died for his country.” – William Barrett Travis, Commander of the Alamo and defender of Texas freedom, 1836
Travis understood this principle. He knew that, no matter how hard they fought, his legacy depended on him finishing well, which he did. He knew his chances were slim, still he fought. So should we.
Feel like your kids will never get saved? Think your neighbor or boss will never find Jesus? Does it seem impossible to reach that friend who has it all and doesn’t need Jesus? Know this: their salvation may very well depend on your ability to determine that you will continue to be a witness – even at your very end.
Be determined to finish well, then finish! Your end may be the beginning of someone else’s walk with Jesus!
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DETERMINE TO FINISH WELL. PURPOSE EVERY DAY TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND FINISH THE COURSE BY BRINGING THE LOST OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT.
From my book Living Life Forward
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January 12, 2020
STOP THE MADNESS!
New beginnings are yours with the breaking off of old “engagements.” Feelings and fears that rob you of your peace are merely perversions of God’s truth. Turn it around and discover the profound impact of truth.
STOP THE MADNESS!
There has to be a place in your accepted wisdom where you recognize the chain of thoughts that lead you away from God.
Once you begin to recognize those mental patterns, you have to break a link in that chain to stop that line of thinking before it proceeds into a feeling. Feelings often escalate into actions and that’s not good.
With every bit of awareness, you have an opportunity to take those “further imaginations” captive – thoughts that take you away from the knowledge of God. This is the place you go to war and freeze those thoughts before they grow into a monster that holds you hostage – an action you cannot take back. This is what Paul was referring to when he wrote:
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5
It is your responsibility to be aware of things without letting that awareness fast forward into sin. This is how you cast down imaginations and thoughts that want to replace, or as the Bible says, “exalt” themselves against the knowledge of God.
Pray about it. Ask God to give you wisdom in your thinking. Verbally commit your mind to the Lord. You don’t have to mentally pursue every thought. In fact, you cannot if you want to have real peace.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO PRACTICE THE ART OF “BRAIN FREEZE.” THROW THE BRAKES ON PROGRESSIVE SINFUL THINKING AND GIVE YOUR MIND TO CHRIST!
From my book: Soul Invasion
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January 11, 2020
THE NEED TO KNOW
TODAY’S PROPHETIC THOUGHT
God’s promises are “yes” and “amen.” He is your hiding place and an ever-present help in time of need. Stay under the shadow of His wing where the enemy has no ability to see.
THE NEED TO KNOW
Biblical truth: Covenant is the only thing that causes God to respond to you. What???
It’s true. God does not respond to your pain, poverty, power, riches, or cries for help. He responds only because He promised to when He created you, and again when He redeemed you. Yup, He owns you!
Are you in covenant with God? If you are, your thoughts are not of your own glory, but of His. Covenant is a wonderful thing and there are certain things you can know when you have a covenant mentality.
1. You have a place to go no matter what.
2. You have help in times of need.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:15-17
The place you are always welcome is the throne of grace. It is the most holy, powerful place. When you are at the throne, you also have access to the King Himself. Wow!
In biblical times, families and tribes established covenants as an alliance against enemies. If I were in covenant with you, then I am attacked, I can expect your help based on our covenant. It’s the same with God.
Because of His covenant, you should know God is going to help you fight your battles, bear your burdens and meet your needs. If you have a covenant mentality, you do not doubt God in your time of need. You will refuse to allow yourself to think He has abandoned you!
Why? Because a covenant mentality gives you hope! Hope that, no matter what, your ally and friend will come to your aid.
Do you have hope through a covenant mentality that you are God’s and He is yours? If you don’t, study what covenant is. Talk to God and get the matter straight. You won’t regret it.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO KNOW GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES TO THOSE WHO ARE IN COVENANT WITH HIM. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. DON’T ALLOW YOURSELF TO EVER THINK OTHERWISE!
From my book: Soul Invasion
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January 10, 2020
TWISTED LOGIC
Don’t think that doing nothing toward your dream will help God get you where you need to be. And don’t be afraid to take a step of faith. God will correct your course if you get off track. Doing nothing will get you nowhere! You have a green light, so go until God says otherwise!
THE FAILURE OF GAMALIEL
“If it’s God’s will, it will happen,” is a twisted way of thinking. God’s will for your life, your family, ministry, health and financial success, doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes strategic planning, effort and partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring about a desired result.
Let’s take a look at one very smart man who had his thinking wrong. Gamaliel was one of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day. Paul, himself, was Gamaliel’s student before Jesus knocked Paul off his high horse and set him straight.
In the book of Acts, several apostles were thrown in jail for preaching the Gospel. The Jewish council had a hard time deciding what to do with them. As a result, Gamaliel, took the floor. Proving the chief priests and Pharisees didn’t know God’s heart at all, he said the following nonsense:
“Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” –Acts 5:35-39
While this sounds like a wise answer, the Word never says that! This is the speech of a man who refuses to take decisive action and has a policy to not get involved! This is the classic thinking of religious people to justify doing nothing while the world around them goes to Hell in the proverbial handbasket. Don’t let that be you!
Let’s get this straight – vision is achieved through strategic action, aggressive moves, and partnership with the Holy Spirit. Get a God-given plan and strategy. Get some God-given courage and grace, then make something happen to achieve your God-given vision.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO RECOGNIZE THAT GOD BLESSES STRATEGY, COURAGE AND ACTION. PUT SOME THOUGHT AND WORK INTO THE VISION GOD’S GIVEN YOU AND SEE WHERE YOUR PARTNERSHIP TAKES YOU!
From my book: Soul Invasion
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Episode 25 – An Interview with Larry Randolph and Jamie Galloway
Pastor Troy interprets a dream about constellations that Larry Randolph had over 40 years ago, and Jamie Galloway helps us to understand what we need to do to have some next level encounters.
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January 9, 2020
A WILD RIDE
Your Father says you have the mind of Christ. No weapon formed against you shall prosper if you purpose to think about what is true, noble, praiseworthy and of good report.
A WILD RIDE
Thoughts progress. They really do! Your thoughts are taking you somewhere whether you realize it or not. The question is, where will you let them take you?
You see, your thoughts become your feelings, and many times, your feelings control your actions. If you are going to be successful in your Christian walk, or any other part of your life for that matter, you need to understand that what you think truly does affect your life.
For I know their works and their thoughts. – Isaiah 66:18
What does God know about your thoughts? Just look at the chapter and verse. The number 66 is double “man” or “carnal.” The number 18 is 3×6, which is triple “man” or “carnal.” In other words, God knows our thoughts, and what He sees is not good.
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. – Genesis 6:5
God even says your thoughts become your actions, or works, so the question you need to be asking yourself is, “What are my major thought patterns? Are they positive or negative?”
Thoughts become emotions. Emotions, when not taken captive, become your actions. Thinking about something frustrating? If you continue with that thought process, your emotions will become frustrated. Then you will take your frustrations out on others.
If you want to upgrade to the next level of thinking, if you want to truly follow God and reflect Jesus in all you do, you have to work on controlling your thoughts. They really do lead down the road to actions and often, sin. Caught up in negative thought patterns? Stop it!
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS. WHEN THEY ARE NOT OF GOD, YOU NEED TO TAKE THEM CAPTIVE AND CAST THEM DOWN BEFORE THEY BECOME ACTIONS AND SIN.
From my book: Soul Invasion
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January 8, 2020
IT’S MY TURF!
As a believer, you have the mind of Christ. Don’t lose it over jealousy or discord. The best way to fight the enemy is with love.
IT’S MY TURF!
Because of our inability to submit to a kingdom mentality, we tend to regard the church next door as our competition. Let me say this once and hope it truly sinks in: the bigger church down the street or the newest denomination is not our competition.
The true competition of the church is the Budweiser horses, reality TV, Joe Camel, Powerball and popular music. They are part of the world that, each and every day, sells people on the lie they can find life in a bottle, a bed, a high, entertainment or a chance for riches.
Remember, we are not in competition against one another, but against a devil who loves it when we fight each other, just like the Crips and the Bloods. Gangs of men who live in the same neighborhood, go to the same schools but fight and kill each other over their “turf,” whatever that is.
There are a lot of churches in our city. It doesn’t make me mad or jealous when their parking lots are full. Why? Because they are reaching people I can’t. They are making a difference serving the same King I am – Jesus Christ.
Even with all the churches in our city, if all the pews were full on Sunday, there would be thousands of people without a seat. That means we need more churches and the churches we already have to grow!
Before you throw shade at another church for invading your turf or worry yourself when a friend chooses a different denomination than you, remember this: the battle is not against human opponents! We have a common enemy and his name is Satan.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12
Yes, the Bible calls the devil “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), which means he likes to control the atmosphere. He likes to stir up discontent, envy, discord, covetousness and competition. His favorite target? The church.
Don’t feed into this lie from the pit of hell. The body of Christ, the church, needs each other. Rejoice in their success and mourn over their losses. Eternal lives depend on it.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO PRAY FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST. GET A KINGDOM MENTALITY AND JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TRUE ENEMY – SATAN.
From my book: Soul Invasion
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January 7, 2020
TO THE CRAZY ONES, REBELS & MISFITS
When you feel like you don’t fit in, remember this is not your home. You are just an ambassador traveling through. Represent Jesus well, but be yourself and give glory to God!
TO THE CRAZY ONES, REBELS AND MISFITS
I love the troublemakers, the square pegs religion tries to force into round holes. I love them because they see things differently. They are not fond of rules and have no respect for the status quo. These rebels are crazy enough to think they can change the world, and they do!
Larry Norman was one of the crazy ones. Born in Texas, his family moved to the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco. Yes, he was destined to be a hippy! As a teenager, he joined a band called “People,” an outwardly Christian band under contract to Capitol Records.
Larry and People would open for secular giants of the era including The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and The Byrds. This is where Larry made a huge difference in the world. It’s also where the controversy was.
You see, he was under constant criticism from non-Christians wanting him to drop his faith in Jesus, and terrible protest by the conservative church wanting him to drop his music, cut his hair and become respectable. So what did Larry do? Kept churning out songs and strumming his guitar.
Larry took Christianity into non-Christian cultures around the world. He was a missionary in the truest sense of the word. He was just so far outside the box of traditional church, most church leaders didn’t know what to think about him.
Enter the Brewer! In 1989, his album “Stranded in Babylon” was hailed as one of the best albums of the decade by European critics. Though barely noticed in the USA, it caught my attention. I was thrilled when my band was chosen to open for him when Larry’s tour came to Dallas.
While we were not close friends, I did stay up all night jamming with him. We shared the same stage and sat in the same booth at IHOP – some of my favorite memories.
Larry is regarded as the “father of Christian rock” and was inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame. Billboard Magazine called him “the most important songwriter since Paul Simon.” Before he died, Larry wrote a letter in which he said something deeply prophetic: “I feel like a prize in a box of Cracker Jacks with God’s hand reaching down to pick me up.”
Yes, Larry, you were God’s surprise to a world deeply in need of a rebel to bring music and ministry out of the religious realm of the Frozen Chosen. You were truly a prize the Father could use to glorify the Kingdom.
So hats off to the rebels who use their gifts to serve God and save sinners. I don’t know if you realize this, but the rebels, misfits and strays are my tribe – and if you’re reading this, it means you! Like Larry, dare to be different to make a difference!
But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles… – Galatians 1:1516
TODAY IS A GREAT DAY TO BECOME A REBEL WITH A CAUSE – SETTING CAPTIVES FREE BY PREACHING JESUS!
From my book: Best of the Brewer
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January 5, 2020
WIN THE WAR BETWEEN YOUR EARS
“Stinkin’ thinkin’” is a problem for all people. Be prepared to fight this with positive declarations, and know that God is the author of them. God loves you and your thoughts toward Him.
WIN THE WAR BETWEEN YOUR EARS
There should be a lot more going on between your two ears than random thoughts and memories. You should be making a strategic plan of action about thinking patterns that will cause you to prosper.
Need an example? Look at Switzerland. Politically known for its stand as a neutral nation during wartime, it is thought by most to be a haven for pansies, political correctness and socialist laws. You’d think Switzerland is full of gun-free zones, but it’s not.
Every adult male in Switzerland is issued a military stock assault rifle and a bunch of ammunition by the government. Shooting ranges dot the countryside and, because of that, some of the best marksmen in the world are Swiss.
Yes, you heard me – every home in Switzerland has at least one assault rifle put there by the government.
So, what’s my point?
Switzerland is a nation that loves peace, yet it is armed to the teeth. That nation exists in a constant state of readiness because it understands this principle: the nation that experiences the deepest peace is the nation most prepared for war!
It’s the same way with you. If you really want peace in your mind, you need to be mentally and spiritually locked and loaded! You have to accept the fact that war is inevitable.
The enemy takes unprepared Christians into a headlock and slams them into demonically controlled thinking patterns. A Christian not in a constant state of readiness makes an easy target for the devil. All it takes is one dark, demonic thought to send you down a long road of pain and suffering.
Are you ready for the attack? Armor up!
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. – Ephesians 6:13
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO CHECK YOUR MENTAL DEFENSES. THE ENEMY WANTS TO POLLUTE YOUR WAY OF THINKING TO KEEP YOU ON THE SIDELINES. GET INTO THE BATTLE BY ARMING YOURSELF WITH GOD’S WORD.
From my book: Soul Invasion
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January 4, 2020
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?
Change your walk to start taking small steps to help someone else. Even the smallest gestures make an impact on others. Showing others whose you are by your love, is walking like Jesus would walk.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?
Because of our rugged individualism and “can do” attitude, the American mission field is a tough nut to crack.
Say what you will, but I would argue the toughest person to reach for Jesus isn’t the bushman in Africa or the devout Hindu in India. The most difficult person to win for Jesus Christ that I have come across is the leathery, hard-working American man who puts in 40-60 hours a week and pays his taxes.
Good luck trying to convince him. He doesn’t believe he needs anybody for anything. He doesn’t need the kingdom of God because everything he has, he got completely on his own. He’s never had a kingdom mentality and doesn’t understand what that is.
Yes, that makes the average American very difficult to reach for Christ.
When anyone comes to Christ, they come admitting they are completely dependent on Jesus for salvation – that He is God and they are not. This is the very first stage of a kingdom mentality.
So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. – Romans 9:16
Once God lavishes you with His mercy, you understand that you are valuable, privileged and part of something much bigger than you. You are a part of something that will never end, and you are in! In the family. In the Kingdom. In His presence. Just in!
Do you need a kingdom mentality? Do you need to know you are in and that your life matters in the grand scheme of Heaven’s story?
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO COMMIT TO A KINGDOM MENTALITY. KNOW THAT YOUR LIFE MATTERS TO ALL OF HEAVEN AND START MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR CHRIST ON EARTH.
From my book: Soul Invasion
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