Troy A. Brewer's Blog, page 326
July 7, 2017
A HERO’S WELCOME
God has a place in His Kingdom for everyone. Take the plunge and invite someone from your sphere of influence into His Kingdom. Step into the hero of faith that you are!
A HERO’S WELCOME
Some of my favorite memories are of seeing my family after a long trip overseas. Once, I spent a month in India and when I got home to DFW, my wife, four kids and many friends from church were there to welcome me home.
It was hard not to bawl and squawl. It was a hero’s welcome and I’ll never forget it.
When I think of homecomings, I just can’t help but think about Heaven. I have had the privilege of preaching funerals for some very close friends. To me, they were more like a homecoming. Know this: Heaven is not a place you go after you leave home.
Heaven is the home you go to after you leave this place.
I still think about my dear friend and personal secretary Paula Ledbetter. She died at the age of 37, leaving behind a loving husband and three sons. As tragic a loss as it was for us left behind, there was no doubt Paula had graduated with honors and gone home to her reward.
Over 600 people attended her funeral and many met Jesus Christ for the first time that day.
I hope you live life in a way that people know you’re a Jesus freak with a heavenly destination. Your homecoming could give orphans a home. Paula’s sure did. She was truly a hero of the faith. Are you?
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
– John 14:2-3
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO MAKE HEAVEN THE ETERNAL HOME OF SOMEONE WHO IS LOST. TELL THEM ABOUT JESUS SO YOU CAN HAVE A HERO’S WELCOME IN YOUR FATHER’S HOUSE.
From my book Best of the Brewer
July 6, 2017
PROPHETIC PARTNERSHIP
If you stumble, get back up and begin moving forward again. Those who fail only do so because they choose not to get back up and fight. You are being strengthened in your inner man because Christ is in you and He will never leave you.
PROPHETIC PARTNERSHIP
I love the end of the book of John because we get to listen in on this very personal conversation between the resurrected hero of the universe and one of the recently restored heroes of the fledgling church.
Jesus asks Peter the same question three times. “Peter do you love me?” Peter begins to wonder what he should know that only the Lord Himself knows.
… and Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
– John 21:17
Now everybody preaches on the beauty of that message, and they forget what comes next. All of a sudden, Jesus turns to Peter and says, “Let me tell you something else I know…”
Where this conversation goes is outright glorious. Let’s listen in.
Most assuredly I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow me.”
– John 21:18-19
Did you catch it? Basically, Jesus turns to Peter and says, I bet it was with a smile, “You are going to finish really well.”
Famous for denying Christ three times, Peter had a history of cussing like the sailor he was and being unpredictable when overwhelmed. Knowing this, Jesus personally encouraged him by letting him know how his big finish would go.
“…Peter, you are going to go places you never would have gone before. I know how you are going to finish and it’s all going to glorify me.” Pastor Troy Version
I bet if you listen closely, you will hear Jesus tell you the same. I bet if you would walk close to Jesus, separate from the crowds, letting Him deal with you however He really wants to, you would hear something like, “Oh, listen. I’ve seen how you finish and it’s just plain glorious!”
Want a glorious finish? It’s up to you. Choose you this day whom you will serve and determine not to twist off.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO SET YOUR FACE LIKE FLINT TOWARD JESUS! DETERMINE TO FINISH WELL BY LOVING GREATLY AND LEADING THE LOST TO YOUR SAVIOR.
From my book Living Life Forward
July 5, 2017
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?
Change your walk to start taking small steps to help someone else. Even the smallest gestures makes 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
July 4, 2017
YOU’RE NOT GOING THAT WAY
You have a purpose and destiny for your life. It’s time to start dreaming big, God kind of dreams! Your past will only hold you back. Move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit!
YOU’RE NOT GOING THAT WAY!
It’s the nature of the unredeemed mind to always be looking back. Jesus mentioned this when He spoke of Lot’s wife – even He didn’t mention her name, which is probably not a good sign for her.
I don’t want to be like her. I want to look forward. I want to go further and dream big dreams.
Dave Crone, from the Mission in Vacaville, California, says the pharisees were the dream killers of Jesus’ day. He’s exactly right. Jesus called them out on it when He told them they loved their rules more than they loved God.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
– Matthew 23:27-28
Ouch! So if you see somebody today doing everything within their power to put you in a religious box, know they are the very same kind of person who nailed Jesus to a board and hung Him up naked to die. For your sake, run from these people. For our sake, run them over!
While I believe without apology the church of Jesus Christ is the only boat afloat, I also believe many of us on board don’t understand the heart of the Captain. He, like His Kingdom, is progressive. Who knew? His Kingdom is without end. There are no limitations.
As long as people make methods and the function of the church their priority and focus, they are missing the boat. They are missing a relationship with a loving, powerful and just heavenly Father. They are missing the chance to love other people into the Kingdom.
Be a person who doesn’t look back. Let Jesus propel you forward into a life of adventure and responsibility. Let Him weave your dreams and His dreams for you together into a life that changes the world and brings lost people into eternity.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DREAM BIG. LET JESUS REVEAL HIS DREAMS FOR YOU AND GO AFTER THE GREAT BIG LIFE HE HAS FOR YOU!
From my book Best of the Brewer
July 3, 2017
A LAND WITHOUT A KING
A kingdom is the king’s domain. Is God the King of your domain? God loves your cooperation when you give to Him what is already His.
A LAND WITHOUT A KING
It’s hard for Americans to have a kingdom mentality simply because we’ve never had a king.
The American culture is an independent, “maverick” mentality. We celebrate the rugged individualism that won the west and changed how the world does virtually everything.
Americans feel at home completely on their own. A true American leader is not going to wait for approval of France to topple a Muslim terrorist regime. I like what Stormin’ Norman Swartzkoff said when France refused to help us in Operation Desert Storm.
“Going into war without France is like going into war without your accordion.”
Wee ha! That is a classic illustration of the true American mentality and I love it. It says we have no respect for your little kingdom because we are Americans. You stay on your side of the pond, make perfume and remain irrelevant, while we change the world and make a difference.
Yes, we really don’t need France because we can do it on our own.
While this kind of thinking is great for starting a business, running a farm or winning wars, it makes for terrible theology. Individualism, self-reliance and a maverick mentality that you don’t need anyone’s help doesn’t jive in relationship with Father God.
Being a Father and King, He revels in taking care of us. He enjoys supplying our needs and treasures when His kids want to follow in His footsteps. God loves to be needed, and you and I really need Him.
Make no mistake, it is easier to convince a bushman in Africa or the Amazon jungle that He needs a savior, than it is to bring a Texas cattleman who worked, scraped and built his “empire” with his own muscle, to KING Jesus. They don’t see the point. They believe they can save themselves.
Do you know anyone like that? If that someone is you, know that you do need a king. You do need a savior. While you may be able to survive, even thrive, in this world, your dependence and trust in your heavenly Father is what gets you into the next.
So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
– Romans 9:16
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO GO AFTER THE HEART OF YOUR KING. LET GO OF YOUR INDEPENDENCE. PLEDGE YOUR ALLEGIANCE TO KING JESUS AND LEAD OTHERS INTO THE KINGDOM.
From my book: Soul Invasion
July 2, 2017
WHY AM I THUS?
God’s Word does not return void, but it accomplishes what He intends for it to accomplish. God’s Word bears fruit. Speak the Word of God over yourself and your family and see the fruit begin to grow!
WHY AM I THUS?
The Bible tells us of Rebecca, the wife of Isaac. Now Isaac was the promised son of Abraham and Sarah. Abraham had been told he would be the father of “many nations” and that his descendants would be as “numerous as the stars.”
While it looks like Abraham got off to a slow start with one child, his son Isaac doubled that number. Rebecca was pregnant. Though likely overjoyed, she also knew something was stirring within her that would set in motion something big for her family. She actually felt a struggle going on inside her.
“Why am I thus?”
– Genesis 25:22
This simple question is one we speak every day – “Why do I feel this way?” The Lord’s reply to her is the same as He would say you to and I.
“Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels.”
– Genesis 25:23
Rebecca was going to give birth to twins – brothers who would be total opposites in every way, especially spiritually. Isn’t that just like us as well? Aren’t there two voices inside of us fighting over control of our thoughts and emotions?
In the battle of faith vs. doubt, grab onto the way of thinking that promotes faith. Cast down any thinking that is cursed. You see, blessings and curses are real. In the battle for your mind, you will only have victory if you speak blessings over yourself, your family and your situation.
If you want a right mind, you have to submit to God. Tell the devil and his negative way of thinking to pack up and hit the road. Your mental perspective can reveal the very mind of God. This allows you to line up your thinking with His, which is His will for you! Any time you are in synch with His will, you are victorious.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE A VICTORIOUS THINKER. IN THE BATTLE FOR YOUR MIND, CHOOSE THOUGHTS THAT BRING BLESSING AND DISCARD THOSE WHICH BRING CURSES.
From my book: Soul Invasion
July 1, 2017
THE GREAT KINGDOM OF TEJAS
When hit by the winds of life we have an encounter through our emotions. When we see or hear the wind moving through the trees we have an external encounter with the unseen. Be the unseen Jesus that causes internal encounters others don’t see coming; refresh and revive like a cool breeze.
THE GREAT KINGDOM OF TEJAS
The Caddo Indians were remarkable. Over 400 years ago, their tribes were filled with farmers, warriors, potters, artisans and traders with a unique culture. They were so powerful, populous and advanced that Spanish explorers considered them civilized and friendly.
“Tejas” is the Spanish spelling of a Caddo Indian word “taysha,” which means “friend” or “ally.” In the 17th century, the Spanish knew the Caddo Indian people as “The Great Kingdom of Tejas.”
Sadly, this initial respect didn’t spare the Caddo from the common fate of so many natives who came into contact with European disease, guns and agendas. Within 200 years, their numbers dwindled and they were relegated to tiny reservations.
One of those early reservations was in my hometown of Joshua, Texas. Named after the biblical hero who brought the Hebrews into the Promised Land, Joshua was first known as Caddo Grove. Yes, I found my first arrowhead on Caddo Peak as a boy!
Just like the ancient Jews before them, the Caddo were uprooted time and time again, and managed to survive. Today, there are 4,000 of them, but few make their home on their Oklahoma reservation. They live and work throughout America as teachers, police officers, nurses, lawyers, electricians and artists – just like you and me.
You could say the Caddo have always been a friend to America, though America has not always been a friend to the Caddo. How ironic that the name “Texas” comes from a word meaning “friendship” from a people that Texas refused to be the friend of!
It’s just like that with Jesus.
Many have a hard time believing Jesus, good as He is, is their friend. Jesus has been feared because He’s different from us, blamed for things He didn’t do, hated because His presence doesn’t go along with our lifestyle. Ultimately, we just kick him out of our lives.
Still, He is known for His love. He is known for being a friend to sinners. He didn’t just die for you, He died and went to hell for you! He slapped death in the face because you and I couldn’t.
Yes, Jesus has proven to be the kind of friend that only He can be. Let’s not do to Him what the Texans did to their friends, the Caddo Indians. Don’t send Him off to a reservation far away! Reserve a place in your heart from Him. He’s proven Himself worthy!
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
– John 15:13
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO KNOW WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE. REMEMBER THAT JESUS IS A GOOD FRIEND WHO DESERVES A PLACE OF HONOR IN YOUR LIFE.
From my book: Best of the Brewer
June 30, 2017
MENTAL CASE
God will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust that God’s got your back no matter how things look in the natural. It’s who He is!
MENTAL CASE
Living with a covenant mentality is living with a Jesus mentality. It will keep you close to God so you don’t wander off the reservation.
A covenant mentality says, “I have hope no matter what because my God will never forsake me.” In fact, He is constantly working for your benefit!
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
– Romans 8:28
Based on the covenant between you and Jesus, you can come to these conclusions…
1. You are who He says you are no matter what.
2. You are blessed no matter what.
3. You are headed into better places no matter what.
4. You are loved no matter what.
5. You are part of His family no matter what – and it’s not because of you! It’s because of your covenant with Him!
Your covenant with God, through Jesus Christ, guarantees you are headed into bigger and better things. It is not His will, or His covenant, that you would regress, worsen or decay in any way except in laying down your life so you can put Him first.
You will always be advancing! Is that you? Are you advancing? If you’re not, it’s time to consider a change in your mental state. Covenant will change every part of your relationship with Jesus for the better!
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO JUDGE YOUR MENTAL STATE. IS IT BASED ON COVENANT OR TRUST IN YOURSELF? PURPOSE TO MOVE INTO A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WHERE YOU TRUST HIM TO CARE FOR YOU IN EVERY WAY!
From my book: Soul Invasion
June 29, 2017
TO THE CRAZY ONES, REBELS AND 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 of 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 1:15-16
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
June 28, 2017
LIVING A KINGDOM MENTALITY
Be a lifesaver today. Find someone who is drowning and give them a hand. What better way to show the love of Jesus?
LIVING A KINGDOM MENTALITY
The church of Jesus Christ should be kingdom oriented, not a personal empire. Do not ask me to participate in your personal empire, because I want no part of it.
Empires fall without exception, but the kingdom of Jesus Christ will indeed last forever.
And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.
– Luke 1:33
My life belongs to the Lord. Whatever I can do to build His kingdom, I’ll do it. If that means helping a Baptist brother with his outreach, a Methodist with a mission trip, or the church next door with a revival, I’m there! Why? Because it’s not about me.
It’s about Jesus Christ being glorified. It’s about real people being saved from the clutches of darkness and slavery to Satan – forever separated from God’s goodness! Why would I not want to be a part of that, however I can?
You see, it’s not about building my kingdom or OpenDoor Church. It’s about building God’s awesome kingdom!
The body of Christ is not a worldwide organization. It is a living organism that miraculously grows by the Spirit of God. It transcends race, language, culture, geographical location and generation.
Because of this, we are not building the kingdom – we are the building of the kingdom! This body does not belong to us, but to the Lord Himself. And so it is with our thinking.
My mind belongs to Him and will be used for service to my King. A kingdom mentality keeps me submissive in my thinking and allows Jesus to truly be King, even in the secret areas of my thoughts.
What about you? Are you kingdom minded?
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
– 2 Corinthians 2:15
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO COMMIT TO A KINGDOM MENTALITY. BE A WORKING PART OF THE WORLDWIDE BODY OF CHRIST. RESCUE THOSE DROWNING IN SIN TO THE LIFEBOAT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.
From my book: Soul Invasion
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