Troy A. Brewer's Blog, page 341
February 10, 2017
Are you living by faith?
When we put our total trust in Jesus, we can rest assured that He will never leave us or forsake us. His love and plan is so great for our lives that we can't even comprehend it. But whatever may come your way Jesus is in control and He alone can see you through it. “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have it to the fullest.” (John 10:10)
RUN PASTOR, RUN!
We had spent a whole week in Costa Rica seeing God do incredible miracles. The night before I flew home, I got into the jacuzzi in my room to suffer a little for Jesus. I fell asleep in just a few minutes.
Instead of blissful peace, I was attacked by a spirit of terror I still can’t describe. An alarm went off in my chest and something way past fear descended on me like a blanket. A dream from hell took over my mind.
In it, I was on a plane and it was going down. The oxygen masks had dropped and everyone on board was crying, praying or screaming. I noticed the stewardess in front of me make it to her chair. It was facing us and as she buckled up, she bit her lower lip and said, “This isn’t fair. This is my first flight in three years and now we are going to die.”
As soon as she said it, there was a horrible roar. I woke up splashing water all over the bathroom. I was so scared I was sick. My heart didn’t slow down for an hour. It was awful.
The next day, I was at the airport, which was going through major renovations. As I waited for my flight, a stewardess walked up and asked, “Is this the gate for American to Dallas?” I told her I thought so, then she sent my heart into my throat. “I haven’t been here in a long time. I’ve been gone for three years.”
I don’t know what she said next because I was busy trying not to have a heart attack. The poison of terror had been injected into my veins. I knew the vision was real, the plane was going down and there was nothing I could do about it. I spent several minutes making a plan not to get on when an idiot light went off in my spirit.
Since when did I base my decisions on a demonic attack from hell? I knew what the Word says, and I could not make it line up with my actions:
The just shall live by faith.
– Romans 1:17, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38
I was trying to live by dreams, premonitions and terror. I had never felt terror in the presence of the Lord, so I knew I was in the presence of evil. It was a spiritual setup to keep me off the plane, so I boarded, confident I was making the right choice.
I prayed all the way home. I got on the nerves of the people around me, but I lived to tell about it!
From my book: SOUL INVASION
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February 9, 2017
What does Jesus look like?
See Jesus by drawing near to Him. When you know His different characteristics, you will see Him in a new light, not by natural sight, but by the Spirit.
PUTTING A FACE TO THE NAME
Some folks think it would be great to know what Jesus looks like. They would like to have a holy mug shot so they can “relate” to Him. Not me. I like the myriad descriptions and the wonder of focusing on His heart instead of His head.
Just like the surprise of seeing my babies for the first time in the delivery room, I’m anxiously awaiting the joy of our first face to face encounter where I can look Him in the eye (after falling on my face in amazement to worship Him) and say, “I recognize you! I saw you in….”
Yes, we’ve seen Him and experienced Him. We will know Him.
Prophetically, when Isaiah wrote about Jesus’ features, he said,
“…He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”
-Isaiah 53:2
That’s as close to Jesus’ mug shot as we’ll get here on planet Earth. You won’t find scriptures like this in the Bible:
“And He stoodeth at six foot two with blue eyes and jet blackish hair. Yea, his countenance was muscular and his skin complexion was olive as waseth common among the Jews.”
-Troy’s Bizarre Bogus Bible Translation
Out of 31,000 scriptures testifying to the Lord Jesus Christ, there are no descriptions of how Jesus actually looked in human form. I am convinced that God did this on purpose. Do you know why? Because those testimonies tell us exactly what Jesus looks like. Are you ready? Jesus looks like
GOODNESS... AND GOOD OVERCOMES EVIL.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO LOOK JESUS IN THE FACE THEN SHARE HIS GOODNESS WITH SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HIM. GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAY, “I RECOGNIZE YOU…”From my book: GOOD OVERCOMES EVIL
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February 8, 2017
what's in your spiritual DNA?
Be sure to know that you are wonderfully made, and your spiritual DNA will match up to others who are of a like tribe. Trust the Lord for these connections.
SPIRITUAL DNA
Just like our physical bodies, I believe with all my heart there is something written within the body of Christ. Something invisible that says, “This one should be lined up and connected with that one. This one should be fed by that one and helped by another one.”
Just like physical DNA, I believe there is spiritual DNA.
A nose is only a growth if it’s not in the right place. Perfect as it might be, it can never perform the function it was meant to, or reach its full potential, until it is connected to the correct members of the body.
Worse yet, the whole body suffers if that nose is rebellious and will not submit to where it is supposed to be.
If you are not connected and functioning within the body of Christ, not only are you not all you can be, neither are we.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7
Too many times, well-meaning Christians look at someone else’s function and want it for themselves. There are great missionaries on the worship team, and effective Sunday School teachers who could lead hundreds of girls and boys to Christ who are pointing cars to empty parking spots outside the church.
Know this: wherever you serve, you are appreciated. Just make sure you are in the right place to use the gifts God has given you. Someone’s eternal life depends on it.
From my book: SOUL INVASION
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February 7, 2017
what's your excuse?
God has a place for you in His Kingdom. He has a job for you to accomplish. Seek His place for you and He will show you.
THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD!
If you are not connected and functioning within the body of Christ using the personal gifts and talents you were given, you are not reaching your highest potential. Rebelling against God’s best for you because someone else’s territory looks easier or has more notoriety will cost you dearly.
This mindset has caused many to miss out on the best things God has for them, simply because they were not present when Jesus showed up. That miracle on the mission field? Someone else saw that. The changed life at the food bank? You weren’t a part of it, though it would have happened sooner if you had been there.
Some of the best things about God are not taught, they are caught. They are imparted and come from the anointing that flows from one life to another. It’s one of those things where you “just had to be there” to get changed.
Even though thousands should have been packed in the upper room as Jesus commanded, there were only 120 there when the Holy Spirit showed up to baptize them.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.
– Acts 4:31
If you missed that meeting, well, you missed it! There was a great move of God that He told you to attend, but you didn’t. Sure other opportunities eventually come along, but that one just left you at the station with a ticket still in your hand.
In Matthew 25, Jesus gave the parable of the 10 virgins. Do you know what He called the five who were not at the house when Jesus showed up? FOOLISH!
It’s just plain foolish to be a Christian and not be joined up to the body of Christ. No matter what your excuse, it just doesn’t fly.
From my book: SOUL INVASION
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February 6, 2017
Don't wait on a special day to see a miracle
Trust in God for His miracle working power. Jesus is powerful today and forever! He is looking for those who will deliver His miraculous power without taking His glory.
SETTING MARTHA STRAIGHT
Martha needed a miracle. Problem was, she didn’t think it was available to her on that given day. She doubted the power of Jesus.
Consider carefully how He set her straight.
Her brother, Lazarus, had assumed room temperature. In fact, He was dead and in the tomb four days before His friend Jesus showed up. While Martha threw a little shade His way with the words, “If you would have come, my brother would be alive,” Jesus let it roll off His back. Her comment, though hurtful, was true. What came next showed that she was just mixed up and believed she had to wait for a special day for her miracle.
Martha then said to Him, “I know that He will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is come into the world.”
– John 11:24-27
She basically said, “I believe you are going to be powerful someday.” Jesus changed that doctrine, for Martha and for you and I, by revealing to her that He was powerful right now. He then asked her, “Do you believe this?”
That’s when the Holy Spirit did a work in her as she looked into His incredible Jewish eyes. A revelation landed right in the middle of her heart. “Yes,” she said as the light went on. Notice the present tense in what she is saying – you “are” the Christ, not you “were” or “someday will be” the Christ who “is” come into the world — not “was” or “will!” He is powerful today!
Martha got her miracle as Jesus spoke the words, “Lazarus, come forth!”
From my book: MIRACLES WITH A MESSAGE
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February 5, 2017
Be all that you can be
The Lord has special gifts and talents that He wants to give you for upgrades in others. Seek those gifts and talents and use them for the edification of others.
THE LORD’S ARMY
The Army must have some el primo marketing people because their slogan “Be all that you can be” really hit home. More young men and women enlisted under that campaign than any other before or since, and those six words became part of the American culture.
They are true in the church as well. There are three irreplaceable pieces of your Christian walk that cannot happen when you live in isolation from the church.
Use of Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12 makes it clear God has given spiritual gifts to every Christian and verse seven says these abilities are not provided to make you feel good. Your gifts are meant to help the rest of us. 1 Peter 4:10 says that when you use your gifts to help others, others can use their gifts to strengthen you.
Mutual Ministry: In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains the church is like a body and each of us is a specific part with a specific purpose. God intends each to meet the needs of other believers – our strength to their weakness. Verse 21 says “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” Neither can a Christian say to the church, “I have no need of you,” but lots of members say it every day! Don’t let that be you.
And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.
- 1 Corinthians 12:21
Accountability: A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions. Regular contact with other believers keeps us sharp and on the right path. I love the verse that says, “Iron sharpens iron,” but just know that through this process, sparks fly! Don’t let that keep you from getting sharpened!
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN MUTUAL MINISTRY. THE ACCOUNTABILITY YOU RECEIVE AND GIVE IS PRICELESS AS YOU STRIVE TO BE ALL YOU CAN BE IN THE LORD’S ARMY!From my book: SOUL INVASION
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February 4, 2017
Can you show people God's power?
The God of miracles wants to show others the wonder of Who He is through you. Step into this new arena of faith and let Him shine through!
THE CASE FOR MIRACLES
Jesus Christ is alive and well! And know this, His power is real in these busy Last Days.
Just as He unwrapped the napkin tied around His face and moved the stone 2,000 years ago, these extreme days require an extreme move of the Lord. In other words, it’s the perfect time for miracles!
Truth be told, I like miracles because they cause the devil to run off screaming, “No fair!”
God has never been afraid to do miracles, nor has He been ashamed of the miracles He’s done. Strangely, today there is a large part of God’s people who want to apologize for anything miraculous. They do this because miracles tend to appeal to the emotion more than the intellect, and that is offensive to some.
Yes, there is nothing worse than something that does not live up to its advertising. It breaks a bond of trust.
I understand the skepticism. I’ve seen the gold flakes, bleeding statues, miracle water and Pentecostal snake handlers and have cringed. Still, there is no excuse for true believers to doubt that God is who He says He is.
In other words, miracles are real because God is who He advertises. God is genuine and He doesn’t need to prove it.
Just like Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character, Rod Tidwell, said in the movie Jerry McGuire, “Show me the money!” people are skeptical in these extreme days. They want God to, “Show me the power! Prove it, God! You say you are love, show me. You say you provide peace and the answer, then show me.” They’ve heard the hype, how they want to see the power!
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
- Ephesians 5:1-2
Can you show them God’s power? Without the proof of changed lives, our boasting is just false advertising. Do people see the miracle of your second birth? Do they see the face of the Savior in you?
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO SEE IF YOU HAVE BEEN FALSELY ADVERTISING GOD AND HIS MIRACLE OF REDEMPTION. BE BOLD. BE HONEST. ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CONVICT AND CORRECT YOU SO THAT YOU CAN HELP OTHERS TRUST THAT JESUS IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS — THE MIRACLE WORKER!From my book: MIRACLES WITH A MESSAGE
February 3, 2017
Break out of the box
God is doing a new thing around you. He is placing people you would not expect to come around you and gird you up when you need it most. Don’t let preconceived ideas keep you in a box.
BREAKING THE BOX
Forfeiting your upgrade because you refuse to conform your life to match God’s will is a huge mistake, and one that many of us make without ever realizing it. Look at King Saul. He disobeyed a clear and direct order from God so he could do things his way. It cost him everything!
A simple understanding of how this works will help you get out of your box and into a better place where upgrade can happen.
Know this: Forward is not in the confines of what we are used to. Forward needs to be learned, pursued and conformed to.
Moving forward after kingdom upgrade will require you to work with teams when you’re naturally a lone wolf individualist. It requires you to go through some things alone when you wish you could party with your friends.
Better will require you to lay down what you think is a big deal and prioritize what you haven’t really cared about before. You may have to lay down something you’ve always considered precious – relationships, mindsets and habits which are holding you back from fully following Jesus. You know what they are, so write them down.
If you are going to move forward and advance into upgrade, God says you have to be that guy. In fact, He says that you already are that guy! You just have to chisel away the parts that don’t look like Him!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
– Proverbs 1:7
Take that list and lay down the things that are keeping you from reaching your purpose. When you do, that is called wisdom. It’s what Saul rejected and Solomon asked for.
Wisdom is a huge part of your ongoing move into better, so be wise and get rid of the foolish things in your life.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BREAK OUT OF THE BOX OF FOOLISH THINKING. MAKE THE WISE DECISION TO PUT ASIDE THE THINGS THAT KEEP YOU FROM MOVING FORWARD TO GOD’S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE.From my book: LIVING LIFE /FORWARD
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February 2, 2017
Are you bargaining with God?
What Jesus did for you requires a reasonable service to the Lord – a life dedicated to serving Him and His Kingdom. He is always at your side to help you.
LET’S MAKE A DEAL…
God doesn’t own a just part of your life. He owns it all. He made you. You are His child, so you belong to Him.
Do your children belong to me? Certainly not! Same thing with my other possessions.
If I allowed you to drive my car and you complained because I asked for the back seat and all you wanted to give me, the owner, was a little trunk space, I would look at you like you were nuts. It is your privilege to drive my car, which is really nice by the way, but I have the pink slip.
If at the end of the day, you want to complain and bargain with me, and finally give me the entire trunk, you insult me. It’s my car so I tell you, “Hey, this is your reasonable service.”
That’s what God calls your life given in service to Him – “reasonable” service.
Now, what’s real is that all of us bargain with God from time to time. It’s not just you, it is all of us, but God helps us to have a right mind on this issue. The cure to the destructive pattern of thinking that “God wants too much out of me,” is to do a proper assessment of whom owns your life.
For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
– 1 Corinthians 6:20
Boo-yah! Jesus purchased you from the devil, a terrible tyrant, with His own blood. You are now a slave to Christ! But don’t worry, He has assured us His “yoke is not heavy” and His “burden is light.”
From my book: SOUL INVASION
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February 1, 2017
Are you too busy to notice God's miracles?
Take time from your busy day today to stop and see the miracles that God has placed all around you. What is God showing you that you’ve been missing?
THE CITY THAT MISSED ITS MIRACLE
If God did an awesome miracle, the kind which could dramatically change your life or the world around you, would you know it? Not if you’re too busy.
Case in point: Bethlehem.
Archaeologists tell us the city water well at the time of Jesus’ birth could support a population of 6,000 people. So imagine Joseph’s shock when he and his betrothed, a very pregnant Mary, topped that last hill and looked down on the town he knew from his childhood. Instead of finding a small town, he found what must have looked like Mardi Gras!
Though the town could only support a few thousand souls, there were tens of thousands of people there due to the Roman decree for all born in Bethlehem to return for a census and taxation. That meant everyone had to take their wealth with them. If your wealth was 100 sheep or 300 goats, it was hard to find a place to stay. It was a mess.
No one wanted to be there. The Roman soldiers were cranky and took their frustrations out on whoever was closest. Too many people, too small a place, too long a time!
If all of this is true, how come we only see a handful of people privy to the miracle birth of Jesus Christ? Where were the thousands in the city?
They were there. They were also clueless to the miracle. Many bumped into, or walked right past it. The reason they missed it was not because they hated God or were really bad people. They missed the miracle because they were busy!
" But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
- Luke 2:10-12
You never read about those people because they were busy getting married, divorced, having babies, living and dying. They didn’t realize they were living in the special days of miracles.
Just think about this: today, you are more busy and live more life in one day than people 2,000 years ago lived in a lifetime. These are extreme days full of extreme people. What used to take a year, now takes but a moment. What used to take a lifetime, can now be done twice in a year.
These are no ordinary days! These are the Last Days, and with Jesus coming again soon, these are the days of miracles.
YES, IT’S A GOOD DAY TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THE MIRACLE OF SALVATION!
From my book: MIRACLES WITH A MESSAGE
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