Troy A. Brewer's Blog, page 76
September 1, 2023
Greatness Ninja
Esther 9:2 – The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people.
Our God is alive, and He is moving today just as He always has. When you feel like everything is falling apart around you, King Jesus rides onto the battlefield as your Redeemer. He takes the very thing meant to destroy you and turns it into your victory. Cry out to Him and trust Him to fight for you. This is the time when your worst scenarios become your best scenarios.
Declaration: My worst day is my launchpad for my best day. God is redeeming my timeline!
GREATNESS NINJALet’s talk about things worth fighting for. While there are plenty of good things in this life, not everything is of God. People confuse the two and Satan loves that. If he can keep you busy doing good things, you lose focus of what God wants you to do for the Kingdom.
That is, fight for knowing Him better and finding His perfect purpose for your life.
Is it good to help with the PTA at your child’s school or coach their soccer team? Yes, but if God’s not in it, limit your time there. Is it good to put in extra hours at the office, work out, hang out with friends, keep an immaculate house, cook gourmet meals or watch hours of Fox News then debate issues on Facebook and Twitter? Yes, but unless it’s helping you with your walk, it’s not the BEST.
Here’s what’s real, a lot of the things many churches do are good, but they have little to do with God, so why are we doing them?
Mary, sister of Lazarus, knew what was best. She was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach while her sister, Mary, got caught up in cleaning, cooking and setting up for the meal. While Martha was pouring drinks, Mary was drinking the King of Kings in.
“She (Martha) came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:40-42
I love Mary. She’s a greatness ninja!
Anyone who hangs out with Jesus, no matter what kind of history they have, begins to contemplate their own untapped ninja-ness. After a while in His presence, you become willing to fight for it just like Mary and the disciples did. The Bible says there was much “strife among them” arguing over who was His favorite. They all wanted to sit at His right hand side in Heaven.
I’m sure Mary will be there. What about you? Are you Jesus’ favorite? Know this — you are!
TODAY IS A GREAT DAY TO THANK JESUS THAT NO ONE IS LIKE YOU — NO ONE! BE BOLD AND REACH FOR THE GREATNESS HE IS CALLING YOU TOWARD.
FIGHT FOR IT! GIVE IT YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION BY LETTING GO OF “GOOD THINGS” AND GRABBING HOLD OF GOD THINGS.
From my book: Living Life /Forward
The post Greatness Ninja appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 31, 2023
Experiencing Goodness and His Presence
Exodus 9:1 – Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: Let My people go, that they may serve Me.’”
The Lord sent Moses to tell the Pharaoh His people don’t belong to him. He sent His Son, Jesus, to set the captives free and declare to all heaven and earth that you belong to Him. Fear, shame, and addictions are no longer your masters. They are liars who want you to believe you are their captive. What’s real is you are free in Christ Jesus and you have the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to others.
Declaration: I’m no longer a slave. I’m a child of God.
EXPERIENCING GOODNESS AND HIS PRESENCEThere is something miraculous that happens in the mess of this life. Through all the hurt, through all the discomfort and the ongoing, unfinished business of dreams yet unfulfilled, you will personally experience God’s presence.
It’s not something you read about, hope for or hear about in church. You actually experience His goodness. I can tell you this – it’s tangible!
Check out this amazing scripture:
O taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! – Psalms 34:8
You see, when evil comes against us and we have to take refuge, the blessing is that we taste the goodness of God. This is not naturally speaking. It is practically speaking. Our ability to know and experience Jesus just got a major upgrade!
Tasting is all about supernatural, personal experience and unique encounter.
Tasters are people who first note the circumstances in which God turned up in the battle and they appreciate it. Tasters learn to set environments and make a big deal out of setting them. They like the romance and intimacy of a personal experience with the Lord.
In the natural, our tastebuds detect sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Each of these has a spiritual counterpart.
Sweet: It’s the part of the Holy Spirit we really appreciate and hope for. They are pleasing to all.
Sour: Represents strong experiences that are not easy to take or digest. You have to develop a taste for sour.
Salty: This is all about enhancement of flavor. It intensifies personal encounters with God and actually leaves you thirsty for more of His goodness.
Bitter: Is a legitimate part of our experience with God. We don’t like it, but it is necessary to our development.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO TASTE THE GOODNESS OF GOD. PERSONALLY EXPERIENCE HIM BY BITING INTO A MESS. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU THE POWER TO CHEW THE DEVIL UP AND SPIT HIM OUT!
From my book: Good Overcomes Evil
The post Experiencing Goodness and His Presence appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
The Fight for What Can Be
John 8:31 – Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”
Abiding is a big deal in the Kingdom of God. It’s not just a resting place you go when you need a little refreshment. It’s a place you never leave. Remaining in that place of intimacy when you feel Him close or when you wonder if you even know Him is the difference between life and death. This life is not a practice run, but a small part of your eternity. Stay loyal to King Jesus and be a disciple by abiding in Him.
Declaration: I will not abandon my Jesus and His word. I am His and He is mine.
THE FIGHT FOR WHAT CAN BEOne thing you must learn on your quest for upgrade is to trust the heart of God and in the power of His grace. Why? Because He is not going to punish you for mistakes made in your attempts to move forward and receive your upgrade. Anyone who tells you different, doesn’t know God’s goodness!
You see, Father God doesn’t punish you when you mess up. Instead, He does what any good father does–He picks you up! God is passionate about your progression. He has a much higher value for your personal growth than for your punishment.
“I will heal their faithlessness; I will love them freely, for My anger is turned away from Israel.” – Hosea 14:4
Since He made you to be a warrior, He knows if you don’t fight for upgrade, you will fight for things that don’t matter. He says to you the same thing He said to Joshua three different times as He was commanding him to move forward into the Promised Land:
“FEAR NOT!”
When you are afraid to move from where you are, you will settle for something that once was, rather than what could be. The fight for what once was (the past) is a battle for what is irrelevant and insignificant. It is the wrong fight to be in! I like to call that the “Dragon of Religion.”
You see, religion likes to call whatever used to be a long time ago “godliness.” Not sure what I’m talking about? Think, “This is the way we’ve always done it.” Or, “God doesn’t work that way anymore.” Just like that, when you keep your head stuck in the sands of the past, you will never move forward. So move forward in your knowledge and progression. If you fall, He’ll dust you off and say, “Sic ‘em!”
From my book Living Life /Forward
The post The Fight for What Can Be appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 30, 2023
Your Pain is Only Temporary
Romans 8:30 – Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Before you were born, God knew you. He put specific talents and gifts in you. He chose you knowing you might not choose Him back. He took a risk and gave up His Son, Jesus, that He might be your Father and watch you do all those things He put in your heart–the things that bring a smile to your face and make you feel alive. Every day you choose to be His child, obeying His voice, you bring Him glory.
Declaration: I’m a child of the Most High God. I choose Him because He first chose me.
YOUR PAIN IS ONLY TEMPORARYWhile it is true God will lead you through some painful places in your walk with Him, it is also true He has an end for your pain.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. – Psalms 30:5
Know this: Sometimes, you are just called to endure some things. You are called to tough some things out, but for every midnight experience, Jesus has a morning waiting. As sure as the sun will rise, your joy is coming.
The book of Romans says “where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.” In other words, for every negative or evil thing the devil has prepared to you, Jesus has that much more power for you. You are fully equipped to deal with the situation you face, so don’t run from it.
You see, God is trusting you and counting on you to face it like the person He’s called you to be.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. – Revelation 21:4
It is not that God doesn’t want you to feel pain. It’s that He doesn’t want you to feel pain forever. Hell is just that – forever. That would be tragic. Your joy is coming!
The post Your Pain is Only Temporary appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 29, 2023
Why Miracles Happen in Prison
Proverbs 8:29 – When He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth…
You are not an accident or a product of circumstance. Just as the Lord marked out the foundations of the earth, He marked out the path for you. When you walk in the wrong direction, or it seems like you are going in circles, He knows how to bring you to the original path. You are never lost if Jesus is your guide. Humble yourself and ask Him for directions.
Declarations: I’m not lost. I’m on my way to my destination and Jesus is my GPS. He will always recalculate!
WHY MIRACLES HAPPEN IN PRISONI like preaching in prison. Not only do you have the proverbial captive audience, some of them are really scary and dangerous. In those times, a special anointing of God is upon you. That’s probably why I like it so much.
Miracles break out in prison when you preach God’s mercy to men and women who had no mercy on others. It’s about loving on those everyone hates and remembering people everybody wants to forget. That’s radical and that is Jesus!
Now, most of the church fails to recognize the revival that has been going on behind bars in this country. I’ve had several people tell me they doubt the sincerity of convicted drug lords, rapists, murderers and thieves as they receive Jesus. “Aren’t most of them just playing games?” they ask.
My response is that in all my years of ministry and pastoring, I’ve never been to a service yet where somebody wasn’t playing games. It doesn’t keep me from preaching on Sunday, so why would it keep my from sharing the Gospel in prison?
Because I understand this, I see there is a radical move of God going on in our prisons today. Why? The answer is in 1 Kings 19:11-12 when God reveals Himself to a dejected Elijah.
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still small voice.
Still and small is not only a description of the way God speaks life into us, it is also a description of the heart that hears the voice of God! Read that again.
Prison is a place where you are forced to become still. Your life is put on hold. You starve to be busy doing anything. You have few choices and most of them are made by someone else.
Prison is also a place where you get small. No matter how tough you are, there are ten guys tougher, and likely crazier, than you are on each cell block. You are no longer the big dog.
And prison is a place of disappointment, shame and heartache. It is perfect for a move of God because for the majority of the men and women locked up, it’s the only time they’ve truly been still and small. For the first time, they recognize the voice of the Lord. Their humility allows miracles to bust out.
What about you? You may not be behind literal bars, but are you incarcerated by your past, your addictions, your anger or your circumstances? Put your pride and arrogance aside. Get still and small. The Lord will show up in whisper and you’ll be able to hear it.
From my book: Miracles with a Message
The post Why Miracles Happen in Prison appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 27, 2023
A Good Word
Romans 8:28 – 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.
All things are not good. When the Lord takes those bad things and combines them with the powerful blood of His Son, He brings victory over what was meant to hurt you, stop you from completing your assignment and divert your destiny. Now God can use those same things to push you forward into upgrade. His promises are glorious and trustworthy. Do not lose heart.
Declaration: I’m called according to God’s purpose. I trust His promises as He turns ashes into beauty in my life.
A GOOD WORDAre you ready for a true gem of wisdom? Here it is: the ministry you respect is the one that changes your life. It’s the one you will model yourself and your ministry after.
If someone asked me what kind of ministry I have at OpenDoor Church, the answer would be a prophetic ministry.
There is a lot of confusion surrounding prophecy and the prophetic. Many people believe those two words mean predicting the future. However, the Bible tells us what prophecy is and how it manifests.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not love, I am nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:2
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort… the one who prophesies edifies the church.” – 1 Corinthians 14:3
Wow! Did you see all the cool stuff that comes along with prophecy? Fathoming mysteries and knowledge, having effective faith and speaking life and truth into people to lift them and the church up. Now, that’s something I want a double portion of!
Come to think of it, I already do! Why? Because the ministry that I respect, the powerfully prophetic Gates of Glory Church and Pastor Howard Richardson, is the ministry that changed my life. It truly shaped me.
When I was a mixed-up 19-year-old kid at a tent meeting in Grand Prairie, Texas, Pastor Richardson pointed me out in the crowd and prophesied that I would preach the Gospel all over the world. I didn’t know what to think about that word, but I do know this–it felt right. I knew when he said it, it would come true.
You see, his prophecy over me was positive reinforcement that God saw me and had a real plan for me. While prediction can be a part of prophecy, the main thing about prophecy is giving people wings to move forward. Looking back, I can honestly say Pastor Richardson’s word over me that night strengthened, encouraged and comforted me.
Needless to say, I have great respect for his ministry. It gave me a plan and changed my life. That might be why my ministry is grounded in the prophetic! I hope my words strengthen, encourage, comfort and edify you to change the world.
From my book: Miracles with a Message
The post A Good Word appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 26, 2023
Wows and Wonders
1 Kings 8:27 – “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!”
The creator of Heaven and Earth inhabits everything everywhere all at the same time. So why a Tabernacle in the desert, a Temple in Jerusalem or a church in America? Does being a member in a specific church make you a Christian? No. Following Jesus does. Yet, because God is so personal, He consecrates places to meet you in a way you don’t encounter Him alone. If you don’t have a church, ask the Lord where He has prepared a place for you among His children. Go meet Him there.
Declaration: I belong in the body of Christ. I have a place at God’s table. The enemy is not invited.
WOWS AND WONDERSIn over 30 years of consistently bringing God’s goodness to the poor and afflicted, Leanna and I have seen signs, miracles and wonders beyond definition. Some of the greatest miracles I have experienced have just naturally happened while were were helping in very practical ways.
Heaven invades earth and God’s will is done through these works of the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact, all three works of the Holy Spirit–signs, miracles and wonders–are mentioned together in only one verse in the King James Bible.
“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” – Acts 2:22
There is a big difference between these three manifestations of the Spirit, so hold on tight as I give you Troy’s Cliff Notes primer on signs, miracles and wonders.
SIGNS: A natural event that proclaims a message of something unseen. It’s when God uses the natural to point to the supernatural. A good example is when a microburst snapped the power pole, blew up the transformer and cut the power to a friend’s house. Of course, the electric company put up a new pole and transformer, but there was a message in that wind. God used the natural to cut off an old power source–a negative way of thinking–to her household. It was replaced by a new power source–a Godly way of thinking. My friend admitted she had just repented of talking to “snakes” and had no idea there was a message in the microburst because when it comes to signs, only those looking for them can see them. I’m looking!
MIRACLES: Are when God changes, or even exchanges, the natural with the supernatural. It’s when God intervenes in extreme circumstances and rescues us from negative circumstances, danger or a major malfunction. Sickness is healed, a car is miraculously moved out of the way of a speeding truck, or an unexpected check shows up in the mail and is just enough to pay the past due mortgage.
WONDERS: A wonder is a show-stopper and a jaw-dropper. It is attached to how wonderful God is and it raises the bar for new levels of faith. Wonders are things God does just because He can and they have a very personal message in them. Wonders in my life include being given a million-dollar church campus by a near stranger before I even knew I needed one, or praying with a prison inmate desperate to get a message to his long lost family. Then, the next day, sitting beside his brother in a 60,000-seat stadium and getting to relay the Good News that little brother had gotten himself saved. It’s God taking you to the next level of His goodness.
Yes, all three are manifestations of the Father’s ultimate goodness. If you haven’t had a mind-blowing, game-changing sign, miracle or wonder from the Lord Jesus Christ, you need an injection of goodness into your life. Ask Him for one and watch Him show up and show off because good overcomes evil.
From my book: Good Overcomes Evil
The post Wows and Wonders appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 25, 2023
God’s Declaration of War
Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
We can’t fight the battles of this day by our own strength. We need Holy Spirit power to defeat the temptations and distractions of our dark culture. When we don’t have any words for what we see around us, His Spirit never runs out of intercession. Submit to Him all the troubles of the day and let Him teach, comfort and lead you to a life you dreamed of.
Declaration: The strength of the Holy Spirit is in me. He intercedes for me when doubt and darkness descend.
GOD’S DECLARATION OF WARThe first time we see goodness in the Bible is in the creation account. At the end of each day, in the midst of darkness and chaos, God said, “It is good!”
While everything was messy, unfinished and in a state of deformed transition–while nothing was as it should be and everything was half-formed–God declared His goodness right there on the spot.
…and God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:25
The Lord waged war on disorder, darkness and chaos by proclaiming and demonstrating His goodness. This is how He changes the atmosphere. He introduces goodness. We should do the same.
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. –Romans 8:28
Since we love God, we are not afraid of the mess. The mess actually becomes employed by the goodness of God. In this verse, the Bible says our love for God qualifies us to see all things work together for good! It is His ongoing work in and for us to experience goodness.
Know this: There is a lot of warfare involved in confronting darkness. You will not be in clean, pristine, safe environments. You will be in prisons sharing the Gospel, brothels freeing little girls and boys from slavery, ghettos feeding the poor and trash dumps bringing clothing, water and hope to the hopeless. That sounds pretty good to me! What about you? Are you prepared to stand at the gates of Hell and redirect traffic today?
From my book: Good Overcomes Evil
The post God’s Declaration of War appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 24, 2023
Flying First Class
Luke 8:25 – But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, breaks the spirit of chaos in every situation He is invited into. No matter how big the mess in your life, Jesus can handle it. When you are full of anxiety and fear, call upon the name of Jesus then stand in awe of what He will do. God brings His stability to uncertain times. It’s His desire to give you His peace because He wants you to enjoy and live a life worthy of His blood.
Declaration: The Peace of God is mine. I have His authority to break the spirit of chaos in the lost so they can be found.
FLYING FIRST CLASSThe power of upgrade moves you from the cheap seats to box seats in a given area of your life. This is in direct proportion to your willingness to move forward within that arena.
Here is the key to upgrade: When God grants you a breakthrough, you must be prepared to go to the next level again and again and again without stopping. Why? Because the Kingdom is not for people who fear change and pine for the good old days. The Kingdom of God is transformational and so are the people who go through it with momentum.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. – Matthew 11:12
If you’re not sure what Jesus is saying in this text, maybe this newer translation will help you sink your teeth into it:
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. – Matthew 11:12
Be forceful! Go after that thing you want for the kingdom. Do you want to start a new ministry? Take that first step. Are you hoping to adopt a child or start an orphanage? Go for it! Are you looking to start a new business venture to make money to give to missions? Jump right in! Have a heart for the homeless? Follow that vision! Be intentional about the keys to upgrade and take the Kingdom by force.
From my book Living Life /Forward
The post Flying First Class appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
August 23, 2023
Recognize the Voice of the Snake?
John 8:24 – “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
Are you willing to face the truth in a day where deception and lies are everywhere? People and processes we thought we could trust in the past have lost credibility. The Bible has been credible and unshakable throughout the ages. Jesus Christ has always claimed to be the ultimate Truth who will set you free from all lies and sin. You want the truth? Jesus is it! Turn to Him.
Declaration: I believe the Truth. I turn to see His face today so I can be set free.
Recognize the Voice of the Snake?Beware of being fixated on your past. It can be toxic. When this happens, your fight for greatness gets replaced with a fight for preserving history, and living it out over and over again. That’s where it really gets ugly!
You can see how ugly it gets in the conversations you have in your head. Admit it. You remember something that happened in the past and think, “I should have said this,” “I should have done that,” or “What if…” You start to construct conversations in your head that are not only practicing for a fight you will regret, they transport you back to the anger and hurt all over again. STOP IT!
From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. – Psalms 73:7
All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations – Isaiah 65:2
When you find yourself having those conversations in your head, like Adam and Eve before you, YOU ARE TALKING TO SNAKES! The serpent wants to keep you wrapped up in your past so you never forgive. If you don’t forgive, you will turn bitter. Once you’re bitter, you are angry all the time and kill your witness for Jesus!
Not only do you kill your testimony, you slam the brakes on your upgrade. Moving forward means forgiving those in your past, turning your face forward and saying, “NO!” when the snake tries to stir you up about your past.
Do you recognize the voice of the snake? When you do, tell him to get out of your head in the name of Jesus. Replace his voice with forgiveness and you will prosper!
From my book Living Life /Forward
The post Recognize the Voice of the Snake? appeared first on Troy Brewer Ministries.
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