Benjamin Franklin said a lot of things and one of the things he said was about the character of people. “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”
In seven years of writing this column I have very seldom missed my deadline. In fact, I think I can count on one hand how many times I failed to deliver my finely written masterpiece of opinion, muse, yarns and Kingdom insight on anytime other than ontime. But this week is different I am typing this up late.
Yes I am moving my offices and my church to a whole new location. Yes a friend of mine died and it is also true we had a massive food outreach this week. While those things are as right as rain they are also just excuses when presented in terms of why I couldn't do this job right.
So I thought I might come up with some better ones. Way past the dog ate it I would say something like, “The dog ate my keys and I am having to hitch hike to the vet.”. Those kinds of things are excuses that I think show more intelligence than lack of character. If you are going to look stupid in giving excuses you might as well be smart about it.
If your late for something you can send a text and say things like
this. I am blocked by a presidential motorcade or I’m stuck in the blood pressure machine in HEB.
If you had to pull your kid out of school and your worried about truancy issues I suggest a note like this. Please excuse Mary, she was sick and I had her shot.
Maybe the teacher will think your an idiot and feel sorry enough for your kid to let her pass. Or maybe something like this, “Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
If you get pulled over by a police officer that asks you where the fire is. Bat your eyelashes and say something like “Oh officer, in your eyes!”
One time a friend texted me and asked me if I could come over and pray for his house. I replied, “I don’t know, my stigmata is acting up.” Thank you I am here all night.
The bottom line is that there is no excuse for living a life of making excuses. I don’t want to be like that. I am as guilty as anybody I am afraid, but I am consciously fighting it.
Laziness is the lack of action or the lack of the will to act. The I-don’t-wannas and the blahs come from a lack of a priorities and vision. Here’s a big time word of encouragement to get your self moving and not to settle for an excuse when you can take advantage of what God has handed all of us.
Give us the grace Lord.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
WALKING ON WATER
Ten years ago, Leanna and I decided to do something really radical. It seems silly to me now that it was so far out of our box back back then but we decided to host a ladies conference on a five day cruise in the Caribbean. At that time we had never done the cruise thing and our Ladies meetings had been land locked. I had only been on the ocean a couple of times to fish and although I had caught a 9 foot 7 inch sailfish, I brought it on board while loosing my lunch. The Brewer tends to get sea sick.
So I wasn't sure if a long cruise would have me making a technicolor tribute to Disney or inspire me into talking to God on the big white telephone, but I was afraid it would. I hate to be sea sick.
Nearly a dozen cruises later, I can tell you, my fears were unwarranted and a big waist of valuable brain space.
CASTING BREAD
So we began to save up for that first big trip and the Lord put it on my heart to send another couple too. We were honored to have them with us and they would not have gone unless we had paid for them to go. They had a time and we had a time. The next year we did it again and again Leanna and I secretly paid for a couple to go the cruise. See, we started doing marriage retreats after that and every year Leanna and I would prayerfully consider a couple to sponsor for a week long cruise. We did this for at least seven trips without telling anybody. There is a reason I am telling you now.
About six months ago, a couple in our church Approached me and asked me I would be willing to remarry them for their 20th anniversary as the renewed their vows. When I told them I would, they then told me they wanted to get married in Greece on a twelve night cruise through the Mediterranean. They would pay for Leanna and I to go and even for the plane tickets to Rome and back. A few minutes later, I woke up to smelling sauce and yes it was a true. A dream come true.
SMOKE ON THE WATER
Two days ago, I returned from this trip and let me tell it, it was far better than any trip I had given to anyone else. We toured the colosseum in Rome and threw coins in the fountain. We saw mount Vesuvius and walked the ruins of Pompeii. I got my girls and my mom a Cameo near Naples. Went to the Isle of Capri and I’m not talking about the one in Shreveport.
I also went to Athens Greece, ancient Corinth and even Ephesus in Turkey. I married my friends in Lindos bay on the Isle of Rhodes where Paul also preached and where they filmed the guns of Navaron. I mean come on! Not only had Paul the apostle been there but Gregory Peck and David Niven too!
Leanna rode a camel at the Pyramids in Giza and I ate Pizza in Sicily. On top of all this, we had a balcony stateroom on the Navigator of the seas and perfect weather all the way. A hundred dreams came true for me on this trip because of the generosity and love of some very selfless friends and I tell you it all started with God hearts for us to give a trip to some of our friends.
You are not going to out give God. You can’t out God -God. You can’t be nicer than Him or more generous than Him. Take it from a guy that has tasted and seen the Lord is good, give in a radical way when he tells you too. And believe me when I tell you, It won’t make you sick like you are afraid that it will.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver
WWW.FRESHFROMTHEBREWER.COM
So I wasn't sure if a long cruise would have me making a technicolor tribute to Disney or inspire me into talking to God on the big white telephone, but I was afraid it would. I hate to be sea sick.
Nearly a dozen cruises later, I can tell you, my fears were unwarranted and a big waist of valuable brain space.
CASTING BREAD
So we began to save up for that first big trip and the Lord put it on my heart to send another couple too. We were honored to have them with us and they would not have gone unless we had paid for them to go. They had a time and we had a time. The next year we did it again and again Leanna and I secretly paid for a couple to go the cruise. See, we started doing marriage retreats after that and every year Leanna and I would prayerfully consider a couple to sponsor for a week long cruise. We did this for at least seven trips without telling anybody. There is a reason I am telling you now.
About six months ago, a couple in our church Approached me and asked me I would be willing to remarry them for their 20th anniversary as the renewed their vows. When I told them I would, they then told me they wanted to get married in Greece on a twelve night cruise through the Mediterranean. They would pay for Leanna and I to go and even for the plane tickets to Rome and back. A few minutes later, I woke up to smelling sauce and yes it was a true. A dream come true.
SMOKE ON THE WATER
Two days ago, I returned from this trip and let me tell it, it was far better than any trip I had given to anyone else. We toured the colosseum in Rome and threw coins in the fountain. We saw mount Vesuvius and walked the ruins of Pompeii. I got my girls and my mom a Cameo near Naples. Went to the Isle of Capri and I’m not talking about the one in Shreveport.
I also went to Athens Greece, ancient Corinth and even Ephesus in Turkey. I married my friends in Lindos bay on the Isle of Rhodes where Paul also preached and where they filmed the guns of Navaron. I mean come on! Not only had Paul the apostle been there but Gregory Peck and David Niven too!
Leanna rode a camel at the Pyramids in Giza and I ate Pizza in Sicily. On top of all this, we had a balcony stateroom on the Navigator of the seas and perfect weather all the way. A hundred dreams came true for me on this trip because of the generosity and love of some very selfless friends and I tell you it all started with God hearts for us to give a trip to some of our friends.
You are not going to out give God. You can’t out God -God. You can’t be nicer than Him or more generous than Him. Take it from a guy that has tasted and seen the Lord is good, give in a radical way when he tells you too. And believe me when I tell you, It won’t make you sick like you are afraid that it will.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver
WWW.FRESHFROMTHEBREWER.COM
Friday, October 8, 2010
TO BE FREE AND KNOT TO BE
The ability to tie knots can be a really big deal. When I was a kid, I was always amazed at how my step dad could tie knots — which he learned how to do in the Navy. I also remember Julius Reinach, an old German immigrant, teaching us Cub Scouts how to tie a slipknot. What a hard job that brother had!
I didn't learn how to tie my shoes until I was 34, so it took me a while to learn knots. I am still learning.
A Honda Knot is the knot all the cowboys use to form a lasso. It makes a nearly perfect circle. A Trucker’s Knot is one of those knots that, once you learn to use, you wonder how you ever got a long without it.
If you go to netknots.com there are animated videos of more than 50 knots, and step-by-step instructions. You can also download an iPhone app and take several thousand years of rope knowledge with you everywhere you go.
Last week, a friend of mine sent me a poem she had written and I thought it good enough to include in this week’s sip from the Carpenter’s cup. Rest is a weapon and anything we can do to help each other get untied and unbound is worth doing. Enjoy.
DEAR GOD,
Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and life.
Remove the have-nots, the can-nots and the do-nots that I hang on to.
Erase the will-nots, may-nots and might-nots that find a home in my heart. Release me from the could-nots, would-nots and should-nots that obstruct my life.
Most of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and all my life the am-nots that I have allowed to hold me back.
Especially that thought that I am not good enough to go forward. Untie me Lord.
Amen
Troy Brewer is the pastor of Open Door Ministries, and can be found on the web at www.freshfromthebrewer.com, www.troybrewer.com and www.opendoorministries.org.
I didn't learn how to tie my shoes until I was 34, so it took me a while to learn knots. I am still learning.
A Honda Knot is the knot all the cowboys use to form a lasso. It makes a nearly perfect circle. A Trucker’s Knot is one of those knots that, once you learn to use, you wonder how you ever got a long without it.
If you go to netknots.com there are animated videos of more than 50 knots, and step-by-step instructions. You can also download an iPhone app and take several thousand years of rope knowledge with you everywhere you go.
Last week, a friend of mine sent me a poem she had written and I thought it good enough to include in this week’s sip from the Carpenter’s cup. Rest is a weapon and anything we can do to help each other get untied and unbound is worth doing. Enjoy.
DEAR GOD,
Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and life.
Remove the have-nots, the can-nots and the do-nots that I hang on to.
Erase the will-nots, may-nots and might-nots that find a home in my heart. Release me from the could-nots, would-nots and should-nots that obstruct my life.
Most of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and all my life the am-nots that I have allowed to hold me back.
Especially that thought that I am not good enough to go forward. Untie me Lord.
Amen
Troy Brewer is the pastor of Open Door Ministries, and can be found on the web at www.freshfromthebrewer.com, www.troybrewer.com and www.opendoorministries.org.
Friday, October 1, 2010
THE ART OF CELEBRATION
Godly people celebrate things. The creation story of Genesis not only gives us a glimpse of how things got started, but also of the heart of the Creator Himself. At the end of every day, even though things were not finished being made, God celebrated each accomplishment. Without a group of friends and family to help Him, He still put on a little party hat, threw some confetti in the air, and said, “It is good.”
God celebrates accomplishment. God celebrates life, even though it is a long way from being perfect. It doesn't have to be perfect, it merely has to be good for God to stop and throw a party at the end of the day.
I was thinking about this principle last week. So I decided to list some little things in life worth celebrating, things that make me do a little dance and say, “It is good.”
Last week I sent out a list of the Top 15 things I had learned in 15 years of pastoring a three ring church circus. People like lists, but more that that, people like good lists. There are things I love about life and I have listed some them because my list may help you make your own list. It’s a good day to be happy.
THINGS I LOVE TO CELEBRATE
I love to sing the guitar solos of my favorite songs.
I love to drive on hot summer nights with my windows down.
I love to scratch my back with BBQ utensils while cooking.
I love to correctly guess if the door is a push or a pull and just go right through . It confirms that I have a prophetic gift.
I love an upgrade--any kind of upgrade or comp thrown in. It convinces me I am still God’s favorite.
I love it when the Cowboys play on Monday Night Football.
I love it when the weather changes drastically, especially when a cold front blows in.
I love getting all the way through customs at DFW and hearing the officer say, “Welcome home.”
I love it when it rains right after I, or preferably one of my boys, have cut the grass.
I love to let go of the gas pump and see it land on exactly the dollar amount I wanted it to. It means that I still have cat like reflexes.
I love making fun of the picture on your driver’s license.
I love eating the cookie dough instead of waiting for it to be baked.
I love different accents and the way people talk.
I love climbing into a warm bed on a cold night.
Once I start making this list, I can’t stop. I didn't even get into boat docks, sunsets or puppy breath. The bottom line is that there are things in all of our lives worth celebrating. I think when we fail to make a big deal out of the right things, we make an even bigger deal out of the wrong things.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Collosians 2:6-8
God celebrates accomplishment. God celebrates life, even though it is a long way from being perfect. It doesn't have to be perfect, it merely has to be good for God to stop and throw a party at the end of the day.
I was thinking about this principle last week. So I decided to list some little things in life worth celebrating, things that make me do a little dance and say, “It is good.”
Last week I sent out a list of the Top 15 things I had learned in 15 years of pastoring a three ring church circus. People like lists, but more that that, people like good lists. There are things I love about life and I have listed some them because my list may help you make your own list. It’s a good day to be happy.
THINGS I LOVE TO CELEBRATE
I love to sing the guitar solos of my favorite songs.
I love to drive on hot summer nights with my windows down.
I love to scratch my back with BBQ utensils while cooking.
I love to correctly guess if the door is a push or a pull and just go right through . It confirms that I have a prophetic gift.
I love an upgrade--any kind of upgrade or comp thrown in. It convinces me I am still God’s favorite.
I love it when the Cowboys play on Monday Night Football.
I love it when the weather changes drastically, especially when a cold front blows in.
I love getting all the way through customs at DFW and hearing the officer say, “Welcome home.”
I love it when it rains right after I, or preferably one of my boys, have cut the grass.
I love to let go of the gas pump and see it land on exactly the dollar amount I wanted it to. It means that I still have cat like reflexes.
I love making fun of the picture on your driver’s license.
I love eating the cookie dough instead of waiting for it to be baked.
I love different accents and the way people talk.
I love climbing into a warm bed on a cold night.
Once I start making this list, I can’t stop. I didn't even get into boat docks, sunsets or puppy breath. The bottom line is that there are things in all of our lives worth celebrating. I think when we fail to make a big deal out of the right things, we make an even bigger deal out of the wrong things.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Collosians 2:6-8
Friday, September 24, 2010
15 YEARS AND COUNTING
There are some strange traditions when it comes to anniversaries. Some traditional person, a mindful female who had her act together I’m sure, decided once and for all to put the order of required anniversary gifts into stone. Of course, this is a bane for those of us, especially men, who do not have our acts together. I have no idea what the story is behind every year’s traditional anniversary gifts but they seem a little, well . . . odd.
For example paper is the traditional gift for a first anniversary. I think this can be misinterpreted. I can see some hillbilly in Johnson County right now, “Here ya go honey, I got this here roll of Charmin for ya.” We might need to clarify.
Cotton is what you’re supposed to get your bride on your second anniversary. Here comes the hillbilly again, stomping in the house with his muddy boots holding a big rooted green plant with cotton balls on it. “I picked this up between Cleburne and Hillsboro, Baby.”
The traditional gift for a third year anniversary is leather. “I know we don’t have a horse, but you’ll look good on this saddle, Sweetie.”
The traditional gift for a fourth year anniversary is linen. “Heres a copy of the White Album by the Beatles. I know that John was always your favorite.”
I could go on, but when you get to number 15, it turns out to be crystal. The number 15 stands out to me this week and not because I’ve been watching Sesame Street. This time of year marks our anniversary at Open Door, and it turns out that this is 15 years.
HINDSIGHT
I’ve got a crystal clear view of the past 15 years: living from sermon to sermon. There are so many things I would love to do over and so many things that I don’t think I could ever make happen again. There is nothing boring about starting up a church, and I think ministry is a lot like getting old. It is not for wimps.
So here is my list of Top 15 things I have learned about life , church and surviving as a pastor for the past 15 years.
(1) Most of what we teach, isn't taught on purpose.
(2) Never compliment anyone on being pregnant unless they tell you they are pregnant.
(3) God did not put any of us here to change or control people. We have full time jobs judging ourselves.
(4) There is no correlation between the price of a brand of batteries and how long they last.
(5) You see people’s glory but you don’t see their story. Victorious people make it look easy to live that way.
(6) As long as there are zippers, Plexiglass pulpits can be a powerful tool for the devil.
(7) If you know lots of people, a lot of those people will be with you for only a season in your life.
(8) A little bit of Jesus can make up for a whole lot of stupid
(9) God doesn't do great things through a church service. He does great things through the relationships of the people in a church service.
(10) It takes hard work to be a blessing.
(11) Church doesn't make God love you more. A good church helps you love God more.
(12) The Great Commission is not the Great Commandment, and preaching is not a priority over loving God and loving people.
(13) It is necessary in Johnson County, Texas, to have no smoking signs on the church doors.
(14) If you tell your own stories people will not have anything on you.
(15) Every single one of us are in desperate need of a savior.
I have needed a lot of grace in my life and continue to need it all the more. A big shout out to everybody who has been a part of my personal journey. Wherever you are, whether we have ever met or not, I thank God for you, and may all of us remain teachable people willing to move forward.
www.openddoorministries.org www.freshfromthebrewer.com
www.troybrewer.com
For example paper is the traditional gift for a first anniversary. I think this can be misinterpreted. I can see some hillbilly in Johnson County right now, “Here ya go honey, I got this here roll of Charmin for ya.” We might need to clarify.
Cotton is what you’re supposed to get your bride on your second anniversary. Here comes the hillbilly again, stomping in the house with his muddy boots holding a big rooted green plant with cotton balls on it. “I picked this up between Cleburne and Hillsboro, Baby.”
The traditional gift for a third year anniversary is leather. “I know we don’t have a horse, but you’ll look good on this saddle, Sweetie.”
The traditional gift for a fourth year anniversary is linen. “Heres a copy of the White Album by the Beatles. I know that John was always your favorite.”
I could go on, but when you get to number 15, it turns out to be crystal. The number 15 stands out to me this week and not because I’ve been watching Sesame Street. This time of year marks our anniversary at Open Door, and it turns out that this is 15 years.
HINDSIGHT
I’ve got a crystal clear view of the past 15 years: living from sermon to sermon. There are so many things I would love to do over and so many things that I don’t think I could ever make happen again. There is nothing boring about starting up a church, and I think ministry is a lot like getting old. It is not for wimps.
So here is my list of Top 15 things I have learned about life , church and surviving as a pastor for the past 15 years.
(1) Most of what we teach, isn't taught on purpose.
(2) Never compliment anyone on being pregnant unless they tell you they are pregnant.
(3) God did not put any of us here to change or control people. We have full time jobs judging ourselves.
(4) There is no correlation between the price of a brand of batteries and how long they last.
(5) You see people’s glory but you don’t see their story. Victorious people make it look easy to live that way.
(6) As long as there are zippers, Plexiglass pulpits can be a powerful tool for the devil.
(7) If you know lots of people, a lot of those people will be with you for only a season in your life.
(8) A little bit of Jesus can make up for a whole lot of stupid
(9) God doesn't do great things through a church service. He does great things through the relationships of the people in a church service.
(10) It takes hard work to be a blessing.
(11) Church doesn't make God love you more. A good church helps you love God more.
(12) The Great Commission is not the Great Commandment, and preaching is not a priority over loving God and loving people.
(13) It is necessary in Johnson County, Texas, to have no smoking signs on the church doors.
(14) If you tell your own stories people will not have anything on you.
(15) Every single one of us are in desperate need of a savior.
I have needed a lot of grace in my life and continue to need it all the more. A big shout out to everybody who has been a part of my personal journey. Wherever you are, whether we have ever met or not, I thank God for you, and may all of us remain teachable people willing to move forward.
www.openddoorministries.org www.freshfromthebrewer.com
www.troybrewer.com
WE NEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT OUT OF YOU
Fifteen years ago, when I was thinking about starting Open Door Ministries, my wife and I had a major disagreement. Oh, she was 100% supportive and on board with me starting the church, it was just that she didn't think she would be a very good Pastor’s wife.
“Why Not?”, I asked. “Your like the perfect Pastor’s wife. Heck, your the perfect any kind of wife.”
“No I’m Not.”, she said with tears. “I can’t sing or play piano.”
I thought that was hilarious. See, I didn't need her to play piano or sing because God gave me an awesome set of pipes and I can play guitar like Davey Crocket.
The bottom line is that Leanna didn't think she had any gifts or talents and of course she was drop dead wrong.
One of Leanna’s highest giftings has to do with kids. She loves kids. she works well with kids. She connects with kids and turns out, there has always been a greater need in our children’s church then on stage with musicians. The people at Open Door tend to be extremely fertile.
RECOGNIZING YOUR GIFTS
A big part of you and I fulfilling our destiny has to do with the recognition of how we are different. There is something about you that really stands out. There is something you are a ten at where the rest of us tend to be a two. There is something God has anointed you to do that He hasn't others. The rest of us need you to be different.
In this United Nations, cookie cutter day of political correctness and we are the world love songs, it is refreshing for you to be authentic and genuine. It is not your sameness to the rest of the world that causes people to be attracted to you, it’s what makes you different. You don’t have to be the same as everybody else, in fact, God didn't make you to blend in but to stand out.
There is something God has stored within you that He has not put within the rest of us and your contribution could be the missing piece that connects the rest of the dots for us.
NOW THATS DIFFERENT
Great crowds came out to see a man we know as John the baptist, not because he was like the Pharisees or the “Reverend Doctors” of his day, but because he dared to be different. He dared to be authentic and genuine and it was out of him being real that his greatest gift was exposed. Jesus himself talked about how brilliant John was and that his greatest contribution came from him not being like a common reed on the river bank or a prophet in an Armani suit. (Luke 7:24-25)
No, John was really different and his prophetic gift turned out to be the greatest contribution. Thats’ the way it is with you too. Discover how God made you different and you will discover some of the greatest ways you can make a difference. But you have to have the courage to be you in a world that wants you to conform to their....whatever.
Today my wife, is not just a Pastor’s wife. She heads up an orphanage Ministry that does amazing things throughout the world. It’s called Spark world wide. SPARK is an acronym for Serving, Protecting And Raising Kids. She has orphanages in Uganda, India, Mexico and the Amazon. The difference she makes is amazing and if she had not stayed true to who she was, she would of never discovered her greatest gift.
A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. Proverbs 18:16
www.troybrewer.com www.sparkworldwide.org www.opendoorministries
“Why Not?”, I asked. “Your like the perfect Pastor’s wife. Heck, your the perfect any kind of wife.”
“No I’m Not.”, she said with tears. “I can’t sing or play piano.”
I thought that was hilarious. See, I didn't need her to play piano or sing because God gave me an awesome set of pipes and I can play guitar like Davey Crocket.
The bottom line is that Leanna didn't think she had any gifts or talents and of course she was drop dead wrong.
One of Leanna’s highest giftings has to do with kids. She loves kids. she works well with kids. She connects with kids and turns out, there has always been a greater need in our children’s church then on stage with musicians. The people at Open Door tend to be extremely fertile.
RECOGNIZING YOUR GIFTS
A big part of you and I fulfilling our destiny has to do with the recognition of how we are different. There is something about you that really stands out. There is something you are a ten at where the rest of us tend to be a two. There is something God has anointed you to do that He hasn't others. The rest of us need you to be different.
In this United Nations, cookie cutter day of political correctness and we are the world love songs, it is refreshing for you to be authentic and genuine. It is not your sameness to the rest of the world that causes people to be attracted to you, it’s what makes you different. You don’t have to be the same as everybody else, in fact, God didn't make you to blend in but to stand out.
There is something God has stored within you that He has not put within the rest of us and your contribution could be the missing piece that connects the rest of the dots for us.
NOW THATS DIFFERENT
Great crowds came out to see a man we know as John the baptist, not because he was like the Pharisees or the “Reverend Doctors” of his day, but because he dared to be different. He dared to be authentic and genuine and it was out of him being real that his greatest gift was exposed. Jesus himself talked about how brilliant John was and that his greatest contribution came from him not being like a common reed on the river bank or a prophet in an Armani suit. (Luke 7:24-25)
No, John was really different and his prophetic gift turned out to be the greatest contribution. Thats’ the way it is with you too. Discover how God made you different and you will discover some of the greatest ways you can make a difference. But you have to have the courage to be you in a world that wants you to conform to their....whatever.
Today my wife, is not just a Pastor’s wife. She heads up an orphanage Ministry that does amazing things throughout the world. It’s called Spark world wide. SPARK is an acronym for Serving, Protecting And Raising Kids. She has orphanages in Uganda, India, Mexico and the Amazon. The difference she makes is amazing and if she had not stayed true to who she was, she would of never discovered her greatest gift.
A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. Proverbs 18:16
www.troybrewer.com www.sparkworldwide.org www.opendoorministries
Friday, September 10, 2010
A SPECIAL GUEST FOR SUPPER
Near downtown Honolulu, Fritz Vincken owned a bakery and handed out a smile along with hot buns and fresh bread to his loyal customers. He has lived in the Hawaiian islands for many years, but he is not just famous for his bread. He tells a story from his childhood that has since been told around the world.
December 1943 was a harsh winter in the Ardennes Forest near the German-Belgian border. Two months had passed since Hubert Vincken brought his wife and his son Fritz to the country for saftey after the family's home and bakery had been destroyed in a bombing raid.
"We were isolated," Fritz recalled. "Every three or four days, my father would ride out from town on his bicycle to bring us food." They could also tell the war was moving closer to their little house.
As suspected, The Germans surprised and overwhelmed the Allies on December 16, turning the nearby forrest into a killing field. It was a terrible time of fear and uncertainty. On Christmas Eve, Elisabeth and Fritz tried to block out the distant sound of gunfire as they sat down to their supper of oatmeal and potatoes.
"At that moment, I heard human voices outside, speaking quietly," Fritz remembered. "Mother blew out the little candle and we held our breath.
"There was a knock at the door. When my mother opened it, two men were standing outside. They spoke a strange language and pointed to a third man sitting in the snow with a bullet wound in his leg. We knew they were American soldiers. They were cold and weary.
"I wondered what in the world my mother would do. She hesitated for a moment. Then she motioned the soldiers into the cottage, turned to me and said, 'Get six more potatoes from the shed.'"
Elisabeth and one of the American soldiers were able to speak French, and both of them gathered as much news as the could. Separated from their battalion, they had wandered for three days in the snowy Forest, hiding from the Germans. Hungry and exhausted they decided to take a chance and knock on a door for help.
Not long after everyone began to warm up there was another knock at the door. Four more tired and frozen soldiers came to the cottage. The problem is that these men were German.
"Now I was almost paralyzed with fear," Fritz recalled. "While I stood and stared in disbelief, my mother took the situation into her hands. "Frohliche Weihnachten," Elisabeth said to the German soldiers, wishing them Merry Christmas. She then invited them to dinner. But before allowing them in, she told them, like only a German mama can, that she had other guests inside that they might not consider as friends.”
"She reminded them that it was Christmas Eve," Fritz said, "and told them sternly there would be no shooting around here." These soldiers, all four of them teenagers, listened respectfully and cautiously agreed.
The German soldiers agreed to store their weapons in the shed. Elisabeth then quickly went inside to collect the weapons from the American soldiers and locked them up securely.
"At first, it was very tense," Fritz said. “Every one just sat looking at each other.”
Two of the German soldiers were sixteen years old and another was a medical student who spoke some English. Fritz was sent outside to fetch the rooster he had captured several weeks earlier.
"When I returned," Fritz recalled, "the German medical student was looking after the wounded American, and one of the Americans presented instant coffee to share. The tension broke and by the time the food was ready, the men were more than eager to eat. Elizabeth invited them to the table and they all sat and said grace together.
"'Komm, Herr Jesus,'" she prayed, 'and be our guest.'
"There were tears in her eyes," Fritz said, "and as I looked around the table, I saw that the battle-weary soldiers were filled with emotion. Their thoughts seemed to be many, many miles away. They had been in war for long, they had forgotten what it was like to sit with a family.
"Now they were boys again, some from America, some from Germany, all far from home."
Soon after dinner, the soldiers fell asleep in their heavy coats. The next morning, they exchanged Christmas greetings and everyone helped make a stretcher for the wounded American.
"The German soldiers then advised the Americans how to find their unit," Fritz said. "My mother gave them back their weapons and said she would pray for their safety. They all kissed her as they left in separate directions. It was the last time Fritz or his mother would ever see any of them.
Throughout her life, Elisabeth Vincken would often say, "God was at our table that night" and I believe He was.
It wasn't until the story was featured on a March 1995 "Unsolved Mysteries" television episode that Vincken learned about a man at Northampton Manor Nursing Home in Frederick, Md., who had been telling family and friends the same story for years.
In January 1996, Vincken went to Maryland to meet Ralph Blank, who had served with the 121st Infantry, 8th Division, during World War II. "When he told me, 'Your mother saved my life,' it was the high point of my life," Vincken said of the reunion. "Now, I can die in peace.
Fritz Vincken died Dec. 8, 2002, in Oregon, 16 days before the 57th anniversary of well-publicized Christmas story but it was not the last time he sat down at a table with family. In the book of Revelation, Jesus Himself promises the same kind of sit down.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
www.troybrewer.com www.opendoorministries.org www.freshfromthebrewer.com
December 1943 was a harsh winter in the Ardennes Forest near the German-Belgian border. Two months had passed since Hubert Vincken brought his wife and his son Fritz to the country for saftey after the family's home and bakery had been destroyed in a bombing raid.
"We were isolated," Fritz recalled. "Every three or four days, my father would ride out from town on his bicycle to bring us food." They could also tell the war was moving closer to their little house.
As suspected, The Germans surprised and overwhelmed the Allies on December 16, turning the nearby forrest into a killing field. It was a terrible time of fear and uncertainty. On Christmas Eve, Elisabeth and Fritz tried to block out the distant sound of gunfire as they sat down to their supper of oatmeal and potatoes.
"At that moment, I heard human voices outside, speaking quietly," Fritz remembered. "Mother blew out the little candle and we held our breath.
"There was a knock at the door. When my mother opened it, two men were standing outside. They spoke a strange language and pointed to a third man sitting in the snow with a bullet wound in his leg. We knew they were American soldiers. They were cold and weary.
"I wondered what in the world my mother would do. She hesitated for a moment. Then she motioned the soldiers into the cottage, turned to me and said, 'Get six more potatoes from the shed.'"
Elisabeth and one of the American soldiers were able to speak French, and both of them gathered as much news as the could. Separated from their battalion, they had wandered for three days in the snowy Forest, hiding from the Germans. Hungry and exhausted they decided to take a chance and knock on a door for help.
Not long after everyone began to warm up there was another knock at the door. Four more tired and frozen soldiers came to the cottage. The problem is that these men were German.
"Now I was almost paralyzed with fear," Fritz recalled. "While I stood and stared in disbelief, my mother took the situation into her hands. "Frohliche Weihnachten," Elisabeth said to the German soldiers, wishing them Merry Christmas. She then invited them to dinner. But before allowing them in, she told them, like only a German mama can, that she had other guests inside that they might not consider as friends.”
"She reminded them that it was Christmas Eve," Fritz said, "and told them sternly there would be no shooting around here." These soldiers, all four of them teenagers, listened respectfully and cautiously agreed.
The German soldiers agreed to store their weapons in the shed. Elisabeth then quickly went inside to collect the weapons from the American soldiers and locked them up securely.
"At first, it was very tense," Fritz said. “Every one just sat looking at each other.”
Two of the German soldiers were sixteen years old and another was a medical student who spoke some English. Fritz was sent outside to fetch the rooster he had captured several weeks earlier.
"When I returned," Fritz recalled, "the German medical student was looking after the wounded American, and one of the Americans presented instant coffee to share. The tension broke and by the time the food was ready, the men were more than eager to eat. Elizabeth invited them to the table and they all sat and said grace together.
"'Komm, Herr Jesus,'" she prayed, 'and be our guest.'
"There were tears in her eyes," Fritz said, "and as I looked around the table, I saw that the battle-weary soldiers were filled with emotion. Their thoughts seemed to be many, many miles away. They had been in war for long, they had forgotten what it was like to sit with a family.
"Now they were boys again, some from America, some from Germany, all far from home."
Soon after dinner, the soldiers fell asleep in their heavy coats. The next morning, they exchanged Christmas greetings and everyone helped make a stretcher for the wounded American.
"The German soldiers then advised the Americans how to find their unit," Fritz said. "My mother gave them back their weapons and said she would pray for their safety. They all kissed her as they left in separate directions. It was the last time Fritz or his mother would ever see any of them.
Throughout her life, Elisabeth Vincken would often say, "God was at our table that night" and I believe He was.
It wasn't until the story was featured on a March 1995 "Unsolved Mysteries" television episode that Vincken learned about a man at Northampton Manor Nursing Home in Frederick, Md., who had been telling family and friends the same story for years.
In January 1996, Vincken went to Maryland to meet Ralph Blank, who had served with the 121st Infantry, 8th Division, during World War II. "When he told me, 'Your mother saved my life,' it was the high point of my life," Vincken said of the reunion. "Now, I can die in peace.
Fritz Vincken died Dec. 8, 2002, in Oregon, 16 days before the 57th anniversary of well-publicized Christmas story but it was not the last time he sat down at a table with family. In the book of Revelation, Jesus Himself promises the same kind of sit down.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
www.troybrewer.com www.opendoorministries.org www.freshfromthebrewer.com
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