Ask Kim

January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When God made man, He gave him a lot of power over his own life, and that was by giving him “free will.” He had to in order to know if a man would choose of his own will to love and accept him or not. From that point on, what mankind has chosen to do with his or her free will has been interesting.

I know a lady named “Kim.” I see her usually once a week when I go to do our grocery shopping. She originally caught my attention because she looked angry, hurt, and depressed. Over several months, I have heard her story. In a nutshell, she started out life with God, but at some point started exercising her free will and making her own life decisions. Let’s just say, they have been bad ones. As a result, she has had a very rough life. I have tried to convince her to return to God and his ways, but she won’t. I think people get scared of what they don’t know. Or of “Who” they don’t know.

Many people stop trusting in God and His ways to do life when they get desperate or feel pressure to see a change in their circumstances now. It is difficult to wait on Him sometimes, but when we do, it pays off.

April was getting up in age, and folks around town were starting to call her an “old maid.” She dated some guys, but they wanted her to compromise her faith to be with them. She refused. She had even signed up on a dating website, but that didn’t produce the kind of man she desired. She stopped trying to do things her way and gave it to God. Three days later, I found April on the dating website Filipinocupid.com. Her postage-sized photo radiated off the page. I immediately exclaimed, “Wow! Who’s that?” The rest is history, they say.

God wants to give us the desires of our hearts, but He also wants our hearts.
He wants to know that we will wait upon him and trust in him with all areas of our lives.

I am currently reminded of what happened last Friday, at the time of this writing. I turned off the radio in the car and cried out to God about an issue in our lives. I literally said, “God, I have absolutely no idea what to do about this.” I asked Him for help with desperation in my voice. As soon as I finished asking, the phone rang. On the other end was the answer.

Submit your ways to God. Lean on Him for understanding, answers, and help. You can never go wrong in doing life God’s way! Your way may seem right for a season, but it won’t turn out the way you want it to, and I doubt you will be honestly happy. And don’t settle for Satan’s substitutes. They will only cause you more harm, chaos, and pain. If you don’t believe me, ask Kim.

“You can rationalize it all you want and justify the path of error you have chosen,
but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction.” Prov. 14:12 (TPT)

Clarence Odbody, AS2

January 20, 2026January 2, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Most of you have probably seen the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” That’s where we are introduced to Clarence Odbody. He’s a “Second Class” angel who hasn’t received his wings yet. He’s sent to Earth to prevent George Bailey from committing suicide. George is facing a situation that he sees no way out of, and to him, hope has run out.

I believe that’s what often happens when someone considers suicide. The person thinks, “There is no more hope.” But let me say this: as long as you are alive, there is hope! The devil gets excited when someone reaches what they think is the end of their rope because they are about to end one of the greatest gifts God gives us—life.

Clarence shows George what the lives of those around him would be like if he’d never been born. Seeing the pain and distress was enough to cause him to change his mind. Clarence tells George:

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

“You see, George, you’ve had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?”

Several years ago, I had my own “Clarence Odbody” moment. I was a young minister, and I made a bad decision that led me to leave the ministry God had called me to. I was distraught, unsure of what to do next, and afraid to face my family and friends again. I was reaching into the closet for my shotgun when my “Clarence” appeared.

Before I could grab the gun, I thought back to my childhood in church. I was probably about eight years old. One Sunday, as our pastor was preaching under a heavy anointing, a scream and commotion erupted at the back of the sanctuary. It was Sister Woodward. (I don’t remember her actual name.) She gasped and then collapsed.

Several firemen in our church rushed to her aid. After about twenty minutes, the pastor asked, “What’s going on?” One fireman responded, “Sister Woodward has died.” The pastor asked, “Did you pray?” “No,” they answered. “Well, church, let’s pray.” He led us in a prayer of faith, believing. The moment he said “Amen,” Sister Woodward got up, insisting she felt fine but agreed to go to the hospital for a checkup. By then, an ambulance had arrived.

Standing in my closet, staring at my shotgun, I thought, “That woman had no future, and her hope was gone as she took her last breath, but then God stepped in and made a way.” That thought kept me from taking my own life. Instead, I grabbed my car keys, left the house, and didn’t return until I knew I wouldn’t harm myself.

Life is precious. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or deeply down, I encourage you to reach out and talk to someone. In America, you can dial “988.” Or simply start talking to God as if He’s sitting right there with you. He already knows what you’re going through, but speaking out loud can help. He might even send angels to minister to you. You may realize later it was your own “Clarence Odbody” moment.

God loves you, and so do I. You may never realize how much your presence touches the lives of others.

“Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation?” Heb. 1:14 (AMPC)

The Lighthouse

January 16, 2026December 19, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I’ve always liked lighthouses. At one time, I had a large collection of them. It grew so big because once people knew I collected them, that is all they bought me for a gift. A lady in my church collects hippos. Her husband says, “They are everywhere!” I let my lighthouses go when I thought I was going to move into an RV and travel as my retirement. In an RV, you can’t collect much of anything except perhaps stickers of where you have been.

I think I am drawn to lighthouses, like a bug at night, because of what they symbolize: light penetrating the darkness. There is a lot of darkness in our world these days, and there has been throughout time. Even when Jesus, the Light of the world, was born, times were dark.

Lighthouses have helped mariners for a long time find their way into safe harbors and away from dangerous rocks. As soon as you flick on a light switch, darkness diminishes. As an analogy in life, whenever I sense darkness, I start turning to Jesus.

As I sat in church last Sunday, while the minister was preaching, I turned my attention to the small Christmas trees decorated with white lights that were behind him. All of a sudden, the thought came into my head, “We celebrate light on a tree on both big celebrations in the Christian faith!” I had never heard that before, but it’s true. You see, Jesus, being Light, hung on a tree, the cross, when He was crucified.

1 ^1-5At the beginning God expressed himself. That personal expression, that word, was with God, and was God, and he existed with God from the beginning. All creation took place through him, and none took place without him. In him appeared life and this life was the light of mankind. The light still shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out. John 1:1-5 (Phillips)

If you are feeling as if your life is being swallowed up by darkness, then you need the Light! If you feel overwhelmed, down, or depressed because of the lack or absence of Light, then perhaps you should consider inviting Jesus into your life. Ask for forgiveness of your sins and then embrace the Light of the world. Immediately, sense his presence, his comfort, and feel hope.

Invite Jesus into every area of your life and allow him to dispel any darkness that may be trying to hide and remain. You don’t have to be afraid of the dark when Jesus is with you. Not sickness, disease, joblessness, financial hardship, homelessness, or even death. One of the best sermons I ever heard lasted about ten seconds. A street evangelist said, “I don’t care what’s going on in life. I would rather go through it with Jesus than without.”

Celebrate Christmas with lights, because that is when Light entered the world. Celebrate Easter, because that is when Jesus, the light of the world, proved He had power over darkness. And admire lighthouses because they’re a symbol of Him guiding you home safely.

Finding Jesus

January 13, 2026December 2, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Do you look for Jesus? While you’re getting ready in the mornings or driving to work. Or perhaps when you are at work. Do you look for Him or His presence? Is Jesus with you at home, in the car, where I need Him a lot, or in a meeting?

Most people, even “Christians,” only look for Jesus when there is a crisis in their life, or they are running with their hair on fire!

I was leaving our church one Wednesday night, after the men’s Bible Study was done, when I saw Him. There, on a half-wall ledge, was a miniature Jesus figurine. (See photo) It made me smile, and I took a photo of it. I heard there are eleven more located throughout the church, but that is the only one I have found so far. They are 1.4 inches tall, and you can buy them on Amazon. (No surprise there!)

Then, I went to lunch with a guy from my church. While waiting in line to order, I found Jesus again. This time, standing on the hood of a 1958 Chevy Corvette, I think, model car.

I first found Jesus at church when I was seven years old. At a young age, for sure, but we had a pastor who made heaven and hell clear. Perhaps I was afraid of going to hell, but that early walk with God put me on a path where I learned who Jesus really is.

Jesus is always there with us, whether we see him or not, and he’s not hard to find either. One of the reasons people may not accept him is that he is too good to be true. Jesus voluntarily died a horrible death for us, which allows him to offer us forgiveness for our wrongdoing. And others may not accept him because they think they will have to change too much of their life.

Teach them to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world.” Matt. 28:20 (ICB)

You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me! Jer. 29:13 (ICB) (This scripture was said by God, but God and Jesus are one.)

If you do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, well, then you should. You won’t have to look too far to find him, either. He’s probably right there with you now, because if you have not accepted him, then you are considered lost. Jesus has left the 99 to go find you. That’s how much He cares for you, about you, and about what you are going through.

A Time for Life

January 9, 2026November 30, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Today, April and her Filipina Bible study group are surprising one of their members. It is her 45^th birthday. They have gathered at our house until everyone is here, and then they will go to her house all at one time. I must say, since marrying a Filipino, I have witnessed how sincerely honest and excited they are when it comes to celebrating life together. One member of the group had a brother in the Philippines who passed away this past week. The group mourned with her and shared words of comfort and support.

The Bible says a few things about life. Like how it goes and how we should do it together. Sadly, though, it seems as if in today’s times, people are narcissistic and selfish. It’s all about them. And if you are involved in their life, it’s as if they say, “What can you do for me?” I know that below are more scriptures than I normally share, but God really does know best how to do life with others.

3 To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:
²A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted,
³A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up,
⁴A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away,
⁷A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak,
⁸A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecc. 3:1-8 (AMPC)

12 ^1-2So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

³I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

^4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.

^6-8If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

* * *

^9-10Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

^11-13Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

^14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

^17-19Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

^20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. Rom. 12 (MSG)

Spiritual Thermostat

January 6, 2026November 28, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Do you have a “spiritual thermostat” in your home? You probably have a regular thermostat, at least in America. Other than in the U.S., I’ve only lived in the Philippines for a few months, and we didn’t have one there on the wall, but the air conditioner we used had different settings on it.

So, what do I mean by a “spiritual thermostat?” Walking through our home today, I noticed an atmosphere of peace, joy, and love. It felt good and comfortable. I stopped long enough to think about it and figure out, “Why?”

I believe I have been open and honest about my struggle of being married for a second time. Learning to believe and trust someone can be difficult. Honest about how I have fought my fears concerning April and if I could trust her true motives. Needless to say, I have had to talk to God about it, like, a lot! I have complained, cried out, begged, and asked for answers and His help.

God heard me, and in His timing, He answered me. He has helped me be a spiritual leader in our home. He has helped me to believe April and has helped me trust her. He has also given me the strength and wisdom to be quiet and, when needed, to walk away. The result is that the “spiritual thermostat” has been adjusted and is now set to where it should be.

It doesn’t matter if April helps or not. It is my responsibility to do what is required or expected of me to lead us spiritually. I am thankful for God and his help. I like walking around the house feeling peace, joy, and love. And the greatest of those is love.

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.” This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual qualities such as love, joy, and peace, which are meant to be limitless and transformative in our lives. Gal. 5:22-23 (TPT)

Welcome to the New Year

January 2, 2026November 22, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The clock’s hands tremble at midnight,
as if they too feel the weight of time’s turning.
One breath, one heartbeat—
and the old year exhales its final sigh.

We stand at the threshold,
feet on the worn floorboards of yesterday,
eyes fixed on the bright doorway of tomorrow.
The air hums with possibility—
like unopened letters,
like seeds sleeping beneath winter soil.

The New Year is not just a date,
but a soft invitation:
to forgive what hurt,
to carry forward what healed,
to dream without apology.

In its first quiet hours,
the world feels tender,
as though it knows we are fragile too.
We promise ourselves new beginnings,
but perhaps the truest promise
is to keep showing up—
even when the days are ordinary,
even when the light is slow to return.

So here’s to the year ahead:
to the laughter that will surprise us,
to the tears that will teach us,
to the moments we will not see coming—
and to the courage to meet them all.

May we step into this year
not as who we were,
but as who we are becoming.

(The above poem was written via AI.)

I have stated before that I am always hopeful for a new year. It’s like having the slate wiped clean and a fresh start to see if you can get this one right. Of course, it usually isn’t too long before I need forgiveness. I’m glad I never go into a new year alone. I know God is always with me. So, with Him, I can face whatever the new year holds for me. If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ into your heart or asked for forgiveness for your sins, I hope you will. Then, you too can have peace as you enter a new year. “Happy New Year!”

The Hilariously Honest Guide to Surviving New Year’s Eve

December 30, 2025November 18, 2025 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Ah, New Year’s Eve — that magical night when we collectively decide that next year will be different… right after we finish this last plate of nachos and questionable champagne.

Let’s be real: NYE is less about “new beginnings” and more about “trying to stay awake until midnight without turning into a pumpkin.” Here’s the unfiltered truth about the night we all pretend to have under control.

1. The Outfit Illusion
You start the night in a glittery outfit that screams, “I’m ready for 2026!” By 11:45 p.m., you’re barefoot, your hair looks like you’ve been in a wind tunnel, and you’re clutching a coat that isn’t even yours.

2. The Resolution Roulette
Everyone’s making resolutions like they’re auditioning for a self-help book.

“I’m going to run a marathon!” (…to the fridge.)
“I’ll stop eating sugar!” (…after this cupcake.)
“I’ll be more organized!” (…once I find my phone.)

3. The Midnight Countdown Chaos
The countdown is supposed to be magical, but somehow:

The TV is on a 7-second delay.
Someone’s yelling “Happy New Year!” at 11:59.
You’re still trying to figure out where your champagne glass went.

4. The Post-Midnight Mystery
After the hugs, confetti, and awkward cheek kisses, there’s always that moment of “Now what?” Do we keep partying? Do we go home? Do we just… eat more cheese? (Spoiler: it’s always cheese.)

5. The Morning After
You wake up on January 1st with glitter in places glitter should never be, a vague memory of singing loudly in public, and the comforting thought that you have 364 more days to get your life together.

✨ Final Thought:
New Year’s Eve is like a sparkly, chaotic group project — no one really knows what’s going on, but somehow, we all pass. So here’s to another year of trying, laughing, and pretending we know the words to “Auld Lang Syne.”

The above words may certainly describe some of us. I think the last two years, I have been in bed by 10 PM only to be woken up at midnight by fireworks. “Happy New Year,” and then back to sleep.

Years ago, I gave up trying to make New Year’s resolutions. I usually broke them before January 1^st was over anyway. Most people want to improve themselves. For me, that means learning to react to people with one of the Fruits of the Spirit. The one I need most often is “self-control.” But the truth is this: I can’t really make myself better without God’s help. I ask him to help me often. For where I am weak, He is strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

This practice can make any year happier, whether it’s new or not. Happy New Year, everyone!

(Portions of this blog post were generated via AI.)

The Fine Art of Returning Christmas Gifts (Like a Holiday Ninja)

December 26, 2025December 26, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The holidays are magical — twinkling lights, cozy cocoa, and… plotting your stealth mission to the returns counter. Because let’s face it, not every gift is a keeper.

1. The “Ohhh… Wow!” Face
When you unwrap something that looks like it escaped from a yard sale in 1987, channel your inner Oscar-winning actor. Smile big, nod slowly, and say, “This is… so… unexpected!” Translation: Where’s the receipt?

2. The Receipt Hunt
Gift receipts are mythical creatures. Without one, you’re stuck with store credit — which is how you end up owning a lifetime supply of “Cinnamon Moose” candles.

3. Re-Gift or Release
Some gifts are too bizarre to keep but too guilt-inducing to toss. Solution? The Re-Gift Stash — a secret vault where questionable presents wait for their next unsuspecting victim.

4. Return Counter Survival Skills
Post-Christmas returns are basically the Hunger Games with shopping carts. You’ll need speed, agility, and the ability to answer “Why are you returning this?” without blurting, “Because it’s ugly.”

5. The Gift’s True Destiny
Returning isn’t ungrateful — it’s matchmaking. Somewhere out there, someone wants that neon sweater with the 3D reindeer nose. And bless their festive little heart.

The best gifts never get returned. They are the ones where the giver knows the person well. Knows what they like and knows what they have need of. The best gifts are held close to the heart.

That is why God gave us His only Son, Jesus. He knows us and knew our greatest need was a savior, not a financial wizard or an educator, or anything else, but someone who could pay the price for our sins. (John 3:16)

When one accepts God’s gift, opens it, if you will, and tries it on, there is no doubt that after feeling the release of bondage, will not want to return it. God’s gift also comes with an instruction book, called the Bible, and I strongly recommend reading it from cover to cover. (It would be interesting if IKEA came out with its own version of the Bible. It would have no words but pictures only.) Don’t be like a typical man and put God’s word in a drawer and think that you can have a relationship with God without reading it. Technically, you can, but if you want to enjoy your gift to the fullest extent, then you will want to read it.

“Thank you, God, for the greatest gift ever, and Happy belated Birthday, Jesus! Love you,”

Getting Excited

December 23, 2025November 14, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When I was a child, as Christmas approached, I would get increasingly excited. I knew we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, but the gifts I received were usually awesome! When I became a father, my excitement grew even more. Not for me, though, but for my children. Why? Because I knew what was coming. I couldn’t wait to see the pure joy on their little faces as they unwrapped their gifts.

The world is facing some tough times. Honestly, without God, I don’t see how people are making it. Where do they find their hope? And where do they place their trust? Is there anything to look forward to? Anything to get excited about?

I have heard, firsthand, stories of individuals who do know God, smiling in the moments before they cross over into heaven. Some even see Jesus coming to welcome them home and to give them a personal escort. I heard of one such story last week. The daughter of the woman who passed said in the final moment her mother started smiling, and the siblings all said in agreement, “Mom, go on home. We will be okay.” And she did. I heard my uncle cried out, “I see him! I see him!” And then he closed his eyes, smiled, and went with Jesus. They got excited because they knew what was coming.

I have read the Bible and have heard countless sermons and teachings about what lies in store for the one who has accepted Jesus Christ. Who has asked for their sins to be forgiven and go on to walk with God. Heaven sounds pretty awesome! Especially when compared to the only other alternative, hell. Yes, times are difficult, but I put my trust and faith in the Lord, God Almighty. He has never let me down before, and I don’t think He will in the future. Personally, I’m not afraid to die. I know in my heart I am ready to stand before God and give an account for how I have lived my life. And honestly, I sometimes get excited about death because I know what is coming!

It’s the Christmas season. I hope there are gifts under your Christmas tree. I hope you have excitement in your heart, not just for the gifts, but for gathering with family and friends. But I hope more that you, too, know and have accepted Jesus into your life, and that is the true source of your excitement. If you have, then you, too, can get excited, for you have the hope of what is coming!

¹ Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). ²Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God. Rom. 5:1-2 (AMPC)