They Walk Among Us

Jessica, while at a red light, feels moisture drip upon her cheeks.  She can’t believe the hurt has reached her eyes.  Roger, holds his head in the stream of water showering upon him while he mumbles words.  A prayer perhaps?  He hopes the sound of the falling water conceals his pain, his desperation.  Cassandra stares at the dark ceiling, instead of sleeping, longing for an answer.  An answer that would change her life.  Manuel walks aimlessly, at times looking up, hoping any minute now God would heal him.

Just stories lines, or glimpses of real life?  Perhaps they feel real because you have been there, or you are there now.  No matter where you are, or what you are going through, know this; YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  You are not the only one who has ever walked the path you are on, even though it feels like it.  There are others, who are there now, or who have found the exit.

Where are these people?  Who are they?  Include in your prayers to God to lead you to them.  They might be in your church, or they might be your neighbor, or across the aisle at work, but the truth is they walk among us.  They can help you.  They can listen to you.  They can pray for you, or with you.  But in order for that to happen they have to know.  They have to know what you are going through.  Take a chance on being honest when someone ask you how you are.  And if you are one who hears a story of real life going on dare to listen int051312_01-3jbently.  Believe with them for God to deliver them, answer them, or heal them.  Life is hard, but it is even harder by yourself.

If you struggle finding someone, or trusting someone enough to open up with the truth, you are still not alone.  There is no where you can go to escape the eye of God, or His love.  Have faith, have hope for your exit may be within the next mile.

 

Copyright © 2016 Mark Brady, All rights reserved

A Life with Meaning

91716_01I exited the train.  Looking forward to being home.  That is when I saw them.  A young man, a young son, and a young dog all standing up against the fence holding onto it with their hands, and paws, waiting.  Undoubtedly waiting for a young wife, a young mother, a young friend.  The image was strong, and unfortunately one only a few others noticed, and commented by their, “Ahhh”s.  What a welcoming site for the one being waited on to arrive.  A young woman coming home to the love of a husband, the love of a child, and the love of a dog.

For those who have accepted God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit, and who now enjoy “a life with meaning” (Proverbs 9:6 MSG) they too will have a homecoming worth waiting for.  I can imagine God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit standing, waiting to welcome us when we get off the train of life.  (Providing we stay on track.  Sorry I had to go for the pun.)

I hope you, my reader, are on track with your life to see God when you reach your final destination.  I pray you have found what life with God is all about.  How life with Him has meaning, purpose, and hope.

 

Copyright © 2016 Mark Brady, All rights reserved

My Response to Psalms 23 (KJV)

Flock of sheep grazing on green grass, Tuscany

The LORD is my shepherd;   Who else would I want to guide me?

I shall not want.   I have everything I need.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:   God knows when I need rest.

He leadeth me beside the still watersGod knows how to refresh my thirst.

He restoreth my soul:   God wipes the slate clean of wrongs.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.   If it was up to me I would stumble in darkness.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:   God, being perfect love, cast out all fear.

for thou art with me;   I feel your presence God.

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   God, in your perfect discipline and direction is peace.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  God’s got this, so I can enjoy life.

thou anointest my head with oil;   You have provided me everything I need God.

my cup runneth over.   There is enough of your blessings God to share.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:   Just the result of living for you God.

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.   God I look forward to going home.

To Know

To know unconditional love;
is to know God.
To know real forgiveness;
is to know Jesus.
To know perfect direction;
is to know the Holy Spirit.

To know pure laughter;
is to know true friends.
To know great joy;
is to know a child.
To know time;
is to know an elderly person.

To know gratitude;
is to feed the hungry.
To know security;
is to clothe the naked.
To know health;
is to visit the sick.

To know peace;
is to know contentment.
To know lasting hope;
is to know faith.
To know wisdom;
is to know the Word of God.