“You missed Christmas, Jack”

November 26, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

empty-manger You know it’s the season, you feel the rush. You’re reminded the clock is ticking, but you say, “Hush.” So much to get done, so many people to see. Only a few days till Christmas, can it really be? There’s family and friends, and co-workers too, so many to buy for, what do you do?

One way or another December 25^th will arrive. One way or another you will survive. This Christmas will come and go, but at what cost? This Christmas may go by, but what will be lost? Will you take time to pause, or sit? Or will your heart take a huge hit?

Will you unwrap the greatest gift that has ever been given? The gift from God, the gift from heaven? The gift of his son to set free your heart? The forgiveness of sin on Jesus’ part? Enjoy your friends, and family too, but don’t miss the real reason for Christmas, so here’s what you do. Stop the craziness, resist the pressure, take in Jesus, He is a permanent treasure. Don’t be like Jack from the movie, “The Family Man”. Enjoy this Christmas by having a Jesus plan.

Choose to Live

November 20, 2016November 20, 2016 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

20161119_112851 A young man hid in the bushes. When he judged the train was too close to stop in time he ran out and dove onto the tracks.

I was riding that train on my way to work this past week. I have been commuting in and out of Chicago for 23 years, but this was the first time I have actually been on the train that struck a pedestrian. They ruled it a suicide immediately.

While the investigation was proceeding I thought about this person and wondered, how bad was his life that he decided he had no more hope? What was going on? Satan won a victory that morning. John 10:10 tells us, “Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy.” Anything God has created, or made, including mankind, Satan wants to get rid of it.

Pastor Robert Morris, of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas once said, “As long as you are alive, you have hope.” If you are hurting, if the pain is more than you think you can bare, then please talk to someone. Please, I beg you. There are numerous organizations that are set up to help in all kinds of ways, but you must contact them. Depression, and mental illness is not something that shows up on the outside. Most people may not ever know, until you speak up. And if someone speaks up to you, I pray you will love and care about them enough to listen intently, and help them. Life, can be a beautiful thing. Choose it.

Regret?

November 13, 2016November 13, 2016 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

(Photo by Cathy Wang)

“Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve.” We’ve all heard the phrase before. I feel that phrase mostly applies to relationships. Today I was thinking about some of the closer ones I have had over the years. I know, and understand it takes two to get it right, but the one thing I have regretted over and over is when my response to the other person was less than perfect.

That lack of responding in the right, or best way has caused a lot of hurt, pain, and disappointment in some of these relationships. The moment I realize I have wounded the other person is when regret starts to set in.

In some cases there has been a huge price to pay for not responding correctly. Being very open and honest it would be easier if the other person passed on, but when they don’t you are forced to deal with the reality they don’t want to speak, or see you again, ever! This is what can happen when one chooses not to forgive you. We shouldn’t let regrets weigh us down, but rather learn from them and hope the next time we respond better.

I am so glad Jesus forgives us when our responses are less than perfect. To me, “hell” would be the reality that God turned His back on me, and never wanted to see, or hear from me again, ever!

Winning

November 6, 2016 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

We saw a pretty grand parade and rally this week in Chicago. A party to celebrate the Chicago Cubs winning a World Series after not winning it in 108 years. It was estimated 5,000,000 people were in attendance. Yet that pails to compare to the party and celebration that will take place for those who call Jesus, “Lord”. He hasn’t returned in over 2000 years. You talk about saying, “Maybe next year!”

His return cannot come soon enough for me, but then I feel bad for those that still have not accepted him. Knowing that when their game of life is over, when that final “out” is called, they could possibly find themselves on the losing team. Then spending eternity, instead of the off season, wishing they had accepted the offer from the other team.

Everybody “wants” to be on the winning team, but not all are willing to do whatever it takes, or willing to give up what it may require in order to be on God’s team. They would rather live for themselves, or live for today instead of investing in where they could live in the future.

Mat 19:16-22 Another day, a man stopped Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus said, “Why do you question me about what’s good? God is the One who is good. If you want to enter the life of God, just do what he tells you.” The man asked, “What in particular?” Jesus said, “Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you do yourself.”

The young man said, “I’ve done all that. What’s left?” “If you want to give it all you’ve got,” Jesus replied, “go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me.” That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crestfallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go. (MSG)

Be a winner. Play on God’s team. Accept His free gift of salvation by accepting His son, Jesus into your life. Trust me, there will still be bad innings, strike outs, errors, but when the game of life is over you will be at a party like no one has ever seen.