It is Finished

May 31, 2024April 27, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Endings can evoke a variety of emotions. For example, when you finish a good book, a good movie, maybe a bad movie, or when someone’s life ends. Sometimes, April will ask after we finish a movie, “Now what?” It’s a good question.

When Jesus died on the cross, his last words as a man were, “It is finished!” His thirty-three-year mission to boldly go where no God had gone before was over. “Now what?”

The very moment he died, here comes my favorite part: the curtain that hung in the temple was ripped from top to bottom. Now, there was no more separation between God and man. It meant that if we accept Jesus and ask him to forgive us of our sins, we now have access to God Himself. We can actually enter the throne room of heaven and have an audience with the Creator of the universe!

When man dies on Earth, it’s over. The end. It is finished. “Then what?” The very next thing he will see is God as he stands before him. God will look in the “Lamb’s Book of Life” to see if his name is written in it. If not, God will have no choice but to send him to hell. By the way, in the beginning, every name was written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life.” The only person that can remove your name – is you!

God wants people to love him freely of their free will. So, He gave man the right to choose to live for Him or to live for Satan. That’s it. There are no other sides to life. You will not be reincarnated. You won’t simply die and wind up in nothingness. You will live for eternity, either in heaven or hell. Choose life in heaven. Accept Jesus. Have your sins forgiven. The reason you must have your sins paid for by Jesus is because God is Holy and cannot be in the presence of sin. The End!

At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. Mat. 27:51 (MSG)

Nothing dirty or defiled will get into the City (heaven), and no one who defiles or deceives. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will get in.
Rev. 21:27 (MSG) In parentheses mine.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Heb. 9:27 (NIV)

When Will They Pay?

May 28, 2024April 27, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I don’t recall ever getting out of a ticket! Speeding tickets, other kinds of moving violation tickets, nothing! I did manage to get one reduced though. It seems like any time I am out and driving on the road, I witness other drivers being reckless, excessively speeding, and, in general, putting others in danger! Okay, putting me in danger. I know, if I ever drove like them, I would definitely get caught. I don’t seem to get by with anything!

When I see this, I often fantasize about being a cop and pulling them over. I want to be the witness, the jury, and the judge. If that happened, they would pay big time! Honestly, I wonder if the fine would be steep enough to change their behavior.

This makes me think about others who do not violate the laws of man but live in disobedience to God’s commands. If they continue to live their life in such a way and never accept Jesus Christ, who forgives us our sins, they will certainly pay. Unfortunately, the fine will be steep – their life. Will knowing this change their behavior?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Rom. 3:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom. 6:23 (NIV)

²⁷Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ²⁸so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb. 9:27-28 (NIV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)

The Real Reason

May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Two weeks ago, May 11, 2024, Harrison Butker, the placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. His speech was insightful, inspiring, and full of truth. After he spoke, certain people and particular groups of people got mad. They started spreading hate and called for him to be released from the Kansas City Chiefs!

This bothered me a lot! Their words were so mean and ugly, downright hateful. Ironically, they expressed their opinions with their free speech, but they didn’t like it when Mr. Butker did. What makes their views right? Just because they are on TV or are screaming louder than everyone else? Since then, there has been a mighty outpouring of love and support for Mr. Butker. I was so glad to see it.

I started thinking, Why are these people so upset? Why do they care what this man said? It was his opinion! Then it hit me, the real reason why they got so mad. Harrison Butker spoke the truth about men, women, God, and life. Those who got angry are living a lie and don’t want anyone to confront them with the truth! They are engaging in the lies that Satan has sold them, like their identity isn’t the one they were born with, and they will only find happiness with someone of the same sex. Sadly, they have settled for his lies instead of waiting for God’s truth! If they listened to God speak through Harrison Butker, they would be set free. For the Truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

Jesus told him, “I am the Way—yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me. John 14:6 (TLB)

The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever. Ps. 119:160 (AMPC)

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isa. 55:9 (AMPC)

Every good gift and every perfect (^[a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. Jam. 1:17 (AMPC)

When You Don’t do Life God’s Way

May 21, 2024April 19, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

If people aren’t living their life according to God’s word, the Bible, then they are living life their way. God is okay with that because He gives us free will. The reason He gives us that is He desires to have a people who choose to love him back. Of course, God knows that living life his way is better.

I have a friend who says they love God and have accepted him but fails to attend church services, tithe, or other “religious” activities that would grow their relationship with God. Because of this, I think they do not fully understand how much God loves them! They post a lot about their life on Facebook. It’s usually bad news. Things are happening to them, their children, and other aspects of their lives. They’re a good person, so witnessing this breaks my heart.

This has bothered me for a while. Then, this week, a verse came to my mind that explains at least part of the problem.

¹⁰Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.

¹¹“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, Mal. 3:10-11a (NKJV)

Notice verse 11a. “Rebuke the devourer for your sakes.” It’s as if the devourer, Satan, has his way with my friend’s life. They take a step forward, and he eats away ground they had just gained. In other words, they are getting nowhere! Then, another verse came to my mind.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

Jesus taught that Satan comes to hurt you, and one way he does that is hurting your life. His intention is for you to blame God and keep you from accepting Him. Jesus continued his teaching to share that He comes to give you real life and lots of it!

This is what happens when you don’t live life God’s way. You will struggle in life, and most likely, you won’t be happy. Give up and give in. Accept God and His Son, Jesus, and start living life abundantly.

Siri, Alexa, My Phone, or God?

May 17, 2024April 19, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

People have claimed that their phones are always listening to their conversations. They know this because after mentioning something, advertisements in their Facebook account start showing up for that item. Kinda creepy! Then there is the police department in California that wanted to subpoena the Alexa unit in a home where a murder had been committed. They know the device had to have heard the conversation before the person was killed. I believe, if I remember right, they were denied access to its records.

So, these devices and our phones are constantly monitoring what we say. So is God. He is always listening to us, whether it is a cry for help, to accept him, or if we are asking for an answer to a question. Also, God delights in blessing his children, being those who believe in him and have accepted his Son, Jesus.

The week before the writing of this post, I mentioned to April that I would like to go to an arena football game here in the city where we live. I enjoy football a lot. I think, since I was seven, I have only missed watching one Super Bowl. That was in 2019. At that time, I was living in the Philippines after marrying April. I looked online, and the cost of tickets wasn’t too bad for seats in the corner of one of the end zones. She agreed to go, but for some reason, I couldn’t pull the trigger to order the tickets. I was okay with that.

Then, at the beginning of this week of this post, April texted me a photo of an arena football game promotion. Free tickets, first come, first serve, to the very Saturday night game I was going to purchase tickets for. I was so excited as I went through the process of getting the tickets. I also felt so loved on by my heavenly Father. After I received my confirmation, I then knew and understood why I felt uneasy about buying tickets the week before. God wanted to provide and bless me.

I don’t have Siri or Alexa, and my phone didn’t have anything to do with me getting free tickets or learning about the promotion. But what I do have is a loving God who delights in blessing me with the desires of my heart from time to time.

⁴Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.
⁵Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
⁶He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun. Ps. 37:4-6 (NIV)

Desperately Seeking God!

May 14, 2024April 13, 2024 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

The other day, I had to fast for twelve hours and then have blood drawn for an upcoming doctor’s appointment. Needless to say, I was hungry by the time I finished getting the lab work done. Fortunately, there is a fast-food establishment that serves breakfast right next door to the lab.

When I walked in, I saw a middle-aged lady bent over the front counter, filling out a report. I started checking out the menu. When she saw me, she apologized. I smiled and told her it wasn’t necessary as I was still pondering what to get. I finally decided, and after taking my order, she asked for my name.

I got my drink and stood near the counter to receive my food. Then, I picked out a place to sit. Several times, when I looked into the kitchen, I would notice her looking at me. I am certainly not used to having women look at me. However, last week, I had a beautiful woman at the health club smile at me. I smiled back and then looked around to see if her warm expression was meant for someone else.

When the morning sun rose above a nearby building, its light flooded the dining area and illuminated my face. I’m sure I looked radiant and angelic and just needed a wind machine to blow my hair back! This undoubtedly added to her infatuation with me!

After I finished my breakfast, I cleaned up my space and used their public bathroom. As I was exiting the door, I heard, “Goodbye, Mark.” Nervously, I looked back and saw her at the counter. I said, “Goodbye. Have a nice day.” She probably did after encountering me. LOL

Here is what I think was really going on in the above true story. The woman appeared to have had a rough life so far. I imagine she had been in and out of several relationships with men. Hoping they would satisfy the longing in her heart for God, but she probably didn’t know that is Who she was actually desperately seeking. The woman was not really attracted to me, but to the love of God she sensed about me. She no doubt felt His presence and His peace. We are reps for God everywhere we go. That is why we need to be open to other’s needs and recognize situations where someone is seeking God. Then, we can share with them and introduce them to Him.

If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath. It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That’s what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:15-18 (MSG)

Proverbial Wisdom

May 10, 2024April 11, 2024 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

I mentioned earlier this year that I am studying the book of Proverbs. (“The Message” version.) The amount of wisdom this book contains is remarkable. God certainly answered Solomon’s request. When God asked him what he wanted, he said, “Wisdom.”

⁹“Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

^10-14God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after. As a bonus, I’m giving you both the wealth and glory you didn’t ask for—there’s not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I’ll also give you a long life.” 1 Kings 3:9-14 (MSG)

Below, I have listed two scriptures that illustrate the kind of wisdom one can find in this book of the Bible.

The purity of silver and gold is tested
by putting them in the fire;
The purity of human hearts is tested
by giving them a little fame. Proverbs 27:21 (MSG)

It has been said before that fame changes people. A friend once told me she would show up at one of my book signings and I wouldn’t even know her. I replied, “Are you crazy? I’ll ask my host to pull up another chair, and we can catch up while I sign books.” I was confessing then that fame wouldn’t affect me, and so far, it hasn’t! LOL

A pure heart isn’t about obeying rules and trying to please God. It’s not about never sinning, either. Instead, it’s all about your motives being pure. It’s about loving people as God loves people.

There is one thing I had been wondering about for a couple of years. I know a person who prays. I mean a lot! For people, for issues, for whatever. As I observed this person, I noticed that it oddly seemed like their prayers were not answered. I couldn’t figure out why. As much as I am into “asking” God for knowledge and understanding, I had not thought about asking him about this situation. Then, I read the following verse, and it all made sense.

God has no use for the prayers
of the people who won’t listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 (MSG)

As you can see, simply by reading the Book of Proverbs, one can gain wisdom and understanding. I have heard that since there are thirty-one chapters, some people read the book every month. Perhaps not a bad idea for someone like me, who needs all the proverbial wisdom they can get!

True or False?

May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Especially on weekends, I will wind up catching many different ministers. I will watch them long enough sometimes to see if their message is something I need to hear or if they are preaching the truth. There are times when some of them are not or just enough to make what they are saying sound good. I know that because I try to see if what they are saying lines up with the Bible.

I have mentioned before that I don’t sleep all night. I will wake up, take care of the issue that woke me up, and then lay there, unable to go back to sleep. In those moments, I wish I could be productive. Get something done. But I am usually too tired. So, many times, I flip through TV channels.

The Bible talks about these types of individuals. It calls them wolves in sheep’s clothing or false prophets. Like Satan, they mix some truth in their message to trip you up, stir up your emotions, offer you false hope, or entice you to give to their ministry.

^13-14“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

^15-20“Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned. Mat. 7:13-20 (MSG)

One such fellow the other day said something like, “If you will plant a seed of $1000, THEN God will … in your life.” This is not true! What is true is the principle of sowing and reaping. This man knows there are people out there who are desperate for a healing, a job, a restored relationship, or any other serious need in their life. They will try anything to get an answer to get out of their current situation. Those same people probably think, “Why not? Why not send this man $1000? I don’t know what else to do.”

The problem with that is this: mankind thinks or feels as if he has to DO something. That he has to take action. When we pray, we are giving the situation to God. If you really believe that, then leave it in God’s hands and have faith that He has heard you and is acting on your behalf. That can take time, but if it is God’s time, then it is perfect. He is never late! I have often wondered, “How will God judge these ministers? Will they get a spanking but still enter heaven?” I don’t know, but I do know I should leave that up to God.

Don’t run all over creation chasing a minister who seems in our eyes to be successful or have great faith. It only takes a small amount to move mountains.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mat. 17:20 (NIV)

I attended a service where the minister was preaching about faith. He not only used the above scripture but had the ushers pass out real mustard seeds. They are incredibly tiny! After he illustrated his point, I didn’t know what to do with the seed, so I ate it. It did not taste like French’s Mustard!

If you believe with your whole heart, then you have enough. God will see this and know this because He will see that you are leaving your request in his hands.

Path of Totality

May 3, 2024May 3, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I started writing this blog post after witnessing the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. I witnessed the celestial event in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We were not in the “Path of Totality,” but the moon blocked 95% of the sun. It was pretty awesome.

The phrase “Path of Totality” resonates seriousness, all-consuming, and is a moving event. Of course, the ones who came up with it meant it as the areas of the country where the moon will totally block out the sun. But it made me think of individuals I know who are struggling with life and, even worse, with accepting God. Needless to say, if they don’t correct their path in life, they may soon find the end of it with total destruction.

It’s sad to witness someone travel such a path. Even an untrained eye can see countless opportunities they have had to accept God and his Son, Jesus, into their life, but for their own reasons, they don’t. They keep fighting it, like Saul did, until the day he was on a path to Damascus. That is when he got an up-close and personal look at Jesus Christ in all his glory. It’s as if their heart is being eclipsed by darkness.

Some may argue that not everyone has the same introduction, but I would say, if that is what it took for someone to believe finally, then perhaps if they took a closer look, they would see that they, too, have had that opportunity. I am saying they have seen Jesus up close and personally through those who are true Christians. The very title means “little Christ ones.” We believers are called to be imitators of Jesus. Jesus himself claimed that he only did what he saw his Father in heaven do.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Acts 9:3-6

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19 (NIV)

Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1 (AMP)

If you are on such a “Path of Totality,” then stop. Get off of it now, today! Take off the glasses that you think are protecting you but are actually keeping you in total darkness. Step out from behind them, accept Jesus into your life, and start walking in light. Your new life will be pretty awesome!

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

Month: May 2024

It is Finished

At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. Mat. 27:51 (MSG)

Nothing dirty or defiled will get into the City (heaven), and no one who defiles or deceives. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will get in.
Rev. 21:27 (MSG) In parentheses mine.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Heb. 9:27 (NIV)

When Will They Pay?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Rom. 3:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom. 6:23 (NIV)

²⁷Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ²⁸so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb. 9:27-28 (NIV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)

The Real Reason

Jesus told him, “I am the Way—yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me. John 14:6 (TLB)

The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever. Ps. 119:160 (AMPC)

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isa. 55:9 (AMPC)

Every good gift and every perfect (^[a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. Jam. 1:17 (AMPC)

When You Don’t do Life God’s Way

¹⁰Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.

¹¹“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, Mal. 3:10-11a (NKJV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

Siri, Alexa, My Phone, or God?

⁴Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.
⁵Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
⁶He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun. Ps. 37:4-6 (NIV)

Proverbial Wisdom

⁹“Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

The purity of silver and gold is tested
by putting them in the fire;
The purity of human hearts is tested
by giving them a little fame. Proverbs 27:21 (MSG)

God has no use for the prayers
of the people who won’t listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 (MSG)

True or False?

^13-14“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mat. 17:20 (NIV)

Path of Totality

Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1 (AMP)

At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. Mat. 27:51 (MSG)

Nothing dirty or defiled will get into the City (heaven), and no one who defiles or deceives. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will get in.Rev. 21:27 (MSG) In parentheses mine.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,Heb. 9:27 (NIV)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Rom. 3:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.Rom. 6:23 (NIV)

27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb. 9:27-28 (NIV)

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Jesus told him, “I am the Way—yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me. John 14:6 (TLB)

The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever. Ps. 119:160 (AMPC)

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isa. 55:9 (AMPC)

Every good gift and every perfect ([a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. Jam. 1:17 (AMPC)

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,That there may be food in My house,And try Me now in this,”Says the Lord of hosts,“If I will not open for you the windows of heavenAnd pour out for you such blessingThat there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, Mal. 3:10-11a (NKJV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Ps. 37:4-6 (NIV)

9 “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

The purity of silver and gold is tested by putting them in the fire;The purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a little fame. Proverbs 27:21 (MSG)

God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 (MSG)

13-14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mat. 17:20 (NIV)

Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1 (AMP)

Nothing dirty or defiled will get into the City (heaven), and no one who defiles or deceives. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will get in.
Rev. 21:27 (MSG) In parentheses mine.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Heb. 9:27 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom. 6:23 (NIV)

²⁷Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ²⁸so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb. 9:27-28 (NIV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Every good gift and every perfect (^[a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. Jam. 1:17 (AMPC)

¹⁰Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.

¹¹“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, Mal. 3:10-11a (NKJV)

⁴Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
⁵Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
⁶He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun. Ps. 37:4-6 (NIV)

⁹“Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

The purity of silver and gold is tested
by putting them in the fire;
The purity of human hearts is tested
by giving them a little fame. Proverbs 27:21 (MSG)

God has no use for the prayers
of the people who won’t listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 (MSG)

^13-14“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.