Let There Be Light

December 31, 2024December 25, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Light is amazing. The tiniest glimmer can be seen, sometimes for miles. Darkness exists until there is light.

1 In the beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. ²The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. ³And God said, Let there be light; and there was light. ⁴And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness. Gen. 1:1-4 (AMPC)

There is a lot of darkness in this world. People who do not know God are walking around in darkness. Their lives are without form, an empty waste, but the Spirit of God is moving about them. God wants to introduce “Light” into their life. By that, I mean Jesus, for He is the light of the world.

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life. John 8:12 (AMPC)

Light was made for darkness!

Light dispels darkness. God wants the people who are walking around aimlessly in darkness to be introduced to Light, to Jesus. He wants to use you as a representative of the kingdom of heaven to let your light shine so bright that it attracts the lost to you.

Have you ever noticed how insects and snakes are drawn to light? When I was a young man, my father would ask me to carry the lantern while we were gathering crawdads for our fishing trip the next day. I found out the hard way snakes go to light, but that’s another story.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. Mat. 5:16 (AMPC)

When you let the love of God shine through you in words and deeds, people will be drawn to you. They probably won’t understand it, but they will be drawn to the Light of the world, Jesus, who lives inside you.

There is a lot of darkness in this world. As we hang new calendars on our walls, well, I still do that, let us be mindful of others this new year and let the light of Jesus shine through us. So the darkness that surrounds them will be dispelled, and they can accept Jesus into their life. And God will see that the light is good (suitable, pleasant) and He will approve it; and God will separate the light from the darkness.

Putting it All Away

December 27, 2024December 6, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Christmas was two days ago. At my house, you wouldn’t even be able to tell that Christmas took place. All the debris, decorations, and disruptions are cleaned up and put away. I think I got that attitude from my mother.

People get so excited about Christmas. The buildup, the gatherings, the presents, it all stimulates us. And most seem to be nicer. There are a few Grinches, but overall, people behave for December.

But what happens after December 25th? How do you feel while cleaning up and putting things away? Does a normalcy come over you? Does life resume to its regular scheduled program already in progress? It doesn’t have to.

If you celebrate the One that Christmas is all about, then you still have that spirit and attitude in your heart. You might put away the things that come out because of the holiday, but you don’t pack up Jesus. You don’t put him away until Easter. I know some do, and those are the only two times a year they enter a church. Other than for weddings and funerals.

You can have that excitement and feeling inside you all year by knowing and having accepted Jesus into your life. You can experience the joy and peace year-round. I have said several times before that just because you have accepted Jesus, your life isn’t magically better. Jesus helps you get through the things in life that “happen” to us.

So, this Christmas, as you are cleaning up, packing up, and putting up, don’t pack away Jesus as if He is only a nativity scene. Leave him out and in your heart all year! If you haven’t accepted Jesus, do so. Ask him into your life and to forgive you of your sins. He is the best present you will ever unwrap your whole life.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Eph. 3:17 (NLT)

Who Is It For?

December 24, 2024November 29, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

After watching a good movie, or at least one that is well-written, I want to go to my computer and write. Either one inspires me. That happened today after watching “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

“Based on the beloved book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever centers on the Herdmans — absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But this Christmas, they’re taking over their local church Pageant — and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas.”

If you haven’t seen it yet, then I highly recommend it. There is one line in the movie that goes something like this. “The Herdmans are the very people Jesus came for.” As the people in the church judged and despised them, I was sitting there thinking about the people Jesus said he came for.

Later Jesus and his disciples were at home having supper with a collection of disreputable guests. Unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become followers. The religion scholars and Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company and lit into his disciples: “What kind of example is this, acting cozy with the misfits?”

Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.” Mark 2:15-17 (MSG)

Jesus also said about himself, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, Luke 4:18 (NLT)

I would word it like this: Jesus came for the oppressed, for the brokenhearted, for the disappointed, for the sick, for the sinners, for those who are realizing their way doesn’t work. For those despised and rejected. And for the unlovable. The Herdmans, me, and for you.

We all need Jesus. We all need saving, and that is why God sent us a Savior. He didn’t send us an accountant, an educator, or anyone else but his only Son. God sent us love in the form of a human to show us all a better way. If you have accepted Jesus, then you need to show the world “Love,” God’s Love! Not only at Christmas but every day of the year. Be a walking Christmas pageant. Let your life share the reason for Christmas.

Why it’s so Wrong

December 20, 2024November 22, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I looked up again and saw—surprise!—a book on the wing! A book flying!

²The Messenger-Angel said to me, “What do you see now?” I said, “I see a book flying, a huge book—thirty feet long and fifteen wide!”

^3-4He told me, “This book is the verdict going out worldwide against thieves and liars. The first half of the book disposes of everyone who steals; the second half takes care of everyone who lies. I launched it”—Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies—“and so it will fly into the house of every thief and every liar. It will land in each house and tear it down, timbers and stones.” Zec. 5:1-4 (MSG)

Zechariah 5 is a chapter in the Bible that presents a message of hope and a reminder of God’s intolerance of sin and His divine judgment on those who transgress His laws.

Lying and stealing are so bad they both made the list of God’s Top 10. And David Letterman thought he was the first one to do a Top 10 list. Why does God hate both of these?

Lying is so deceptive! It misleads people. It can also confuse individuals because they may not know what or whom to believe. But ultimately, it breaks down “trust.” Trust is hard to earn and even harder to earn back. I always told my children, “Just tell me the truth. No matter what it is, I can deal with the truth.” I’m not convinced they believed me, but it was a true statement nonetheless.

Stealing, well, it is also wrong! It is taking something that is not yours. You didn’t work for it or earn it. Or it wasn’t given to you by someone else. You have no right to it. It’s cheating! It causes the rightful owner to have to replace it if they can afford to. When someone steals, it usually has a monetary cost to it.

This is why God detests both of these sins. They hurt people. And God doesn’t like to see people in pain. He will deal severely with those who practice such things. It is also why God is such a champion for truth! The truth sets people free.

Another reason God sent His Son, Jesus to be born as a child. (Hence, Christmas.) Who dares question His delivery method? He knew His Son would grow up and do the work of his Father in heaven, which would show the freedom we can have in life if we don’t lie or steal, amongst other things that are wrong. God wants His people to live good lives.

Did You Know?

December 17, 2024November 22, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know” asks Mary, the mother of Jesus, a series of questions. “Did you know your baby boy would one day walk on water? Give sight to a blind man? Calm a storm? Raise the dead? Restore hearing and health? Save us from our sins? I would have asked, “Mary, when did you know?”

Of course, when Jesus was first born, she had no idea. All she knew was that God had a plan, and she was honored to play a role. But as Jesus was growing up, she had to have seen him do things that other children couldn’t do. I think that is what prompted her to ask Jesus to do something at the wedding when the hosts were running out of wine. She probably didn’t know what he would do but knew he could do something. (See John 2:1-11)

Do you know the power of Jesus? Have you heard of his power and glory? Do you believe? Jesus cares about you and what you go through daily. He is Lord of the extraordinary as well as the ordinary. What are you facing that you need him to step in and do something about? I’m sure you have no idea what he will do but know he can do something.

I have been amazed more than once by how God has worked things out in my life—an unexpected check, a job in an area I wasn’t even looking into, etc. I knew he could do miracles, and because I knew, I asked! What do you need Jesus to do? Ask because now you know.

(“Mary, Did You Know” songwriters: Mark Lowry, & Buddy Greene.)

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”

December 13, 2024November 22, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The Christmas carol “Do You Hear What I Hear?” asks three questions.

“Do you see what I see?”
“Do you hear what I hear?”
“Do you know what I know?”

The Holy Spirit is asking people those same questions today.

“Do you see what I see?”
He wants those who are taking the time to look around to see the need for people to see Jesus as God’s Son and to accept him as their Lord and Savior. To ask him for forgiveness for their sins and to enter into a life with God.

I have mentioned many times that if we trust God with our needs and concerns, we are free to see the needs of others. Satan wants us not to trust God and not see others’ need for a Savior. He works so hard to keep people’s lives in chaos!

“Do you hear what I hear?”
Do you hear people crying out for help? Not only America but every country has enormous needs and big problems. People are trying so hard to fix those issues with their strength and mind. The root problem for most of them is there is a lack of love! Some know the answer is found in God, but they fear turning their lives and countries over to Him for help, guidance, wisdom, and solutions.

“Do you know what I know?”
The Holy Spirit wants us to feel the urgency of the hour. The clock is ticking, and time is winding down to the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is also whispering like a wind to those who are quiet, content, grazing in green pastures, “See, Jesus. He is Dancing in the night.” He is asking the shepherds, “Hear, Jesus. He is singing high above the trees with a voice as big as the sea.” Then, the Holy Spirit is asking our leaders, “Are you warm and comfortable with the way things are? Yet Jesus is here waiting to help. Come. Ask, and give Him the praise and glory He is due.”

The Holy Spirit is hoping the leaders of the world will say to the people everywhere, “Listen to what I say! Pray for peace, people, everywhere, listen to what I say! The Child, the Child sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light.”

But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims,

A sight to take your breath away!
Grand processions of people
telling all the good things of God!

But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to.
Rom. 10:14-17 (MSG)

Are you like a lamb, listening? A shepherd watching? Or perhaps you are one who has the resources to help others.

Breath of Heaven

December 10, 2024November 22, 2024 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I have traveled many moonless nights,
Cold and weary with a babe inside,
And I wonder what I’ve done.
Holy father you have come,
And chosen me now to carry your son.

I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone?

I can’t imagine what Mary went through. God asked her to do a lot. To accept being part of His plan. To be willing to get pregnant without having been with a man and then to try to explain it all to her fiancé. Why should he believe her? Or her parents and friends, for that matter. This had never happened before. She must have felt alone for months, at least until she went to her cousin’s house, who believed her. (Luke 1:39-56)

Mary’s prayer probably went something like this:
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven.

Do you wonder as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place,
But I offer all I am

For the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong.

Has God asked you to do something as part of his plan? Does it sound outrageous or ridiculous? Many years ago, He asked me to accept a youth pastor’s position in a young church that could not afford to pay me a salary. My father was angry and thought I was nuts. I had completed college with my associate’s degree and had started a promising career with the area’s electric company. I obeyed God, and He was with me then and faithful to meet my needs, but I never stopped praying a similar prayer to Mary’s, and I, too, wondered if there was someone more qualified than I.

So, are you hearing a breath of heaven? Are you being called? I challenge you to trust God. Take his hand and start the most incredible adventure of your life. Yes, there will be times you will wonder if you made the right decision, but it is in those moments that God will do something extraordinary in you or through you that will leave no doubt in your mind that you did. You may feel as if there is someone better or smarter but remember this, God asked you. Besides, they may rely too much on their strength instead of on God’s.

“Breath of Heaven”
Songwriter: Christopher Eaton.

The Little Drummer Boy

December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I saw the posted image in Facebook the other day. I had to read it twice before my mind drew the correct image of what was being said. Then I laughed, and immediately shared it with a couple of friends. One didn’t get it until I started singing the song. If they had gotten it on their own they wouldn’t have had to hear me sing, “Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum!”

This Christmas song was not one of my favorites, at all. That is, until I heard a version of it by, “White Heart”. I found the song dull and boring before, but not anymore.

A few days have gone by since that Facebook post, but then yesterday, as April and I were out running errands and a particular Christmas song came on the radio, it dawned on me, I haven’t paused yet to reflect the true meaning of Christmas. I haven’t stopped long enough to prepare my heart to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Back to the little drummer boy; whether just a made up story or not, taking time to give Jesus what you have is a valuable lesson to reflect on. He had nothing to give, but his talent of playing drums. If it was true, I can see him standing there in perfect single formation, playing that drum with all of his heart! Playing an anthem fit for a king, and in this case the King of Kings.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
Source: gotquestions.org

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

December 3, 2024November 22, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The Christmas song “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” gives the reason, the story, of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the future of his saints.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of every longing heart.

Joy to those who long to see Thee Day-spring from on high, appear.
Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse, of Thy birth, we long to hear!
O’er the hills the angels singing news, glad tidings of a birth; “Go to Him your praises bringing Christ the Lord has come to earth!”

Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end. By His life He brings us gladness, Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend. Leaving riches without number, born within a cattle stall; this the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.

Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. by Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Come, Thou whom the prophets promised. Thou of whom the canters sing; Come, Emmanuel, God be with us. Thou our Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus, Thou are all perfection, Thou whose fellowship we crave; Thou the Life and Resurrection, Come redeem us from the grave.

Come, Thou King, receive Thy kingdom; With the angels, split the skies! Come with shouts and trumpets sounding, Bid Thy slumb’ring children rise! Gather in Thine arms so tender Sinners saved through grace alone; Lead us though Thy gates of splendor Unto our eternal home.

Any questions?

Songwriters: Words: Charles Wesley, 1744 (Verses 1 & 4) Mark Hunt, 1978 (Verses 2 & 3) Ann Aschauer 2022 (Verses 5 & 6)