Are You Wearing a Costume?

October 31, 2025October 18, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Today is Halloween. A day where children, and some adults, put on a costume and either go Trick-or-Treating or to a party. Although for some, it is a very real day of worshipping Satan. I have written about that before, but I won’t here.

I think throughout time, people have enjoyed wearing a costume and, at least for one night, being someone they are not on a daily basis. They pretend. But what if they are wearing a costume all the time? Not of their favorite superhero, monster, or movie star, etc., but one that conceals who they really are or what they are facing.

Believe it or not, people may not be wearing a costume, but they may very well be wearing a mask! Hiding something. Perhaps the pain of life failures, a bad marriage, or maybe a secret sin. They don’t want to reveal their weaknesses or struggles. This is no way to live. And this isn’t what God wanted for us.

He wanted us to have life, an abundant life! That is why He sent us His Son, Jesus. (John 10:10) Jesus not only can forgive us of our sins but can be with us when we face difficulties. The Holy Spirit can comfort us when we are sad or suffering a loss. He can also guide us by still small whispers into our spirit. And of course, we can enter into the presence of God at any time through our prayers and praise to him.

There is no need to hide behind a mask. No need to be ashamed of our past lives. If you have accepted God’s gift of salvation, then you become a new person. Then the only thing you will be wearing is a robe of righteousness.

Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. 2 Cor. 5:17-20 (MSG)

Breaking News!

October 28, 2025September 29, 2025 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

I have started seeing fantastic news on Facebook lately. It usually starts with, “BREAKING NEWS from Branson, MO.” This gets my attention. Sometimes, my heart will even start racing. The first one I read talked about a couple living in a remote attic space above the local Walmart. The article went on to explain how they survived there for two years without being detected. It shared how they obtained their food and other necessary supplies. They were finally caught by an HVAC technician who entered the space to work on one of the air units. I believed it.

Now, though, I’m beginning to not believe any of the articles that start like that, because the last one I saw said that McDonald’s is now offering funeral services. “McFuneral’s.”

Sadly, in today’s world, you can’t believe everything you hear, read, or see. With the invention of A.I., just about any image can be created and made to look real. In the old days, newspapers verified their stories to protect their reputation. They wanted people to know that what they printed could be trusted.

The Bible warns us in Matthew 24:23 that some will say, “Here is the Messiah!” or, “There he is!” That we are not to believe and chase after such rumors. Worse, some may be yelling with excitement in their voice, that the Bible says this or that, like “BREAKING NEWS!” You might hear this and have your heart start racing.

So how do we discern the truth? Easy. By knowing the truth for ourselves! It is critical, more now than ever, to know what the word of God says. In the past, some churches proclaimed that the Bible was too difficult to understand, so leave it to those who have been trained. But with the modern language translations we have available, even free, there is no excuse.

Someone, perhaps even a friend, may proclaim, “The word of God says this.” Your brain can work fast, and you can say, “No, actually, it doesn’t.” If you didn’t know for yourself, you could easily be misled. That is one of the main reasons I show the scriptures in these posts, or at least give the reference.

Be wise. Be cautious and be suspicious of anyone who tries to tell you what the Bible says. I used to have a friend who, when we talked, always challenged me to list my sources when I mentioned something. It was a little obnoxious, but in reality, wise. He wanted to know if he could trust what I said.

Be careful, friends. Study God’s word and show thyself approved. 2 Timothy 2:15.

Convenient Store Church

October 24, 2025September 27, 2025 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

Up until recently, we had a local convenience store/gas station called “Kum & Go.” Not sure why, but they were bought out and the name was changed to “Maverick.” Convenience stores are popular when you are in a hurry and simply go down to the corner, rather than driving all the way to a grocery store or a Walmart. But it comes with a price.

I’ve mentioned that April and I have started going to a new church this year. We like it. We started noticing that people get there early to fellowship with one another. And they hang out after the service to do the same. Something we did not witness at our previous church. There, people would come in barely in time for the service to start, and then they would run out as soon as it was over. Last Sunday, April and I were comparing, and she called our previous church, “Kum & Go Church.” I literally laughed out loud. But “Kum & Go Church” comes with a price!

When you talk to people at church, you start to get to know them, and they get to know you. A relationship begins to grow. You start caring about them and they, you. In short, you become a family. This doesn’t happen at “Kum & Go Church,” and you pay a price. In fact, our church uses the word “family” a lot. This is what God intended all along. He knows that we cannot do life alone and shouldn’t try. He wanted the church to take care of widows and orphans, as well. But social programs begin when people stopped going to church or started believing the lie that they didn’t need God.

He encourages us not to forsake the assembly of ourselves. Okay, that was kind of King James language, but a modern translation would say, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Heb. 10:25 (NLT)

I picture the first church being like this. I get that impression from Acts 2:42-47:

⁴²All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

⁴³A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— ⁴⁷all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

This type of community doesn’t just happen automatically. The “family” type attitude trickles down from the leadership of the church, including the pastor. April and I are happy to be going a little further than to the church on the corner for convenience. Finding a home church where we belong.

Wise Guy, ey?

October 21, 2025September 24, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. James 3:13 (MSG)

The other day, I was having a conversation with a lady as we walked out of Walmart. I don’t recall the string of our conversation, but I do remember her saying, “Look at me. I have grey hair. I’m old. I have lived a lot of life. I know things and want to share my wisdom, what I have learned.”

I looked, and sure enough, she had grey hair. As we talked, I realized she walks with God. She had indeed learned to trust him. I understood her desire to share what she had learned while walking with God. Her willingness to be an open book and share honestly from her life.

I, too, share that desire. To convey the wisdom I have learned from God. That is partly why I post these blogs. I look for opportunities to dispel this knowledge. Not to show off, but to help the person I am talking to. If they can learn without having to pay the price of that knowledge, like I probably did, then they are better off.

My “life verse” is Psalms 69:5b “My life’s a wide-open book before you.” This is to God, but I take it a step further and share openly from life.

As you continue reading from James 3, you will learn more about what a wise person looks like:

Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

^17-18Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. James 3:14-18 (MSG)

For the Kingdom of Heaven

October 17, 2025September 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I have always been intrigued by Jesus’ teachings. I especially liked it how, while he was speaking, he would point to something and say, “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto…” Okay, that’s how it is written in the King James version of the Bible. A current way would be, ^“God’s kingdom is like…”

That line has had a huge influence on how this blog is written. If you have ever noticed, I try to take something from real life and show how it can relate to the kingdom of God. I think the gospel of Jesus Christ is relational and practical. It’s not just some lofty words that sound nice.

I think that is where so many casual Christians go off-key. They “go” to church, hear a great sermon, but toss it in the trash on the way out. Then they go about their week as if the God who loves them so much hadn’t delivered a custom “love” letter to their heart. God uses people to speak on his behalf. He delights in partnering with them to do his business.

Sunday’s sermons and hopefully this blog should be thought about during the week and should certainly be applied. It may be challenging, but that is where we can ask God to help us. We should always be growing and maturing in our walk with God. I know of some who have been the same hurtful people for many years. They “go” to church almost every time the doors are open, but when they are there, they forget to unlock the doors of their heart.

Boy, I didn’t expect those words to come out when I started writing this post.

Hear the words of God. Whether spoken through a sermon, read in the Bible, or perhaps in these blogs. Think about them. Ponder their meanings. The Bible is relatable. Its words are alive, and they change people, or at least should. The words the Bible contains can be applied to every part of our lives. Even more than Seinfeld-isms.

God’s Soldier

October 14, 2025September 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

I was waiting for my movie to start. As you know, they show trailers of upcoming movies. One such trailer was on the big screen, and one line in particular stood out to me. They were showing off the fighting capabilities of robotic soldiers. The salesman was saying such things as, “If they get killed, I simply build another one in its place.” Then he said the line that got my attention. He said, “And they are Biblically strong.”

Wait. What? What in the world did he mean by that? Was he somehow referring to the Nephilim?

The Nephilim, who were “heroes of old, men of renown” of a giant size and, apparently, enhanced physical abilities (Genesis 6:4) (Source: gotquestions.org)

Regardless of what he was referring to, the phrase got me thinking. If I’m a soldier for God, am I “Biblically strong?” What would someone who is look like?

They should know the word of God very well.
They should be part of a corporate community that motivates them every week.
They should have good and clear communication with their commanding officer.
They should study and know the weaknesses of the enemy. His tactics.
They should have no fear when it comes to encountering the enemy.
They should be trying to recruit and encourage others to join the fight.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit.” – Hebrews 4:12

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”–
2 Corinthians 10:4

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” –
2 Timothy 1:7

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” –
Hebrews 10:24-25

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” – Romans 16:20

Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil] 1 Tim. 6:12 (Amp)

Running On Empty

October 10, 2025September 23, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

In preparation for writing this post, I soon realized that it was going to be difficult. The subject matter is serious and very opinionated. I’m not a trained professional at all, but my observations and lots of thinking, trying to understand, have formed my beliefs.

We have had a lot of mass shootings in America in recent years. At the time of this writing, there was another one last week. It’s sad and tragic, and even more so when the victims are children. Our country has put in place stronger gun control laws, yet shootings still exist, so gun control isn’t the answer. Then there’s the anthem, “Guns don’t kill people, but people kill people.”

So, one must look at the people, the individuals who commit these travesties. We have to ask, “What is going on inside of them that would cause them to ‘act out’ in such a way?” Some are beginning to look more and more at mental illnesses as a leading cause, and they are most likely onto something.

If we had a way to count them, we would probably learn that millions of people suffer from some form or level of mental illness. Many, most likely, use medication to control it. But what about the ones who can’t get the prescriptions or counseling they need? Or worse, what if they have never been diagnosed?

Here is my opinion: Not to overly simplify the problem, I believe, in some sort of way, these individuals are “empty.” In other words, they are not flowing with life. This may lead them to feel they are alone, there is nothing worth living for, or why keep fighting? Some may have issues of feeling abandoned, that no one sees them, or cares. They probably struggle to make sense out of life. They find themselves living with darkness all around them and without peace.

As for why they attack children at a school or people at a church, this may be where they identify their life went dark. Or perhaps this is where they feel individuals stopped caring about them.

If these hurting, empty, living in darkness, individuals could meet Jesus. Hear about his love and care for them, and then feel it. Then, they might just accept him, and their lives could take on a whole new meaning. Doing so could be their turning point. They would, perhaps for the first time, experience the peace they seek, the meaning and fulfillment they need, and start walking with the Light of the world. All confusion about who they are could become clear.

Most likely, these hurting individuals walk amongst us. If we see them, we should be bold to confront them. Share Jesus and his love with them, and then follow up or stay in touch with them. It may take a lot of work to combat the lies of the devil they have been listening to for some time, perhaps, years. But with God’s help and guidance, we can do it. We can rescue these people, and Jesus can deliver them out of darkness and into the light. A significant challenge, but we must try. You never know, but your efforts could save their life and the lives of countless others.

“Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Mat. 5:15b-16 (MSG)

“I tried everything. Parties, women, buying expensive jewelry… Nothing helped. There was no peace. Just emptiness inside. When I found Christ, I found what I had been missing all those years.” – Deion Sanders

Dreaming in Living Color

October 7, 2025September 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

For the last couple of weeks, I have had some really wild, dramatic, and sometimes unnerving dreams. Not nightmares per se, but ones that caused me to say when I woke up, “Boy, am I glad that was a dream!”

Last night’s dream took the cake.

“They’re poisoning you. Your mother and sister are adding poison to your food. I think they are trying to trick you out of signing over your inheritance from Uncle Bill to them, including his mansion,” said a person who was also being held captive. I started trying my best to eat only a little, but to move the food around on my plate to make it look as if I had eaten most of it.

“I want my phone now,” I insisted. “Ha! No problem,” said my mother. “Your sister drained the battery.” She handed me the phone. I dialed “911.” Well, the joke’s on you. Phones keep a reserved amount of power for emergency calls.” I put the phone on speaker. “911, what’s your emergency?” I started explaining the situation as my sister took off. “You can run, but you can’t hide,” I told her.

I got out of the house and ran across the street to my uncle’s mansion. The next thing I knew, Uncle Bill’s brothers and sisters began to arrive. Then people from the community started coming in and snooping. “We always wanted to see the inside!” one proclaimed. Another exclaimed, “We’re looking for the stash of diamonds he had.

More and more people came pouring in. I would get one group out only to watch another one enter. I shut the doors, but they opened them anyway and came in. It was a wild scene. Loud and the people had on extravagant outfits. I finally yelled out, “Turn out the lights!”

That’s when I woke up with my heart racing, and I immediately proclaimed, “Boy, am I glad that was a dream!” Knowing God has the answers to every question, I asked him, “God, what do these dreams mean?” Sadly, I did not get an immediate answer, but I did get a sense that some live in constant drama and chaos, as in my recent dreams. Like they have so much going on in their life that they have no control over, and their heart pounds as they try their best to keep a lid on life.

But one who is in a relationship with God doesn’t have to live that way. I’m not going to tell you that life with God is easy or perfect, but it’s reassuring knowing that One who can control everything is doing life with you, and you can live in peace. The devil specializes in keeping your life in turmoil if you let him.

That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. John 14:27 (MSG)

May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! 2 Thes. 3:16 (MSG)

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. Jam. 4:7-10 (MSG)

Heroes of the Faith

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Moses, Abraham, Joshua, David, Elijah, and many more. They could all be counted as “Heroes of the Faith.” But today, I would have to add another name to that list. A true woman of God, Margie McQueen. I sat and cried, and laughed a little, as we celebrated her life today. A life lived so well that she had to have heard Jesus say, “Well done, Margie, and welcome home.”

How do I know she heard those words? There is no doubt that Margie loved God and people. Many spoke loving words about how she had touched their lives and the lives of their families. She was a prayer warrior to say the least. She was a prophetess as God would show her things while in prayer, sometimes well before they came to pass. Many times, in a church service, she would be used of God to exhort, comfort, and encourage the flock. She definitely had and operated in the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are still operating in our days if we will only listen and be willing to be used of God. (1 Corinthians Chapters 12 & 14)

As others shared their favorite “Margie” moments, I couldn’t help but remember my own. When I was thirteen, the Carbondale Assembly of God church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, hired me to mow the lawn. Margie was the pastor’s wife at the time. The property sat on ten acres and had a lot of grass, and Oklahoma summers can get extremely hot.

The pastor’s parsonage’s kitchen window faced the big front lawn of the church. I would be mowing and sweating. Margie would see me, and at times, would bring out the best chocolate shakes I have ever had, and probably ever will! They were so delicious and refreshing and full of love. In full confession, after the first shake, whether I knew if she was home or not, or watching me or not, when I was close to that kitchen window, I wiped my brow and acted as if I couldn’t make it in the heat unless I had a chocolate shake. Sometimes it worked, but not every time.

Thank you again, Margie, for the chocolate shakes, but more importantly for the love. And for showing all of us who were watching how to be a servant of the living God. Your daughter, Jeanie, said you liked to sparkle. Perhaps tonight, if I am outside, I will look up and smile as you do in heaven.

If God assigns me to mow grass in heaven, I’m going to ask to mow your lawn, Margie, and look for you smiling in your kitchen window. I know I thanked you for the shakes back then, but I don’t recall saying this when you were among us. “I love you, too, Margie.”