My Bleeding Heart

January 10, 2025January 8, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

My name isn’t important. His name is! You see, I was sick. Very sick! I had been bleeding for eleven years. Most women bleed once a month for only a few days, but mine was all the time. It wouldn’t stop flowing.

Yes, I have been to the doctor! Several different doctors! I would see another doctor when one’s treatment didn’t work. Second opinion? I got third, fourth, and fifth opinions! No matter how ridiculous it seemed, I did everything they told me to do. I just wanted what I began to call a plague to stop.

My friends, what few I still had, accused me of all kinds of things. From being cursed to possessed! They kept thinking that I must have done something wrong to deserve this calamity that had fallen upon me.

I don’t understand that kind of thinking because we all live where bad things happen, even to good people. After all, sin has entered the world. The worst thing about having this condition is that in my culture, a woman is considered “unclean” when experiencing that time of the month! I hated that title more than anything! Being called “unclean” hurt me so badly. It wasn’t fair!

I wasn’t dirty, but when word got out from the doctors and began spreading throughout my community, people started avoiding me. I understood the expression “avoid like the plague!” I lived it! It was also challenging to be the recipient of their stares and their mean whispers. They probably thought I couldn’t hear them, but I could.

I wanted nothing more than to be healed! I just needed to find the right physician. I would do anything pay anything. Although I had already spent all that I had seeking a cure. I had cried out to God more than I can count for healing, a touch. I wanted out of my misery. Year after year, I was misunderstood, suffering, and being rejected for a total of eleven.

I don’t know how, but I managed to maintain a sliver of hope. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I never blamed God for my despair. No matter what I faced, I knew that healing was somewhere. I just had to find it or him.

Then, one day, I heard about this man coming to town. Rumor had it he was able to perform miracles, even healings. That sounded too good to believe, but what if? What if it was true? What if this man was a great physician? Could the end of my plague be days away? My faith began to grow.

The day he was supposed to arrive finally got here. I figured the crowd would be great to see such a great man, but I had no idea it would be that large. I decided to put on a cloak that had a hood. I used it to cover my head and to help hide my presence in such a crowd. According to my culture, it was wrong for me to even be there with my condition. I didn’t care. I needed to see this great physician who could help people with illnesses worse than mine.

Allegedly, he brought a man back to life from death. I would say death is a pretty severe illness! Another thing people were saying about him is that he forgave people of their sins if they believed in him. How can a man forgive sin? Forgiveness requires the spilling of blood. I don’t know about that, but if he can heal me of my affliction, I will be willing to listen to what he teaches.

I heard a great commotion coming my way. Everyone around me was getting excited and, thankfully, looking for their chance to get a glimpse of him. I just wanted to touch his robe. I thought that if this individual had the kind of power that others claim he does, then that should be all I need. Just one touch! He was heading in my direction. I pressed in, as did the others. My cover was working. No one had even noticed me in the crowd. As he got near me, I forced my way to the point where, at the moment he passed me, I could reach out and touch him. I didn’t like being pushy, but I had no choice, no more money, and no one else to turn to.

As he passed by and I realized this was it, I reached out. I felt my heart pound with excitement, with anticipation, but mainly with hope! The ones who were his followers were directing him, and I almost missed my opportunity, but at the last second, I touched the hem of his garment. Instantly, I felt a heat go through my body! Oh my goodness! It was like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life! At that moment, I knew! I knew without having to check that I was healed. I knew that my plague was over!

I was so overwhelmed. I was beginning to plan my exit when Jesus stopped. He turned around and asked, “Who touched me?” His followers said, “Master, there are so many pushing against you! Everyone is touching you!” I wanted to hide, for if the people saw me, they would be so mad, for I had broken the law, but I just had to turn and kneel before the man who healed me. I told him the whole story of my ailment. He listened, and then he said, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, and live blessed! Be healed of your plague.” He not only healed my plague but even more importantly, he healed my heart! I told you in the beginning that his name is important. His name was Jesus.

(The actual account can be found in the Bible. Luke 8:43-48)

If you have never had your own encounter with Jesus Christ, know that you can. He is waiting for you to accept his offer of forgiveness for your sins. With that begins a relationship that brings hope, encouragement, comfort, and guidance with the added bonus of eternal life. Along the way, you can ask for help with anything. Problems in life, relationships, and healing. Having a relationship with Jesus is the best thing you will ever do with your life. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are real. So are heaven and hell. There are no other alternatives. Encounter Jesus and change your life.

Infruence

January 7, 2025January 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

No, I didn’t typo the title of this blog. When I lived in Chicago, I had a Chinese friend and coworker who struggled to say the word “influence.” She always inserted an “r,” and I teased her a lot about it. She actually went on a women’s retreat, and “Influence” was the theme. They all wore T-shirts with the word printed on them. I took her picture and photo-edited it to say, “Infruence.”

Influence might be mixed with “favor.” Something I have noticed for a long time but never had the wisdom and understanding of until today is this: frequently, when I patronize a store or restaurant, they tend to get busy shortly after I am there. I’m always happy to see them get blessed and make money because then they will stay in business. I’m also glad the crowds arrive “after” I have ordered or have made my purchase!

I know that as a child of God, I walk around with favor upon me. It is not something I take lightly. In fact, sometimes, when I am not sure if something will go the way I prefer it to, I pray and ask God for favor or extra favor to be upon me.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people. Luke 2:52 (NET)

Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people.Pro. 3:4 (NET)

What I learned today was the favor that is upon me overflows onto the establishment I am visiting. That is why they get busy after I walk in. I just had a funny thought: businesses should “pay” me to come in.

I recall having a friend from church some years ago. She saw the “favor” effect I had on the restaurant she worked in. She confessed to me that if they were slow and she wasn’t making much money in tips, she would pray and ask God to send me in. She smiled as she told me this because she said, “Many times, it worked!”

I don’t think of myself as an “influencer” like those who are on TikTok and generate content. I mean, there are not throngs of people who are waiting to see what Mark Brady is doing or where Mark is shopping or eating. Side note: I don’t understand why people have to do what a celebrity does. Personally, who cares? But that is probably another blog post to discuss why they make them their idols.

So, if you have a business that needs customers, get in contact with me. We can work out a payment plan. LOL. I am definitely joking, for the favor of God is not for sale and should not be used for personal profit.

^18-19When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”

^20-23Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”

²⁴“Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!” Acts 8:18-24 (MSG)

Christmas Hangover

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

I know Christmas is over, and most are probably wondering if they can continue another day with their New Year’s resolutions, but I’m still thinking about Christmas. Perhaps I didn’t get enough of the goodwill or cheer? Maybe I want the spirit of Christmas to continue because people, in general, were nicer. I would hope it is because I am still focusing on the reason for the season, Jesus. Yeah, let’s say it’s that last one because it sounds holy!

Did I do enough to show God’s love to the world? After all, He showed us the ultimate love by sending his only Son, Jesus, to the world to fulfill our greatest need, saving us from our sins. That would be a hard decision, knowing that your Son was going to die a horrible death. I mean, there are times when I struggle to decide if I want to get involved in helping someone or not. I ask myself, “How long is this going to take?” Or “What is this going to cost me?”

Demonstrating the love of God isn’t something we should only do at Christmas but all the time. Meeting someone’s physical needs is a great way to start a conversation that can lead to sharing about God’s love.

I had an opportunity to do that this morning. April and I went to a restaurant to have breakfast while waiting for our car to be repaired at a nearby “Complete Auto Care” facility. A homeless man asked me if I had some change so he could purchase a sausage biscuit. He still smelled of his last cigarette. My flesh wanted to judge him. My mind was arguing, “If he can afford cigarettes, then he can buy his meal.” God’s Spirit, which dwells within me, won, and I met his physical need of hunger. That led to a conversation about God and his love and the importance of accepting Jesus into our hearts. I’m not a religious hero; I’m just mindful of others’ need for Christ.

“Christmas Hangover?” I’m not sure, or perhaps it is hanging on to Christ for help in spreading the love of God to a dying world. Either way, I hope it continues all year.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-18 (MSG)

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.