Understanding vs Knowing

February 3, 2018January 29, 2018 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Power There are things, that go on in this world, I do not understand. I ask questions like, “Why”, and “How?” There are also things of God I do not understand, but I never used to question Him. To be honest, I felt as if it showed a lack of faith. So I have grown in my relationship with God just believing, and trusting, and knowing, “He’s got this!” And in some ways that is good. I relied on the following verses whenever I couldn’t understand or know what God was doing in my life, or in other’s lives around me:

Isa 55:9 “For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” (MSG)
Phi 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (KJV+)

But now I am learning from my pastor to ask God, and it’s okay. It’s not a lack of faith. Especially when I sense knowledge coming from Him. Maybe another way to put it is; if I believe the Holy Spirit is showing me something, and I do not understand what I am sensing or seeing, I ask God, “What is this?” “What does this mean?” “Who is this for?”

My pastors are Joel & Linda Budd. They teach a lot about this in their book, Fill Me or Kill Me. God wants to teach us how to reach people with power and authority. How to set the captive free, and heal the broken-hearted. In order to do that, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised this power of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8. Jesus also illistrated this kind of power in His ministry while here on earth, so it’s nothing to fear. You won’t be weird. In truth, you will be more like Jesus. And isn’t that what being a Christian means, an imitator of Christ?

When the Holy Spirit hands you the keys to someone’s heart, real ministry can take place. The receiver won’t argue religion, won’t ask unanswerable questions, but they will receive God’s love through you. Understanding is good, but there is power in knowing!

Full Service

January 27, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Fuel gauge 2 A man wondered into the church. He was hungry. He was given a sack lunch. The man was also deaf, but could read. He understood two people in the church wanted to pray for his hearing, and he let them. Then he shared his car was almost out of gas and he wouldn’t be able to get to work the next day. One of the two went with him and filled up his car. He shared while pumping the gas, God spoke to him and said, “Full Service.” He knew what God meant, but to help him remember, he washed the windshield as well.

A person who has a need, is more apt to listen to you share God, after their immediate need is met. Doing so, shows you really care for the “whole” person (Full Service). There were times when Jesus healed one’s body, but also healed their heart. Forgave them of their sins (Full Service).

When sharing God with another, keep an eye on the fuel gauge. You never want to share more than the individual can hold. When you share too much it spills over and makes a mess. I learned this lesson while sharing God with a fellow commuter on the train. She avoided me for the next several weeks.

Last of all, be careful with your attitude when serving. Jesus said it best:

Mat 6:1 “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.” (MSG)

Check it out:
Honest words about finding her way: https://katelynvallstruth.wordpress.com/

Does God Go to Your Church?

January 20, 2018January 15, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Church 1 You might be asking, “How would I know?”

Are people accepting God, and His message? Are people getting healed? Are there words of prophecy, or of knowledge being spoken? Are people walking away touched by God and filled spiritually from hearing God’s word? I once quit going to a church because I left hungrier for God then when I went in.

Or is your church more of a social club? Maybe your church is popular and therefore has large numbers attending and people think, “Now that’s a good church, because so many people go there.” But is it good? Does God go there? A good church should not be measured by the number of attendees.

If you leave church hungry, or wanting more, then perhaps it’s time to start looking for a church that God goes to. Don’t just go to the same church, because that is what you have always done, unless of course you can say God goes there. I know, it’s hard to change, but go to a church that you can get excited about, and you want everyone you know, or meet, to experience God in the ways you have.

As times get harder, and they will, the only ones to make it will be those who know God. Go to a church where you can meet him and get to know him.

Check it out:
Creative, fun, talented. Give him a minute: https://jefflossau.com/

Descending Order of Predominance

January 13, 2018January 13, 2018 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

Can Label 1 According to our government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food packages have to list the ingredients, but in a particular order. Here is the rule:

INGREDIENT LISTS 1. The ingredient list on a food label is the listing of each ingredient in descending order of predominance.

Great! So, what does that mean? It means all of the ingredients, in that container of food, has to be listed in order of which ingredient’s total weight is the most to the least. I would put it this way: the predominant ingredient is listed first. I actually looked this information up. (I know. I need a life!)

If someone was to list the ingredients in your life what would be the predominant one? Greed? Lust? Power? I hope not, but looking at how some people, whose lives are lived out in front of us these days, I know it is true their predominant ingredient would not be good.

I strive, to live my life in such a way, so the first ingredient would be God. It’s hard! My flesh’s sinful nature keeps trying to reduce the amount of God in my life. Knowing this, I purpose my life, in a way, that focuses on God as much as possible. I talk to him throughout my day, and read his word. (I enjoy reading “The Message” by Eugene H. Peterson. It’s a modern English Bible translation.) I also spend time with others who believe as I do.

If this is your desire as well, then go for it. Don’t get weary from trying your best. God knows your heart’s desire, and remember this, his grace is sufficient, and new every morning.

Check it out:
For a heart set on following Christ: https://redeemedview.wordpress.com/home/

Call of Duty

January 6, 2018January 7, 2018 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

A hurt soul needs a mender.
One rejected needs acceptance.
A depressed one needs to be encouraged.
One feeling like a waste needs to know their value.
A person struggling with an addiction needs a cheerleader.
Someone down and out needs a break.
One near the edge needs hope.
A person ill needs healing.
Someone lonely needs a friend.

people The list, could go on. The truth is, these individuals need Jesus. Most do not think to turn to him, because they can’t see him, but they can see you. In a time, when our world is in so much pain, those who know Jesus, and has the hope he provides, needs to answer the call of duty.

God has placed you where he needs you. You’re the one, who can take the time, speak a word, or give a hug. You may never know the impact of taking a risk of faith to say, go or do, but one day you will. “Do not be afraid,” the angel of the Lord would say to you. The more you reach out, the more you say, and the more you come along side someone, you will find it strengthens you, encourages you, and increases your faith to do more. God will lead you, as you are his servant, saving lives.

Keep one thing in mind; there was someone, just like you, who took the time to be there for you, and shared the love of Jesus with you.

Check it out:
Touching, Spirit filled, sincere, encouraging words: https://tostrengthenamothersheart.wordpress.com

The Storm Whisperer

December 30, 2017December 29, 2017 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Sailing in a Storm by Frank Botello

“Son, let’s take the boat out for a nice afternoon of sailing.”

“Okay, Father.”

They boarded, pushed off, and stated enjoying their time together. Then, as if out of nowhere, the skies darkened, and a violent storm was upon them. The family boat was tossed around as if it was a canoe. The father struggled to steer in the mighty wind.

I’m a captain of large ships! I have sailed the oceans and have faced many storms. This one shouldn’t be a problem he thought.

Then a huge wave slammed the side of the boat knocking the father to the left where he hit his head and became unconscious. His son watched in disbelief while coward up in the bottom.

“Father! Father! What do I do? I’m scared!” He yelled, not knowing if his father could even hear him over the roar of the ferocious wind.

Many hours later the father lifted his head. He saw the seas were calm, and the sun was about to set. He also recognized the shore line, and realized they were close to home.

My son! Where’s my son? He got to his knees and then staggered to his feet. He turned to survey the boat looking for his son. Then he turned and found him in the last place he expected.

“Son! I can’t believe it. How?”

“Father, when you were knocked out, so was my hope of surviving. Then I crawled to the wheel, and used it to pull myself up. I gripped it tighter than I had ever hung on to anything before. I was so scared. You had taught me how to sail, but not how to survive a storm. Then, I recalled the story in the Bible where Jesus calmed the storm after the disciples woke him up. So I prayed. Well, more like yelled for his help, and he answered. It wasn’t immediately, and I wasn’t even sure he had heard me, but eventually Jesus got us through the storm.”

I assure you, 2018 will present its own set of storms. I have started giving mine names like they do hurricanes! The true story is found in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus had told His disciples, “Let’s go to the other side.” If Jesus wants to take you to the other side then guess what? You will make it! Have faith. And when Jesus answers your cry for help, in the midst of a storm, he will cause the wind to run out of breath! Don’t try to get to the other side on your own, no matter how many storms you have been through before. You still need the Storm Whisperer.

Check it out:
Entertaining, thought provoking poetry: https://franksolanki.wordpress.com/

EVOL

December 23, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

LOVE 105 Would you recognize LOVE if you saw it? Are you sure?

Joh 3:20 Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure.
Joh 3:19 “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.
Joh 3:18 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.
Joh 3:17 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.
Joh 3:16 “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. (MSG)

If you could only see God’s LOVE for you. His LOVE for you, cannot be measured, for there is no unit of measurement adequate. His LOVE is so vast one cannot see from one side of it to the other. His LOVE for you is so powerful. His LOVE can conquer all! His LOVE never fails.

Also, God uses His people, all around the world, to show you His LOVE for you the best they can. Know God’s LOVE, for it is perfect. Seek it out as if it’s the greatest treasure on earth…for it is! Ask God to help you recognize it. Start now, for tis the season. For God’s LOVE, Jesus, came to you in Bethlehem. Born in a manger.

Look for God’s LOVE as if your life depends on it, for it does.

Check it out:
Caralyn says, “We are all recovering from something.” https://beautybeyondbones.com/

Do You Know the Jesus of Christmas?

December 16, 2017December 16, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Christmas Card 1 After Jesus was born to Mary, Satan used King Herod to kill all the boys in the land under the age of two. It was a shotgun attempt to kill Jesus, the Son of God. For Satan heard the same stories and rumors others did, but he didn’t know for sure who, or where Jesus was.

In the movie, The Young Messiah there is a line spoken by young Jesus. Jesus looked at Satan and said, “You don’t know who I am do you?” I’m sure Satan saw glimpses of Jesus, but probably too, couldn’t believe that God would send His son, to earth, as a child.

Satan didn’t know who Jesus was until Jesus was baptized. For when Jesus came up out of the water there was a loud voice from heaven saying, “…this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mat. 3:17) Afterwards, Jesus went into the dessert to fast and pray for 40 days, then Satan tried to tempt Him. If Jesus had given in, God’s plan would have been killed.

Your whole life, God has been trying to reveal His Son to you. Do you believe it? Have you accepted God’s plan? Your whole life Satan has been trying to kill God’s plan for you. It’s true.

Please, take a moment this Christmas. Get quiet, and look at the Christmas cards around you. It’s more than a holiday. It’s more than a story. And it’s definitely more than a time to go into debt! It’s the beginning of a love story. God’s love for you. Accept the Jesus of Christmas.

Check it out:
Fresh, anointed, honesty shared here: https://tatianaketchum.wordpress.com/

The Right Wood, Nails, and Man, Became the Perfect Savior

December 9, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

20171209_162330 Jesus, being the son of a carpenter, learned all about wood. How to pick out the right kind perfect for its intended use. He was shown by his father how to cut it, sand it, and assemble it so it could serve its purpose. Jesus also became acquainted with nails. Where to put them, and what size was needed.

When Jesus grew up, he didn’t continue in his earthly father’s business, but being the Son of God, changed over to his Heavenly Father’s business. He didn’t get away from wood, or nails. In fact, He needed them. When he saw the cross, on which he would soon die, he recognized it was perfect for its intended purpose. Then he saw the nails, “They’ll hold.”

In the process of dying, Jesus returned to being a carpenter. In his death, he became the Savior. Through the use of wood and nails, he built a connection, between God and man that would hold for eternity. Jesus did that for you, out of LOVE.

Col 1:22 But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. (MSG)

Accidently on Purpose

December 2, 2017November 29, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Know God

Your coworker took time to listen to your struggles.
You found an envelope with cash and an anonymous note, “To help you out.”
A man pulled over and changed your tire not asking for anything in return.
A woman, at the light, handed you five dollars.
They stopped and helped you pick up items that had fallen through your bag and then carried them to your destination.
A person shared their umbrella, which was made for one, but they made sure you stayed dry.
They stopped to hold the door, they gave you directions with a smile, they paid for your coffee in the drive thru.

Random acts of kindness?
Perhaps.

Or were they actually people, just like you,

who have fallen in love with God?

And so desperately wanted you to know Him,

that they went out of their way to show you what He would do in that same moment?

They didn’t preach.

They didn’t judge.

They didn’t condemn.

They LOVED!