Heaven Won’t be the Same Without You, But Hell Will

February 24, 2018February 24, 2018 / Mark Brady / 5 Comments

healing At the age of seven, I knew I was a convicted cookie thief! I went to a church, where the anointed man of God, my pastor, scared the hell out of me! He preached straight up sermons concerning what would happen if we died and had not accepted Jesus to forgive us of our sins. As a result, out of fear of going to hell, I choose God, and heaven.

Today, I realize, some don’t chose God, because they don’t have firsthand knowledge of the Holy. They don’t know God. They don’t know what makes him smile, laugh, or hurt. They don’t know He gets jealous when someone worships anything, or anyone other than him, and they obviously don’t know He is serious about only two places to spend eternity. They haven’t felt his great love. People then, believe more in themselves than they do him.

God created heaven for his followers. He created hell for Satan, and the fallen angels that followed him. When men started rejecting God, he had to expand hell to accommodate them.

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). “Therefore Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it” (Isaiah 5:14).

Now, at my current age, I have experienced the love of God in such a way, there is no other place I would rather be, than in heaven with him. Therefore I feel commissioned, everywhere I go, to make myself available as God leads to share his great love with those who don’t know. I spoke the title of this blog to a very dear friend of mine, because it is absolutely true. If my friend chooses God, heaven will be better, but hell won’t change at all without him.

Check it out: See helpful life keys. Beth Olsen

Can You Stand Naked before God?

February 17, 2018February 17, 2018 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Photo by Michael Wall of Wall2WallFoto

Feeling uncomfortable right now? I know I did, at first, when I asked myself that question. Ironically, I was about to step into the shower when the thought came to me, but then my thoughts soon turned to my current reading in the book of Genesis.

God walked through the garden. He was looking for Adam and Eve. He called out for them. They hid after doing their best to cover up their nakedness. It wasn’t their bodies they were ashamed of. It was their sin. Adam and Eve had disobeyed God. You see, when the presence of God shows up the Holy Spirit convicts. What matters is how we react to the Holy Spirit’s conviction.

People still sin today. They still disobey God. They still try to cover up their sinfulness. They try to hide. But I tell you the truth, God searches diligently for you. He calls out your name. To point His finger at you and condemn you? No! To love you. To forgive you. To cleanse you, if you will let Him. You see, for Adam and Eve, God spilled the blood of an innocent animal to cover their nakedness. For you, He allowed His innocent Son’s blood to be spilled to cover you.

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. (Rom 5:8 AMP)

When you accept God’s forgiveness, there is no problem standing before Him naked, for you no longer have anything to hide.

Check it out: Exercise, and care for seniors: strongwell.org

The Other Side of Pain

February 10, 2018February 9, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

PAIN P ersonal
A nguish
I ntense
N umbness

N eeds
I llustrated
A wareness
P rovided

Beautiful songs are composed out of PAIN. Books, cards, and letters as well. When one hears, or reads words that were birthed in PAIN, it resonates, it feels familiar, and it comforts. It lets you know, “You’re not the only one who has felt this way.”

Respect PAIN, but don’t hang on to it too long. Place it in the hands of the One who has felt the very same thing. Jesus is there, waiting, loving, comforting. Saying to you, “You’re not alone in this.”

Then, look around you. There are people, who are a part of your world, who are hanging on to PAIN. You can see it in their eyes. For you saw it in yours, every time you looked in the mirror. Get beside them. Be Jesus in that moment to them, and say, “You’re not alone. Let me show you how to give it to Jesus.”

Check it out: Inspired, rich words: believemiraclesblog.wordpress.com

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/