Decision 2016

October 22, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

decision-2016 “Hi. My name is Jesus Christ. I’m not running for your vote to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for I already am. I do give you promises though. I promise to never leave you nor forsake you. I promise to love you and accept you even if no one else does. I promise to stick closer to you than a brother, and unlike others, I never break my promises. Also if you bring to my house just 10% of what I have already given you I promise to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon you.”

“You can count on me to be there for you. To help you with your life. Help you in making key decisions. To help in dealing with relationships with those around you. I came that you may have life, and to have it more abundantly, and above all else I died for you, so that you can live forever in heaven.”

Make a decision today to accept me. You don’t even have to wait until November 8^th. You can accept me early. My name is Jesus Christ, and I approve this ad.”

Is it 10:00?

October 8, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“Betty, what are you doing?” asked the caregiver.

“I have to get dressed. I have a 10:00 appointment.”

“Its 2:00 Betty.”

“Morning, or afternoon?”

“Morning.”

She helped Betty get back into her hospital bed. Betty tried this again two more times.

“But I have an appointment at 10:00. I need to get dressed.”

“Betty, you don’t have an appointment today at 10.”

“Yes I do.”

“Here, let me help you get comfortable in your bed.”

Betty went to be with Jesus at 10:24 AM.

This is a true story. Betty was my great aunt. I wrote about her on her 97^th birthday this past January. I once told her that she has lived so long her friends, already in heaven, might think she passed and went the other direction. In another conversation, “Your place, that Jesus promises to make for us in heaven, must really be something, because it has taken a long time to get it ready.”

We all have an appointment to keep one day. When we too will stand before God. I hope you’re ready like my aunt was.

“I love you Aunt Betty! I’m going to miss you, but I’m glad you are home.”

Betty

What Have You Abandoned?

October 2, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

from Pinterest

I can’t explain it really, but I have this unusual attraction to places that once were. A place that once was for fun, work, family, or God. An old amusement park, an abandoned factory, a dilapidated house, but especially a deserted church.

from Pinterest

I can understand an amusement park fails to draw crowds. A factory used to make things that are no longer needed, or wanted. A family leaves a house for any number of reasons, and the house never catches the eye of a new owner. But a church? Yes I know a church is truly its people, but there is something very sad to me when I see a church building that has been abandoned.

from Pinterest

Did God fail to draw a crowd? Did He stop providing what people needed? Has He not caught the eye of a new convert? The answer is, “No.” God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb. 13:8) So if God did not fail then what happened?

Did the people that once entered its doors, and gathered inside abandon

from Pinterest

God? I hope not. There are lots of things worth abandoning in life, but God? Never. A destructive life pattern, although it may be fun, yes. A job that doesn’t fully meet your needs? Yes. A house you or your family have out grown? Perhaps, but God? No. It is when you need to abandon other things in life, you need God the most. To lead you, guide you, and help you. I pray you never abandon God, for He will never abandon you.

They Walk Among Us

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Jessica, while at a red light, feels moisture drip upon her cheeks. She can’t believe the hurt has reached her eyes. Roger, holds his head in the stream of water showering upon him while he mumbles words. A prayer perhaps? He hopes the sound of the falling water conceals his pain, his desperation. Cassandra stares at the dark ceiling, instead of sleeping, longing for an answer. An answer that would change her life. Manuel walks aimlessly, at times looking up, hoping any minute now God would heal him.

Just stories lines, or glimpses of real life? Perhaps they feel real because you have been there, or you are there now. No matter where you are, or what you are going through, know this; YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are not the only one who has ever walked the path you are on, even though it feels like it. There are others, who are there now, or who have found the exit.

Where are these people? Who are they? Include in your prayers to God to lead you to them. They might be in your church, or they might be your neighbor, or across the aisle at work, but the truth is they walk among us. They can help you. They can listen to you. They can pray for you, or with you. But in order for that to happen they have to know. They have to know what you are going through. Take a chance on being honest when someone ask you how you are. And if you are one who hears a story of real life going on dare to listen int 051312_01-3jb ently. Believe with them for God to deliver them, answer them, or heal them. Life is hard, but it is even harder by yourself.

If you struggle finding someone, or trusting someone enough to open up with the truth, you are still not alone. There is no where you can go to escape the eye of God, or His love. Have faith, have hope for your exit may be within the next mile.

A Life with Meaning

September 18, 2016September 18, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

91716_01 I exited the train. Looking forward to being home. That is when I saw them. A young man, a young son, and a young dog all standing up against the fence holding onto it with their hands, and paws, waiting. Undoubtedly waiting for a young wife, a young mother, a young friend. The image was strong, and unfortunately one only a few others noticed, and commented by their, “Ahhh”s. What a welcoming site for the one being waited on to arrive. A young woman coming home to the love of a husband, the love of a child, and the love of a dog.

For those who have accepted God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit, and who now enjoy “a life with meaning” (Proverbs 9:6 MSG) they too will have a homecoming worth waiting for. I can imagine God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit standing, waiting to welcome us when we get off the train of life. (Providing we stay on track. Sorry I had to go for the pun.)

I hope you, my reader, are on track with your life to see God when you reach your final destination. I pray you have found what life with God is all about. How life with Him has meaning, purpose, and hope.

My Response to Psalms 23 (KJV)

September 11, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Flock of sheep grazing on green grass, Tuscany

The LORD is my shepherd; Who else would I want to guide me?

I shall not want. I have everything I need.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: God knows when I need rest.

He leadeth me beside the still waters. God knows how to refresh my thirst.

He restoreth my soul: God wipes the slate clean of wrongs.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. If it was up to me I would stumble in darkness.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: God, being perfect love, cast out all fear.

for thou art with me; I feel your presence God.

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. God, in your perfect discipline and direction is peace.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: God’s got this, so I can enjoy life.

thou anointest my head with oil; You have provided me everything I need God.

my cup runneth over. There is enough of your blessings God to share.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: Just the result of living for you God.

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. God I look forward to going home.

To Know

September 4, 2016 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

To know unconditional love;
is to know God.
To know real forgiveness;
is to know Jesus.
To know perfect direction;
is to know the Holy Spirit.

To know pure laughter;
is to know true friends.
To know great joy;
is to know a child.
To know time;
is to know an elderly person.

To know gratitude;
is to feed the hungry.
To know security;
is to clothe the naked.
To know health;
is to visit the sick.

To know peace;
is to know contentment.
To know lasting hope;
is to know faith.
To know wisdom;
is to know the Word of God.

The Closet Door

August 27, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Closet Like most kids, I was afraid of the dark. I would turn off my bedroom light and run and jump in bed from about three feet away so the monsters under it couldn’t grab my ankles and pull me under. I was especially afraid of the darkness that dwelled inside my closet. Embarrassed to admit it, but I was 40 years old before I could leave the closet door open on purpose at bedtime. Too many horror movies I guess.

There is another closet where darkness hangs I am still afraid. It is the one in my heart. I fear the part of me that does come out occasionally that can lead to monstrous results. I desire someday I can leave its door open, on purpose, and not be afraid. The only way that will ever happen is if I allow God to go there and clean out the closet, remove the darkness.

Darkness cannot remain when there is light, and God is: Light.

1Jo 1:5 This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him. (MSG)

That God is light – Light, in the Scriptures, is the emblem of purity, truth, knowledge, prosperity, and happiness – as darkness is of the opposite. John here says that “God is light” – not the light, or a light, but light itself; that is, he is himself all light, and is the source and fountain of light in all worlds. He is perfectly pure, without any admixture of sin. He has all knowledge, with no admixture of ignorance on any subject. He is infinitely happy, with nothing to make him miserable. He is infinitely true, never stating or countenancing error; he is blessed in all his ways, never knowing the darkness of disappointment and adversity. (Barnes Notes – Bible Commentary)

Joy = Love + Laughter

August 20, 2016January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

by guest blogger Lydia Floren

Everyone loves to laugh. Why is that?

Laughter is infectious. If you are around someone who is bent over laughing (and also maybe about to pee their pants if they are a certain age), you immediately smile. And if they keep on laughing, even if they don’t say a word, you start to laugh with them, and try to get their attention to find out what is so funny, so you can share the joke.
Laughter, like a good cry, is soul cleansing –but unlike tears, laughter doesn’t usually leave you exhausted or melancholy. On the contrary, it is invigorating.
Laughter is bright. Not in an ethereal-luminous-sort of way, but in a blinding-flash-of-light kind of way. In fact, you could say

Laughter is audible sunshine.

Laughter is refreshing, especially when someone is laughing at themselves. It reminds you not to take yourself too seriously.

Laughter is a game changer.When your sense of humor is tickled, and you start to laugh, whatever foul mood, or pity party, you might be experiencing tends to evaporate.
Laughter is a gift from God. Think about it: God invented laughter, just as He did everything else we know and experience. He programmed us each with our funny-o-meter. And here’s an interesting concept: God laughs.

God laughs? Of course He does. In fact, I bet He laughs a lot. No one could create some of the amazing quirky creatures in our world without a lively sense of humor. He surely chuckles, as any loving parent would, at the many funny things we say and do. And He must certainly laugh – in that deep satisfied way – when his children step into joy.

You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11 NASB

Joy is the hallmark of a person who lives in God’s presence. Such a person loves. And smiles. And laughs.

You might say

Joy = Love + Laughter.

website = Belovedlove

Her mailing address is:
Belovedlove
3712 Trails Ct.
Eau Claire, WI 54701

The Spook Light

August 14, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

hq25_hornet_spook_light As I was reading from the book of Psalms chapter 139, this past week, from The Message I was reminded of, “The Spook Light”. What? There is a light near the Oklahoma / Missouri border, just south of Joplin, MO. that has baffled people for 100s of years. This light will appear on this one road in front of you, and if you drive to get closer it will disappear, but then appear behind you. I saw this light when I was a young child. I was supposed to be afraid, but instead, I was intrigued.

Psa 139:5 I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too– your reassuring presence, coming and going.
Psa 139:6 This is too much, too wonderful– I can’t take it all in!
Psa 139:7 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight?
Psa 139:8 If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there!
Psa 139:9 If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon,
Psa 139:10 You’d find me in a minute– you’re already there waiting!

Do not fear God’s presence, but instead, be intrigued. Look for it. Seek it. Embrace it. Try your best to share that feeling of knowing God is there with you, around you, ahead of you, and behind you. Even in the times you do not feel God, He is there. He feels you. He feels your pain, the moisture of your tears, and the weight of the words you call out to Him. God is light, but He is no spook light. His presence is nothing to fear.