What Makes a Good Bridge?

March 3, 2018March 2, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Bridge 2 “Look, I’m not hurting anything. I just want to sit here and rest,” he said. To his right my church had a sign that stated, “No Loitering”
“It’s okay,” I replied in a gentle voice.
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
“Yes.”

I went and got him a sack of food we keep for such occasions, and some water.

“Here ya go.”
“Thank you.”
“Your welcome. You mind if I hang out with you for a while?”
“Suit yourself,” he said as the sack crinkled while he checked out the food.
“What’s your name?”
“John,” he replied. His eyes, piercing, as if searching my soul.

The small talk started. It became clear he was a philosopher who didn’t have a place to hang his diploma. He also had a sense of humor. He shared he had made a mistake with his wife and kids, and she wasn’t willing to forgive. I felt that was my que to talk about God’s forgiveness. I tried hard to get him to come inside and sit in on the church service.

“I stink,” he kept saying.
“I assure you John, no one inside will care.” He was right about the odor too, but he insisted on attending the church service there on the sidewalk.

We talked for another 30 minutes or so. Before I left I offered to pray with him.

“You can do that in private, but not in front of me,” he said.

I didn’t understand, but respected his wishes. I’ve looked, but have never seen John again. Though thought of him often, I have prayed for him even more. I regretted not taking him to a restaurant to get something hot to eat. I also wish I had been brave enough to invite him to my house. He could have showered, I could have washed his clothes, and he could have slept on a soft, warm surface, even if for one night. I have consoled myself with knowing I did something, but I know I could have done more. Perhaps next time I will.

Since I have never seen an episode of “Bridge Hunters” on HGTV he replied, “One that has a flat surface to sleep on, and that isn’t facing into the wind.

Check it out: God never intended heaven to be served from earth. heartland church

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

Do You Trust Me?

September 10, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Trust. It’s hard to trust someone else, and sometimes even ourselves. God, throughout the centuries has asked people to trust Him. Some did, others didn’t, but most did so with some fear and trepidation. Another thing that is difficult is change. Either change a job, a living location, but the hardest thing to change is yourself. Putting the two things together will just about overwhelm you!

Whenever God calls you to change an area of your life, take it from me, it is best to blindly believe, and then obey. Will you know how it will all work out? Probably not. Will you know ahead of time how you will make it? No! But the point is; God does. That is where the trust comes into play.

One thing I have learned, the hard way, is God loves obedience. When you figure out a direction God wants you to go, and then you go when the time is right He blesses you like nothing you have experienced before. So when God asks you that question, say, “Yes”.

Reach Out and Touch Someone

February 16, 2015February 16, 2015 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

They’re all around you. They are hurting, discouraged, lost, or broken. Life has not been fair to them either through circumstances, or even perhaps by their own doing. Regardless, they still need a touch. There is nothing like the touch of another human being. A study was done some years ago and found that infants who were touched, held, cuddled had fewer health problems in the early years of their lives.

There are so many ways to touch someone. I heard a street beggar once say, “Even if you don’t want to help me at least acknowledge that I exist by looking at me!” Wow! So you see, a simple glance, or smile can touch a person’s life whether you know them or not. But for those you do know, you can do more. Encourage them with a spoken word, an unexpected hug, a note they will find later that expresses your love and appreciation of them.

One of the biggest keys to touching lives is seeing them, and being mindful of them. Sometimes they give you clues as to what they need from you. Sometimes it’s a shot in the dark, but an effort that misses the mark is still a message that says, “I know something’s wrong, and I care.”

When you look at others, and try to touch them in some way you will many times find that your own heart is touched. It’s a quick and easy investment in others, and it pays back in great dividends. I hope you will follow the One who first touched you, by touching others.