Here’s Your Sign

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There is a practice one can have that makes life easier. And that is this:

Always Get Ready For Your Next Event

It is something that I preach to April constantly but, more importantly, demonstrate by living out. No matter how tired I am, each day or night, I look at my calendar or think about the next few days and ask myself, “Am I ready to go there, see them, or get that done?” If the answer is “No, “I do what I can to prepare.

This practice has helped me in so many ways because, let’s face it, life gets busy, goes by so fast, it seems, and things happen. Sometimes, I will think of something that needs to be done, and I do it instead of putting it off. Now I will confess, I’m lazy! But I have learned that being ready outweighs running around last minute in a panic. I would go so far and claim that this practice delivers peace.

Recently, I allowed April to practice being ready. She didn’t, and after receiving a service, she didn’t have the funds prepared to pay. The individual doesn’t take plastic money, so cash or a check is required. After making a point of her actions, I opened my wallet and pulled out a check. I paid for her.

So yesterday, as I was running errands, I saw the AT&T sign pictured here. I laughed and thought I should get one of these signs for April! But it was my next thought that brought seriousness back to my mind. Everyone needs this sign. Life keeps people so preoccupied, and the devil keeps things so stirred up that few ask the most important question of their life: “Am I ready to stand before God and give an account of how I have lived my life?”

One never knows when this life will end. So preparing now for where we will spend eternity is of the utmost importance! If you want to die and spend all the rest of your time in hell, then do nothing. But if you want to spend that time in heaven with God and your loved ones and have no more pain or suffering, then you must recognize that Jesus is God’s Son today. Then ask him to forgive you of your sins and to live in your heart. Jesus is faithful to forgive us no matter how terrible the things that we have done.

If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—simply come clean about them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. 1 John 1:9-10 (MSG)

As I paid for April’s mistake, Jesus’ death on the cross has paid for ours. If you do this, you are then ready. But then get to know this loving God and his Son. Talk to them (prayer) like you are having a normal conversation with a friend. Also, read God’s instruction manual for life, the Bible.

So if you see this sign, you can answer, “Yes!” And you will be ready for your next event.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

Leave it Clean

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Photo by Mabel Amber

If you read and follow this blog (I don’t), you know that April and I rented an apartment in Louisville earlier in the year. There are many reasons, and you would probably find out if you read all the blog posts starting in January. (I dare you! You’ll learn why and my readership will go way up.)

Anyway, I have lived in many apartments in my adult life, and I have always prided myself on getting my full security deposit back. The only way to do that is to leave the apartment better, cleaner than when you moved in. We no longer have the apartment in Louisville, and I just checked, and we got our entire security deposit back.

Thinking about how to leave things, I have learned over the years that no matter the circumstances, it is always best to leave people better, cleaner than when you moved into their life. I have had to take the exit ramp out of a few lives recently. I won’t list why. All of them, except one, ended well. That one didn’t because I was careless and didn’t ask for an invitation to speak into their life. The individual didn’t like hearing the truth, so the friendship ended sourly. I gave all my emotions, pain, and desire to get revenge to God.

There is great power in asking for an invitation to speak into someone’s life first before you do. This is one of the topics in my next book to be published, soon I hope, “Ask, Flip and Invite – The Power to Learn, Change, and Influence Your World.”

The one thing I had noticed when you leave someone better or cleaner than when you met them is this; they don’t realize you pulled away. They think you simply drifted away due to different interests, new interests, or for some other good reason. This should be our desire when it comes to leaving people. In other words, they should feel good when they think of you.

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.
Phi. 1:3 (MSG)

Take the time and effort needed to leave it clean. You will be glad in your heart that you did.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

Go Do It

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This past Sunday, my local church started a new series. The series happens every year. It’s one of our favorite times of the year. It’s called “At the MOVIES.” Our senior pastor teaches biblical applications via a movie. He will show segments from the movie and then talk about them, much like Jesus told parables to illustrate the principles of living a life for God. The church lobby is also transformed and looks like a movie set. There’s even popcorn! It’s an easy time to invite others to join us at church who may not usually go.

This week’s movie was “Top Gun: Maverick.” Normally I’m not too fond of sequels, but I loved this one. It was amazing how Pastor Craig Groeschel inspired, taught, and encouraged us to teach others. He explained how time was our greatest adversary. Jesus is coming back soon for his church, and the end of life on earth will begin.

I started sensing the Holy Spirit nudging me. God wants me to keep doing what I’m doing. I was beginning to think about quitting. Stop writing. Stop blogging because I’m tired. Then, a scripture that has kept me going came upon the screen. It is called “The Great Commission.”

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Mat. 28:19-20 (KJV)

I was first challenged by this verse when I was a kid. I took it to heart. I wanted to do everything I could to fulfill it. I know I have to keep going. I had recently started praying that this blog would be read in Islamic countries. That is beginning to happen. This blog has now been read in 128 countries around the world. Why do I mention this? Because there are 195 countries. (Depending on the list you choose to use.) I can’t stop because there are 67 countries to go. I will keep writing, and keep praying for God’s help.

Is God calling you? Has the Holy Spirit been nudging you to get involved and do what you can to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Or share your testimony with others? How God saved you from a life of destruction? Don’t feel like you are inadequate. God will help you, empower you, and even give you the right words. You can do it. Time is short, and many people still need to hear about the love of God and how He gave his Son to die on the cross so that they may live.

You can watch it online this week at You’re Welcome Here | Life.Church

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

Change

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“Hey, Mark Brady,” a man called out. I studied his face intently. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?” He told me his name, and I still did not recognize him, but yes, I did know him. I had not seen him since we graduated high school together many, many, many years ago. Okay, add another “many” and a half!

To be honest, I did not like him at all in school. He was wild, loud, and mean! Some might even say he was a bully, at least to me. I avoided him. But now, he seemed much different. Transformed. I had heard over the years that he had accepted Jesus Christ into his life and changed how he lived. I could see it.

Reminds me of the change Saul (from the Bible) went through. He was a highly educated man who couldn’t understand why people would follow Jesus and even die for believing in Him as the Son of God like Steven did. (Steven was the first recorded martyr. Acts 7:55-60) Then, on the road to Damascus, Saul had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Saul believed and instantly changed, and Jesus even changed his name to Paul.

Paul went from persecuting Christians to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It took many a while to believe the change in him was authentic, and they probably doubted it would last, but it did. Paul became one of God’s greatest servants and wrote two-thirds of the New Testament.

Accepting Jesus into your life should generate a change in you. If it doesn’t, then you are not genuinely becoming “Christ-like,” which is what being a “Christian” means. People can, and do change so don’t ever give up on them. Keep praying for them and who knows they may become like Christ someday.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17 (NKJV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

A Step in the Right Direction

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Have you ever considered what it looks like to “walk with God?” It’s not just something we are instructed to do via ministers, but it is a lifestyle. It’s not something you do as a “religious practice,” either. Nor do you do it with drudgery. When you begin to stay in step with God, it becomes natural. Something you do without having to think about it, like breathing.

You allow God to lead and set the pace. When you need to decide something more important than “Should I wear underwear?” you pause and consider, is this God’s will? Things that will affect your finances, your career, and where you live. I have recently had to ask God, “How much do we do to help this person?” Doing so came with a retail price tag! And when I was about to do more, God found a way of guiding April and me by opening up another opportunity for this person that honestly was much better than what we were about to offer.

Another aspect of “walking with God” is being guided in daily activities. We wanted to purchase another cooler (ice chest). It was on the shopping list, but when I started to go look at them to pick one out, I felt a sense of “no” in my spirit. My rationality was I didn’t have time. Two days later, April learned her name was drawn in a raffle for the top prize. Yep! The prize package included an Igloo cooler. (See photo.)

The package also included other treats and a large box of fireworks valued at $250. I told April a few weeks ago that I would love to buy some fireworks but could not justify the cost. It has been many years since I had some, and it’s part of my childhood memories of celebrating the 4th of July. I couldn’t believe it when I saw April walk out with the fireworks, and honestly, I wanted to cry. Why? Because it reminds me again how much God loves us and not only knows our needs but also the desires of our hearts. “Thank you, God, for your blessings!”

Walking with God is a fun, exciting, adventurous, and loving way to live. It also brings about comfort. There is no better way to live life. It starts with accepting Jesus as God’s Son. Asking him to forgive us of our sins and asking him to be Lord of our life. If people were, to be honest with others and with themselves, they would have to confess that trying to live life on their terms is a difficult and constant struggle.

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Ps. 37:4 (KJV)

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
    what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
    be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
    take God seriously. Mic. 6:8 (MSG)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Simply Beautiful!

/ Mark Brady / 6 Comments

I was on a road trip a few years back. It was one of those journeys where you simply don’t have an agenda and don’t mind where you wind up. On this particular one, I came around a long sweeping bend in the road, and suddenly, one of the most beautiful churches, no cathedral I had ever seen, stood. I think I was in Pennsylvania.

The pinnacles scratched the underneath side of heaven as they soared high. The sides of the enormously large structure glistened in the sunlight. Then I noticed it was built straddling a river. As I turned into its parking lot, I realized that the front of this edifice was cantilevered over a large waterfall. The rising mist from the falls made the building look like something from a fairytale or Disneyland. As I started walking toward the grand entrance, I could see that the river underneath split into two veins and there was a small island of rock between. The place was beautiful.

The inside was just as lovely. As I entered through the tall, sturdy glass doors, I noticed the ceilings were so high you could hardly see the top. Gold and silver furnishings accented the royal red carpet. It seemed like a church service would be starting soon, so I entered a massive room with a large collection of seats. I found one down front and placed a book in it to hold it.

I thought I had better find a bathroom before things started. I went back into the grand foyer and turned right. Many hallways lead away from there, and they had many doors. Even though I was no longer in the entryway, the beauty and elegance didn’t stop. Winding wood staircases, still covered in the same carpet as where I entered, led to other floors. The place looked like a museum with eye-pleasing artwork on the polished wooden walls. But no bathroom.

I could hear music from the auditorium, but I just had to stop and look through the window that gave you a stunning, breathtaking, up-close view of the water, falling over the rock cliff. There, I realized the exterior was made of stainless steel to keep it from rusting with the constant moisture and mist that enveloped it. The view made my desire to find a restroom even greater. I thought there had to be one near the entrance, so I returned. As I did, I saw what I assumed was the senior pastor dressed in a royal robe greeting people. Then I turned to my left and saw a small hallway. It was down this path I found what I was looking for. The bathroom. I opened the door, and it, too, was beautiful. Marble walls lined the room, and it almost seemed too nice for the business I needed.

Then, I woke up. And yes, I had to go to the bathroom.

As I pondered the dream, the following scripture came to mind:

As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!”

Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.” Mark 13:1-2 (MSG)

Jesus went on to teach the few disciples who asked, about the end times. About what will happen on earth before Jesus comes to gather his bride. Those who have accepted him into their heart, into their life.

May your life shine for God. May it reflect His glory, power, splendor, and majesty! May it draw others to him through you. May people want to stop and be in the presence of God that dwells about you. May they be in awe of God and enquire, “Where’s the entrance?” How do I enter into the kind of life you live?” And then, at that moment, you can share God’s love and how He gave us such an enormous, extravagant gift in his son, Jesus.

Don’t be misled by big, successful-looking anything on earth. But instead, seek the spirit of it all. “Is this, or they, of God?” should be the question one asks. Don’t let the grandeur cloud your discernment. The message of salvation, Jesus dying on the cross to forgive us of our sins, is so simple. Even children can understand it and accept it. I did. That message is so loving one could sum it up by saying, “Simply beautiful.”

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Do You Believe?

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Photo by: Alexas Fotos

I was praying for a friend of mine recently. While praying for his future, I started getting a sense of what would happen. For instance, when it came to him needing his car repaired, I felt it was going to be $1000.00. The total came to $1001.62. Regarding his housing, he wanted to live in this one place but was told he couldn’t. While I was praying about it, I got a feeling things would be reversed. They were. There were other instances as well.

When I saw these things happening, I realized this is what it must be like to be God. In a way, I mean. Though people say this and that concerning our business, God already knows in advance the outcome and the cost partly because He has the final word. He waits for us to catch up to what He already knows.

This is why we should always place our trust and faith in God. Though things may appear bleak and dismal, not going as we had hoped, there is always God. I kept telling my friend, “God loves you so much, and He is showing you just how much in a practical way.” I think he is starting to believe me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is lovingkindness,
And with Him is abundant redemption. Ps. 130:7 (AMP)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

“Give Me Tonight”

/ Mark Brady / 5 Comments

Whenever one is struggling with an addiction, the messages they hear in their head matter. There are only three sources that can put thoughts into your mind.

  1. Satan
  2. Yourself
  3. God

When I first became aware of this, my next question was, “How do I know the difference? Who put the thought in my mind?” I developed a quick test:

Was the thought something that lined up with God’s word? Reading the Bible and knowing the nature of God helped in this one. If the answer was “No,“ then I would realize the thought was from satan and ignore it.

The second test was analyzing the thought again. If it was full of wisdom, then I definitely knew it did not come from me.

That leaves God. If it was positive, uplifting, encouraging, and aligned with God’s word, I could accept it. This method also works for learning to hear God, his Spirit, speak to you.

This is why the Bible tells us to bring every thought into captivity.

The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2 Cor. 10:3-6 (MSG)

So when my friend, who is currently struggling with alcohol, told me to “Give me tonight.” I asked him, “Where do you think that thought came from?” They wanted one more night to indulge in a can of liquid emptiness. After that, I asked him, “Who do you think put that thought in your head?” We ran through the test, and he summarized satan did. It’s just like the devil trying to convince someone that just one more night wouldn’t hurt anything.

Knowing who puts messages in your head is vital to changing your behavior. It also helps you know who you are listening to. The devil is not going to tell you anything that is for your good. He is only interested in ruining your life and using you to get even with God. Your thoughts can be filtered by the environment, parents, and other influences you grew up with. That is why you should listen to what God tells you through your spirit and in his word. God is for you and not against you.

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Rom. 8:31-39 (MSG)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

God Is So Good

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Photo by: Abel Escobar

“No sir. Your electricity will not be back on till June 24th
and possibly not until June 29th.”

Saturday night, June 17th, we had a powerful storm blow through Tulsa, Oklahoma, with straight-line winds reaching 110 mph. At least 75 percent of the city was without power, including us. I remembered I had a Jackerey portable power station. It will power up to two small appliances and two phones. I got it out and plugged a fan into it, and somewhere about 2 AM, we fell asleep.

We tried for over two hours to find a hotel room Sunday afternoon, but there was no room in the inn! Every hotel, motel that had power was sold out. Monday, April’s company had power, so I took her to work. After returning home, I collapsed on the bed and slept for a few hours until it got hot in the house again.

April and I started Sunday, June 18th, reminding God that we are his children and how much He loves us and wants to take care of us. Then today, I was sitting in a chair, trying my best not to move, and I heard the microwave beep. It does that when power is connected to it. I got excited.

I ran around the house and closed windows while turning on the AC. I turned on the ceiling fans, too. I almost started crying when I realized what God had done for us. Man says one thing, but God has the final answer! It will not be late June before power is restored, real Power; God has supplied our needs. He hooked us up! Thank you, God, for taking care of April and me. You are indeed a good, good God.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Mat. 6:8 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Milton Bradley’s “LIFE”

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Most of us probably played the 1960 version of the game “LIFE” by Milton Bradley, which first came out in 1860. While in a car, you spun a wheel to travel down a path and decide, when you reached a fork, which was the better way to go. You also had to draw cards; sometimes, like in real life, good things happened to you, and at other times bad things happened. It was a game of “chance’ and “luck.”

I recently got a front-row seat to someone living “real” life. Their version is certainly no game, and you live as if you are holding a lit stick of dynamite. The only problem is you have no idea how short the fuse is. I understand this person has a sickness, but I also know there is a way out. I also know there are programs that help people like this, and the ones that truly work are “faith-based.” Meaning they are grounded in God’s word and promote a personal relationship with God.

From what I have witnessed, there have been many opportunities for this person to get help, and they have before. But they eventually pick up another stick of dynamite. It will go off, and the individual holding it will again get hurt severely, but so will the ones closest to them. Their parents, spouse, children, friends, and those they work with.

Oh, they become professionals at saying the right things and telling people what they want to hear. “I’m done with this!” “I don’t want to keep repeating the pattern.” “I need help.” “I want help.” Then they decide to go with satan’s substitutes for life, and they once again pick up another stick of dynamite. They seem to struggle to believe there is a higher power. They fail to keep their sight on God, who no doubt has a beautiful plan for their life. They stop living the lifestyle it takes to overcome, heal, and renew their mind.

It hurts to sit at the table and watch them live what they assume is “LIFE.” But it isn’t life at all, and if continued, it will lead to death on earth and eternal death, more than likely. The only thing I know to do is to continue to feed them words of real “LIFE” from the Bible. To continue to pray for them, but honestly, they are the only ones who can stop the pattern and choose “LIFE.”

Life is not a game! As April said to me tonight, “There is no such thing as luck.” I think she is right. There are only blessings and curses. As my church’s motto states, “Whoever finds God, finds life!”

“I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deu. 30:19-20 (MSG)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.