Josephine

November 21, 2025November 8, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

This is a true story, but the woman’s real name has been changed.

Josephine was born in a poor country. Her family struggled to make ends meet, especially after her father left them. That is when they moved in with her grandparents, but still, life was difficult.

Josephine’s grandmother was strict, and she demanded a lot out of her. Due to her grandmother’s fears, she was not allowed to leave the house except to attend school. When she heard that a local church handed out cookies and Kool-Aid after the service to the children, she and her sister started attending. She heard about God, his amazing love, and about his Son, Jesus. She accepted Jesus into her life and learned how to live God’s way. It was then that she committed herself to be his servant.

Her family looked down on her because she struggled mentally. They said she was stupid, dumb, and only good for serving them. This hurt her tremendously, but she continued to live with the knowledge that God loved her and that she was special to him.

As Josephine got older, she finished high school and then went to college and got her teaching degree. After teaching elementary students for a few years, she quit to be the full-time caretaker of her grandmother. She started getting up in age, and because she had not married, the neighbors were beginning to call her an “old maid.” She wanted to be married and dated a few men, but found their motives were not pure, and one broke up with her when she said she was committed to God and to doing life his way.

After beginning to think she would never find a man who believed in God the way she did, she gave up and turned it over to God. Three days later, an American man contacted her via a dating website. They began talking, and he soon married her, and they started the process so she could “legally” come to America. She found employment, started attending her husband’s church, and found a group of ladies from her home country that she could meet with regularly.

It didn’t take long for family members back in her country to start contacting her for financial help. Even the so-called “head of the family,” the one the others had considered the wealthiest and the most powerful. She even contacted Josephine and asked for financial assistance, promising to pay it back, but she never did. Even Josephine’s sister asked for money, and she, too, promised to pay it back, but never did.

God had promoted Josephine to a position of wealth and power. Because she had submitted all her ways to Him. She worked hard at her job to become a valued employee and always tithed on her income. She was faithful to God, and God was faithful to her. Several others in her family do not share her commitment, and they don’t submit to God. Who is dumb or stupid now? The one they once looked down on and thought would never amount to much is now using her income to help them with life’s expenses. She is there to provide and lovingly support them. Always giving God the credit for what she has and trying to point them to Him.

Josephine’s story reminds me a lot of the Biblical story of Joseph. God destined him for greatness, where people’s lives would depend on him. His brothers hated him, looked down on him, and wanted him dead. But even through one injustice after the other, he remained faithful to God and His ways. Then God promoted him, and his family eventually honored him.

14 Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.”
They sin and commit evil deeds;
none of them does what is right
²The Lord looks down from heaven^[f] at the human race,
to see if there is anyone who is wise^[h] and seeks God.
³Everyone rejects God;
they are all morally corrupt.
None of them does what is right,
not even one.
⁴All those who behave wickedly^[m] do not understand—
those who devour my people as if they were eating bread,
and do not call out to the Lord.
⁵They are absolutely terrified,
for God defends the godly.
⁶You want to humiliate the oppressed,
even though the Lord is their shelter. Psalms 14:1-6 (NET)

When God promotes you, it is a significant moment that reflects His trust in your abilities and character. Embrace the preparation process, remain faithful, and be open to the unexpected paths that may lead to your divine elevation. Trust in God’s timing and guidance, knowing that He has a purpose for your life that is greater than you can imagine.

Why Do You Go to Church?

November 18, 2025November 18, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“Because it’s Sunday.” “I was raised to.” “It makes my mother happy.” “To show off my latest outfit and Louis Vuitton purse.” “I think God takes attendance.” “So, I can talk to someone who accepts me. Otherwise, I’m lonely.” “To try to enlarge my client list.” “To show my spiritual knowledge.”

The truth is, people attend church for various reasons. And while there, their motives may take advantage of others. Sadly, some individuals will go to church to prey upon the weak, the poor, or the young.

Jesus had a few things to say about why we should attend church and what motivates us to do so. We see in Mark chapter 11 that Jesus went into the temple.

He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple. He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late, so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve. (Vs. 11) MSG

They arrived at Jerusalem. Immediately on entering the Temple, Jesus started throwing out everyone who had set up shop there, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of the bankers and the stalls of the pigeon merchants. He didn’t let anyone even carry a basket through the Temple. And then he taught them, quoting this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations;
You’ve turned it into a hangout for thieves.

The high priests and religion scholars heard what was going on and plotted how they might get rid of him. They panicked, for the entire crowd was carried away by his teaching. (Vs. 15-18) MSG

Then, in chapter 12, Jesus continued teaching:

He continued teaching. “Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preening in the radiance of public flattery, basking in prominent positions, sitting at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they’ll pay for it in the end.” (Vs. 28-40) MSG

I must admit I struggled with that last part, “But they’ll pay for it in the end.” Some versions of the Bible say, “they will receive greater damnation.” I spent some time researching the meaning of Mark 12:40. I came upon a very profound explanation via “Copilot”:

In Mark 12:40, Jesus refers to the greater punishment as a severe condemnation for the scribes who exploit widows’ houses and make long prayers for pretense. This punishment is a reflection of the severity of their actions, which were not only hypocritical but also harmful to the vulnerable. The term “greater damnation” suggests that God holds us accountable for our actions, especially when we misuse our power and influence over others.

To fully grasp the weight of Mark 12:40, we must consider the context in which Jesus spoke, which was during a series of confrontations with religious leaders. Just before this, Jesus had been teaching in the Temple, addressing issues of authority and challenging the hypocrisy he saw among those who thought they were righteous. The backdrop of these confrontations was the Temple itself, a place meant for worship, reverence, and connection with God. Yet, the behaviors displayed by the scribes indicated a deep disconnect from the Temple’s true purpose, which is to serve and care for the community.

Then, from Reverend Michael Johnson:

We can guard against spiritual pride by staying humble and recognizing that all our abilities and accomplishments come from God. We should not boast about our spiritual practices or look down on others who may not be as advanced in their faith journey. It is important to remember that true spiritual growth comes through humility and a servant heart, rather than through seeking recognition or praise from others.

To guard against hypocrisy, we must ensure that our actions align with our beliefs and teachings. We should strive to live out our faith in an authentic and genuine way, rather than putting on a facade for others to see. This involves seeking integrity in all areas of our lives and being honest with ourselves about our motivations and intentions. We can guard against the pitfalls of hypocrisy by constantly examining our hearts and striving for consistency between our words and actions.

Application

Think about the scribes from Mark 12:40—condemned for their hypocrisy. Like overloaded employees forgetting honesty, or parents failing to lead by example, they missed the mark. As followers of Christ, let’s be genuine in our service to God and others. Your every action, your every intention, should mirror Jesus’ values of love, compassion, and integrity. Will you step up and live your faith authentically with me?

Blind Trust

November 14, 2025November 1, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

April and I visited a friend of mine today. A dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in several years. He’s now getting up in age, and it seems like he is ready to go home. Heaven, that is, as Earth is not home for those who believe in Jesus Christ. I was feeling that if I wanted to see him alive, then I had better go now.

We had to travel two hours away. In fact, to another state to reach his residence. I pulled out my old GPS from storage. I know my phone has it built in, but I don’t like to tie up my phone. One might say I was going “old school.”

We reached our destination without any problems. In fact, we made it without my GPS screaming at me, “Recalculating!” Not once! We had a very nice visit. My friend is a man of God, and I have always admired him and how he lives his life. He talked about how God has always been there with him, guiding and directing him. The way he talked made me think he had blindly trusted God every day after he accepted Him.. We can’t see God, but at times we can feel his presence.

On the drive home, I asked April if she knew where we were. She said, “No. Not at all.” “Is that scary?” I asked. “No. I trust you.” It made me feel good to be trusted.

I have a sense that “blindly trusting” God makes him feel good as well. He wants us to trust him and to believe that He is taking us to the right destination. It shows that we are confident in our God. Remembering He is strong and mighty if we face any battles. If we live consistently according to God’s commands, then we can be sure we will reach our final destination, heaven

Look, God is my deliverer! I will trust in him and not fear. For the Lord gives me strength and protects me; he has become my deliverer.”Is. 12:2 (NET)

You keep completely safe the people who maintain their faith,
for they trust in you. Is. 26:3 (NET)

Meany Flowers

November 11, 2025November 10, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I’ve mentioned it before, but getting old is hard, and life can be, too. Not being a morning person doesn’t help either. Like the great philosopher once said, “I would like mornings better if they started later!” – Garfield. Then, there are my pet peeves. So, the other day, while driving April to work, the perfect storm happened. All three issues came together.

I hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep, and when the alarm went off at 4:20 AM, I wasn’t done yet. So, morning came way too early, and I was feeling grumpy. On the way to the car, I saw two lists on the kitchen counter. While driving, April didn’t say a word about them, so I had to ask. Lack of communication is one of my top pet peeves. See where this is going?

I got mad. Really mad! I didn’t understand why I had to ask what the lists were for, and when April’s reply made it seem as if I should have been able to figure it all out. Well, that was like throwing gasoline on a campfire. (Kids, never throw gas on any open flame. Let your father look like an idiot.)

Yep, words came out that should have never been spoken. My behavior and my words were awful. April certainly didn’t deserve that kind of reaction, no matter what. Especially at the beginning of her day. “Hi, I’m Mark, and I’m a Meany.” The crowd responded, “Hi, Mark.”

On the drive back home, I felt horrible. I didn’t want those words to be with April all day. So, before I went back to bed, I texted her an apology and owned up to being a “Meany.” I apologized to God, too, and asked for forgiveness.

Later in the day, while shopping, I bought April some flowers. Pretty ones in her favorite colors. I called them “Meany Flowers.” I know they didn’t make up for my poor, ungodly behavior, but they might help heal the emotional wound I created in her. April can forgive easily, and of course, God is faithful to forgive us of our sins. (1 John 1:9)

Do we, or I, act out more easily knowing that God will forgive us? I think I do at times. I know it’s wrong. It’s as if I trample on His grace and mercy and take it too lightly. Perhaps I am saying to Jesus, “Hey, buddy, thanks for that suffering on the cross stuff, but after all, I deserved it.” The truth is, I don’t deserve his forgiveness, but God so loved the world.

God forgives those who ask for it because He doesn’t want to see anyone die in a sinful state and go to hell. Of course, because He gives us free will, where we spend eternity is up to us.

So, April forgave me, and yes, God forgave me. God knows our hearts, and He knew I was ashamed of what I did and said. I try to be aware of my weaknesses and ask God for help quickly when I start to feel my temper rising. And besides, flowers are expensive!

“Glad You’re Doing Okay”

November 7, 2025October 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I received an email the other night from an old friend. I had not seen them in several years. They said they had been thinking about me and wanted to know if I was okay. We exchanged emails and got caught up, somewhat.

I learned a little bit about their life since I last saw them. It was basic information. Their spouse is okay, their child is now nine, they aren’t working, and why. Stuff like that. Sadly, I got the overwhelming impression that they weren’t happy. In fact, they made the statement that their life was boring.

I shared how much I was enjoying my retirement years, that April liked her job, about the new church we started attending this year, and our involvement there. I also shared that I had finished remodeling the house and that we had new furniture that April had picked out, and how she had done a great job. I did mention how I didn’t like getting old, though.

I wasn’t exaggerating or embellishing, but just telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. In their final reply, they wrote, “I’m glad you’re doing okay.”

Their comment got me thinking. Was I bragging? Was I trying to impress them? Why was my life doing okay?

I know in my heart that despite body aches and pains, some hiccups in life, some frustrations in our marriage, and working hard to pay off the bills, our life isn’t bad. Why? Because April and I have accepted Jesus Christ and have had our sins forgiven, and know that he is still forgiving us of our new ones. We both read God’s word, the Bible, regularly, and we tithe faithfully. We are committed to our local church and do what we can to help there, which has allowed us to develop relationships with real people who believe like we do. We also do what we can to share God and His amazing love with others as the Holy Spirit leads and gives us boldness to speak up. That is why we are doing okay!

I do realize some may say, “I do all those things and yet my life isn’t okay.” I honestly don’t have an answer as to why that is for some. But I know that April and I both invited God into our lives at a young age and have tried our best to surrender our free will to him. Perhaps that has something to do with it as well. God tends to bless obedience, and I know that faith pleases him.

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Heb. 11:6 (AMPC)

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jer. 29:11 (AMPC)

⁵Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. ⁶In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Prov. 3:5-6 (AMPC)

If there were such a thing as a “recipe” for living a life pleasing to God, then this may be it. April and I enjoy our lives. We feel blessed because we are. It’s like living in a garden, and after all, in the beginning, isn’t that what God intended?

Paying Attention?

November 4, 2025October 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

It was the trial of the century. A man was being prosecuted and persecuted for violating the Sabbath law by healing on the Sabbath, threatening to destroy the Jewish Temple, practicing sorcery and exorcising people by the power of demons, blasphemy, specifically claiming to be the Son of God, and claiming to be the Messiah.

The trial was taking place at the same time as the Passover holiday, so Jerusalem was at capacity and buzzing. By that time, most had heard of Jesus. They had probably heard his teachings and perhaps even witnessed some of the miracles he performed. They were no doubt moved by his message of love and acceptance. Who knows? Some may have even been fed by him as part of the 5000 men who ate the fish and loaves of bread until they were full.

So, when Jesus was arrested by the rulers of the day, they got scared. A week earlier, they were praising his name, but now they denied they knew him or, at the very least, kept their belief to themselves.

“Those who scream the most and the loudest are usually the ones on the wrong side of Truth!“

Well, as you may know, Jesus was found guilty and sentenced to be crucified on a cross immediately. The rulers of the day, the ones most threatened by the message He shared and lived, wanted him gone, dead, and buried.

Three days later, two men were walking down the road to Emmaus, no doubt discussing the recent events that had taken place concerning Jesus. Perhaps they were trying to see where the other stood on the issues, when out of nowhere, a man they didn’t recognize appeared. It was Jesus. “What are you discussing?” Asked Jesus. “Man! Where have you been the last three days? Stoned? Under a rock?” They were amazed he allegedly didn’t know what was going on. Jesus no doubt wanted to see if they recognized him, and they eventually did.

Would you recognize Jesus if he came alongside you? If you believe in him and who He is, then He is right there next to you. Are you paying attention to what is going on in America right now? At the time of this writing, earlier in the week, we witnessed a man killed for simply, lovingly expressing his opinion. I’m sure he had been threatened or even warned to be quiet, but God had no doubt asked him to be his spokesperson. What happened to “Freedom of Speech?”

As we go forward, we may see more and more persecution in America and around the world against those who stand up and speak Truth. Unfortunately, just like in Jesus’ day, people don’t want to hear the truth. They want to ignore their conscience and live however they want to; that pleases them.

If God asked you to stand up and be noticed for speaking about Him, would you do it? My main character in my novel, “Kill the Preacher Man,” had his life threatened and his family’s if he didn’t stop preaching and being used by God to heal people. He had to face that difficult decision.

I have no idea what the end times will look like exactly, but we need to pay attention, stay in prayer, and have no fear. Like the apostle Paul famously said, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phi. 1:21)

If you would like to read about the interaction of Jesus and the two on the road, turn to Luke 24:13-35. I liked the version by J.B. Phillips.

Are You Wearing a Costume?

October 31, 2025October 18, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Today is Halloween. A day where children, and some adults, put on a costume and either go Trick-or-Treating or to a party. Although for some, it is a very real day of worshipping Satan. I have written about that before, but I won’t here.

I think throughout time, people have enjoyed wearing a costume and, at least for one night, being someone they are not on a daily basis. They pretend. But what if they are wearing a costume all the time? Not of their favorite superhero, monster, or movie star, etc., but one that conceals who they really are or what they are facing.

Believe it or not, people may not be wearing a costume, but they may very well be wearing a mask! Hiding something. Perhaps the pain of life failures, a bad marriage, or maybe a secret sin. They don’t want to reveal their weaknesses or struggles. This is no way to live. And this isn’t what God wanted for us.

He wanted us to have life, an abundant life! That is why He sent us His Son, Jesus. (John 10:10) Jesus not only can forgive us of our sins but can be with us when we face difficulties. The Holy Spirit can comfort us when we are sad or suffering a loss. He can also guide us by still small whispers into our spirit. And of course, we can enter into the presence of God at any time through our prayers and praise to him.

There is no need to hide behind a mask. No need to be ashamed of our past lives. If you have accepted God’s gift of salvation, then you become a new person. Then the only thing you will be wearing is a robe of righteousness.

Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. 2 Cor. 5:17-20 (MSG)

Breaking News!

October 28, 2025September 29, 2025 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

I have started seeing fantastic news on Facebook lately. It usually starts with, “BREAKING NEWS from Branson, MO.” This gets my attention. Sometimes, my heart will even start racing. The first one I read talked about a couple living in a remote attic space above the local Walmart. The article went on to explain how they survived there for two years without being detected. It shared how they obtained their food and other necessary supplies. They were finally caught by an HVAC technician who entered the space to work on one of the air units. I believed it.

Now, though, I’m beginning to not believe any of the articles that start like that, because the last one I saw said that McDonald’s is now offering funeral services. “McFuneral’s.”

Sadly, in today’s world, you can’t believe everything you hear, read, or see. With the invention of A.I., just about any image can be created and made to look real. In the old days, newspapers verified their stories to protect their reputation. They wanted people to know that what they printed could be trusted.

The Bible warns us in Matthew 24:23 that some will say, “Here is the Messiah!” or, “There he is!” That we are not to believe and chase after such rumors. Worse, some may be yelling with excitement in their voice, that the Bible says this or that, like “BREAKING NEWS!” You might hear this and have your heart start racing.

So how do we discern the truth? Easy. By knowing the truth for ourselves! It is critical, more now than ever, to know what the word of God says. In the past, some churches proclaimed that the Bible was too difficult to understand, so leave it to those who have been trained. But with the modern language translations we have available, even free, there is no excuse.

Someone, perhaps even a friend, may proclaim, “The word of God says this.” Your brain can work fast, and you can say, “No, actually, it doesn’t.” If you didn’t know for yourself, you could easily be misled. That is one of the main reasons I show the scriptures in these posts, or at least give the reference.

Be wise. Be cautious and be suspicious of anyone who tries to tell you what the Bible says. I used to have a friend who, when we talked, always challenged me to list my sources when I mentioned something. It was a little obnoxious, but in reality, wise. He wanted to know if he could trust what I said.

Be careful, friends. Study God’s word and show thyself approved. 2 Timothy 2:15.

Convenient Store Church

October 24, 2025September 27, 2025 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

Up until recently, we had a local convenience store/gas station called “Kum & Go.” Not sure why, but they were bought out and the name was changed to “Maverick.” Convenience stores are popular when you are in a hurry and simply go down to the corner, rather than driving all the way to a grocery store or a Walmart. But it comes with a price.

I’ve mentioned that April and I have started going to a new church this year. We like it. We started noticing that people get there early to fellowship with one another. And they hang out after the service to do the same. Something we did not witness at our previous church. There, people would come in barely in time for the service to start, and then they would run out as soon as it was over. Last Sunday, April and I were comparing, and she called our previous church, “Kum & Go Church.” I literally laughed out loud. But “Kum & Go Church” comes with a price!

When you talk to people at church, you start to get to know them, and they get to know you. A relationship begins to grow. You start caring about them and they, you. In short, you become a family. This doesn’t happen at “Kum & Go Church,” and you pay a price. In fact, our church uses the word “family” a lot. This is what God intended all along. He knows that we cannot do life alone and shouldn’t try. He wanted the church to take care of widows and orphans, as well. But social programs begin when people stopped going to church or started believing the lie that they didn’t need God.

He encourages us not to forsake the assembly of ourselves. Okay, that was kind of King James language, but a modern translation would say, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Heb. 10:25 (NLT)

I picture the first church being like this. I get that impression from Acts 2:42-47:

⁴²All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

⁴³A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— ⁴⁷all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

This type of community doesn’t just happen automatically. The “family” type attitude trickles down from the leadership of the church, including the pastor. April and I are happy to be going a little further than to the church on the corner for convenience. Finding a home church where we belong.

Wise Guy, ey?

October 21, 2025September 24, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. James 3:13 (MSG)

The other day, I was having a conversation with a lady as we walked out of Walmart. I don’t recall the string of our conversation, but I do remember her saying, “Look at me. I have grey hair. I’m old. I have lived a lot of life. I know things and want to share my wisdom, what I have learned.”

I looked, and sure enough, she had grey hair. As we talked, I realized she walks with God. She had indeed learned to trust him. I understood her desire to share what she had learned while walking with God. Her willingness to be an open book and share honestly from her life.

I, too, share that desire. To convey the wisdom I have learned from God. That is partly why I post these blogs. I look for opportunities to dispel this knowledge. Not to show off, but to help the person I am talking to. If they can learn without having to pay the price of that knowledge, like I probably did, then they are better off.

My “life verse” is Psalms 69:5b “My life’s a wide-open book before you.” This is to God, but I take it a step further and share openly from life.

As you continue reading from James 3, you will learn more about what a wise person looks like:

Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

^17-18Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. James 3:14-18 (MSG)