He Knows (cont.)

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Have you ever heard someone say, “I am just worried sick!” “I am so afraid something is going to happen.” “Well, what if?”

All of these statements are rooted in fear. Fear is like a disease because it can become so powerful that it can actually cripple or debilitate someone. Fear stops people and can even prevent God from moving on your behalf. He may have the plan to help you with what you need, but if you have fear in your heart, you will most likely never try it.

I have been to countries where “fear” seemed to be one of the controlling spirits of the land. The people there would try to do things independently instead of trusting God. It was sad to witness their struggle.

I know one lady, shortly after meeting her, said to me, “My greatest fear is getting a knock on the door at 3 AM informing us that our son has been killed in an auto accident.” About three years later, her fear became a reality. The Bible addresses fear. One scripture says, “The worst of my fears has come true, what I’ve dreaded most has happened.” Job 3:25 (MSG)

The only thing greater than “fear” is “hope”! That is why the devil wants you to believe the lie that you have no hope.

“As long as you are alive, you have hope.”

Pastor Robert Morris

This is why I place my hope in the Lord, for He is the author and finisher of my faith. For God is Love, and perfect love drives out fear!

17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God, and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home, and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. 1 John 4:17-18 (MSG).

God knows what you fear and wants to help you trust him with it. Allow him so, and then his perfect love will drive it out of you as you learn to count on him.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

He Knows (cont.)

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25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV)

Jesus spoke the words above. He was trying to teach the people in his day and us today not to worry. A lot of people do worry today. They live in fear of many things. Will their job last? And if they lost their job, how would they pay their bills? As an adult, I went through unemployment twice. It’s not easy, and it’s not fun at all! It’s hard not to fall into the temptation to worry.

It’s understandable with inflation, supply chain issues, and the war in Ukraine. We just came through the Coronavirus, and our nation is divided. But can any of us control these things? Or other items not listed?

This is why we need to place all of our trust in God. He can control all things even when He allows humankind free will. He does know what we have need of and wants to make sure we have those things and more. He is a good Father who loves us so much and wants to give us good gifts. He wants to see all of our needs met so that we have enough and am able to bless others out of our abundance.

The key to this life of trusting God is seeking him first. Pursuing the things of God, especially his character. His most remarkable character is love. Everything God did and everything God does is out of love. It is out of this love that He knows.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

He Knows

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When I was a teenager, I worked in a grocery store. Next to the time clock was a sign that read, “Sometimes doing a good job at work is like wetting your pants while wearing a dark suit. You get a warm feeling, but no one else notices.”

There have been many times in my life when I feel good about the job I have done, whether in the natural sense or for God. But as I wait for an “At a boy” or a “Thank you” at the very least, I often get disappointed when it never comes. I know we should work unto the Lord and be good and faithful servants and probably never desire approval, but there is something inside me that wants to hear it once in a while. I’ll still go on and do an excellent job on future tasks, but it would be nice to be recognized once in a while for using the gifts and talents God has blessed me with.

I strive to do the very best I can. To serve others and to provide what is needed. Is getting a little appreciation for that asking too much? I don’t think so. Yet it seems as if others just don’t notice or take the time to stop what is important to them to say, “Thanks.”

I move on. I continue. I keep doing my best, knowing that one of these days, when I stand before God, all will be seen. All those big and little things I did for people, whether publicly or in secret. Afterward, I will receive the crown of life as one who has accepted Jesus into my life. Then I will gladly lay it down before my King, Jesus. For none of what I did would even matter if it was not for what He did for us. Giving his very life, that is.

I do realize that seeking recognition is of the flesh. It is the very desire that got Satan kicked out of heaven. Therefore it should come with a warning label: “Seeking recognition from others could be hazardous to where you spend eternity.” The desire is most likely based on pride, so it would be good to ignore that feeling anyway.

So do your best with everything you do, even if no one notices. It might not be what you want, but at least it will provide a warm feeling.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Following God

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I have written about this subject several times over the years, but I still find it challenging. We want to be in God’s perfect will and follow God with all our might. We want to be where He wants us and do what He wants us to do. Many times, where that is and what that does not only benefit us, but He has orchestrated it to help others. To answer their prayers. God is so cool like that.

There are times when one must step out in faith. Must put down a deposit and lay out real money before the confirmation comes forth. That is when the difficulty of following him gets real. Real Scary, that is!

When reading the Bible, you come across several stories of individuals in similar situations. Whether they were asked to go to war with only 300 men or give birth to God’s Son, it was challenging for them.

To overcome this fear is to Know God. To know of his faithfulness to us. To know his word and the outcome of those testimonies in the Bible. Another way is to pray about the direction we are sensing in our lives with others. It is helpful to find people of like precious faith. That is one of the benefits of attending a local church. Also, there is nothing wrong with asking God to confirm his will and direction.

We can lean on his scriptures of promises. Like, “in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your path straight.” And “I know the plans I have for you.” Then sit back and watch God work. Observe how he puts people in your path at the right moment to assist you or to say an encouraging word. Notice how as you take practical steps, things will work out and be easy to accomplish.

So, take heart. You are not alone in this. Others are walking with God like you are. You may feel you are wobbling like a toddler learning to walk but keep putting one step in front of the other. Keep trusting and keep believing. You will get there. If you sit and wait for it all to work out before you take a step, you will most likely never reach the goal. I have often written that a parked car cannot be steered.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

But the Menu Board is Lit

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If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know April and I went to Louisville, Kentucky, for Christmas. April’s sister had to work the day shift at the hospital, so she wasn’t hosting Christmas lunch, and her family had prior plans with a friend. So after we left the church, we had no place to go for dinner.

There were several eating establishments by our hotel, but none appeared to be open. Then I noticed cars in line at the drive-through for McDonald’s. We both looked at each other and said, “Nothing else is open!” We took our place at the end of one of the split lines. We started reviewing our choices on the lit-up menu board. Then I noticed no muffled voices were speaking to the people in the cars ahead of us. I commented to April, “I don’t think they’re open.” She replied, “Well then, why are cars in line?” “Because the menu board is lit,” I replied.

Apparently, when McDonald’s closed, they forgot to turn off the menu boards. I have noticed Americans will get in a line even if it is not the right line. I know I am guilty of that. I recall what my senior year English teacher, Ms. Tibbs, once said, “Drive your own bus! You don’t know where someone else driving their bus may be going.” I think she was trying to teach us not to follow the crowd.

We got out of the line, went next door to a gas station, and bought some noodles. But on the way back to our hotel, we noticed Waffle House was open. We went in. Being there on Christmas day reminded me of Randy Stonehill’s song, “Christmas At Denny’s.” Considering it was the only restaurant open, the food was outstanding! Later that night, we had dinner with April’s sister and family. On our way there, we noticed new cars in the drive-through line at McDonald’s. Yes, the menu board was still lit!

Tragically, too many people mindlessly follow the crowd. Whatever the multitude is doing or just bought, they too must do or have.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Mat. 7:13 (NKJV)

Sometimes it may feel you are alone if you have chosen to accept God and His gift of forgiveness for your sins. But you aren’t alone. Don’t fall into the temptation to be accepted by being a part of the crowd. You can ask God to help you stand alone if needed, and He will. Jesus went to the cross alone. He knows what it feels like to be rejected, despised, and hated. The menu board may be lit up, but you don’t have to place an order. Doing so could cost you where you spend eternity.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Light in Louisville

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“I’ll never go to Louisville, Kentucky again!” I proclaimed after having a bad experience.

Many years later, I found April online and went to the Philippines to meet her in person. A month later, I returned to the Philippians to marry her. April has two brothers and one sister. I could not meet April’s sister because she was living in Dubai and working as a nurse.

After my bad experience in Louisville, I considered it a dark place.

Little did I know, one day, April’s sister would join a company who finds nurses from around the world and brings them to America to fulfill the shortage of nurses we have here. She arrived with her husband and son in August of 2022. If you don’t see where this is going, she chooses to be a nurse in. of all places. Louisville.

When we learned that April’s company would be closed for twelve days over the holidays, I brought it to April’s attention that we should visit her sister and family for Christmas. It was challenging to wrap my head around the fact that I would be returning to Louisville, but giving April a chance to see her sister after three years was more important. Then I realized I had the opportunity to meet one of my most faithful blog readers in person. Ann Aschauer from the website I recently featured, “SEEKINGDIVINEWISDOM.COM”. Meeting Ann was awesome, and she is as delightful in person as she comes across in her blogs.

After emailing Ann and asking if we could meet, we decided to meet at her church on Christmas morning. While listening to the pastor preaching about Jesus, Emanual, the Prince of Peace, Counselor, and Savior, he referred to him as “the Light of the World.” At that moment, I looked around, and knowing about the people of that church from what Ann writes in her blog post, it hit me, there is light in Louisville!

I felt bad. Convicted of my negative attitude. I repented quietly of my wrong. The rest of our trip was great. I met some wonderful people who are bearers of Light in Louisville. I will never forget this experience and be cautious ever again about labeling a city as dark.

“Thank you, God, for being patient with me and teaching me this valuable lesson lovingly. Again, I repent of my negative attitude toward Louisville, Kentucky. May you raise up more bearers of Light here and in every place worldwide.”

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
James 3:10 (NKJV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Catch The Boat

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But it has never rained before, just like Jesus has never returned for his church before. As in the days of Noah, it is difficult for people to believe when they hear the truth. It takes faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Can you imagine the ridicule Noah had to endure every single day when people realized he was building a boat? And not a little fishing boat but a small cruise ship. Big enough for more than just his family, for all who believed.

Noah’s ark was a type of salvation. God provided a way to save humankind from destruction if they believed the message. God did not tolerate man living for themselves, so he allowed them to destroy themselves. The same goes for today. God has sent out his message to all that He gave his son, Jesus, to us to forgive us of our sins if we believe.

Last week, April and I had the privilege of seeing and entering the full-size replica of Noah’s ark. We went in two by two. It is located in Williamstown, Kentucky. The size of the boat was impressive. Inside, you get to see how Noah and his family lived and how they fed and watered the animals and removed their waste.

The exhibit did a great job answering the questions of man. How did Noah get all of the animals there? How could they all fit? Etc. Noah was a man of great faith! He did not care about what others thought of him. He knew it was better to be obedient to God and that God loves and honors obedience.

Even today, God still rewards obedience. If He is asking you to do something, you may not understand or know how to get it done, it is best to try anyway. Do what you can with his help. Ask Him constantly for guidance, direction, and wisdom in the matter. As Noah did, you will succeed in the task He asks of you.

Believe me, God will once again say, “Enough of mankind doing their own thing,” He will dispatch his son, Jesus, to come back to earth to gather his people. Then, the end will come. If you are still on earth when that time begins, you will regret not listening to God’s message through countless ministers, friends, and family members. You may think people who believe in God are crazy, but they aren’t. They accept the truth and act on what they believe.

“God, please help people believe in you and your Son. Help them accept the truth concerning salvation by accepting your Son into their life and believe the impending end times.”

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Celebration of Life

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I have attended several funerals in my lifetime. I have noticed people are starting to call them “Celebration of Life” services. I attended another one this past weekend. (This post is being written on Dec. 21st.) It’s a nice gesture. Family and friends gather, quiet music is played, then there is a briefly given Wikipedia-type history of one’s life. A list of the loved one’s accomplishments, activities, interests, and community involvements. Then, again with music, photos are displayed.

The gathering I went to had a twist. The one being celebrated was still alive. He knows his days are numbered due to being terminally ill with stomach cancer. He told his wife he did not want a funeral but asked her to gather his friends and family to say their goodbyes in person. She did, and they came. Some traveled long distances to be there.

I like the man’s approach, appreciation, and perspective on life. He knows that life is best with people. He expressed his love to each friend and family member. Stories were told, usually followed by laughter, and of course, food was shared as well.

The man is also ready for the moment he journeys from earth to heaven, where he will look up and find himself standing before God and then give an account of his life. I know he has accepted Jesus into his heart, and his life produced good fruit.

If you have not accepted Jesus into your life, and haven’t asked him to forgive you of your sins, now would be a great time to do so. My friend has an idea of when he will pass, but most of us don’t know. With that said, you should take care of this now! And what a way to start the new year but with a new outlook on your relationship with God.

So Happy New Year, everyone. May you be blessed by God abundantly and discover an exciting and adventurous life with Him. Go live life God’s way and celebrate every moment.

13 Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
    including every hidden thing,
    whether it is good or evil. Ecc. 12:13-14 (NIV)

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

There’s One More

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When I was a kid, we would open all presents under the tree on Christmas day. My father was in charge of supervising the cleanup. Making sure that only the paper wrapped around the gifts and used bows were thrown away. He was concerned that part of someone’s gift would get thrown out. After a thorough inspection, would he include boxes.

That’s it. The gift-giving portion of Christmas would be completed. The floor was clean, and the entire Christmas tree skirt was once again visible. But before everyone was dispursed to carrying away their haul, one of my parents would announce, “Hey, I think we forgot one. There’s one more.” Again, the seasonal excitement and anticipation would rumble in your stomach. “What? Another one? Where is it? There’s nothing left under the tree.”

One year my sister and I were told to go to the garage. There, waiting for us, were brand new bikes. Another year, my father brought into the living room a big square box and placed it in front of me. I said, “This isn’t mine!” My mother quickly put me on the witness stand and asked, “How do you know?” No way was I going to confess to unwrapping it after I found it in their bedroom days before. I suppose my writing creativity kicked in, and I quickly replied, “Because it’s so big!” I was good at peeking. I liked the challenge of not getting caught. I would use an Exacto knife and then put the exact length of tape back over the ones I sliced.

God knew our greatest need was a savior, so He sent us his son, Jesus. The best Christmas gift of all time! No one had an opportunity to peek, but God gave plenty of advanced notice as to what He would do. And those that were on a “need-to-know” basis knew.

Jesus came. He grew up and ministered truth, light, salvation, healing, and deliverance, showing us a better way to live. Then, He humbled himself and died on the cross. He died for three days and then showed He even had power over death and hell. He then ministered for a few more days, but as He was about to leave, He told his disciples, “Oh, there’s one more.”

Jesus promised us that He would send us the Holy Spirit when He left. The Holy Spirit would give us the power to minister. Jesus had the Spirit on him. When He was baptized, the Holy Spirit lit upon him when He came out of the water. Jesus knew we also needed God’s Spirit in our lives and ministries.

I love having the Holy Spirit on me. I don’t know how I would live or minister without Him! Not a bad gift to learn about that was one more.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NET)

After Jesus was baptized, just as he was coming up out of the water, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. Mat. 3:16

Christmas may be over, but if you have never been filled with the Holy Spirit look for Him as another gift. Seek Him out and ask to be filled with him. You will be surprised what a difference He makes in your life.

Oh, in case you were wondering, my big gift was a black and white TV with knobs and an antenna telescoped out from the inside. No coaxial connection and no remote, but I loved it. I had it for several years and actually sold it in a garage sale.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

It Happened Again

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It happened again. Yesterday. We learned that someone who seemed to have it all together. Someone who had a bright future. Someone who appeared happy committed suicide. Why? And people seem to be shocked.

It should go without saying that success, money, family, and friends are not enough to fill a hole in our hearts that can only be filled by knowing and accepting God. And those that are shocked by the sudden end of one’s life by one’s own hands, believe that real life is also found in having these things. They don’t understand because they don’t know the truth. They have bought into the lie(s) this world spreads.

Nothing but God can satisfy you. NOTHING! People struggle trying to do life their way on their terms. What happens is they wind up accepting Satan’s substitutes. Meaning a job that isn’t the best fit for them. A life partner of the same sex when they could have so much more! They fall for “Get Rich Quick” schemes instead of working hard for honest money. Or they believe the lie that fame and fortune will satisfy.

Jesus said in John 10:10 that Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. But He had come to give us life and to give it more abundantly. God wants the best for you. That is why He gave us his only son and allowed him to die on the cross as a perfect sacrifice that pays for anything and everything WE do wrong. All we have to do is ask him into our life.

Humanity is nothing more than a mere pawn to the devil. He doesn’t care about you at all. His only interest in you is using you to get even with God. He hates God so much that he will say anything and do anything to destroy people and their lives. Jesus once said that Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44)

That’s what Christmas is all about. God did things His way, and it baffles the mind of mortal men. They would not have started their campaign of salvation with a baby born of a virgin! But you see, for Jesus to be able to say that He went through everything we have, then He even had to enter the way we do.

If you have tried everything else in life but submitting your will to God and accepting his son, Jesus, then you haven’t tried everything. You have to take that step of faith before you die. It’s too late to decide when you are standing before Almighty God, giving Him an account of your life. Your balance sheet will be in the red, meaning your blood will have to be poured out. Yet it still won’t be enough to pay for your sins. But if you have accepted Jesus, then the accounting of your life’s bottom line will say, “Paid in Full by Jesus Christ,” and you will enter into eternity forever more to live.

Don’t let it happen again. Don’t let Satan use you. Stop believing his lies. Stop accepting his substitutes for your life and go after what God has for you. Choose life! Choose heaven and not hell. You will never regret it.

Merry Christmas,
Mark

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.