You May Not Like It

November 10, 2020January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“I’ve been crying out to God, for an answer to my current marriage situation,” said the lady I had just met earlier that day. I have never understood, exactly why, but people feel comfortable opening up to me, even after moments of talking. Sometimes I wonder if I am wearing a sign that says, “Will listen to you for food.” I’ve been told I have the heart of a shepherd, a pastor. If that’s the case, my congregation doesn’t meet under one roof, but where ever I happen to be in this world.

She went on to share that after 16 years of being married her husband had a moment of indiscretion. Perhaps the stress of 2020 has caused a lot of people to do things they wouldn’t dare do before. I encouraged her to speak out loud and demand the demonic forces, that are trying to tear her home apart, to get out, in the name of Jesus. Then flip the environment and invite God’s presence into the home. I instructed her to speak the fruit of the spirit over her family. Love, joy, peace, etc. I told her it was her home, her family, her life and not to give up hope. She smiled through teary eyes and agreed to take action.

I went back to my task which brought us together in the first place. It’s a task I don’t like, but it is an answer to one of my prayers. I was reflecting upon the encounter, and praying for her, and the family. It was in that moment I sensed God speak to me and say,

“I brought you here as a result of your prayers, but I also brought you here as a result of her prayers.”

You see, God delights in using his servants to do his business. God is in the people business because He loves us so much. We, believers in God, are co-laborers with Jesus.

“He [Jesus] came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written,

God’s Spirit is on me;
    he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor,
Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and
    recovery of sight to the blind,
To set the burdened and battered free,
    to announce, “This is God’s year to act!”

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, “You’ve just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place.” Luke 4:16-21 (MSG)

We are all called of God to do the same as Jesus did. To be in the business of people. To be there to see them, listen to them, and then to speak life giving words that can set them free, or say a prayer that can heal them. Sometimes, a home needs to be healed, or a marriage.

You may not like it, where God has you at the moment, but look around, He has you there for a purpose, his!

The Yolk, The White, The Shell

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

A lot of people recognize God. Some will acknowledge Jesus as God’s son. Few though, it seems, mention the third member of the trinity, the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. For it was He who drew me to God in the first place. It was He who convicted me of sin. Though I was only 7 years old, I knew right from wrong, and my pastor preached with God’s authority, that being wrong was sin, and that sin lead to eternal death in hell.

I am thankful, for now I will not be lost forever in the pitch darkness of eternal damnation, alone, and with the feeling of falling forever. For the pit of hell is bottomless. Mankind needs two things to feel human, time, and gravity. Time provides a schedule, a rhythm to life, and gravity helps us feel grounded. In hell neither exist.

Many years ago, I spent a few hours in jail. Shocked? Yeah, well, whatever. It happened. Anyway, I noticed there were no clocks, and I didn’t like not knowing what time it was. The only way to know was by what food items they served us. Pancakes; must be morning. Bologna sandwich and chips; has to be afternoon. Chicken; it’s got to be evening now.

The Holy Spirit also provides great comfort in the times when I don’t understand what is going on with life, or when my heart is breaking for one reason or another. He may not calm the storm, but He calms me down, and helps me know I will get through it.

More than leading me to Jesus, which accepting his work on the cross grants me access to the throne room of God, the Holy Spirit gives me power. Like Jesus promised us in Acts 1:8. The power I need to speak, and minister to someone in need. Honestly, many times I wouldn’t have a clue what to say, but I rely on the Holy Spirit. I open my heart to be willing, and then I open my mouth and God’s words come out. I know it is God, through the Holy Spirit, because I am usually just as amazed as the one I am speaking to at the wisdom, or love of the words spoken.

^“But I promise you this—the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power. And you will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!” Acts 1:8 (TPT)

Every person who believes in God should ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a separate event from salvation and water baptism. For the scriptures say that when Jesus came up out of the water, meaning after his baptism, then the Holy Spirit lit upon him. It was the work of the Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus to endure the cross. In his own human strength it was more than He could bear.

Just like there are three parts to an egg, the yolk, the white, and the shell, it is still only one egg. So there is Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God, but there is still only one God. The three are one, and I will be forever grateful for all three, and the work they have done in my one life. If you choose not to believe in the trinity of God, you may find yourself someday with egg on your face.

“To Hear Our Hours, Press 5”

November 3, 2020November 2, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

In some countries, people are focused on working hard, succeeding, and reaching their goals. Some of those individuals are followers of Christ. I have seen where they are so focused on their “get er done lists” that they seem to fail in other areas, like community. In other words, they are making great strides in life, in business, but falling short in doing life with others, friends, neighbors, and perhaps even family.

There is nothing wrong with success, especially if achieving greater finances allows one to be more generous, but if someone needs to talk, to share their current struggles, do they need to make an appointment? Are those high achievers generous with their time? Or do people who have needs, need to come back during normal hours of operation?

Spending time with others is a gift;
be generous!

I don’t see this as the example Jesus set for us. He was there, in the moment, for the people, and he still managed to achieve the goals his heavenly father set before him to accomplish. Yes, there were moments when he set time aside to be in communication with God, his father, but if you read the gospel you will see when people sought him out, he responded.

There are a few verses in the Bible that share when Jesus saw the multitude, he was moved with “compassion”. The word “compassion” means in the Greek “to do whatever it takes to alleviate the need.”

Compassion starts with seeing!

When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. Mat. 9:36 (TPT)

Jesus didn’t keep office hours.

If you make yourself available to people, the very people who live next door, at school, at work, and even those who attend church with you, then you are being like Jesus. You are following his example, and therefore being a true Christian, which means Christ like, or little Christ one. This should be our goal, and you know what, God will still help you reach your goals, when you avail yourself to others.

I challenge you to try it, because there is a whole world of lost people out there. They are sick, they are oppressed, they are depressed, they need God, and you are right there next to them. Please don’t say, “Well, spending time with them is not on my ‘To-Do-List’.” Here’s the thing, those people are on God’s “To-Do-List”, because He loves them.

“You Can’t Handle the Truth!”

October 30, 2020January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The title of this post comes from the famous line delivered by Jack Nicholson in the movie, “A Few Good Men”. He was right. There is truth out there we don’t want to know. We can’t handle. For instance, we are just learning, in main stream media, about cults, or groups that enslave women, children for the sexual pleasure of others. That truth is so heavy it is difficult to comprehend.

Not all truth is so burdensome. Like when two individuals have a disagreement. A “He said this, he said that” scenario. Others who hear one side of the argument have only heard half of the truth if any. A wise person will seek out the other person and listen to them, hear their version of the truth before making judgement. Honestly though, seldom do people seek out the whole truth. They listen to the side of the person they like the most, as if truth had something to do with popularity.

Truth is so important our judicial system will ask each witness, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” Why? Because judges know that proper judgements can be made when the truth is known.

Here is something else that is true that needs to be said; individuals, who are getting killed by the police, as some have alleged, “without cause”, should comply with the officer’s orders. In other words, simply put, when the police arrive on a scene they don’t know who is right, or who is the threat. They try to calm everyone down, make sure the scene is safe, so they can investigate, and then decide what action to take. If those getting “unjustly” killed by the police would listen and follow their orders they would live. If they are as innocent as their mother says they are the police will find that out during their investigation.

So what does God say about truth? Jesus said that knowing the truth will set you free. (John 8:32) Yes, He was specifically talking about knowing him will set you free from the bondage of religion, but knowing truth is freedom.

I used to beg my children to always tell me the truth. I did my best to instill the idea in them that the truth can always be dealt with. Right now in my personal life there is some hard truth to face, but admitting it is there has helped me determine the best approach to handling the situation.

Sad truth:

Some individuals, after meeting God, and hearing how much He loves them still turn their back and reject him. They believe the lies of the devil that they know more than God what is best for their life.

Even sadder truth:

When those who reject God die they will be judged and receive eternal death of their own freewill.

Good truth:

For those who accepted God will have an advocate, named Jesus Christ who will say to his heavenly father, “Their debt, sin has been paid by me.” Then that individual will be ushered into heaven for eternity. That’s the truth, nothing but the truth so says God.

Now, how are you going to handle the truth?

Home

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“Here ya go, Mommy,” said the young son.

“Oh, thanks. What is this?” inquired his mother.

“You said you got lost last night in the big building you now work in, so I drew you a map to help you find your way out.”

According to his mother, he also drew her a map, to guide her home, in the shape of a heart. He obviously loves his mother very much and wants to make sure she comes home, where it is safe, warm, and love abides.

Grab a tissue, right?

When Adam and Eve sinned they were banished from their home. The Garden of Eden. A beautiful, warm place. Peaceful and full of love, visited by God daily. Man was doomed to be lost forever, unless someone provided mankind with a plan, with a map to find their way home again.

God drew a map. The starting point is wherever you currently are in life, You make your way to the cross where God’s only son died for us for He was the perfect sacrifice to make atonement for our sins, (wrong doing). Jesus, the ultimate gift, exhibiting the ultimate kind of love.

Once there at the cross you turn right and go straight by reading God’s word which shows us how to live our lives, so we are guaranteed to find our way home, where it is safe, warm, and love abides.

Hunt for Red October

October 23, 2020January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / 6 Comments

“Give me one ping, and one ping only please.” A line from the movie, “Hunt for Red October”, I like to say in my best, which isn’t that good, Sean Connery voice. I have always been intrigued by submarines, and Red October is a large, Russian, ballistic missile loaded one. It fascinates me how they knew where they were before the use of a computerized guidance systems.

Some followers of Jesus Christ could be called, “Submarine Christians”. By that, I mean they stay undetected as they move about when it comes to their faith in God. They might raise their periscope, every once in a while and take a look around to see if it is safe to surface. They have their personal reasons for not being detected, most likely out of some degree of fear. In the movie, “Red October”, the enemy on paper turned out to be their ally, and helped them achieve their goal.

God, through his word, encourages us not to hide our faith. In fact, there are several verses that direct us to shine bright. Here is one of them:

“Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? ¹⁵And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light.” Mat. 5:14-15 (TPT)

People who are far from God need to see him, they need to hear him. They need to find him, in us. You never know where hurting, or lost people are unless you look them in the face and listen to the words they say. People who need God do give clues, if you are paying attention, if you are hunting.

Instead of computers guiding us, we can be guided by the Holy Spirit. Led of God to where the sick need healing, the oppressed need to be set free. God’s word equips us with spiritual weapons to take out the enemy, the devil.

The ping, Sean Connery asked for, verified his distance from his ally. By coming to the surface, finding those who are with us, we can work together to complete God’s mission to save the whole world.

“That the whole world might be saved…”
John 3:17

Whether people realize it, or not, they are hunting for God. The spirit man inside each of them is striving to be reunited with God’s spirit. Let’s be out there helping them connect their heart to the heart of God.

When Will God Show Up?

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

There is a lot going on in our world at this time. Two weeks from today, America will decide to keep the president we currently have, or to elect a new one in. The most trying thing concerning these times is, how will our decisions effect the future of America, our own lives, or the effect they will have on the world?

This kind of uncertainty can be unnerving, even scary, but it doesn’t have to be.

I’m sure there are people all around the world asking the same question, “When will God show up?” I share this message with you this day,

He already has!

You see when Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple of God ripped from top to bottom, and this was no thin, cheap curtain either one might purchase at a discount store. The only way that curtain could be ripped was by God. He did it to show that now, through the death of his only son, when we accept Jesus into our lives we can enter into the very presence of God any time we want to.

As a result, for the people who believe in God, his presence is with us as we now are the temple of God. And we take his presence everywhere we go into the world, and into our homes. Those are the places where people are, and those people need to see God through us. The peace He gives unto us to live in the current times we are in.

There are a lot of lies out there being spread. You could call it, “Fake News”. Always ask God what He says about the things others are telling us. Remember this, just because it is on the news or on the internet does not make it true. Even if part of it is true, God has the final word.

Believers need to place their hope and trust in God, knowing that they are his children, and God, being the loving father He is, takes care of his children.

When others are running aimlessly around in fear they will notice the peace and calm that is within you. Remember as God’s temple, take his presence to the people of the world. Be visible, be vocal, so they too may have the hope and peace you have.

If My Life Was a Movie

October 16, 2020October 19, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I would like the role of me to be played by Keanu Reeves. That way, I am guaranteed my wife will watch it. The movie would definitely be a drama, a romantic comedy, oh wait, and in parts, a thriller, but isn’t that life? There would be scenes depicting tremendous joy, moral failure, and of mediocre accomplishments. Would it win an Oscar? “The envelope please. And the Oscar goes to…” not my life.

I suppose to mankind, since I have not made any great scientific discoveries, found a cure for cancer, written the next great American novel, or become the world’s richest man, my life doesn’t stand out. Does that matter? Not to me.

The movie could contain dramatic scenes of my life, but the most important ones are when I accepted Jesus into my life at age 7, which guided me into the person I have become, and the Sunday morning, at age 17, I dedicated my life to living for God. Since then, I have done my best to go where He has asked me to, have spoken the words He has placed in my mouth, and do as He has directed.

The majority of my life I have tried to do what is right. I have shared my faith with many, and in many ways. When I have fallen, I have taken hold of God’s hand and have asked him to help me get back up. In moments I felt the deepest pain I hid in his palm, so He could touch my heart. During my victories I have given the glory to God.

So, at the end of it all, the only thing that matters is what God thinks of how I have chosen to live my life. I may not win an award created by man, but hopefully I will hear from God, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Then perhaps He will give me a crown, at which point I will bow, and place it at the feet of Jesus, for none of the good in my life would have been possible if it wasn’t for the good He did in his life.

The last and final word is this:
Fear God.
Do what he tells you. Ecc. 12:13 (MSG)

Director: God
Producer: Jesus Christ
Set Designer: God
Lighting: God
Sound: God
Special Effects: The Holy Spirit
Support: Jesus Christ
Casting: God
Screenplay: God (with the exceptions when Mark edited it.)

Cast:
Mark: Keanu Reeves
Mark’s Wife: Kim So-eun
Mark’s Father: Jimmy Houston
Mark’s Mother: Meryl Streep

Copyright © 2020 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Heaven or Hell?

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

My friend and I were riding the commuter train, from Chicago, home after a long day. Somehow, the conversation turned to God and each of us shared our beliefs on what happens to us when we die.

He said he was convinced, after we die, we are reincarnated.

Then I shared my belief that if we have accepted Jesus Christ, as God’s son, and have invited him to forgive us of our sin, wrong doing, then when we die we spend eternity in heaven. If we don’t accept Jesus Christ, then we spend eternity in hell.

We were able to listen to each other, with respect, but then I told my friend this; “If you are right, then I have nothing to be concerned about. If I am correct, you may have a long time to regret it.

We exited the train, and before heading to our cars, he said, “You sure have given me something to think about.” I hope and pray he has now accepted Jesus, but on that day, he wasn’t ready.

You have to choose one or the other. There is no way around it. There are no excuses for not selecting. You can’t say it is impossible to know, for God reveals himself to everyone.

Romans 1:19-25 (TPT)

¹⁹In reality, the truth of God is known instinctively, for God has embedded this knowledge inside every human heart. ²⁰Opposition to truth cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as his eternal power and transcendence. He has made his wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse.

²¹Throughout human history the fingerprints of God were upon them,yet they refused to honor him as God or even be thankful for his kindness. Instead, they entertained corrupt and foolish thoughts about what God was like. This left them with nothing but misguided hearts, steeped in moral darkness. ²²Although claiming to be super-intelligent, they were in fact shallow fools. ²³For only a fool would trade the unfading splendor of the immortal God to worship the fading image of other humans, idols made to look like people, animals, birds, and even creeping reptiles!

²⁴This is why God lifted off his restraining hand and let them have full expression of their sinful and shameful desires. They were given over to moral depravity, dishonoring their bodies by sexual perversion among themselves— ²⁵all because they traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served the things God made rather than the God who made all things—glory and praises to him for eternity of eternities! Amen!

Choose God before it is too late. He has already chosen you, and He loves you more than you will ever know.

Give it to Me

October 9, 2020October 11, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

A child grows up believing they’re an awful person, because their parent told them so. The only time they heard words come out of their parent’s mouth was when it was a complaint. And perhaps the volume was turned up way too high when those words were spoken. The parent’s own hurt created a toxic mess in the child’s heart. Know this; it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

Years go by, and that ungodly belief sticks to the heart of the child, and it actually affects every future relationship that child grows up to have. One way to relate to hurt people is to wear a hazmat suit when around them, but those things are hot and heavy, and not readily available. So what is the answer?

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

That beaten down and battered child grows up denying the pain exist. Even saying things like, “Oh, its okay. That’s just the way my parent was.” Yet they walk on in life struggling to carry the weight of it all, believing the lies. At times they buckle under the load and they wind up hurting someone else. Perhaps their own child, or spouse. Those hit by friendly fire walk away questioning, “What did I do?”

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

There is only one way to fix it, to get delivered from the burden. In case you haven’t noticed I’ll repeat it one more time, give it to Jesus. He wants to take the load from you. He has been there your whole life, patiently waiting, but his heart broke when you wouldn’t surrender it to him. He has felt your pain, and every time you hurt he did too. Jesus doesn’t like to see those he died for hurting, and he died for everyone. Every time you have cried most likely he did too.

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

Please, you have carried it way too long. It’s time to give it to Jesus. He can handle it. Don’t go another day living with the pain and trying to carry the load. Don’t fall asleep one more night on a wet pillow. Simply ask, “Jesus, will you take this from me, and heal my heart.” Then trust that he has heard you and will do just that. You will feel so much better. Your steps will be lighter, and you will see your world in living color.

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Mat. 11:28 (TPT)

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

You May Not Like It

“I brought you here as a result of your prayers, but I also brought you here as a result of her prayers.”

The Yolk, The White, The Shell

^“But I promise you this—the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power. And you will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!” Acts 1:8 (TPT)

“To Hear Our Hours, Press 5”