Bible

Hidden Word Search

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
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You’ve seen the games. The ones where there is a themed list of words to find inside a rectangle of individual letters that are spaced out. Like in the included photo. Sometimes it can be challenging. Especially when the word is running backwards, or at an angle.

Another place to do a word search is in the Bible. God’s word. There are a lot of differences, though. God’s words are not hidden. They are right there between the front cover and the back one. Unlike the game, His words are not running backwards or at an angle, but there is a common theme throughout, and that is His love for us. Even in the Old Testament, He helped the Israelites defeat their enemies. He did so because they were wicked individuals who practiced ungodly things like human sacrifices. The reason God wanted them all gone is so they would not influence his children and lead them astray, because He loved them so much.

The same goes for us today. God may not destroy an individual because our battles are not with flesh and blood but with principalities that rule over the area you live in. (Eph. 6:10). But with that said, He doesn’t want you to become entangled with those who may lead you astray.

We must find a way to make reading God’s word a spiritual practice as an active part of our lives! His words to you are not hidden, and when you read something you don’t understand, ask me. I’m kidding, but you can do an internet search for a commentary on that portion of the scriptures.

A guy in my church, who has read the Bible all of his life, says he still comes across areas that are difficult for him to fully understand. He said last Sunday that he has been asking “Copilot” and that so far, it has provided answers or insight that have agreed with his spirit.

I go to “Bing.com” a lot and type in the search bar what I want to know. For instance, the other day I typed in “What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘greater judgement’ in Mark 12:40?” The answer was insightful and answered my question.

So, read God’s word, the Bible, regularly. Search out the truths that you can apply to your life. He wants you to be informed so the majority is easy to understand, and the truths are not hidden. The parts of the Bible that one may find difficult, I assure you, have nothing to do with you going to heaven or not.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. 2 Tim. 3:16 (ICB)

God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than a sword sharpened on both sides. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined. It cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. And God’s word judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. Heb. 4:12 (ICB)

Your word is like a lamp for my feet
    and a light for my way. Ps. 119:105 (ICB)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

“Glad You’re Doing Okay”

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments
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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)

5 Lean 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. 6 In 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?

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Breaking News!

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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.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

For the Kingdom of Heaven

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I have always been intrigued by Jesus’ teachings. I especially liked it how, while he was speaking, he would point to something and say, “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto…” Okay, that’s how it is written in the King James version of the Bible. A current way would be, “God’s kingdom is like…”

That line has had a huge influence on how this blog is written. If you have ever noticed, I try to take something from real life and show how it can relate to the kingdom of God. I think the gospel of Jesus Christ is relational and practical. It’s not just some lofty words that sound nice.

I think that is where so many casual Christians go off-key. They “go” to church, hear a great sermon, but toss it in the trash on the way out. Then they go about their week as if the God who loves them so much hadn’t delivered a custom “love” letter to their heart. God uses people to speak on his behalf. He delights in partnering with them to do his business.

Sunday’s sermons and hopefully this blog should be thought about during the week and should certainly be applied. It may be challenging, but that is where we can ask God to help us. We should always be growing and maturing in our walk with God. I know of some who have been the same hurtful people for many years. They “go” to church almost every time the doors are open, but when they are there, they forget to unlock the doors of their heart.

Boy, I didn’t expect those words to come out when I started writing this post.

Hear the words of God. Whether spoken through a sermon, read in the Bible, or perhaps in these blogs. Think about them. Ponder their meanings. The Bible is relatable. Its words are alive, and they change people, or at least should. The words the Bible contains can be applied to every part of our lives. Even more than Seinfeld-isms.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

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The Christmas song “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” gives the reason, the story, of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the future of his saints.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of every longing heart.

Joy to those who long to see Thee Day-spring from on high, appear.
Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse, of Thy birth, we long to hear!
O’er the hills the angels singing news, glad tidings of a birth; “Go to Him your praises bringing Christ the Lord has come to earth!”

Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end. By His life He brings us gladness, Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend. Leaving riches without number, born within a cattle stall; this the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.

Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. by Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Come, Thou whom the prophets promised. Thou of whom the canters sing; Come, Emmanuel, God be with us. Thou our Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus, Thou are all perfection, Thou whose fellowship we crave; Thou the Life and Resurrection, Come redeem us from the grave.

Come, Thou King, receive Thy kingdom; With the angels, split the skies! Come with shouts and trumpets sounding, Bid Thy slumb’ring children rise! Gather in Thine arms so tender Sinners saved through grace alone; Lead us though Thy gates of splendor Unto our eternal home.

Any questions?

Songwriters: Words: Charles Wesley, 1744 (Verses 1 & 4) Mark Hunt, 1978 (Verses 2 & 3) Ann Aschauer 2022 (Verses 5 & 6)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

John 11:35

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“And Jesus Wept” statue in Oklahoma City.

As a child growing up in church, there were often scripture memory challenges. The first scripture most kids learned was “John 11:35.” “Jesus wept.” Let’s face it, it was easy. I struggle today to remember the reference to where a scripture is, but at least I know what is in the Bible and what is not. I think knowing that for myself is more important than the location. Besides, I can type the portion of scripture I recall, and my computer will find the reference for me.

But back to this verse. If you recall, Jesus’ friend Lazarus was sick, and the family sent word to Jesus to come and heal him. Instead, Jesus continued to teach and do miracles while he ministered to others.

When he arrived at Lazarus’ home, they told him he was too late. That Lazarus had already died. There was much sorrow, and the family was stricken with grief. When Jesus saw how great their sorrow was, he wept. He didn’t weep because his good friend Lazarus had died because he knew what he was about to do, but instead, he was overcome with their pain and sorrow. I believe that is why he wept.

Jesus cares for us when we are sad and grief-stricken today, too. He wants us to lean on him to get through those times. At least long enough until the sting of death starts wearing off.

I once wrote about Lazarus from his point of view. My editor asked me with a snarky tone, “How do you know Lazarus wanted to come back to life?” Her question stumped me for almost a week. Then I received the answer from on high (God). I told her, “It didn’t matter if Lazarus wanted to come back to life or not. He just wanted to be obedient to the Lord Jesus!” So when Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come forth,” he obeyed.

Funny thought: If Jesus had only said, “Come forth,” I think all of the dead in that area would have come back to life. I’m not sure, but I could see it happening.

Jesus waited four days before traveling to Lazarus’ home. He wanted everyone to know that he had power over death, too. And he didn’t want anyone to say something like, “Well, Lazarus wasn’t really dead.” The fact of the matter is, he was so dead, he stunk!

Takeaways: Know for yourself what is in the Bible. You do that by reading it. Know that Jesus has power over death. That is how he can promise us eternal life if we accept him into our lives. And know that Jesus hurts when we hurt. He truly cares about us and what is important to us.

If you want to read the whole story for yourself, turn to John 11:1-44.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

A Letter to You

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I observe people and patterns in life. I notice things others may easily overlook or not think anything of it. But me? I see them and think about them. I don’t know why, except that it is the way God made me. I believe it helps me as a writer.

 Recently, April wrote a letter to a close friend, and her friend was offended. I noticed that people don’t like receiving letters that share the truth. The letters they like the least are the ones that point out an issue in their life. The letters are usually written out of love and concern for the individual, but the receiver does not seem to notice that. They tend to respond with a “How dare they…” Or a “Well, they do this…”

 Most of the time, instead of receiving the message, they get defensive! There is something about looking at and reading words that are written. It’s like the person reads it over and over and can’t ignore or get away from it unless they tear it up and throw it away. I have also noticed they will tell people what the letter said but fail to let others read the letter for themselves.

 I wrote a letter a few years ago to a loved one, and it wound up costing me just over $50,000! How is that possible, you ask? I wrote the letter to my father sometime before he passed away because he was struggling with some “friends,” and instead of listening to the truth, he kept hanging up on me, so I wrote a letter. He got so mad that he decided to get revenge on me and he wrote me out of his will.

 I don’t look for financial provisions from anyone individual because my provider is God almighty! He provides for all my needs. Dad was saying whatever he wanted to to his friends but failed to understand why they no longer came around or talked to him. My letter tried to help him realize that just because you are old, you still don’t have the right to speak to people however you choose to. Even if what you are saying may be true to you.

 In the Bible, especially in the New Testament, in the books that Paul wrote, you will notice that it says, “Letter to the Philippians,” etc. The people of those churches may not have liked all that Paul wrote, but he did it to help them, encourage them, and instruct them so their lives would be better. Paul told the people the truth!

 The Bible, overall, is a letter to people, anybody, around the world. It is God’s message of ultimate love. The whole book is a guide of how to live life God’s way. People may not like the truth, and they have free will not to accept it, but their lives and their futures would be much better if they did. The Bible is written words that you shouldn’t ignore, and you can’t get away from them. The Bible is a letter to you!

 Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

When It’s Hard

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Photo by: Schäferle via Pixabay

Life is tough on a good day, but it is downright brutal when things aren’t going as they should! You know what I am talking about. When your boss is riding you. Making demands and requests of you that are near impossible. Or when you have a co-worker, you can only hope they will get sucked into the shredder one day. Don’t get onto me; you laughed because everybody has at least one at work.

What if it’s your spouse or some other family member? Or a neighbor? Not to mention dealing with the dilly-o that makes driving downright dangerous. Perhaps you have more bills than money. All of it, or any of it can get you down.

Do you have the urge to take the next exit ramp of life? Well, don’t do that. I assure you, there is hope. As long as you are alive, there is hope.

If you already know God, and have a relationship with him, then turn to Him. He knows what you wake up to every day. And He cares because of His incredible love for you. Turn to His word, the Bible. I am currently reading “The Message.” It is a modern-day language translation of the original text.

I also highly suggest your read from the book of Psalms. Within the pages are countless words of people calling out to God. They remind Him of His greatness and His unending love for His people. There are encouraging passages about what God does to those who make life hard on you. God doesn’t like it when those who love Him are hurting.

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
    you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Ps. 5:11-12 (NIV)

There is only one catch; you must believe it. Then you have to ask for His help and then trust that He will. The solution may not be what you wanted or expected, but it will work out if you let God do what He does best, and that is, be God! And when the answer has come, be sure to thank Him. He deserves the recognition and praise. You may find yourself walking through “the valley of the shadow of death” right now but know this; it is only the shadow of death. It’s not death! You will make it. You will live.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

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.

Why Church?

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

My earliest memories are sitting in the back pew of a church. I was four years old. I remember the minister preaching Truth hard and loud. Some would classify his sermons as “hell fire and brimstone.” He always explained that the wages of sin, is death. Eternal death in hell.

A few years later, I accepted Jesus into my heart. I can honestly say the pastor’s messages scared the hell out of me! Even at that young age, I knew I was a sinner. You see, I was a convicted cookie thief who would later lie about it. “Convicted” because I had been found guilty by my mother. I knew dishonoring my parents and lying were both wrong. They were sin. I had learned that in church.

We went every time the doors were open, it seemed. As a result, I witnessed many signs and wonders. People got healed, repented of their sins, and had significant reformations in their lives. I learned how to minister to people and how to witness to pre-Christians (unbelievers). I had friends who believed in God like I did. I got to know them through the fellowship events that were held. I saw the Spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. Therefore I saw the supernatural. I learned about tithing and what a joy it was to give.

The supernatural is to get people’s attention for what God wants to do next.

So, why church? Why is it important?

  • People can find God there and accept Him. (Jer. 29:13)
  • People can get prayed for and find healing. (Mark 16:18b)
  • People can find friends who will become a community with them. (Acts 2:46)
  • People can learn how to minister. (Eph. 4:11)
  • People can give their tithes cheerfully. (Mal. 3:10)
  • People can learn how God is relevant in their lives.

The church I wrote about in the beginning is still there and thriving. At least 56 years and counting. The church should preach the entire Word of God (The Bible). A good, balanced church will do and be all six things listed above. I should mention that by the time I was seventeen, I finally realized that it was about having a two-way relationship with God, and that was the real reason to accept him. Not just to have “Fire Insurance!” Meaning, not to only escape eternity in hell. Realizing this has made life with God an exciting adventure.

Do we still need churches? Yes! As long as they are doing the work of God, for God, by God’s power, for His Glory and kingdom.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.