children

They’re God’s

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I spoke to a woman today who shared with me that the doctors found a polyp in her daughter’s colon that is 5cm in diameter. Anything 1cm or greater has a good chance of being cancerous. As she talked about what she has been through thinking about her daughter in the past few days, I teared up. It’s scary to think your child has a serious issue.

When my son was young, he had a lymph node in his throat die. As it was decaying, it was swelling, hence cutting off his airway. The doctors in the small town decided to have him moved to the children’s hospital in Chicago for the surgery to correct the problem.

I went home to get a change of clothes to spend the night with him in the hospital. While driving, I broke down and cried out to God. That is when I heard the Holy Spirit whisper into my spirit, “What are you worried about? He’s mine, and he is in my hands.” It was at that moment that I realized our children are Gods and that we are simply entrusted to raise them the best we can.

That night, my son told me he was too scared to have the surgery. I told him I understood and would leave the decision to him. Okay, I might have lied. I told him he would not feel anything during the surgery, and a few days later, he would be as good as new. But I went on to tell him, if you don’t have the surgery, you’re going to die in a few days. He looked around the room and said, “Dad, I’ll have the surgery.”

Why are we so afraid of death? I mean, I’m not because, as Paul said, “To die is gain.”

21 For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].
Phi. 1:21 (AMPC)

If you know God and have accepted Jesus, then there is nothing to be afraid of concerning death.

I told the woman I would join her and others in praying for her daughter. We would hope for the best outcome, but either way, she should trust her daughter to God.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

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Image by mcmurryjulie from Pixabay

Do you fill out satisfaction surveys? Take the time to let companies know how satisfied you are with their service? Do you only fill them out when you are not happy? What about if you are pleased with how your interaction with them went?

I usually don’t fill them out. Even though some say, they will enter your name in a drawing for a cash prize. I guess I am skeptical that anyone ever wins. I do feel convicted, though, to take the time to mention when an individual resolves an issue to my satisfaction.

Would you consider filling out a satisfaction survey on your spouse? Anonymously, of course! What about your other relationships? Children, friends, pastor, or boss? Would you dare fill out one for God?

Perhaps people don’t actually sit down and fill out a form, but how they are responding to what God is trying to do in their life may be a “living form.” For instance, if they drop out of going to church, stop tithing, or discontinue inviting others to attend church services with them. Or they might even press pause on reading their Bible because they are not happy or satisfied with God.

When one who believes in God doesn’t receive the answers they want to their prayers, or if the timing is taking longer than they expected, they can become disgruntled. In a relationship with God, it is vital to maintain total trust in Him. That is why the scripture says, “with all thine heart,” per the King James Version. If you can do this, your satisfaction with God will be guaranteed!

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this. Prov. 3:5-12 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Let Me Speak to Your Supervisor

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Image by Markéta Klimešová from Pixabay

I have been watching an individual live their life this year the way they want to. It has not gone well. They have been controlled by a game-playing, conniving, lying woman. That caused him to drink himself into a drunken stupor. As a result of spending time in the hospital to dry out, he lost his job. Because of not being able to pay his rent, he was evicted.

Soak, wash, rinse, repeat. After struggling, he managed to get his job back but then repeated the same pattern, the only difference being with a different girl. To add to the injury, he did all this while being separated from his wife and ignoring his children. What kind of life is that?

As I was thinking about his life, I realized one thing: he does not feel as if he is accountable to anyone! Not to his wife, his children, his mother and father, his girlfriend, his friends, his boss, his landlord, or God. No one. He is accountable to God, ultimately, but he fails to see that. You could say he has no fear of the consequences of his actions.

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Rom. 14:12 (NIV)

We should be accountable to people but especially live our lives accountable to God. You will make mistakes, but if you have accepted Jesus, you can ask for forgiveness. Then, it is also a good idea to ask others for forgiveness if you hurt them. Knowing you have to give an account of how you live will cause you to live differently, or at least it should.

“Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.” Mat. 10:28 (MSG)

Whether you admit it or not or live accordingly, you are accountable to people and God. If you are not living that way, you will continue to suffer. Did I mention he also totaled his car? So get with the program, or we will have to speak to your supervisor, God.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady

God Is So Good

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Photo by: Abel Escobar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

You Should Go

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Photo by Max Fischer

Many have heard of the scripture from Proverbs 22:6:

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. (AMPC)

Perhaps more have placed a lot of hope in that verse. Hoping their wayward child, who is not living for God and not living up to who God has designed them to be, someday will. I am among them.

When I was recently praying for my children and reminding God of this verse, I noticed two words I had not focused on before. Those words are “should go.”  When I was training my children, I tried to live a life as a healthy example of one who exercises his free will to live for God. My children’s mother (my ex-wife) did not. Let’s face it, living by our flesh is easier.

God gives all of us “free will,” but the best life is when one lives with a good relationship with God. Then with his leading, uses the gifts He gave us or to the way we are bent. This is how all “should go.” There are other times when one “should go” as well.

One “should go” across the street to help a neighbor.

One “should go” apologies to their boss for making a mistake that cost the company money.

One “should go” to church and invite others who should also go with you.

One “should go” pitch in for an hour or two at the church. Only 10%, on average, get involved at a local church. The places and times one “should go” are endless. I know it is difficult to give up our free time or to make time for others or for God, but we should. One will never know the impact, until we get to heaven, of what our actions mean to someone else, and what in this world can change because we did go!

Of course, there are many places one “should not go.” I don’t think I need to list those, do I?

The key is in the “training.” I am convinced that it is never too late to train or re-train your mind in what it takes to live the life God intended for all of us but also specifically per our gifts and bent.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

What Makes God Smile

/ Mark Brady / 1 Comment

We call God “Father,” and He calls us his children. Many scriptures talk about this relationship, this connection we have with the creator of the universe and with the One true God. It is a bond that encompasses security, true love, and joy. At times it can be overwhelming when you sense his presence. Many times it will be so strong I will tear up. It often feels like God hugging me.

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 

Like our earthly parent-child relationships, there are times when other emotions rise up. Sometimes, God gets angry with us, usually if we are acting out. You know, trying to do things our way. Or if we are blatantly disobeying him. We might be angry at God. Like in times when we feel He is not listening to us. And it’s okay to express that anger with him. But there are other times when we laugh with God and express tremendous joy, especially when we see him answering our prayers. I felt this emotion yesterday as I realized God was moving on my behalf in a relationship that has been challenging.

Sometimes, God needs to discipline us, but He does so with perfect love. And because He loves us, He takes the time to correct us.

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Prov. 3:12 (AMPC)

But God can smile too. Like a loving parent, it is when we, his children, obey his commandments, which are only there to guide us into a better life. What makes Him smile big is when we walk in faith. When we dare take Him at His word and step out to do something we don’t think we can do, accomplish or overcome.

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)

It pleases him because He knows we believe him, believe in him, and trust him. Obedience shows we are mindful enough of his power, authority as God, and might to act on what He speaks into our souls. Our action with him to do of his will and good pleasure. To actively advance the kingdom of heaven and watch it prevail. Being witnesses and testifying of his greatness.

This is what makes God smile! May you make him smile daily as you walk in your relationship with him.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Who’s it For?

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“Hi. How can I help you?”

“I need to…”  “Sorry.”

“It’s quite alright.”

“I need to pick out a casket.”

“Okay. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.”

“Step this way. Did you have something in mind?”

“Yeah. Nothing ‘over the top’. It should be simple, but natural looking. Not that there is anything ‘natural’ about dying. I think it should reflect the kind of life the one lived who will be using it.”

“I understand. What do you think of this model over here?”

“Model? Gees! You make it sound like they are vehicles that transport the dead into eternity. Is this the newest model or a late model?”

“My apologies sir. It’s a particular style of casket. It’s in our ‘Wood Grain’ family.”

“Umm, not bad. May I see the interior, please?”

“Of course.”

“No squeaks. That’s good. Wouldn’t want to scare any children that may be at the funeral. I guess that one will do.”

“Very good, sir. Why don’t we go back to my office now and we can start the paper work.”

“You mean loan papers don’t you? With what these cost and everything.”

“Sir, they must be paid for upfront. We certainly don’t have a ‘Lay-a-way’ plan here.”

“Is that supposed to be funny?”

“It was.”

“Oh. Well I guess it kind of was. I’m just not in a laughing mood.”

“My apologies, sir.”

“Yeah, don’t worry about it.”

“Ok. Tell me about the deceased.”

“In general, all his life he tried his best to be a good man. To live according to God’s words, and overall, live a life pleasing to God. He was born here in this town, reared here also, but lived in several other places as an adult. He loved to travel. He was married twice, to two different women, had two children and two grandchildren. His first wife poisoned his children about him though, so after they became young adults they told their father he was a horrible man, and they never wanted to see him ever again.”

“Was he?”

“What?”

“A bad man.”

“No. Not perfect, but not bad either. He provided everything he possibly could for his children. Even though he was paying child support, if he saw his kids had a need, he met it. He took them places in America too. They loved traveling as much as he did. He also took them to church. He introduced them to the loving, one, true, God of the universe. He was faithful in taking them there so their faith could grow.

I guess it has become obvious which force won his kids over. They chose ‘evil’ over ‘good’. They know that their sins will cost them their life for eternity, but even though they saw ‘God” at work in the life of their father, it didn’t make the impact it should have. That broke his heart more than not getting to see and spoil his grandchildren.”

“That’s too bad. Seeing, or hearing from their father most likely brought on guilt, and the Holy Spirit bringing to their mind they should be living for God, instead of for themselves. By the way, I’ll also need where all he went to school, and the primary places he lived and worked, and for how many years. Any affiliations he was associated with and any other hobbies he had. Oh! One thing I failed to ask, who’s the casket for?”

“Sir?”

“Sir?”

“Who’s the casket for?”

“Me.”

Hebrews 9:27 (MSG) Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

This Isn’t What I Expected

/ Mark Brady / 3 Comments

Are you living the life you once day dreamed about?  I’m not! I’m not saying it’s bad or anything, but there is room for improvement. Especially if it is going to be like what I desired. I wanted a large family for myself. A real “Brady” bunch if you will. I love children. But after I saw the price tag for two my first wife and I decided that was enough. I wanted to marry into a large family. I did, but it wasn’t long before the realization of how one bad, sour fruit hanging on the family tree can spoil relations.

After I divorced it was many years before I dared say, “I do” a second time. And once again I found another sour fruit on the family tree. Then in my own family, yep you guessed it. Some of the sourest fruit you have ever been exposed to. So the dream of “one big, happy family” has never manifested.

I could be downright depressed about it, and at times I have been. I have prayed, asked, griped and complained. Eventually, God began to give me knowledge and understanding concerning the bad actors in this cast. That has helped. It certainly is better than giving up and running away, or doing everything and anything to avoid them.

I saw the sign in this photo and realized that’s what I’m doing, but hadn’t labeled it. God is helping me know that all I can do is make sure my attitude is right, and pleasing to him when it comes to family. I can enjoy the life I have with April, and make the most of it. I’m happy being retired, and writing books now. And next week I and my business partner will be hosting our first writer’s conference, held in the setting of an old west town. (see expwriting.com) Then my first book is coming out soon. A modern day novel, “Kill The Preacher Man”. I am extremely excited about that. So really, life isn’t what I wanted, but it’s not bad either! Thank you God for taking all of my messes, and making something that can be pleasing to you.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
1 Thes. 5:16-18 (MSG)

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

Crumbs of Rumors

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“I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
    now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise!
    I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”

Job 43:5-6 (MSG)

There are a lot of people who only hear about God, but they have never “experienced” God for themselves!  They “go” to church thinking that He takes attendance, or something. He doesn’t! As if their “going to church” is the only thing required of them in order to go to heaven. I would think after hearing how great God is, how marvelous, how wonderful, and how loving they would want to spend time getting to know him. You know, reading his number one, bestselling, book, and talk to him on a regular basis.

I find it difficult to understand why they only want to “hear” about God. Perhaps they attend a church service that is lifeless, an hour of following the same rules week after week, therefore thinking that knowing God is not life at all? On the contrary, knowing God is really living! The most exciting adventure you will ever experience!

I have heard others say their priest or minister has told them the Bible is too difficult to understand. The truth is, the gospel of Jesus Christ is so simplistic that even a child can understand and accept it. Don’t over complicate the Word of God, or his plan of salvation. It’s all about an “invitation of the dying love”. That sounds like a book’s subtitle I once heard of.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

Don’t Forsake the Children

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Her family just emigrated from India.  Mother, father, little brother, and Anara.  Anara is only three years old, and when she arrived in America, just a few short months ago she couldn’t speak any English.  Anara’s parents thought it would be best to enroll her in preschool, so they did.

Anara is smart, and soon she started learning the language, but she also started learning the Bible stories the preschool taught.  It wasn’t long before she begin sharing her excitement, of those stories, with her family.  They witnessed Anara’s happiness, and joy as she grew in her love for the one true God.

Intrigued, her father inquired of the school, and asked if they could get an advance copy of those stories.  From the mouth of a three year old, the gospel of Jesus Christ is going forth.

Jesus: Let the little children come to Me; do not get in their way. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to children like these.  Mat. 19:14 (The Voice)

Children accept Truth easier than adults.  The older one is, the more their mind gets in the way of faith.  Simple faith, like that of a child is just believing.  Not questioning, and not reasoning, because a lot of the things of God don’t make sense to mankind.  And that is because God’s ways are much higher than ours.

Be like a child, be like Anara, and simply believe.  Then, as time goes by, and you begin to experience the love of God for yourself and see his hand in your life, only then will you understand.

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.