Standing Before God

January 18, 2022January 17, 2022 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

They say there are two sure things in life. You know what they are; death and taxes! But I propose one more; “standing before God”.

I remember telling my boss one time that as I had laid down to go to sleep I smelled a strong odor. I confessed to him that I was too tired to go check it out, or open a window. I had worked all weekend remodeling my house. I shared with him that as I closed my eyes I said, “Oh well. If the odor overcomes me, and I die in my sleep I am ready to stand before God and give account as to how I have lived my life.” My boss literally almost fell out of his chair!

I laughed at his response, and inquired, “What? Can you not say that?” His reply was sad, as he confessed he couldn’t. In that moment I must say, I felt an inner peace.

I have heard people say they will stand up to God and say to him what they will. I have this funny feeling they will not be able to stand at all. I have a feeling it may go a little like it did when God confronted Job:

^1-2God then confronted Job directly:

“Now what do you have to say for yourself?
Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?”

^3-5Job answered:

“I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me.
I should never have opened my mouth!
I’ve talked too much, way too much.
I’m ready to shut up and listen.” Job 40:1-5 (MSG)

I know I am guilty of saying too much to God now. Too many gripes and complaints and requesting his help. I want to practice simply being in his presence! I think if I just shut up and listen I will have answers to what I don’t know. Whether people want to acknowledge God and that Jesus Christ is Lord now or not is one thing, but for sure they will later.

If you choose to stand “for” God now, in this life, it will go better for you when you stand “before” God in the next.

The Lies about Lies

April 2, 2021March 30, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Job, from the Bible says, “Your lies might convince a jury – but would they convince God?” Ch. 13 (MSG) Then he goes on to say, “… they’re for nothing but gathering dust.”

It amazes me how often people lie. What amazes me more is when the liar will defend themselves knowing they had lied. Of course the first lie ever told was by Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden when he said to her, “You will not surely die.” Some lies have half trues embedded in them. No, Eve did not die immediately, this was true, but she did die spiritually in the moment she took that first bite, ever separating her from God.

There is no such thing as a “white” lie. Where did that even come from?
There is no such thing as a “little” lie. A lie is deception no matter what.
A lie is okay if it protects someone else’s feelings. Nope!
They will never know.

The truth always comes out in the end. I used to teach my children, “Tell me the truth, for the truth can always be dealt with.” Lies hurt people, create distrust, and can cause division. A lie, no matter how small one may think it is brings about destruction.

Real harm is when people lie to themselves. Some lie so often they can’t even remember who they have lied to and what lie they told, so they tell more lies to attempt to cover themselves. The truth is this; there will come a day, when we all stand before God and all truth will be revealed. Your lies might convince a jury – but would they convince God? There will be no denying the truth as God knows it, and certainly no defense mounted that can hold up to the truth. Scriptures tell us that the truth sets us free, and the real Truth, Jesus, sets us free indeed. Free from eternal damnation in hell.

Now you know the truth. Please accept it, and live free, now and forevermore.

My Rights

February 27, 2019February 26, 2019 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

20171209_162330 “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”

Above is the “Miranda Rights”, which you have heard on TV or in a movie. In heaven, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, these rights will go something like this:

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be used against you in the court room of heaven by Satan. You have a right to an attorney. You cannot afford the One True Attorney, but He, Jesus, will be appointed for you.”

Jesus, has already paid the full penalty, death, for your wrong doing. Case dismissed. You are free to go.

Guilty as Charged

August 25, 2018August 24, 2018 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

judge office I was in a court room this week. On trial was my perception of someone. After hearing arguments from both the accuser and the defendant, the judge was ready to rule. I was found guilty of thinking I knew someone and the motive behind their behavior. If the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God was told, the fact of the case was, I didn’t. Honestly, I didn’t know them at all. In court, both parties in the case, sat down and explained their side. Each party was heard.

“Communication brings understanding. Understanding brings acceptance.”

In God’s family, talking usually works, as long as both parties involved feel as though they have been heard. It should be that easy in the world in general, but unfortunately it isn’t. Some people feel they have a right. A right to be mad. A right to hate, and will not even consider talking, or listening to the other person. Carrying around that kind of “right” gets heavy, and weighs one down. Living by love is a much better way.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. (Col 3:12-15 MSG)

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

court

Standing Before God

^1-2God then confronted Job directly:

“Now what do you have to say for yourself?
Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?”

^3-5Job answered:

“I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me.
I should never have opened my mouth!
I’ve talked too much, way too much.
I’m ready to shut up and listen.” Job 40:1-5 (MSG)

If you choose to stand “for” God now, in this life, it will go better for you when you stand “before” God in the next.

The Lies about Lies

My Rights

Guilty as Charged

1-2 God then confronted Job directly:

“Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?”

3-5 Job answered:

“I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth!I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen.” Job 40:1-5 (MSG)

If you choose to stand “for” God now, in this life, it will go better for you when you stand “before” God in the next.

^1-2God then confronted Job directly:

“Now what do you have to say for yourself?
Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?”

^3-5Job answered:

“I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me.
I should never have opened my mouth!
I’ve talked too much, way too much.
I’m ready to shut up and listen.” Job 40:1-5 (MSG)