faith

The Food Man

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
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I first heard of Jesus at the dinner table. Mom and Dad were talking about him. Really, everybody was. Here was this man going around the area teaching people how to live within the laws but beyond the law Moses had given us. He was also healing people, a lot of people. Word had it Jesus was coming to where I lived. This was amazing to me. I couldn’t wait.

The parts of his story that Mom and Dad struggled to believe I accepted. So what if he was born to a woman in Bethlehem? Isn’t that how everyone enters life? Besides, growing up here, he knew and understood how hard life was for us, especially for a kid, in these parts. In general, women were mistreated, but kids were treated even worse. In my culture, kids were the lowest of the pecking order. Some even considered us disposable.

On the day Jesus arrived, I packed a pretty good lunch for myself. My family headed out early. We wanted to get a good spot so we could see everything. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea. There were so many people there. I think the whole town must have closed up shop. I mean, there were at least 5,000, and that’s just counting the men. I don’t have any idea how many women and kids were there because we didn’t count, remember?

When Jesus arrived, he climbed high upon a rock so that most people could see and hear him. His teachings were like nothing I had ever heard before! At times, he would take a break from teaching and heal people. It was in those moments that everyone would really pay attention to what he was doing.

The next thing we knew, it was getting pretty late in the day. People were starting to listen more to their stomachs than to Jesus. I don’t know how in the world Jesus wasn’t hungry. He must have been in the spirit; therefore, he was not aware of the things of this world. He had been working hard for the biggest part of the day. It was about this time his disciples noticed the crowd stirring. One of them approached Jesus, interrupting his teaching. You could tell he didn’t want to do this, but either he was the boldest of the twelve, or he drew the shortest straw of grass. Later, I heard someone call him Peter.

I’m not sure exactly what Jesus said to him, but Peter gave him a look I had given my mother a few times. That look that says, “Are you kidding me?”  Someone behind me must have been able to read lips because he was telling people that Jesus had just told Peter to feed us. Hah! You have got to be kidding. No wonder Peter gave Jesus that look. Everybody who was realizing what was said began to laugh. I started thinking, “Well, if everybody gave some of what they had brought and we put it all together, everybody would get something at least.”

I watched as the disciples went around trying to collect food from everyone, anyone, but people were saying no or lying about bringing food altogether. I don’t understand this. I know people brought food. Why wouldn’t they turn it over? I heard a lot of grumbling and complaining. “I’m not about to give what I brought! It just isn’t enough!”  Another said, “Jesus must be crazy!”  One said, “Why doesn’t he just end this and send everyone back home?”  Still, another said, “It’s such a small amount. What could Jesus do with this?”

I started getting very upset with these people. I thought, “What’s wrong with them? They have just heard one of the best sermons. You’re telling me that they have already forgotten what Jesus said? And they haven’t even gotten dismissed yet! And what about the miracles they’ve just witnessed? Did that not stir their hearts or build their faith? This is the Son of God here, people!”

I told my mother I was going to give over the food I had brought. She patted me on the back and said, “Honey, you really don’t have to do that. Jesus will certainly understand.”  “But mom!” I replied. “This is Jesus.” She studied my face for what seemed like forever and said with such tenderness, “Then you go ahead.”

I think Thomas is the disciple who I handed over my food to. He looked at me, patted me on the head, and said, “Ah, thanks, kid, but I doubt this will help at all.” I looked at him squarely in the eyes and said, “Look, just place it in the hands of Jesus.” He just froze there for a bit and then assured me he would.

It seemed as if it didn’t take that long for the twelve to make their way through the crowd. The disciples handed over to Jesus what they had collected. He looked at it for a while as one disappointed. Disappointed, perhaps, because only one in the crowd, without understanding “how,” gave. Then Jesus instructed that the men were to be seated in groups of fifty. I didn’t think this was for Jesus’ benefit but for ours. I believe he wanted the people to know just how great this miracle was going to be.

Jesus then took the food, looked up to his Heavenly Father, and prayed over it. Then he broke it and handed it to his disciple. The disciple broke it and passed it on. It was as if Jesus was saying, “Pass the blessing on.” One man after the other broke the bread and the fish and passed it on to the next man. Finally, it made its way back to me. I smiled…  I knew Jesus was awesome, but to take so little and do something great with it, wow! After everyone had seemed to eat enough, not even trying to save room for dessert, Jesus commanded his disciples to gather the leftovers. Would you believe there were twelve baskets of food left over? You talk about “The God of more than enough.” it was then I noticed that those who withheld their food looked ashamed.

To the day I died, people called me “The Food Man.” I’m not sure if it’s because I went on to feed people through the food pantry I ran or because of the day I gave Jesus my lunch, but I never let go of the truth of putting anything in God’s hand, no matter how small and watch him do something mighty with it.

(The actual account can be found in the Bible. John 6:1-15)

If you have never had your own encounter with Jesus Christ, know that you can. He is waiting for you to accept his offer of forgiveness for your sins. With that begins a relationship that brings hope, encouragement, comfort, and guidance with the added bonus of eternal life. Along the way, you can ask for help with anything. Problems in life, relationships, and healing. Having a relationship with Jesus is the best thing you will ever do with your life. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are real. So are heaven and hell. There are no other alternatives. Encounter Jesus and change your life.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

My Bleeding Heart

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay

My name isn’t important. His name is! You see, I was sick. Very sick! I had been bleeding for eleven years. Most women bleed once a month for only a few days, but mine was all the time. It wouldn’t stop flowing. 

Yes, I have been to the doctor! Several different doctors! I would see another doctor when one’s treatment didn’t work. Second opinion? I got third, fourth, and fifth opinions! No matter how ridiculous it seemed, I did everything they told me to do. I just wanted what I began to call a plague to stop.

My friends, what few I still had, accused me of all kinds of things. From being cursed to possessed! They kept thinking that I must have done something wrong to deserve this calamity that had fallen upon me.

I don’t understand that kind of thinking because we all live where bad things happen, even to good people. After all, sin has entered the world. The worst thing about having this condition is that in my culture, a woman is considered “unclean” when experiencing that time of the month! I hated that title more than anything! Being called “unclean” hurt me so badly. It wasn’t fair!

I wasn’t dirty, but when word got out from the doctors and began spreading throughout my community, people started avoiding me. I understood the expression “avoid like the plague!” I lived it! It was also challenging to be the recipient of their stares and their mean whispers. They probably thought I couldn’t hear them, but I could.

I wanted nothing more than to be healed! I just needed to find the right physician. I would do anything pay anything. Although I had already spent all that I had seeking a cure. I had cried out to God more than I can count for healing, a touch. I wanted out of my misery. Year after year, I was misunderstood, suffering, and being rejected for a total of eleven.

I don’t know how, but I managed to maintain a sliver of hope. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I never blamed God for my despair. No matter what I faced, I knew that healing was somewhere. I just had to find it or him.

Then, one day, I heard about this man coming to town. Rumor had it he was able to perform miracles, even healings. That sounded too good to believe, but what if? What if it was true? What if this man was a great physician? Could the end of my plague be days away? My faith began to grow.

The day he was supposed to arrive finally got here. I figured the crowd would be great to see such a great man, but I had no idea it would be that large. I decided to put on a cloak that had a hood. I used it to cover my head and to help hide my presence in such a crowd. According to my culture, it was wrong for me to even be there with my condition. I didn’t care. I needed to see this great physician who could help people with illnesses worse than mine.

Allegedly, he brought a man back to life from death. I would say death is a pretty severe illness! Another thing people were saying about him is that he forgave people of their sins if they believed in him. How can a man forgive sin? Forgiveness requires the spilling of blood. I don’t know about that, but if he can heal me of my affliction, I will be willing to listen to what he teaches.

I heard a great commotion coming my way. Everyone around me was getting excited and, thankfully, looking for their chance to get a glimpse of him. I just wanted to touch his robe. I thought that if this individual had the kind of power that others claim he does, then that should be all I need. Just one touch! He was heading in my direction. I pressed in, as did the others. My cover was working. No one had even noticed me in the crowd. As he got near me, I forced my way to the point where, at the moment he passed me, I could reach out and touch him. I didn’t like being pushy, but I had no choice, no more money, and no one else to turn to.

As he passed by and I realized this was it, I reached out. I felt my heart pound with excitement, with anticipation, but mainly with hope! The ones who were his followers were directing him, and I almost missed my opportunity, but at the last second, I touched the hem of his garment. Instantly, I felt a heat go through my body! Oh my goodness! It was like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life! At that moment, I knew! I knew without having to check that I was healed. I knew that my plague was over!

I was so overwhelmed. I was beginning to plan my exit when Jesus stopped. He turned around and asked, “Who touched me?”  His followers said, “Master, there are so many pushing against you! Everyone is touching you!”  I wanted to hide, for if the people saw me, they would be so mad, for I had broken the law, but I just had to turn and kneel before the man who healed me. I told him the whole story of my ailment. He listened, and then he said, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, and live blessed! Be healed of your plague.”  He not only healed my plague but even more importantly, he healed my heart! I told you in the beginning that his name is important. His name was Jesus.

(The actual account can be found in the Bible. Luke 8:43-48)

If you have never had your own encounter with Jesus Christ, know that you can. He is waiting for you to accept his offer of forgiveness for your sins. With that begins a relationship that brings hope, encouragement, comfort, and guidance with the added bonus of eternal life. Along the way, you can ask for help with anything. Problems in life, relationships, and healing. Having a relationship with Jesus is the best thing you will ever do with your life. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are real. So are heaven and hell. There are no other alternatives. Encounter Jesus and change your life.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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.

Steady as She Goes

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments
Image via A.I.

This post won’t appear for a few weeks from the time I am writing it. Today is a big day for America. November 5, 2024. The day we have the privilege of voting for our next president.

The candidates couldn’t be more different. For instance, one is pro-life, while the other is pro-choice. That one issue tells you a lot about the individual, mainly their views on whether there is a God and how much they value life and eternal life. For me, the choice was an easy one to make.

I have voted for a president ever since I was 18. That was many, many, okay, one more, many years ago. And the one thing I have learned is not to place my hope in the newly elected president. They’re not perfect, and they still have to work with other elected officials in order to get anything done, but that doesn’t always go well. Our country has become so divided that little seems to be done.

I pray for my country and its leaders. I ask God to lead them in doing the right things, the best things for the people. To make decisions that help us and not just make ones that make them richer.

Instead, I place my hope in the Lord. I keep my focus on him and not the president of the United States. I watch the news but pray for help in knowing the truth. You have to listen closely, but they love to use words like “allegedly,” ” supposedly,” and “according to.” They tell you what they want you to believe.

God also tells you what He wants you to believe. It is written in His word, the Bible. The difference between what He says and what the general media says is that He is not going to lie to you. It is the devil who lies to us. In fact, he is the father of lies.

Your father is the devil. You belong to him and want to do what he wants. He was a murderer from the beginning. He was against the truth, for there is no truth in him. He is a liar, and he is like the lies he tells. He is the father of lies. John 8:44 (ICB)

The devil will use anyone or any means he can find to mislead, misguide, and confuse you. If you struggle with knowing the truth and believing, then pray and ask God to help you. He will!

It isn’t easy to know who to trust and believe in this world. Without God’s gift of discernment, it’s challenging to know someone’s motive. Even presidents.

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! Prov. 3:5-6 (MSG)

Knowing who you can believe in and trust is comforting. If you struggle with trusting God, ask him for help with that, too. He will. Not bending back and forth in your faith is vital to living a comfortable life. He will keep you steady as she goes.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

“Just Lucky, I Guess”

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Image by G.C. from Pixabay

“By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here,” the former president said while addressing the shooting at his Pennsylvania campaign rally on July 13. [Source: People]

I’m writing this post the Monday after the assignation attempt on former President, Donald Trump. A lot of people believe in luck. I don’t, but I do believe in the mighty hand of God. Many times, God will intervene in one’s life journey for his purpose. In President Trump’s case, God is not finished using him for America and or the world!

I met a man a couple of years ago. I don’t recall how the conversation was steered to this, but he begins telling me how he had survived falling off of three roofs, driving off the road and landing his truck up in trees, and not getting electrocuted after hitting an electrical line while digging a hole. He said, “I was just lucky, I guess.”

At first, I was shocked. I said, “Wow! God had his hand on you.” He said he didn’t believe in God. I replied, “Well, God certainly believes in you!” Later, I shared God’s plan of salvation with the man and how much God loved him. I told him, “It wasn’t luck. It was God giving you time and opportunity to accept him because He doesn’t want to see anyone perish.” Sadly, he listened but refused to accept God’s love for him.

It takes more faith to believe in “luck” than it does God!

What have you been through? What have you survived? Do you contribute it to “being lucky?” Are you sure? Isn’t there the slightest chance that God intervened? Is He giving you more time to accept him? Or He has a purpose for your life? I suggest you think about it. Or better yet, talk to God about it.

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Prov. 16:33 (ESV)

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Prov. 16:9 (ESV)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, EPH. 1:11 (ESV)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Pt. 3:9 (NIV)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

True or False?

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Especially on weekends, I will wind up catching many different ministers. I will watch them long enough sometimes to see if their message is something I need to hear or if they are preaching the truth. There are times when some of them are not or just enough to make what they are saying sound good. I know that because I try to see if what they are saying lines up with the Bible.

I have mentioned before that I don’t sleep all night. I will wake up, take care of the issue that woke me up, and then lay there, unable to go back to sleep. In those moments, I wish I could be productive. Get something done. But I am usually too tired. So, many times, I flip through TV channels.

The Bible talks about these types of individuals. It calls them wolves in sheep’s clothing or false prophets. Like Satan, they mix some truth in their message to trip you up, stir up your emotions, offer you false hope, or entice you to give to their ministry.

13-14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

15-20 “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned. Mat. 7:13-20 (MSG)

One such fellow the other day said something like, “If you will plant a seed of $1000, THEN God will … in your life.” This is not true! What is true is the principle of sowing and reaping. This man knows there are people out there who are desperate for a healing, a job, a restored relationship, or any other serious need in their life. They will try anything to get an answer to get out of their current situation. Those same people probably think, “Why not? Why not send this man $1000? I don’t know what else to do.”

The problem with that is this: mankind thinks or feels as if he has to DO something. That he has to take action. When we pray, we are giving the situation to God. If you really believe that, then leave it in God’s hands and have faith that He has heard you and is acting on your behalf. That can take time, but if it is God’s time, then it is perfect. He is never late! I have often wondered, “How will God judge these ministers? Will they get a spanking but still enter heaven?” I don’t know, but I do know I should leave that up to God.

Don’t run all over creation chasing a minister who seems in our eyes to be successful or have great faith. It only takes a small amount to move mountains.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mat. 17:20 (NIV)

I attended a service where the minister was preaching about faith. He not only used the above scripture but had the ushers pass out real mustard seeds. They are incredibly tiny! After he illustrated his point, I didn’t know what to do with the seed, so I ate it. It did not taste like French’s Mustard!

If you believe with your whole heart, then you have enough. God will see this and know this because He will see that you are leaving your request in his hands.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

To Know

/ Mark Brady / 4 Comments
Image by Jupi Lu from Pixabay

To know unconditional love;
is to know God.
To know real forgiveness;
is to know Jesus.
To know perfect direction;
is to know the Holy Spirit.

To know pure laughter;
is to know true friends.
To know great joy;
is to know a child.
To know time;
is to know an elderly person.

To know gratitude;
is to feed the hungry.
To know security;
is to clothe the naked.
To know health;
is to visit the sick.

To know peace;
is to know contentment.
To know lasting hope;
is to know faith.
To know wisdom;
is to know the Word of God.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

God on the Spot

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Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay

I have said it before, but here it goes again. “God really does care about the little things in our lives.” The toilet upstairs in our house gets easily clogged if too much toilet paper is used, even if the paper is like that thin restaurant toilet paper.

It happened again, and I had been struggling to unclog it without removing the toilet from the floor. After several attempts using a plunger and a plumber’s snake, I was still defeated. The toilet could handle one but not two, if you know what I mean.

Today, I knew I needed to get it resolved, but we didn’t have the money to call a plumber. I started praying. I asked God, “What do I have in the garage that I can insert in the end of the plumber’s snake that has teeth?” Like a meat-cutting knife. I went into the garage and started looking around. Then I saw my jig saw. It uses small blades. I took the blade out and inserted it into the end of the snake. Then, it was too long to make the bends in the back of the toilet, so I had to break it in half.

Once the blade was where I thought the clog was, I turned the snake around and around and then back and forth. I removed it, and the toilet still didn’t flush smoothly. I heard in my spirit, “Plunger it aggressively.” I did, and it must have finished knocking the clog loose because it worked. The toilet now flushes normally.

Perhaps you are saying, “So what?” To me, it was a big deal and an answer to prayer. I love knowing that God hears us and cares enough to help us. “God knows all the answers to every question if man would only ask.” Bill Johnson from his book “Dreaming with God.”

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Pt. 5:7 (NIV)

I challenge you to tell God what is bothering you. See if, afterward, you don’t sense a loving warmth coming over you. Ask Him how to fix something or solve a problem that you are dealing with. Then, listen for Him to answer. He’s real, He’s alive, and He loves and cares so much about you and what you are going through.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Gems

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Image by Enric Caujapé from Pixabay

16 Then those whose lives honored God got together and talked it over. God saw what they were doing and listened in. A book was opened in God’s presence and minutes were taken of the meeting, with the names of the God-fearers written down, all the names of those who honored God’s name.

17-18 God-of-the-Angel-Armies said, “They’re mine, all mine. They’ll get special treatment when I go into action. I treat them with the same consideration and kindness that parents give the child who honors them. Once more you’ll see the difference it makes between being a person who does the right thing and one who doesn’t, between serving God and not serving him.” Mal. 3:16-18 (MSG)

A beautiful portion of scripture. Some have written that God treasures those who wholeheartedly live for Him so much it’s as if they are gems unto him. He values them.

Several years ago, I worked with a man who collected precious stones. He had a complete shop set up in his basement where he would spend hours sanding, shaping, and polishing those gems. They might have been rough when he started, but by the time he finished with them, they were beautiful.

Some of you may be good people. You do your best to help others with the resources you have. You show love to your neighbors. You serve God in whatever manner as He directs. Yet, privately, only a few see it, there is another side of you. One that you wouldn’t want your pastor to know of.

God loves you so much and can see all that you do. He knows it doesn’t take much effort to get you to show love to another in need. But He does know about that other side. I believe God puts people and allows situations in your life that irritate you. Give you a reason to go to that point where the light of God fades.

I struggled for years to understand why He would do that. Then, recently, I received wisdom and understanding of the matter. He puts those individuals in your life to act as sandpaper and to grind the rough edges of your soul away. If you yield to the process, you will become even more precious to God and pure. Thank Him for loving you that much!

6-7 I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. 1 Pt. 1:6-7 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Sensing Jesus – Ears

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In the hustle and bustle of the times, people most likely didn’t notice the cry of a baby coming from the stable. Of if they did, their intellect convinced them that there was no way someone would have a baby there. A lot of Jesus’ story didn’t make sense, so why not where he was born?

Jesus came here with a message that people needed to hear and still do to this day. That word was of God’s plan to redeem us through the sacrifice of his Son. People’s brains had a hard time understanding, accepting, or believing it. God’s action would require “faith” and lots of it.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom. 10:17 (KJV)

Jesus also shared a message of acceptance and one of love. For instance, when He spoke to the woman at the well. (John 4:1-42) Or when He ministered to the man who was possessed by a demon. (Mark 5:1-20)

One can use their ears this holiday season to sense Jesus. Like the last blog, pausing, finding a quiet place to focus, and hearing what message Jesus would say to you. It may be a word of love, acceptance, inclusion, comfort, or guidance. It may be an invitation to accept him. His message may not make sense in your mind, but it is truth. No matter what message Jesus would love to give you, I hope you will hear it, believe it, and accept it.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady