The Ironic Paradox

November 11, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Photograph How do you convince, “believe in someone you can’t see”? How is it understood? Why is it easier for some and yet others find ‘having faith in God’ is like believing they could fly around the room. God knew it would prove difficult, so He gave everyone, yes even you, a “measure of faith” to start life with.

God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Rom. 12:3 KJV+)

A pastor once preached a faith message series titled, “Walking off the Edge of the Map”. You wouldn’t dare take another step once you got to the edge if you didn’t know where you would land. But what if someone else knew? Would you trust them?

You look at a photograph, but your eyes have to stop at the borders of the photo. But there is one who can see beyond the borders of a photograph. We are limited by what we see and know, but God is not. He can see beyond the edge of a map, and past the limits of a photograph, and even the boundaries of your eyes. He sees, He knows, and the truth is, He cares.

God wants us to have faith in Him, because of all of the above. God is not limited; by anything! It doesn’t make sense, but by believing in God, whom you can’t see you are able to see beyond your own understanding. And it’s nice knowing in your heart that because He sees what’s coming He’s already preparing you to handle it, go through it, or go over it. Faith in God is knowing, “He’s got this!”

Stay With It to the End

October 21, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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“Behold! The coming of Jesus is so soon, it’s as if He is standing up now getting ready to go gather his church home!” I was about 8 years old, when that word of prophesy sure got my attention. I thought dang! I had better tie my shoes! I was ready then to stand before God and to give an account for how I had lived my life. After serious soul searching and one more prayer asking God to forgive me of all of my sins I can say right now I am ready to stand before God.

In these last days, one has to be intentional about staying focused on the prize of eternal life. Satan is working overtime, and with the help of the Russians putting out “fake” news to keep Americans stirred up (okay, kidding), but honestly, it can be extremely difficult to maintain a straight path toward heaven.

Mar 13:4-13 “Tell us, when is this going to happen? What sign will we get that things are coming to a head?” Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming. “And watch out! They’re going to drag you into court. And then it will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. You’re placed there as sentinels to truth. The Message has to be preached all across the world. “When they bring you, betrayed, into court, don’t worry about what you’ll say. When the time comes, say what’s on your heart–the Holy Spirit will make his witness in and through you. “It’s going to be brother killing brother, father killing child, children killing parents. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. “Stay with it–that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved. (MSG)

All one has to do is read the above verses, and then turn on the world news. Am I predicting a date of Jesus’ return? NO WAY! If you read further down chapter 13 it goes on to say that only God knows the exact day and hour. Therefore, I beseech you, okay a little too much King James, but I urge you strongly to keep your focus on God, hold Jesus’ hand, and listen to the Holy Spirit, and you will make it home.

The Key to Your Life

September 30, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Keys Currently, I only use two keys. It feels good. It means I am not responsible for much. I do not unlock a church anymore or even a desk. So, in a way, the keys on your key ring tell others about you, about your life.

Most will have a house key, but you could also have a key to a cabin. A car key, or two. A key to your company’s building, company’s vehicle, your office door, or just your desk. You could have a boat key. One for your gym locker, gun locker, school locker, or even a foot locker. But what if your key ring had one to your lover’s apartment, or to a lock box that no one else knew about? Are there secrets to your life that require a hidden key?

Jesus knows about every key you poses. Hidden or otherwise. Jesus has keys too. Rev 1:18 “I’m Alive. I died, but I came to life, and my life is now forever. See these keys in my hand? They open and lock Death’s doors, they open and lock Hell’s gates.” (MSG) The only key that really matters in this life is the one that unlocks your heart. Who, or what, have you given that key to? I hope you have given it to Jesus. Doing so, says you trust him with everything that is important to you. Everything you value, even your very life.

Do You Trust Me?

September 10, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Trust. It’s hard to trust someone else, and sometimes even ourselves. God, throughout the centuries has asked people to trust Him. Some did, others didn’t, but most did so with some fear and trepidation. Another thing that is difficult is change. Either change a job, a living location, but the hardest thing to change is yourself. Putting the two things together will just about overwhelm you!

Whenever God calls you to change an area of your life, take it from me, it is best to blindly believe, and then obey. Will you know how it will all work out? Probably not. Will you know ahead of time how you will make it? No! But the point is; God does. That is where the trust comes into play.

One thing I have learned, the hard way, is God loves obedience. When you figure out a direction God wants you to go, and then you go when the time is right He blesses you like nothing you have experienced before. So when God asks you that question, say, “Yes”.

The Best Day of My Life

September 2, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

070315_26 I used to think the best day of my life was the day I retired. I no longer have to work.
Then I thought the best day of my life was the day my granddaughter was born. I experienced such joy.
The day my daughter was born was a great day too. She smiled, my heart melted.
The day my son was born, wow, I beamed as he held my finger when I took his hand.
My wedding day was awesome. This beautiful woman accepted me, and said, “I do.”
Graduating college was a good day. A little more meaningful than finishing high school.

Those were good days of my life, but the best day, was the day I accepted God’s free gift of salvation through his son, Jesus. For it was God who got me to those great days, and through them, and all of the ones that weren’t so great.

In reality though, the best day of my life will be my last one. The day I die. (Don’t worry, I’m not rushing it.) You see, on that day, because I gave my life to God, and have done my best to live according to his word, and have asked for forgiveness for the times I didn’t, when I die, I will enter into heaven. No more pain. No more hurts, disappointments, or tears. That, will be the best day of my life!

Where Are You Going?

August 19, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

20170819_205542 “Recalculating.” Seems to be her favorite word. I get frustrated with her at times. Ladies, please don’t get mad, but a man doesn’t like to be told what to do by a woman. It’s not our fault, it’s just the way we are wired. So I recently put my GPS in the back seat, and it felt natural. At times, I still try to get where I think I am supposed to be going, on my own.

That happened this year. My plans were taking me in a completely different direction. If I had not felt in my spirit “Recalculating”, I would not currently be going where God needs me to be. Yes, God uses GPS. “God’s Positioning System”

It’s important to seek God’s will for your life. You were created for a reason and a purpose. If you submit to God’s GPS you will be happy and not frustrated when you arrive at your final destination. I hope and pray your final destination, is heaven.

Sight Unseen

July 16, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

052012_47JB Would you buy a house sight unseen? Probably not. On the other hand, have things or people always been as they appear? Most likely no. So why is seeing so important? Why is one state, I traveled through today, called the “Show me state”? We put so much infaces on seeing before believing, that when it comes to God we want the same thing.

I asked a coworker some years ago this question, “What would it take for you to believe God was real?” He thought long and hard and finally could not give me an answer. Possibly in his mind anything God would do for him, would still trigger doubt, and disbelief. Knowing how He made us, I think that is why God asks us to accept Him by “faith”. Faith, is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

It can be difficult, somethimes, to believe in God. Especially when life is tough, but given the chance, and time God has proven Himself to me over and over. He also promises to prepare a home for me in heaven. I’ll accept that home, “sight unseen”!

Boxed In?

July 8, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

20170708_220718 One thing that makes moving successful is having enough, and right size boxes for your stuff. Moving works best when you have the time to put the right things in the right size boxes and number them, and then keep a running list of what is in each one.

When it comes to moving spiritually, what size box do you try to put God in? Do you cram Him in a small one, because He is only a “small” part of your life? Or does the God you serve fit in a refrigerator box? How do you list the contents of the box you put God in? That probably depends on what you think of God and His power. Maybe it is limited by your experience with Him so far.

We’re human. Our mind has limits, but when it comes to God we shouldn’t limit Him at all. We should never put Him, and His abilities in a box. Instead of saying, “Why can’t God…?” we should say, “My God can…” When you start living with this kind of thinking about God you will begin to find your life outside the box.

Thorns and Thistles

July 1, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

080512 169 Have you ever asked yourself, “Why is life so hard?” You strive to do good, get ahead, but at times it seems the more you press forward the further behind you get. In your finances, at work, or in relationships. The truth is, it’s not your fault. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden part of the punishment was life would be harder. They received their sentence before they were evicted from the home God wanted for them. See the scripture below:

Gen 3:18 The ground will sprout thorns and weeds, you’ll get your food the hard way, Planting and tilling and harvesting, (MSG)

All the more reason we need God to lift us out of the weeds and thorns of life that desire to choke, and overcome us. If you’re tired of weed whacking then stop, and ask God for help. He will, and He can. Consider the fact His way was for us to live in a garden. My neighbor once saw me planting flowers several years ago. She said, “You don’t know what you are doing!” My reply, “I know, but I’m having a great time.” God, the master gardener, knows what He is doing. Turn your life over to Him then trust and obey. That’s the only way to live life in the garden.

Good Words

June 23, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

I recently read this devotion by Max Lucado, and was moved by the truth and power of the words. I decided the best thing to do was to share it with others.

Quarry the Deep Qualities of God

Don’t equate the presence of God with a good mood or a pleasant temperament. God is near whether you’re happy or not. But do quarry from your Bible a list of the deep qualities of God, and press them to your heart. My list reads like this:

· He is still sovereign.
· He still knows my name.
· Angels still respond to His call.
· God is still faithful.
· He is not caught off guard.
· He uses everything for His glory and my ultimate good.

Lay hold of the unchanging character of God. Pray your pain out. Pound the table. Even Jesus offered up prayers with what Hebrews 5:7 describes as “loud cries and tears.” Your family may be gone. Your supporters may have left. But God has not budged! His promise still stands, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”

To read more from Max, or to sign up for his devotions click on the link below:

Max Lucado