“God is Good”

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Every time a friend of mine hears that statement he responds, “All the time!” And you know what? He’s right. “Good” is part of God’s nature. He can’t help himself but be good. When I was in Africa I learned, they also respond in the same way.

Why is it important to remember this part of God’s nature? Because we live in a world that tries to tell us who and what God is, yet they don’t even know him. Some have never even made his acquaintance.

“Pinpointing precisely how many religions there are in the world today is next to impossible, although some estimate the number exceeds four thousand. The vast majority of those faiths are contained within a handful of major religious groups.” (By Mary Fairchild, updated 03/22/21)

It’s this kind of “I know how to get to God” that has caused mankind to create over four thousand “religions”. What is a religion? In a nut shell, its man’s way to God, but technically;

“Religion can briefly be defined as a specific belief system about God or gods expressed through a code of conduct, ethics, forms of worship, and rituals. Religion includes social, ethical, and ceremonial elements combined with the belief in an unseen world and often a deity.”
Mary Fairchild

This is why it is important to know and accept “God’s way to man”, which is through “relationship”. It is through his son, Jesus. By accepting that He is God’s son and asking him to forgive you of your sins, wrong doing, and then inviting him to live and dwell in your heart. All that means is live like Jesus did.

To love on people like Jesus did. To value, and spend time with people like Jesus did. To walk with them in life and show them there is a better way to live. That, it is possible to have life, now on earth and to have it abundantly!

God is good, and in recent days He has shown himself extra good to my wife and me. He has lead us to a ministry that we are excited about, and we are getting in on the ground floor. But even in the valleys, and the days seem so dark, and so long, God is still good. It’s in those days we have to lean in a little closer to him, and ask him for help. To get to your destination you have to travel. Some journeys take you through some pretty rough neighborhoods, over rough terrain, or stormy seas, but none of that diminishes God’s goodness.

There is More Than This

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

How much effort does it take to “hope”? Hoping for a life that is better than the one you are currently living. I think most don’t say, “I hope I …”, but instead they say, “I wish I …”.

Hope definition is – to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true

Wish definition is – feel or express a strong desire for something that is not easily attainable; want something that cannot or probably will not happen.

Do you see it? Do you see the difference in “wishing” and “hoping”? “Hoping” comes with anticipation, because it can actually happen! This is why “hope” is so powerful. Hope can restore a marriage. Hope can lead to someone getting their health back. Hope can get you a better job. Hope causes things to happen.

God’s word says, “These three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13) I like what “The Message” translation says, “Trust steadily in God (that’s faith), hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.”

Hope, can help you go from where you are to the kind of life God intended for you all along. I mean seriously, he started man and woman out living in a garden. It’s a lie from hell to accept, “Well, this is as good as its ever going to get.” NO! You can have what God wants for you. How? Ask for it. Ask God to help you achieve that life. Believe it can happen. Start today renewing the way you think, for what you think is what you believe, and what you believe is what you say, and what you say comes to pass for words have a lot of power.

Every time you speak, generally, you are speaking life, or death. Start listening to how you talk, and pay attention to the kind of words you use the most. Especially those words you say to other people. Those words matter, but also what you say to yourself in your mind. Changing those words can change your life.

God loves you, and wants you to have his best. He doesn’t want you living in a dump, but in a garden. He wants you to live above your current situation. He wants you looking up, for something better, for there is more than this, and when you are looking up he can see you smile. God wants so much love, happiness, and joy for his children, who love him, and He does work “all” things out for good, for those who love him. (Rom. 8:28)

From Hope, to Reality

March 19, 2021March 17, 2021 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

As you faithful readers of this blog know, I have been waiting for my wife’s immigration to America for two years. Those were very difficult, trying, and long years, but the one thing that kept us going was hope!

Hope is recognizing there is very little you can do, while wanting a certain result.

Well, if all went as planned, I met my wife yesterday at an airport in America. Waiting for her just outside the doors to the immigration section. This process has been such a challenge that I have said, “I won’t believe it until I see her.” But yesterday, my hope turned into reality. God is so good. He kept us close to his heart especially on the days when our hearts were breaking, aching, and we struggled to see us crossing the finish line.

I know we are not alone. Many of you are facing your own struggles where all you can do is hope. Don’t give up. Don’t let go of God’s hand. I know He will never let go of yours. I recently posted a blog where I wrote about the women with the issue of blood, from the Bible. Her reality took 12 years to arrive. Her sickness bankrupted her, but she never gave up hope. Then the day came where Jesus appeared on the scene. She was healed by simply touching the hem of his garment as he walked by. It was her faith in Jesus that healed her and not the robe he was wearing.

“So because our hope is set on what is yet to be seen, we patiently keep on waiting for its fulfillment.”
Rom. 8:25 (TPT)

So whatever it is you are hoping for, a job, a healing, a spouse, or salvation for a loved one don’t stop hoping. You never know the day when Jesus may show up on the scene. It would be a tragedy to give up the day before he passes by. For Jesus passing by in the life of me and my wife I am so grateful. Praising and worshipping his mighty name all the way across the finish line. Thank you God. Thank you Jesus, and thank you Holy Spirit.

Hemmed In

January 12, 2021January 13, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Your back is up against the wall. You have found yourself in a corner, or down an ally with no apparent way out. Your mind is limited on how to resolve your situation. You cannot see any reasonable way out. Your resources are gone. Your bank account, savings, or 401 has been depleted.

Now what?

Such was the story of a woman in the Bible. She is one of my favorite heroes, for she was a woman of great faith who despite what she saw with her natural eyes she believed, “My situation doesn’t have to be this way.” She knew when to tie a knot and hang on. She was hemmed in, her back was up against the wall.

Yes, I’m talking about the woman with the issue of blood. She suffered from a physical aliment that lasted for 12 whole years. She spent every dime she had visiting multiple doctors trying to find a cure. What’s even worse, those who knew her, called her, “Unclean”. I’m sure they assumed God was punishing her for some sin in her life. You think the thought, “I want to die!” never entered her mine? Or, how many times did she question God, “Why? Why God is this happening to me?”

People, who haven’t earned the right to put on a robe,
judge anyway.

What are you facing? What challenges are you dealing with? Can you identify with this woman? I too am facing a situation today as I write these words that I honestly cannot see how the situation is going to end. My emotions got on a roller coaster today, and I did not enjoy the ride at all. Then I saw one of my friends, Jeff Lossau, posted a new blog. (https://jefflossau.com/) As I read God’s words, from Psalms 34, I cried.

⁴Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress
and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears!
⁵Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come.
Your faces will glisten with glory.
You’ll never wear that shame-face again.
⁶When I had nothing, desperate and defeated,
I cried out to the Lord and he heard me,
bringing his miracle-deliverance when I needed it most.
⁷The angel of the Lord stooped down to listen as I prayed,
encircling me, empowering me, and showing me how to escape.
He will do this for everyone who fears God.
⁸Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God.
Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives
to all who turn to hide themselves in him.
⁹Worship in awe and wonder, all you who’ve been made holy!
For all who fear him will feast with plenty.
¹⁰Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry,
but those who passionately pursue the Lord
will never lack any good thing.
¹¹Come, children of God, and listen to me.
I’ll share the lesson I’ve learned of fearing the Lord.
^12–13Do you want to live a long, good life,
enjoying the beauty that fills each day?
Then never speak a lie or allow wicked words
to come from your mouth.
¹⁴Keep turning your back on every sin,
and make “peace” your life motto.
Practice being at peace with everyone.
¹⁵The Lord sees all we do;
he watches over his friends day and night.
His godly ones receive the answers they seek
whenever they cry out to him.
¹⁶But the Lord has made up his mind to oppose evildoers
and to wipe out even the memory of them
from the face of the earth.
¹⁷Yet when holy lovers of God cry out
to him with all their hearts,
the Lord will hear them and come to rescue them
from all their troubles.
¹⁸The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain,
and he is always ready to restore the repentant one.
¹⁹Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones,
the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated
by what they face.
²⁰God will be your bodyguard to protect you
when trouble is near.
Not one bone will be broken.
²¹But the wicked commit slow suicide.
For they hate and persecute the lovers of God.
Make no mistake about it,
God will hold them guilty and punish them;
they will pay the penalty!
²²But the Lord has paid for the freedom of his servants,
and he will freely pardon those who love him.
He will declare them free and innocent
when they turn to hide themselves in him. (from, The Passion Translation)

The woman with the issue of blood risked everything, and went into a crowd. She pushed her way through it until she was where Jesus would pass by. She even violated her society’s rules, because she knew with what little faith she had left, if she could just touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. She no doubt had heard the testimonies of his healing power. She did, He passed by, and she bowed to touch the hem of his garment, and she was healed instantly. In a single moment, that she never could have foreseen, her issue went away, and so can yours! (Mark 5:25-34)

THEN, you can proclaim the first part of Psalms 34:

¹Lord! I’m bursting with joy over what you’ve done for me!
My lips are full of perpetual praise.
²I’m boasting of you and all your works,
so let all who are discouraged take heart.
³Join me, everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together.
Let’s make him famous!
Let’s make his name glorious to all.

The woman made God famous, and I’m willing to endure what my wife and I are going through, for someone else, so I can make God famous.

How about you?

Seeing the Invisible

January 5, 2021December 30, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Let’s face it, faith is difficult. It’s not hard to find it as we all start with a measure of it, according to the word of God. (Rom. 12:3b) But growing your faith is something else. One of the best ways is to listen to testimonies. If God can do it for them, then it’s possible for him to do it for us. That’s one of the reasons we have the Bible. Reading the stories of God doing the impossible when a solution looked improbable. Also, faith grows by hearing the word of God, according to Romans 10:17.

We can use our invisible faith
to believe in the invisible God!

If we learned anything from 2020 we should have learned that no one knows what a year will bring us. Some had good years while others have bad years before Covid, and I have even heard of a few thankful people for 2020. What? Yeah, some have given thanks that the pandemic forced them to slow down, take a survey of what was really important in life, while others are grateful for the time they got to spend with their immediate families.

Businesses found out people can work from home, which reduced commuting, which reduced pollution, which has allowed nature to return to some areas where it has not been seen for a long time. There are other things to be seen that we often loose site of when things are going well. Like how precious life itself is, and how valuable time is. By taking walks, some saw the beauty of nature again.

You know, perhaps 2020 did open our eyes after all, if you were looking. So the point to this blog has to be, “open your eyes, and keep them open”. Always be looking for the invisible in life. Always be looking for God, because he speaks, he ministers and he teaches us despite any circumstances going on around us.

Looking For Jesus (Part 5)

December 15, 2020December 8, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The shepherds. The evening started as normal as any other. The shepherds had done their duty of setting their night watches over their sheep. Then, out of nowhere, an angel stood among them, and said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 (MSG)

Soon after, they no doubt, took a selfie of them with the angel to post on Biblebook, then decided to go over to Bethlehem as quick as they could to see for themselves what God had revealed to them. Sure enough, seeing was believing, and they told everyone what the angel had said to them.

They left looking for Jesus. Not believing, at first, what God had revealed to them, but after seeing Jesus they praised and worshipped him.

There are several truths here:

God shows up with good news when least expected. On the normal days.
God can show up when you are going about your regular duties.
There are times when his presence will catch you off guard. When you are not looking for Him.
God will use the least expected to do his work.
Jesus’ birth was meant for everybody, worldwide.
Some people have to see Jesus to believe, but it was still faith that got the shepherds to go to Bethlehem in the first place.

And the greatest truth in this post:

All, everyone, even you, will praise and worship Jesus when he is seen. In that moment, everything you or they have heard, all their life, about God, and his son Jesus will be confirmed.

In everyday life, do what you need to do, but always be looking for Jesus to show up, to give you a message, forgiveness, an answer to prayer, or a gift. And most important, be willing to share what Jesus gives you with others.

You Were That, but Now You Are This

November 17, 2020November 16, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“You’re such a nice person,” said the new co-worker. The woman had been hurt by many men in the past and so naturally she was leery of any man who seemed, “nice” in the beginning of a new relationship. Evidently, trusting a nice man and letting her guard down has put her in the position to get hurt in the past, but this guy was different. His attitude seemed real, genuine. She wondered how this could be.

After meeting Jesus Christ, and accepting who he is as God’s son, that encounter should change you. It changed Saul, who was later named “Paul”. You see after Saul’s salvation, or conversion he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and into him entered the fruit of the Spirit.

^13-14Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man [Saul] and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.”

^26-27Back in Jerusalem he [Saul] tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus’ name.

^28-30After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master’s name. Acts 9:13-14, 26-30 (MSG)

So what changes a person so drastically? It’s the fruit of the Spirit. Each attribute of the Spirit replaces one(s) in the flesh:

Love replaces hate.

Joy replaces sadness, depression.

Peace replaces nervousness, anxiety, fears.

Longsuffering replaces quick tempers. Gives time for understanding.

Gentleness replaces anger, rage.

Goodness replaces selfishness.

Faith replaces worry, and hopelessness.

Having the fruit of the Spirit within you provides life, real life, the way God intended it. People will see the difference and be drawn to you, but what they are really being drawn to is the heart of God. If you have not been filled with the Spirit of God then ask God to fill you with his Spirit. Then allow it to perfect your walk with God, and affect the world, the people around you.

I Had To

September 18, 2020September 16, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

This week I choose to do something I didn’t want to do. My heart was restless as the date approached. I discussed the situation with a friend, and also with my wife. Then two days before the event my wife, my helpmate, said one word. As soon as I heard it, I knew. I knew what I had to do. I was thankful for her hearing God where I struggled.

You see, there are times when someone hurts you, and the pain goes deep into your heart. You tell them what they did, but they don’t care at all, and their pride keeps them from admitting wrong and apologizing. When this happens, you find yourself wanting to avoid them to protect your heart from future pain. As well, you don’t want to do anything for them, as you feel they do not deserve it. I had forgiven them, but I didn’t want to see them. I don’t mean to be so secret about the details, but I don’t want to give any clues that might identify the perp.

God’s word tells how to handle hurt:

Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love. Ephesians 4:31-32 TPT

Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:28 NLT

I did do the right thing, but I had to pray, a lot, and ask God for help. I also asked him to protect me, and help me not bring up the past while I was there. They did do one thing that bothered me while I was in their presence, but I left before the pain erupted. God is good at helping us in our time of need. His specialty is loving those who don’t deserve it.

If you are facing a similar situation, pray, and ask God to help you do the right thing that will glorify Him. You never know, but your loving kindness might just be the catalyst to change things around.

Good, But Best

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

good, better and best word written by 3d hand “The greatest enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but good choices which are not quite good enough.” (Oswald Chambers – My Utmost for His Highest – May 25)

Confused? Let me explain.

We can be confident, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]”. 2 Tim. 1:7 (AMP)

Therefore, with our free will, we should be able to make good, sound, decisions for our own lives. I felt like I had done that. I retired from AT&T, at the age of 55, and instead of buying an RV and traveling, I decided to move back to my home town to take care of my father, to write, and occasionally speak publically. I was happy with these good, sound decisions.

Not my will, but thine be done.

Life was, and would have remained good, but I always yield my choices and decisions to God. Before my father passed, not long after I had moved back, we had some great moments fishing again. (Not to tell a fish story, but we managed to “keep” 167 fish in only 3 outings.) I bought a house I really enjoyed living in. I was getting used to my new, good life, but God wanted “his best life for me”. (Kind of sounds like something Joel Osteen would say.)

You see, I had been divorced for 24 years. I kind of wanted to be married again, but was content being single. Looking back, I see all the people God had put in front of me to work on my heart toward marriage. One Friday I found myself filling out a profile on a dating website. I submitted it and there she was. From all of the women presented, the one, who would later become my wife, stood out. I could see the love of God radiating from her postage stamp size photo.

To make a long story short, I contacted her, we texted, then talked, and then video chatted via Messenger. I went to the Philippines to visit her and the family. One month after returning home from the trip, I put everything in storage, rented my house out, and moved there to marry her. It has not been a “cake walk”, but we always had love to build on.

While waiting for her immigration process to be completed, we have grown together, and lately started dreaming about our future. There are several things beginning to open up, and reveal to us the will of God, for us, as a couple. I love it!

You see, I could have continued to be single and have a good life, but because I surrendered my will to God, I am now living the best life I could ever have. I thank God for loving me so much. And ya know what? He loves you too, just as much!

How Much More?

May 26, 2020May 25, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

052620 How do you convince someone you love them? You could tell them over and over perhaps. You could show them in every way possible. You could do everything you can think of. You could even learn their love language, and speak it fluently. After all the effort you would expect them to accept you, to accept your love, but what if they don’t? Can you imagine the frustration you would feel? Then, what if you told them, “In order to prove how much I love you, I’ll die for you.” They might still reject your offer, and even say, “You’re crazy!”

Choose Love!

The truth is, God did this very thing, but He even went one step further. He gave us his only son to die for us. It is never right for a child to die before the parent. It’s not natural. To think this was God’s plan, ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed him in the Garden of Eden. I mean, how much more can God do to prove how much He loves us?

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.” John 3:16-18 (MSG)

In these days we are living in, everyone who hasn’t, should run to God and accept his free gift. Are you afraid of being obligated of loving God back? Are you concerned you might have to live in a way you would rather not? You know it doesn’t matter what you have done in your past, his forgiveness will cover it. If you disagree then you are listening to the one, Satan, who wants you to die for eternity. Living for eternity is better, and there is only one way, God’s. How much more can He do?

brady, mark a.