Infruence

January 7, 2025January 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

No, I didn’t typo the title of this blog. When I lived in Chicago, I had a Chinese friend and coworker who struggled to say the word “influence.” She always inserted an “r,” and I teased her a lot about it. She actually went on a women’s retreat, and “Influence” was the theme. They all wore T-shirts with the word printed on them. I took her picture and photo-edited it to say, “Infruence.”

Influence might be mixed with “favor.” Something I have noticed for a long time but never had the wisdom and understanding of until today is this: frequently, when I patronize a store or restaurant, they tend to get busy shortly after I am there. I’m always happy to see them get blessed and make money because then they will stay in business. I’m also glad the crowds arrive “after” I have ordered or have made my purchase!

I know that as a child of God, I walk around with favor upon me. It is not something I take lightly. In fact, sometimes, when I am not sure if something will go the way I prefer it to, I pray and ask God for favor or extra favor to be upon me.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people. Luke 2:52 (NET)

Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people.Pro. 3:4 (NET)

What I learned today was the favor that is upon me overflows onto the establishment I am visiting. That is why they get busy after I walk in. I just had a funny thought: businesses should “pay” me to come in.

I recall having a friend from church some years ago. She saw the “favor” effect I had on the restaurant she worked in. She confessed to me that if they were slow and she wasn’t making much money in tips, she would pray and ask God to send me in. She smiled as she told me this because she said, “Many times, it worked!”

I don’t think of myself as an “influencer” like those who are on TikTok and generate content. I mean, there are not throngs of people who are waiting to see what Mark Brady is doing or where Mark is shopping or eating. Side note: I don’t understand why people have to do what a celebrity does. Personally, who cares? But that is probably another blog post to discuss why they make them their idols.

So, if you have a business that needs customers, get in contact with me. We can work out a payment plan. LOL. I am definitely joking, for the favor of God is not for sale and should not be used for personal profit.

^18-19When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”

^20-23Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”

²⁴“Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!” Acts 8:18-24 (MSG)

No Plain ‘O Blessing

May 30, 2023May 29, 2023 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

April was feeling homesick and was desiring to go to the Philippines for the Memorial Day Weekend. I said, “Baby, that’s too far and expensive for a weekend trip. How about we drive to Plano, TX., and you can eat at Jollibee?” She thought for a moment and said, “That will do.” Jollibee is the Philippines’ national fast food chain.

We drove straight there from our home. It took three hours and thirty-nine minutes of driving time.

After the first meal, we went to our hotel one block away (I’m a great planner). While checking in, I asked for a room on the top floor so it would be quieter by not having someone walking above us. I’m a light sleeper sometimes.

The man looked at his computer and said, “I’ll do ya one better. I’ll put you on the third floor at the end of the hall in a suite with no extra charge.” I was very surprised. When April saw the room, she couldn’t stop smiling. “What’s with you?” I asked. “I have never stayed in a suite at a hotel before. She loved it.

Later that evening, we were reliving the highlights of the day, and she brought up the man putting us in the suite and that I hadn’t even asked for it. I thought momentarily and then reminded her that we are blessed and highly favored as God’s children who strive daily to walk with God.

For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Ps. 84:11 (AMPC)

Getting something extra for free always feels good. We thanked God for adding some sprinkles on top of our day. He also kept us safe as we traveled, and we had a great Memorial Day getaway. God loves to give good gifts to his children even when you don’t ask!

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Mat. 7:11 (KJV)

Walk with God every day. Walk upright. Always do the right thing no matter the cost, and do it with love.

and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph. 5:2 (NIV)

Favor

December 13, 2022December 7, 2022 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

Can you imagine the emotions that Mary must have experienced when the angel appeared before her and said, “Fear not.” Well, actually, he first said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!”

But it’s what the angel said next that would trouble Mary the most. “Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³²He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. ³³He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

So God found favor with Mary. With who she was on the outside as well as who she was on the inside. Then He asked her for a favor. A big one! To give birth to His son, Jesus, even though she was a virgin and engaged to Joseph. She had to conquer her fear. Mainly, what will my fiancé think? What will others think? But Mary believed, and she said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.”

What is God asking you to do that seems impossible? We have proof from Mary’s story that with God, nothing is impossible, especially when the Holy Spirit is involved. Like her, be willing to serve the Lord. You don’t need to know all the “how to,” and you don’t have to be the best, just willing. It would be best if you did not consider what others would think. You can’t control that aspect, and they will judge you anyway. Know this; your obedience, saying “Yes” to God, will prompt Him to bestow upon you even more favor, and you will accomplish what God wants to do, even the impossible.

If you would like to read the entire section of events from Luke 1:26-38 (NET), I have included it below:

²⁶In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!” ²⁹But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting. ³⁰So the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God! ³¹Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³²He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. ³³He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” ³⁴Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” ³⁵The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.

³⁶“And look, your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son in her old age—although she was called barren, she is now in her sixth month! ³⁷For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

What Flavor of Favor?

October 29, 2021May 30, 2025 / Mark Brady / 6 Comments

Life is hard. I think we all know and agree on that. So when things go your way, it helps, and feels good too. The world calls this ”Catching a break”, but as a child of God, I call it “Favor”.

Monday: I started having an issue with the pilot light on the water heater staying lit, so I called a plumber.

Tuesday: The plumber came out, and upon further inspection he recommended replacing the whole tank and not just the part that controls the pilot light. This was due to the age of the water heater that was in place. I agreed.

Problem: Due to a shortage of plumbers available to hire, and to an overabundance of work that was needing to be completed I was looking at being without hot water for a week, perhaps longer.

Wednesday: It started raining. And it rained.

Thursday: The plumber showed up first thing in the morning and installed a new water heater. Apparently, all that rain prevented the plumbing company from being able to work on their prior jobs, and my job got moved up. When the scheduling guy called and told me the good news he said, “You caught a break.” After I got off the phone, I begin thanking God for favor.

As I have started getting familiar with “favor” I have learned as a child of God I can actually ask for it. I have also noticed that it can come in many different “flavors” or ways. As a need comes up, or you are about to call, or go into a place of business I now pray and ask God for favor to be bestowed upon me, and it usually is. When it is, I am grateful and thank God for it, but favor is also bestowed to those who live a life that is in right standing with God.

Here is how favor is gained:

^1–2My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life,
    never forget the things that I’ve taught you.
    Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you.
    Then you will have a full, rewarding life.
³Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go,
    and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught.
    Let your life be shaped by integrity,^[a]
    with truth written upon your heart.
⁴That’s how you will find favor and understanding
    with both God and men—
    you will gain the reputation of living life well. Prov. 3:1-4 (TPT)

“Again, God thank you for favor with men. Living by your ways, and commands really does make life easier, bearable.” Now, I’m going to go take a hot shower!

Being Pursued

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

I asked my wife, April the other day if she felt guilty for living in America now, knowing the rest of her family and friends were still in the Philippines. I think I would, at least a little. But her immediate reply was profound, and full of wisdom. She said, “No. Not at all. For God has bestowed upon me “favor” for all of my sacrifices.” Her response surprised me, and after more pondering I realized it was true, and balanced.

Is this the realization of the verse in Psalms 23, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”?

My friend and I were discussing this issue, and he mentioned hearing a message where the minister talked about “favor” pursuing you. Hunting you down, if you will. I take that as meaning this; blessings coming your way and upon your life before you even ask God for help or even perhaps before you are aware you have a need.

So how does one enter a life of being pursued? By fully, completely placing all of your trust and faith in God. Walking and communicating with God on a daily basis. Doing your best to live according to his commands. By the way, those commands don’t exist to “harsh your mellow”, but to actually give you a good life free from hurt, pain, and harm.

In the last month my wife and I have had some blessings come our way and they were unexpected. We weren’t looking for them, but they found us. We appreciate it a lot and are thankful we have favor with God. He loves his children and wants to do good things for He is a loving father.

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

favor