forgiveness

“Guilty, as Charged”

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I have a friend, and whenever they are exposed of doing something wrong, they immediately have an excuse. It took me some time to notice their behavior, their pattern. I’m not saying it’s sometimes, but it is all the time! I haven’t quite discovered their need to defend themselves, as I didn’t study psychology in depth, but I know there is something deep inside of them that projects this behavior, this need to defend themselves, to blame another or situation.

I, on the other hand, sometimes say, “I’m sorry” before my offense has even registered with an individual. The Holy Spirit brings conviction quickly to me, and I feel the need to ask God for forgiveness, soon! It is freeing to be able to say, “Guilty, as charged,” and to then take care of it.

One of the best things that came about from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was that the veil in the temple was ripped from top to bottom. What once separated us from going to God directly is gone because Jesus was a pure sacrifice for our sins.

Walking around with sin still attached to us can weigh us down and even bring depression. Charles Oswald put it like this:

“Whenever the Spirit of God detects something wrong, he doesn’t ask you to make it right; he asks you to accept the light so he can make it right. A child of the light confesses instantly and stands naked before God. A child of darkness is defensive and says, “Oh, I can explain that away.” When the light breaks and you feel convicted of having done wrong, be a child of the light. Confess, and God will deal with it. If you try to excuse or vindicate yourself, you will prove yourself a child of darkness.”

Some people are so perfect in their own minds that they will even try to stand before God and blame others for how they lived their lives. Spoiler alert: It won’t work! I tell my friend, “It’s okay to make mistakes. Notice I didn’t say, “Do wrong.” Then I tell them, “Just admit it, apologize, and ask God to forgive you, and then move on. No one will think badly of you. And if they do, then they have a problem.” Live in the light of forgiveness.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:1-2 (NIV)

 Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Sound of Freedom

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“You can sell a bag of cocaine once. A 5-year-old child, you can sell them 5-10 times a day, for 10 years straight.” – Tim Ballard from the movie, “Sound of Freedom.”

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In case you still haven’t seen it, “Sound of Freedom” is a 2023 American-Colombian-Mexican action film about Tim Ballard, a former U.S. government agent who starts Operation Underground Railroad and embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia. Directed, written, and produced by Eduardo Verástegui. It is based on an incredible true story.

April and I just watched it the other day. It was very moving, and of course, we cried. Perhaps not because of a particular scene or series of dialogue, but because in our hearts and minds, we knew it was true. There are children, people being trafficked every day, and a lot of it is here in America!

“God’s children are not for sale.” – Tim Ballard.

One character in the film, Vampiro, said that he got involved trying to rescue children out of sex trafficking after sleeping with one girl he was told was 22 years old. After the deed was done, he saw the sadness in her eyes and asked her what her real age was. She cautiously admitted, “14.” He admitted, “I was the sadness in her eyes.” He said after she left, he put a .45 up to his head and said, “If there ever was a God, now is the time to know.” He felt a stirring in his spirit. He went on to say, “When God tells you what to do, you cannot hesitate.”

“Do you know there are 22 million new images of child porn on the Internet? That’s up 5,000% from just 5 years ago!” – Tim Ballard.

What does freedom sound like? In the movie, the sound of freedom was when the children, realizing they had just been rescued, started singing. There is another kind of freedom, and that is knowing God, accepting his Son, Jesus, and asking for your sins to be forgiven. We, who know God, need to join the others who are praying against human trafficking. Praying is the least we can do!

​​​​​​“You know trafficking exists, you’ve heard of it, but you don’t want to look.” – Tim Ballard.

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Finding Jesus

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Do you look for Jesus? While you’re getting ready in the mornings or driving to work. Or perhaps when you are at work. Do you look for Him or His presence? Is Jesus with you at home, in the car, where I need Him a lot, or in a meeting?

Most people, even “Christians,” only look for Jesus when there is a crisis in their life, or they are running with their hair on fire!

I was leaving our church one Wednesday night, after the men’s Bible Study was done, when I saw Him. There, on a half-wall ledge, was a miniature Jesus figurine. (See photo) It made me smile, and I took a photo of it. I heard there are eleven more located throughout the church, but that is the only one I have found so far. They are 1.4 inches tall, and you can buy them on Amazon. (No surprise there!)

Then, I went to lunch with a guy from my church. While waiting in line to order, I found Jesus again. This time, standing on the hood of a 1958 Chevy Corvette, I think, model car.

I first found Jesus at church when I was seven years old. At a young age, for sure, but we had a pastor who made heaven and hell clear. Perhaps I was afraid of going to hell, but that early walk with God put me on a path where I learned who Jesus really is.

Jesus is always there with us, whether we see him or not, and he’s not hard to find either. One of the reasons people may not accept him is that he is too good to be true. Jesus voluntarily died a horrible death for us, which allows him to offer us forgiveness for our wrongdoing. And others may not accept him because they think they will have to change too much of their life.

Teach them to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world.” Matt. 28:20 (ICB)

You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me! Jer. 29:13 (ICB) (This scripture was said by God, but God and Jesus are one.)

If you do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, well, then you should. You won’t have to look too far to find him, either. He’s probably right there with you now, because if you have not accepted him, then you are considered lost. Jesus has left the 99 to go find you. That’s how much He cares for you, about you, and about what you are going through.

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Purpose of Christmas

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When December rolls around, it’s easy to get swept up in the glittering lights, festive music, and the rush of holiday shopping. While these traditions bring joy and togetherness, the true meaning of Christmas runs much deeper—it’s about love, hope, and the gift of presence over presents.

At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of light breaking into darkness. For Christians, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that symbolizes God’s love and the promise of redemption. But even beyond faith traditions, the season carries a universal message: kindness, generosity, and connection matter more than material things.

Christmas invites us to show love in tangible ways—through compassion, forgiveness, and time spent with those who matter most. It’s a reminder that relationships are the real treasures of life.

The story of Christmas is one of hope against all odds. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or global uncertainty, the season whispers that brighter days are ahead.

Gift-giving is beautiful when it reflects thoughtfulness rather than obligation. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are not bought—they’re shared moments, heartfelt words, or acts of service.

Amid the noise, Christmas offers a chance to slow down, reflect on the year, and realign with what truly matters. It’s a season to let go of grudges and embrace peace.

The true meaning of Christmas isn’t meant to fade when the decorations come down. Carrying its spirit into everyday life—through kindness, gratitude, and empathy—can transform not just the season, but the entire year.

In the end, Christmas is less about what’s under the tree and more about who’s around it. It’s about hearts opening, hands giving, and hope shining brightly, and of course, God’s love in motion that forgives the sins of the world through Jesus.

(I have been experimenting with AI. A good portion of this blog post was written via AI.)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Meany Flowers

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I’ve mentioned it before, but getting old is hard, and life can be, too. Not being a morning person doesn’t help either. Like the great philosopher once said, “I would like mornings better if they started later!” – Garfield. Then, there are my pet peeves. So, the other day, while driving April to work, the perfect storm happened. All three issues came together.

I hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep, and when the alarm went off at 4:20 AM, I wasn’t done yet. So, morning came way too early, and I was feeling grumpy. On the way to the car, I saw two lists on the kitchen counter. While driving, April didn’t say a word about them, so I had to ask. Lack of communication is one of my top pet peeves. See where this is going?

I got mad. Really mad! I didn’t understand why I had to ask what the lists were for, and when April’s reply made it seem as if I should have been able to figure it all out. Well, that was like throwing gasoline on a campfire. (Kids, never throw gas on any open flame. Let your father look like an idiot.)

Yep, words came out that should have never been spoken. My behavior and my words were awful. April certainly didn’t deserve that kind of reaction, no matter what. Especially at the beginning of her day. “Hi, I’m Mark, and I’m a Meany.” The crowd responded, “Hi, Mark.”

On the drive back home, I felt horrible. I didn’t want those words to be with April all day. So, before I went back to bed, I texted her an apology and owned up to being a “Meany.” I apologized to God, too, and asked for forgiveness.

Later in the day, while shopping, I bought April some flowers. Pretty ones in her favorite colors. I called them “Meany Flowers.” I know they didn’t make up for my poor, ungodly behavior, but they might help heal the emotional wound I created in her. April can forgive easily, and of course, God is faithful to forgive us of our sins. (1 John 1:9)

Do we, or I, act out more easily knowing that God will forgive us? I think I do at times. I know it’s wrong. It’s as if I trample on His grace and mercy and take it too lightly. Perhaps I am saying to Jesus, “Hey, buddy, thanks for that suffering on the cross stuff, but after all, I deserved it.” The truth is, I don’t deserve his forgiveness, but God so loved the world.

God forgives those who ask for it because He doesn’t want to see anyone die in a sinful state and go to hell. Of course, because He gives us free will, where we spend eternity is up to us.

So, April forgave me, and yes, God forgave me. God knows our hearts, and He knew I was ashamed of what I did and said. I try to be aware of my weaknesses and ask God for help quickly when I start to feel my temper rising. And besides, flowers are expensive!

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Are You Being Goaded?

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People come to God in different ways. I had a coworker who was seeking God. He traveled to the Grand Canyon and declared, “There must be a God!” Sitting on the rim, he accepted God’s gift of salvation, had his sins forgiven, and began his walk with God. Others may be moved by a situation or circumstance that takes place in life.

Saul, from the Bible, was highly educated. He had heard Jesus’ claims and teachings, as it was always a popular topic of discussion. Why? Because Jesus promoted living a life of love. This went against the culture of the day, and to this day! Saul was there when Stephen was martyred. He heard Stephen’s speech and saw his face as it glowed there at the end of his life, and it messed with him severely! Saul was goaded. (Acts 6:8 – 7:60)

Saul eventually accepted Jesus Christ. During his conversion:

And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance]. Acts 9:5 (AMPC)

Goad means – provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate an action or reaction.

More recently, Jimmy Kimmel got teary-eyed when he talked about Erika Kirk forgiving the man who killed her husband. Jimmy, too, is highly educated. He lives a very different life from the one Charlie did, and Erika Kirk still does. I believe Jimmy Kimmel is starting to feel some goads. Erika’s willingness to forgive is messing with his mind. He doesn’t understand how she can do that because it’s the way of love.

Acts of selfless love penetrate one’s mind and spirit.

I guarantee you, there are a lot of individuals walking all around us who are struggling with the message and lifestyle of Jesus Christ and of those who follow him. The Holy Spirit is drawing them quietly to God. That is one of his duties. He convicts men of their sins and shows them they need forgiveness in order to have real life.

If you are related to an individual going through this, or you work with, or live near, pray for them. Pray they will stop fighting against the goads and surrender their will to God’s. Their future and where they spend eternity depend on it. If it is you, then do the right thing and live.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Take 2

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April and I joke whenever we see Liam Neeson in a new movie coming out. Before we know the real name of the film, we call it “Taken 27.” It seems Hollywood often creates sequels to successful movies. Seldom are the sequels even close to being as good as the first one, though. And the average movie buff perpetuates the problem by going to see it. The problem is they don’t know how to tap into the creative power of God, but that’s another blog post.

Maybe the movie makers keep doing the same movie until they get it right. I’m not sure. With most issues in life, there are no “do-overs,” “retakes,” or “sequels.” Well, on second thought, some people do keep repeating the same life choices and patterns. Sometimes, a person’s life choices can have detrimental results that can change one’s life forever. It is usually in those moments that they might say, “Boy. If I could just go back and change my decision.”

At the time of this writing, a corporate professional was recently caught on a “Kiss-Cam” with his arms around a woman who was not his wife. A day or two later, he resigned. You think he didn’t wish he could make a different choice?

Yes, life can be ruff if one makes a wrong decision. It’s also not very forgiving, and neither are people in general. When I worked for AT&T, there was a phrase that I always thought was rather odd: “If you do something wrong, people may not remember what you did, but they will remember your name.” It seems like those were the individuals who got promoted!

Living with regrets can be overwhelming. So may living with the results of bad decisions. I have certainly experienced both. You dwell on them too much, and it can bring about your demise. That is why I am so grateful to know God. He not only forgives us but remembers our sins no more. I figured if God can let it go, then why shouldn’t I? Why let my wrongdoing hold me back from being the best person I can be with God’s help?

When I screwed up and had to leave the ministry, I thought life was over. Like David, in Psalm 51:10, I cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Neither did I want God to cast me from his presence or to remove his Spirit. A few months later, a friend sent me a letter. No email back then. They wrote that God had given them a scripture for me:

I will build you up again, and you, (Mark Brady) Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Jer. 31:4 (NIV)

It has taken some time, years, but God has kept his word. I am still a pastor. It’s just my flock doesn’t meet with me in a sanctuary, and it’s small, but I have known for a long time, success in ministry has nothing to do with numbers. I am so grateful that God gives us second chances, or another take on life. “Thank you, Father!”

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Ps. 103:10-12 (NIV)

18 Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19 (NIV)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Who Told You, You Were Naked?

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If you suffer, even a little, from obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), the smallest thing out of order can upset you. I have to deal with this daily, and it can be overwhelmingly frustrating when my wife, April, is the source of something not being “just right.”

In the realm of things that are wrong in the world, to get upset over something minor that she did is probably stupid of me. For instance, not lining up the dishes perfectly in the dishwasher. The way she does it will still get them clean, but to me, they should be lined up.

So, who is right? I hoped that she would understand my issue and change her behavior, so I won’t get unsettled. However, after being married to her for six years now, I don’t think that will happen due to the issues she faces.

I was praying, asking God, “How do I deal with this issue and others that are similar?” My flesh wanted to show her how wrong she is in loading the dishes. It was also expecting her to change. But as I prayed, I heard in that still small voice, “Who told you she is wrong?” “Umm, Satan?” I thought. As if how she loaded the dishwasher was a sin. I realized at that moment, this is my issue, and I shouldn’t say anything to her. It’s a good thing April doesn’t read my blog posts!

Then I got to thinking, Does God expect us to be perfect?  He does expect us not to sin. But He also knows that free will can lead to wrongdoing. Us feeling ashamed for what we have done.

She replied, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” John 8:11 (NET)

7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” Gen. 3:7-11 (NLT)

And here is why I should not say anything to April:

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Pt. 3:8-9 (MSG)

The devil is our accuser. He is the one who will tell you that you are naked. He wants you to feel ashamed of what you have done wrong. He also wants you to believe that whatever you have done is too great for God to forgive. Scripture tells us that God is faithful and just to forgive us if we confess them. (1 Jn. 1:9) Jesus is your defense attorney who reminds his Father in heaven that his death on the cross paid the price for your sins. So, don’t listen to the lies of the devil. You are worthy of God’s grace, mercy, His love, and forgiveness.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Crossroads

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When you are at a crossroads, it means you have a decision to make. Sometimes, what to do can be painful. Jesus faced such a time when he was talking to his heavenly Father about facing impending crucifixion on the cross.

He pulled away from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?” At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face. Luke 22:41-44 (MSG)

Since the entire Christian faith is based upon Jesus dying on the cross, I can’t imagine what we would do if he hadn’t. As a human, I can understand why he wouldn’t want to. After all, he was an innocent man. But he knew taking on all the sins of the world was the whole reason he came to Earth, to begin with.

Jesus’ Father did indeed help him face the cross and continue up the hill to do His will.

What decision are you facing? Are you going to do God’s will, or are you going to decide what you want? Your heavenly Father is waiting to help you if you will only ask. Doing what God wants may be painful and challenging, or it may not make sense to you or others, but I assure you it is the right decision and could change the lives of others for the better.

Today is “Good Friday.” The day we recognize that Jesus died on the cross. Every person on Earth comes to their own crossroad where they face the cross. They have to make a decision: are they going to accept Jesus and his forgiveness for their sins, or are they going to turn and walk away? I pray you nail your sins to the cross and begin to truly live life the way God intended, with Him and His love. Do it today, and today will be your “Good Friday!”

“Thank you, God, for giving us your Son. Thank you, Jesus, for doing the hard thing and submitting to the cross. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for raising Jesus from the dead and for rolling the stone away from his grave. I will be eternally grateful.” – Mark

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)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

You May Not Know God

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Do you think God is so cold and so hard-hearted that He will not open his arms to the one who comes to him? Do you think He looks in a book and says, “I’m sorry. You messed up too many times.”? Do you believe that what you have done is so horrible that you do not qualify for his love and forgiveness? If so, then you may not know God.

The words that have hurt so many. The lies that have deceived and led astray the innocent. The conniving, the stealing, the murder, the cheating. It has amounted to so much pain. Do you consider that your actions are too much for God to forgive? If so, then you may not know God.

Satan, the devil will tell you it is. That there is no room in God’s kingdom for someone like you. That you have failed, that you aren’t good enough, that you don’t measure up. If you have believed any of these lies, then you may not know God.

For God IS love. Everything He does stems from a heart full of love for you.

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Rom. 8:31-39 (MSG)

Ask him for his love and forgiveness, and he will give it to you.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn. 1:9 (NIV)

NOW, YOU KNOW GOD!

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.