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.

Looking For Jesus (Part 2)

December 4, 2020January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Joseph. A good man, in fact, a righteous man. “Righteous”, a $12 dollar word which means, in right standing with God. A smart man, reasonable in his dealing with people. How do I know this? Simple. By reading the scriptures.

You see, when Mary told him she was pregnant, he of course was shocked and bewildered. How could she do this to him? And before they were to get married. Did she truly love him, or was she marrying him for some other reason? Men seem to have a hard time trusting women ever since the fall of Adam and Eve. Due to the curse of sin men and women have had issues relating.

Back to him being a good man, he decided to end the engagement privately hoping it would save Mary and her family public embarrassment, but people talk and would have found out anyway. Especially when Mary would start showing from her pregnancy. But then:

^20-23While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).

^24-25Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus. Mat. 1:20-25 (MSG)

Because Joseph was a God fearing man, he obeyed, and he too begin looking for Jesus. Can you imagine what he was going through? A new husband to a woman who has found favor with the God of the universe and is now carrying His son. I’m sure Joseph had more questions than answers. What do I do with him? Do I teach him how to be a carpenter, like me? Teach him about wood and nails? Many people have questions when they accept Jesus, and that’s okay, but Joseph accepted Jesus, and he accepted God’s plan.

Look for Jesus. You will find him, because He has already found you. Don’t get hung up on the details. Don’t try to figure out God’s plan with your mind, because you never will fully understand it, but trust me, it’s all about love. Love for the people of the world. Love for you.

Your Gifts

September 11, 2020September 10, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Fashionably Late

December 8, 2018November 30, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

red-cross I have always said, “I would rather be one mile behind God than one inch in front of him!” But recently, I feel as though I am trying to catch my breath doing my best to keep up with him. It’s as if I am running late to the party, God has been inviting me to all year. I just didn’t see it. He was orchestrating a new season in my life, and I didn’t even notice him hanging the decorations.

God wants to bless his children. He desires to give them good gifts. Our responsibility is to be in a place in life to receive them. In step with God, desiring God, and no matter what happens around us continuing to focus on God. Not getting caught up in the everyday sludge that tries to pull us down and overcome us.

“Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven.” (Jam 1:17 MSG)

Watch your door step. It’s the season of gift giving. God could be trying to give you a gift. Don’t allow it to be taken by the devil’s porch piracy program!