God

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.

What Size is the Box?

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But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God. Mat. 19:26 (AMPC)

I grew up in church. I heard all of the great testimonies of what God did, like the time He parted the Red Sea and the children of Israel walked across it on dry ground when Pharaoh’s army in Egypt was chasing them. That is just one of hundreds shared with us in the Bible.

I have no problem believing every one of them. Perhaps I have the gift of faith. Yet others try to minimize or explain them. It’s as if they try to use their own intellect to understand God. That never works! God cannot be minimized or reduced to fit within the limits of our minds! Honestly, it seems like a feeble attempt to minimize the power and importance of God. I think doing that helps them reduce the reason they should accept him and his Son, Jesus.

That kind of thinking, for those who have accepted God and his Son, Jesus, hurts them from believing God can do anything to help them in their own time of need. The times when they need a “walk across on dry ground” miracle in their own lives.

Recently, this topic came up in my men’s Bible study group. The gentleman sitting next to me turned and said, “Mark, your God box is bigger than most.” I looked at him and said, “Are you kidding me? I don’t put God in a box at all!”

Believing in God, as I do, has allowed me to see so many miracles in my own life. Sometimes, I’ll share them in some of the blogs I write. I’m not special, but when I read in the Bible that “with God, all things are possible,” I simply believe it. Doing so allows me to ask God in prayer for anything, even miracles. Does He always answer? No, or at least in the way I want Him to, or by the deadline I try to impose, but I trust God to do things His way.

I challenge you, today, to take God out of the box. Allow Him to roam free in your life. To stop imposing your own limits on Him. Then, take him at his word. Ask for dry ground. Ask him for directions and guidance. Ask, and believe for that miracle that only God can do. If you do, you will be amazed at what He does. And then, the next time you need anything, you will turn to the God who can do anything!

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Granite Carver

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His work is seen by many in the oddest, most solemn of places. Photos are taken for posterity. He charges by the letter, so most clients pass on the minimum info. In most cases, that means the name, middle initial, birth date, a dash, and the date of death. He has learned to have the one making a request sign a document verifying that the data is correct.

As he engraves into the stone, he wonders what the individual looked like. If they were kind. If they smiled a lot. Was their life marked by happiness or pain? Did they give of themselves? Or did they only take from others?

He enjoys his craft but is always mindful of the grey cloud that hangs over each stone. Sometimes, he makes up a story about their life to occupy his mind, yet he wonders if they lived a life that was pleasing to God or not. He hopes they did. For he knows that to be absent from the body is to be standing before God. That there is no other reality coming, no matter how hard some want there to be, instead of God. Like reincarnation. And that every man will have to give an account of how they used the free will that God gave them.

He has thought about it several times, yet the truth remains. By the time he starts engraving, it’s too late. Their eternity is already set in stone. Too late for them to decide about their eternity. Too late to accept Jesus as the Son of God and definitely too late to ask for forgiveness of their sins.

If you are reading this blog, it’s not too late for you. No one is etching your name in stone, yet! But hopefully, your name is etched or written in the Book of Life. There, no one can remove it except you by rejecting Jesus.

Thus shall he who conquers (is victorious) be clad in white garments, and I will not erase or blot out his name from the Book of Life; I will acknowledge him [as Mine] and I will confess his name openly before My Father and before His angels. Rev. 3:5 (AMPC)

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

How Many People Does It Take?

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“She died because not enough people prayed.” I heard those words once in my spirit after a friend of mine passed away with cancer. I have never mentioned this until now. Why? Because I wasn’t sure if it was scriptural or something I made up. But after years of reading God’s word, I might be able to say it is.

Prayer, combined with faith, is a powerful force. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, even a little can move mountains. We read in James 5:16 that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. These are verses about one person praying. But what about groups of people praying?

Matthew 18:20 states that when people pray together that Jesus is in their midst, therefore, making their prayers more powerful. In Acts 1:14, we see where the early church joined together in prayer daily.

When I was a child, perhaps I was about nine years old, one Sunday morning, there was a commotion in church while the pastor was preaching. I don’t recall her name, so let’s call her sister Hawthorne, an older woman cried out, stood up, and then collapsed. We had several firemen who attended our church, and they rushed to her aid and started CPR. She had died. Of course, as time passed, about fifteen minutes, more and more people were looking at what was going on than listening to the pastor.

Reverend H.D. Pieratt finally noticed and, being the man of God that he was, asked, “What is going on?” One of the firemen responded, “Sister Hawthorne has died.”  He asked, “Did you pray?” When the reply came back, “No,” he said, “Church, let’s pray.” We did. As soon as “Amen” was said, sister Hawthorne got up. She said she was fine but was encouraged to go to the hospital anyway.

There is power in corporate prayer! Then I have to turn my attention to the scripture in Deuteronomy 32:20:

“How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight,
unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had closed them up?”

Deuteronomy 32:30 emphasizes the power of divine assistance, illustrating that with God’s help, even a small number can achieve great victories against overwhelming odds.

So, do I believe that some situations, needs can only be accomplished if enough people know about it and pray? Yes! Is there a certain number? I don’t think so, but when someone has a need, we should spread the word, not as gossip, but as a call to prayer, so that we will be obedient in making our request known (to man) and to God, so God can fight for you!

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

“It’s Not Fair! I Wasn’t Ready!”

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You remember when you were a kid, and you and your friends were outside playing? You decide to have a race or something, and one kid would lose and claim, “That’s not fair! I wasn’t ready!” They will probably be the same ones to complain to God about not being ready when He sends His Son, Jesus, to call us home. Too bad. They will be left behind.

Numerous scriptures discuss the end times. Some warn us about “fake news,” while others provide key insights into what’s to come, but the overall message is to be prepared. Ready to meet up with Jesus when He comes to take his bride or church.

No one knows when this event will take place, not even the Son of God, believe it or not. I remember hearing a word spoken in church when I was about eight or nine. One of the elders stood up and said something about Jesus coming soon. But this part I remember. He said, “Jesus’ return is so close it’s as if He is standing up now to leave.” I thought, “Wow! I had better put my shoes on!”

You don’t have to be left behind. You can be ready to meet Jesus in the air and be ushered into heaven. Or ready to stand before God and give an account of how you lived your life if you happen to die before Jesus returns. We never know when we will take that last breath. Instead of focusing on what is happening on Earth, it is more important to be mindful of the things of heaven.

God is fair and just. He has given us all enough time to be ready. There will be no excuses and no exceptions.

Mark 13:14-37 (NLT)

14 “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration[e] standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 15 A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. 16 A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. 17 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. 18 And pray that your flight will not be in winter. 19 For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. 20 In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.

21 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 23 Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!

24 “At that time, after the anguish of those days,

the sun will be darkened,
    the moon will give no light,
25 the stars will fall from the sky,
    and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

28 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

34 “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 35 You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. 36 Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. 37 I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Clarence Odbody, AS2

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Most of you have probably seen the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” That’s where we are introduced to Clarence Odbody. He’s a “Second Class” angel who hasn’t received his wings yet. He’s sent to Earth to prevent George Bailey from committing suicide. George is facing a situation that he sees no way out of, and to him, hope has run out.

I believe that’s what often happens when someone considers suicide. The person thinks, “There is no more hope.” But let me say this: as long as you are alive, there is hope! The devil gets excited when someone reaches what they think is the end of their rope because they are about to end one of the greatest gifts God gives us—life.

Clarence shows George what the lives of those around him would be like if he’d never been born. Seeing the pain and distress was enough to cause him to change his mind. Clarence tells George:

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

“You see, George, you’ve had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?”

Several years ago, I had my own “Clarence Odbody” moment. I was a young minister, and I made a bad decision that led me to leave the ministry God had called me to. I was distraught, unsure of what to do next, and afraid to face my family and friends again. I was reaching into the closet for my shotgun when my “Clarence” appeared.

Before I could grab the gun, I thought back to my childhood in church. I was probably about eight years old. One Sunday, as our pastor was preaching under a heavy anointing, a scream and commotion erupted at the back of the sanctuary. It was Sister Woodward. (I don’t remember her actual name.) She gasped and then collapsed.

Several firemen in our church rushed to her aid. After about twenty minutes, the pastor asked, “What’s going on?” One fireman responded, “Sister Woodward has died.” The pastor asked, “Did you pray?” “No,” they answered. “Well, church, let’s pray.” He led us in a prayer of faith, believing. The moment he said “Amen,” Sister Woodward got up, insisting she felt fine but agreed to go to the hospital for a checkup. By then, an ambulance had arrived.

Standing in my closet, staring at my shotgun, I thought, “That woman had no future, and her hope was gone as she took her last breath, but then God stepped in and made a way.” That thought kept me from taking my own life. Instead, I grabbed my car keys, left the house, and didn’t return until I knew I wouldn’t harm myself.

Life is precious. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or deeply down, I encourage you to reach out and talk to someone. In America, you can dial “988.” Or simply start talking to God as if He’s sitting right there with you. He already knows what you’re going through, but speaking out loud can help. He might even send angels to minister to you. You may realize later it was your own “Clarence Odbody” moment.

God loves you, and so do I. You may never realize how much your presence touches the lives of others.

“Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation?” Heb. 1:14 (AMPC)

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.

Spiritual Thermostat

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Do you have a “spiritual thermostat” in your home? You probably have a regular thermostat, at least in America. Other than in the U.S., I’ve only lived in the Philippines for a few months, and we didn’t have one there on the wall, but the air conditioner we used had different settings on it.

So, what do I mean by a “spiritual thermostat?” Walking through our home today, I noticed an atmosphere of peace, joy, and love. It felt good and comfortable. I stopped long enough to think about it and figure out, “Why?”

I believe I have been open and honest about my struggle of being married for a second time. Learning to believe and trust someone can be difficult. Honest about how I have fought my fears concerning April and if I could trust her true motives. Needless to say, I have had to talk to God about it, like, a lot! I have complained, cried out, begged, and asked for answers and His help.

God heard me, and in His timing, He answered me. He has helped me be a spiritual leader in our home. He has helped me to believe April and has helped me trust her. He has also given me the strength and wisdom to be quiet and, when needed, to walk away. The result is that the “spiritual thermostat” has been adjusted and is now set to where it should be.

It doesn’t matter if April helps or not. It is my responsibility to do what is required or expected of me to lead us spiritually. I am thankful for God and his help. I like walking around the house feeling peace, joy, and love. And the greatest of those is love.

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.” This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual qualities such as love, joy, and peace, which are meant to be limitless and transformative in our lives. Gal. 5:22-23 (TPT)

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the New Year

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The clock’s hands tremble at midnight,
as if they too feel the weight of time’s turning.
One breath, one heartbeat—
and the old year exhales its final sigh.

We stand at the threshold,
feet on the worn floorboards of yesterday,
eyes fixed on the bright doorway of tomorrow.
The air hums with possibility—
like unopened letters,
like seeds sleeping beneath winter soil.

The New Year is not just a date,
but a soft invitation:
to forgive what hurt,
to carry forward what healed,
to dream without apology.

In its first quiet hours,
the world feels tender,
as though it knows we are fragile too.
We promise ourselves new beginnings,
but perhaps the truest promise
is to keep showing up—
even when the days are ordinary,
even when the light is slow to return.

So here’s to the year ahead:
to the laughter that will surprise us,
to the tears that will teach us,
to the moments we will not see coming—
and to the courage to meet them all.

May we step into this year
not as who we were,
but as who we are becoming.

(The above poem was written via AI.)

I have stated before that I am always hopeful for a new year. It’s like having the slate wiped clean and a fresh start to see if you can get this one right. Of course, it usually isn’t too long before I need forgiveness. I’m glad I never go into a new year alone. I know God is always with me. So, with Him, I can face whatever the new year holds for me. If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ into your heart or asked for forgiveness for your sins, I hope you will. Then, you too can have peace as you enter a new year. “Happy New Year!”

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Hilariously Honest Guide to Surviving New Year’s Eve

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Ah, New Year’s Eve — that magical night when we collectively decide that next year will be different… right after we finish this last plate of nachos and questionable champagne.

Let’s be real: NYE is less about “new beginnings” and more about “trying to stay awake until midnight without turning into a pumpkin.” Here’s the unfiltered truth about the night we all pretend to have under control.

1. The Outfit Illusion
You start the night in a glittery outfit that screams, “I’m ready for 2026!” By 11:45 p.m., you’re barefoot, your hair looks like you’ve been in a wind tunnel, and you’re clutching a coat that isn’t even yours.

2. The Resolution Roulette
Everyone’s making resolutions like they’re auditioning for a self-help book.

  • “I’m going to run a marathon!” (…to the fridge.)
  • “I’ll stop eating sugar!” (…after this cupcake.)
  • “I’ll be more organized!” (…once I find my phone.)

3. The Midnight Countdown Chaos
The countdown is supposed to be magical, but somehow:

  • The TV is on a 7-second delay.
  • Someone’s yelling “Happy New Year!” at 11:59.
  • You’re still trying to figure out where your champagne glass went.

4. The Post-Midnight Mystery
After the hugs, confetti, and awkward cheek kisses, there’s always that moment of “Now what?” Do we keep partying? Do we go home? Do we just… eat more cheese? (Spoiler: it’s always cheese.)

5. The Morning After
You wake up on January 1st with glitter in places glitter should never be, a vague memory of singing loudly in public, and the comforting thought that you have 364 more days to get your life together.

✨ Final Thought:
New Year’s Eve is like a sparkly, chaotic group project — no one really knows what’s going on, but somehow, we all pass. So here’s to another year of trying, laughing, and pretending we know the words to “Auld Lang Syne.”

The above words may certainly describe some of us. I think the last two years, I have been in bed by 10 PM only to be woken up at midnight by fireworks. “Happy New Year,” and then back to sleep.

Years ago, I gave up trying to make New Year’s resolutions. I usually broke them before January 1st was over anyway. Most people want to improve themselves. For me, that means learning to react to people with one of the Fruits of the Spirit. The one I need most often is “self-control.” But the truth is this: I can’t really make myself better without God’s help. I ask him to help me often. For where I am weak, He is strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

This practice can make any year happier, whether it’s new or not. Happy New Year, everyone!

(Portions of this blog post were generated via AI.)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.