Blind Trust

November 14, 2025November 1, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

April and I visited a friend of mine today. A dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in several years. He’s now getting up in age, and it seems like he is ready to go home. Heaven, that is, as Earth is not home for those who believe in Jesus Christ. I was feeling that if I wanted to see him alive, then I had better go now.

We had to travel two hours away. In fact, to another state to reach his residence. I pulled out my old GPS from storage. I know my phone has it built in, but I don’t like to tie up my phone. One might say I was going “old school.”

We reached our destination without any problems. In fact, we made it without my GPS screaming at me, “Recalculating!” Not once! We had a very nice visit. My friend is a man of God, and I have always admired him and how he lives his life. He talked about how God has always been there with him, guiding and directing him. The way he talked made me think he had blindly trusted God every day after he accepted Him.. We can’t see God, but at times we can feel his presence.

On the drive home, I asked April if she knew where we were. She said, “No. Not at all.” “Is that scary?” I asked. “No. I trust you.” It made me feel good to be trusted.

I have a sense that “blindly trusting” God makes him feel good as well. He wants us to trust him and to believe that He is taking us to the right destination. It shows that we are confident in our God. Remembering He is strong and mighty if we face any battles. If we live consistently according to God’s commands, then we can be sure we will reach our final destination, heaven

Look, God is my deliverer! I will trust in him and not fear. For the Lord gives me strength and protects me; he has become my deliverer.”Is. 12:2 (NET)

You keep completely safe the people who maintain their faith,
for they trust in you. Is. 26:3 (NET)

Meany Flowers

November 11, 2025November 10, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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!

“Glad You’re Doing Okay”

November 7, 2025October 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I received an email the other night from an old friend. I had not seen them in several years. They said they had been thinking about me and wanted to know if I was okay. We exchanged emails and got caught up, somewhat.

I learned a little bit about their life since I last saw them. It was basic information. Their spouse is okay, their child is now nine, they aren’t working, and why. Stuff like that. Sadly, I got the overwhelming impression that they weren’t happy. In fact, they made the statement that their life was boring.

I shared how much I was enjoying my retirement years, that April liked her job, about the new church we started attending this year, and our involvement there. I also shared that I had finished remodeling the house and that we had new furniture that April had picked out, and how she had done a great job. I did mention how I didn’t like getting old, though.

I wasn’t exaggerating or embellishing, but just telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. In their final reply, they wrote, “I’m glad you’re doing okay.”

Their comment got me thinking. Was I bragging? Was I trying to impress them? Why was my life doing okay?

I know in my heart that despite body aches and pains, some hiccups in life, some frustrations in our marriage, and working hard to pay off the bills, our life isn’t bad. Why? Because April and I have accepted Jesus Christ and have had our sins forgiven, and know that he is still forgiving us of our new ones. We both read God’s word, the Bible, regularly, and we tithe faithfully. We are committed to our local church and do what we can to help there, which has allowed us to develop relationships with real people who believe like we do. We also do what we can to share God and His amazing love with others as the Holy Spirit leads and gives us boldness to speak up. That is why we are doing okay!

I do realize some may say, “I do all those things and yet my life isn’t okay.” I honestly don’t have an answer as to why that is for some. But I know that April and I both invited God into our lives at a young age and have tried our best to surrender our free will to him. Perhaps that has something to do with it as well. God tends to bless obedience, and I know that faith pleases him.

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Heb. 11:6 (AMPC)

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jer. 29:11 (AMPC)

⁵Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. ⁶In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Prov. 3:5-6 (AMPC)

If there were such a thing as a “recipe” for living a life pleasing to God, then this may be it. April and I enjoy our lives. We feel blessed because we are. It’s like living in a garden, and after all, in the beginning, isn’t that what God intended?

Convenient Store Church

October 24, 2025September 27, 2025 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

Up until recently, we had a local convenience store/gas station called “Kum & Go.” Not sure why, but they were bought out and the name was changed to “Maverick.” Convenience stores are popular when you are in a hurry and simply go down to the corner, rather than driving all the way to a grocery store or a Walmart. But it comes with a price.

I’ve mentioned that April and I have started going to a new church this year. We like it. We started noticing that people get there early to fellowship with one another. And they hang out after the service to do the same. Something we did not witness at our previous church. There, people would come in barely in time for the service to start, and then they would run out as soon as it was over. Last Sunday, April and I were comparing, and she called our previous church, “Kum & Go Church.” I literally laughed out loud. But “Kum & Go Church” comes with a price!

When you talk to people at church, you start to get to know them, and they get to know you. A relationship begins to grow. You start caring about them and they, you. In short, you become a family. This doesn’t happen at “Kum & Go Church,” and you pay a price. In fact, our church uses the word “family” a lot. This is what God intended all along. He knows that we cannot do life alone and shouldn’t try. He wanted the church to take care of widows and orphans, as well. But social programs begin when people stopped going to church or started believing the lie that they didn’t need God.

He encourages us not to forsake the assembly of ourselves. Okay, that was kind of King James language, but a modern translation would say, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Heb. 10:25 (NLT)

I picture the first church being like this. I get that impression from Acts 2:42-47:

⁴²All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

⁴³A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— ⁴⁷all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

This type of community doesn’t just happen automatically. The “family” type attitude trickles down from the leadership of the church, including the pastor. April and I are happy to be going a little further than to the church on the corner for convenience. Finding a home church where we belong.

For the Kingdom of Heaven

October 17, 2025September 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I have always been intrigued by Jesus’ teachings. I especially liked it how, while he was speaking, he would point to something and say, “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto…” Okay, that’s how it is written in the King James version of the Bible. A current way would be, ^“God’s kingdom is like…”

That line has had a huge influence on how this blog is written. If you have ever noticed, I try to take something from real life and show how it can relate to the kingdom of God. I think the gospel of Jesus Christ is relational and practical. It’s not just some lofty words that sound nice.

I think that is where so many casual Christians go off-key. They “go” to church, hear a great sermon, but toss it in the trash on the way out. Then they go about their week as if the God who loves them so much hadn’t delivered a custom “love” letter to their heart. God uses people to speak on his behalf. He delights in partnering with them to do his business.

Sunday’s sermons and hopefully this blog should be thought about during the week and should certainly be applied. It may be challenging, but that is where we can ask God to help us. We should always be growing and maturing in our walk with God. I know of some who have been the same hurtful people for many years. They “go” to church almost every time the doors are open, but when they are there, they forget to unlock the doors of their heart.

Boy, I didn’t expect those words to come out when I started writing this post.

Hear the words of God. Whether spoken through a sermon, read in the Bible, or perhaps in these blogs. Think about them. Ponder their meanings. The Bible is relatable. Its words are alive, and they change people, or at least should. The words the Bible contains can be applied to every part of our lives. Even more than Seinfeld-isms.

God’s Soldier

October 14, 2025September 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

I was waiting for my movie to start. As you know, they show trailers of upcoming movies. One such trailer was on the big screen, and one line in particular stood out to me. They were showing off the fighting capabilities of robotic soldiers. The salesman was saying such things as, “If they get killed, I simply build another one in its place.” Then he said the line that got my attention. He said, “And they are Biblically strong.”

Wait. What? What in the world did he mean by that? Was he somehow referring to the Nephilim?

The Nephilim, who were “heroes of old, men of renown” of a giant size and, apparently, enhanced physical abilities (Genesis 6:4) (Source: gotquestions.org)

Regardless of what he was referring to, the phrase got me thinking. If I’m a soldier for God, am I “Biblically strong?” What would someone who is look like?

They should know the word of God very well.
They should be part of a corporate community that motivates them every week.
They should have good and clear communication with their commanding officer.
They should study and know the weaknesses of the enemy. His tactics.
They should have no fear when it comes to encountering the enemy.
They should be trying to recruit and encourage others to join the fight.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit.” – Hebrews 4:12

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”–
2 Corinthians 10:4

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” –
2 Timothy 1:7

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” –
Hebrews 10:24-25

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” – Romans 16:20

Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil] 1 Tim. 6:12 (Amp)

Dreaming in Living Color

October 7, 2025September 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

For the last couple of weeks, I have had some really wild, dramatic, and sometimes unnerving dreams. Not nightmares per se, but ones that caused me to say when I woke up, “Boy, am I glad that was a dream!”

Last night’s dream took the cake.

“They’re poisoning you. Your mother and sister are adding poison to your food. I think they are trying to trick you out of signing over your inheritance from Uncle Bill to them, including his mansion,” said a person who was also being held captive. I started trying my best to eat only a little, but to move the food around on my plate to make it look as if I had eaten most of it.

“I want my phone now,” I insisted. “Ha! No problem,” said my mother. “Your sister drained the battery.” She handed me the phone. I dialed “911.” Well, the joke’s on you. Phones keep a reserved amount of power for emergency calls.” I put the phone on speaker. “911, what’s your emergency?” I started explaining the situation as my sister took off. “You can run, but you can’t hide,” I told her.

I got out of the house and ran across the street to my uncle’s mansion. The next thing I knew, Uncle Bill’s brothers and sisters began to arrive. Then people from the community started coming in and snooping. “We always wanted to see the inside!” one proclaimed. Another exclaimed, “We’re looking for the stash of diamonds he had.

More and more people came pouring in. I would get one group out only to watch another one enter. I shut the doors, but they opened them anyway and came in. It was a wild scene. Loud and the people had on extravagant outfits. I finally yelled out, “Turn out the lights!”

That’s when I woke up with my heart racing, and I immediately proclaimed, “Boy, am I glad that was a dream!” Knowing God has the answers to every question, I asked him, “God, what do these dreams mean?” Sadly, I did not get an immediate answer, but I did get a sense that some live in constant drama and chaos, as in my recent dreams. Like they have so much going on in their life that they have no control over, and their heart pounds as they try their best to keep a lid on life.

But one who is in a relationship with God doesn’t have to live that way. I’m not going to tell you that life with God is easy or perfect, but it’s reassuring knowing that One who can control everything is doing life with you, and you can live in peace. The devil specializes in keeping your life in turmoil if you let him.

That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. John 14:27 (MSG)

May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! 2 Thes. 3:16 (MSG)

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. Jam. 4:7-10 (MSG)

Heroes of the Faith

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Moses, Abraham, Joshua, David, Elijah, and many more. They could all be counted as “Heroes of the Faith.” But today, I would have to add another name to that list. A true woman of God, Margie McQueen. I sat and cried, and laughed a little, as we celebrated her life today. A life lived so well that she had to have heard Jesus say, “Well done, Margie, and welcome home.”

How do I know she heard those words? There is no doubt that Margie loved God and people. Many spoke loving words about how she had touched their lives and the lives of their families. She was a prayer warrior to say the least. She was a prophetess as God would show her things while in prayer, sometimes well before they came to pass. Many times, in a church service, she would be used of God to exhort, comfort, and encourage the flock. She definitely had and operated in the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are still operating in our days if we will only listen and be willing to be used of God. (1 Corinthians Chapters 12 & 14)

As others shared their favorite “Margie” moments, I couldn’t help but remember my own. When I was thirteen, the Carbondale Assembly of God church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, hired me to mow the lawn. Margie was the pastor’s wife at the time. The property sat on ten acres and had a lot of grass, and Oklahoma summers can get extremely hot.

The pastor’s parsonage’s kitchen window faced the big front lawn of the church. I would be mowing and sweating. Margie would see me, and at times, would bring out the best chocolate shakes I have ever had, and probably ever will! They were so delicious and refreshing and full of love. In full confession, after the first shake, whether I knew if she was home or not, or watching me or not, when I was close to that kitchen window, I wiped my brow and acted as if I couldn’t make it in the heat unless I had a chocolate shake. Sometimes it worked, but not every time.

Thank you again, Margie, for the chocolate shakes, but more importantly for the love. And for showing all of us who were watching how to be a servant of the living God. Your daughter, Jeanie, said you liked to sparkle. Perhaps tonight, if I am outside, I will look up and smile as you do in heaven.

If God assigns me to mow grass in heaven, I’m going to ask to mow your lawn, Margie, and look for you smiling in your kitchen window. I know I thanked you for the shakes back then, but I don’t recall saying this when you were among us. “I love you, too, Margie.”

Here’s the Problem

September 23, 2025August 14, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. 1 John 4:8

That scripture also indicates that if you don’t know God, then you will struggle to trust him. If you are having difficulty trusting him, then you will be prone to lean upon your own understanding.

^5-12Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this. Prov. 3:5-12 (MSG)

It’s that first step of faith that we are unsure of. Like a child just learning to walk. They want to walk, in truth, they want to run, because running can put a smile on your face. Unless, of course, you are running from danger. But our faith journey starts with one step, and when we see we are still standing, we are then willing to take the next one.

The same goes with God! You have to take that first step. In fact, you already have. You had faith that He existed and that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins. So now take the second step and trust him with something that is going on in your life. Then the third, and soon you will not simply find yourself walking with God but running! Usually, the runner is extremely confident in where they are going. But for us, we run with God and we are confident in Him!

That is why Paul said:

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! 2 Tim. 4:7 (NET)

In order to run, you have to first walk. In order to walk, you have to have knowledge that you can trust. To gain knowledge of God, you have to get to know him. You do that by reading his word and talking to him, and learning to love. Then you attend a church that teaches the word of God and promotes that you have a deep personal relationship with him. Doing so will put a smile on your face.

How Many Stories is Your House?

September 19, 2025August 8, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“BREAKING NEWS! Man arrested for killing his wife and two kids. Film at 10!” Then you watch the story, and how many times do you hear, “I’m shocked! He was a quiet man who always helped his neighbors.”

Yesterday, we learned that a long-time city official, here in my hometown, was arrested for dealing in child pornography. And a few months ago, a story came out of a man held captive in his bedroom for decades. He finally set a fire so they would break into his room and rescue him.

My point is this: you never know what is going on in a house when the door is closed. But we do, “Stories.” Stories are being written. Some are good ones while others are bad, dark, and downright evil. Most of them aren’t perfect, and all of them are written with drama. Life doesn’t always end with, “and they all lived happily ever after.”

One can only hope for the best outcome, and for the believer in God, that usually happens if we rely on His help. If we practice life with the other members of the household, exercising the “Fruit of the Spirit” and God’s kind of “Love.” If we create an atmosphere of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And practicing God’s kind of love, which is not selfish, envious, boastful, or arrogant. It remembers no wrong. It hopes all things, believeth all things, and endures to the end.

The above words are difficult to live out, all the time, but if we try, then we can be sure that our stories, in our home, will be good ones. There will be laughter instead of crying. There will be building up versus tearing down. Members of the family will feel love and be prone to love back. So, I must ask, how many stories is your house and what kind? Remember to pray for your neighbors. They might wave when they see you getting the mail, but I dare say, you have no idea of the truth when they go back inside and shut the door.

Fruit of the Spirit = Gal. 5:22-23
God’s love = 1 Cor. 13:4-8