Life, When Not on Stage

June 13, 2025June 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Most people share their “happy moments” on Facebook. Smiles and friendly hugs. Love and happiness. But what do snapshots of their lives look like when they are not intending to post on Facebook? When they are not on stage?

I tend to be a private individual unless being open helps me minister to someone. But other than those times, I would rather keep my struggles, weaknesses, and bad thoughts to myself! Our pastor admitted last Sunday that he hates getting behind people who walk slowly. And that he had just spent several days the previous week at the Magic Kingdom. Probably the capital of people who walk slowly. He said he doesn’t wish them harm but like a virus to come upon them that would prevent them from being there.

I get it. I used to fuss in my head about senior citizens being at the grocery store after I got off work. I just wanted to run in, grab what I needed, and get out, but “No,” I had to deal with them in front of me. I used to think you had all day to be here. Why now? Now that I am counted among them, I understand how hard it is to get out of bed, get dressed, and get motivated to leave the house.

And that’s the kindest of my evil thoughts. I have worse ones than that. And sometimes those thoughts lead to bad actions that I certainly wouldn’t want posted on social media.

Whenever we encounter a situation that we don’t like, a bell will go off, and our first thought is to respond out of our flesh. But if we can pause just long enough, a second bell will go off, and we can choose to act in a spirit of love, demonstrating one of the fruits of the Spirit. Or multiple ones, in my case! The challenge then becomes reducing the amount of time between the bells going off.

The truth is this: we are always on stage before God. He sees our actions, hears our words, and knows our darkest thoughts. We should strive to always walk in love and by the Spirit. In my case, if I did, fewer people would get hurt. Knowing how difficult that is, I pray and ask God all the time to help me represent him well.

²and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. Eph. 5:2 (NET)

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:22-23 (NET)

Where Is Your Bubble?

June 3, 2025May 24, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When I was recently remodeling our house, I would stop at different points and check to see if what I was working on was level. Doing so makes a difference in how the finished product looks. It is also important to make sure things are squared, but when starting from work that someone else did, it is not always possible. Funny, but most people don’t see when things are out of square, but they will notice if it’s not level, especially if it’s the floor. It won’t feel right.

People can be tilted or not level as well. Sometimes, we will word it like, “There’s something off about them.” If they are not level by a lot, then it can really show. Some people’s bubble doesn’t even show up! Sadly, those are the individuals who commit heinous crimes. Others may be a little out of kilter where the bubble is touching one line or the other.

I know it happens to me from time to time. I can tell something isn’t right, and it can affect April as well. That is when I must stop and go to God for help to adjust me. To straighten me out.

Keeping a level head and walking straight helps me deal with anything or anyone in life that I may encounter. If I do my part, the situation usually goes better. People are less likely to get hurt by me and my attitude.

So, I have to ask, “Where is your bubble?”

This is he who was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said, The voice of one crying in the wilderness (shouting in the desert), Prepare the road for the Lord, make His highways straight (level, direct). Mat. 3:3 (AMPC)

Such a person is double-minded and unstable [unlevel] in all they do.
James. 1:8 (NIV) [Italics mine]

This Old Man

May 30, 2025May 24, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I ran into a woman whom I hadn’t seen in forty-five years. We went to high school together. It didn’t take long for the subject of getting old to come up. That is when she commented, “Getting old sucks!” I agreed and added, “No one told us it could be so difficult or would hurt so badly.” She laughed.

In America, we have a currently running TV commercial by Progressive where a psychiatrist tries to help individuals from becoming their parents. They’re funny, but I stop laughing when I realize they are talking about me.

Latiana J., from my eye doctor’s office, put it like this, “The check engine light came on way too early!”

I understand that getting old is a natural part of life. At least I don’t look that old. I actually got IDD at a pizza place near our house when I asked for the senior discount! I don’t have much in the way of grey hair, and I don’t dye it either. My maternal grandfather was like that.

There are some things I appreciate that have come with old age. For instance, I have learned a lot about people and how they will lie or con you to get something from you. The gift of discernment helps with that, too. I have had the time to walk with God and grow in my relationship with him. I love it! We talk all the time, and I am honest about how I feel concerning how life is going. He knows anyway, so why try to conceal it?

I like the fact that I have a greater understanding of his word, the Bible. I may not agree with everything or like some things in it, but that is God’s word—and it is the final word!

I like having grandchildren and watching the three girls grow up. They make me smile whether they see it or not.

I want to think that I am more responsible with money and have matured in wisdom and insight. I enjoy having financial resources that allow me to bless others and do a little to meet their needs. That usually opens the door for me to share about God and his love. I like those days.

So, I guess if I take it slow getting out of bed, and continue to trust God to stay with me, getting old isn’t too bad after all.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you. Is. 46:4 (NLT)

Wisdom belongs to the aged,
and understanding to the old. Job 12:12 (NLT)

The glory of the young is their strength;
the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. Prov. 20:29 (NLT)

This Old House

May 27, 2025May 23, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When I bought this house almost eight years ago, I started fixing it up on the outside. It really needed the attention. I started with making repairs on the old wood siding, hoping it would last another four years or so. It didn’t! I had new energy-efficient windows installed. That helped me save money on utilities. I started fixing items on the inside, but I had to have new siding put on after two years of ownership.

So the outside looked great, but the inside still needed a lot of work. I eventually got brave and learned how to remove “popcorn” ceilings. Then I started painting walls and installing “beadboard” wood in the bathrooms. New toilets, faucets, and towel bars, so the old ones had to go. Everything must be color coordinated, you know. And if you have ever remodeled a house, then you know you find surprises when you remove things.

I poured myself into making this old house nicer, especially after marrying April. I wanted her to pick out colors and things so this place would no longer be mine but ours. I literally have put my blood, sweat, and tears into this place—tears for when things were not fitting like they should or when I was struggling and couldn’t get something to work out.

I have leaned on God for a lot of help. There were times when I needed to know how to do something or needed some muscle to help get something to fit. One time, he nudged me to look it up on the Internet. I was shocked that God knew about the Internet. (I know. I shouldn’t have been surprised.) He has helped me with electrical, plumbing, and, well, everything!

Some people look great on the outside. As if they have it all together, and as if there is nothing wrong in their life or family. But if you were to look on the inside of them, what would you see? Perhaps the demons they face on a daily basis? The emotional scars from their past? Their weaknesses? Most people have a side of themselves they would rather others not see. I know I do. I have a temper that, at times, can get out of control.

The house is only a shelter. The home is about people. A home and a life are places for God to come and fill with His presence. A place for the fruit of the Spirit to be manifested. Love, joy, peace, self-control…. I’m glad God doesn’t get tired of working on us, or in my case of “this old man,” give up!

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Phi. 1:6 (MSG)

The Tree, The Prayer, and The Green

May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I wrote about the tree that God gave us in our front flowerbed a couple of years ago. A quick reminder: I wanted a tree but could not afford to buy one. While growing flowers, April and I noticed a maple tree starting to grow. I have nurtured it for three years.

This spring, the tree was getting big and growing close to the house, so I knew it was time to move it. I started digging, and it was then that I realized just how big the root system had grown in three years. I had to cut through some of the roots, but I was finally able to get the tree out. I had bought a burlap sack to put the root system in and used as much of the dirt from where the tree was initially growing as I could.

I dug a hole where the tree’s new home would be. After placing the root ball in the hole, I filled it with more dirt. Then, I poked a hole in the dirt and added lots of water. Two days later, I thought the tree had died. All of the leaves had turned brown and shriveled up. I was heartbroken, but I kept on watering it.

On the third day after the transplant, I prayed. I said, “God, you gave us this tree, and you know I wanted a tree. I was so excited when I discovered it growing in the flower garden. Please, God, don’t let this tree die.” For the next several days, I watered the tree a lot.

Then one day, while watering, I noticed some small green buds sprouting. I started to tear up with joy overflowing in my spirit. God had answered my prayer. My tree was going to make it and grow in its new home. God is so good and cares so much for us.

Maybe you have recently been transplanted, and the move or change doesn’t seem to be going well. Perhaps you feel as though you are going to die. Tell God about how you are feeling. Remind him of his promises and tell him what you need in order to make it. He’s there listening and waiting for you to invite him into your situation.

No one can see your root system. They don’t know what God put inside the burlap sack to nourish you or the people He has placed in your life to help you. To water you and to feed your soul. I know God, and I know he planned this out a long time ago for your life. He is not a so-called “Fly by the seat of his pants, God.” He is supreme and omnipotent. He knows what He is doing. Despite how things look on the outside (dead leaves), you’re going to make it. You’re going to survive, and in fact, you’re going to thrive as long as you keep trusting God.

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
    the woman who sticks with God.
They’re like trees replanted in Eden,
    putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
    never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
    bearing fresh fruit every season. Jer. 17:7-8 (MSG)

The Discarded Masterpiece

May 20, 2025May 19, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I think I mentioned remodeling our house in previous posts. In fact, today, new carpet is being installed as I write. I love that new carpet smell. Kind of like that “new car” smell, although I have never bought a new car myself.

In preparation for the new flooring, we decided to get rid of our old, faded, definitely used furniture and replace it with new. I might have mentioned it before, but we left our good furniture in Louisville, KY, when the business venture there did not work out. We left a lot of household stuff there, but as it turned out, we helped several new families to America (legally) and only brought what would fit in their suitcases.

So I had ordered a “bulk” pick-up from our city and started hauling items to the curb. I wound up putting it all outside too early, but it was supposed to rain in a few days, and I wanted whoever might need it to get anything they wanted from the pile of our discarded items.

About 4 PM that same day, the doorbell rang. An older woman asked me if she could have anything out there. I told her, “Of course. Help yourself, and it’s all free.” She started smiling big, turned to her daughter, and “signed” the good news. Her daughter is hearing-impaired.

As we went out to look at the items, the mother explained to me that her daughter bought the house a few doors down from us, but didn’t have the money to furnish it. So they were happy to take the chairs, end tables, and the sofa. I asked the mother, “What else does she need?” As it turned out, we were able to give her a platform for a queen-size bed, a desk, a small chest of drawers, drapes, a lamp, a few other items, and an older 32” flat screen TV. The family seemed really excited about receiving the TV.

That night, April and I shared how we were so happy that the items were taken and not simply going to the dump. We also invited the family to attend our church, which is about a block away. The church has sign language interpreters during the morning service.

The next day, I was reflecting on the event from the previous day and its timing. I was so excited about how God orchestrated it and prompted me to set the items out early before the bulk item pick-up date and before the rain. He is so amazing, how he can lead us and guide us and then use us to accomplish his will.

January 10th, 2021
by Amy Smalley

Isaiah 45:3 KJV
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

The old adage says, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. We see that with clothing, furniture, electronics; but the same is true for us.

When we are out in sin, getting caught in the bondages of this world: pornography, fornication, drugs, alcohol; we are living a filthy life. We are “trash,” but God said He can make all things new (2 Cor. 5:17).

He can turn us from trash into treasure. He can free us from the traps and bonds Satan has used to ensnare us. If we simply ask Jesus into our hearts and repent of our sins, He can make us NEW!

Just as a good wife to her husband, to God we are more precious than rubies (Prov. 31:10). We are HIS treasure. Don’t let Satan tell you otherwise.

Corresponding Sermon: Brian Fulton 1/10/2021 AM

God Is Kind, but Not Soft

May 16, 2025May 13, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn’t so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you’ve done.

You didn’t think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he’s such a nice God, he’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.

You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!

If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you’re from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.

If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.

When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences. Rom. 2:1-18 (MSG)

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson

They’re God’s

April 29, 2025April 29, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I spoke to a woman today who shared with me that the doctors found a polyp in her daughter’s colon that is 5cm in diameter. Anything 1cm or greater has a good chance of being cancerous. As she talked about what she has been through thinking about her daughter in the past few days, I teared up. It’s scary to think your child has a serious issue.

When my son was young, he had a lymph node in his throat die. As it was decaying, it was swelling, hence cutting off his airway. The doctors in the small town decided to have him moved to the children’s hospital in Chicago for the surgery to correct the problem.

I went home to get a change of clothes to spend the night with him in the hospital. While driving, I broke down and cried out to God. That is when I heard the Holy Spirit whisper into my spirit, “What are you worried about? He’s mine, and he is in my hands.” It was at that moment that I realized our children are Gods and that we are simply entrusted to raise them the best we can.

That night, my son told me he was too scared to have the surgery. I told him I understood and would leave the decision to him. Okay, I might have lied. I told him he would not feel anything during the surgery, and a few days later, he would be as good as new. But I went on to tell him, if you don’t have the surgery, you’re going to die in a few days. He looked around the room and said, “Dad, I’ll have the surgery.”

Why are we so afraid of death? I mean, I’m not because, as Paul said, “To die is gain.”

²¹For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].
Phi. 1:21 (AMPC)

If you know God and have accepted Jesus, then there is nothing to be afraid of concerning death.

I told the woman I would join her and others in praying for her daughter. We would hope for the best outcome, but either way, she should trust her daughter to God.

God – No Matter What

April 25, 2025April 22, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“They drove me away from the church because I was divorced.” — Kathryn Kuhlman

On one occasion, Kathryn Kuhlman was preaching in a church. Someone informed the pastor that she was divorced, which led the pastor to walk up to the front, grab the microphone from her, and apologize to the crowd for having a “false prophet” preaching. She was escorted by the ushers out of the church and ran out of town. SHE WEPT!

On a rare occasion when Kathryn would address her past, she made this comment about her peers during her crisis. “… You know, sometimes it’s a thousand times easier to die physically than to keep on living. You see, the Lord forgives, but people don’t. They’ll drive it in, and they’ll drive it in, and they’ll drive it in, and they’ll drive it in. And they’ll pierce your heart, and they’ll pierce it clear through.”

Kathryn Kuhlman Died! This was her popular phrase. She would go on to say it was the price she paid for the glory. Kathryn vividly remembers the days she died to carry God’s glory. “It’s much easier to die than to live, death to the flesh and the opinions of this world. Today, I feel it was part of God’s perfect will for my life.”

For Kathryn Kuhlman, her greatest anointing began to manifest from 49 to 59 years of age.

In those days, she walked past people, and they collapsed to the floor because of the heavy presence of the Holy Spirit she carried. Healings and strange miracles never before recorded accompanied her ministry till death.

Even though Kathryn Kuhlman was out of public ministry for almost 8 years, when she hit the platform again, the glory of the latter house surpassed the former. Suddenly, all the churches that attacked her because of her divorce opened their arms wide like they weren’t the ones that almost drove her into suicide.

The anointing was always there. All it needed was activation and constant use. God’s grace is irreversible. He does not change His mind about what He gives. He’s not two-faced. Your perspective or mindset about Him may change, but he does not.

So many may have left the ministry because of one thing or the other. You may have stopped pastoring, holding meetings, or whatever form of ministry because of pressures, financial, marital, or personal issues, but know that God uses these pressures to bring out His best in us.

The Apostle Paul says, “⁸We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹²So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Cor. 4:8-12 (NIV)

From Kathryn’s example, we have learned that no one is too far gone, no one is out of God’s use, and instead of driving the word of God against people who are under pressure, let’s help them heal. Let’s get them back on track. Handle that brother or sister with care. God does not just want some individual spiritual giants; He wants to build His body! God is not just interested in your denomination; He wants to build His Church!

HER LAST MEETING….

As everyone left the auditorium, Kathryn walked quietly to the end of the stage. She raised her head and slowly scanned the balcony as if she were gazing at every seat. It seemed like an eternity. Then, Kathryn dropped her gaze to the second balcony, following every row and every seat with her eyes. Then, she looked at the ground floor, studying every seat.

We can only imagine what was going through Kathryn’s mind: the memories, the victories, the healings, the laughter, and the tears. Was it possible that Kathryn knew she would never return to the platform? Was it possible that, at that moment, she said goodbye to her earthly ministry?

In just a little over three weeks from that November date, Kathryn passed on into glory in the Hillcrest Medical Center of Tulsa, Oklahoma, after open-heart surgery.

(The author is unknown, but I saw this posted on Facebook and wanted to share it.)

Crossroads

April 18, 2025April 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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)