God

What a Horrible Way to Die

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I had been spending my devotional time reading the book of Isaiah (in the Old Testament). I read it from “The Message,” which is a modern-day English translation of the Bible. I enjoyed the words of encouragement and God’s promises. As I was finishing up, a high school friend posted the following on Facebook. (I edited parts of the post to shorten it.) I knew some of this information but not all of it. I was especially moved to learn that the prophet Isaiah was cut in half.

Isaiah – was cut in half for the gospel we are enjoying today.

How the Apostles died:

Matthew – suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound.

Mark – died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by horses through the streets until he was dead.

Luke – was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

John – faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution In Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern-day Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

Peter – was crucified upside down on an X-shaped cross. According to church tradition, it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

James – The leader of the church in Jerusalem was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller’s club.

James, the Son of Zebedee, – was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was beheaded in Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James was amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

Bartholomew – also known as Nathaniel, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed for our Lord in present-day Turkey. Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia, where he was flayed to death by a whip.

Andrew – was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece, after being whipped severely by seven soldiers. They tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: “I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it.” He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he expired.

Thomas – was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the sub-continent.

Jude – was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

Matthias – the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

Paul – was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero in Rome in 67 A.D. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

Perhaps this is a reminder to us that our sufferings here are indeed minor compared to the intense persecution and cold cruelty faced by the apostles and disciples during their times for the sake of the faith.

(Original source and author unknown.)

13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
Mat. 24:13-14 (NLT)

Did their murderers stop God by killing the prophets and apostles? No, and the servants of God have changed the world.  Are you changing the world? Am I? There may be, or there may come, persecution for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. For showing the world a better way to live. God’s way. A way that is based on love. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

Yes, as a servant of God, what a horrible way to die, but what a wonderful way to live!

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Speeding Ticket

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I like what the author, Jane Rubietta (www.JaneRubietta.com), an excellent writer and even better speaker, wrote concerning the picture included in this post.

“The no-hurry sunrise is always on time. I love the speed limit sign and the streetlights arching over the road. Just waiting.”

The photo speaks a thousand words, but I will try to keep it to 350 or so. First, it reminds us that another day is coming. The troubles of yesterday may get us down, but God says his mercies are new every morning. I would also add his grace, strength, and comfort, amongst other things that we need.

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left. Lam. 3:22-24 (MSG)

The photo reminds us to slow down and not speed through the day. Last week, a guy got caught doing 125 mph in a 65 mph zone! Do you think he noticed any details in life? Or the State Trooper sitting on the side of the road? We need to pause or stop and look around. Notice God. See his hand active in our lives. Pay attention to the work He is continuing in your life to form your nature to be like his. One of love in all things.

Most of us, me included, get in a hurry for God to accomplish something in our lives.

There are times when the “journey” becomes more valuable than the end result.

God is active whether we see it or not. While you are waiting, see his handiwork with nature. It is Spring here in America right now. I don’t know the names of the trees, but some have been so beautiful! I told April, “Look. Aren’t they pretty? Enjoy them today because the blooms will be gone soon.” A few days later, they were. Okay. I have reached 350 words, so I will end this post. I think the message has been said.

Blessings!

(Okay, how many of you thought this post was going to be about me getting a speeding ticket?)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Do You Really Believe I Don’t Exist?

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Have you ever noticed how easily people are persuaded to believe one thing over another? They hear someone who comes across as halfway intelligent, and they think they must know what they are talking about! Just because someone uses big words or overwhelms you with “so-called facts” doesn’t mean they are right! There are a lot of smart people out there, but the problem is they define “truth” their way. They will try to convince you that how “they” live is the right way to live. Then, some yell and scream to be heard over the crowd. Are they right?

“Who talked you into the pursuit of this nonsense,
    leaving me high and dry,
    forgetting you ever knew me?
Because I don’t yell and make a scene,
    do you think I don’t exist?
I’ll go over, detail by detail, all your ‘righteous’ attempts at religion,
    and expose the absurdity of it all.
Go ahead, cry for help to your collection of no-gods:
    A good wind will blow them away.
    They’re smoke, nothing but smoke.

“But anyone who runs to me for help
    will inherit the land,
    will end up owning my holy mountain!” Is. 57:11-13 (MSG)

It’s challenging to convince someone that God’s way to live
is the best way if they have never tried it!

They will often vomit their objections, and the truth is that they are sick. In fact, they are so sick they are dying. For not accepting God’s gift of salvation via his Son, Jesus is eternal death. So what do we do as those who have been enlightened? We keep praying for them, and we live our best lives with God in front of them. Almost obnoxiously so they can see how much better our life is with God than their life is without. Not that our lives are perfect, but we walk through it with God in front of us. Perhaps they will become jealous and give in. Then, they will say:

All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Him, I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

All to Jesus, I surrender
Humbly at His feet, I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me, Jesus, take me now

All to Jesus, I surrender
Lord, I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Thy love and power
Let Thy blessing fall on me

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour
I surrender all

Song – “I Surrender All” by Don Moen

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

She’s Poisonous

/ Mark Brady / 3 Comments
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When I was a teenager, I was hunting crawdads to go fishing with. I had knelt in shallow water so I could grab them. Then, I noticed the tail of a snake dangling near me. He was in a willow tree, which I knew they liked. To see if I was in real danger, I needed to find its head and see if its eyes were slitted or not. In Oklahoma, all poisonous snakes have slitted eyes. I spotted it, and it was about 6 inches from my nose. His eyes were not slitted, so he was just a regular water snake.

The older woman looked nice. Not an auburn hair out of place. No doubt due to the amount of hairspray she had used. Her clothing looked like an outfit purchased from Neiman Marcus. Sorry, I forgot to notice her shoes. In the last two weeks, April and I learned all we needed to know about this woman, even though our conversations only lasted a few minutes.

Every Sunday, she goes to the same Chinese restaurant right after church. The first week, I invited her to join us so she would not have to eat alone, but she responded, “Thank you, but whenever I dine with people, I focus on them, and I don’t get to enjoy my food.” The second week, I said, “Because you’re dressed so nicely, you must go to church before coming here.” “Of course, I go to church,” she responded rather sharply. “That’s good. Which one?” “I go to (name of church). It used to be called (old name of church). I don’t know. I guess someone got into the ear of the pastor and convinced him we needed to change the name of the church to attract younger people.” Then she went on to inform me that she plays the organ there and wanted me to know that she had for 57 years! I said, “You must be good.” “Of course I am!” It was at that moment I looked into her eyes. In my spirit, I heard, “She’s poisonous!”

When April and I got in the car, I told her what I heard in my spirit. Then I said, “I don’t want to be around her ever again. April, who has the gift of discernment, agreed. So why is she poisonous?

She doesn’t like or love people. She would rather sit alone and eat her meal.

She doesn’t like change. She likes things the way they are. Don’t you dare suggest she do something new or different. She will dig her heels in and give you an attitude like changing the name of the church.

She is full of pride. “Well, I’ve played the church organ for 57 years! I’m good at it!” Again, she doesn’t like change.

She is selfish. She wants everything to go “her” way.

She won’t listen to the Godly. She has heard messages from her pastor, yet she hasn’t changed. She has most likely ended relationships with people of God. Probably because they tried to encourage her to “love.” She hears God’s words preached, but they fall on hardened soil. A hardened heart. They take no root. They produce nothing beautiful in her life.

Sadly, she will never change. She will never become a vessel of God’s love.

In my life, I have come across others like her. One thing I have also learned is poisonous people hurt people. They will strike and bite you and feel they are doing it to defend themselves. Therefore, it is best to avoid snakes, poisonous people. I don’t know if she will make it into heaven or not. That is solely up to God, but I do know one thing: God doesn’t care much for snakes!

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

God is AMAZING!

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I have written in many posts that God knows what we are going through and cares, no matter how insignificant it may seem compared to everything else going on in the world. It matters to me; therefore, it matters to God. I have testified that He knows every answer to every question and loves to help us find a solution to our issue if we only ask him. In this post, I will show you.

I am currently working on remodeling the upstairs of our house. Turning it into a small apartment. The floorplan of our home makes this work without interruption to anyone living on the first floor. Why? So, after I leave this Earth, April can rent it out as another stream of income. Until then, we are hoping to use it to minister to people in need. A missionary home for a month or two, a woman who needs a safe place to stay to escape an abusive relationship, etc.

Yesterday, I was trying to screw a shower control to a backer board. The issue is this; you have to put the screws in from the bathroom side. The distance to the holes where the screw goes into is about 4 inches away in the room behind the shower. I was by myself. I got very frustrated after every failed attempt. Nothing was working. I needed someone to help, but there was only God. I stopped trying and mentioned it to April, but she is currently working overtime and was very tired. I understood.

I laid there in bed last night thinking, “How am I going to do this by myself?” Then, I asked God for help. Seconds later, I saw an image of a screw sticking out of a plastic straw. (See photos below.) Then I saw the screwdriver sliding into the straw and turning the screw. I realized the straw would hold the screw and keep it from falling.

Today, I tried it, and of course, it worked! In a couple of minutes, I got both screws put in. I laughed and cried out, “God, you are so amazing!” Then, in full disclosure, I started crying. I know I am not perfect, and I mess up a lot! I don’t deserve his help, his concern, his love, or his Son, Jesus. But if you know God, then you know there is no stopping him from loving us. Some may say, “Why didn’t you use a magnetic screwdriver?” Like Gene Kranz told his team in the movie “Apollo 13”, “We can only use the equipment they have up there.” In other words, I don’t have a magnetic screwdriver.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38-39 (NLT)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb. 4:16 (NIV)

What do you need help with? Have you asked God? Go ahead. I dare you! And be prepared to be amazed.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

God on Yelp*

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Do you know God for yourself, or do you listen to other’s reviews of God? Do you look to see if He got five out of five stars? When it comes to restaurants, I tend to shy away from reviews. Unless the testimonial comes from someone I know and trust. I have learned that people tend to write reviews if they have a bad experience. Especially when it comes to places of business that offer a service. For all I know, a good write up for a business could have been written by the owner!

There are as many reasons why someone rejects God as there are people. One man I know feels as if he would have to change how he is currently living, and he doesn’t want to. Another man stays away from God because he was assaulted (I was led to believe, sexually) by his minister when he was young. Some people even judge how those who “go to church” or call themselves, “Christians” live and decide they are just as good as them if not better and they may be. One lady told me God didn’t answer her prayer when she was a little girl and to her that meant there was no God. I had a family member who said he didn’t want to be told how to live his life. In other words, he thought accepting God meant you had to live by a church’s set of rules.

I could go on and list more reasons I have heard but the bottom line is the same. These individuals are rejecting God and His Son, Jesus Christ. What they fail to realize is this; when they stand before God, he will only be interested in them and if they know Him. They may try to list their grievances, but it won’t matter. You either accept God or reject him. God means life eternal, and no God means death for eternity.

When it comes to God, people will share their opinion totally based on their experience, much like leaving a review on Yelp*. If you base your decision to accept God or not on one’s opinion, then you very well could get mislead. So where does that leave you? The one true thing you can do to help you decide if you want to accept God or not is to read what He says about himself.

But I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way,
    who can’t see where they’re going.
I’ll be a personal guide to them,
    directing them through unknown country.
I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take,
    make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.
These are the things I’ll be doing for them—
    sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.”
17 But those who invested in the no-gods
    are bankrupt—dead broke. Isa. 41:15-16 (MSG)

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God, Isa. 43:2? (MSG)

God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will.
    Expect love, love, and more love! Jer. 31:3 (MSG)

“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.

Eating Out

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April and I like to try a different restaurant whenever we can. Picking one that April has never been to so she can get a taste of American establishments and also so she can make suggestions if out with her friends. It can be kind of fun and exciting but disappointing as well.

Recently, we have started praying and seeking God concerning going to a different church. Unlike trying a new place to eat, I don’t like going to a new place and meeting new people. A lot of people feel the same way, I think, and they stay in their current church.

Where you attend a church service is essential. It is a source of spiritual food. One part of the spiritual nutrition pyramid. Some of the others would be praying and reading your Bible. Part of a balanced diet in your relationship with God. Hopefully, the minister seeks God every week to see what he should be feeding his flock from the whole word of God.

April and I have discovered the use of modern technology to check out churches. There is one church near our house that we were considering. The other day, we found their services online and proceeded to watch. The minister wasn’t very engaging and seemed to talk about whatever Bible verse popped into his head. It seemed as if he had no outline and central subject to his sermon. I looked at April and said, “I’m not getting spiritually fed. Are you?” She agreed this wasn’t the place for us.

Now, there certainly isn’t anything wrong with the messages from our current church, except they are a bit basic. We like the pastor and what the church practices. We understand why the sermons are for new Christians; the church leads a lot of people to God. Perhaps we are hungry for more. The other issue is the people aren’t all that friendly. They come in late and rush out as soon as the service is over, so it is hard to make connections. We tried last summer to join a home group, but the leader never called us. I guess he liked his home group the way it was. I don’t know to him! (A Filipino phrase April taught me.)

Where you attend church is very important. You should find a place where you get a good balanced diet of the word of God and how to apply it to your life so you can grow spiritually and in your relationship with God. You should find a place with people similar to you (like precious faith) so you can connect with them and do life together. Supporting each other. Rejoicing when they rejoice and weeping when they weep. Don’t get so comfortable, like in an old pair of jeans, where you are going, that you don’t notice if you are getting fat on the word or if you are starving.

1 From Simeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, have been granted a faith just as precious as ours. 2 May grace and peace be lavished on you as you grow in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!
2 Ptr. 1:1-2 (NET)

Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down.
Rom 12:15 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

You Have Everything Drawkcab

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Image by Julius H. from Pixabay

13-14 The Master said:
“These people make a big show of saying the right thing,
    but their hearts aren’t in it.
Because they act like they’re worshiping me
    but don’t mean it,
I’m going to step in and shock them awake,
    astonish them, stand them on their ears.
The wise ones who had it all figured out
    will be exposed as fools.
The smart people who thought they knew everything
    will turn out to know nothing.”

15-16 Doom to you! You pretend to have the inside track.
    You shut God out and work behind the scenes,
Plotting the future as if you knew everything,
    acting mysterious, never showing your hand.
You have everything backward!
    You treat the potter as a lump of clay.
Does a book say to its author,
    “He didn’t write a word of me”?
Does a meal say to the woman who cooked it,
    “She had nothing to do with this”? Isa. 29:13-16 (MSG)

Don’t be someone who gets their relationship with God drawkcab (backward). Know your place. Never forget who the Master is. I have come across some who get it wrong, and the result is they hurt people! And the worst part of it is they don’t realize it or ever admit it. It really is a sad sight to behold. If you do meet one, all you can do is pray for them because experience has taught me that they won’t listen.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Scratching in Public?

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Occasionally, I’ll come across people scratching off lottery tickets while still at the store. It’s almost like they are at a “Lottery Bar,” and after a card is scratched, they tell the person at the counter, “Hit me again.” They sometimes will stand there for a while hoping, but spending on more cards the few dollars they win. They are taking a “chance” to win it big! Going from struggling to living on “Easy Street.” They don’t want to wait or work for it, but instead have it given to them as if they deserve it.

Some people have a similar attitude toward living life. They hope for things to change quickly and for the better. It seems as if these same individuals resist doing what they can to change things. They wind up leaving “life” to chance!

But they don’t have to.

If a person will give their life to God, accept his Son, Jesus, and ask for the forgiveness of their sins their wrongdoings, then they will enter a life where God will want to bless his new child who has entered into his family. Yes, there are Godly principles (not rules) to live by that make a difference in how your life goes. Now, I would be irresponsible if I told you that nothing bad will ever happen to you again. But if and when it does, God is there to lead you and guide you through it. And while experiencing an uncomfortable time, He is also there to comfort you. You may not understand why you are going through this, or you are asking, “What does this have to do with God’s plan?”

But if you trust him with the question, then you can trust him with the answer, whether you know it or not.

You don’t have to leave your life to “chance” but instead can have divine direction and deliverance. You won’t need to stand before God, “hoping” or “scratching” your way through life! Instead, you can be confident that the one who loves you more than you will ever know is right there with you. Oh! And please don’t scratch in public!

Don’t panic. I’m with you.
    There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
    I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isa. 41:10 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

He Knows

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He’s learned it all from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who knows everything about when and how and where.
Isa. 28:29 (MSG)

This also comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel [and] excellent in wisdom and effectual working.
Isa. 28:29 (AMPC)

This lesson comes from the Lord of heaven’s armies. He gives wonderful advice. He is very wise. Isa. 28:29 (ICB)

All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. Isa. 28:29 (NIV)

This also comes from the Lord of armies, Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great.
Isa. 28:29 (NASB)

This also comes from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
who gives supernatural guidance and imparts great wisdom. Isa. 28:29 (NET)

Have you got it yet? No matter what version of the Bible you read, you learn in Isaiah 28 verse 29 that God knows, and He doesn’t mind sharing with you what He knows – IF YOU ASK! God knows everything about everything.

Just yesterday, I was putting up wood panels that interlock on a wall and struggling to get two pieces to go together. After getting frustrated, I paused and asked God what to do. Instantly, I got the inspiration to use my mini crowbar and lift the edge of the panel strip already attached to the wall. Of course, it worked! I got wisdom from God.

I know remodeling a wall is so minor compared to serious issues in the world, but at that moment, it mattered to me, and God cared. He knows what you are facing and going through. He cares! If you want his help and ask, He will give you what you need to know about “when,” “how,” or “where.” And I would add “what” as well. Why? Because He loves you so much.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.