“It’s Not Fair! I Wasn’t Ready!”

January 27, 2026January 9, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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. ¹⁵A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. ¹⁶A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. ¹⁷How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. ¹⁸And pray that your flight will not be in winter. ¹⁹For 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. ²⁰In 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. ²²For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. ²³Watch 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,
²⁵the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

²⁶Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷And 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. ²⁹In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. ³⁰I tell you the truth, this generationwill not pass from the scene before all these things take place. ³¹Heaven 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. ³³And 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. ³⁵You, 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. ³⁶Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. ³⁷I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

The Lighthouse

January 16, 2026December 19, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I’ve always liked lighthouses. At one time, I had a large collection of them. It grew so big because once people knew I collected them, that is all they bought me for a gift. A lady in my church collects hippos. Her husband says, “They are everywhere!” I let my lighthouses go when I thought I was going to move into an RV and travel as my retirement. In an RV, you can’t collect much of anything except perhaps stickers of where you have been.

I think I am drawn to lighthouses, like a bug at night, because of what they symbolize: light penetrating the darkness. There is a lot of darkness in our world these days, and there has been throughout time. Even when Jesus, the Light of the world, was born, times were dark.

Lighthouses have helped mariners for a long time find their way into safe harbors and away from dangerous rocks. As soon as you flick on a light switch, darkness diminishes. As an analogy in life, whenever I sense darkness, I start turning to Jesus.

As I sat in church last Sunday, while the minister was preaching, I turned my attention to the small Christmas trees decorated with white lights that were behind him. All of a sudden, the thought came into my head, “We celebrate light on a tree on both big celebrations in the Christian faith!” I had never heard that before, but it’s true. You see, Jesus, being Light, hung on a tree, the cross, when He was crucified.

1 ^1-5At the beginning God expressed himself. That personal expression, that word, was with God, and was God, and he existed with God from the beginning. All creation took place through him, and none took place without him. In him appeared life and this life was the light of mankind. The light still shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out. John 1:1-5 (Phillips)

If you are feeling as if your life is being swallowed up by darkness, then you need the Light! If you feel overwhelmed, down, or depressed because of the lack or absence of Light, then perhaps you should consider inviting Jesus into your life. Ask for forgiveness of your sins and then embrace the Light of the world. Immediately, sense his presence, his comfort, and feel hope.

Invite Jesus into every area of your life and allow him to dispel any darkness that may be trying to hide and remain. You don’t have to be afraid of the dark when Jesus is with you. Not sickness, disease, joblessness, financial hardship, homelessness, or even death. One of the best sermons I ever heard lasted about ten seconds. A street evangelist said, “I don’t care what’s going on in life. I would rather go through it with Jesus than without.”

Celebrate Christmas with lights, because that is when Light entered the world. Celebrate Easter, because that is when Jesus, the light of the world, proved He had power over darkness. And admire lighthouses because they’re a symbol of Him guiding you home safely.

Finding Jesus

January 13, 2026December 2, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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.

Welcome to the New Year

January 2, 2026November 22, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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!”

The Fine Art of Returning Christmas Gifts (Like a Holiday Ninja)

December 26, 2025December 26, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The holidays are magical — twinkling lights, cozy cocoa, and… plotting your stealth mission to the returns counter. Because let’s face it, not every gift is a keeper.

1. The “Ohhh… Wow!” Face
When you unwrap something that looks like it escaped from a yard sale in 1987, channel your inner Oscar-winning actor. Smile big, nod slowly, and say, “This is… so… unexpected!” Translation: Where’s the receipt?

2. The Receipt Hunt
Gift receipts are mythical creatures. Without one, you’re stuck with store credit — which is how you end up owning a lifetime supply of “Cinnamon Moose” candles.

3. Re-Gift or Release
Some gifts are too bizarre to keep but too guilt-inducing to toss. Solution? The Re-Gift Stash — a secret vault where questionable presents wait for their next unsuspecting victim.

4. Return Counter Survival Skills
Post-Christmas returns are basically the Hunger Games with shopping carts. You’ll need speed, agility, and the ability to answer “Why are you returning this?” without blurting, “Because it’s ugly.”

5. The Gift’s True Destiny
Returning isn’t ungrateful — it’s matchmaking. Somewhere out there, someone wants that neon sweater with the 3D reindeer nose. And bless their festive little heart.

The best gifts never get returned. They are the ones where the giver knows the person well. Knows what they like and knows what they have need of. The best gifts are held close to the heart.

That is why God gave us His only Son, Jesus. He knows us and knew our greatest need was a savior, not a financial wizard or an educator, or anything else, but someone who could pay the price for our sins. (John 3:16)

When one accepts God’s gift, opens it, if you will, and tries it on, there is no doubt that after feeling the release of bondage, will not want to return it. God’s gift also comes with an instruction book, called the Bible, and I strongly recommend reading it from cover to cover. (It would be interesting if IKEA came out with its own version of the Bible. It would have no words but pictures only.) Don’t be like a typical man and put God’s word in a drawer and think that you can have a relationship with God without reading it. Technically, you can, but if you want to enjoy your gift to the fullest extent, then you will want to read it.

“Thank you, God, for the greatest gift ever, and Happy belated Birthday, Jesus! Love you,”

Getting Excited

December 23, 2025November 14, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When I was a child, as Christmas approached, I would get increasingly excited. I knew we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, but the gifts I received were usually awesome! When I became a father, my excitement grew even more. Not for me, though, but for my children. Why? Because I knew what was coming. I couldn’t wait to see the pure joy on their little faces as they unwrapped their gifts.

The world is facing some tough times. Honestly, without God, I don’t see how people are making it. Where do they find their hope? And where do they place their trust? Is there anything to look forward to? Anything to get excited about?

I have heard, firsthand, stories of individuals who do know God, smiling in the moments before they cross over into heaven. Some even see Jesus coming to welcome them home and to give them a personal escort. I heard of one such story last week. The daughter of the woman who passed said in the final moment her mother started smiling, and the siblings all said in agreement, “Mom, go on home. We will be okay.” And she did. I heard my uncle cried out, “I see him! I see him!” And then he closed his eyes, smiled, and went with Jesus. They got excited because they knew what was coming.

I have read the Bible and have heard countless sermons and teachings about what lies in store for the one who has accepted Jesus Christ. Who has asked for their sins to be forgiven and go on to walk with God. Heaven sounds pretty awesome! Especially when compared to the only other alternative, hell. Yes, times are difficult, but I put my trust and faith in the Lord, God Almighty. He has never let me down before, and I don’t think He will in the future. Personally, I’m not afraid to die. I know in my heart I am ready to stand before God and give an account for how I have lived my life. And honestly, I sometimes get excited about death because I know what is coming!

It’s the Christmas season. I hope there are gifts under your Christmas tree. I hope you have excitement in your heart, not just for the gifts, but for gathering with family and friends. But I hope more that you, too, know and have accepted Jesus into your life, and that is the true source of your excitement. If you have, then you, too, can get excited, for you have the hope of what is coming!

¹ Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). ²Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God. Rom. 5:1-2 (AMPC)

Is He Real?

December 19, 2025November 14, 2025 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I know I had it at the age of four. Logic and problem-solving skills, that is. One day, my older sister and I went Christmas shopping with my mother. At Promenade Mall, we saw at least four Santa Clauses. Of course, none of them looked the same, or like the typical image we think of, and one was even a different race than me. This didn’t sit well.

Then there were all the other problems with Santa. We didn’t have a fireplace in our home, and even if we did, wouldn’t it be too hot for him to come down? And how he allegedly traveled the whole world in one night. I didn’t think so. Not to mention the issue of carrying all those toys. It just didn’t make sense to me. One such movie addressed these issues, but it wasn’t around when I was four.

On the way home, the mystery of Santa Claus became clear. I was excited, so I blurted it out. My sister started crying and screaming, “No! No! It’s not true!” My mother almost wrecked the car trying to reach back and slap my legs out of anger. Then she yelled at me to shut my mouth and not say another word. It was a different time between parents and kids back then, so of course, I obeyed. The rest of the ride home was, can you say, “Awkward?”

After we got home, and my mother put things away, she entered my room. I knew she was still angry with me. She said, “You think you are so smart! If you want to ruin Christmas for yourself, then fine, but don’t you dare ruin it for any other child, including your sister!” (Notice I didn’t say what I figured out here, still keeping my promise to my mother some sixty years later!) I think she then went and told my sister I was wrong, and my sister continued to believe a few more years after that.

To this day, things still have to make sense to me before I can accept them. Having logic and problem-solving skills has served me well all these years. I thank God for those gifts. But one area of my life where I can’t always figure things out is with my faith. One thing hard to understand is how God’s love for us has no bounds. It never runs out, as if each person is allocated a certain amount. And then he gave us his only Son, knowing he would die a horrible, excruciating death on the cross that provides forgiveness for our sins. That blows my mind, and having a son, I’m not sure I could have done the same.

Of course, Jesus’ birth is the whole reason we have Christmas. Talk about divine moments, when the Holy Spirit moved upon Mary and she became pregnant with the Son of God. Wow! She must have felt so special, even though she didn’t understand it all, yet she believed. I’m sure she had more questions than answers. I know, at times, I do.

For instance, the way God does things and his timing. I would certainly like to have him help me figure out his timing. But as I have read his word, the Bible, I have come across scriptures that do help me, especially when things don’t make sense. Like, Isaiah 58:8-9:

“I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree.
“For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” (MSG)

The greatest gift one can receive in life is God’s Son, Jesus. Yes, it can be difficult to accept, but that is where God gave us another gift. “A measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) One doesn’t have to try to problem-solve their relationship with God. And it doesn’t even have to be logical or make sense first before we accept him. All we have to do is believe. Our faith is something we should blurt out to everyone.

God is real. Heaven and hell are real. For that matter, so is the devil. Satan doesn’t want you to believe in God. He tries so hard to keep doubt in your mind. He is the one who proposes questions in your mind that can hinder you from believing and then accepting God into your life. So, knowing what is real, start there. And if you struggle a little, it’s okay. Ask God to help you believe and then grow in your relationship with God. I assure you, it’s the best gift you will ever unwrap in your life.

Why Do You Go to Church?

November 18, 2025November 18, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“Because it’s Sunday.” “I was raised to.” “It makes my mother happy.” “To show off my latest outfit and Louis Vuitton purse.” “I think God takes attendance.” “So, I can talk to someone who accepts me. Otherwise, I’m lonely.” “To try to enlarge my client list.” “To show my spiritual knowledge.”

The truth is, people attend church for various reasons. And while there, their motives may take advantage of others. Sadly, some individuals will go to church to prey upon the weak, the poor, or the young.

Jesus had a few things to say about why we should attend church and what motivates us to do so. We see in Mark chapter 11 that Jesus went into the temple.

He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple. He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late, so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve. (Vs. 11) MSG

They arrived at Jerusalem. Immediately on entering the Temple, Jesus started throwing out everyone who had set up shop there, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of the bankers and the stalls of the pigeon merchants. He didn’t let anyone even carry a basket through the Temple. And then he taught them, quoting this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations;
You’ve turned it into a hangout for thieves.

The high priests and religion scholars heard what was going on and plotted how they might get rid of him. They panicked, for the entire crowd was carried away by his teaching. (Vs. 15-18) MSG

Then, in chapter 12, Jesus continued teaching:

He continued teaching. “Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preening in the radiance of public flattery, basking in prominent positions, sitting at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they’ll pay for it in the end.” (Vs. 28-40) MSG

I must admit I struggled with that last part, “But they’ll pay for it in the end.” Some versions of the Bible say, “they will receive greater damnation.” I spent some time researching the meaning of Mark 12:40. I came upon a very profound explanation via “Copilot”:

In Mark 12:40, Jesus refers to the greater punishment as a severe condemnation for the scribes who exploit widows’ houses and make long prayers for pretense. This punishment is a reflection of the severity of their actions, which were not only hypocritical but also harmful to the vulnerable. The term “greater damnation” suggests that God holds us accountable for our actions, especially when we misuse our power and influence over others.

To fully grasp the weight of Mark 12:40, we must consider the context in which Jesus spoke, which was during a series of confrontations with religious leaders. Just before this, Jesus had been teaching in the Temple, addressing issues of authority and challenging the hypocrisy he saw among those who thought they were righteous. The backdrop of these confrontations was the Temple itself, a place meant for worship, reverence, and connection with God. Yet, the behaviors displayed by the scribes indicated a deep disconnect from the Temple’s true purpose, which is to serve and care for the community.

Then, from Reverend Michael Johnson:

We can guard against spiritual pride by staying humble and recognizing that all our abilities and accomplishments come from God. We should not boast about our spiritual practices or look down on others who may not be as advanced in their faith journey. It is important to remember that true spiritual growth comes through humility and a servant heart, rather than through seeking recognition or praise from others.

To guard against hypocrisy, we must ensure that our actions align with our beliefs and teachings. We should strive to live out our faith in an authentic and genuine way, rather than putting on a facade for others to see. This involves seeking integrity in all areas of our lives and being honest with ourselves about our motivations and intentions. We can guard against the pitfalls of hypocrisy by constantly examining our hearts and striving for consistency between our words and actions.

Application

Think about the scribes from Mark 12:40—condemned for their hypocrisy. Like overloaded employees forgetting honesty, or parents failing to lead by example, they missed the mark. As followers of Christ, let’s be genuine in our service to God and others. Your every action, your every intention, should mirror Jesus’ values of love, compassion, and integrity. Will you step up and live your faith authentically with me?

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!

Paying Attention?

November 4, 2025October 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

It was the trial of the century. A man was being prosecuted and persecuted for violating the Sabbath law by healing on the Sabbath, threatening to destroy the Jewish Temple, practicing sorcery and exorcising people by the power of demons, blasphemy, specifically claiming to be the Son of God, and claiming to be the Messiah.

The trial was taking place at the same time as the Passover holiday, so Jerusalem was at capacity and buzzing. By that time, most had heard of Jesus. They had probably heard his teachings and perhaps even witnessed some of the miracles he performed. They were no doubt moved by his message of love and acceptance. Who knows? Some may have even been fed by him as part of the 5000 men who ate the fish and loaves of bread until they were full.

So, when Jesus was arrested by the rulers of the day, they got scared. A week earlier, they were praising his name, but now they denied they knew him or, at the very least, kept their belief to themselves.

“Those who scream the most and the loudest are usually the ones on the wrong side of Truth!“

Well, as you may know, Jesus was found guilty and sentenced to be crucified on a cross immediately. The rulers of the day, the ones most threatened by the message He shared and lived, wanted him gone, dead, and buried.

Three days later, two men were walking down the road to Emmaus, no doubt discussing the recent events that had taken place concerning Jesus. Perhaps they were trying to see where the other stood on the issues, when out of nowhere, a man they didn’t recognize appeared. It was Jesus. “What are you discussing?” Asked Jesus. “Man! Where have you been the last three days? Stoned? Under a rock?” They were amazed he allegedly didn’t know what was going on. Jesus no doubt wanted to see if they recognized him, and they eventually did.

Would you recognize Jesus if he came alongside you? If you believe in him and who He is, then He is right there next to you. Are you paying attention to what is going on in America right now? At the time of this writing, earlier in the week, we witnessed a man killed for simply, lovingly expressing his opinion. I’m sure he had been threatened or even warned to be quiet, but God had no doubt asked him to be his spokesperson. What happened to “Freedom of Speech?”

As we go forward, we may see more and more persecution in America and around the world against those who stand up and speak Truth. Unfortunately, just like in Jesus’ day, people don’t want to hear the truth. They want to ignore their conscience and live however they want to; that pleases them.

If God asked you to stand up and be noticed for speaking about Him, would you do it? My main character in my novel, “Kill the Preacher Man,” had his life threatened and his family’s if he didn’t stop preaching and being used by God to heal people. He had to face that difficult decision.

I have no idea what the end times will look like exactly, but we need to pay attention, stay in prayer, and have no fear. Like the apostle Paul famously said, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phi. 1:21)

If you would like to read about the interaction of Jesus and the two on the road, turn to Luke 24:13-35. I liked the version by J.B. Phillips.