Jesus

Path of Totality

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Photo by Israel Harmon

I started writing this blog post after witnessing the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. I witnessed the celestial event in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We were not in the “Path of Totality,” but the moon blocked 95% of the sun. It was pretty awesome.

The phrase “Path of Totality” resonates seriousness, all-consuming, and is a moving event. Of course, the ones who came up with it meant it as the areas of the country where the moon will totally block out the sun. But it made me think of individuals I know who are struggling with life and, even worse, with accepting God. Needless to say, if they don’t correct their path in life, they may soon find the end of it with total destruction.

It’s sad to witness someone travel such a path. Even an untrained eye can see countless opportunities they have had to accept God and his Son, Jesus, into their life, but for their own reasons, they don’t. They keep fighting it, like Saul did, until the day he was on a path to Damascus. That is when he got an up-close and personal look at Jesus Christ in all his glory. It’s as if their heart is being eclipsed by darkness.

Some may argue that not everyone has the same introduction, but I would say, if that is what it took for someone to believe finally, then perhaps if they took a closer look, they would see that they, too, have had that opportunity. I am saying they have seen Jesus up close and personally through those who are true Christians. The very title means “little Christ ones.” We believers are called to be imitators of Jesus. Jesus himself claimed that he only did what he saw his Father in heaven do.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Acts 9:3-6

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19 (NIV)

Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1 (AMP)

If you are on such a “Path of Totality,” then stop. Get off of it now, today! Take off the glasses that you think are protecting you but are actually keeping you in total darkness. Step out from behind them, accept Jesus into your life, and start walking in light. Your new life will be pretty awesome!

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Empty?

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“I grew up in “nothing” land. I mean, the landscape is sparse! There are no good jobs in the area, and most homes are filled with broken relationships. I don’t know why people choose to live there or stay there, for that matter. There is nothing to look at, nothing to do, and nowhere nice to go.”

Those were the words of a young doctor I met a few months ago. He grew up in a town between Seatle and Spokane, Washington. He was surprised I had driven through there and understood what he meant. (The included photo is the only one I took while driving through.) Then I asked him, “So, how did you get to Tulsa?”

I don’t recall his whole story today, but I do remember that he said several times, “As I was growing up in that wasteland, I kept saying to myself, ‘There has to be more.’” He shared with me that he took note of how bad people had it there. He didn’t want to end up as another empty life dying in Nothingville.

Somehow, we wound up talking about God. His journey of growing up in a wasteland helped him find God because he knew there had to be more to life. It always amazes me the different ways God will reveal himself. I once worked with a guy whom God was pursuing. He wasn’t sure he could believe in God. That was until he visited the Grand Canyon. That is where he invited Jesus into his life.

“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.
“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. Jer. 29:13 (MSG)

By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken “he pleased God.” It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. Heb. 11:6 (MSG)

Look for God. Find God. Accept God. Don’t keep walking around feeling empty inside. God will fill your heart and your life. He will give you a reason to live. The young doctor is now married, has a baby daughter, and is looking forward to when he can move back to Washington and share God with those walking around on “Empty.”

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Care

/ Mark Brady / 4 Comments

The day I am writing this post is my wife’s birthday. She has reached that point where she no longer wants to tell her age. I’m not going to tell you either, but it is eighty divided by two. Being such a milestone, I waited for her to fall asleep last night, and then I got up and decorated our dining room. The whole works! Flowers, card, streamers, balloons. In the refrigerator was a cake and some ice cream. I even got those gold mylar number balloons. I gotta say, it looked good.

The next morning, I hid out in the pantry in the dark and waited for her to enter the dining room. and turn on the light. I had the video camera rolling. Her reaction warmed my heart. She loved it.

I posted on Facebook recently that I get nervous when reacting to someone’s serious post with the correct emoji. The “Care” and “Laughing” ones are right next to each other. I mean, you don’t want to “laugh” when there has been a death in the family or something. A few friends commented that they had indeed accidentally clicked on the wrong one.

The Bible encourages us to laugh with those who laugh and to weep with those who mourn. Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Rom. 12:15 (AMPC) It’s important to take the time to let others know we care about what is happening in their life. Jesus demonstrated this as well.

In John 11:35, we read that when he got to the house where his friend Lazarus had died and saw, heard, and then felt the grief, He wept. I don’t think he did so because his friend was gone for, He knew what was about to happen, but because his friends were sorrowful.

I wrote about Lazarus once, and a friend asked me, “What makes you think Lazurus wanted to come back to life?” The question stumped me for several days. After asking God for wisdom in the situation, I heard in my spirit, “It didn’t matter if he wanted to or not. When he heard the voice of Jesus say, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ he wanted to be obedient.”

People matter to God. They are more important than the work of the ministry. There will be, and are, times when people interrupt our busy schedules. But I encourage you to stop and take the time to just “be” with them in the moment. Listen to them, and when you do speak, they will know your words are true and from your heart because they will feel you care about them and what they are going through, just as God does.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Hacked

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Image by Pete Linforth via Pixabay

Individuals are getting hacked all the time these days, especially on social media. I know my Facebook account got hacked once. Just the other day, a friend told me someone, or a group, got into her “X” (formally Twitter) account. There is even a company now you can pay to try to guard you against hackers getting your personal information and securing loans or, worse, draining your bank accounts.

A few years ago, I took a nap on a Saturday. When I woke, I looked at my phone and saw an email from my bank. I had set up a “Withdrawal Alert” whenever more than a set amount came out of any of my accounts. The email informed me that $9000 had been transferred from my savings. I immediately called the bank and told them I didn’t do it and didn’t authorize it. They finally stopped treating me like a criminal, a “guilty” party, after two hours. I told them the people responsible were tied to the account where the money went. I got the money back, and I have greater security today.

But what happens when someone’s heart gets hacked? What do I mean by that? An individual, perhaps raised in a church, knows right from wrong and believes in God even, but Satan found a way into their heart and, as a result, into their life. His presence in their heart could cause them to act in a way that is no longer pleasing to God. It could cause them to say and do things that are not right. You don’t think it could happen? What about Judas?

Judas was one of Jesus’ disciples. He heard the teachings and saw the miracles. In fact, he probably had a front-row seat. I can only guess he was in attendance every time.

Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them. John 12:4-6 (MSG)

Jesus said, “The one to whom I give this crust of bread after I’ve dipped it.” Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him.

“What you must do,” said Jesus, “do. Do it and get it over with.” John 13:26-27 (MSG)

See, the scriptures point out that Satan “hacked” into Judas’ heart. He found a way in, and he caused Judas to betray Jesus. The sad end to Judas’ life is he knew he had sinned. He gave the money back to the priests, well, tried to. They didn’t want it because they knew it was now dirty. After Judas did this act, he judged himself and committed suicide. I know that if he had gone to Jesus and asked for forgiveness, Jesus would have done so.

If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—simply come clean about them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. 1 John 1:9-10 (MSG)

Guard your heart by guarding your mind. Bring every thought into captivity. For what you think, you begin to believe. And what you believe, you start to speak and act upon. Don’t let your heart get hacked. You won’t be guilty, and your life will be “locked,” secured for eternity.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Keeper of the Light

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

On a small parcel of sand along the North Carolina coast sits an old, tall lighthouse. People in the area have found comfort for years in knowing that every night, the light was on.

“Remember, Son, you’re a keeper of the light. And the light must always be on to dispel the darkness so that those who are lost may find their way home.” “Yes, Father. I won’t forget.” “I’m serious. You’ll grow up. You’ll get busy. You will even have a girlfriend someday.” “No way! Not a girlfriend. Ewe! Yuk!” “And the light that is within you will slowly grow dim.”

As hard as he tried, little by little, the light that was within him grew faint but not totally extinguished. His father passed quickly due to cancer while he was in junior high, and his mother died while giving birth to him. After the funeral, he went to live with his aunt and uncle in New York City, the city that never sleeps. Life sped up, and he faced unforeseen challenges that he had never expected. He had never experienced such darkness before.

The son grew up. Graduated from high school and then college. That is where he met his wife. They married, and he landed a good-paying job as an investment banker in Manhattan. Three years later, they had a baby girl. He and his wife talked about going to church. Giving their young daughter the same upbringing they had with an introduction and education about God. But there didn’t seem to be enough time to live their busy lives and get a satisfactory amount of sleep.

As their custom, the now middle-aged man meets up with his buddy and coworker on the “Q” Line subway platform. They greet each other as they wait for their train. A young man approaches them and hands each a little booklet. “Jesus loves you,” he said to them. His buddy looked at the pamphlet and said, “Oh man, this is one of those Jesus tracks. I didn’t know anyone did this anymore.” He threw it down to the concrete. But as he looked at his, he noticed on the cover was a lighthouse with a beam of light going out. He felt something inside of him remember, “Keeper of the light.”

The words of his father came screaming back into his mind, into his soul. He knew at that moment that he needed to change how he was living. He knew he needed to be a spiritual leader in his home, to his buddy, and to the world. He realized he needed to help people who are spiritually lost find their way home.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Mat. 5:14-16 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Why They Killed Jesus

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“You think if you don’t fight back then maybe they’ll like you, stop picking on you and calling you a freak? Well, here’s what it is. They don’t like you; they don’t dislike you. They’re afraid of you. You’re different. Sooner or later, different scares people. Victim or not? Make a decision.”

Christian Wolf’s father from the movie, “The Accountant.”

I live close to where a young high school girl recently committed suicide. The tragic event made national news. She killed herself the day after an incident in her school had taken place. She had been bullied for her decision to label herself as “non-binary.” I had not heard of that term, so I looked it up. From what I understand, it means one does not identify as being a male or female. “It” is the only pronoun that can apply in that situation. That’s sad!

I think the above quote definitely fits the young woman’s situation. She was different, and her classmates didn’t understand her; therefore, they were uncomfortable around her. I think Jesus Christ found himself in a similar situation. Not regarding his gender or sexuality but by being different. Some were drawn to him and his message and life demonstration of love. Others weren’t.

Several, especially the religious leaders of the day and those who wielded power, did not accept Jesus. He acted so differently than them. He didn’t condemn the guilty, and he was able to heal the sick and the lame. He showed that he had power over nature and even death! Jesus was so different than them that they became afraid of him instead of believing in him. His wisdom, message, and way of life baffled them! As a result, either out of fear of losing control of the masses or they were sick and tired of hearing his name, they decided to kill him. They did not try to understand Jesus. That’s sad!

But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. 1 Cor. 2:14 (AMPC)

Lean 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. Pro. 3:5 (AMPC)

Don’t let your life come to a sad end. Open your heart to Jesus and God’s love, whether it makes sense to you or not. Whether you identify as one whom God lovingly and fearfully made to be his son or daughter. God is who you are desperately looking for! He is the answer to all of your questions. Don’t kill the One who offers you hope.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

To Know

/ Mark Brady / 4 Comments
Image by Jupi Lu from Pixabay

To know unconditional love;
is to know God.
To know real forgiveness;
is to know Jesus.
To know perfect direction;
is to know the Holy Spirit.

To know pure laughter;
is to know true friends.
To know great joy;
is to know a child.
To know time;
is to know an elderly person.

To know gratitude;
is to feed the hungry.
To know security;
is to clothe the naked.
To know health;
is to visit the sick.

To know peace;
is to know contentment.
To know lasting hope;
is to know faith.
To know wisdom;
is to know the Word of God.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Mayday

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Image by Alan Dobson from Pixabay

I’ve mentioned before that I don’t always sleep when I should. I suffer from “OMS” (Old Man Syndrome). Sometimes, when this is the case, I will turn on the TV. One of the shows I like to watch in the middle of the night is called “Mayday.” They go over actual airplane crashes and report “70% of all air crashes are due to human error.” At one time, I wanted to be a pilot.

While watching last night, I thought about people who have never accepted salvation. God’s free gift was through His Son, Jesus, when He died on the cross. They think because they aren’t hurting anyone and are basically a good person, then they should go to heaven. According to Romans 3:23, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. You can’t save yourself, and you can never be “good enough!”

There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough;
    look again—it leads straight to hell.
Sure, those people appear to be having a good time,
    but all that laughter will end in heartbreak. Prov. 14:12,13 (MSG)

When they stand before God, they will realize they had a chance to have forgiveness, but they didn’t ask for it. Human error! It is then you may hear them cry out, “Mayday! Mayday!” for they will know they are going down. Crash and burn in hell!

I saw a photo on Facebook the other day. The couple was drinking wine, going to concerts, and, in general, living it up. No one usually posts the hard and ugly side of life. That might be called “Uglyfacebook.” There is life, and then there is eternal life. What we do now in life prepares us for the eternal. Ask Jesus into your heart. Ask him for forgiveness and receive it no matter what you have done in the past. Then move over and let God pilot your life. There may be turbulence, but you will reach your final destination, alive!

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

Service

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Before I retired, I had dreams of living in an RV and traveling across America, seeing the places I still haven’t gotten to. I enjoy traveling and have been fortunate enough to have been to forty-nine of the fifty United States. I have also been to a few international locations. Hong Kong has been my favorite so far.

One of my hair-brain thoughts was to contact Sonic Drive-In and see if I could work for them as an undercover quality control of each location. The plan would include cleanliness, quality of food, and, of course, service time. I will tolerate minor issues with a restaurant if their service is good. Did I mention I love Sonic and their food?

Serving others is important. And how you serve is also important, meaning to do it with the right attitude. Even Jesus once said:

“It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.” Mark 10:43-45 (MSG)

There is a fine line between serving and being taken advantage of, though. I struggle with this distinction sometimes. The other day, I should have helped April, but I was mad at her for not helping me. I knew, in my heart, Jesus would have. I have since apologized for responding incorrectly.

It comes down to “love.” Reacting to someone else’s behavior raises the question, am I going to respond out of “love” or out of my flesh? I’m still learning to choose “out of love” first. And if someone is taking advantage of your goodness, I think it is okay to set limits and boundaries. They are healthy, too, and may help keep your heart from getting hurt and having a negative feeling inside.

“Help us, God, to have your wisdom in the moment and to know what to do and then to do that with love and concern.”

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved

God’s Name in Vain

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“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Exo. 20:7 (NKJV)

Not to use God’s name in vain is one of the Ten Commandments. But have you ever stopped and wondered, “Why?” I hadn’t either. Then, the other day, out of the blue, I believe I got a download via the Holy Spirit as to why.

I used to ride a commuter train in and out of Chicago. If you take it as long as I did, twenty-four years, you will wind up encountering all types of individuals. I was always tempted to write a sitcom based on four friends who commuted together, but it seemed a lot like the hit show, “Friends.”

One day, I came across a lady who used God’s name in vain a lot! I mean all the time. Once, it was just me and her in the vestibule. She did it again, and I said to her, “You know, you using God’s name in vain is so offensive to me. He is my heavenly Father. Why don’t you use your father’s name in vain, instead?” She thought about it for a moment and then said, “I never thought of it that way. I’m sorry.” I don’t know if she quit because I didn’t see her after that.

Because of the greatness of the name of God, any use of God’s name that brings dishonor on Him or on His character is taking His name in vain.

Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Mat. 6:9 (AMPC)

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Prov. 18:10 (ESV)

“Don’t swear falsely using my name, violating the name of your God. I am God. Lev. 19:12 (MSG)

No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name. Deut. 5:11 (MSG)

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of [a]His holy name. Ps. 30:4 (NKJV)

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13 (NKJV)

So is the name of Jesus. His name can do the impossible. It can heal, it can provide for your needs, restore relationships, and, best of all, transform a life.

I could be wrong, but I feel the reason God doesn’t want us to use his name in vain is because it is “wasting it,” if you will. Like his name should be spoken for good. He’s good. Not because you are angry. So, think about it the next time you are tempted to waste God’s name. Misusing it is just downright rude.

If you have used his name wrong in the past, you can ask for forgiveness, and He will do that. Forgive you for the offense and for all the other ones, too.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved