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.

Running On Empty

October 10, 2025September 23, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

In preparation for writing this post, I soon realized that it was going to be difficult. The subject matter is serious and very opinionated. I’m not a trained professional at all, but my observations and lots of thinking, trying to understand, have formed my beliefs.

We have had a lot of mass shootings in America in recent years. At the time of this writing, there was another one last week. It’s sad and tragic, and even more so when the victims are children. Our country has put in place stronger gun control laws, yet shootings still exist, so gun control isn’t the answer. Then there’s the anthem, “Guns don’t kill people, but people kill people.”

So, one must look at the people, the individuals who commit these travesties. We have to ask, “What is going on inside of them that would cause them to ‘act out’ in such a way?” Some are beginning to look more and more at mental illnesses as a leading cause, and they are most likely onto something.

If we had a way to count them, we would probably learn that millions of people suffer from some form or level of mental illness. Many, most likely, use medication to control it. But what about the ones who can’t get the prescriptions or counseling they need? Or worse, what if they have never been diagnosed?

Here is my opinion: Not to overly simplify the problem, I believe, in some sort of way, these individuals are “empty.” In other words, they are not flowing with life. This may lead them to feel they are alone, there is nothing worth living for, or why keep fighting? Some may have issues of feeling abandoned, that no one sees them, or cares. They probably struggle to make sense out of life. They find themselves living with darkness all around them and without peace.

As for why they attack children at a school or people at a church, this may be where they identify their life went dark. Or perhaps this is where they feel individuals stopped caring about them.

If these hurting, empty, living in darkness, individuals could meet Jesus. Hear about his love and care for them, and then feel it. Then, they might just accept him, and their lives could take on a whole new meaning. Doing so could be their turning point. They would, perhaps for the first time, experience the peace they seek, the meaning and fulfillment they need, and start walking with the Light of the world. All confusion about who they are could become clear.

Most likely, these hurting individuals walk amongst us. If we see them, we should be bold to confront them. Share Jesus and his love with them, and then follow up or stay in touch with them. It may take a lot of work to combat the lies of the devil they have been listening to for some time, perhaps, years. But with God’s help and guidance, we can do it. We can rescue these people, and Jesus can deliver them out of darkness and into the light. A significant challenge, but we must try. You never know, but your efforts could save their life and the lives of countless others.

“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. 5:15b-16 (MSG)

“I tried everything. Parties, women, buying expensive jewelry… Nothing helped. There was no peace. Just emptiness inside. When I found Christ, I found what I had been missing all those years.” – Deion Sanders

Heroes of the Faith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Being Goaded?

September 30, 2025September 27, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

People come to God in different ways. I had a coworker who was seeking God. He traveled to the Grand Canyon and declared, “There must be a God!” Sitting on the rim, he accepted God’s gift of salvation, had his sins forgiven, and began his walk with God. Others may be moved by a situation or circumstance that takes place in life.

Saul, from the Bible, was highly educated. He had heard Jesus’ claims and teachings, as it was always a popular topic of discussion. Why? Because Jesus promoted living a life of love. This went against the culture of the day, and to this day! Saul was there when Stephen was martyred. He heard Stephen’s speech and saw his face as it glowed there at the end of his life, and it messed with him severely! Saul was goaded. (Acts 6:8 – 7:60)

Saul eventually accepted Jesus Christ. During his conversion:

And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance]. Acts 9:5 (AMPC)

Goad means – provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate an action or reaction.

More recently, Jimmy Kimmel got teary-eyed when he talked about Erika Kirk forgiving the man who killed her husband. Jimmy, too, is highly educated. He lives a very different life from the one Charlie did, and Erika Kirk still does. I believe Jimmy Kimmel is starting to feel some goads. Erika’s willingness to forgive is messing with his mind. He doesn’t understand how she can do that because it’s the way of love.

Acts of selfless love penetrate one’s mind and spirit.

I guarantee you, there are a lot of individuals walking all around us who are struggling with the message and lifestyle of Jesus Christ and of those who follow him. The Holy Spirit is drawing them quietly to God. That is one of his duties. He convicts men of their sins and shows them they need forgiveness in order to have real life.

If you are related to an individual going through this, or you work with, or live near, pray for them. Pray they will stop fighting against the goads and surrender their will to God’s. Their future and where they spend eternity depend on it. If it is you, then do the right thing and live.

“I Know a Guy”

September 26, 2025August 16, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The phrase, “I know a guy,” seems to be quite popular, especially among men. It’s like saying, “I have an inside track on a deal because of this person I know. He not only knows how to fix it but also gives me a great discount because we know each other.” This implies that he charges more to people he doesn’t know. This can cause one to feel jealous or envious. Like, “Man, I wish I knew a guy!”

There’s a new song in the Christian community titled “I Know a Name.” It’s a great song that we have even started singing in our church services. Below are some of the words:

I know a name that can silence the roaring waves
I know a name that can empty out a grave
I know a name, it’s the only name that saves
And it’s worthy of all praise

I call You, Jesus

I call You, I call You Healer
Risen and reigning in power
Something comes out of the grave
Every time I call You, Jesus
I call You, I call You Savior
Worthy of glory forever
Something comes out of the grave
Every time I call Your name

I have a King with dominion over death
He holds the keys in His holy nail-scarred hands
He is the heel, yeah-yeah
That has crushed the serpent’s head
Our resurrected Great I Am, come on

Every time I call Your name
The gates of Hell shake
Every time I call Your name
Chains break, dry bones wake

Where, oh death, is now your sting?
And where, oh grave, your victory?
Yeah, where, oh death, is now your sting?
And where, oh grave, your victory?
Yeah

Dead things come alive
Dead things come alive in the name

So much power in the name of Jesus
So much power in the name of Jesus
Found my healing in the name of Jesus
I was healed in the name of Jesus
Found my freedom in the name, Jesus
Found my breakthrough in the name, Jesus (come on, sing)

(Songwriters: Jacob Sooter, Steven Furtick, Hank Bentley, Brandon Lake.)

The song proclaims the power in the name of Jesus. One of my favorite lines is, “Dead things come alive.” Things that people have given up on. Had a funeral, so to speak, buried it, and have turned around to walk away. Maybe a marriage, a career gone bad, an infertile womb, a terminal prognosis, an addiction, or wayward children.

Life doesn’t have to be the way it is. I know, because I know a guy. His name is Jesus, and you can know him, too.

“It Is Written”

August 22, 2025July 21, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Early in July, I had the opportunity to work at my local church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). The setting was a campground. The church and sanctuary were transformed into a wilderness. My assignment was to work with the associate pastor in a large tent and to teach the children that week’s memory verse. We enforced the verse through a series of activities to help the kids learn it.

“A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. You must love one another just as I have loved you.” John 13:34

I felt it was fitting that we were inside a tent. To me, it was a parody of “hiding” the word of God in our hearts. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Ps. 119:11 (NIV)

I can’t always remember the location of a scripture verse, but I tend to remember the verse. Some may take issue with that, but I would debate that at least I know “what” is in the word of God. For example, I could remember the above verse, but I could not remember “where” in the Bible it was located but I did an internet search to learn it was in Psalms.

In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus was tempted by the devil three times. The devil even used some scripture but twisted it. And three times Jesus said, “It is written…” He resisted the devil’s temptation by knowing the words of God. (And I point out; he didn’t give the reference, but what was written.)

In the past, church goers were told that the Bible was too complicated or confusing for them to understand on their own, so they should leave the reading and the studying of the Bible to those who had been professionally trained. Knowing what the Bible says for yourself is important! And with today’s easy-to-read translations, the gist of God’s words can be understood.

I feel there are days coming when knowing what is in the Bible for yourself may be key to you not being misled, deceived, sinning, and led astray. Take time to read the word of God and hide its words in your heart. Wrongdoers may be able to take a lot away from you, but they will never be able to take away what is in your heart.

You’re Close!

August 8, 2025July 9, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I have been volunteering at our church’s Vacation Bible School. Last night, the children’s pastor had them play a game where one student went up on stage and was blindfolded. Then he hid a lantern on the stage. That student’s teammates had to “cheer” when the student was moving in the right direction toward the light and “boo” when they were going the wrong way. It was loud!

Watching the fun, I realized, shouldn’t we do the same with people who have not accepted Jesus? I mean, shouldn’t we “cheer” them on when they go in the right direction? And shouldn’t we be loud? Then, likewise, shouldn’t we show our disapproval when we see someone making bad decisions and or walking away from the Light?

People who have not accepted Jesus Christ yet and have had their sins forgiven are indeed blind to the truth. And the devil does everything he can to confuse, distract, or lie to them to keep them away from God. He tries so hard to convince them that they know the way and can do life on their own, their way. The Bible has some things to say about this.

This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. Mat. 13:13 (NIV)

If our Message is obscure to anyone, it’s not because we’re holding back in any way. No, it’s because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won’t have to bother believing a Truth they can’t see. They’re stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we’ll ever get. 2 Cor. 4:3-4 (MSG)

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)

First Place Trophy?

August 1, 2025June 30, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

One man bragged that he had a trophy wife. His buddy said, “Yeah, but she came in sixth place!”

I know a man, and the second time I had a conversation with him, the Holy Spirit whispered, “Watch out for this man. Don’t get too close to him and guard what you say to him.” He started sharing with me his religious trophies. In other words, what he thought he had done “for God,” but in reality, he did them for himself. There was one such trophy that shocked me when he shared it. He seemed proud of it, too, which bothered me. It was something that didn’t seem right, for one who claims to be a Christ follower, to be a part of.

I’m sorry I can’t reveal more about what he told me because it is possible that some who read these blogs know him and I have always strived not to expose people for what they are, but to make a point. Who this man is isn’t important, but his being “religious” is!

Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world. Jam. 1:26-27 (MSG)

Focusing on the part of the above verse that is labeled as “Real religion” is really about “love.” God’s love. Simply loving on people. Bob Goff wrote a book about it titled “Love Does.” I’ve had the opportunity to hear Bob speak in person. One story he shared I can’t forget.

He said he was picked up at the airport in a limo. On his way to his hotel, he asked the young driver, “Have you ever ridden back here?” “No,” said the chauffeur. Bob says he thought for a moment and then said, “Why don’t you pull over and get back here and I’ll drive for you.” “What?” exclaimed the driver. “Of course, if we do this, you have to let me wear the hat!” They exchanged places. The young man had never been shown or felt such love.

Doing something out of the ordinary for someone else gets their attention. They sit up and start paying attention to why this person is different than anyone they have ever met. Many times, they will even ask, “Why are you doing this?” Or, “Why are you different?” Jesus dined with tax collectors, and they were considered bad people. He became friends with a woman caught in adultery. He understood and didn’t condemn when a woman went against her culture to touch the hem of his garment.

Those people didn’t see “religion,” they saw “love in motion.” Jesus never dragged out his trophies of all the miracles he had performed and showed them off. He never had the disciples stop and polish them either. Jesus simply loved, and talked about his heavenly Father and a better way to live.

God Has a Secret

July 1, 2025June 18, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I can’t recall when or how God told me his secret, but He did. It might have been a dream, or perhaps a thought all of a sudden came into my mind. I do remember thinking, “Why me? I can’t be the best Christian on Earth right now. Not even close!”

My next thought was, “What am I to do with this secret? Keep it? Spill it to everybody? Convey it in a video blog and post it on Facebook and YouTube? I did feel honored, though. Actually, kind of special. Then I wondered if this was how Mary felt when the angel of the Lord revealed to her that she would have God’s Son, Jesus.

Wow! I know God’s secret. Before this, I only knew Victoria’s Secret. Do you want to know what God’s secret is? Of course, you do. Humans are naturally curious. If I tell you, will you respond correctly? Will you share it with others? Will you place the right amount of importance on it? I hope so.

Have you ever noticed those videos, like on Facebook, where they say they are going to share with you the secret to something? But all they do is talk around the secret or about the secret, trying to get you to click on a link and eventually get money out of you. Those are annoying.

Okay. Here it is; God’s secret is when his Son, Jesus, will appear in the sky above the Earth and call his church home. The religious word for that event is the Rapture. God didn’t tell me his secret. In fact, He hasn’t told anyone, not even his Son, Jesus. And here is why I think that is. If He did, people would live a life pleasing to God right before the event would take place, only to escape going to hell. God wants people to love him and accept his Son, Jesus, and then live a life in his presence, loving others and sharing the gospel with them, hoping they would enter his kingdom.

Share God with others as if Jesus’ return is today, and it very well could be. Compel them, Luke tells us in his gospel, to come into the kingdom of God, to join his family. Tell everyone about God’s secret. Now that I have told you, will you respond correctly? Will you share it with others? Will you place the right amount of importance on it? I hope so.

“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.” Mat. 24:36 (MSG)

¹⁶For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thes. 4:16-17 (KJV)

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23 (KJV)

Was That an Angel?

June 27, 2025June 19, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed.” The writer of Hebrews encourages us to show hospitality. “Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!” (Heb. 13:2)

Many years ago, I was the best man at a friend’s wedding. I’m sure there were many better men than me there, but that was the title and role I was asked to serve. Having a small amount of authority at the event, it was brought to my attention that a man was seen stuffing cake into a napkin and placing it inside his pocket. I approached the gentleman and started the interrogation. “Friend of the bride or groom?” I asked. The man put his head down and said he would leave quietly.

As I convinced him he was okay to stay, I soon learned he was homeless and hungry. The wedding and reception were ending, and I asked him to stay put while I completed my duties. He did.

I told him he could spend the night in my apartment. On the way there, we stopped at a Burger King. He ate as if it was his first time eating in months, and perhaps it was for a hot meal. After getting home, I realized he needed his clothes washed and a shower. I offered both to him, and he accepted. Then I found out that those were his only clothes, so we went into my closet, and he picked out a shirt and a pair of pants. The only problem was he was much taller than me. So, after he went to bed, I let out the hem as much as possible.

I slept on the sofa, and the next morning, I fixed him a hearty breakfast and packed a lunch. I invited him to my church, but instead, he asked to be dropped off in town. I did. Later, I started crying as Matthew 25:36 came flooding into my mind.

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

Ever since that night, I have wondered if I indeed entertained an angel. Never once did I fear for my life while that man was in my presence. Instead, I felt good for helping someone in need.

Being able to help someone with resources means living within your means. That way, you can meet someone else’s needs. One of the reasons April and I got the upstairs of our home remodeled was so we could offer a safe, warm place to one who needs to feel full, comfortable, and secure.