Why You Should Not Want to Go to Hell

July 17, 2026May 29, 2026 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Hell is hot, loud, miserable, eternal, and has zero customer service. Also, the Wi‑Fi is terrible.

Wooden sign with text 'HELL IS NO JOKE. FIERY WARNING. The wages of sin is death. Repent.' near a smoky, burning canyon — Image generated via AI.

1. The Climate Is… Suboptimal

Hell makes Death Valley in August look like a breezy Colorado morning. If you’ve ever stepped outside in July and said, “Wow, it feels like the devil’s armpit out here,” congratulations—you’ve already experienced the mild setting. Jesus described hell as a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:50). Translation: no shade, no breeze, no Sonic Happy Hour. If you’re thinking, “Well, I like warm weather,” let me lovingly challenge you with eternal consequences. Eternity is a long time to be medium‑rare.

2. The Neighbors Are… Not Ideal

You know that one driver who cuts you off, then slows down, then signals left while turning right? Imagine being stuck behind that guy forever. Hell is full of people who said, “I don’t need God, I’ll do things my own way.” Which is basically the spiritual equivalent of saying, “I don’t need Google Maps, I’ll just vibe it.” Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” In other words, your gut feeling is not always your friend.

3. The Noise Level Is Worse Than a Walmart on Black Friday

Jesus described hell as a place of “wailing.” (Matthew 13:42) Not singing. Not humming. Not even off‑key karaoke. Wailing. Forever. If you’ve ever lived in an apartment with upstairs neighbors who apparently train elephants at 2 AM, you already know the ambiance.

4. Zero Comforts, Zero Breaks, Zero Escape

Hell has:

No vacations
No naps
No iced coffee
No Chick‑fil‑A
No air conditioning
No hope

Revelation 14:11 says the torment “has no rest day or night.” Even your worst Monday has a bedtime. Hell doesn’t. It will be constant torment for eternity.

5. God Doesn’t Want You There Anyway

Hell was never designed for humans. It was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). So, going to hell is basically crashing a party you weren’t invited to…

…except the party is on fire
…everyone is screaming
…and the host hates you.

God’s heart is clear: “He is not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). He literally went to the cross to keep you out of hell.

6. Heaven Is a Much Better Option

Heaven has:

Joy
Peace
God’s presence
No tears
No pain
No death
No HOA fees

Revelation 21:4 says God will wipe away every tear. Hell, meanwhile, hands you a towel and says, “Good luck.” Hell will be missing one key element that heaven will be full of…LOVE.

Final Thought:

Hell is real, terrible, eternal, and absolutely avoidable.
Jesus didn’t just warn us about hell—He made a way out.
And He did it because He loves you more than you can imagine.

God’s rescue plan is not vague, complicated, or hidden. It’s shockingly direct, painfully costly, and unbelievably generous.
Here’s the clearest way to understand it — the way Scripture itself frames it.

The Problem:

The Bible describes the human condition as more than “mistakes” or “bad habits.” It’s a spiritual catastrophe — separation from God, corruption of the heart, and a destiny we cannot escape on our own.

Sin separates us — “Your sins have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:2).
We cannot fix ourselves — “No one is righteous… not even one” (Romans 3:10).
Judgment is real — not because God is cruel, but because sin destroys everything it touches.

This is the “cosmic disaster” — a spiritual death we cannot outrun.

The Rescue:

God’s plan is not advice, not self‑improvement, not religion. It is an intervention.

Jesus enters our world — fully God, fully man.
He takes our place — “He became sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
He absorbs the judgment — the wrath, the penalty, the separation.
He rises again — proving the rescue is complete.

God didn’t send a plan. He came as the plan.

The Offer:

This is where the gospel becomes almost offensive in its simplicity.

Grace — God does the saving.
Faith — you trust what He did.
New birth — God gives you a new heart, new identity, new destiny.

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

You don’t climb to God. God comes down to you.

The Result:

The moment you accept Jesus Christ, the moment you ask Him into your life:

Your sins are forgiven
You are adopted
You are made new
You are sealed for eternity
You become a citizen of heaven

This is not behavior modification. It’s rescue, rebirth, and relocation.

The Response:

God’s plan is complete. The only unfinished part is your response.

Turn to Him
Trust Him
Follow Him

Not by trying harder. By surrendering.

How Many Times do I Have to Say It?

June 16, 2026April 30, 2026 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Fiery glowing heart shape floating in a warmly lit rustic cabin — Image generated via AI..

I did a favor for someone recently. The recipient acted as if they didn’t even notice. They never said, “Thank you.” That bothered me–a lot. So, after a few days, I asked them about the situation. I asked them, “Why didn’t you say thank you?” Their reply shocked me. They responded by asking, “How many times do I have to say it?”

I wanted to say, “How about 70 times 7?” That was Jesus’ response, though to a question about how many times to forgive someone. I couldn’t let it go. I wondered, does this person treat everyone like this? What about “Love thy neighbor?” Would you treat your neighbor that way? They do you a favor, and you don’t even acknowledge it?

The second part of the command to love thy neighbor is to love them as you love yourself. Well, what if a person doesn’t really love themselves? Does that hinder them in saying, “Thank you?” Because they don’t have a heart of gratitude? That would be a problem.

Perhaps they aren’t grateful for what Jesus did for them on the cross.
Maybe the issue is that they have done something they can’t forgive themselves for.
It could be something that happened to them by someone else, but they blame themselves.
Maybe they don’t feel they are worthy of forgiveness.

Whatever it is, it hinders them from having a heart of gratitude and, therefore, being grateful when others do something for them. I pray for them. I pray that whatever is hurting them, hindering them from having a heart of God, a heart of love, would be healed. That they would be able to say, “Thank you” whenever someone does something for them.

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mat. 12:31 (NIV)

Where’s the Beef? Finding Substance in a World of Spiritual Fast Food vs. Soul Food

June 9, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Cheeseburger with lettuce, cheddar cheese, ketchup, French fries, and a glass of water — Image generated via AI.

The question “Where’s the beef?” started as a joke, but it’s become a surprisingly sharp spiritual mirror. In a world full of noise, slogans, and surface‑level inspiration, it’s fair to ask whether the things we consume—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—actually nourish us.

Because let’s be honest: a lot of what passes for “spirituality” today is like a beautifully wrapped burger with almost nothing inside. It looks good, it photographs well, it might even go viral, but when you bite into it… there’s not much there.

So the question becomes: Where’s the substance? Where’s the depth? Where’s the nourishment for the soul?

The Hunger Beneath the Question

When someone asks, “Where’s the beef?” spiritually, they’re really saying:

I want something real
I want something that changes me
I want something that feeds the parts of me I don’t show the world
I want truth, not just aesthetics

That hunger is ancient. Every tradition, every culture, every seeker has felt it. It’s the inner tug that says, there must be more than this.

The Illusion of Fullness

Modern spirituality often gives us:

Pretty quotes without practice
Rituals without meaning
Community without connection
“Love and light” without honesty
Positivity that avoids pain instead of healing it

It’s like eating cotton candy when what you really need is a meal. Sweet, colorful, fun—but it dissolves the moment you touch it.

The Real Beef: Depth, Practice, Presence

Substance shows up in quieter places:

In the discipline of showing up for yourself when no one is watching
In the courage to face your own shadows
In the humility to admit you don’t have all the answers
In the stillness where you finally hear your own soul speak
In the compassion that costs you something

Spiritual “beef” isn’t flashy. It’s not always Instagrammable. It’s the slow-cooked stuff—patience, integrity, forgiveness, truth-telling, inner work. It’s the meal that actually fills you.

How to Tell If Something Has Substance

Does it make you more grounded?
Does it make you more honest?
Does it make you more compassionate?
Does it help you grow, not just feel good?
Does it stay with you after the moment passes?

If the answer is yes, you’ve found something worth keeping.

The Spiritual Twist: The Beef Might Be Inside You

Here’s the part people don’t always want to hear:
Sometimes the question isn’t “Where’s the beef out there?”
It’s “Where’s the beef in me?”

Am I showing up with depth?
Am I living what I say I believe?
Am I nourishing others, or just decorating my life with spiritual language?
Am I feeding my soul, or just scrolling for inspiration?

The real substance often comes from the quiet, unglamorous work of becoming who God wants you to be. Do individuals see substance in me? Do they see the calm they desire but find it out of reach? Do they see God?

So… Where’s the Beef?

It’s in the spiritual practices that stretch you.
It’s in the truths of God’s word that challenge you.
It’s in the moments that humble you.
It’s in the love for others that costs you something.
It’s in the courage to be real in a world obsessed with appearances.

And most of all, it’s in the part of you that refuses to settle for a life that looks full but feels empty. Spending time with God is where the beef really is. Talking to him daily in real conversations. Sharing with him your concerns and your needs, even though He already knows them.

The Heart of a Good Bride

May 26, 2026April 25, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Bride in white lace wedding dress holding bouquet walking down flower-decorated aisle. — Image generated via AI.

June is coming up. A lot of weddings happen in that month. My first one did. It’s probably because it’s the beginning of summer, and the weather is typically nice. So, I raise the question, “What makes a good bride?”

A good bride isn’t defined by perfection or Pinterest boards—it’s about grace, humor, and heart. She’s the woman who remembers that marriage is a partnership, not a performance, and who knows that love matters more than linen colors. A good bride is kind, grounded, and self‑aware. She understands that the wedding is one day, but the marriage is a lifetime. According to relationship experts, qualities like empathy, communication, and teamwork are what truly strengthen a marriage. She’s also authentic. A good bride doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. She knows that vulnerability is not weakness, it’s the glue that keeps love real.

Modern marriage coaches emphasize that a good bride values independence and mutual respect. She’s not losing herself in the process of becoming “Mrs.” but rather expanding her identity to include partnership. She’s confident enough to make decisions yet humble enough to admit when she’s wrong. She also brings a growth mindset—understanding that marriage isn’t about finding someone perfect but about building something beautiful together. When challenges arise, she doesn’t panic; she pivots. She learns, adapts, and keeps choosing love even when it’s hard.

A good bride radiates joy and gratitude. She celebrates the people who helped her get there, the family, and the friends. She’s also thoughtful and understanding, paying attention to the small things that make others feel valued. Whether it’s thanking her vendors or comforting a nervous bridesmaid, she spreads calm in the chaos. A good bride isn’t measured by how flawless her dress looks or how perfectly timed her vows are. She’s measured by how she treats people, how she handles pressure, and how she loves. She’s the woman who can laugh through the rain, dance through the nerves, and say “I do” with a heart full of grace.

The above description is about the qualities that make a good bride. After someone accepts Jesus, they become “the bride of Christ.” One might ask, “Am I displaying the qualities that make me a good bride for Jesus?” Do others witness grace, love, humility, empathy, and good communication? Are you authentic?

I’m sure Jesus desires a bride who is worthy of wearing white. But the good news is this: even if you are not perfect yet, his forgiveness of your sins and wrongdoings can make you white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) When you are about to marry into the family of God, you should realize you are now representing the family. “Never go against the family!” Don Vito Corleone

Your name will change. And the name of the Lord is Holy. The Lord’s name is described as holy, and believers are called to honor it. For instance, 1 Peter 1:16 states, “You shall be holy.” Reflecting the expectation that followers of God should also strive for holiness in their lives.

So, keep in mind the family you are marrying into. Represent it well, and always show forth the love of God that the whole kingdom is built on.

Are You Salty?

May 22, 2026April 21, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Salt-encrusted statue of a robed figure standing on a hill with a fiery, smoke-filled city in the background — A statue resembling a salt-covered figure stands overlooking a burning city in a desert landscape. (Image generated via AI.)

The story of Lot’s wife, though brief, is one of the most sobering moments in Scripture. Found in Genesis 19 and later referenced by Jesus in Luke 17:32 with the simple but piercing command, “Remember Lot’s wife,” her fate stands as a warning that transcends time and culture.

A Brief Look at the Story

Lot and his family were living in Sodom, a city steeped in corruption and moral decay. God, in His mercy, sent angels to rescue them before judgment fell. The instructions were clear: “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back.”

Yet, as they escaped, Lot’s wife looked back—and instantly became a pillar of salt. The text doesn’t tell us her name, but her action speaks volumes. That backward glance wasn’t just curiosity—it revealed a heart still tethered to what God was calling her to leave behind.

Why Did She Look Back?

Her glance was more than a physical act; it was a spiritual one. It suggested:

Attachment to the past – She couldn’t fully let go of the life, possessions, and relationships she had in Sodom.
Distrust in God’s plan – Looking back implied doubt that what lay ahead could be better than what she was leaving.
Divided loyalty – Her heart was split between obedience to God and longing for the world she knew.

The Warning for Us Today

Jesus’ reminder to “Remember Lot’s wife” is not about ancient history—it’s about the condition of our hearts right now.

Don’t cling to what God is calling you to leave.

Whether it’s a toxic relationship, a harmful habit, or a mindset rooted in fear, holding on will only hinder your freedom.

Trust God’s future more than your past.

The unknown can be scary, but God’s promises are always better than the comfort of familiar chains.

Guard against spiritual complacency.

It’s easy to start strong in faith but drift back toward old patterns. Keep your eyes fixed forward, on Christ.

Living With a Forward Focus

Lot’s wife teaches us that obedience is not just about starting the journey—it’s about finishing it with our hearts fully surrendered. The Christian walk is a forward-moving call. Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…”

Reflection Question:

What “Sodom” in your life is God asking you to leave behind without looking back?

(In my humble opinion, I think God used fire to destroy Sodom because the city was filled with individuals who had aids. Anyway, just something to think about.)

The Waiting Room

April 24, 2026April 10, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

An empty chair near a window with sunlight casting warm shadows — Image generated via AI.

At the time of this writing, we just celebrated Easter last weekend. One of the songs we sang mentioned Friday and Jesus’ dying. Even he himself said, “It is finished.” One would think if Jesus said it, then it must really be over. But what about that coming back to life after three days part he used to talk about? It must have been difficult to wait and see if he was telling the truth or just dreaming.

What are you waiting to see what God will do? Lead you to a job or your spouse? Tell you what the next chapter in your life is? Or perhaps heal you? Maybe it’s to provide finances to help you pay a bill. I’m sure whatever it is, it’s difficult to wait. I have a close friend who is and has been waiting for several weeks to get results concerning an issue in his body. I think it is taking a toll on him, even though he portrays faith and bravery.

What is worse, I think, is knowing that God has spoken something, but it has not yet come to pass. I used to ask God, “When will I get married?” All He ever said in reply was, “Soon.” “That’s great! Thanks, God. I’ll put that on the calendar!” According to his watch, I guess it was.

Jesus died on Friday. Saturday must have seemed so dark. Perhaps even hopeless. I believe some of his disciples went back to their old way of life as an answer to the question, “Now what?” You may be on Saturday, in your waiting for an answer from God. Don’t go anywhere. Don’t try to figure out his timing, and for sure don’t take his silence as an answer. Just keep praying, keep asking, and keep believing that He loves you and will take care of you. There is nothing that you can do to force his hand or to speed things up. As if putting an extra $20.00 in the offering plate is going to impress God.

Sitting in the waiting room is hard. If you let the devil play with your mind, fear, worry, dread, and other bad thoughts can creep in. Don’t let them. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NIV) Who wins the battle in your mind, while you are waiting, is key to the victory. You learn a lot about God in the waiting and about yourself. One thing I have learned in life is this: every trial has an end. You just need to make sure that when that day comes, you are still holding the hand of Jesus.

Your Faith

April 17, 2026April 2, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

A detailed reproduction of the Shroud of Turin resting on a wooden table. — Image generated and edited via AI.

I was in a Bible study group once, and one subject came up that kind of surprised me. Before I get into the topic, I want to say how much I appreciated and respected those guys in the group. We all had walked with God for various lengths of time and have come from different backgrounds and denominations.

One guy brought up the Shroud of Turin, which was allegedly the cloth that Jesus Christ’s body was wrapped in after he died. He was really into it and talked about how some scientists have proven that it is real and dates back to the age when Jesus was on Earth. (Some scientists have disproven it as being authentic.) Some of the other guys had never heard of this cloth before. I, for one, am a skeptic.

First of all, it’s okay if you have a different opinion than I do. Believing in the Shroud of Turin or not has nothing to do with whether you will make it into heaven or not. I asked the gentleman who believed it was real if it helped his faith or strengthened his faith. I was surprised when he responded that it did.

I’m not a “super saint” or anything, but I believe in Jesus Christ and that he is the Son of God and walked this Earth to show us a better way to live, and that his death on the cross gives us forgiveness of our sins. I believe that without any physical proof. I mean, I have evidence of the changed lives of others and of who I would be without his love in my heart. Only God’s love and his Son could change the heart of man. I have seen all that God has done in my life, the miracles, etc. I believe, period!

Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” John 20:29 (MSG)

There has been a lot of analysis and study of the shroud, yet the results remain inconclusive. Some scientists place the cloth at the time of Jesus, while others don’t.

My point is this: either believe in Jesus from the word of God or not. Don’t be wishy-washy, for that will only make you weak. Physical evidence shouldn’t matter. It’s intriguing or interesting, but it shouldn’t be necessary. Look how many followed Jesus and saw miracles right in front of their eyes, yet after they left, they most likely allowed the limitations of their mind to reason the miracles away. The result is they stopped believing in Jesus.

Jesus didn’t do miracles to “prove” that he was indeed the Son of God. He did them because people needed them. Remember, God does the supernatural when the supernatural is needed. Jesus’ main mission was to be a savior for the lost, because that was our greatest need.

God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor. Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s time to shine!” Luke 4:18 (MSG)

Some people are “poor” in spirit, others are prisoners of their sins, and the blind are spiritually blind.

I used to work with a guy, and he didn’t believe that God was real. After some discussion, I finally asked him, “What would you have to see to believe?” He sat there and thought about how to answer the question for what seemed like eternity. I broke in and said, “Nothing comes to mind, does it? And here’s why: no matter what God did for you to prove his existence, it wouldn’t be enough. Your mind would then try to reason the proof away.” He turned to me with sadness in his eyes and responded, “You’re right.”

Now faith means putting our full confidence in the things we hope for, it means being certain of things we cannot see. It was this kind of faith that won their reputation for the saints of old. And it is after all only by faith that our minds accept as fact that the whole scheme of time and space was created by God’s command—that the world which we can see has come into being through principles which are invisible. Heb. 11:1-3 (Phillips)

Where Jesus Is

April 3, 2026March 20, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I know a guy who has had the privilege of traveling in and around Jerusalem. Many times, during our men’s Bible study group, he will give us insight into certain places where Jesus has allegedly been. He will describe the scene to us. I’m sure some of the places are accurate, and Jesus was certainly there, but I have to think that some of the other places are nothing more than wishful thinking, or to get a few bucks out of tourists.

Perhaps I am weird or something, but I have never been one to want to be where someone else has “once” been. I mean, I have seen where the Wright brothers first took flight, been in the church where Paul Revere saw how many lanterns were hanging to know if the British were coming by land or by sea. I have been to other places, too, where famous people once allegedly walked, but I wasn’t really moved.

What would excite me is if I were at those famous locations “with” the individual or persons who made it famous! I can’t imagine the expressions on the Wright brothers’ faces when their theory on how to make an airplane fly worked. Can’t you just see Lazarus when he hobbled out of the tomb alive again? Or the tears as they flowed from the woman caught in adultery, and she realizes she has been forgiven? What about eating fish and bread that Jesus blessed, and it multiplied?

I guess what I am saying is I would rather be “with” Jesus and walk beside him than be where He might have been so many years ago. There is nothing better than being in the presence of God and feeling Jesus by your side. I desire to always be where Jesus is, for I know, and am confident that He is always with me. Now that moves me!

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Mat. 28:20b (NLT)

Home is Where the Heart Is

March 31, 2026March 14, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

It has been said, “The shortest distance between point ‘A’ and point ‘B’ is a straight line.” It would be nice if we could fly so we could go straight home. That would reduce the amount of time we are out.

“Home” is a special place. It should be a place of peace and security. A place to feel comfortable and relaxed, but I realize it isn’t for everyone. I like being “home.” I don’t always enjoy being out. I have said I could be like Ted Kaczynski, living by myself in a small structure in Montana, and be okay. (Without the “Unabomber” part of course!)

I mentioned the other day how smart our car is. It knows where it is parked overnight and has labeled that location as “home.” So now, if we are out and need directions to find “home,” we can select it on the car’s GPS. We did that recently, and as we were pulling into the driveway, the car said, “Welcome home.”

For one who believes in God and has accepted His Son, Jesus, into their life, then we know that this Earth is not our home. In that regard, home is where your heart is, where your priorities are. Are you living for yourself, or are you living for God? Are you striving to build up treasures here on Earth, trying to make a name for yourself? Spoiler alert! You will never be satisfied. It will never be enough.

For here we have no permanent city, but we are looking for the one which is to come. Heb. 13:14 (AMPC)

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Phi. 3:20 (NLT)

I have observed that some people are extremely reluctant to accept God. I believe they are more concerned about the kind of life they live, as if they enjoy their sins and don’t want to give them up. But at the same time, they seem to live a life of struggling and suffering. They don’t realize how much God loves them and wants to help them overcome the world. They fail to understand the kind of life they could have if they changed their address to heaven. Problems don’t disappear after we accept Jesus, but it sure is easier to go through them with Him!

Some eventually stop trying to do things their way and surrender to life in God. It’s as if it took them a long time to find “home,” but I am so glad they eventually do, and so are they. They now know that place of peace, security, comfort, and rest. And if you are new to living a life with God, then I have one thing to say, “Welcome home.”

Overcoming Rejection

March 24, 2026February 28, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

There was a news story a few weeks ago, about a baby macaque monkey (snow monkey) at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa, Japan (about 20 miles east of Tokyo), the zookeepers named “Punch.”

His mother abandoned Punch at birth. The zoo staff stepped in and started raising Punch, even giving him a stuffed, orange orangutan to help him deal with the enormous amount of rejection he was facing and the loneliness. Even the other monkeys in the compound ignored him at first. Lately, though, the other monkeys have accepted him. Not sure if they realized he was now a celebrity, or, more likely, saw something in Punch they admired. Maybe they saw how he was handling the rejection. Maybe they noticed how he still cared for others even though others didn’t care for him.

I heard a line once in a movie that went something like this: “It’s not that they like you or that they don’t like you. You’re different from them. They don’t understand you, and sooner or later, people fear what they don’t understand.” Rejecting an individual because they are different from you is crazy. Sadly, people get rejected for most likely the stupidest of reasons every day. How you deal with it is important.

Take a cue from Punch. Don’t let it bother you. Know who you are and how special you are. Discover your talents and strengths and then excel in them. Know that you were fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Psalms 139.14) And treat others the way you want to be treated. I wouldn’t necessarily walk around with a bright orange, stuffed orangutan, but a nice smile may do it. And remember, if you are really struggling, please talk to someone. And in America, you can dial 988 for help. Jesus was rejected. He knows your pain, and He is there ready and waiting to help if you will ask him to.

Brady, Mark A.

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