EVOL

December 23, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

LOVE 105 Would you recognize LOVE if you saw it? Are you sure?

Joh 3:20 Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure.
Joh 3:19 “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.
Joh 3:18 Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Joh 3:17 God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
Joh 3:16 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. (MSG)

If you could only see God’s LOVE for you. His LOVE for you, cannot be measured, for there is no unit of measurement adequate. His LOVE is so vast one cannot see from one side of it to the other. His LOVE for you is so powerful. His LOVE can conquer all! His LOVE never fails.

Also, God uses His people, all around the world, to show you His LOVE for you the best they can. Know God’s LOVE, for it is perfect. Seek it out as if it’s the greatest treasure on earth…for it is! Ask God to help you recognize it. Start now, for tis the season. For God’s LOVE, Jesus, came to you in Bethlehem. Born in a manger.

Look for God’s LOVE as if your life depends on it, for it does.

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Caralyn says, “We are all recovering from something.” https://beautybeyondbones.com/

Do You Know the Jesus of Christmas?

December 16, 2017December 16, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Christmas Card 1 After Jesus was born to Mary, Satan used King Herod to kill all the boys in the land under the age of two. It was a shotgun attempt to kill Jesus, the Son of God. For Satan heard the same stories and rumors others did, but he didn’t know for sure who, or where Jesus was.

In the movie, The Young Messiah there is a line spoken by young Jesus. Jesus looked at Satan and said, “You don’t know who I am do you?” I’m sure Satan saw glimpses of Jesus, but probably too, couldn’t believe that God would send His son, to earth, as a child.

Satan didn’t know who Jesus was until Jesus was baptized. For when Jesus came up out of the water there was a loud voice from heaven saying, “…this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mat. 3:17) Afterwards, Jesus went into the dessert to fast and pray for 40 days, then Satan tried to tempt Him. If Jesus had given in, God’s plan would have been killed.

Your whole life, God has been trying to reveal His Son to you. Do you believe it? Have you accepted God’s plan? Your whole life Satan has been trying to kill God’s plan for you. It’s true.

Please, take a moment this Christmas. Get quiet, and look at the Christmas cards around you. It’s more than a holiday. It’s more than a story. And it’s definitely more than a time to go into debt! It’s the beginning of a love story. God’s love for you. Accept the Jesus of Christmas.

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Fresh, anointed, honesty shared here: https://tatianaketchum.wordpress.com/

The Right Wood, Nails, and Man, Became the Perfect Savior

December 9, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

20171209_162330 Jesus, being the son of a carpenter, learned all about wood. How to pick out the right kind perfect for its intended use. He was shown by his father how to cut it, sand it, and assemble it so it could serve its purpose. Jesus also became acquainted with nails. Where to put them, and what size was needed.

When Jesus grew up, he didn’t continue in his earthly father’s business, but being the Son of God, changed over to his Heavenly Father’s business. He didn’t get away from wood, or nails. In fact, He needed them. When he saw the cross, on which he would soon die, he recognized it was perfect for its intended purpose. Then he saw the nails, “They’ll hold.”

In the process of dying, Jesus returned to being a carpenter. In his death, he became the Savior. Through the use of wood and nails, he built a connection, between God and man that would hold for eternity. Jesus did that for you, out of LOVE.

Col 1:22 But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. (MSG)

Is This It?

November 25, 2017November 24, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The church, where I first learned about a better life.

Have you ever asked yourself is this it? What’s next? Is there more?

As I was giving thanks to God this week for His many blessings upon my life, a thought hit me. One I don’t recall having before. For those who have never accepted Jesus as their savior, and had their sins, wrongs forgiven, then this is it! This life is the best they will ever have. For them, there is no hope for an even better life.

This life, with its hardships, struggles, and pain. This life with its sickness and diseases. With its final blow, death!

But we don’t have to settle for just this life. We can choose to have the hope of a better life. A life with no hurt, sickness, and no death. Think of it this way; if those who believe and have accepted God are wrong then we have only gotten the same as you. This life. But, if we are right, if our faith delivers the hope God’s word says is waiting for us then we have so much more. So much more than just this life. And on the way to that better life, is God.

Act 2:26-28 I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope. I know you’ll never dump me in Hades (Hell); I’ll never even smell the stench of death. You’ve got my feet on the life-path, with your face shining sun-joy all around. (MSG)

A Better Way to Live

November 18, 2017November 18, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

sin

NOUN

an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law:
“a sin in the eyes of God” ·

synonyms: immoral act · wrong · wrongdoing · act of evil/wickedness · transgression · crime · offense · misdeed · misdemeanor
· trespass · wickedness · wrongdoing · wrong · evil · evildoing · sinfulness
· immorality · iniquity · vice · crime

In a time where one’s, thought to be hidden sins, are being exposed like an uncontrollable leak in a dam. In a time where an accusation brings quick judgement and sentencing handed down before all the facts are known. You would think realizing that everything done in darkness will be exposed, would spur one to find a better way to live.

The truth though is we are sold a big fat lie by the devil. That lie is: You won’t be the one that will get caught. Guess what? The devil is probably the one that will tell on you. Why? Because he wants to hurt you beyond belief. I write about it often: John 10:10 – Satan comes to kill steal and destroy! Satan HATES you! He can’t stand you, because YOU are made in the image of God, and he hates God.

A better way to live? Sure. Don’t sin. It’s that simple. Okay, it’s not, but you can actually learn, or train yourself to sin less.

Capture every thought and bring it into captivity. In other words, if a thought is about doing something wrong (sin) then realize it, and choose not to. Love instead. Do the right thing. Say the right thing.
Put on God’s bullet proof vest. (Ephesians 6:11-18) Imagine a policeman these days not wearing his bullet proof vest.

Eph 6:11 So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.
Eph 6:12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Eph 6:13 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.
Eph 6:14 Truth, righteousness,
Eph 6:15 peace,
Eph 6:16 faith,
Eph 6:17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
Eph 6:18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (MSG)

These are just a couple of purposeful things to do to live a better life. Here are a few more: Turn away wrath with love. When one speaks out against you, smile and love them anyway. When someone proclaims they are living a life you know is not pleasing to God, please don’t judge and sentence them, but accept them, and love them. That is not the same as accepting their wrong doing. Calling out sin on Facebook isn’t going to show anyone there is a better way to live either. The world needs to see Love. Jesus is Love.

Evicting Spiders

November 4, 2017 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Warm sunny morning. As I opened the curtains I see the shadow of a large spider projected onto my roller shade. I slowly raised the shade to revel an ugly spider. I hate spiders, so when it comes to sharing earth with them I have one rule: “I get the inside of the house and they can have the entire outside”. I think it’s a fair deal.

I had never seen a spider like this one before, so as creeped out as I was I wanted to get a closer look. I leaned in toward the window, extending my index finger and wondered what he would do if I tapped on the glass. As my finger was about to reach the glass I had the horrifying realization He’s on the inside! Now I wish I had grabbed my phone and taken a picture, but I went for the kill. I didn’t want him packing up and leaving Dodge alive.

Sin is like spiders; creepy, stealth like, and can be very harmful. As is with spiders, some sin seems harmless, while other sins can lead to death, but sin, like spiders on the inside of the house, must be evicted. There is no place for sin. Mankind rates sin, but God doesn’t. He knows that sin is sin, and all of it is harmful and can even kill you. Rom 6:23 Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. (MSG) Evict sin. Don’t allow any wrong doing in your life. Always do the right thing at any cost. Doing so might just save your life.

Note: I was working on a project titled “What was God Thinking…” and one chapter was “When He Created Spiders?” In my research I learned spiders are necessary. They control the population of other insects. So we need them, but God, really, did you have to make them so creepy? Oh, and one last thing, only one was spider was actually harmed in the making of this post!

Stay With It to the End

October 21, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

artist unknown

“Behold! The coming of Jesus is so soon, it’s as if He is standing up now getting ready to go gather his church home!” I was about 8 years old, when that word of prophesy sure got my attention. I thought dang! I had better tie my shoes! I was ready then to stand before God and to give an account for how I had lived my life. After serious soul searching and one more prayer asking God to forgive me of all of my sins I can say right now I am ready to stand before God.

In these last days, one has to be intentional about staying focused on the prize of eternal life. Satan is working overtime, and with the help of the Russians putting out “fake” news to keep Americans stirred up (okay, kidding), but honestly, it can be extremely difficult to maintain a straight path toward heaven.

Mar 13:4-13 “Tell us, when is this going to happen? What sign will we get that things are coming to a head?” Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming. “And watch out! They’re going to drag you into court. And then it will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. You’re placed there as sentinels to truth. The Message has to be preached all across the world. “When they bring you, betrayed, into court, don’t worry about what you’ll say. When the time comes, say what’s on your heart–the Holy Spirit will make his witness in and through you. “It’s going to be brother killing brother, father killing child, children killing parents. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. “Stay with it–that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved. (MSG)

All one has to do is read the above verses, and then turn on the world news. Am I predicting a date of Jesus’ return? NO WAY! If you read further down chapter 13 it goes on to say that only God knows the exact day and hour. Therefore, I beseech you, okay a little too much King James, but I urge you strongly to keep your focus on God, hold Jesus’ hand, and listen to the Holy Spirit, and you will make it home.

Do You Know My Father?

October 14, 2017October 14, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Sen_MO I was visiting the small town, in Missouri, my father was born and reared in. A woman walked out of the convenient store, looked over at me and came to an abrupt halt. “You’re a Brady!” She exclaimed. “I don’t know who your father is, but you, you are definitely a Brady.”

I would rather people, who see me, say, “You’re a child of God!” This is certainly one of my goals here on earth. The way to see that happen is to imitate Christ. In other words, “LOVE!”

1Jo 3:2-3 But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him–and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own. (MSG)

Love, and accept, not judge, and reject.
Love, and help out, not turn away and doubt.
Love, and my gifts share, not hoard, or not care.

So, if you see me and don’t know who my Father is, I would be more than happy to introduce you. Oh, but don’t get embarrassed when He already knows your name.

The Key to Your Life

September 30, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Keys Currently, I only use two keys. It feels good. It means I am not responsible for much. I do not unlock a church anymore or even a desk. So, in a way, the keys on your key ring tell others about you, about your life.

Most will have a house key, but you could also have a key to a cabin. A car key, or two. A key to your company’s building, company’s vehicle, your office door, or just your desk. You could have a boat key. One for your gym locker, gun locker, school locker, or even a foot locker. But what if your key ring had one to your lover’s apartment, or to a lock box that no one else knew about? Are there secrets to your life that require a hidden key?

Jesus knows about every key you poses. Hidden or otherwise. Jesus has keys too. Rev 1:18 “I’m Alive. I died, but I came to life, and my life is now forever. See these keys in my hand? They open and lock Death’s doors, they open and lock Hell’s gates.” (MSG) The only key that really matters in this life is the one that unlocks your heart. Who, or what, have you given that key to? I hope you have given it to Jesus. Doing so, says you trust him with everything that is important to you. Everything you value, even your very life.

Life’s Speed Bumps

September 23, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

speedbump My daughter once said, “Squirrels are God’s little speed bumps.” I’m not saying I agree. I realized something this past week as I talked to some people. They were telling me of the trouble they are currently having in their lives. I felt bad for them. Then I thought it seems as if there is always so much drama in their lives that they don’t have time to focus on the important things in their life. Maybe another way to say it is this; they are so busy putting out fires, they never spend time preventing them.

I once told a friend concerning my failed marriage, “I was so busy repairing I never got time to build.” A good marriage is something important in life. Teaching your children how to live life right is important as well. But of course the most important thing in life is deciding where you want to spend eternity. Yes, it is your decision.

So where does all this trouble come from? Circumstances; sure. Most likely as a result of poor decisions. But consider another source; the devil. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “Satan has come to kill, steal, and destroy. That means steal your time, destroy relationships, and includes killing your soul. Then Jesus said, “But I have come so that you may have life. Abundant life.” He doesn’t want you to live life on earth suffering. Jesus wants to help you with living life. He can and will once you accept him as God’s son and invite him to be the Lord of your life. Once you do that read about him, study him in the Bible. He will help you get over life’s speed bumps more smoothly.