Price Check!

May 29, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Self-checkout kiosk with touchscreen, card reader, and groceries at checkout station in grocery store — Image generated via AI.

It’s a phrase we usually hear echoing through a grocery store, a tiny interruption in the hum of everyday life. Someone at the register pauses, lifts an item, and calls out for clarity. “What’s the cost of this thing I’m about to take home?”

But lately, I’ve been thinking about how often we move through our days without doing our own internal price checks. We pick up habits, commitments, relationships, beliefs, and expectations the way we toss items into a shopping cart—quickly, automatically, sometimes because they were on the endcap display of our culture or upbringing. And only later do we realize we never asked the most important question:

What is this costing me?

The spiritual “receipt” we rarely look at.

Every choice has a price, not in a punitive way, but in a simple, energetic exchange.

Peace has a price.
Growth has a price.
Avoidance has a price.
Authenticity has a price.
Even joy has a price—usually the willingness to be present enough to notice it.

The trouble is, we often pay without noticing the transaction. We trade our time for approval. We trade our boundaries for temporary comfort. We trade our intuition for someone else’s expectations. And then we wonder why we feel spiritually overdrawn.

Take a moment and imagine your life as a checkout lane. Everything you’ve said yes to—every role, every responsibility, every belief—sits on the conveyor belt.

If a cosmic cashier held up each one and asked, “Price check!”, what would you say?

That grudge you’ve been carrying—what’s it costing you?
That dream you keep postponing—what’s the price of waiting?
That version of yourself you’ve outgrown—how much energy does it drain to keep wearing it?
That peace you crave—what small, brave choices would it require?

Sometimes the price is worth it. Sometimes it’s not. The point isn’t to judge yourself. The point is to notice.

When you start doing regular price checks, something shifts.
You stop sleepwalking through your choices.
You stop paying for things you don’t actually want.
You stop assuming everything in your cart belongs to you.

You begin to ask:
Is this aligned with who God is shaping me to be?
Is this nourishing my soul or depleting it?
Is this what God wants for me?

And the beautiful thing is, you can always put something back.
You can always choose differently.
You can always walk out of the store lighter than you walked in.

Here’s the quiet truth:
Your life is the sum of what you’re willing to pay. Can you afford it? Will you eventually have to get a loan from God? Or have him wipe out the debt via his Son, Jesus? This is not something to rush by or to take lightly.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or spiritually cluttered, pause for a moment. Lift the thought, the habit, the relationship, the belief—and whisper to yourself: Price check.

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 Art of Walmart Speed Shopping:

May 12, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Shopping cart filled with pasta and canned goods in supermarket aisle — Image generated via AI.

Let’s be honest, shopping at Walmart can feel like running a marathon you didn’t train for, except the finish line is a self-checkout machine that keeps yelling, “Please place item in the bagging area.” But fear not, my fellow deal-seekers. I’ve cracked the code for the most efficient (and slightly ridiculous) way to conquer Walmart like a pro (or your local store).

Step 1: The Parking Lot Power Play
Forget circling for the “perfect” spot. Park near the cart return. Why? Because after your shopping sprint, you’ll thank yourself for not dragging a cart across three zip codes. Bonus: You can use the cart return as a landmark when you inevitably forget where you parked.

Step 2: The Cart Selection Olympics
Test your cart before committing. Push it three feet. If it wobbles like a shopping cart on roller skates, ditch it. A squeaky wheel is fine—it’s basically your theme song, but a rogue wheel will ruin your speed record.

Step 3: The Aisle Assassin Strategy
Walmart aisles are like rivers—flow with the current, don’t fight it. If you see a cluster of people debating which brand of peanut butter is “more organic,” execute a swift U-turn and circle back later. Efficiency is about momentum, not peanut purity.

Step 4: The Ninja Grab-and-Go
Know your list. Memorize it. Commit it to your soul. This is not the time for “browsing.” You’re here for milk, bread, and maybe that suspiciously cheap throw blanket you didn’t know you needed.

Step 5: The Checkout Gauntlet
Self-checkout is faster—if you’re ready. Bag like a Tetris champion. Scan like you’re defusing a bomb. And for the love of efficiency, don’t be the person who realizes they forgot eggs after paying.

Step 6: The Grand Exit
Leave with purpose. Don’t get distracted by the clearance aisle on your way out. That’s how “just a quick trip” turns into “I now own a karaoke machine and a 3-foot inflatable flamingo.”

Final Pro Tip:

If you really want to shop at Walmart like a legend, go at 7 a.m. on a Tuesday. The aisles are empty, the shelves are stocked, and the only other shoppers are retirees who will absolutely beat you to the last rotisserie chicken.

You may be thinking Geez, Mark. What does Walmart shopping have to do with the kingdom of God? A lot, really. Our world is telling us, through several media outlets, to buy more. To drive the latest model. To wear the latest fashion, and so on. Do you realize that when you see those “so-called famous people” advertising something, they most likely were given those things to generate sales? Because people think they will be happier with more of the same items that the people they idolize have.

“Fill your shopping cart,” they yell at us. “Get the latest phone, the biggest TV, the coolest car. Can’t afford it? No problem. Put it on credit. Come on, you work hard. You deserve it!” The debt of Americans was 18.3 trillion dollars in the second quarter of 2025! Some are so deep in debt that they cannot afford to be generous. That is sad.

There is a huge difference between a “need” and a “want”. Something I tried to teach my children starting when they were young. I’ll admit, the way items are displayed in the store makes it difficult not to impulse buy. Or to purchase more than only the items on your shopping list, but we must try to resist the temptation. Learn to “tune out” the lies the advertisers tell us. Instead, ask God to help us and to guide us. To help us to “Just say No,” as if shopping has become a drug, and in many ways, it has. Focusing on God can help us “break the habit,” so that we can do our shopping and still be a good steward of what He has given us, being confident that He knows what we have need of (Mat. 6:8) and will provide those things.

Understanding the Fear of the Funnel

April 28, 2026April 18, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Tornadoes are among nature’s most awe-inspiring — and terrifying — phenomena. They can appear suddenly, roar with unimaginable force, and leave behind a trail of destruction that changes lives in minutes. While some people are fascinated by them, for many, the fear runs deep. Here’s why tornadoes have such a powerful grip on our emotions.

1. The Sheer Unpredictability
Unlike hurricanes, which can be tracked for days, tornadoes often form with little warning. Even with modern radar, the time between a tornado warning and impact can be just minutes. This unpredictability leaves people feeling powerless, heightening anxiety.

2. The Devastating Power
A strong tornado can level entire neighborhoods, uproot trees, and hurl vehicles like toys. The Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale measures wind speeds that can exceed 200 mph — enough to turn everyday objects into deadly projectiles. The sheer force is a reminder of how fragile human structures can be.

3. The Sensory Overload
Survivors often describe the sound of a tornado as a deafening roar, like a freight train bearing down. The dark, swirling clouds, flashes of lightning, and sudden drop in air pressure create an intense sensory experience that can be overwhelming and traumatic.

4. The Emotional Toll of Past Events
For those who have lived through a tornado — or know someone who has — the fear is often rooted in personal experience. The loss of homes, livelihoods, or loved ones can leave lasting emotional scars, sometimes leading to lilapsophobia, the specific fear of tornadoes and severe storms.

5. The Feeling of Helplessness
Even with preparation, there’s only so much one can do when a tornado is on the way. The idea that safety depends on being in the right place at the right time — often in a small shelter or basement — can make people feel trapped and vulnerable.

At the time of this writing, we had a tornado touch down close to our house, sort of. If you look at the included image, you will see the green area that represents where the tornado made human contact. The white arrow points to a small white dot, which is where our house is. The distance between the two is only about two and a half miles. Which, in the realm of tornadoes, that’s not even considered a “close call!”

I grew up not far from that white dot, so you might say I grew up with tornadoes. I have never seen one, but I have seen the sky right before one hits. During the daytime, or if there is lightning, you can see this eerie aqua-green color. I have only seen the sky turn that color during a tornado. Fear can easily set in. I am fascinated by them and all of the stories that come along with them, but I do respect them and their power, and I take cover. Wind is scary. It is loud, noisy, and can evoke concern, but it is just wind. The devil is like wind in some ways: loud, noisy, and he tries to evoke fear because fear is debilitating!

My way of dealing with them is to turn my fear and concern over to God and let him help me. The same goes for any storm that may come my way in life. When the weatherman says, “There is a chance for the outbreak of tornadoes,” I start praying, asking God to divert or minimize the storm, and to protect us, and the home, car, and other belongings He has provided to us. I know of other believers who are praying as well. So far, the God who loves us so much has answered each time.

People fear “storms of life” for many of the same reasons they fear tornadoes. You can’t stop them, change them by worrying about them. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” And remember, He is also the one who said, “Peace be still!” in Mark 4:39.

How Much per Gallon?

April 21, 2026April 20, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Robotic arm accepting Japanese yen bill at a gas pump — Image generated via AI.

It’s hard to miss the sting of higher gas prices. Every time we fill up, the numbers climb faster than we’d like, and for many, that extra cost means cutting back elsewhere. While the economic impact is real, there’s also a deeper, spiritual layer worth exploring.

1. The Test of Trust

When expenses rise, our first instinct is often anxiety. We start calculating, worrying, and wondering how we’ll make ends meet. Yet Scripture reminds us that our ultimate security isn’t in our bank accounts, but in God’s provision. Rising gas prices can become a modern-day test of trust—an opportunity to lean into the truth that “my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

2. The Call to Contentment

Higher costs can tempt us to grumble or compare our situation to others. But contentment isn’t about having everything we want—it’s about recognizing that what we have is enough for today. This season can be a reminder to simplify, to be grateful for the transportation we do have, and to see every mile as a gift rather than a given.

3. The Invitation to Compassion

When prices rise, those already struggling feel it the most. As followers of Christ, we’re called to notice and respond. Maybe that means offering a ride to a neighbor, helping someone cover their commute, or simply listening to their concerns without judgment. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who always moved toward those in need.

4. The Shift in Perspective

Gas prices may be out of our control, but our perspective isn’t. We can choose to see this moment not as an inconvenience alone, but as a spiritual checkpoint—asking ourselves: Am I trusting God with my daily needs? Am I using my resources to bless others? Am I letting gratitude outweigh frustration?

Final Thought:

The numbers on the pump may keep changing, but God’s faithfulness doesn’t. If we let it, even something as ordinary as filling our tank can become a moment of worship, trust, and generosity.

Don’t Jump

April 14, 2026March 26, 2026 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

I was attending a retreat many years ago. I was a young man at the time and preparing to enter the ministry. During our free time on Saturday afternoon, I went for a hike. The trail took me to the top of a cliff that overlooked some woods below and, further out, the lake.

As I was admiring the beauty of it all, I suddenly heard a voice in my head that said, “If you have so much faith in God and trust him so much, then take a step off this cliff. God will save you” Honestly, it scared me. I wanted to do it to prove I believed in God and by how much.

I inched forward, making my way closer to the edge, and I raised one foot off the ground. I hesitated, but I almost did it. Then I thought that’s nuts! I felt bad as I made my way back down to the retreat center, as if I had failed God.

When I entered my cabin, I saw my friend, Brian. He noticed the strange look on my face and asked, “What’s wrong?” I didn’t want to admit what I had done, but he kept insisting I share with him, so I told him what had happened. Then he told me one of the most profound statements (Steve) I have ever heard. He said, “Mark, God does the supernatural only when the supernatural is needed!” I have never forgotten those words. In short, I would have gotten hurt if not killed, and I’m sure that would have pleased the devil a lot.

Brian’s words are true, and you can see that when you read the Bible. Like when the Israelites walked across the Red Sea on dry ground to escape Pharaoh. (Exo. 14:29) Or when Phillip was transported to another city after baptizing the eunuch. (Acts 8:39) And don’t forget when Jesus calmed the storm by speaking to it. (Mark 4:35-41)

Those were just a few of the supernatural things God did in the Bible. Also, Jesus warns us not to tempt God. In other words, don’t purposely put yourself in a situation tempting God or “testing” God to do something.

The scripture “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” is found in Deuteronomy 6:16. In the context of the New Testament, this verse is referenced in Mathew 4:7, where Jesus responds to the devil during His temptation, emphasizing the importance of not testing God. This principle is crucial for believers, as it teaches that true faith does not require testing or proving God’s existence but rather trusting in His divine authority and promises. (Source: Bible Hub.)

God will take care of you. Consider Psalms 91. Trust him but also use wisdom and common sense when walking with your God.

Life on the Side of the Road

April 10, 2026March 26, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When I was working and living in the Chicago area, I was away from my family. So, I would periodically call my father to check in with him. He was always up to something, so there was never a dull moment.

During one such phone visit, he complained about having two flat tires in a one-month period of time. I laughed, and he wanted to know why I was laughing. Truthfully, he got a little upset. I said, “Dad, I’m sorry you have had to deal with that, but honestly, I’m not surprised.” “Why is that?” he responded. “Because when you drive, you are always looking for a new fishing spot or reminiscing about a large one that got away from that pond. Or you are watching for deer, or a hawk, or something. You are doing something other than keeping your eye on the road and driving! As a result, you are constantly driving on the side of the road or in the gutter where all of the trash, debris, and garbage is.” He didn’t like what I said, but it was the truth. The whole family and his friends who rode with him knew it.

I have observed how some people live. Instead of staying on the straight and narrow, in their lane, they meander off the path. They believe they can live for God and still do the things that other people do who are not yet Christ followers. As a result, they fall “flat,” get hurt, and are frustrated with how their life is going. They are up one minute and down the next.

You probably know someone like this, or perhaps this is you. If it is you, know this: God knows, and He cares very much. One thing that would help is spending more time with the one who made you and understands you. You do that by talking to God as if he is your friend because He is, and reading his word, the Bible. There, you will learn about human nature and the enemy who wants you to fail. He’s the one who puts debris, nails, so to speak, and other things in your path to hurt and keep you down. “Life” on the side of the road is not fun! Better to do life with the One who is rooting you on, and that is God.

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6 (NIV)

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.”

The Granite Carver

February 6, 2026January 20, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

His work is seen by many in the oddest, most solemn of places. Photos are taken for posterity. He charges by the letter, so most clients pass on the minimum info. In most cases, that means the name, middle initial, birth date, a dash, and the date of death. He has learned to have the one making a request sign a document verifying that the data is correct.

As he engraves into the stone, he wonders what the individual looked like. If they were kind. If they smiled a lot. Was their life marked by happiness or pain? Did they give of themselves? Or did they only take from others?

He enjoys his craft but is always mindful of the grey cloud that hangs over each stone. Sometimes, he makes up a story about their life to occupy his mind, yet he wonders if they lived a life that was pleasing to God or not. He hopes they did. For he knows that to be absent from the body is to be standing before God. That there is no other reality coming, no matter how hard some want there to be, instead of God. Like reincarnation. And that every man will have to give an account of how they used the free will that God gave them.

He has thought about it several times, yet the truth remains. By the time he starts engraving, it’s too late. Their eternity is already set in stone. Too late for them to decide about their eternity. Too late to accept Jesus as the Son of God and definitely too late to ask for forgiveness of their sins.

If you are reading this blog, it’s not too late for you. No one is etching your name in stone, yet! But hopefully, your name is etched or written in the Book of Life. There, no one can remove it except you by rejecting Jesus.

Thus shall he who conquers (is victorious) be clad in white garments, and I will not erase or blot out his name from the Book of Life; I will acknowledge him [as Mine] and I will confess his name openly before My Father and before His angels. Rev. 3:5 (AMPC)

What a Week!

February 3, 2026January 9, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Monday April, I went grocery shopping. We ran errands, and everything went well.

Tuesday April informed me that we were out of olive oil. I complained and asked why she didn’t put it on our shopping list. Then, I realized we had to get out to pick up my mail-ordered prescriptions. I told April, “We can get some olive oil after we get my meds.” While at the grocery store, buying our one item, I noticed several people in line were purchasing fully-cooked, smoked, spiral-cut hams.

“What’s the deal with the hams?” I asked the cashier. “Oh, they are on sale for 0.29 cents a pound.” I immediately went over and got one and paid a total of, $6.08. It would have cost me $30.00 if not on sale. We got in the car, and I thought, “Wow! I’m glad you forgot to tell me we needed olive oil!” We thanked God and headed home.

Wednesday I got in our car to attend the men’s Bible study at our church. The car wouldn’t start. April suggested I stay home, but I felt I needed to be there, so I walked to the church. During our discussion of scripture, I had the opportunity to testify about a miracle that occurred in my life several years ago. After the meeting, one young believer confronted me and said that normally they would dismiss such a claim, but when they heard me speaking with an anointing and conviction, they confessed that they would have to open their mind to such things being real and possible. I was glad I made the effort to be there. When I got back home, I told April what had happened and that I was glad I went. I told her, “I bet the car will start tomorrow.”

Thursday I got up early to deal with the car. I was thinking that if it didn’t start, I would have it towed to the normal repair shop I use. The car started. I wasn’t really surprised, as I had told April I felt it would. I then drove it to the shop, and the place should have been open by then, according to their website, but it wasn’t.

I called another branch of the same company a few miles away. They said the location where I was should be open. I told them it wasn’t and then asked if they were busy. They said they weren’t, so I told them I would head on over. The car started again.

While I was there, I noticed one other customer who had her car there for repair. After an hour or so, A conversation between us was started. I asked her what the strange-looking tattoo on her left hand meant. She said it was to ward off people with negative energy. I asked her if it worked, and she said, “No!” I kind of laughed. Somehow, that led us to a conversation about God.

I was telling her about April, and how she didn’t accept Satan’s substitutes for a husband but rather waited for God, and how three days after she had committed to waiting for him, I contacted her. Then I shared with her that I am older than April, and after I die, she shouldn’t give in to pressure and marry the first person who promises to take care of her. That she is too anointed to marry just anyone. That is when the woman I was talking to started crying. She never said why, but she confessed that she really needed to hear that.

We talked about some other things concerning God. She smiled a lot. Both our cars were finished about the same time, so we said goodbye. On the drive home, I looked up into the heavens through the windshield and said, “You just had to show off today, didn’t you, God.” Then I laughed. I realized that the entire week’s events were orchestrated by God. I love being used by him to help minister to people in this world.

Friday Today, we had to get April’s state ID card. We weren’t sure if all of our paperwork was complete in order for her to get her card. We both prayed and submitted our concerns to God. We got up early and were the first ones in the door. God led us to a really sweet lady processor who looked things over and then processed her papers. She got her ID card.

I say all the time, God really does love us and cares about what we care about. The best response is to accept Him and love Him back. Then trust Him as we walk with Him through life.