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.

A Time for Life

January 9, 2026November 30, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Today, April and her Filipina Bible study group are surprising one of their members. It is her 45^th birthday. They have gathered at our house until everyone is here, and then they will go to her house all at one time. I must say, since marrying a Filipino, I have witnessed how sincerely honest and excited they are when it comes to celebrating life together. One member of the group had a brother in the Philippines who passed away this past week. The group mourned with her and shared words of comfort and support.

The Bible says a few things about life. Like how it goes and how we should do it together. Sadly, though, it seems as if in today’s times, people are narcissistic and selfish. It’s all about them. And if you are involved in their life, it’s as if they say, “What can you do for me?” I know that below are more scriptures than I normally share, but God really does know best how to do life with others.

3 To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:
²A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted,
³A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up,
⁴A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away,
⁷A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak,
⁸A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecc. 3:1-8 (AMPC)

12 ^1-2So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

³I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

^4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.

^6-8If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

* * *

^9-10Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

^11-13Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

^14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

^17-19Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

^20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. Rom. 12 (MSG)

Monopoly – A Game of Spiritual Analogies?

December 9, 2025November 15, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

At first glance, Monopoly might seem like nothing more than a competitive scramble for cash, property, and power. But if we look closer, this classic board game can actually serve as a thought-provoking metaphor for biblical truths about life, stewardship, and eternity.

In Monopoly, no matter how many hotels you own or how much cash you’ve stacked, the game eventually ends. When it’s over, everything goes back in the box. The Bible reminds us of the same reality: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). Our earthly possessions are temporary; what truly matters is how we use them for God’s purposes. And at the end of your life, you, too, will go into a box.

In the game, you never truly “own” the board — you’re just managing resources for a time. Likewise, scripture teaches that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). We are stewards, entrusted with time, talents, and treasures to manage wisely. Winning in God’s eyes isn’t about accumulation, but about faithfulness.

Monopoly often rewards aggressive acquisition, but in real life, unchecked greed can destroy relationships and peace. Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). The game can be a playful reminder of how easily our hearts can be drawn toward “more” instead of “enough.”

Monopoly may be a game of strategy and competition, but it can also be a mirror for our spiritual lives. The real “victory” isn’t measured in property deeds or stacks of cash, but in a life lived with open hands, a generous heart, and an eternal perspective.

In Monopoly, one player’s gain is often another’s loss. But the Kingdom of God operates differently — it’s not a zero-sum game. In Christ, we are called to generosity, lifting others up rather than bankrupting them. Imagine if we played life more like that — offering mercy, forgiveness, and help instead of just trying to “win.”

(I have been experimenting with AI more and more. As a result, most of this blog post was written using an AI. tool.)

Blind Trust

November 14, 2025November 1, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

April and I visited a friend of mine today. A dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in several years. He’s now getting up in age, and it seems like he is ready to go home. Heaven, that is, as Earth is not home for those who believe in Jesus Christ. I was feeling that if I wanted to see him alive, then I had better go now.

We had to travel two hours away. In fact, to another state to reach his residence. I pulled out my old GPS from storage. I know my phone has it built in, but I don’t like to tie up my phone. One might say I was going “old school.”

We reached our destination without any problems. In fact, we made it without my GPS screaming at me, “Recalculating!” Not once! We had a very nice visit. My friend is a man of God, and I have always admired him and how he lives his life. He talked about how God has always been there with him, guiding and directing him. The way he talked made me think he had blindly trusted God every day after he accepted Him.. We can’t see God, but at times we can feel his presence.

On the drive home, I asked April if she knew where we were. She said, “No. Not at all.” “Is that scary?” I asked. “No. I trust you.” It made me feel good to be trusted.

I have a sense that “blindly trusting” God makes him feel good as well. He wants us to trust him and to believe that He is taking us to the right destination. It shows that we are confident in our God. Remembering He is strong and mighty if we face any battles. If we live consistently according to God’s commands, then we can be sure we will reach our final destination, heaven

Look, God is my deliverer! I will trust in him and not fear. For the Lord gives me strength and protects me; he has become my deliverer.”Is. 12:2 (NET)

You keep completely safe the people who maintain their faith,
for they trust in you. Is. 26:3 (NET)

Meany Flowers

November 11, 2025November 10, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I’ve mentioned it before, but getting old is hard, and life can be, too. Not being a morning person doesn’t help either. Like the great philosopher once said, “I would like mornings better if they started later!” – Garfield. Then, there are my pet peeves. So, the other day, while driving April to work, the perfect storm happened. All three issues came together.

I hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep, and when the alarm went off at 4:20 AM, I wasn’t done yet. So, morning came way too early, and I was feeling grumpy. On the way to the car, I saw two lists on the kitchen counter. While driving, April didn’t say a word about them, so I had to ask. Lack of communication is one of my top pet peeves. See where this is going?

I got mad. Really mad! I didn’t understand why I had to ask what the lists were for, and when April’s reply made it seem as if I should have been able to figure it all out. Well, that was like throwing gasoline on a campfire. (Kids, never throw gas on any open flame. Let your father look like an idiot.)

Yep, words came out that should have never been spoken. My behavior and my words were awful. April certainly didn’t deserve that kind of reaction, no matter what. Especially at the beginning of her day. “Hi, I’m Mark, and I’m a Meany.” The crowd responded, “Hi, Mark.”

On the drive back home, I felt horrible. I didn’t want those words to be with April all day. So, before I went back to bed, I texted her an apology and owned up to being a “Meany.” I apologized to God, too, and asked for forgiveness.

Later in the day, while shopping, I bought April some flowers. Pretty ones in her favorite colors. I called them “Meany Flowers.” I know they didn’t make up for my poor, ungodly behavior, but they might help heal the emotional wound I created in her. April can forgive easily, and of course, God is faithful to forgive us of our sins. (1 John 1:9)

Do we, or I, act out more easily knowing that God will forgive us? I think I do at times. I know it’s wrong. It’s as if I trample on His grace and mercy and take it too lightly. Perhaps I am saying to Jesus, “Hey, buddy, thanks for that suffering on the cross stuff, but after all, I deserved it.” The truth is, I don’t deserve his forgiveness, but God so loved the world.

God forgives those who ask for it because He doesn’t want to see anyone die in a sinful state and go to hell. Of course, because He gives us free will, where we spend eternity is up to us.

So, April forgave me, and yes, God forgave me. God knows our hearts, and He knew I was ashamed of what I did and said. I try to be aware of my weaknesses and ask God for help quickly when I start to feel my temper rising. And besides, flowers are expensive!

“Glad You’re Doing Okay”

November 7, 2025October 17, 2025 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I received an email the other night from an old friend. I had not seen them in several years. They said they had been thinking about me and wanted to know if I was okay. We exchanged emails and got caught up, somewhat.

I learned a little bit about their life since I last saw them. It was basic information. Their spouse is okay, their child is now nine, they aren’t working, and why. Stuff like that. Sadly, I got the overwhelming impression that they weren’t happy. In fact, they made the statement that their life was boring.

I shared how much I was enjoying my retirement years, that April liked her job, about the new church we started attending this year, and our involvement there. I also shared that I had finished remodeling the house and that we had new furniture that April had picked out, and how she had done a great job. I did mention how I didn’t like getting old, though.

I wasn’t exaggerating or embellishing, but just telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. In their final reply, they wrote, “I’m glad you’re doing okay.”

Their comment got me thinking. Was I bragging? Was I trying to impress them? Why was my life doing okay?

I know in my heart that despite body aches and pains, some hiccups in life, some frustrations in our marriage, and working hard to pay off the bills, our life isn’t bad. Why? Because April and I have accepted Jesus Christ and have had our sins forgiven, and know that he is still forgiving us of our new ones. We both read God’s word, the Bible, regularly, and we tithe faithfully. We are committed to our local church and do what we can to help there, which has allowed us to develop relationships with real people who believe like we do. We also do what we can to share God and His amazing love with others as the Holy Spirit leads and gives us boldness to speak up. That is why we are doing okay!

I do realize some may say, “I do all those things and yet my life isn’t okay.” I honestly don’t have an answer as to why that is for some. But I know that April and I both invited God into our lives at a young age and have tried our best to surrender our free will to him. Perhaps that has something to do with it as well. God tends to bless obedience, and I know that faith pleases him.

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Heb. 11:6 (AMPC)

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jer. 29:11 (AMPC)

⁵Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. ⁶In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Prov. 3:5-6 (AMPC)

If there were such a thing as a “recipe” for living a life pleasing to God, then this may be it. April and I enjoy our lives. We feel blessed because we are. It’s like living in a garden, and after all, in the beginning, isn’t that what God intended?