life

Don’t Miss It

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Photo by RaphiD via Pixabay

Not every follower of Jesus recognizes them, at least in the moment. For instance, yesterday, I needed to return a package to Amazon. I was supposed to do it before picking April up from work. I didn’t. So I asked her if she minded us doing it together on the way home. She agreed. We walked into a grocery store that accepts Amazon packages. As I talked to the service rep, the conversation turned when she asked April if she was Filipino.

It turned out April had actually heard of this person but had never met her. During the conversation, an invitation was made for the Amazon rep to join April’s women’s Bible study group. After returning to the car, I turned to April and said, “Do you realize God set up that meeting?” She hadn’t.

This morning, I was driving April to work. It was 4:40 AM. As we passed a vehicle with no lights on at the roadside, a man was waving his arms frantically. Traveling at 65 mph, I had microseconds to decide what to do. I wanted to pull over, slam on the brakes, and perhaps back up to see if I could help him. I didn’t for many reasons. But I did call 911 and reported the man needed assistance of some kind. On the way back home, I saw there were two police cars on the scene helping him.

The incident reminded me of the story of “The Good Samaritan” in the Bible. Although there are some differences between his story and mine, our thoughts were probably similar. Do I get involved? Is it safe to stop to help him? Don’t worry. Someone else will help. The commonality is this: noticing you are in a moment where you can do good for someone and demonstrate God’s love toward them. Doing so can help them and perhaps allow you to share God’s plan for redemption.

“God moments” can happen fast and at any time. It requires us to be observant and mindful of these instances and then do our best to accomplish the will of God. Responding to such a moment may take some of your time and possibly some of your other resources. Honestly, though, those things belong to God. If recognizing a “God moment” is challenging, ask Him to help you see them. I’m sure He will. It is always pleasing to the soul when you are involved, and it is neat to know that God used you to help someone He has been loving on.

Luke 10 30-37 (MSG)

30-32 Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

33-35 “A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’

36 “What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”

37 “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

In the Nick of Time!

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Excerpts from Psalms 107 (MSG)

Oh, thank God—he’s so good!
    His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
    Tell how he freed you from oppression,

Some of you wandered for years in the desert,
    looking but not finding a good place to live,
Half-starved and parched with thirst,
    staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion.
Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.
    He got you out in the nick of time;

He put your feet on a wonderful road
    that took you straight to a good place to live.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.

He poured great drafts of water down parched throats;
    the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.

Some of you were locked in a dark cell,
    cruelly confined behind bars,
Punished for defying God’s Word,
    for turning your back on the High God’s counsel—
A hard sentence, and your hearts so heavy,
    and not a soul in sight to help.
Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
    he got you out in the nick of time.

He led you out of your dark, dark cell,
    broke open the jail and led you out.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;

Some of you were sick because you’d lived a bad life,
    your bodies feeling the effects of your sin;
You couldn’t stand the sight of food,
    so miserable you thought you’d be better off dead.
Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
    he got you out in the nick of time.
He spoke the word that healed you,
    that pulled you back from the brink of death.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;

Offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
    tell the world what he’s done—sing it out!

If you are really wise, you’ll think this over—
    it’s time you appreciated God’s deep love.

Another Trip Around Needed?

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Photo by: TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay

Are you tired of sand in your britches? Do you long for an exit out of your desert? Do you honestly recall how you got there in the first place? Could it be because you did not take God at his word? You struggled to believe what He whispered into your spirit by his Spirit? So you didn’t obey in faith?

The good news is, you’re not the first. The bad news is you may have to make another trip around Mt. Sinai. God is waiting for that sand to do its job. To irritate you about your current situation so much that you give in. Until you are willing to surrender to his will. To take him at his word and go where He wants you to go. To do what He wants you to do. To say what He wants you to say.

Obedience to God opens doors. It defeats your enemies. It opens the door for God to meet your needs. Why? Because obedience pleases God! I think He gets excited and says to himself, “Oh, this is going to be fun!”

The better news is you don’t have to be prepared first before you start. You only have to be willing. He will train you and equip you either before you go or as you go, but regardless, if you lean on him, you will know what to do in every situation. If you can’t see the answer, then ask God for it.

There have been many times God has asked me to go, do, say. And I didn’t think I could, but I did it. In his strength, not mine. And when I obeyed, it always worked out. God proved himself faithful over and over. Stop ignoring what God has made you to do. Stop believing the lie that living life on your terms is going to bring you true happiness. Go with God. Go, do, and say. If you do, you will never look back with regret!

This blog was inspired by reading Psalms 106 from The Message translation.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

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I learned yesterday one of my high school classmates was stabbed and killed. One can’t help but think about their own mortality when news like this comes our way. I thought about mine while I prayed for the family and friends as they begin the grieving process.

We know from the word of God that it is appointed to each man once to die and then the judgment. That makes the act of dying a serious issue. We also know from His word that each of us is presented with the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is then our free will to choose whether to accept Jesus and what He did on the cross, forgiving us of our sins. Therefore giving us the right to live forever in heaven after we die.

When we stand before God to judge how we lived our lives, Jesus will remind his Father that we accepted his gift of salvation and that our sins are forgiven. Some believe that once you accept Jesus, your eternity is fixed and you can live however you want to. But one should live God’s way. I feel we need to constantly ask God for forgiveness of our sins. Hence the wash, rinse, and repeat. Washed in the blood of Jesus. Rinse off the dirt of our lives and do it all again as needed. It’s not a religion but a relationship with the one and only God of the universe.

For me, that is daily. Every night, before going to sleep, I ask God to forgive me for my sins. I know I am not perfect, and I have no deception that I am. I do not blame wrongdoing on others. I take responsibility for what I do wrong. I do this because I do not want to die, be found guilty of unforgiven wrong, and be condemned to die for eternity in hell.

Hell is a horrible place! Time and gravity keep man grounded. In hell, neither will exist. It will be pitch black, so one will not see anyone else. Sorry, there will be no party in hell. And then there is the constant torment of being burned alive. This will all go on for eternity. With that truth, why would anyone willfully decide to reject God and his Son, Jesus?

You might be a “good” person, but everyone has sinned and has fallen short of the glory of God. God is so Holy that He can not be in the presence of sin. This is why there will be such a defined separation in the end. Heaven or hell? You decide.

27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb. 9:27-28 (NIV)

19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Rom. 1:19-20 (NIV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Rom. 3:23 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

How To Change the World

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“I’m dying,” said the man sitting across from me in the small café. I looked around but didn’t see anyone sitting near him. “Did you hear me? I said I’m dying!” He said again. This time, I looked directly at him. “You talking to me?” I asked. “Well, do you see anyone else here?”

I picked up my drink and laptop and moved to his table. “You must want to talk about it.” “I do. I want people to know what took me a lifetime to learn.” “What is that?” I inquired. “How to change the world. You change the world by changing people. You change people by showing them love. There is no greater love than laying down your life for a friend. This is the exact formula Jesus used. He demonstrated perfect love to people, and then He died for them. He also died for you and me. Shouldn’t you be writing this down?” “Oh, yes, sir. I’m typing it into my PC.”

“To be like Christ, we must love people so much that it changes them. Of course, some people will squirm but remain living their way, thinking they know best. Or, they are afraid they will have to give up too much here on Earth. In other words, they would rather think they have something now for a few days than have everything for eternity.

Love wins! Love always wins, and love will always win! Love is the right way to make things better. Love is the best way to say, ‘I hear you.’ Love doesn’t insist on proving it is right. You see, “love” doesn’t seek it’s own. Love thinks of the other person first. Love understands where they are coming from. Why they are the way they are without compromising who they are.

Love shows they kindly understand but gently challanges the other to grow in the right direction and the proper ways without imposing a deadline for them to achieve, but doesn’t get loud in speech when they don’t. Love hopes for the best in everyone.”

“Wow,” I replied. “I can see how those receiving love would want to respond positively and then share that kind of love with others.” “You’re right,” he said. “I just wished I had learned this much earlier in life. I didn’t, and as a result, I hurt many people. I thought I was loving them by wanting them to live life the way I do. My life has been simple, with little chaos, and extremely organized. I accepted Jesus at a young age, and my relationship with God has made life bearable. I wanted others to have what I had. Though my motivation may have been pure, my words and methods weren’t always the best.”

“I appreciate your wisdom and your honesty. I assure you I will share this with the world. I hope others will take it to heat and start doing more to love people.” I said to the man. He got up and threw out his trash. When he returned to our table, he had a tear in his eye. He thanked me for listening and sharing what took him a lifetime to learn.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:7-18 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

Burning Man

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

If you are unfamiliar with “Burning Man” in a nutshell, it is an annual event where participants (Burners) are encouraged to express themselves freely. The event culminates on the 2nd to the last night with the burning of a tall structure shaped like a man. Some rules are based on philosophical ideologies.

  1. Radical inclusion – Everyone is welcome.
  2. Gifting – Items are gifted or traded for.
  3. Decommodification – No corporate sponsorships allowed. Only life and health services can be purchased.
  4. Radical self-reliance – Bring any and all items you will need during the event.
  5. Radical self-expression – Burners are encouraged to express themselves in many ways through various art forms and projects. The event is clothing-optional, and public nudity is common, though not practiced by the majority, although being scantily clad is common.
  6. Communal effort – Burners are encouraged to work with and help one another.
  7. Civic responsibility – Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants.
  8. Leaving no trace – We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather.
  9. Participation – We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through deeply personal participation. People are encouraged to participate rather than observe.
  10. Immediacy – Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

The Temple – Is a neutral, non-denominational spiritual space where everyone can gather to share in the experience of remembering the past, honoring or cursing the present, and pondering the future to come. The temple is burned on the final night of the event. One year, the temple was erected to look like a church and had one timber holding it propped up. Think of a box animal trap. The animal goes in and somehow knocks out the timber, trapping himself inside. The imagery itself says a lot!

“While the festival is clearly cotton candy for the eyes, it is also about really letting loose and feeling yourself in whichever form you’re in.”

anonymous

To go along with the definition of “effigy,” it’s as if the organizers are protesting “mankind” because they don’t like or agree with how most people expect them to live in harmony with others. Or, one could say they are angry with God and want to destroy his creation. This is also the goal of the devil.

`The thief doth not come, except that he may steal, and kill, and destroy; John 10:10a (YLT)

The burners believe, “If it feels good, do it!” This is humankind living life as he sees fit. This opposes what God says. He says come to me, through my Son, Jesus, and you will have your sins forgiven and find true life. The other part of John 10:10 says:

I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly. John 10:10b (YLT)

Interestingly, they burn the “temple” after the “man” has been burned. It’s like they say there is no need for a temple once man is destroyed. The devil likes to imitate everything God has done. By that, I mean the moment Jesus died on the cross, the veil that separated man from God was ripped from top to bottom. With the death of Jesus, there was no longer a need for a temple because, through Jesus, man has access to God anytime he wants.

“At Burning Man, nothing is impossible.”

anonymous

The truth is, only with God, nothing is impossible. What they want to believe at “Burning Man” is a fabricated lie. You may argue and not believe me, but one day, you will! You see, because we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we need God to redeem us through his Son so we may live in heaven eternally.

Their philosophy that everyone is welcome makes me think no one wants to be in trouble alone. “Well, Jonnie did it, too!” We all grew up saying something similar. What started with 30 people on a nude beach in California has grown into a culture and a temporary city in the desert, northeast of Reno, NV., of 80,000 people. Attending “Burning Man” is popular if you want to be accepted. The Bible says, “Wide is the gate to destruction.” I would rather go to my local church and learn more about the loving God who has done all He can to keep me from burning for eternity.

If you have not accepted Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and salvation when you stand before God, He will judge you, and there will be no one to save you. It’s your choice to exercise your free will to accept God. If you don’t, the only man that will be burning, is you.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

There is More Than This

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How much effort does it take to “hope”?  Hoping for a life that is better than your current one.  I think most don’t say, “I hope I …” but instead, they say, “I wish I …”.

Hope definition is – to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true

Wish definition is – feel or express a strong desire for something that is not easily attainable; want something that cannot or probably will not happen.

Do you see it?  Do you see the difference between “wishing” and “hoping”?  “Hoping” comes with anticipation because it can actually happen!  This is why “hope” is so powerful.  Hope can restore a
marriage.  Hope can lead to someone getting their health back.  Hope can get you a better job.  Hope causes things to happen. 

God’s word says,
“These three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13)  I like what “The Message,” translation says, “Trust steadily in God (that’s faith), hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.”

Hope can help you go from where you are to the kind of life God intended for you all along.  I mean, seriously, he started man and woman out living in a garden.  It’s a lie from hell to accept, “Well, this is as good as it’s ever going to get.”  NO!  You can have what God wants for you. How?  Ask for it.  Ask God to help you achieve that life.


Believe it can happen.  Start renewing the way you think today, for what you think is what you believe, and what you believe is what you say, and what you say comes to pass, for words have a lot of power.

Every time you speak, generally, you are speaking life or death.  Start listening to how you talk, and pay attention to the kind of words you use the most.  Especially those words you say to other people.  Those words matter, but also what you say to yourself in your mind.  Changing those words can change your life.

God loves you and wants you to have his best.  He doesn’t want you living in a dump but in a garden.  He wants you to live above your current situation.  He wants you looking up for something better, for there is
more than this, and when you are looking up, he can see you smile.  God wants so much love, happiness, and joy for his children, who love him, and He does work “all” things out for good for those who love him. (Rom. 8:28)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

The Greatest Lover

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1-2 On your feet now—applaud God!
    Bring a gift of laughter,
    sing yourselves into his presence.

3 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
    He made us; we didn’t make him.
    We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.

4 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
    Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
    Thank him. Worship him.

5 For God is sheer beauty,
    all-generous in love,
    loyal always and ever. Ps. 100 (MSG)

There is no freedom like knowing God and who you are in Him. God continues to show his faithfulness to April and I, his children. We have surrendered our entire lives unto him. We trust him. There truly is no other way to live life. He is our provider. Our healer. Our friend. Our guide through life and the greatest lover of all time. He protects us. He is gracious with gifts, earthly and spiritual.

He delights in partnering with us to do his will and his good pleasure. He surprises us all the time, and He is such a generous giver. He even gave his only son, Jesus, to die for us to forgive us of our sins. There is no greater love than that.

If you don’t know him, I must ask, “Why not?” Give up trying to live life your way. If you were honest with yourself, you would have to admit it isn’t working. Accept Jesus into your life now and begin today living life the way God intended it all along.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

2023 Survey

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The title makes it sound as if I conduct a reader’s survey every year, but the truth is, this is the first time I have ever done this. Every week, I share with you what I sense God would want to say to you if He wrote a blog. Now, I was hoping you could share whatever you want me and others to know. Post your concerns, fears, testimonies, or anything else in the comment section. Here are some possible comment starters:

  • What I ask God for the most.
  • What I wish others knew about my relationship with God.
  • What I fear the most in life.
  • What I face every day.
  • What I am most thankful to God for.

I think you get the idea. Your comments will help guide this blog site, and I promise to pray with you about what you face. The Bible instructs us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn.

Share the happiness of those who are happy, the sorrow of those who are sad.
Rom. 12:15 (Phillips)

Thank you! As your comments come in, I will review and approve them to post as soon as possible, and if they are appropriate for this website.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

The Walking Dead

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Watching shows or movies about zombies takes me back to watching horror flicks with my father. Late Saturday nights, we would stay up and laugh at the creative ridiculousness of such things as giant spiders or rabbits that killed people.

Recently, while watching a zombie show, I realized that even though zombies do not exist in real life, in real life, we have people all around us that are the walking dead. You see, the truth is that those who have not accepted God’s love and his free gift of his son, Jesus, are dead in their sins.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, Eph. 2:1 (NIV)

It’s eerie how like zombies, the walking dead who live in sin seem to want to bite and infect the healthy. The “healthy” are those who are alive in Christ Jesus. Those who have had their sins forgiven by accepting Jesus as their savior.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Eph. 2:4-5 (NIV)

As we get closer to the end of the world, the devil is working overtime to keep people from knowing the truth. One way is to get them wrapped up in the world’s issues so they focus on that instead of recognizing God’s love and relentless pursuit to bring them into the family of God. Another way is to keep their personal life in chaos.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph. 2: 8-9 (NIV)

No one can save themselves from eternal destruction in hell. No one can be “good” enough. You still come up short, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23) The ONLY way is to accept Jesus and to ask for forgiveness of your sins. Then, when you die, you will walk the streets of heaven alive.

Accept Jesus into your life before it is too late. Walk with and among the living. Life is better when you are truly alive.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.