What Makes a Good Bridge?

March 3, 2018March 2, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Bridge 2 “Look, I’m not hurting anything. I just want to sit here and rest,” he said. To his right my church had a sign that stated, “No Loitering”
“It’s okay,” I replied in a gentle voice.
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
“Yes.”

I went and got him a sack of food we keep for such occasions, and some water.

“Here ya go.”
“Thank you.”
“Your welcome. You mind if I hang out with you for a while?”
“Suit yourself,” he said as the sack crinkled while he checked out the food.
“What’s your name?”
“John,” he replied. His eyes, piercing, as if searching my soul.

The small talk started. It became clear he was a philosopher who didn’t have a place to hang his diploma. He also had a sense of humor. He shared he had made a mistake with his wife and kids, and she wasn’t willing to forgive. I felt that was my que to talk about God’s forgiveness. I tried hard to get him to come inside and sit in on the church service.

“I stink,” he kept saying.
“I assure you John, no one inside will care.” He was right about the odor too, but he insisted on attending the church service there on the sidewalk.

We talked for another 30 minutes or so. Before I left I offered to pray with him.

“You can do that in private, but not in front of me,” he said.

I didn’t understand, but respected his wishes. I’ve looked, but have never seen John again. Though thought of him often, I have prayed for him even more. I regretted not taking him to a restaurant to get something hot to eat. I also wish I had been brave enough to invite him to my house. He could have showered, I could have washed his clothes, and he could have slept on a soft, warm surface, even if for one night. I have consoled myself with knowing I did something, but I know I could have done more. Perhaps next time I will.

Since I have never seen an episode of “Bridge Hunters” on HGTV he replied, “One that has a flat surface to sleep on, and that isn’t facing into the wind.

Check it out: God never intended heaven to be served from earth. heartland church

The Other Side of Pain

February 10, 2018February 9, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

PAIN P ersonal
A nguish
I ntense
N umbness

N eeds
I llustrated
A wareness
P rovided

Beautiful songs are composed out of PAIN. Books, cards, and letters as well. When one hears, or reads words that were birthed in PAIN, it resonates, it feels familiar, and it comforts. It lets you know, “You’re not the only one who has felt this way.”

Respect PAIN, but don’t hang on to it too long. Place it in the hands of the One who has felt the very same thing. Jesus is there, waiting, loving, comforting. Saying to you, “You’re not alone in this.”

Then, look around you. There are people, who are a part of your world, who are hanging on to PAIN. You can see it in their eyes. For you saw it in yours, every time you looked in the mirror. Get beside them. Be Jesus in that moment to them, and say, “You’re not alone. Let me show you how to give it to Jesus.”

Check it out: Inspired, rich words: believemiraclesblog.wordpress.com

Call of Duty

January 6, 2018January 7, 2018 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

A hurt soul needs a mender.
One rejected needs acceptance.
A depressed one needs to be encouraged.
One feeling like a waste needs to know their value.
A person struggling with an addiction needs a cheerleader.
Someone down and out needs a break.
One near the edge needs hope.
A person ill needs healing.
Someone lonely needs a friend.

people The list, could go on. The truth is, these individuals need Jesus. Most do not think to turn to him, because they can’t see him, but they can see you. In a time, when our world is in so much pain, those who know Jesus, and has the hope he provides, needs to answer the call of duty.

God has placed you where he needs you. You’re the one, who can take the time, speak a word, or give a hug. You may never know the impact of taking a risk of faith to say, go or do, but one day you will. “Do not be afraid,” the angel of the Lord would say to you. The more you reach out, the more you say, and the more you come along side someone, you will find it strengthens you, encourages you, and increases your faith to do more. God will lead you, as you are his servant, saving lives.

Keep one thing in mind; there was someone, just like you, who took the time to be there for you, and shared the love of Jesus with you.

Check it out:
Touching, Spirit filled, sincere, encouraging words: https://tostrengthenamothersheart.wordpress.com

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.

Check it out:
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.

Check it out:
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)

Accidently on Purpose

December 2, 2017November 29, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Know God

Your coworker took time to listen to your struggles.
You found an envelope with cash and an anonymous note, “To help you out.”
A man pulled over and changed your tire not asking for anything in return.
A woman, at the light, handed you five dollars.
They stopped and helped you pick up items that had fallen through your bag and then carried them to your destination.
A person shared their umbrella, which was made for one, but they made sure you stayed dry.
They stopped to hold the door, they gave you directions with a smile, they paid for your coffee in the drive thru.

Random acts of kindness?
Perhaps.

Or were they actually people, just like you,

who have fallen in love with God?

And so desperately wanted you to know Him,

that they went out of their way to show you what He would do in that same moment?

They didn’t preach.

They didn’t judge.

They didn’t condemn.

They LOVED!

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.

Amazing Love

August 26, 2017August 23, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

c2gpic2 I would turn all the lights green when I drive. I would make people act right when I am in their presence. I would make them drive according to the rules of the road too. Nothing would ever go wrong in my life. This is what I would do if I had the powers of God.

Funny thing really. God has the power to do what I would and more. But God doesn’t use His power for selfish reasons. He never has, never does, and never will. He uses His power to bless us. To provide a perfectly balanced in the solar system place to live called, “Earth”. He provides food, and water. The things we need, and occasionally He spoils us, and blesses us with something we want.

Why does God do this? Because He loves us. He loves you. If you could see how much He loves you, how much He cares. God’s love cannot be measured, weighed, or exhausted. So what’s keeping you from believing it? Or a better question, what’s keeping you from accepting it? God’s love is available despite you. You can’t out do it, hide from it, or stop it. Really, there is no other word for God’s love except, “Amazing”!

Are You Nothing?

August 12, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

My co-worker was questioning how someone could not give a particular race respect. Even think they are stupid animals. As the conversation continued we came to one conclusion. This attitude toward others can only be a result of “hate”. Unfortunately, “hate” doesn’t just stop with people groups, but can actually be focused on coworkers, friends, and oh my goodness, family. Wait, did I just say family? Yes. I did. And what will surprise you the most is, this “hate” can even come from those who consider themselves Christian. Guess what, going to church does not make one a Christian. And we wonder why some people don’t like Christians.

1 Corinthians chapter 13:4-8 tells us what pure love is, but I have realized it also shows us what pure hate looks like:

Hate gives up.
Hate cares more for self than others.
Hate wants what it doesn’t have.
Hate struts, has a swelled head,
Forces itself on others.
Is always “me first.”
Flies off the handle.
Keeps score of the sins of others,
Revels when others grovel.
Takes pleasure in spreading lies,
Doesn’t put up with anything.
Never trusts God.
Never looks for the best.
Always looks back.
Hate always kills.

1Co 13:1-3 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. (MSG)