Mary

Did You Know?

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know” asks Mary, the mother of Jesus, a series of questions. “Did you know your baby boy would one day walk on water? Give sight to a blind man? Calm a storm? Raise the dead? Restore hearing and health? Save us from our sins? I would have asked, “Mary, when did you know?”

Of course, when Jesus was first born, she had no idea. All she knew was that God had a plan, and she was honored to play a role. But as Jesus was growing up, she had to have seen him do things that other children couldn’t do. I think that is what prompted her to ask Jesus to do something at the wedding when the hosts were running out of wine. She probably didn’t know what he would do but knew he could do something. (See John 2:1-11)

Do you know the power of Jesus? Have you heard of his power and glory? Do you believe? Jesus cares about you and what you go through daily. He is Lord of the extraordinary as well as the ordinary. What are you facing that you need him to step in and do something about? I’m sure you have no idea what he will do but know he can do something.

I have been amazed more than once by how God has worked things out in my life—an unexpected check, a job in an area I wasn’t even looking into, etc. I knew he could do miracles, and because I knew, I asked! What do you need Jesus to do? Ask because now you know.

(“Mary, Did You Know” songwriters: Mark Lowry, & Buddy Greene.)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Breath of Heaven

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments
Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay

I have traveled many moonless nights,
Cold and weary with a babe inside,
And I wonder what I’ve done.
Holy father you have come,
And chosen me now to carry your son.

I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone?

I can’t imagine what Mary went through. God asked her to do a lot. To accept being part of His plan. To be willing to get pregnant without having been with a man and then to try to explain it all to her fiancé. Why should he believe her? Or her parents and friends, for that matter. This had never happened before. She must have felt alone for months, at least until she went to her cousin’s house, who believed her. (Luke 1:39-56)

Mary’s prayer probably went something like this:
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven.

Do you wonder as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place,
But I offer all I am

For the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong.

Has God asked you to do something as part of his plan? Does it sound outrageous or ridiculous? Many years ago, He asked me to accept a youth pastor’s position in a young church that could not afford to pay me a salary. My father was angry and thought I was nuts. I had completed college with my associate’s degree and had started a promising career with the area’s electric company. I obeyed God, and He was with me then and faithful to meet my needs, but I never stopped praying a similar prayer to Mary’s, and I, too, wondered if there was someone more qualified than I.

So, are you hearing a breath of heaven? Are you being called? I challenge you to trust God. Take his hand and start the most incredible adventure of your life. Yes, there will be times you will wonder if you made the right decision, but it is in those moments that God will do something extraordinary in you or through you that will leave no doubt in your mind that you did. You may feel as if there is someone better or smarter but remember this, God asked you. Besides, they may rely too much on their strength instead of on God’s.

“Breath of Heaven”
Songwriter: Christopher Eaton.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Favor

/ Mark Brady / 3 Comments

Can you imagine the emotions that Mary must have experienced when the angel appeared before her and said, “Fear not.” Well, actually, he first said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!”

But it’s what the angel said next that would trouble Mary the most. “Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 

So God found favor with Mary. With who she was on the outside as well as who she was on the inside. Then He asked her for a favor. A big one! To give birth to His son, Jesus, even though she was a virgin and engaged to Joseph. She had to conquer her fear. Mainly, what will my fiancé think? What will others think? But Mary believed, and she said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.”

What is God asking you to do that seems impossible? We have proof from Mary’s story that with God, nothing is impossible, especially when the Holy Spirit is involved. Like her, be willing to serve the Lord. You don’t need to know all the “how to,” and you don’t have to be the best, just willing. It would be best if you did not consider what others would think. You can’t control that aspect, and they will judge you anyway. Know this; your obedience, saying “Yes” to God, will prompt Him to bestow upon you even more favor, and you will accomplish what God wants to do, even the impossible.

If you would like to read the entire section of events from Luke 1:26-38 (NET), I have included it below:

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting. 30 So the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God! 31 Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.

36 “And look, your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son in her old age—although she was called barren, she is now in her sixth month! 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

You Are the Same God

/ Mark Brady / 3 Comments
Photo by: SHVETS production

Yesterday at church, I was so encouraged by the lyrics to the following song, “Same God.” It was good to remember that despite what is happening in the world, in my country, or in my personal world, God is still God. He is not affected by current events or swayed by popular opinions. He is still the same God; if He did it before, then I know He can do it again for me, my country, and my world.

I’m calling on the God of Jacob
Whose love endures through generations
I know that You will keep Your covenant

I’m calling on the God of Moses
The one who opened up the ocean
I need You now to do the same thing for me
For me, for me

O God, my God, I need You
O God, my God, I need You now
How I need You now

O Rock, O Rock of ages
I’m standing on Your faithfulness
On Your faithfulness

I’m calling on the God of Mary
Whose favor rests upon the lowly
I know with You all things are possible

I’m calling on the God of David
Who made a shepherd boy courageous
I may not face Goliath
But I’ve got my own giants

You heard Your children then
You hear Your children now

You were providing then
You are providing now

You moved in power then
God, move in power now

You were a healer then
You are a healer now

You are the same God
You are the same God

You were a savior then
You are a savior now

You’re faithful God
Jesus, You’re the same
Yesterday, today, and forever

You freed the captives then
You’re freeing hearts right now

You touched the lepers then
I feel Your touch right now

Never changing
Oh, forever
We feel You now
You’re the same God

I’m calling on the Holy Spirit
Almighty River, come and fill me again
Come and fill me again

(Let that be your prayer)

Songwriters: Patrick Barrett, Christopher Joel Brown, Steven Furtick. For non-commercial use only.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Believing in the Impossible

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Photo by Rafal Maciejski

“Welcome to Hollywood. What’s your dream?” A famous line from the movie, “Pretty Woman”. I realize I have been blessed to be born in America. I grew up hearing and believing you can do anything you put your mind to. America offered opportunities and to some point, still does.

My plans and desires have not all worked out yet or without challenges, but I have gotten to do and see some pretty exciting and beautiful things. For example, while in the 8th grade I read a book about a young man who flew gliders. I wanted to do that. I got that chance about ten years ago. It was awesome and exhilarating. I wanted to be an architect. I have worked for several years in an architectural office. I even worked for Frank Wallace the architect of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There are so many other things I could list as well, but I try to keep these posts as short as possible.

A few years ago I begin to believe that I could write a book. I have done that but it has not been easy. “Kill The Preacher Man” is a novel. https://bradymarka.com/current-projects/ Today, I am working on my next book, “Ask, Flip and Invite”. (Coming soon) I have written devotions, articles and have contributed to two books. This very blog has been read in 120 countries. That blows my mind! Only God can take something, bless it and multiply it.

My wife, April is new to living in America and is originally from the Philippines. She is beginning to realize anything is possible, especially with God. She likes to cook and she likes to share her cooking skills on the internet via her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxCVluI_lWrk-bwaie1QF7w The number of subscribers is growing and she is encouraged to do more and be even better at her craft of being an influencer.

Believing in the impossible is nothing new. Mary had to do that when an angel announced to her she was going to give birth to the Son of God. (Luke 1:26) Countless others in the Word of God have dared to believe in the impossible and as a result, have changed the world. They could probably be counted as the first influencers on earth.

If you have a dream, give it to God. Ask Him to help you and lead you in it no matter how big it is. Place it in His hands. Ask Him to bless it and multiply it, then believe in the impossible! “Welcome to God. What’s your dream?”

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

Plan “A”

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

“I know!  Let’s confuse the wise, by doing the unexpected.”

“What do you mean?”

“Their looking for a king, and we’ll provide one, but not in the manner they are expecting.”

“So what are you thinking?”

“A baby.  A baby born to a virgin.”

“Oh, like that won’t mess with their heads!”

“So who is going to be the baby?”

“You.”

So when the proper time came about, God sent an angel to announce part of his plan to Mary, and God’s plan was launched.

28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Rejoice, beloved young woman, for the Lord is with you and you are anointed with great favor.”

29 Mary was deeply troubled over the words of the angel and bewildered over what this may mean for her. 30 But the angel reassured her, saying, “Do not yield to your fear, Mary, for the Lord has found delight in you and has chosen to surprise you with a wonderful gift. 31 You will become pregnant with a baby boy, and you are to name him Jesus. 32 He will be supreme and will be known as the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will enthrone him as King on the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign as King of Israel forever, and his reign will have no limit.”

34 Mary said, “But how could this happen? I am still a virgin!”

35 Gabriel answered, “The Spirit of Holiness will fall upon you and almighty God will spread his shadow of power over you in a cloud of glory! This is why the child born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your aged aunt, Elizabeth, has also become pregnant with a son. The ‘barren one’ is now in her sixth month. 37 Not one promise from God is empty of power. Nothing is impossible with God!”

38 Then Mary responded, saying, “Yes! I will be a mother for the Lord! As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.” And the angel left her. Luke 1:28-38 (TPT)

Fast forward; we know God’s plan worked.  Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)  He stayed in constant communication with his heavenly Father, and despite his own will completed the plan.  It’s a good thing too, because there never was a plan “B”.

Why would God do such an incredible selfless thing for you and me?  There is only one reason; LOVE.  God is love, and He loves us so much that he spared no expense to rescue us from our own selves and our eternal demise.  We celebrate God’s love by celebrating Christmas.  The event that if believed and accepted gives us life.

Merry Christmas

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

The Little Drummer Boy

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I saw the posted image in Facebook the other day.  I had to read it twice before my mind drew the correct image of what was being said.  Then I laughed, and immediately shared it with a couple of friends.  One didn’t get it until I started singing the song.  If they had gotten it on their own they wouldn’t have had to hear me sing, “Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum!”

“Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum! That line has become synonymous with the Christmas season as part of the beloved carol “The Little Drummer Boy.” The song is believed to have been written by Katherine K. Davis, and it was first recorded in 1951. The lyrics are in the first person, and the speaker is a little drummer boy at the manger scene who had nothing to give baby Jesus but his drum solo. The song is sweet, reverent, and imaginative, but, no, the little drummer boy is not in the Bible.”

Source: gotquestions.org

This Christmas song was not one of my favorites, at all.  That is, until I heard a version of it by, “White Heart”.  I found the song dull and boring before, but not anymore.

A few days have gone by since that Facebook post, but then yesterday, as April and I were out running errands and a particular Christmas song came on the radio, it dawned on me, I haven’t paused yet to reflect the true meaning of Christmas.  I haven’t stopped long enough to prepare my heart to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Back to the little drummer boy; whether just a made up story or not, taking time to give Jesus what you have is a valuable lesson to reflect on.  He had nothing to give, but his talent of playing drums.  If it was true, I can see him standing there in perfect single formation, playing that drum with all of his heart!  Playing an anthem fit for a king, and in this case the King of Kings.

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

Looking For Jesus (Part 2)

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Joseph.  A good man, in fact, a righteous man.  “Righteous”, a $12 dollar word which means, in right standing with God.  A smart man, reasonable in his dealing with people.  How do I know this?  Simple.  By reading the scriptures.

You see, when Mary told him she was pregnant, he of course was shocked and bewildered.  How could she do this to him?  And before they were to get married.  Did she truly love him, or was she marrying him for some other reason?  Men seem to have a hard time trusting women ever since the fall of Adam and Eve.  Due to the curse of sin men and women have had issues relating.

Back to him being a good man, he decided to end the engagement privately hoping it would save Mary and her family public embarrassment, but people talk and would have found out anyway.  Especially when Mary would start showing from her pregnancy.  But then:

20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).

24-25 Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus. Mat. 1:20-25 (MSG)

Because Joseph was a God fearing man, he obeyed, and he too begin looking for Jesus.  Can you imagine what he was going through?  A new husband to a woman who has found favor with the God of the universe and is now carrying His son.  I’m sure Joseph had more questions than answers.  What do I do with him? Do I teach him how to be a carpenter, like me? Teach him about wood and nails? Many people have questions when they accept Jesus, and that’s okay, but Joseph accepted Jesus, and he accepted God’s plan.

Look for Jesus.  You will find him, because He has already found you. Don’t get hung up on the details. Don’t try to figure out God’s plan with your mind, because you never will fully understand it, but trust me, it’s all about love. Love for the people of the world. Love for you.

Copyright © 2020 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

Looking For Jesus (Part 1)

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Mary.  Singing.  Dreaming of her upcoming life as the young bride of Joseph.  Tending to the laundry.  What would have been another typical day, of her life, turned into the most extraordinary day of her life.  An angel appeared.  “Fear not.”  Yeah, right.  If it happened to me I would have had to do some more laundry.

“You have found favor with God.  You will become pregnant with a Son, and you will name him, Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  God will give him the throne of his father, David.  He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

Mary questioned God’s plan, considering she had never been with a man.

But the angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  Therefore the child to be born will be holy, in fact he will be called, the Son of God.” (Luke 1)

From that day forward, Mary found herself looking for Jesus.  As he grew inside her, when he turned, kicked, and did all the things babies do inside the womb, she had to have wondered, what will he look like it?  Will I see the face of God, or will he look like me?  Time would reveal that Jesus looked just like God in all ways.  For he always said, “I only do what I have seen my Father in heaven do.”

I’m sure Mary wasn’t the perfect parent, but Jesus forgave her for that.  His death on the cross not only forgave her, but all of us who accept him for who he is, the Son of God.  And guess what, he’s coming back.  He’s coming to gather those who believe and call him, Lord.  To take us to his home now, heaven to be with him forever.  I’m living my life in a manner to be invited for the second greatest coming in the history of the earth!  I’m looking for Jesus, are you?

Copyright © 2020 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

“I’m Pregnant”

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Charlie 25I love the Virgin Mary’s story.  She was so brave.  You see the simple truth is, she loved God more than she feared what others thought.  There’s a whole sermon right there.  Pass the offering plate and call it Sunday!

Mary, a virgin, was a pure vessel for the Son of God to be placed in.  And because she first loved God, she had no problem loving and taking care of his Son, Jesus.

Oh may I always be a clean vessel for the Son of God to take full time residence in.  May I too be able to announce, “I’m pregnant!”  If you have ever seen me you know I look like I’m 8 months pregnant, but I’m trying to work on that.  May I always care about his words, his way of life, and his promise to live forever, more than I am concerned about what man thinks.

In this blog, I write the words I feel God has placed in my heart to help you, inspire you, to grow in your relationship with him.  A friend of mine once said,

“I don’t need to read your blog, because I don’t have a relationship with God.”  I responded, “Sure you do.  It’s just not a good one!”

Whether you believe in God or not today, I pray wherever you are in life, you start to.  Because ya know what?  God believes in you.  He made you, he loves you, and he wants to have a conversation with you, about you.  He cares so much for you, he gave you his only Son, to die so that you may live.  That’s what Christmas is all about.  All the other stuff is just a way to celebrate God’s perfect love.

Today is Christmas.  Merry Christmas to all of my regular, and irregular readers.  I’ll let you decide which you are.  I love you all, and appreciate you so very much.  You’re in my prayers. I mainly pray your relationship with God will grow.  (laughing) May you too, become pregnant.

Copyright © 2019 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.