needs

The Narcissistic Prayer Warrior

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“Dear God,

It’s me. Of course, you should know that because I’m probably the only one in the world who is praying right now. I’ve got a slight headache. Can you take care of that for me? Thanks. Oh, and my little toe, on my right foot, still hurts from where I stubbed it when I got up in the middle of the night to get a beer. By the way, I need help with buying groceries, too.

I’m thrilled to inform you that I’ve found the perfect truck for me. I know it will be a gas guzzler, but I really want it. I will look so cool driving around town. People will think I am so successful. Of course, to pay for it, I will probably need a new job, a better job, so can you work on that?

I need someone to work on my house, as well. Someone who will be understanding and not charge me much or not at all. You know how the roof is leaking and there are two broken windows, and I can’t use the bedroom door because I think the floor is unlevel.

And speaking of the house, it would be great if you could get a woman to marry me who would cook, clean, and buy the groceries. She should also be able to keep my bank account straight and do my laundry. Can you make her cute with a nice body?

Thanks, God. You’re the best!”

The Bible instructs us to make our requests known to God, but this guy is acting as if God is his personal genie! And is he really a prayer warrior? Not once did he pray or intercede for anyone else.

You can ask God to meet your “needs”, and He already knows the desires of our hearts. With that said, praying for yourself is okay, but then trust in God to handle things as He sees fit. Then, turn your attention to praying for others. Prayers do work, and prayers become more powerful when more people agree together and pray for the same needs.

1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV)  First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)  Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1 John 5:14 (ESV)  And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Tale of Two Women

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Earlier today, I was doing our weekly shopping at Walmart. I ran into two different women, who had two different tales to tell. The first one made me laugh, but the second, the second one caused me to tear up.

The first one, Nancy, was shopping while carrying a new white, plastic step stool. I saw it and instantly knew why. I thought, if she was going to purchase it, then it would be in her shopping cart, but it wasn’t. That means she was using it to reach items on the top shelf that she wanted to purchase. I found her in the soda aisle.

I helped her by retrieving two two-liter bottles of Coke. Yes, I was tall enough to reach them, although I was standing on my tippy toes! I asked her about the stool, and she confirmed I was right. She mentioned that she had complained that they put items too high and that when her shopping was done, she put the stool back until next time. I laughed at her creativity.

The second one, Sharon (changed to protect her), works there. I see her most weeks. She always looks tired, and it bothers me to see a woman who looks as if she should be at home knitting, working. In the past, I have treated her with respect, as if she were the owner.

Today, she told me her daughter suffers from a mental illness and that yesterday, she had her committed to a facility. She said, “I’m her mother, but there is nothing I can do to help her.” I replied, “That is why you need God. He can.” Tears swelled up in her eyes as she asked me to be praying for her daughter,” I matched her with tears in my own eyes as I assured her I would. I asked for her daughter’s first name and explained that April and I have a board where we list people and needs to pray for.

Whenever you go out into the world, you never know who you will meet or see again. The ones that you see repeatedly, please, I hope you take the time to get to know them.  You never know when they will open up to you and share what is consuming them or their thoughts. A lot of people are hurting and dealing with heavy things in their lives. To them, the world is dark! We need to be there for them just as God is.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Mat. 5:14 (NLT)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

A202516

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34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Mat. 25:34-40 (NIV)

April and I like being benevolent. A word meaning: kind and with positive intentions. So when the need went out yesterday in church to help buy children back-to-school clothes, supplies, and perhaps something they wanted, we knew we had to respond.

April turned to me and asked, “Do you want to help?” “Of course,” I replied. Then she asked, “Do we have enough extra money right now?” I said, “God will provide.”

As we started shopping for the individual April had selected, it seemed daunting to buy clothes for a young man whom we had never met. So, I started praying. Asking God, who knows this child, to lead us and guide us with questions like, “What are 14-year-olds wearing these days?” I mean, you want them to look nice but be cool as well. When I took hold of the pair of shoes, I started crying. Here is a young man, just starting high school and wondering, “Will I fit in?” “What am I going to wear?” My heart broke. A kid should never have to worry about what they will wear or what they will eat, or where they will sleep tonight.

I don’t write about these things to say, “Look at us. Look how generous we are.” We are only able to do these things because of God! The reason is to say:

  1. Trust God that He will meet your needs.
  2. Open your eyes to the needs of others.
  3. Live within your means, so you can help.
  4. And remember that when you do it for the least of these, you do it for Jesus.

The young man that we got to help is more than a number. More than “A202516.” We pray that he knows God and will learn by seeing Him in action how loving and caring He really is. And that He is a good, good God. We pray that when he grows up and someday hears the cry go out that a child has a need, he will remember how someone answered that cry for him, and then do the same.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

God Will Provide

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I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of and forecast our household budget and expenses. Sometime last year, I started declaring at the top of each month’s sheet, “GOD WILL PROVIDE!” Then I list our income and expenses by date. You know how a budget works.

After I balance each month with my bank statement, am I the only one who still does that? I make the following declaration: GOD DID PROVIDE!

I admit that our budget has tightened with the current expenses of remodeling our house and buying some new furniture. So when God started whispering to April and me to be benevolent for a particular cause, my first thought was, “Ouch!” That is going to make life a little more uncomfortable for a bit. It’s kind of like putting on an old pair of jeans after months of not wearing them, and you realize you have gained ten pounds or so! “Ouch!”

Now, April and I can do our part and not eat out like we did last month, and we can do what we can to keep our utility bills down, but that is only going to help so much. But here’s the thing: I know God. I know how He works, and if we continue to tithe and live in a way pleasing to him, God will provide! I don’t know how, but He always does!

I don’t have to know how He is going to do it, but I know that He knows what we need, and our heavenly Father, who loves us, will take care of our needs.

The exciting part of where the money went is it has the potential to change a person’s life for eternity. And their changed life may very well change the lives of countless others. I feel honored that God would speak to our hearts and allow us to be a part of his plan and the great love story that He is writing in that individual’s life.

That individual had a need, and at some point, they probably had no clue as to how God would provide for them. I hope they never forget that He came through in the last hour.

I tell you the truth: living with God and for God is the most fun you will ever have and the greatest adventure of your life. I hope, if you never have, you will accept him and his Son, Jesus, into your life and start down the road of faith. Faith pleases God.

April and I have faith that God will provide!

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)

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Mat. 6:30-33 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Was That an Angel?

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“Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed.” The writer of Hebrews encourages us to show hospitality. “Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!” (Heb. 13:2)

Many years ago, I was the best man at a friend’s wedding. I’m sure there were many better men than me there, but that was the title and role I was asked to serve. Having a small amount of authority at the event, it was brought to my attention that a man was seen stuffing cake into a napkin and placing it inside his pocket. I approached the gentleman and started the interrogation. “Friend of the bride or groom?” I asked. The man put his head down and said he would leave quietly.

As I convinced him he was okay to stay, I soon learned he was homeless and hungry. The wedding and reception were ending, and I asked him to stay put while I completed my duties. He did.

I told him he could spend the night in my apartment. On the way there, we stopped at a Burger King. He ate as if it was his first time eating in months, and perhaps it was for a hot meal. After getting home, I realized he needed his clothes washed and a shower. I offered both to him, and he accepted. Then I found out that those were his only clothes, so we went into my closet, and he picked out a shirt and a pair of pants. The only problem was he was much taller than me. So, after he went to bed, I let out the hem as much as possible.

I slept on the sofa, and the next morning, I fixed him a hearty breakfast and packed a lunch. I invited him to my church, but instead, he asked to be dropped off in town. I did. Later, I started crying as Matthew 25:36 came flooding into my mind.

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

Ever since that night, I have wondered if I indeed entertained an angel. Never once did I fear for my life while that man was in my presence. Instead, I felt good for helping someone in need.

Being able to help someone with resources means living within your means. That way, you can meet someone else’s needs. One of the reasons April and I got the upstairs of our home remodeled was so we could offer a safe, warm place to one who needs to feel full, comfortable, and secure.

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Thankful?

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Are you ready for Thanksgiving this coming Thursday? Do you have the turkey and all of the trimmings? A pastor’s wife once asked me if I was going to join them for Thanksgiving. I replied, “Sure. I’ll be there.” She then said, “Oh good. Now we’ll have a turkey!” Hahaha, right?

A lot of people spend a lot of time preparing for the holiday. They prepare the menu, invite the guests, and make sure the house is presentable. Others begin packing their suitcases if they are going to be traveling far to celebrate with friends and or family.

I have to ask, though, “How many prepare their heart?” For the one who has been forgiven of their sins, through Jesus Christ, has a lot to be thankful for. Even if this life isn’t perfect and there are trying times, you still have God on your side. One of the best sermons I have ever heard lasted about ten seconds. The minister was sitting on a newspaper machine in Chicago. While the “Do Not Walk” sign was lit, he preached. He said, “I don’t care how bad life is. As long as you have God on your side, it will be okay!”

Because I am daily mindful of how much God has done for me and continues to do for me, I am always thankful! When I walk through the house, I feel blessed. This home has been a big blessing to me and April, and it will continue to be one after I am gone. (I am older than April by several years.) This house has the ability to rent out the second floor with no intrusion for whoever is living on the first floor. This will provide another stream of income for April.

Thanksgiving isn’t just an American holiday. It’s an ever-present attitude of the heart. Maybe you will be asked what you are thankful for this coming Thursday as you sit around the table. If you have a roof over your head, peace in your country, food on the table, good friends, and a family that loves you, a job that meets your needs and God, then you have more than most to be thankful for. And if you don’t have all of those things I listed, then turn to the God who loves you. Tell him. He’ll listen! And who knows, perhaps by the following Thanksgiving, you will.

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? Mat. 7:11-20 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

What They Need

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I once visited a third-world country. Most of the people who lived there were extremely poor. Every day was a struggle for them to find food to feed their families. Jobs were difficult to come by, and “good” paying jobs were out of reach for most. In talking to one lady who had made it to America, she shared with me that she made more in two weeks than she did in six months there.

While I was there, I attended one of the local churches. The minister spoke both the languages of the country and English. I’m not sure what his motivation was, but he began to go around the room asking the parishioners how much they would commit to paying each week. I felt terrible for them as they squirmed and were not making eye contact with their pastor. As the people threw out an amount, one of the pastor’s family members recorded their responses.

Later that day, the pastor asked me what I thought of the service. Now I squirmed and finally asked. “You want me to be honest?” “Yes,” he replied. I said, “Well, I felt awful for the congregation. You put them on the spot. Of course, they were going to say they would commit to giving a certain amount every week. What they give is between them and God. They live difficult lives. They don’t need “rules” to live by, that’s guilt and “religion.” What they need is to hear about how much God loves them, knows what they are going through, and cares about them so much. What they need is a stronger “relationship” with God. One they can rely on and survive the week to come.”

The pastor stared at the floor and then struggled to admit he had made a mistake. I suggested he apologize to his flock and strive each week to hear God’s encouraging word for them.

I would go out on a limb and guess that what you need is to hear the same message. God knows you, and He loves you so much! He cares about what you are facing, and He wants you to trust him to work on your behalf. That is accomplished by having a great “relationship” with God. That is what you need. That is all that you need.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Mat. 11:28-30 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Late

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My father disliked waiting for people. He would invite a friend to go hunting or fishing with him and say, “We will leave at 7 AM.” Then, after waiting and waiting for them to arrive, he would get mad. Some were so late, so often, he quit inviting them to go with him. Perhaps I inherited that attitude from him. The real issue is this: I don’t treat others that way.

Sure, life happens, and things can always come up, but when you know you must be somewhere at an agreed-upon time, then get ready for that event ahead of time. Take care of the things of life that might prevent you from being on time. Can you tell I am waiting on someone right now? They first said they would be over last night to receive some items April and I want to bless them with. Then, at the arrival time, they texted and said it would be today at a certain hour. It is now an hour later, and yes, I am getting disgruntled!

I am so glad God is never late! Now, He may not answer when we want him to, but when we are in need, He is never late. Many years ago, I stepped out in faith and took a youth pastor’s position in a small church that prewarned me they could not pay me a salary. So, I was truly walking by faith. It wasn’t easy.

To make ends meet, I once ate a cheese sandwich every meal. A family that was paying my rent didn’t send the money before the first of the month. I wrote a hot check because the landlord was scary and didn’t understand. It bounced! I got mad at God and accused him of being late. He quickly responded rather forcefully, “I AM NEVER LATE! I spoke to them, but they have not responded!” A few days later, I received their check with an apology note saying they thought the other spouse had dropped it in the mail.

When God spoke that day, He went on to tell me, “Mark, I could make the money you need appear in your living room, but I delight in working with people.” I apologized to God and asked for forgiveness. I certainly learned a valuable principle that day, as well as more about God and how He answers our prayers.

Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Pt. 3:8-9 (MSG)

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Pt. 5:7 (ESV)

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Ps. 27:14 (ESV)

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Phpns. 4:19 (ESV)

NOTE: They finally showed up one and a half hours late. They felt bad and apologized, and I forgave them in my heart, and we moved on.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Cheapest Dream in Town

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Playing Powerball is popular in America. The jackpots grow these days to outrageous dollar amounts. Most people hope to win it. There was one such winner last night from California. They won $1.73 Billion. That’s, of course, if they take the annuity option, and yes, they have to pay federal and state taxes first. Otherwise, they can take a one-time lump sum, which would pay out much less but still more than most Americans can earn in their lifetime.

When the lottery topic came up in my old workplace, one man often reminded us, saying, “Playing the lottery is the cheapest dream in town!” He was right. And I have to admit I have played before and have joined those who dreamed of how they would spend it. I would first get out of all my dept. Then, I would give an offering to my local church and help some family members if needed. From there, I would carefully seek the Lord on what to do with it. (NOTE: I said “offering” to the church instead of a “tithe” because I would not have labored for the money. In other words, playing the lottery isn’t my job.)

Some people play because they are desperate to change their current life. Whether they are deep in debt for several reasons, need a life-saving surgery, or any otherwise impossible situation. They hoped their financial woes would end overnight. Others might play to make a large purchase of something they want but don’t need.

I have heard when someone wins a large sum of cash, they trade one set of problems for another. Like out of the blue, they have millions of friends and issues with family members who don’t get enough of the money to suit them. I heard from a trusted source that one wealthy and famous ex-TV host gets hundreds of requests daily for financial help.

“According to Ohman, most lottery winners spend all their winnings and end up in a worse financial position than before they won.”

That is sad to learn about most lottery winners. So what is one to do? For those who believe in God, it is better to put your trust in the Lord. He knows what you have need of and will provide it.

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat. 6:31-33 (KJV)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Prov. 3:5 (KJV)

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Ps. 55:17 (KJV)

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Prov. 3:9-10 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

A Step in the Right Direction

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Have you ever considered what it looks like to “walk with God?” It’s not just something we are instructed to do via ministers, but it is a lifestyle. It’s not something you do as a “religious practice,” either. Nor do you do it with drudgery. When you begin to stay in step with God, it becomes natural. Something you do without having to think about it, like breathing.

You allow God to lead and set the pace. When you need to decide something more important than “Should I wear underwear?” you pause and consider, is this God’s will? Things that will affect your finances, your career, and where you live. I have recently had to ask God, “How much do we do to help this person?” Doing so came with a retail price tag! And when I was about to do more, God found a way of guiding April and me by opening up another opportunity for this person that honestly was much better than what we were about to offer.

Another aspect of “walking with God” is being guided in daily activities. We wanted to purchase another cooler (ice chest). It was on the shopping list, but when I started to go look at them to pick one out, I felt a sense of “no” in my spirit. My rationality was I didn’t have time. Two days later, April learned her name was drawn in a raffle for the top prize. Yep! The prize package included an Igloo cooler. (See photo.)

The package also included other treats and a large box of fireworks valued at $250. I told April a few weeks ago that I would love to buy some fireworks but could not justify the cost. It has been many years since I had some, and it’s part of my childhood memories of celebrating the 4th of July. I couldn’t believe it when I saw April walk out with the fireworks, and honestly, I wanted to cry. Why? Because it reminds me again how much God loves us and not only knows our needs but also the desires of our hearts. “Thank you, God, for your blessings!”

Walking with God is a fun, exciting, adventurous, and loving way to live. It also brings about comfort. There is no better way to live life. It starts with accepting Jesus as God’s Son. Asking him to forgive us of our sins and asking him to be Lord of our life. If people were, to be honest with others and with themselves, they would have to confess that trying to live life on their terms is a difficult and constant struggle.

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Ps. 37:4 (KJV)

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
    what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
    be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
    take God seriously. Mic. 6:8 (MSG)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.