obedience

The Practice of the Holy

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Image by Ronald Sandino from Pixabay

The title of this blog post came to me, and I’m not sure why or where it came from. I thought it was the title of a book. After searching, I realized it wasn’t. So, what does it mean to practice the Holy?

Practice means: to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient to train by repeated exercises.

Do you ever get a sense God is calling you to a life of holiness? This means that in everything you do and say, there is no darkness. If so, it’s because this world needs pure light. Pure truth. Nothing dimmed or tainted by our filters or perceptions but unadulterated Truth from God, his Son, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and his word, the Bible. Practicing the Holy is an everyday exercise to the best of our ability so that we may become proficient at it.

People around the world are getting mixed messages—diluted truth. They need so much to see the absolute Truth! For example, when people encountered Jesus, they knew they had met an honest, pure, and loving man. They didn’t lie, make excuses, or work hard to redirect the attention off of them. They didn’t blame others, either. At that moment, they knew with all conviction that they needed Jesus in their lives. May it be the same when people encounter us.

“Being holy refers to something or someone set apart or consecrated for a specific purpose. In a religious context, striving for holiness means having a relationship with God defined by obedience to His will and being shaped to have His character. It makes the believer set apart from the evils of the world and useful for His kingdom.”

Christiananity.com

Holiness is not visible on the outside but an attitude of the heart. It’s not a uniform! It also is not a set of rules. What does not eating something on a particular day of the week have to do with God? Yes, in the Old Testament, God gave the Jewish people instructions not to eat certain animals, but I am convinced that was to keep them safe. Today, we know how to process animals so we do not get sick or die from eating them. Having a particular dress style or a list of rules is nothing but “religion,” and it has nothing to do with loving God, having a “relationship” with Him, loving others, or getting into heaven!

So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” 1 Pt. 1:13-16 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Obedience School

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

It’s challenging to do the things you don’t want to do. It’s even harder to do the things God asks you to do, but you really, really don’t want to.

I can not imagine the struggle the Prophet Hosea dealt with when God asked him to marry a prostitute and have a child with her. I mean, think about the first time he took her home to meet the family. It might have been like a scene from “St. Elmo’s Fire” where Wendy’s mother whispers things that are unmentionable. “Did you all hear about John down the street?” She whispered, “Cancer.” So, when she asked Billy, “Where did you meet our daughter, Wendy?” Billy whispered, “Prison.”

“So, Gomer, what do you do for a living?” I can imagine her whispering, “I’m a prostitute.” I have a feeling they already knew that and possibly one of the men around the table might have been a customer!

Hosea, a real man of God, obeyed, but he also knew ahead of time why God was asking him to do this thing. Have you ever been obedient to the Lord but did not know what God’s plan was? That seems to be the norm. In those situations, it is best to obey, and at some point, you will most likely know “why” someday. Or you may have proof later down the road that you did the right thing.

The first time God spoke to Hosea he said:
“Find a whore and marry her.
    Make this whore the mother of your children.
And here’s why: This whole country
    has become a whorehouse, unfaithful to me, God.”
3 Hosea did it. He picked Gomer daughter of Diblaim. She got pregnant and gave him a son.
Hosea 1:2-3 (MSG)
Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—
    empty rituals just for show?
He wants you to listen to him!
Plain listening is the thing,
    not staging a lavish religious production.
Not doing what God tells you
    is far worse than fooling around in the occult.
Getting self-important around God
    is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.
Because you said No to God’s command,
    he says No to your kingship.
1 Sam. 15:22-23 (MSG)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Another Trip Around Needed?

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments
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.

Get Dirty

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I’ve wanted a tree in the front of our house since I bought the place six years ago. I haven’t gotten one yet because the ones I want and the size I want are expensive. I had never thought of planting a tree from seed, though. Yeah, I had heard of Johnny Appleseed, who went around planting apple trees, but still, the thought never crossed my mind. Where do you buy tree seeds anyway? Oh, I know, “Dollar Tree!”

So when I found three maple trees growing in April’s flower bed, I was surprised. I’m not sure how they got there, but I am excited they are. God has truly been blessing us this year and meeting our needs and even some wants. Things that we talk about and even some things that are secret in our hearts. Before something can be manifested, someone has to plant it. Sometimes, planting a thought is enough.

Two years ago, I was asked to pray about how a particular property could be utilized. April and I went back to our lodge room and did just that. One of the things I sensed God say was, “Have a writer’s conference.” It seemed overwhelming, but I wanted to obey. I found a person who believed in what God had spoken as well, and we formed a company and did just that. In March of 2022, we held a writer’s conference. There were only ten people who showed up.

After it was over, we talked about our future. She wanted to host another writer’s conference. After praying about it, I didn’t feel the same. I left the company and started helping writers by coaching them and editing their works. In June of 2023, my ex-business partner held another writer’s conference with forty-two participants. Four times the previous year.

Reflecting on her success in numbers, I felt a sense of joy and accomplishment. You see, even though I had nothing to do with this year’s conference, I planted it. She watered it, and it grew! This practice is Biblical, and it is all for God’s glory.

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
1 Cor. 3:6 (KJV)

So the next time you feel prompted to plant, or start something, be bold. Be willing to dig in and not be afraid to get dirty! Whether it’s a conversation about the love of God, an encouraging word, volunteering in the children’s group at church, or a writer’s conference. Get God’s timing on it and do it. You may never know on this side of heaven what the results of your obedience will be. If God lays it upon your heart to water what someone else has planted, then do that too. We are all co-laborers for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are indeed many parts but one body.

For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God
1 Cor. 3:9a (AMPC)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.

Eleven Days

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Photo by: Anna

By now, most of us have probably heard one minister or another tells us that the distance from the Red Sea to the Promise Land was an eleven-day walk. So the Israelites could have gone from captivity and slavery to a land flowing with milk and honey after a few days of walking. What happened? You might be asking. “Fear.” The majority of them listened to the ten spies who reported why they couldn’t take the land God was giving them instead of the two men of God full of faith. The ten assumed they were being called to battle. They failed to understand the battle is the Lord’s!

The result of listening to men who struggled with fear instead of God was walking in the desert for forty years. This is so difficult for me to understand, They had just witnessed God separating the Red Sea, and they walked to the other side on dry ground, and then, if that wasn’t enough to prove God’s mighty power, they watched as He closed the Red Sea drowning, eradicating their enemy! Faith should have been the last thing they lacked.

I know I have not walked in their sandals, but I would like to think I would have agreed with the men of faith who reported they could do it. It seems that many people will listen to men instead of God. No, they may not wander in a desert as a result, but they certainly do miss out on everything God has for them.

It seems as if some, who do not know God personally, have more respect for Him and his power than some believers do! I guarantee Israel’s enemies were scared. Imagine the testimony to all who are watching your life, whether you realize it or not, when they see God’s mighty hand at work in you. Have you ever thought about the fact that percentage-wise, there are only a handful of ministries in the world that are affecting the world for God’s glory? That is because those leaders dared to believe God instead of men!

Has God instructed you to go or do something that looks impossible for a mortal man? Remember this:

Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.” Mat. 19:26 (NET)

If He has, go for it. Follow God every step as He leads you into the land He desires to give you. Put your foot in the exact same spot where God’s foot just left. Don’t look to the left or the right. Don’t expect your journey to take place the same way God did it for someone else either. Cover your ears if you have to so you aren’t tempted to listen to negative thoughts.

When I was accepting my first position as a youth minister at a church that said they couldn’t pay me a salary, my father told me I was crazy and forbade me to go. I was twenty-one and hadn’t lived under his roof for three years. I listened to my heavenly Father, who told me to go. I listened to the CEO of heaven instead, and without a salary from the church, my needs were met.

Are you eleven days from your promised land?

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Three Men, One Opinion

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Recently, I shared with three different men, at three different times, what was going on lately with April and me. Meaning, what God has us doing and why, as best as we understand it. I will admit it is not conventional, but when did God do things that made sense to us anyway?

In their own way, they proceeded to comment, share, or lecture me with their opinions on the matter. Needless to say, I didn’t like what they said, but I found it funny when one concluded with, “But the bottom line is between you, April and God.” If that’s the bottom line, then why did he feel the need to comment? Another said, “This is just a suggestion as a brother in the Lord.” It didn’t feel like it! The difference with the third one was that I could tell he wanted to comment on the situation, and I gave him an opportunity to by inviting him to speak into my life. He did. I still didn’t like what he said, but it didn’t hurt or offend me because I gave him an invitation.

The truth is this, none of them are walking in my shoes. What they see on the outside looks bizarre to them, and they don’t understand it perhaps. But why they felt they had to comment bothered me, so I asked God why. I woke up in the middle of the night, and their comments were still on my mind. Then, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “They commented because what you have they want. They are jealous of your situation.” I couldn’t believe it.

If God has directed you to do something, then it is best to be obedient no matter what it may look like to others. No matter if they understand it or not. They may criticize you out of jealousy but continue to walk in the way God leads. God loves obedience, and he rewards it by blessing you by, at times, making your path easy.

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 1 Sam. 15:22 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Following God

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I have written about this subject several times over the years, but I still find it challenging. We want to be in God’s perfect will and follow God with all our might. We want to be where He wants us and do what He wants us to do. Many times, where that is and what that does not only benefit us, but He has orchestrated it to help others. To answer their prayers. God is so cool like that.

There are times when one must step out in faith. Must put down a deposit and lay out real money before the confirmation comes forth. That is when the difficulty of following him gets real. Real Scary, that is!

When reading the Bible, you come across several stories of individuals in similar situations. Whether they were asked to go to war with only 300 men or give birth to God’s Son, it was challenging for them.

To overcome this fear is to Know God. To know of his faithfulness to us. To know his word and the outcome of those testimonies in the Bible. Another way is to pray about the direction we are sensing in our lives with others. It is helpful to find people of like precious faith. That is one of the benefits of attending a local church. Also, there is nothing wrong with asking God to confirm his will and direction.

We can lean on his scriptures of promises. Like, “in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your path straight.” And “I know the plans I have for you.” Then sit back and watch God work. Observe how he puts people in your path at the right moment to assist you or to say an encouraging word. Notice how as you take practical steps, things will work out and be easy to accomplish.

So, take heart. You are not alone in this. Others are walking with God like you are. You may feel you are wobbling like a toddler learning to walk but keep putting one step in front of the other. Keep trusting and keep believing. You will get there. If you sit and wait for it all to work out before you take a step, you will most likely never reach the goal. I have often written that a parked car cannot be steered.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

When is it Okay to Sin?

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Wages of sin is death.

How desperate do you have to be before you make a deliberate decision to sin? Do you tell a lie to cover something you did wrong, so you don’t lose your job or your spouse? Do you take money that isn’t yours because you don’t know how you will make it financially? Are you that desperately lonely that you get into the wrong relationship?

King David had an affair with Bathsheba. Then he had her husband placed on the front line of the battlefield, knowing he would most likely be killed. Why? An attempt to hide his sin.

I know a minister who recently told his daughter it was okay to live with her fiancé before marriage. Why? I believe he is counting on them getting married so his new son-in-law would support them. He probably wants a more comfortable life.

  1. It is never okay to willfully sin. Sin as defined by God’s word. If God says no and you do it anyway, it’s a sin. A big problem today is humanity is trying to make their own definitions of what sin is.
  2. The truth always comes out! (Numbers 32:23) King David’s sins were revealed when the prophet Nathan brought them into the light of day. (2 Sam. 12)
  3. God is faithful to forgive us of sin when we ask for it. (1 John 1:9) There is nothing we can do that prevents us from being forgiven.
  4. Whenever someone sins, people get hurt. King David, though forgiven, still had to pay a price for his sin. I have had to pay big time for some of the sins I have committed. Several people have been hurt too.

The minister I mentioned earlier is already paying a price for blessing sin. Some members of his family are now not speaking to him. And what will happen when the people in his church hear of what he allowed his daughter to do? He might say, “Well. She wouldn’t have listened and have done it anyway.” Then that’s on his adult daughter to pay for her sin. Until she is married, there is no guarantee he will marry her.

God doesn’t list certain parts of life as “sins” to prevent us from enjoying life, but ironically the opposite. A life obeying God brings about an abundant life. A good life full of God’s blessings and provisions.

Do your best to live according to God’s word. Ask Him to help you because keeping our flesh in check is difficult. It is too easy to justify why circumstances call for us to sin. God loves obedient children and rewards them accordingly.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

What Makes God Smile

/ Mark Brady / 1 Comment

We call God “Father,” and He calls us his children. Many scriptures talk about this relationship, this connection we have with the creator of the universe and with the One true God. It is a bond that encompasses security, true love, and joy. At times it can be overwhelming when you sense his presence. Many times it will be so strong I will tear up. It often feels like God hugging me.

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 

Like our earthly parent-child relationships, there are times when other emotions rise up. Sometimes, God gets angry with us, usually if we are acting out. You know, trying to do things our way. Or if we are blatantly disobeying him. We might be angry at God. Like in times when we feel He is not listening to us. And it’s okay to express that anger with him. But there are other times when we laugh with God and express tremendous joy, especially when we see him answering our prayers. I felt this emotion yesterday as I realized God was moving on my behalf in a relationship that has been challenging.

Sometimes, God needs to discipline us, but He does so with perfect love. And because He loves us, He takes the time to correct us.

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Prov. 3:12 (AMPC)

But God can smile too. Like a loving parent, it is when we, his children, obey his commandments, which are only there to guide us into a better life. What makes Him smile big is when we walk in faith. When we dare take Him at His word and step out to do something we don’t think we can do, accomplish or overcome.

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)

It pleases him because He knows we believe him, believe in him, and trust him. Obedience shows we are mindful enough of his power, authority as God, and might to act on what He speaks into our souls. Our action with him to do of his will and good pleasure. To actively advance the kingdom of heaven and watch it prevail. Being witnesses and testifying of his greatness.

This is what makes God smile! May you make him smile daily as you walk in your relationship with him.

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Go

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This past week, William Shatner boldly went where no other 90 year old had gone before.  When asked, “What do you want to do when you get there?”  Shatner replied, “Come back down!”

It got me to thinking, Am I where God wants me to be?  Have I gone where God has asked me to boldly go?  Being obedient to God’s calling can be challenging some times.  It may also offer opportunities to be scared.  I can’t announce it yet, but He has recently asked me to go do something that in the natural doesn’t make sense.  The few close friends I have told have been greatly surprised, and are probably secretly wondering if I am qualified.

But I am going.  I have found over the years that when I am obedient in an area I do not feel naturally comfortable that it is in those times I rely on God all the more.  I lean not to my own understanding.  As a result, I am happy that I obeyed.  I generally realize the task was easier than it first seemed in my mind.  And when made known to me, I am excited with the results of what God did through me.

God is speaking to some of you right now.  Reading this post has brought to your mind something God’s Spirit has whispered to your heart to go do.  It may not be to go to the mission field, but possibly go across the aisle in your office, or across the street.  Go.  Go boldly.  You don’t always get to know the results of your obedience this side of heaven, but you should go anyway.  Don’t judge the results by what your eyes see, or don’t see.  You are not responsible for the results.  You’re simply asked to be obedient.

You are to follow only God, your God, hold him in deep reverence, keep his commandments, listen obediently to what he says, serve him—hold on to him for dear life! Deu. 13:4 (MSG)

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.