Three Men, One Opinion

January 27, 2023January 21, 2023 / 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)

Following God

January 13, 2023January 9, 2023 / 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.

When is it Okay to Sin?

November 15, 2022November 12, 2022 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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.

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.
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)
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.
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.

What Makes God Smile

October 25, 2022October 25, 2022 / Mark Brady / Leave a 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.

Go

October 15, 2021October 15, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

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)

What If?

May 4, 2019May 3, 2019 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Charlie 106 I almost blew it! What if I hadn’t of done what I had committed to God to do? I had told him a few years ago I would do my best to never miss a deadline to writing a blog. If I had what would have happened? I know one thing, the end result wouldn’t have been the same.

So why didn’t I want to write the blog? I enjoy writing the blogs twice a week, even though I don’t always know the results of the words I type. We had been swimming all day in the hot sun and I was tired. The blog was already three hours late in posting. I thought, it will be okay to miss just one blog post. While I was making ice, we found the recipe again, I sensed the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart to write something.

I asked God, “Do you want to love on your people, or encourage them?” I sat at my desk, and the blog seemed to have written itself. Those usually turn out to be the best ones, but don’t tell anybody.

About forty minutes after I had posted the blog I received a phone call. It was then I knew why the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to write and what to write. A person was discouraged, but God used the blog to encourage. It’s not me, or about me. I’m not special, just obedient, most of the time. I have learned, God can do everything himself, but He delights in using his people to accomplish his will. Is, or has the Holy Spirit been whispering to you to do something?

“Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God…” (Psa. 143:10 NASB)

It’s All About Obedience

October 20, 2018October 19, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

simple truth I have been reading from the Bible book of Exodus. Today, I read a portion of chapter 12. The true story of Pharaoh and the children of Israel has always intrigued me. In meditating, upon this portion of God’s word, I realized one thing, being with God, being in his presence, is all about obedience.

You see, it was disobedience, by Adam and Eve that caused mankind to be separated from God in the first place, when they ate fruit from the tree, God told them not to. Then, God gave us his son, Jesus, and it takes obedience of accepting him to be back in God’s presence.

Growing up in an Assembly of God church, we sang the song, Trust and Obey. Some words in that song say, “there’s no other way.” Simple truth, but truth none-the-less that will save your soul from eternal damnation. God knows that when you obey him, and come into his presence, you enter into the greatest love story ever written. It’s an amazing feeling to wake up loved, to lay down at night and close your eyes wrapped up in love, and living in between with God’s love abounding in your life. God welcomes you, invites you, to partake of his love. All you have to do is obey him, and stop eating the fruit the devil keeps putting in front of you. A simple verse, but a true, loving verse none-the-less:

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (Joh 3:16 AMP)

FLOW

March 10, 2018March 10, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

080412 335 A river flows downstream. Life in a boat, doing nothing, on that stream, comes easy, natural. It takes no effort, but to go upstream is another story. The mightier the current, the harder one must paddle, or use external power. You stop for one instance, or turn off the engine, and you begin going back down.

We can’t get to our destination upstream on our own. We must have the power from the One who has been in the boat. From the One, who has walked on the water. From the One who has made it to the other side. From the One who said, “It is finished!”

I desire to FLOW with God. I will do my part, but I will rely on Him for the power I don’t have in and of myself. Following His FLOW will take me where He wants me. The more I make this my life practice it will get easier, and become more natural.

Keith Hector, recently preached a message at my church on FLOW. He said flow is:

F aith
L ove
O bedience
W isdom

Flowing with God, and in God takes all of the above. It requires trusting Jesus. It demands following the Holy Spirit. God asks us to do things that are not natural to our flesh, so we cannot boast in and of ourselves. He also knows the joy we experience when we FLOW with Him. He knows the confidence we experience, and He knows it encourages us to go further.

Check it out: “My main attempt in this short life is to deeply love humankind. I long to love like Jesus: intentionally, authentically, and with no boundaries. So here I am, a messy 14 year old making art, learning to love, and writing.” Click: ~ ava lucia ~

Moving the Holy

October 28, 2017 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

20171026_142958 Moving the Holy is moving the heart of God. One thing that moves his heart is obedience. Whenever I didn’t obey as a child my unholy backside got moved! When God speaks and directs you through his Spirit, you have two choices, obey or not. It may be extremely painful and difficult to obey, but you should do it anyway. You may feel silly, do it anyway. The other, who may be a recipient of what God told you to do may not understand, do it anyway. If God’s direction causes you to sacrifice something, well then it moves the heart of God even more. GOD IS HOLY!

Rev 4:8 The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break: Holy, holy, holy Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong, THE WAS, THE IS, THE COMING. (MSG)

The more difficult it is to obey, the greater the victory will be on the other side. There is no higher feeling than knowing you made God glad. Your obedience may bless another, but honestly, you will be blessed beyond belief! Obedience exercises your faith, which causes it to grow, which causes it to mature.

Do You Trust Me?

September 10, 2017 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Trust. It’s hard to trust someone else, and sometimes even ourselves. God, throughout the centuries has asked people to trust Him. Some did, others didn’t, but most did so with some fear and trepidation. Another thing that is difficult is change. Either change a job, a living location, but the hardest thing to change is yourself. Putting the two things together will just about overwhelm you!

Whenever God calls you to change an area of your life, take it from me, it is best to blindly believe, and then obey. Will you know how it will all work out? Probably not. Will you know ahead of time how you will make it? No! But the point is; God does. That is where the trust comes into play.

One thing I have learned, the hard way, is God loves obedience. When you figure out a direction God wants you to go, and then you go when the time is right He blesses you like nothing you have experienced before. So when God asks you that question, say, “Yes”.

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

obedience