Being Bold, Being Like Jesus

May 13, 2025May 12, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“What good is studying the Bible if you don’t apply it?” That is the question I had asked April a few times. She defends herself by replying that she is shy, scared, or not comfortable. I understand because I used to be like her when it came to sharing Jesus with people. Then one day, I realized,

I have nothing to lose, but they have everything to gain!

I have shown April different methods of approaching people. Most appreciate that you have noticed them and their need. Occasionally, someone will say, “No, thank you,” to your offer to help them or to pray for them. It’s okay, because at least they know someone cared enough to stop their busy life to pay attention to theirs.

That is what happened last Saturday. April and I were eating our breakfast at a local restaurant when I noticed a worker on break talking on her phone. I also saw that she was crying. I nudged April and whispered that here is her chance to minister. She resisted at first, but I think God has been dealing with her about this as well. She got up and approached the woman. She asked if she was okay and if she would like us to pray for her. The worker seemed embarrassed and waved us off. But before going back to work, she thanked us for caring.

I have written before that it starts with “seeing” someone in need. Then caring enough to get involved. That is what Jesus did. He was bold!

Recently, April and I were making a purchase. While the merchant was getting all the paperwork in order, he suddenly opened up about his grandfather, who had just retired and then found out he had a large polyp in his colon. As he shared, you could tell he loved his grandfather and was fearful of the family getting the worst results from the biopsy.

I ministered hope to him and assured him we would be praying for both. I asked if his grandfather was ready to stand before God and give an account of how he had lived his life. The young man assured me that he was. But as the conversation continued, it became known that this young man was living with a woman he wasn’t married to. His guilt was obvious. I didn’t judge him for his life choice.

As I have been praying for him and his grandfather, I get a sense that God is using his grandfather’s situation to pursue him. He texted me last week and informed me that our order was delayed. It gave me an opportunity to share with him what I felt when praying. He did say his grandfather has started receiving treatment.

Our world, your world, is full of people who are hurting or struggling with life issues. They need God. They need us to be bold like Jesus and to step up, step out in faith, and share the truth with them. You may never know what kind of impact you will make in their lives until you get to heaven.

He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 (MSG)

It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.” Rom. 1:16-17 (MSG)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Mat. 5:14-16 (MSG)

Yes – Yes – No Pizza

May 2, 2025May 1, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

A woman told the man who was abusing her that she was going to order a pizza. Instead, she called “9-1-1.” The dispatcher caught on quickly as the woman said, “I would like to order a pizza, please.” The operator asked, “Are you in trouble?” “Yes,” the woman replied. “Does he have a gun?” “Yes.” “Has he pointed the gun at you?” “No.” “Okay. Stay as calm as you can, and the police will be there soon.”

People you know are talking to you. You understand the English words they are saying, but you are not hearing them. They are ordering a “Yes, Yes, No Pizza!” They are talking in code. They’re trying to tell you something. Perhaps they are lonely, scared, or hurting.

Hearing people requires real listening and reading their body language. It means not being a narcissist and asking about them. Then, not just taking a casual answer like “Fine.” Of course, it helps when the Holy Spirit whispers a clue to you. Last Sunday, while in church, the Holy Spirit spoke into my spirit, “Pray for the man in front of you.” After the service, I said to him, “I hope this doesn’t seem weird, but I sensed the Holy Spirit told me to pray for you this week.” “Oh, thank you,” he responded. “Our family is going through a lot right now.” I had just met him as it was their first time attending our church.

If you come across a person who is ordering a “Yes, Yes, No Pizza,” I hope you pry enough to see how you may be able to help them. Don’t just say, “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ll be praying for you.” If you can’t help personally, then help them find a person or place that can help them.

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thes. 5:11 (AMPC)

Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. Gal. 6:2 (AMPC)

Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. Phi. 2:4 (AMPC)

Here Comes the Judge

July 9, 2024June 8, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When I lived in the Chicago area, I was called to serve jury duty several times. Usually, the parties would settle out of court, and I would receive my $18 and be free to go. But one case went to trial, and I was selected to be on the jury. The case was frivolous and should have never been allowed to clutter up the court system for five years.

The outcome doesn’t really matter, but the judge’s name caught my attention, “Willie B. Wright.” In case you don’t see it, let me spell it out: “Will he be right?” An excellent name for a judge on Earth.

The other night, I was at a social gathering and having a discussion with a man who turned out to be a fellow follower of Christ. He apologized when he wanted to go to the bar and get another drink. He said, “God’s working on me with this!” I immediately replied, “Do I look like a judge? There are plenty of things God is working with me on.”

Many people are judging others these days, especially on social media. Who do they think they are? What I don’t like is when someone gets mad at me and accuses me of judging them. I understand it’s their defense mechanism when they feel uncomfortable or guilty. But there is a huge difference between judging and discerning the fruit of someone’s life.

A judge’s role is to make sure the person on trial gets a fair hearing according to the law. To maintain order in the court, give instructions to the jury, and after the jury has reached a decision, determine the proper punishment if needed.

Exposing the fruit of someone’s life does not determine punishment for how they are living their life. So, it is not “judging” them. In fact, the Bible tells us to.

^15-20“Be on your guard against false religious teachers, who come to you dressed up as sheep but are really greedy wolves. You can tell them by their fruit. Do you pick a bunch of grapes from a thorn-bush or figs from a clump of thistles? Every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree is incapable of producing bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. The tree that fails to produce good fruit is cut down and burnt. So you may know men by their fruit.” Mat. 7:16-20 (JBP)

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ²For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Mat. 7:1-5 (NIV)

The ultimate Judge is our Holy God. For only He knows the heart of a man.

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? Jam. 4:12 (NIV)

Joy to the World

December 10, 2021December 6, 2021 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I notice things. Annoying to April, but I think it helps me as a writer. Regardless, this holiday season I have noticed the word, “joy” everywhere. On buttons worn by Walmart employees, in TV commercials, in print, and placed on products. It almost seems as if after the last two years we have had experienced people are desperate for some “joy” in their lives!

They want it bad, so they declare it, they proclaim it, and they even wear it. People want “joy”, they need “joy”. But saying it, wishing for it, doesn’t make “joy” appear. Not real joy anyway. Real, lasting “joy” can only be found in Jesus Christ. By giving your life to him and recognizing that He gave his life to you. To die for you, as a sacrifice for every little thing you have ever done wrong in your life, otherwise known as “sin”. Real joy is:

J = Jesus
O = others
Y = you

You accept Jesus, make him the most important person in your life, read the book his father wrote, and learn to take on his nature, then “joy” begins. The next step in finding real “joy” is putting others before yourself.

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.
Mat. 22:37-39 (MSG)

This is the formula for finding “joy”, not just at Christmas time, but all year round. Serving others brings “joy” as well. Another way to find “joy” is to marry it. You see I was divorced for 24 years. I was content with that, well most of the time, but I longed for joy. My first marriage had its good moments, but I always felt in my heart that it could be better. And now I know I was right. You see my second wife’s name is, “April Joy”. I have said it before, but when I am doing my part, to love her as Christ loves the church, then she fills my life with so much “joy” words cannot describe. She knows the formula for “joy”, and she is so full of the love of God in her life. That love oozes out and covers others.

Yes, it’s Christmas, and certainly “Joy to the World” indeed, but if you want real “joy” that can last a lifetime then pursue Jesus, love others, and love yourself.

“To Hear Our Hours, Press 5”

November 3, 2020November 2, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

In some countries, people are focused on working hard, succeeding, and reaching their goals. Some of those individuals are followers of Christ. I have seen where they are so focused on their “get er done lists” that they seem to fail in other areas, like community. In other words, they are making great strides in life, in business, but falling short in doing life with others, friends, neighbors, and perhaps even family.

There is nothing wrong with success, especially if achieving greater finances allows one to be more generous, but if someone needs to talk, to share their current struggles, do they need to make an appointment? Are those high achievers generous with their time? Or do people who have needs, need to come back during normal hours of operation?

Spending time with others is a gift;
be generous!

I don’t see this as the example Jesus set for us. He was there, in the moment, for the people, and he still managed to achieve the goals his heavenly father set before him to accomplish. Yes, there were moments when he set time aside to be in communication with God, his father, but if you read the gospel you will see when people sought him out, he responded.

There are a few verses in the Bible that share when Jesus saw the multitude, he was moved with “compassion”. The word “compassion” means in the Greek “to do whatever it takes to alleviate the need.”

Compassion starts with seeing!

When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. Mat. 9:36 (TPT)

Jesus didn’t keep office hours.

If you make yourself available to people, the very people who live next door, at school, at work, and even those who attend church with you, then you are being like Jesus. You are following his example, and therefore being a true Christian, which means Christ like, or little Christ one. This should be our goal, and you know what, God will still help you reach your goals, when you avail yourself to others.

I challenge you to try it, because there is a whole world of lost people out there. They are sick, they are oppressed, they are depressed, they need God, and you are right there next to them. Please don’t say, “Well, spending time with them is not on my ‘To-Do-List’.” Here’s the thing, those people are on God’s “To-Do-List”, because He loves them.

Sowing Into Their Need

September 22, 2020September 22, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I have walked with God for a very long time. So when I begin to get a new download of revelation, wisdom, and understanding it surprised me a little. Not that I know everything about God, not even close. I know, it sounds silly to be so caught off guard, but this latest knowledge is so beautiful, hard to comprehend, and so Jesus.

I am beginning to learn about, and walk out the principal of sowing into someone else’s need(s) even though you have big needs of your own. I had been praying about earning some extra money. Currently paying the cost of two households in two different countries was never part of my retirement plan. I budgeted enough to last 7 years, from my retirement, to when I could start drawing Social Security, and it was working, but God had other plans He didn’t let me in on. With that said, since me getting married again was his idea, I am confident He will provide for his plans to be carried out. But there is something about being human, we want to figure it out ourselves, and at times, do it ourselves.

So when my friend offered to pay me to help him with a construction project I was excited. I thought, Oh cool. This is the answer to my prayer of earning some extra money. At least until God said, “No.” He instructed me to sow into my friend’s needs. Financial, social, and emotional. So that is what I decided to do. It’s exciting to witness God minister to someone and it’s humbling that He would do that through me.

I didn’t realize how bad off my friend was, but after spending several hours with him, working, laughing, but also talking I heard the voice of a man who was about to break. Coming along side of someone and walking with them through a need in their life is powerful. Just simply being there with them speaks volumes. My friend is doing better.

I was busy writing this post when my wife called. We speak every day via Messenger, so I wasn’t surprised. She was upset, and upon further discussion we recognized she would have the opportunity to sow into someone’s need there in the Philippines. It’s a bigger need, which means it’s a bigger challenge, but not one that God can’t handle.

How do you sow into someone else’s need?

Submit your own needs to God, and trust him.
See the need of someone else.
Decide to get your hands dirty by getting involved.
Spend the amount of time needed, or be willing to provide the resources required to meet their need.
Give all the glory to God

Do all this despite your own needs, but then watch what God begins to do in your own life. I was talking to a friend this morning, sharing my past week when I realized all of the miracles God did in my life. Thank you God for teaching my wife and I this valuable principle and then giving us the opportunity to walk it out.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

November 20, 2019November 23, 2019 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The movie, “A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD” comes out tomorrow, starring, Tom Hanks. I wrote a post about Mr. Rogers in April 2018. In honor of the movie, which I heard was good, I am re-posting it.

FILE PHOTO Fred "Mister" Rogers Dead At 74

Some of us, old farts, have no problem remembering Mr. Rogers on TV. Below, are the lyrics of the song he sung, at the beginning of each episode:

It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
It’s a neighborly day in this beautywood,
A neighborly day for a beauty,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,
I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.
So let’s make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we’re together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Won’t you please,
Won’t you please,
Please won’t you be my neighbor?

Did Fred Rogers, get it right? Did he fully understand the 2^nd greatest commandment of God? Lev 19:18 “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Most people do love themselves, and sometimes it shows by how they act and treat others. There are several other scriptures that warn about only loving those that are lovable, but God is commanding we love everyone as much as we love ourselves. To love him first, and then everyone else second. Why? Because love never fails.

It’s hard to hate and love at the same time. Yes, one can mistreat someone who is loved, but if the love is real the issue gets resolved rather quickly. Can you imagine saying to your worst enemy, “I’ve always wanted a neighbor just like you”? That is what we, who love God, are called to do. Love, overcomes all, overlooks all, and let’s go of all wrong. Love, is so generous, it causes you to share your resources. Love, encourages you to get your hands dirty by helping.

Yes, Fred Rogers got it right. Mr. Rogers wanted you to be his neighbor so he could love you, as he loved himself. So I ask you, “Please won’t you be my neighbor?”

No One Ever Treated Me That Way

March 9, 2019March 8, 2019 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

tricycle

I am a middle aged man, and have been driving a tricycle in Baliuag, Philippines for many years, but today, today I experienced something for the first time. I’m not sure what to call it, but it felt good. You see, this couple, I picked up for fare, while on their way to their destination wanted to stop at 7 Eleven and get something to drink. Just before the man entered the store he stopped, turned to me, and asked, “Would you like something to drink?”

I didn’t know how to respond, and before I could think about it, I responded with a, “Yes. Whatever you are getting.” When he returned he handed me a large bottle of a soft drink. In fact, my drink was larger than his. I was shocked, stunned, and didn’t know what to think or say. “Thank you,” I finally said.

As I dropped them off at their final destination, the man asked me, “How much?” I wanted to say, “No charge,” but the truth is I really needed the money for my family. He said, “I’ll decide how much.”, and he handed me a lot more than the fare should have been. I watched with stunned feelings as the nice couple walked away. His last words still echoing in my head, “Sir, I bless you today, because God blesses me. He loves me, and he loves you too!” Perhaps I should get to know such a loving God.

We never know who we will encounter each day. It is important to be lead by the Holy Spirit to know what to say, or do, when He prompts us to, and then to be obedient. James 3:10 refers to curses and blessing coming out of the same mouth and how this shouldn’t be, but also be aware that the same hands can hurt, or give blessings. Let’s bless others with our mouths, and with our hands.

Put on Love

December 5, 2018November 29, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

loving Jesus Like clothing, put on love before leaving the house. Others will appreciate it.

Words Unsaid

December 1, 2018November 29, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

20181129_173114 I was looking for my leftover Christmas cards when I came across a Father’s Day card that never got sent this year, because he passed the previous month. It caused me to pause and think about words unsaid.

“People matter,” you’ve heard it said, but do you act like it? Do you take the time for the ones who mean the most to you? Do you tell them how much you love and or appreciate them? I know, it’s hard when life seems to move at Mach 2, but it’s important. And the thing is, it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or cost anything at all.

“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.” (Phi 1:3 MSG)

In the season of giving, give words!

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

others