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!

People Live Their Belief!

October 6, 2018October 5, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Last week I wrote about helping a young man. The focus should not be on the things I bought to help him for a few days, but on the words I shared with him, that if accepted, and acted upon will last him for eternity.

I had a captive audience. He wasn’t about to jump out of a moving car, at least without the bags of food in the back seat. I told him this: “I don’t like helping people I don’t know, but because of the love that God has shown me, I can’t help but share that love with others. I am only helping you because of God’s love. God loves you Justice. He orchestrated us connecting to show you how much He loves you.” I shared with him where the church I go to is, and there he can learn more about this love of God.

Then I went on to say, “Aren’t you tired of this life you are living? Is the way you are living really working out for you? Aren’t you tired of asking people for help? You need a job in order to properly provide for those children, and your household. You need God, and his help, his power in your life, his guidance to direct you to that job you need.”

He said he read the Bible, and to that I said, “Then act like it!” I know. A little direct and ruff, but the word of God does instruct us to “compel” them to come in. The Message translation says to “drag them in. (Luke 14:23)” The devil is doing a great job of keeping people’s lives so filled with drama they can’t see Truth, Jesus, standing right in front them, and inviting them to accept him, and a better way to live. God’s word says this:

His huge outstretched arms protect you– under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing–not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because GOD’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path. “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says GOD, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!” (Psa 91:4-16 MSG)

If you believe God, and accept him, and his word then live like it! Ask God to deliver you from the drama in your life. Speak into the issues in your life, in Jesus’ name, and say, “Peace be still.” We have the same authority Jesus was given by his heavenly father, God. Declare, Psalms 91 over your life. You will be amazed, what the positive words out of your mouth will produce. Believe it, and live it.

Help

September 29, 2018September 28, 2018 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

What has to happen, or be said, to get you to help? Especially, to someone you don’t know. For Jesus, he just had to see. See the need.

Four times in the gospels, Jesus “saw” the multitude, and was moved with compassion, which in the Greek language means; “guts”. So Jesus “felt” the need.

Today, I saw a need of someone I didn’t know. I’ll confess my trepidation when I invited him into my car. I thought I was off the hook when I delivered them to their desired destination for panhandling. I went on to Lowes. Completed my business, and then sat in my car and thought about his business, God’s. I went back to where I had last seen him. Not there. I headed to my next stop. There he was. Justice, that’s his name. A young man, trying his best to feed three little kids, and keep the lights on. I took him to Target and bought enough to take care of one of his immediate needs.

I’m reading, Rees Howells, Intercessor. I was given the book by Paul Brady, (no relations) the pastor of Millennial Tulsa. I read when interceding for an individual, you must “identify” with the need to the point their suffering becomes your own, and their need, your responsibility. Today, after dropping Justice off where he lives, I started crying. It was then, I realized what I read, had moved from head knowledge, to heart knowledge. I didn’t just read it, but was living it. Now, I can intercede for Justice and his needs, because I have seen, and have “felt” his desperation. Now, I can truly help.

Guilty as Charged

August 25, 2018August 24, 2018 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

judge office I was in a court room this week. On trial was my perception of someone. After hearing arguments from both the accuser and the defendant, the judge was ready to rule. I was found guilty of thinking I knew someone and the motive behind their behavior. If the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God was told, the fact of the case was, I didn’t. Honestly, I didn’t know them at all. In court, both parties in the case, sat down and explained their side. Each party was heard.

“Communication brings understanding. Understanding brings acceptance.”

In God’s family, talking usually works, as long as both parties involved feel as though they have been heard. It should be that easy in the world in general, but unfortunately it isn’t. Some people feel they have a right. A right to be mad. A right to hate, and will not even consider talking, or listening to the other person. Carrying around that kind of “right” gets heavy, and weighs one down. Living by love is a much better way.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. (Col 3:12-15 MSG)