You May Not Like It

November 10, 2020January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“I’ve been crying out to God, for an answer to my current marriage situation,” said the lady I had just met earlier that day. I have never understood, exactly why, but people feel comfortable opening up to me, even after moments of talking. Sometimes I wonder if I am wearing a sign that says, “Will listen to you for food.” I’ve been told I have the heart of a shepherd, a pastor. If that’s the case, my congregation doesn’t meet under one roof, but where ever I happen to be in this world.

She went on to share that after 16 years of being married her husband had a moment of indiscretion. Perhaps the stress of 2020 has caused a lot of people to do things they wouldn’t dare do before. I encouraged her to speak out loud and demand the demonic forces, that are trying to tear her home apart, to get out, in the name of Jesus. Then flip the environment and invite God’s presence into the home. I instructed her to speak the fruit of the spirit over her family. Love, joy, peace, etc. I told her it was her home, her family, her life and not to give up hope. She smiled through teary eyes and agreed to take action.

I went back to my task which brought us together in the first place. It’s a task I don’t like, but it is an answer to one of my prayers. I was reflecting upon the encounter, and praying for her, and the family. It was in that moment I sensed God speak to me and say,

“I brought you here as a result of your prayers, but I also brought you here as a result of her prayers.”

You see, God delights in using his servants to do his business. God is in the people business because He loves us so much. We, believers in God, are co-laborers with Jesus.

“He [Jesus] came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written,

God’s Spirit is on me;
    he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor,
Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and
    recovery of sight to the blind,
To set the burdened and battered free,
    to announce, “This is God’s year to act!”

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, “You’ve just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place.” Luke 4:16-21 (MSG)

We are all called of God to do the same as Jesus did. To be in the business of people. To be there to see them, listen to them, and then to speak life giving words that can set them free, or say a prayer that can heal them. Sometimes, a home needs to be healed, or a marriage.

You may not like it, where God has you at the moment, but look around, He has you there for a purpose, his!

“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.

Hunt for Red October

October 23, 2020January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / 6 Comments

“Give me one ping, and one ping only please.” A line from the movie, “Hunt for Red October”, I like to say in my best, which isn’t that good, Sean Connery voice. I have always been intrigued by submarines, and Red October is a large, Russian, ballistic missile loaded one. It fascinates me how they knew where they were before the use of a computerized guidance systems.

Some followers of Jesus Christ could be called, “Submarine Christians”. By that, I mean they stay undetected as they move about when it comes to their faith in God. They might raise their periscope, every once in a while and take a look around to see if it is safe to surface. They have their personal reasons for not being detected, most likely out of some degree of fear. In the movie, “Red October”, the enemy on paper turned out to be their ally, and helped them achieve their goal.

God, through his word, encourages us not to hide our faith. In fact, there are several verses that direct us to shine bright. Here is one of them:

“Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? ¹⁵And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light.” Mat. 5:14-15 (TPT)

People who are far from God need to see him, they need to hear him. They need to find him, in us. You never know where hurting, or lost people are unless you look them in the face and listen to the words they say. People who need God do give clues, if you are paying attention, if you are hunting.

Instead of computers guiding us, we can be guided by the Holy Spirit. Led of God to where the sick need healing, the oppressed need to be set free. God’s word equips us with spiritual weapons to take out the enemy, the devil.

The ping, Sean Connery asked for, verified his distance from his ally. By coming to the surface, finding those who are with us, we can work together to complete God’s mission to save the whole world.

“That the whole world might be saved…”
John 3:17

Whether people realize it, or not, they are hunting for God. The spirit man inside each of them is striving to be reunited with God’s spirit. Let’s be out there helping them connect their heart to the heart of God.

Give it to Me

October 9, 2020October 11, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

A child grows up believing they’re an awful person, because their parent told them so. The only time they heard words come out of their parent’s mouth was when it was a complaint. And perhaps the volume was turned up way too high when those words were spoken. The parent’s own hurt created a toxic mess in the child’s heart. Know this; it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

Years go by, and that ungodly belief sticks to the heart of the child, and it actually affects every future relationship that child grows up to have. One way to relate to hurt people is to wear a hazmat suit when around them, but those things are hot and heavy, and not readily available. So what is the answer?

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

That beaten down and battered child grows up denying the pain exist. Even saying things like, “Oh, its okay. That’s just the way my parent was.” Yet they walk on in life struggling to carry the weight of it all, believing the lies. At times they buckle under the load and they wind up hurting someone else. Perhaps their own child, or spouse. Those hit by friendly fire walk away questioning, “What did I do?”

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

There is only one way to fix it, to get delivered from the burden. In case you haven’t noticed I’ll repeat it one more time, give it to Jesus. He wants to take the load from you. He has been there your whole life, patiently waiting, but his heart broke when you wouldn’t surrender it to him. He has felt your pain, and every time you hurt he did too. Jesus doesn’t like to see those he died for hurting, and he died for everyone. Every time you have cried most likely he did too.

Jesus says, “Give it to me.”

Please, you have carried it way too long. It’s time to give it to Jesus. He can handle it. Don’t go another day living with the pain and trying to carry the load. Don’t fall asleep one more night on a wet pillow. Simply ask, “Jesus, will you take this from me, and heal my heart.” Then trust that he has heard you and will do just that. You will feel so much better. Your steps will be lighter, and you will see your world in living color.

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Mat. 11:28 (TPT)

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.

I Had To

September 18, 2020September 16, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

This week I choose to do something I didn’t want to do. My heart was restless as the date approached. I discussed the situation with a friend, and also with my wife. Then two days before the event my wife, my helpmate, said one word. As soon as I heard it, I knew. I knew what I had to do. I was thankful for her hearing God where I struggled.

You see, there are times when someone hurts you, and the pain goes deep into your heart. You tell them what they did, but they don’t care at all, and their pride keeps them from admitting wrong and apologizing. When this happens, you find yourself wanting to avoid them to protect your heart from future pain. As well, you don’t want to do anything for them, as you feel they do not deserve it. I had forgiven them, but I didn’t want to see them. I don’t mean to be so secret about the details, but I don’t want to give any clues that might identify the perp.

God’s word tells how to handle hurt:

Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love. Ephesians 4:31-32 TPT

Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:28 NLT

I did do the right thing, but I had to pray, a lot, and ask God for help. I also asked him to protect me, and help me not bring up the past while I was there. They did do one thing that bothered me while I was in their presence, but I left before the pain erupted. God is good at helping us in our time of need. His specialty is loving those who don’t deserve it.

If you are facing a similar situation, pray, and ask God to help you do the right thing that will glorify Him. You never know, but your loving kindness might just be the catalyst to change things around.

Say His Name

August 25, 2020August 24, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

082520 A minister shared the story of his daughter, who was very young at the time, and in Africa, by herself. There was a native mother having trouble birthing her child. She was in great agony and screaming out. The village, female, witch doctor had her candles burning, incents smoking, while she recited “hocus pocus” chants. The young woman had enough and begged someone to go retrieve the American, who earlier had made her faith in God, known. The minister told us his daughter went there and surveyed the situation. She was barely 21 years old, and the only thing she could think of to do was sing the song, “In the Name of Jesus”. The witch doctor had a fit, and stormed out, at which point peace entered, the woman’s pain subsided, and she delivered her baby.

There have been some very powerful, or influential people throughout history, and in current times. Some have used their influence for good, while others, not so much. Yet there is one, and only one who has affected the world like no one else. Who, you might be asking? Jesus Christ.

There is power in the name of Jesus!

One can be in the middle of any jam, any sickness, or any upsetting storm of life and call on the name of Jesus. Jesus, showed up on the scene at the right time, and still does today. It is important though, to believe, in the name of Jesus. The lyrics to the song she sang:

In the name of Jesus,
We have the victory.
In the name of Jesus,
Satan will have to flee.
Tell me who can stand before us
when we call on this great name
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS
We have the victory!

There are no hours limiting when you can call his name. There are no “Terms or Conditions”. No fine print to squint at before using his name. No shoes, No shirt? No problem, you can still call his name. You see, in a world where everyone tries to protect themselves with “agreements” that only benefit them, calling upon the name of Jesus benefits you. Jesus came along and shook things up. He showed, by example, there is a better way to do things. What is that way? Love!

God gave us his son, because He loved! Jesus chose to die on a cross for you, because He loved! Jesus is right there ready to step in when you invite him to, by calling his name, because He still loves!

I Heard God

August 14, 2020August 14, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

081420 “The voice of the Spirit of God is as gentle as a summer breeze— so gentle that unless you are living in complete fellowship and oneness with God, you will never hear it.” – Oswald Chambers

I had two dreams, in the same night, several days ago that was kind of strange, and no, they weren’t brought on by late night pizza. In both dreams, I was being instructed on how to write this blog. I was told to make it more, “grunge”. What is “grunge” I asked myself. I had heard of it before. Webster says, “The untidy fashions typical of fans of grunge”. Okay, so how does that relate to writing my blog, I asked God. Is that writing wearing casual Friday clothing on steroids? I sensed as though it meant to write more “raw”, “revealing”, if you will. I draw from my life for inspiration or examples, but not always in detail that reveals personal feelings.

A week ago or so, I was feeling down, and depressed, because Covid has caused my wife and me to remain apart longer than needed. I haven’t held her in my arms for over a year now, and that hurts. With the current conditions, I could not see a path for us to be together any time soon. We are done with the immigration process, and she just needs her medical exam and her interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Then she would get her Visa and come home. It is difficult to be apart from one you love, and even harder when that person loves you back. I have tried everything I could, even emailing the embassy to see if they would do a “tele-interview”. They said, “No.”

I cried out to God, I begged, and I pleaded. To make things worse, He wasn’t saying a thing, or if He was, his answer was so soft I couldn’t hear it. Then, I confessed my attitude to a friend, who listened and didn’t just quote scriptures I had heard so many times before, but he assured me God knew and then he prayed for me.

An hour later, as I was writing a blog, I came across a scripture in God’s word, and I realized God was speaking to me and to my circumstances. My smile came back, and my heart felt like a ton of bricks had been unloaded, the heaviness was gone.

God does hear us, and yes he cares about what his children are going through, but it is so reassuring to hear his voice. He can speak to us in many different ways, like through his word, dreams, through others, blog post, and that still small voice inside, if we calm down enough to hear it. God also knows what we have need of, before we even ask. (Matthew 6:8) Remember this: If you aren’t hearing God right now, it has nothing to do with him loving you less. He’s just waiting for the right time, for when it will make sense.

Has God miraculously made a way for my wife to come to America? No, but now I have understanding as to how He plans on using this for his Glory., I’m okay with that. My friend called me back a few days later and I told him, “Through a scripture, I heard God, and I am good now!”

I Need the Rainbow

August 7, 2020August 5, 2020 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

080212TB 228 This year, 2020, has proven to be one big storm that won’t stop. It has harmed so many people, in so many ways. Interview them, and you would hear different versions of the same story, “Hurt”. Whether it’s a lost job, drowning in debt, the death of a loved one due to Covid, keeping family and friends from gathering as they once did, or new challenges no one saw coming. When will it end?

Isaiah 61:3 The Passion Translation

to strengthen those crushed by despair who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful bouquet in the place of ashes,
    the oil of bliss instead of tears,
    and the mantle of joyous praise
    instead of the spirit of heaviness.
    Because of this, they will be known as
    Mighty Oaks of Righteousness,
    planted by Yahweh as a living display of his glory.

You see, the only way to get through the storm, to silence the thunder, to calm fear when lightning flashes, is to look up, see God, and put on the mantle of joyous praise. Praise him with full throat. A friend, who lives in Taiwan, said he was singing praises to God while riding his scooter the other day. Not caring who heard him, but unless they knew English, they probably didn’t even know what he was saying anyway.

The last few blogs have had this theme, of looking only at God, so I know this is the message of heaven to all for this time, but especially to those who love God. The storm will end and when it does people will come out to survey the damage, and even if they see what harm has come upon you, but then look at your face they will see peace, love, God. They may ask, “How can you still love God? How is it you can still smile?” Your answer will be, “I’m a tree planted by Yahweh as a living display of His glory!”

The storm will end, and when it does, I hope you are still standing, and still looking up, because only then will you see the rainbow. The symbol from God, signaling, the storm is over.

Naked Prayer

July 28, 2020January 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Last week, I mentioned crying out to God, but today I want to share a little more about prayer. Oh, and “Naked Prayer” is bearing your soul to God, so there is nothing left unseen. He knows it anyway, but it’s as if He wants you to reveal it and give, or surrender it to him, like a child, who doesn’t know to hide their heart truth.

In John 10:10, where it says, “Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy…” the Greek word for “kill” doesn’t mean, “take your life”, but it actually indicates you “giving your life, or surrendering something to the devil.” That means you give up hope. It indicates you are giving up on God, and when you are convinced God is not going to answer your prayer then Satan can sweep in and gain a stronghold into your life.

“Prayers don’t expire,” says Robert Madu

Your prayers don’t have an expiration date on them, or have a statute of limitations with God. He can answer your prayer anytime He wants to, and He knows when the answer will work out best for you. Also, there could be a good reason, to God, for not answering your prayer, and that is when faith is the most difficult.

A miracle, is still a miracle, no matter how long it takes.

Perhaps God knew if he answered a couple of my prayers before now, I would not have meditated on this subject and have written these words to hopefully help you, or encourage you. The truth is; I don’t know, but that is where my faith and trust in him comes into play. I am confident that God knows best, He has heard me, and will work in my life, and through my life, regardless of an answer to my request. For that I say, “Thank you, God, and thank you for loving me.”

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

pain

You May Not Like It

“I brought you here as a result of your prayers, but I also brought you here as a result of her prayers.”

“To Hear Our Hours, Press 5”