He Finished Well

January 11, 2022January 10, 2022 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Later today, I am going to the funeral of the man pictured here, a friend. I have known this man for probably 54 years. After I heard the news last Friday evening, I was latter on Facebook. A lady from his church posted his obituary and arrangements. Below her post, people who knew him, started remembering, and honoring him. They commented about his smile, his kindness, his servant’s heart, and his laughter. They were good words.

I begin reflecting on this out pouring of love, and thought about what kind of life one lives that moves people to respond as they were. It didn’t take long for the answer to appear in my heart.

First, and foremost, you love. You love God, and then love others. You chose to ignore what other people say about someone, and you love them anyway.

Secondly, you show kindness. You show it at work, at church, in your community, and at home. With customers, family and friends.

Third, you serve others, which really is “love” in action. One man posted how my friend came and got them after their car would not start.

You do all this, not to receive kind words spoken or written about you when you die, but because this is the example Christ demonstrated for us while he walked the earth. It’s simply the kind of life God calls us to.

⁷I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith. ⁸There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me, and I know that my Lord will reward me on his day of righteous judgment. And this crown is not only waiting for me, but for all who love and long for his unveiling. 2 Tim. 4:7-8 (TPT)

In the above verse, Paul compares living life on earth as a race. It’s not a competition though with others to see who finishes first, second, or third. And unlike youth community sports programs, not everyone will receive a participation trophy! It’s about reaching the finish line, with God, and in my friend’s case, he finished well.

Feeling Shipwrecked?

August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

082120 It seems as if these days can be very challenging to hold firm to your faith. I think the devil and his crew are working overtime. It’s as if they are doing to their best to use the current circumstances to wear the children of God down. Have you wanted to quit? Throw in the towel? The thought has crossed my mind even, but does any of us know what serving God through hard times is really like?

The Apostle, Paul in his missionary journeys, suffered many hard times. He was shipwrecked more than once, bitten by a poisonous snake, beaten, falsely accused, and was imprisoned. If anyone living with God had a reason to quit, he did!

BUT HE DIDN’T!

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Phi. 3:12-14 (MSG)

^“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Phi. 4:6-7 (MSG)

^“So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.” 2 Thes. 2:15-17 (MSG)

“You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8 (MSG)

Paul revealed how he got through life with God, no matter what was thrown at him, and he wrote these words to encourage us to do the same. Learn these words. Remember them, but more importantly, live them.

God’s Plan

August 4, 2018August 3, 2018 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Photo by Josh Brady

God, most of the time, doesn’t reveal where He is taking us. If He did, many of us, would look for a short cut! Taking the short cut would prevent growth, learning opportunities, chances to see God’s mighty hand, know and share his amazing love. Learn to be content with the journey. When you reach your destination, you’ll be glad you did, and you will be better for it.

I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race [journey], I have kept (firmly held) the faith. (2Ti 4:7 AMP) (I added the word “journey”.)