Sensing Jesus – Touch

December 12, 2023November 25, 2023 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

Physical contact with infants is crucial for their development. Studies have shown that babies who receive more physical contact from their mothers had a lower response to stress-inducing situations later in life. Another study found that premature babies who received three 15-minute sessions of touch therapy per day for five days showed improved brain activity.

On the other hand, babies who do not receive ample physical and emotional attention are at higher risk for behavioral, emotional, and social problems as they grow up.

Newborns denied physical contact with other humans can actually die from this lack of contact, even when provided with proper nutrition and shelter. (See references below.)

As you can see from the studies referenced above, “touch” is extremely important and powerful. When Jesus was born, those in the area would have received a lot if they had only stopped their business, sought Jesus out, and held him in their arms. Simeon did just that. He waited for the King of Kings to be brought to the temple and presented to the priest.

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, (Luke 2:28 (NIV)

Then there was the woman who was healed of a twelve-year plague simply because her faith prodded her to “touch” the hem of Jesus’ robe. (Mat. 9:20-22)

In this busy holiday season, if you will stop and seek Jesus out, you will find him. There is nothing like a touch from the Master. There is nothing that can compare to sensing His presence. It will touch your heart. Jesus welcomes you no matter what you have done. It’s interesting that when Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of sin, his arms were wide open. That is a position of acceptance.

Full Service

January 27, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Fuel gauge 2 A man wondered into the church. He was hungry. He was given a sack lunch. The man was also deaf, but could read. He understood two people in the church wanted to pray for his hearing, and he let them. Then he shared his car was almost out of gas and he wouldn’t be able to get to work the next day. One of the two went with him and filled up his car. He shared while pumping the gas, God spoke to him and said, “Full Service.” He knew what God meant, but to help him remember, he washed the windshield as well.

A person who has a need, is more apt to listen to you share God, after their immediate need is met. Doing so, shows you really care for the “whole” person (Full Service). There were times when Jesus healed one’s body, but also healed their heart. Forgave them of their sins (Full Service).

When sharing God with another, keep an eye on the fuel gauge. You never want to share more than the individual can hold. When you share too much it spills over and makes a mess. I learned this lesson while sharing God with a fellow commuter on the train. She avoided me for the next several weeks.

Last of all, be careful with your attitude when serving. Jesus said it best:

Mat 6:1 “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.” (MSG)

Check it out:
Honest words about finding her way: https://katelynvallstruth.wordpress.com/

Call of Duty

January 6, 2018January 7, 2018 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

A hurt soul needs a mender.
One rejected needs acceptance.
A depressed one needs to be encouraged.
One feeling like a waste needs to know their value.
A person struggling with an addiction needs a cheerleader.
Someone down and out needs a break.
One near the edge needs hope.
A person ill needs healing.
Someone lonely needs a friend.

people The list, could go on. The truth is, these individuals need Jesus. Most do not think to turn to him, because they can’t see him, but they can see you. In a time, when our world is in so much pain, those who know Jesus, and has the hope he provides, needs to answer the call of duty.

God has placed you where he needs you. You’re the one, who can take the time, speak a word, or give a hug. You may never know the impact of taking a risk of faith to say, go or do, but one day you will. “Do not be afraid,” the angel of the Lord would say to you. The more you reach out, the more you say, and the more you come along side someone, you will find it strengthens you, encourages you, and increases your faith to do more. God will lead you, as you are his servant, saving lives.

Keep one thing in mind; there was someone, just like you, who took the time to be there for you, and shared the love of Jesus with you.

Check it out:
Touching, Spirit filled, sincere, encouraging words: https://tostrengthenamothersheart.wordpress.com

They Walk Among Us

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Jessica, while at a red light, feels moisture drip upon her cheeks. She can’t believe the hurt has reached her eyes. Roger, holds his head in the stream of water showering upon him while he mumbles words. A prayer perhaps? He hopes the sound of the falling water conceals his pain, his desperation. Cassandra stares at the dark ceiling, instead of sleeping, longing for an answer. An answer that would change her life. Manuel walks aimlessly, at times looking up, hoping any minute now God would heal him.

Just stories lines, or glimpses of real life? Perhaps they feel real because you have been there, or you are there now. No matter where you are, or what you are going through, know this; YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are not the only one who has ever walked the path you are on, even though it feels like it. There are others, who are there now, or who have found the exit.

Where are these people? Who are they? Include in your prayers to God to lead you to them. They might be in your church, or they might be your neighbor, or across the aisle at work, but the truth is they walk among us. They can help you. They can listen to you. They can pray for you, or with you. But in order for that to happen they have to know. They have to know what you are going through. Take a chance on being honest when someone ask you how you are. And if you are one who hears a story of real life going on dare to listen int 051312_01-3jb ently. Believe with them for God to deliver them, answer them, or heal them. Life is hard, but it is even harder by yourself.

If you struggle finding someone, or trusting someone enough to open up with the truth, you are still not alone. There is no where you can go to escape the eye of God, or His love. Have faith, have hope for your exit may be within the next mile.

In a Moment

May 8, 2016May 8, 2016 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

20160508_113818 Touching a life is one of the most special things we, as humans, can ever do. In the first book I wrote, “Authentic Ministry” (now in the process of being re-written because I tried to write it like my favorite author Max Lucado, and God whispered to me one day, “I already have a Max Lucado, write in your voice.”), so it is not out yet, but I wrote a whole chapter about touching lives, one of my favorite subjects.

There are so many ways to touch another’s life. Through spoken words, through written words, through a song you share, sometimes the right photo, or simply reaching over and holding a hand. The nice thing is you don’t have to be gifted, or have a doctorates’ degree in Theology. If you are a human, you are qualified. Just do what seems right…for that moment.

The one thing that you do need is practice to see the moments. Many times we go too fast in life to see them, hear them, or sense them. And they aren’t there very long, that’s why they are called “moments”. Or worse yet we are so obsessed with our own lives to even notice someone else’s.

The other day I was talking to a coworker through our instant messaging tool. All of sudden I sensed it. I was in the middle of “a moment”. This person needed to hear an encouraging word. I shared one. They thought God had told me to share that word with them. I told them it came from me, but the more I thought about it I had this realization; when one spends time with God, reads his word, talks with him through prayer you begin to really know him. You learn his character, and you begin to take on his character. I told my coworker this, and then went on to say, “I think if God was physically the one typing the message that is what he would have said to you.”

Don’t miss the moments. Look hard for them. Search them out, and then don’t be afraid to convey a message in whatever form comes natural to you. Today, being Mother’s Day, is the perfect “moment” to share in a way God himself would.

What’s wrong with This Picture?

April 19, 2016 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

I just spent a week in Ndola, Zambia. If one just drives through some of the poorer communities, as we did, you are filled with guilt, compassion, and sorrow. We in America think we know how fortunate we are, but until you see firsthand how others on the same planet live you really don’t know the depth of our fortune.

This trip wasn’t just to drive through their communities, but to get out and to walk among them. To talk, to listen, to build relationships that encourage, and to make sure their hope continues. We were careful not to promise them resources that would be a strain to sustain, for that would be helping that hurts. The perfect plan to change someone else’s living conditions is to find ways to get those that live there to come up with the plans that will change their lives, change their communities.

Building those relationships started out slow, but by mid-week bonds were beginning to form. Smiles begin showing up on faces that on day one were not there. It was strange being in a community where you were the first mazunga, “white” person some of the kids had ever seen. I have recently learned there are three things that crosses any boundary; love, laughter and God.

By the end of our week some tears were shed as we celebrated God together and said our goodbyes. A lot had been accomplished as we visited each church of the seven in Fubuku. As we led a bible study in spiritual gifts, as we “tried” to stucco a mill house, and as we moved most of the 3000 concrete blocks into positions so those who did know what they were doing could put them in place. As we did some home visits to those who were HIV positive, or the widow who was raising 10 orphans on her own. This group of God believing, God fearing Zambians find ways to survive, not just
every month, but every day.

We feel our goal of building relationships was accomplished. We even gave them a picture of a person from my church section with their name, so they could pray for them. Then likewise we took their pictures holding up the photo of the one they selected. The response to this was overwhelming. They stood in a line, some for 30 minutes waiting for their turn to be photographed.

Yes, there is a lot wrong with the picture of their lives, their schools, or lack of, but today their hope is stronger than ever as they now know there are disciples of Christ who live 8252 miles away, who are praying for them, love them, and who believe in them.

If you haven’t seen it yet check out the short video of our trip:

https://www.facebook.com/206Saturdays/videos/483025878547210/

Reach Out and Touch Someone

February 16, 2015February 16, 2015 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

They’re all around you. They are hurting, discouraged, lost, or broken. Life has not been fair to them either through circumstances, or even perhaps by their own doing. Regardless, they still need a touch. There is nothing like the touch of another human being. A study was done some years ago and found that infants who were touched, held, cuddled had fewer health problems in the early years of their lives.

There are so many ways to touch someone. I heard a street beggar once say, “Even if you don’t want to help me at least acknowledge that I exist by looking at me!” Wow! So you see, a simple glance, or smile can touch a person’s life whether you know them or not. But for those you do know, you can do more. Encourage them with a spoken word, an unexpected hug, a note they will find later that expresses your love and appreciation of them.

One of the biggest keys to touching lives is seeing them, and being mindful of them. Sometimes they give you clues as to what they need from you. Sometimes it’s a shot in the dark, but an effort that misses the mark is still a message that says, “I know something’s wrong, and I care.”

When you look at others, and try to touch them in some way you will many times find that your own heart is touched. It’s a quick and easy investment in others, and it pays back in great dividends. I hope you will follow the One who first touched you, by touching others.