First Bank and Trust

April 9, 2021April 7, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Life sure can be rough at times, and dealing with people can make it even more difficult. It can be hard to believe people and extremely challenging when it comes to trusting them. Being hurt by someone in the past comes into play when deciding to trust a new person in your life. You can be afraid to open up your heart knowing, like before, you could get that heartbroken, again.

When you hold back your trust the person desiring it can get agitated, even mad. Only they know if what they are telling you is 100% true or not. This may be someone you love, a lot, and you really do want to believe them, but your past experience can cause you to proceed with caution.

There is nothing wrong with being careful, but not opening up your heart to love again most likely will lend you to being single the rest of your life or in a relationship that experiences bumps along the way.

When it comes to God, be assured, you can trust him completely. In fact, in order for the relationship with God to work best trust is vital. Trust, believes what is said, and what is done believing that the motives are pure, and with God, they are. Please don’t project on God the hurts you have experienced from humans.

God did not come from Adam and Eve, as mankind did.

“The Lord came to us from far away, saying, “I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. So I have helped you come to Me with loving-kindness.” Jer. 31:3 (NLV)

God has not sinned. He is Holy. He will always treat you with the utmost love, concern, and care. You can bank on it.

Road Construction

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

At the entrance to my subdivision there is road construction. I can only exit and enter by going one way while they upgrade the infrastructure, water, electric, and sewer that runs along the road, or under it. Then, they will put down a new road, with new lane stripes and new signs. They say it will take 6 months to complete. It has already been two and a half.

If that wasn’t enough to endure, they have torn up a major highway interchange just blocks from the road I mentioned above. It is reported to take two years to finish. The officials say, “Go slow. Proceed with caution. Be patient. It will be worth it in the end.”

As I have shared in previous posts, I married a Filipino woman in 2019. Soon after the wedding, we worked with an immigration attorney to get the process started to bring my wife to America. I lived in the Philippines for several months until I needed an eye procedure. We discussed the situation and felt it was best if I came back to America to have it done here. Thinking her immigration process wouldn’t take that long and she would follow me here shortly. It seemed as if they had missed placed her file and then shortly after they started working on her case, Covid hit.

At the time of this writing, my wife is still not here with me. There have been lots of conversations with God about the process and questions of, “Why is it taking so long?” Walking with God in life is definitely a journey. As we are now getting toward the end of the immigration process I can look back and see with greater understanding. I can see how God has updated power lines in our lives making sure that in the future we look to him for uninterrupted power to live by. He has put in a new sewer system to remove the waste and potentially toxic aspects of our personalities away safely and quickly. My wife compares my temper to passing gas. She says, “It stinks at first, but it doesn’t last long.” She has learned to let me vent and then we can return to our regularly scheduled life already in progress.

If God didn’t take the time to pour new pavement in our lives we would be traveling with him on dirt, and when the storms come get bogged down in mud. Yuk! If he only put down stones travel would be easier but it would be a bumpy and rough ride. Not enjoyable at all. But God has used the time, while waiting for her immigration to be completed, to put down nice smooth pavement. When the final touches are completed my wife and I will be able to come and go quickly in any direction with ease. We will be able to see the lanes we should stay in so we avoid head on collisions and harm.

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Yes, walking with God is difficult at times, and it is hard to see what He is doing, because some improvements are below the surface. At times it’s hard to understand why it is taking so long, but He would say, “Go slow. Proceed with caution. Be patient. It will be worth it in the end.”

“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.

When Will God Show Up?

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

There is a lot going on in our world at this time. Two weeks from today, America will decide to keep the president we currently have, or to elect a new one in. The most trying thing concerning these times is, how will our decisions effect the future of America, our own lives, or the effect they will have on the world?

This kind of uncertainty can be unnerving, even scary, but it doesn’t have to be.

I’m sure there are people all around the world asking the same question, “When will God show up?” I share this message with you this day,

He already has!

You see when Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple of God ripped from top to bottom, and this was no thin, cheap curtain either one might purchase at a discount store. The only way that curtain could be ripped was by God. He did it to show that now, through the death of his only son, when we accept Jesus into our lives we can enter into the very presence of God any time we want to.

As a result, for the people who believe in God, his presence is with us as we now are the temple of God. And we take his presence everywhere we go into the world, and into our homes. Those are the places where people are, and those people need to see God through us. The peace He gives unto us to live in the current times we are in.

There are a lot of lies out there being spread. You could call it, “Fake News”. Always ask God what He says about the things others are telling us. Remember this, just because it is on the news or on the internet does not make it true. Even if part of it is true, God has the final word.

Believers need to place their hope and trust in God, knowing that they are his children, and God, being the loving father He is, takes care of his children.

When others are running aimlessly around in fear they will notice the peace and calm that is within you. Remember as God’s temple, take his presence to the people of the world. Be visible, be vocal, so they too may have the hope and peace you have.

Help Wanted

October 6, 2020October 6, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Believe it or not, there was a time when jobs were posted in a newspaper. A newspaper is a set of thin papers with black ink printed on them, which came off on to your hands, and the paper contained news, ads, and was the social media of the day. One would pour over the listings and usually circled the jobs with red ink which looked promising.

These days, jobs are posted online by individual companies or via websites that advertise opportunities to work. Even with the new ease of finding whose hiring, it can still take a lot of effort and energy getting noticed, in the crowd, and getting your foot in the door.

I have worked 46 years of my life, and I have never had any trouble finding a job. The longest I have been unemployed is four months. One time, after moving to a new city, I found a job in two hours. So am I just lucky? Maybe, but I contribute my success to one simple thing:

Tithing

My first tithe was 10 cents. I was eleven, and had earned a dollar. My parents and my church taught, lived, and preached about tithing. In case you don’t know what tithing is, it is this:

Returning to God the first 10% of your paycheck. It is important to pay the tithe first, and then live on the rest. Yes, it can be difficult to do, especially if times are extremely tough, but I assure you it is worth it. You are returning to God what is his anyway. Tithing tells God, “I trust you.” and a loving father likes to be trusted.

⁸“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld]. ⁹You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, this whole nation! ¹⁰Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it. ¹¹Then I will rebuke the devourer (insects, plague) for your sake… Mal.3:8-11 (AMP)

You cannot out give God!

Tithing, and being happy to do it, thrills God, because He loves a cheerful giver. You give the tithe to your local church, or to the ministry where you are getting fed spiritually. Then, if you want to give above your tithes it is called an “offering”.

It all starts by going through the “Help Wanted” section of a newspaper, or website. By asking God for a job isn’t that what you are saying to him? “God, your help is wanted.” Then, when He answers, what better way to thank him every time you hold that paycheck in your hand, but to return back 10%. Come to think of how times have changed, I guess we no longer hold paychecks in our hands either. I miss holding that document that expressed the fruits of my labor. “Thank you God, for your love and faithfulness to provide for me all these years.”

Like Today!

August 18, 2020August 17, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

One of the hardest things, about walking with God, is knowing, “when”.

You are trusting God to do something in your life. You have asked for it more than a child asking for candy. Whether you are waiting for your spouse, or waiting for the correct time to start that business that has been brewing in your heart for 10 years. Or in my case, when am I going to win an Oscar award for the New York Times best seller I wrote? Some maybe hanging on to the promise that one day they will be debt free. We want to know “when”, and when we focus on the not knowing it distracts us from living today.

A father and mother knew they were taking their two daughters to Disneyland, but also knew there was no way they could tell them until that day had come. Why? Because those wise parents knew that every day before would be a disappointment to those girls if “that” day wasn’t “the” day they got to go.

Do you see now why God can’t tell us “when” what He has already commissioned to take place in our life will happen, because if He did it would ruin “today” if “today” wasn’t the “day” it came about.

If God told a man who his wife was going to be before it was time, that same man would most likely get a restraining order from that woman, because he would get caught stalking her simply because he wanted to see her, and get to know her. A woman’s business may fail because she opened it too early, or in the wrong place. Then she might be tempted to walk away from God, thinking, “Well God you said I would have my own business!” I probably wouldn’t enjoy writing any book if I only focused on, “Is this the one?”

I would rather be a mile behind God,
than one inch in front of him.

Enjoy the journey. Enjoy today. Like today! See God’s hand in your life today. You might be saying to yourself, “I haven’t seen God today at all.” My reply would be, “You woke up didn’t you?” Last year I went through a time of asking God for more money to pay the extra bills we had. I remember God asking me, “Okay, how much money do you need today?” I thought about it and realized the bills for the whole month had already been paid and “today” I didn’t need any. God could have said, “Well then shut up!” but He didn’t. He didn’t have to, because by his question I knew He had met all my needs for “today”.

TRUST will help you overcome the word, “when”. Trust doesn’t mean you throw your hands up and say, “I don’t have to do anything.” But it can calm you down knowing God will work it out when it is time.

This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24 AMPC)

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.”

If God…

February 26, 2020 / Mark Brady / 9 Comments

If God healed me of one of my issues, there would be no reason to go to the doctor who is treating me for that issue. The truth is though that doctor is searching for God. Over the last two years I have developed a safe and trusted relationship with him as I listen to his thoughts, and opinions and he listens to mine. If God healed me, who would be there to share the gospel with him? Sure, God could send a new patient, but building that relationship takes time. Also, would the next patient be open to share God?

If God provided all the money I would ever need, all at one time, would I continue to rely on him to meet my every need? There was one time I was asking God for money to pay off a credit card and a small loan. I sensed He asked me, “How much money do you need today?” I thought about it and said, “Well, actually all the monthly bills have been paid and there is food in the kitchen and gas in the car.” Then God said, “Then why are you asking me for money today? I will provide as you have need.”

How you respond, when you need God to move in your life, is a benchmark of your trust in him.

If God showed you your spouse before it was time what do you think would happen? I tend to think you would contact them and make a mess of things and not wind up together. Why? Because it wasn’t time.

If God told you about losing your job in advance, most would put matters in their own hands and go get a new job before it was time. That sounds like good planning, but it robs you of the opportunity to act on your faith. The Lord God almighty, might lead you to a better job making even more money than the job you found.

Yes, there are times when God acts on your behalf before you need it, or does tell you what is about to happen before it does, but most of the time He knows it is best to let these things happen to you and then see how you react to them.

Faith isn’t built in a time of need, but displayed.

God can do anything, at any time. Knowing that is why we need to trust him and his timing. God loves it when his child, who is walking through a very dark time in their life, reaches over and takes hold of his hand. There’s no reason to say, “If God…”, but there is every reason to say, “God, I need you.”

Flight 449

February 5, 2020February 15, 2020 / Mark Brady / 5 Comments

Charlie 020520 (5) Every day, about 4:10 PM, I see a Southwest Airlines jet flying over my house, if I am outside at the time, and if the wind is blowing from the south. I did some research and found the plane starts in Dallas, TX. as flight #21, flies to Houston, TX. and changes its flight number to #449. It’s known as a “scheduled” flight.

Schedules are nice. You can count on them, but life doesn’t follow a schedule.

There can be things you are standing at the gate waiting to arrive and they don’t arrive. A contract, a bonus check, a meeting with someone you are hoping will lead to new ventures. Disappointment, discouragement, and disconnection can set in. “Now what?” you might be asking yourself, or “What am I going to do?”

Even when you are a believer in God, and you have heard all the sermons, and have seen all the Facebook post that tell you, “God’s got this”, or “All things work together for the good of those who love God”, in that moment, it doesn’t feel like it.

Faith in God is hard. We are such tangible creatures. We want to see, we want to hear, and we want to touch. Doing so seems so comforting. We even have phrases like, “I wouldn’t have believed it, if I hadn’t of seen it with my own eyes.” It is so easy for us to have doubt, about our lives, our choices, decisions and yes, even about God.

Why is doubt easier to have than faith?

What doubt really does is rob you! It steals from you joy. The real issue though, is It diminishes the size of the miracle when God works it all out in your life in a way that is best for you. Can’t you hear Thomas, the disciple, after reaching his hand inside the opening where the Roman soldier pierced Jesus on the cross, saying, “I knew it was him. Yep, I believed Jesus when he told us he would rise again after being dead for three days.” I don’t mean any disrespect to Thomas, but I picture him as Deputy Barney Fife from “The Andy Griffith Show”. Charlie 020520

You see the truth is this; faith grows, becomes more real, when you have no idea how it’s going to work out, or even when, but you trust God anyway. You place it in his hands and then force yourself not to take it back a few days later.

Just because at 4:10 PM, if I am outside and looking up, I don’t see flight 449 making its final decent into Tulsa International Airport, doesn’t mean it wasn’t scheduled to fly that day. It simply means, the wind was blowing out of the north.

Perhaps in your life, the Spirit of God is blowing in a direction you are not aware of. Trust anyway, because the love of God is always on schedule.

Fat Christians

January 25, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Charlie 012520 Yes, they’re out there. They do exist. In fact, I’ve seen them. They can be difficult to spot, because they live their life without revealing their secret, they’re Christians.

A fat Christian is someone who only “hears” the word of God, but never acts on it.

Rick Renner, in his book “Sparkling Gems from the Greek” puts it this way: “But the problem isn’t the Word! God’s Word was meant to be acted on. So if you sit and listen to more and more sermons, gathering more and more information but never acting on what you’ve heard, you’ll eventually become so over saturated that you won’t want to hear any more!”

Now that’s a problem. God says it like this: “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear.” James 1:22 (MSG)

Anyone, and everyone can say or do something that conveys the messages of God. A message of love, acceptance, encouragement, forgiveness, help, service, and just being there. God tells us to go out into the world and share him with others. If you don’t think you can then ask God to help you see the need, have compassion, and then do what you can or say to meet the need.

A big part of seeing the need is trusting God with your own issues long enough to look out from yourself, to see others.

Let me encourage you to go exercise your faith. You will find out it doesn’t hurt as bad as exercising your body. Also, being a follower of Jesus in good shape, is a healthy way to live your life.

Note: In the photo is Bob Hostetler. A real man of God who, yes, gave me permission to use the photo. I will never forget the day he said, after reading some material I had written, which was awful, “Mark, you’re a writer.” I am so grateful for him. He’s an author, encourager, and one of the best speakers ever! His website is: http://www.bobhostetler.com/

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

trust

First Bank and Trust

God did not come from Adam and Eve, as mankind did.

Road Construction

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

“To Hear Our Hours, Press 5”