Infruence

January 7, 2025January 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

No, I didn’t typo the title of this blog. When I lived in Chicago, I had a Chinese friend and coworker who struggled to say the word “influence.” She always inserted an “r,” and I teased her a lot about it. She actually went on a women’s retreat, and “Influence” was the theme. They all wore T-shirts with the word printed on them. I took her picture and photo-edited it to say, “Infruence.”

Influence might be mixed with “favor.” Something I have noticed for a long time but never had the wisdom and understanding of until today is this: frequently, when I patronize a store or restaurant, they tend to get busy shortly after I am there. I’m always happy to see them get blessed and make money because then they will stay in business. I’m also glad the crowds arrive “after” I have ordered or have made my purchase!

I know that as a child of God, I walk around with favor upon me. It is not something I take lightly. In fact, sometimes, when I am not sure if something will go the way I prefer it to, I pray and ask God for favor or extra favor to be upon me.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people. Luke 2:52 (NET)

Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people.Pro. 3:4 (NET)

What I learned today was the favor that is upon me overflows onto the establishment I am visiting. That is why they get busy after I walk in. I just had a funny thought: businesses should “pay” me to come in.

I recall having a friend from church some years ago. She saw the “favor” effect I had on the restaurant she worked in. She confessed to me that if they were slow and she wasn’t making much money in tips, she would pray and ask God to send me in. She smiled as she told me this because she said, “Many times, it worked!”

I don’t think of myself as an “influencer” like those who are on TikTok and generate content. I mean, there are not throngs of people who are waiting to see what Mark Brady is doing or where Mark is shopping or eating. Side note: I don’t understand why people have to do what a celebrity does. Personally, who cares? But that is probably another blog post to discuss why they make them their idols.

So, if you have a business that needs customers, get in contact with me. We can work out a payment plan. LOL. I am definitely joking, for the favor of God is not for sale and should not be used for personal profit.

^18-19When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”

^20-23Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”

²⁴“Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!” Acts 8:18-24 (MSG)

Can We Talk?

October 27, 2023October 26, 2023 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Joan Rivers (a comedian who started in the 60s appearing in nightclubs) catchphrase was, “Can we talk?” I think she wanted people to enter into meaningful dialog about current issues. She must have known the power of communication.

I have said this before, “Communication brings understanding. Understanding brings acceptance. And in the case of a close relationship, acceptance brings love.” When you take the time to listen to someone else, you will begin to understand where they have been and what they have been through, leading to why they act the way they do.

Communication started with God, Adam, and Eve. He talked with them in the cool of the day in the Garden of Eden. (Gen. 3:8) It is essential to this day to talk to God at any time. He can guide you and give you insight and wisdom into any matter you face. You can ask God anything because He has all the answers. I have often asked him, “How do I …” and He has answered me in many ways.

Talking to people is good, too. It is important to keep a good line of communication open, especially if you are in a relationship with them, whether it is a working one, a neighbor, a friend, or a spouse. Even if one of you isn’t speaking to the other, take the time and effort to find out why. Of course, this may be difficult, depending on the issue, but stay calm and hear the other person out. They may actually be right.

Good conversations can be uplifting, encouraging, and downright fun. They may take time, but spending time with people is a gift. As my father taught me, be generous.

(Photo by StockSnap via Pixabay)

Understanding Others

May 26, 2023May 24, 2023 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I got a phone call last night that bewildered me. In full disclosure, I struggled to accept the situation. I don’t think I can even begin to understand how the events expressed by my caller would put one in a hospital.

After the call, I sat and pondered what was told to me. I eventually had to ask God to help me understand. He didn’t. But He did help me remember that all of us are individuals, and we all have our weaknesses. We all have areas where we are strong and weak. What doesn’t take me out can devastate another. It’s all because of sin in the world. It’s like attracting a disease in a way. One illness that can harm another may not affect me at all.

One thing that immunizes me against being affected is my relationship with God. I spend time with him. I talk to him during the day, and I read his word. I call out to him for help when I struggle with an issue and ask him to take the weight off of me when I stumble.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble. Ps. 46:1 (NIV)

So understanding the truth about people and how or why some are affected by events in life more than others leads to one conclusion. And this is what God did reveal to me. It’s not about understanding others but accepting others.

Ask God

February 15, 2022February 12, 2022 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I just finished editing my novel, with its cover design, and got it successfully sent off to the publisher. A huge undertaking to say the least. There were more issues that I ran into than there were tissues in the box. “Honey, we need more tissues!” Sorry, but I think she was making out the shopping list for the week. Yes, quitting, or giving up came to mind, more than once.

You see, this novel has been a seven year journey. I enjoy the story every time I read it. And even though I know what is coming next it still makes me laugh, or tear up. Knowing how I felt about the story I didn’t just want to throw it away.

So how did I get it completed? I asked God for help, a lot! He gave it to me too, It came in the form of wisdom not to run and buy software in order to load a tool I was in need of using, but He directed me to go to April’s computer and it had the necessary system requirements. He guided me who to reach out to for technical help. Not buying new software saved us money and that was a great thing! There was several other ways He helped as well.

I believe in “asking” God for help. In fact, it is one of the subjects in my next book I am going to start working on and finishing. I have been making this principle a part of my renewed mind in order to “ask” quickly, so I am not wasting my time struggling on my own.

He has even directed me to the internet to seek out answers. Isn’t that cool to know God knows about the internet? He will also help you find things that are lost, or misplaced, and you just can’t seem to find them. There seems to be a special anointing on items that are lost. I even asked God why He helps us find things that are lost and immediately I sensed in my spirit, “Because you were once lost!”

So the next time you need to know something, seeking wisdom and understanding, or are looking for something you can’t find, ask God for help! You will be amazed at the results. This is just another way God demonstrates how much He loves us and cares about the everyday things that matter to us. Also, remember to ask God to help your friends, and family members, loved ones to come to know him and accept him, for until they do, they are lost.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.” James 1:5-8 (MSG)

Seeing

January 25, 2022January 24, 2022 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

For children of God, we have another set of eyes. “Spiritual Eyes”. These eyes are connected to our heart. They are a lot more powerful than our physical eyes. They help us have clearer vision. You see the retina of these eyes that I am writing about are connected to God.

Powered by His Spirit, it is possible to see into the future, or to visualize individuals the way God sees them. With these eyes the Holy Spirit can show us things that we would otherwise have no knowledge of. We can gain wisdom and understanding, knowledge and power. We can look at events happening around us as God sees them, and with that kind of vision obtain peace.

With this knowing, we may be led to speak to an individual, and share what we have seen. This is often called being prophetic. Shawn Bolz proclaims,

“The prophetic is to be used to connect the heart of man to the heart of God.”

With this knowledge comes responsibility as well. Before we share what we have seen we should first ask God, “Why have you shown me this?” God sometimes only reveals these things so you will pray. The focus should not be on the supernatural that has transpired, but instead what God wants to say, or do in a person’s life. In other words, someone knowing something about you, that there is no other way they could know except God revealed it, should get your attention to listen to what comes “after” the prophetic word.

But when someone prophesies, he speaks to encourage people, to build them up, and to bring them comfort. 1 Cor. 14:3 (TPT)

Having this kind of vision can be very beneficial. It comes by being connected to God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and staying close to God, walking with him on a daily bases. If God uses you in this way remember; you are only responsible to give the word. If the person receives it or not, is not on you. If you see something, or hear something about someone, and you feel it is okay to share than by all means do it. For you have nothing to lose, but they have everything to gain.

Where Does Real Wisdom Come From?

October 12, 2021October 11, 2021 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

There have been times when I have sat in awe of some of the stuff that comes out of the mouths of the old. I’m talking about those that are supposed to be smart, experienced, and relatively wise in their field. I don’t want to name, names, but some are billionaires, politicians, and one was a renowned theoretical physicist who once said, “There is no God.” Of course the Bible says that only a fool says there is no God. (Psalms 14:1) So really old age, intelligence and certainly not money determines wisdom. So where does real wisdom come from?

“I’m a young man,
    and you are all old and experienced.
That’s why I kept quiet
    and held back from joining the discussion.
I kept thinking, ‘Experience will tell.
    The longer you live, the wiser you become.’
But I see I was wrong—it’s God’s Spirit in a person,
    the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible.
The experts have no corner on wisdom;
    getting old doesn’t guarantee good sense. Job 32:6-9 (MSG)

Therefore, honestly, anyone who is filled with the Spirit of God can have wisdom. Ask God questions. Tell him you want understanding of people, and of situations. God wants to tell us things. He is just waiting for people, who will use the knowledge for his purposes to start asking.

I have found this profound truth to be quite useful, and helpful. In a couple of cases where people, who I thought would be the very last people to hurt me, have and I didn’t understand how, or why. I asked, and in one case I was directed to a TV minister for the answer that came in his message. The other, the Spirit of God showed me instantly a picture of how a minister has surrounded himself with others who are deceived in the same manner as he is. Now I know how to pray for these individuals.

Yes, you can learn some things from the old and experienced, if it aligns with the truth from God’s word, but you can also go to God directly and simply ask, but don’t act so surprised when He answers you.

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.

In the Last Year

September 8, 2018September 7, 2018 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Yesterday, I celebrated being retired for one year. I also had a birthday this past week. In reflecting back upon both, it didn’t take long to see God’s goodness. His mighty hand, his gentle kindness, his correction, his presence, but in all of it, his love!

I know his love has been there my whole life, but now, I am more sensitive to recognizing it, in my life, and in the life of others. So I had to ask myself, “Why is that? Why do I see it clearer now, and not as much before?” I don’t want to come across as “spiritual”, or “more special” than anyone else, but in the last year I have desireed and strived, in all times and situations, to be just like Jesus, who is, Love.

It’s like recognizing an Armani suit, which I wouldn’t know if it bit me. You’re so familiar with the original, it stands out. Oh, trust me. It’s much easier to be me, but I have seen enough of what I can be with and around people. Yuk! Who wants more of that? I don’t, and I’m so sure no one else does either.

So, what’s the plan for this next year? Going deeper into the things of God. Having the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and the spirit of counsel and might in my life. I want to journey closer to the source of “Living waters”. I want to constantly be in the presence of God, which is why I choose a picture of the arc of the covenant. Until the moment Jesus died, on the cross, the arc is where God’s presence resided. Now, I want His presence to reside in me.

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; (Isa 11:2 KJV+)

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)