Paying Attention?

November 4, 2025October 3, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

It was the trial of the century. A man was being prosecuted and persecuted for violating the Sabbath law by healing on the Sabbath, threatening to destroy the Jewish Temple, practicing sorcery and exorcising people by the power of demons, blasphemy, specifically claiming to be the Son of God, and claiming to be the Messiah.

The trial was taking place at the same time as the Passover holiday, so Jerusalem was at capacity and buzzing. By that time, most had heard of Jesus. They had probably heard his teachings and perhaps even witnessed some of the miracles he performed. They were no doubt moved by his message of love and acceptance. Who knows? Some may have even been fed by him as part of the 5000 men who ate the fish and loaves of bread until they were full.

So, when Jesus was arrested by the rulers of the day, they got scared. A week earlier, they were praising his name, but now they denied they knew him or, at the very least, kept their belief to themselves.

“Those who scream the most and the loudest are usually the ones on the wrong side of Truth!“

Well, as you may know, Jesus was found guilty and sentenced to be crucified on a cross immediately. The rulers of the day, the ones most threatened by the message He shared and lived, wanted him gone, dead, and buried.

Three days later, two men were walking down the road to Emmaus, no doubt discussing the recent events that had taken place concerning Jesus. Perhaps they were trying to see where the other stood on the issues, when out of nowhere, a man they didn’t recognize appeared. It was Jesus. “What are you discussing?” Asked Jesus. “Man! Where have you been the last three days? Stoned? Under a rock?” They were amazed he allegedly didn’t know what was going on. Jesus no doubt wanted to see if they recognized him, and they eventually did.

Would you recognize Jesus if he came alongside you? If you believe in him and who He is, then He is right there next to you. Are you paying attention to what is going on in America right now? At the time of this writing, earlier in the week, we witnessed a man killed for simply, lovingly expressing his opinion. I’m sure he had been threatened or even warned to be quiet, but God had no doubt asked him to be his spokesperson. What happened to “Freedom of Speech?”

As we go forward, we may see more and more persecution in America and around the world against those who stand up and speak Truth. Unfortunately, just like in Jesus’ day, people don’t want to hear the truth. They want to ignore their conscience and live however they want to; that pleases them.

If God asked you to stand up and be noticed for speaking about Him, would you do it? My main character in my novel, “Kill the Preacher Man,” had his life threatened and his family’s if he didn’t stop preaching and being used by God to heal people. He had to face that difficult decision.

I have no idea what the end times will look like exactly, but we need to pay attention, stay in prayer, and have no fear. Like the apostle Paul famously said, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phi. 1:21)

If you would like to read about the interaction of Jesus and the two on the road, turn to Luke 24:13-35. I liked the version by J.B. Phillips.

Be Consistent

July 11, 2025June 28, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

My friend, David, loves God and loves people. He is always looking around, observing his world to see if he can help someone who has a need. He believes that gives him an opportunity to share about God and God’s love. Some may minimize lifestyle evangelism and think that people only accept Jesus after hearing a sermon, but more are likely to after you meet a need in their life. This was Jesus’ approach many times. He met their need, and then they accepted him.

David said he went to a restaurant the other day, and while he was eating, the lady who had taken his order came up to him. “You’re religious, right?” she asked. “No. I’m not religious at all, and I don’t like religion. Religion is about rules. But I do have a great relationship with God. He loves us so much, and I love him back,” he told her. “Aren’t you the one who bought the homeless man dinner a few months ago?” “Yes. That was me,” he replied.

David said that he was surprised she remembered him. Evidently, his actions made an impact on her. It got her attention. He went on to tell me that as he was eating, he noticed how many customers were coming in. The restaurant was getting slammed! He also noticed that the customers who left didn’t get their tables bussed. He knew what he needed to do.

He said he quickly jumped up and continued where the waitress had left off. He stacked the dirty dishes in the tub, along with the glasses, silverware, and trash. He also knew to wipe off the tables and wipe out the seats of the booth. The tub got full, and he knew he couldn’t take it into the kitchen, so he left it on the table across from his.

With the newest customers’ orders now in the system, she returned to the dining room. “I know that is not where I left the tub,” she commented to David. She looked around and saw a lot of clean tables. “Did you do this?” she inquired. “Maybe an angel did it,” he said with a big smile on his face. “Thank you. You didn’t need to do that,” she said. “But you all were getting slammed, and the new customers needed clean places to sit and eat,” he commented.

David knows that she will definitely remember him. She witnessed his consistency in putting God’s love on display and in motion. And he knows that the next time he goes in there to eat, she will be primed. This means that her heart will be open and ready to hear more about God’s love for us and his Son’s gift of salvation. For the harvest is ready, but the number of workers is few.

Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working.
1 Cor. 3:5-8 (MSG)

“Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest-ready fields.”
Matt. 9:38 (NET)

Being Bold, Being Like Jesus

May 13, 2025May 12, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“What good is studying the Bible if you don’t apply it?” That is the question I had asked April a few times. She defends herself by replying that she is shy, scared, or not comfortable. I understand because I used to be like her when it came to sharing Jesus with people. Then one day, I realized,

I have nothing to lose, but they have everything to gain!

I have shown April different methods of approaching people. Most appreciate that you have noticed them and their need. Occasionally, someone will say, “No, thank you,” to your offer to help them or to pray for them. It’s okay, because at least they know someone cared enough to stop their busy life to pay attention to theirs.

That is what happened last Saturday. April and I were eating our breakfast at a local restaurant when I noticed a worker on break talking on her phone. I also saw that she was crying. I nudged April and whispered that here is her chance to minister. She resisted at first, but I think God has been dealing with her about this as well. She got up and approached the woman. She asked if she was okay and if she would like us to pray for her. The worker seemed embarrassed and waved us off. But before going back to work, she thanked us for caring.

I have written before that it starts with “seeing” someone in need. Then caring enough to get involved. That is what Jesus did. He was bold!

Recently, April and I were making a purchase. While the merchant was getting all the paperwork in order, he suddenly opened up about his grandfather, who had just retired and then found out he had a large polyp in his colon. As he shared, you could tell he loved his grandfather and was fearful of the family getting the worst results from the biopsy.

I ministered hope to him and assured him we would be praying for both. I asked if his grandfather was ready to stand before God and give an account of how he had lived his life. The young man assured me that he was. But as the conversation continued, it became known that this young man was living with a woman he wasn’t married to. His guilt was obvious. I didn’t judge him for his life choice.

As I have been praying for him and his grandfather, I get a sense that God is using his grandfather’s situation to pursue him. He texted me last week and informed me that our order was delayed. It gave me an opportunity to share with him what I felt when praying. He did say his grandfather has started receiving treatment.

Our world, your world, is full of people who are hurting or struggling with life issues. They need God. They need us to be bold like Jesus and to step up, step out in faith, and share the truth with them. You may never know what kind of impact you will make in their lives until you get to heaven.

He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 (MSG)

It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.” Rom. 1:16-17 (MSG)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Mat. 5:14-16 (MSG)

Keeper of the Light

April 9, 2024March 16, 2024 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

On a small parcel of sand along the North Carolina coast sits an old, tall lighthouse. People in the area have found comfort for years in knowing that every night, the light was on.

“Remember, Son, you’re a keeper of the light. And the light must always be on to dispel the darkness so that those who are lost may find their way home.” “Yes, Father. I won’t forget.” “I’m serious. You’ll grow up. You’ll get busy. You will even have a girlfriend someday.” “No way! Not a girlfriend. Ewe! Yuk!” “And the light that is within you will slowly grow dim.”

As hard as he tried, little by little, the light that was within him grew faint but not totally extinguished. His father passed quickly due to cancer while he was in junior high, and his mother died while giving birth to him. After the funeral, he went to live with his aunt and uncle in New York City, the city that never sleeps. Life sped up, and he faced unforeseen challenges that he had never expected. He had never experienced such darkness before.

The son grew up. Graduated from high school and then college. That is where he met his wife. They married, and he landed a good-paying job as an investment banker in Manhattan. Three years later, they had a baby girl. He and his wife talked about going to church. Giving their young daughter the same upbringing they had with an introduction and education about God. But there didn’t seem to be enough time to live their busy lives and get a satisfactory amount of sleep.

As their custom, the now middle-aged man meets up with his buddy and coworker on the “Q” Line subway platform. They greet each other as they wait for their train. A young man approaches them and hands each a little booklet. “Jesus loves you,” he said to them. His buddy looked at the pamphlet and said, “Oh man, this is one of those Jesus tracks. I didn’t know anyone did this anymore.” He threw it down to the concrete. But as he looked at his, he noticed on the cover was a lighthouse with a beam of light going out. He felt something inside of him remember, “Keeper of the light.”

The words of his father came screaming back into his mind, into his soul. He knew at that moment that he needed to change how he was living. He knew he needed to be a spiritual leader in his home, to his buddy, and to the world. He realized he needed to help people who are spiritually lost find their way home.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Mat. 5:14-16 (MSG)

Just Try to Stop Me!

April 11, 2023March 22, 2023 / Mark Brady / 3 Comments

I was in a college speech class. There were no women, so the language and topics could be crude, even from the professor. One week our assignment was a free subject talk. God asked me to share about Him, his son, Jesus, and explain salvation. I was scared but wanted to be obedient, so I wrote out my talk.

Two days before I was scheduled to give my talk, I developed a nasty sore in my throat. My great-grandmother rubbed Merthiolate on it with a long Q-Tip. It wasn’t going away, so I scheduled a doctor’s visit. Yep, my appointment was on the same day and time I was to give my talk. (Ummm, Satan?)

I took my notes with me the day before, and as it turned out, the guy seated in front of me was not prepared to give his talk. I suggested to the professor that I give my talk in his place as I would not be there the next day. He pondered, then agreed. So I got up and preached my first sermon. Silence until the professor said, “Well, Amen!”

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Cor. 3:6 (NIV)

Even though we may be fearful of the opinions of men, what they think of us, it is better to obey God and not think twice about our reputation. Planting seeds and watering those seeds is so important. Without those two steps, there could be no harvest. We cannot know the results of our actions as farmers for God until we get to heaven!

Oh! The following day I canceled my appointment as my nasty soar was gone, as well as any signs of it!

Is It Too Loud?

February 21, 2023February 13, 2023 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

I know a lady who was once asked to find another church by the pastor’s wife! Why? Allegedly, her worship was too loud. Perhaps the “offender” took attention away from the pastor’s wife’s own loud worship, but I am not sure. Regardless, it was wrong. The lady was devested. When I got to talk to her about the situation, she said she couldn’t help her worship being that loud. She went on to share that if people knew the kind of life God saved her from, they would understand why her worship, praise, and gratitude to God were so exuberant.

Does our praise and witness of God’s love turn people off? Does it cause them not to want to be around us or in any way be like us? Does that list include friends and family members?

Like the lady above, Paul was loud about preaching the good news. About the saving grace of God. Paul knew the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus, and he wanted everyone else to know too. He, also, was appreciative of the life Jesus saved him from. To quiet him down, he was beaten and thrown into prison. Fortunately for us, while he was there, he let his pen do the talking and, while in one prison after another, wrote most our New Testament.

We certainly don’t want to water down our witness, especially to please people, but I think there is a way to balance it out where they want to be around us. We need them to be with us so they can feel the love of God through us. I know Jesus had this balance down pat. People flocked around him because he was full of the Holy Spirit. He spoke words of love. It didn’t hurt that he performed miracles too. And we can do the same. Jesus even said in John 14, verse 12:

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. (AMPC)

So seek a balance with the volume of your witnessing life. Know your audience. Know when to turn it up and when to perhaps press mute and let your actions speak louder than words. I once led my neighbors to God by caring about them and, with my actions, doing what I could do to help them. It wasn’t long before the man of the house asked, “Why are you so different?” That’s when I turned up the volume and shared the good news of the saving grace of God that changes us.

I Was Begging for God

October 7, 2022October 1, 2022 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I knew how life was supposed to be lived, but I struggled every day to meet that challenge. I failed to finish high school, failed at being a husband, and now, as a father. So I found myself, despite the weather, on the side of an off-ramp, begging for money.

I understood it was hard for passers-by to give. They didn’t know my story. I looked normal; therefore, they wondered why I didn’t have a job instead of sitting there. As if I liked doing it. They probably thought I was just lazy and didn’t know about the mental illness I struggled with, which made it difficult to concentrate. Employers expect so much, and I found it hard to remember what I should be doing—I needed help!

One bright and sunny Sunday morning, a couple waiting for a green light gave me a $10 bill. I remember thinking, “Oh wow, they’re generous.” The following Sunday, they did the same thing. Now they had my attention. Whether they knew or understood me, they reached out to help me. They gave me the ten dollars the third week and asked, “Hey, we’re on our way to church. Would you like to go with us? They have free snacks, good music, and you’ll hear a positive message from the word of God.” I replied, “Church people don’t want me in their building.” They quickly came back with, “Our church accepts everyone.” I thought, Why not? I could at least get some food and use the bathroom.

The people at this church were friendly, and they actually shook my hand. I used the bathroom, grabbed some snacks, and my hosts got some for me, also. We found our seats, and the service started. The music was loud, upbeat, and positive. I didn’t know the words, but I liked it. Then they took up the offering. But this church was different and announced that if you needed help, feel free to take any cash out of the bucket when it came by. I couldn’t believe what I had heard.

Then they showed a video of the senior pastor. He preached a message about love, God’s love, and how it was for anyone, even people like me. For the first time in my life, I felt hope. I responded to the pastor’s invitation to accept this loving God into my life. There were tears, but they were cleansing. After the service, my hosts had me meet the local branch pastor. I told him what I did, and he hugged me and welcomed me to the family of God. Then he paused, looked at me, and said the church had developed a new program to help people in my situation.

Now I have a job, working for the church, working for people that understand me and my struggles. I contacted my ex-wife, and she is happy for me. She is even considering allowing me to see my kids. I still see the couple who used to give me $10 but giving me the opportunity to hear a message from God was worth so much more than the money.

The above story flashed through my mind while sitting in church last Sunday. April and I had just given a man sitting on the side of an off-ramp $10. I suggested inviting him to church, and April wisely said, “Build up a relationship with him for a couple of weeks.” I’ve been praying for him and looking forward to the coming weeks. Who knows what can happen by meeting someone’s physical needs first? After doing so, they might be open to an invitation to come and hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. There are many ways to build the kingdom of God.

But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? Romans 10:14 (MSG)

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-18 (MSG)

Craig

May 13, 2022May 4, 2022 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

I met Craig at a church called Redeeming Grace
Like he understood my “I don’t want to be here” face
I felt out of place and I smelled like beer
But he just shook my hand, said “I’m glad you’re here”
He said “we’ll all be judged”
But he was never judgemental
And even though my songs don’t belong in no hymnal,
He’d quote me my lyrics, slap me on the back,
Said “Man you’ve got a gift! How you write like that?”

I know, he sounds cool right?
Not your typical kid from Sunday School, right?
I still ain’t figured out church yet
But Craig, I get
Nah he can’t walk on water, turn the Napa Valley red
But he just might be tight with a man that did

Yeah he’s not the light of the world,
But I wish that mine was bright as his
Yeah he just might be tight with a man that is

You lose a record deal, all the perks fade fast
Dealership said, “We’re going to need to get that mini-van back”
So we were down on one car
And broke as I felt,
My wife and six kids with only five seat belts
I needed help but couldn’t admit, I was strong
Said, “Craig, it’s all good”
But he knew it all wasn’t
A “Hey man I’m praying for you” would’ve been sufficient but nah
He took roadside assistance to a
Whole other level, to sacrificial heights

Showed up at the ballpark after my son’s game one night
In two cars, with his wife Barb watching from the other
Said “What in the world are y’all doing here, brother?”
He just laughed inside that old Chrysler Town and Country van
With the keys, and a title, and a pen in his hand
Said “Man, all you got to do is sign and it’s yours”
I said “No, no way”
But he wouldn’t take “No” for an answer
Said “Please do,
Somebody did this for me once, just let me do this for you”
We argued about it for a little while
Then I teared up, and Craig smiled

I know, he sounds cool right?
Not your typical kid from Sunday School, right?
Nah he can’t walk on water, turn the Napa Valley red
But he just might be tight with a man that did
Yeah he’s not the light of the world,
But I wish that mine was bright as his
Yeah he just might be tight with a man that is

My pride was way too ashamed to be adequately grateful at the moment
But I signed the dotted line, and I drove the kids home
And when the cop pulled up beside us
At the light, they didn’t have to duck
Because thanks to Craig
They were all buckled up

“Craig” by songwriter: Walker Hayes.

The Yolk, The White, The Shell

November 6, 2020November 6, 2020 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

A lot of people recognize God. Some will acknowledge Jesus as God’s son. Few though, it seems, mention the third member of the trinity, the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. For it was He who drew me to God in the first place. It was He who convicted me of sin. Though I was only 7 years old, I knew right from wrong, and my pastor preached with God’s authority, that being wrong was sin, and that sin lead to eternal death in hell.

I am thankful, for now I will not be lost forever in the pitch darkness of eternal damnation, alone, and with the feeling of falling forever. For the pit of hell is bottomless. Mankind needs two things to feel human, time, and gravity. Time provides a schedule, a rhythm to life, and gravity helps us feel grounded. In hell neither exist.

Many years ago, I spent a few hours in jail. Shocked? Yeah, well, whatever. It happened. Anyway, I noticed there were no clocks, and I didn’t like not knowing what time it was. The only way to know was by what food items they served us. Pancakes; must be morning. Bologna sandwich and chips; has to be afternoon. Chicken; it’s got to be evening now.

The Holy Spirit also provides great comfort in the times when I don’t understand what is going on with life, or when my heart is breaking for one reason or another. He may not calm the storm, but He calms me down, and helps me know I will get through it.

More than leading me to Jesus, which accepting his work on the cross grants me access to the throne room of God, the Holy Spirit gives me power. Like Jesus promised us in Acts 1:8. The power I need to speak, and minister to someone in need. Honestly, many times I wouldn’t have a clue what to say, but I rely on the Holy Spirit. I open my heart to be willing, and then I open my mouth and God’s words come out. I know it is God, through the Holy Spirit, because I am usually just as amazed as the one I am speaking to at the wisdom, or love of the words spoken.

^“But I promise you this—the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be filled with power. And you will be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces—even to the remotest places on earth!” Acts 1:8 (TPT)

Every person who believes in God should ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a separate event from salvation and water baptism. For the scriptures say that when Jesus came up out of the water, meaning after his baptism, then the Holy Spirit lit upon him. It was the work of the Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus to endure the cross. In his own human strength it was more than He could bear.

Just like there are three parts to an egg, the yolk, the white, and the shell, it is still only one egg. So there is Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God, but there is still only one God. The three are one, and I will be forever grateful for all three, and the work they have done in my one life. If you choose not to believe in the trinity of God, you may find yourself someday with egg on your face.

I Could Have Been a Murderer!

November 2, 2019November 1, 2019 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

Charlie 61 I was staying in hotel for a few days. I decided to go out, and at the elevator met up with this older couple. They were dressed in their “Sunday go to Meeting” clothes. That’s what we say here in Oklahoma anyway. They were dressed up very nice for those who don’t understand.

I said, “Wow! You all look like you’re going to church.” It was Thursday. They both gave me a funny look as if I had spoken English to them in Sweden , or something. I went on, “I mean, you two are dressed up so nice.” This time I got a smile from the wife. This encounter was awkward and getting more uncomfortable as we got into the elevator. “Where ya all going?” I asked. I mean, why stop now?

“We are attending a minister’s convention across the highway,” the man informed me in a very stern voice.

“Oh, well, enjoy. Take care,” I replied. I got no response.

As I got into my car, I couldn’t help but replay the encounter. I thought, they didn’t know me at all. Why didn’t they try to share Jesus with me. I could have been a murderer for all they know and desperately in need of Jesus! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to judge them or anything, but I guess if one is a Christian, much less a minister, they should make an attempt to talk about Jesus in some way all the time. A good friend said this recently;

“A disciple of Jesus Christ, is so different from being a Christian.”

What he means is this; a Christian has accepted Jesus as the Son of God, and has had their sins forgiven. A disciple of Jesus Christ tries to replicate Jesus. He does his best to share Jesus with the world in whatever form or words are available in the moment. In some ways you could say, he is useful to God.

Some may be satisfied with only having an “Eternal Life Insurance” policy, but I’m not. I enjoy helping others find God, or grow in their relationship with God. Learning how to be an overcomer and stop living below what God intended for his children. I know it’s hard to speak up, and I certainly don’t always know the right words to say, but I yield my reluctancy to God, and funny thing, with the help of his Holy Spirit, it usually turns out okay. I think most people I talk to aren’t murderers, but then again, you never know.

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

witnessing