Can you believe it, the wrap up of another year and the ushering in of a new year. So what's in store for this year?

There are so many uncertainties that are always missing from our planning calendars, and if your life is anything like mine... there were quiet a few changes that I had to make on my own personal schedule, because I didn't plan for them. Sometimes those changes are really uncomfortable but they were necessary for me to go forward.

Have you experienced anything like that? Maybe the death of a loved one... a job change... moved into a new area for whatever reason. The point is, some of those changes may have been scheduled while others were unexpected and for us to move forward... we had to adjust our plans.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 16:9(Msg) "We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it."

Did you see that? "We plan the way we want to live..." How did you do with your planning schedule in 2007? Did your plans run according to your schedule?

Jeremiah 29:11(NLT) "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope"

Was God included in your plans? How often did you consult with God concerning your plans?

Jeremiah 29:12-13(NLT) "In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me."

You see, we make it hard on ourselves when where not seeking God's plans for our lives, and making it even harder when we're not even scheduling our time to include seeking God.

The first scripture quoted in this message; Proverbs 16:9 ended like this: "...but only God makes us able to live it." Live what? Our plans for the way we want to live!

Matthew 6:33-34(NLT) "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously and He will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries, today's trouble is enough for today."

My prayer for you reading this today is that you would start your 2008 planning schedules... time to seek God's plans... He promises a future and a hope.

Happy New Year
Pastor Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Guiding Light

Wake up!

Look at this picture... the seas are the storms of life that are tossing us all over the place. But in the midst of this storm is a solid structure, and notice it is not moved by what is going on around it.

The sky is dark... yet there is a light that is guiding you toward that safe structure. That light is the word of God that can and still guides us.


The open arms on each side of this old light house are the open arms of Christ... please notice that the hands are open; not closed... God is not hateful... He is loving and compassionate and can still help you in and through the storms of life.

With the devastation all around us... why do we insist on ignoring the love of God? Why are we so bent on getting and keeping God away from us? We don't want Him involved in our lives and yet, whenever we're in a storm and drowning... we blame God... WHY?

What did God... ever do to you?

Some of our youth today have picked up this same hatred that their parents have and they don't even know why. They just know that they hate God and they hate people who are professing Christians. They hate the local church and all that it stands for.

If you look around you... you'll see that your world is crashing and in need of help... People everyday are killing each other... young people are in more serious trouble than ever before.

Has your child ever been in serious legal trouble and you quietly sat in your room and cried... "what did I do wrong"? My question to you is... did you ever tell your child about God, (about faith in Jesus Christ) or are you one of those parents that didn't believe... so you didn't want your child to believe?

If so... Look at the outcome!

Families are being ripped apart today... parents are killing their kids and kids are killing their parents... kids or even killing kids. This is not a display of love... it's plain out hatred.

Why is it so apparent... because we have turned away from the light... we have turned away from those outstretched arms.

I know why people hate what the light stands for. They hate it because it causes us to see ourselves for what we really are and we don't like that... we don't want to see the truth that we are really screwing things up. We are so full of ourselves that we figure we don't need help... look around... look at your life... look at your family... do you really have all the answers to life? I doubt it. If you're really honest which can be hard for some... we might even admit to ourselves.... we're in deep trouble. We need help.

This is where God's grace and mercy comes in...

• Grace is God giving you what you don't deserve
• Mercy is God not giving you what you do deserve

This is love... God still loves you!

Look... if this blog has chapped you off... good, I'm not here to tickle your ears... I'm here to get you to look at your heart... If it's dark... don't be a fool... turn toward the light while you still have time, and for the love of God... bring your kids. If you have to admit you've been a fool all this time; just spit out your pride because it will chock the life out of you and tell them you were wrong.

God is the same yesterday... today and tomorrow

He is still our life saver!

I love you
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

This Book

The words in this book have the ability to change your life, believe me when I tell you. But not just the book, you have to get to know the author.

Just the sight of this book has caused so much controversy in our country... but my question is why? You see the book is not the problem... it's the author that people don't like. This country, and I can't talk about any other one because I live here... in America has over the past several years launched an all out attack to get us away from this book.

Why so much hatred?

In 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."

This is why people are working so hard to get rid of God... they don't want to take responsibility for their wrongs. They think; if we don't know were doing wrong... we can do what ever we want. If you think about that; this mindset is what has gotten us in so much trouble... if it feels good... do it!

Can I show you something else? I glad I have your permission;

In Matthew 24:9-12 (NLT) "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the word because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold."

Can you see truth here... written thousands of years ago and it describes our American personality today...2007. The part; "and the love of many will grow cold", is what really grabs my attention. Our country is growing so hateful because it's growing cold toward God.

If you took a candle... lit it, the wax would be soft... but when you blow out the flame... the wax is cold and becomes hard; can you see this truth? It really is describing our heart condition.

Jesus didn't die so you could become religious... He died because He want us to have a relationship with Him. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the light that can guide our path.

People hated Him (Jesus) because they loved the darkness of their lives more... just like today; nothing different. But if you would just look at the facts and realize this is true... you can turn you life around.

God has a plan and the blue prints for your life can be found inside of that old book called "The Bible" believe it or not... it's still the number one best seller. We need to get it down... open it up and ask the author to reveal it to us.

God loves you and that fact is still His truth.

Pastor Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

I'll be back

For those of you who may have wondered where is my Monday update... please be patient with me. I was in process of moving offices this week and getting ready to reach my community with some "Good News"

The way I see it... we are at war and we have a real enemy who is killing our friends... families and even our children. It's not my heart to sit back and just pray... the fields are white for harvest and the labors are few... If you need to know more... stop by and visit... but know this....
We're not finished.

I'll have update blogs out each week by Tuesday.

Love you all... thanks for reading

In His Service
DoughBoy

This Old House

This Old House was once a place and symbol of love and respect. Where people would gather as a community, where dads and moms sat with their children and heard God's word together. Where they could share a meal after the preacher man was finished. This Old House was a place of serenity. The place where you could sit next to your neighbor's and discussed the issues of life in a public gathering.

But how things have changed. In society today, we have to have security systems on the house of worship. We have to have state of the art equipment and the best sound systems... We have to offer our people custom tailored classes and padded chairs so they could deal with life. And we better have good air conditioning and heat... a wood burning stove in the middle of the room or open windows are no longer acceptable. My God how we have changed.

Let me ask you a question? If today, you attended a church service and found out that the person sitting right next to you had a past... you know...a past... one that doesn't line up with your expectations in life or even your life style... what would your reaction be? I mean, if that person in the seat right next to you was just released from prison or maybe has the HIV virus or AIDS... how would you react?

The house of God... the church is suppose to have open arms to all. The house of God is suppose to be a hospital for the sick not just a hotel for the saints. We're called to be like Jesus and He said, in Matthew 9:12-13 (NLT) "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. Then He added, Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture, I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

So now... with just this thought in mind... how do you react when you hear others from your community fellowship talking about that young girl in your church who is...or has been prostituting... or what is your reaction when some tattooed man with piercings walks in, still looks strung out, and sits down next to you? Do you have open arms? Or do you grab your family up and say... we need to find a different church... this one isn't safe, it allows anyone to come here!

Today please listen to my heart; as you read this blog... if you're a Christian, would you take a moment to check out your heart as well as your walk. I don't say this to condemn you, yet to often, us church goers forget... that we too were set free from our sins and we begin to become complacent in our new life... we forget the fact that we all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.

We loose our perspectives, and we begin to focus on our rewards in Heaven. We look down on those who have not arrived at our level of our spiritually... we become judges... we forget that one day not that long ago, we were the ones looking for love and hope.

Our society has changed... our presentation has changed... but our mission has never changed.

We are called to heal the sick... raise the dead and bring a message of hope and love to a lost a dying world. Listen... you can't hug a person if your arms are crossed, and if that fact isn't Biblical enough for you... how about this... what we sow is what we reap... is this how we want God to welcome us?

If you're reading this today, and you have experienced poor treatment in a church... please allow me to apologize to you and ask you to forgive. I too have gone through this same experience and have even been used as a trophy at one of the church's I attended. The Pastor stood in front of his congregation and said... we allow all kinds of people to attend here... then I was asked to go and stand up next to the Pastor. Talk about his pride and my embarrassment.

Today... I know who I stand before and I have learned to forgive much because God has forgiven me of much.

If this has been revelation to you... Call on God's help and change what ever He shows you. If you've acted this way in church... repent. If you've judged the church because of the way you were treated... forgive. Healing can only begin as we apply the truth of God's unchanging Word.

I'm looking forward to your comments.

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

The Day We Prayed

The day we prayed...

When I woke up this morning, like millions of America and others around the world; I couldn't help but to remember that today is the 6th anniversary of 9/11. That day when a group hateful individuals attacked our freedom, in hopes that they would crush our spirits.

We hurt because of this tragedy... yet we still stand. Looking back at those horrifying pictures, tears flooded my eyes, my heart broke... yet my faith remains unshaken. Why? Because God heard our cries and will not allow evil to have the final say.

I want you to take a notice... in these pictures, people got together and with one united voice and cried out to God. Not the god of hate... not the god of destruction... but to a God of love... who is... and has always has been watching over His people.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) "Then if my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."

And that's what we did; once again... people of different origins... different backgrounds, got together with humble hearts... sought God's face... and God is restoring our land. God never back peddles when He makes a promise.

I know that we may never forget that day... and I hope that we never forget how people got together with others for prayer as this nation returned to God...bowed in unity... and sought God's face. Restoration starts here... healing start here.

There are so many people who are God haters today... they are working to destroy your faith. You can see this reality by people actions... by the information they put in the media and even in the world of cyber space. We may not see it, but God is working on our behalf and will continue to do so if we will just remain humble.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT) "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don' t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) "For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

I don't like what those cowards did on 9/11... but I do know that they are just being used like pawns by evil forces they can not see. Jesus came and gave His life so that can live... the devil, our enemy as long as we're here; is still working to steal... kill and destroy us. As we continue to seek God's face... God's word is; "the same yesterday... today... and forever" and His word will continue to give us power... love and sound mind.

All I can say is God Bless America.

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

UNITED

On September 11, 2001; a day most of us have not forgotten, our country the "United States of America" was attacked by a radical group of terrorist who planned and then carried out their mission in an attempt to bring this country to our knees. They were able to carry out this mission because they worked together in unity.

We lost a lot of loved ones... normal everyday people, who just got up on that day, and went to work... working to earn a living so they could take care of their families.

We lost Fire Fighters and Police Officers... we lost moms and dads... uncles and aunts... brothers and sisters... we lost friends... some we may have known personally and some we may have never met. We all suffered pain on that day.

In the midst of this tragic event... people who may have never attended church before... joined with others all around this world for prayer. In a sense... this day did bring a lot of us to our knees. We cried out to God in pain... we stood united in prayer before God... and He heard us. His ears have always been attentive to our cries.

Our government and it's freely elected Representatives... stood in unity; and together with one voice, they made the decision that it was time to defend ourselves against these individuals; against the terrorist who carried out their mission. Their mission was... to destroy our foundation's... to shake our dreams. A hateful desire that they hoped would force us to live in fear.

The Bible... the inspired Word of God (the foundation in which the United States of America was founded and built on) says; "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline (self control, sound mind)"

When we stand in unity we stand in power. When we allow division to rule; the direction that the government is heading again, "divided"; a direction our people are heading for... then we see once again the Bible holds even more truth; "A kingdom that is divided cannot continue, and a family that is divided cannot continue."

As a united country... we have to stand together in unity, and in reality, the best way to be united is to stay before God. The early apostles were a great example that we could learn from.

On several occasions, they began to argue with each other about who was going to be the next in charge... can you see it... they were trying to jockey for position. When they finally got together and discovered their unity was in Jesus Christ... they put down a lot of their differences and come out of their room in power... love and sound mind. Why, because they were unified. I believe we can still learn from the Bible.

My heart and prayer is for our country, and for people around the world to realize... that as we prayed in unity... we stood in unity.

We still want the same thing... to be free. Free to love and free to live. If you really study your history, you would see that's why we came to this country.

I will never forget that day, or the individuals who lost or gave us their lives. I will continue to pray for the families all over our world that lost loved ones. My prayers will always be for the United States of America... and for our leaders who have to stand together in unity, so that we may continue to live together in freedom.

What can we learn from all this... "United we stand... divided we fall." If we don't stand for something, we'll fall for anything.

Pray and remember... God still hears our prayers and He still offers wisdom to those who are seeking true freedom.

God Bless America

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Role Model's

Role model:

Definition (Unabridged) "A person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people."

Our world is full of "Role Models" and accept this fact or not... our children are copying the examples that are set by others in our society. Not only children... but a lot of adults too!

Recently, 6 new members were inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Some of those introduced we may be familiar with, while others, we only know from what has been reported to us concerning their records and accomplishments. This year I listened as these men shared a little about their lives and they all gave recognition to others who have been involved in their lives or have been a role model for them. What I heard was most of these men gave thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ and realized that they would not be standing in that place if Jesus Christ did not lead the way. You see Jesus Christ is 2,000 years later; still truly a role model.

Micheal Irvin for me was the most inspiring, not because I am a Dallas Cowboy fan because I'm not... I am still ...yes, I'll say it... a Buffalo Bills fan. In his acceptance speech Micheal publicly admitted he came to a place in his life where today; he understands his role model is Jesus Christ. While he played in his career... he made a lot of bad choices. Choices that could have cost him his family, and now knows that it was God; all along, that was trying direct his steps that would allow him to be truly a great "play maker".

Deon Sanders... Thurman Thomas, and a huge rooster of others today realize that need for this role model. They all came to realize that you can have great abilities in life; but it's your character that really reveals who you are.

This moves me and even today... people like Micheal Vick's are accepting the fact that they have made some serious misjudgements or bad choices because today they know and understand that they need mercy and forgiveness and accept that this really comes from Jesus Christ.

You may have to pay a price for bad choices... but it's not the final judgement or the final chapter of your life.

Jesus still forgives when we call out to Him with a sincere heart... and it's not up to us to decide who is sincere or who's blowing smoke... the fact is still this, Jesus is full of compassion and moved with mercy when we call out to Him. The Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), the inspired word of God says; "... anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced... Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10: 11, 13 (NLT).

Here's the only catch... you have to believe and call... you believe with your heart and call with your mouth....

You don't have to make a lot of bad choices before you call. God knows what's going on in your life and He has a heart for you to succeed. Why not do it now before your in serious trouble. (I wish I know this before I made the some of the choices I made).

My question is... who is your role model? We all are following someone.

If you've read this far... you now know that you have been given choices and freedom to make those choices. You don't have to do anything else to be accepted into God's Hall of Fame, except make that call.

These two were great examples of individuals who made that call... Jesus Christ is the best role model you could ever emulate. It's up to you. If you don't believe me... just ask Micheal.

God is standing by waiting for you to pick up that phone... He'll answer as soon as you call.

I love you all;

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Time gets away!

I haven't been here in a while and this title says it all... time gets away. For those who have been reading these blogs, you should know by now that my heart is to reach a wayward world with some good news.

We have enough bad news being crammed down our throats and I want to be a barrier for the Good News.


I have recently branched out and started a My Space sight and also blog there, and would encourage you to visit me at; www.myspace.com/pastordoughboy. Please pray because there is a lot of moral issues that are floating around in these sights... so my heart is to get others to look within themselves and prayerfully cry out to a God who is waiting to receive them.


We all need some good news and people today have little or no regard for God. We turn to Him when we are in serious trouble and then most of the time we put Him away again until we need Him.


God loves you and He wants a relationship with you... you see He already knows you and His heart is that you would get to know Him personally... not just form your opinion of Him by what the newspapers or your circle of friends say about Him.


In our service this week we talked about mercy... and we discovered... by reading the Bible there were several truths listed...

• We all need it
• God gives mercy to those who give mercy
• We are not as perfect as we might think we are

We live in a world full of hurting people... you could tell if you would stop talking so much and start listening... start looking around you... and be honest with yourself, asking yourself; what do I see?

• Do I see love?
• Do I see people helping people?
• Is my world all about me?

You see... you could make a difference; you may only be one person and think that you can't make any difference, but Jesus was only one person and He made a difference. Today He wants to make a difference through you, and if you will let Him use you... You can save a life... you can make a difference.

We are here... as ambassador's... as agents... as God's chosen people.

One of my favorite sayings is this; "Those you say I can't and those who say I can... are both telling the truth." So what do you believe?

• Are you a wimp... or are you a warrior?
• Do you know your God and do great exploits... or do you sit on the sidelines watching your world go by?

God believes in you and so do I. You are more than a conqueror... You are a mighty warrior and you can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives you strength.

You could even show mercy because God has shown you mercy... Mercy is love in action.

I love you all

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

What's this?

This picture speaks a thousand words... and looking at it, I would venture to say that this dog has more faith than some of us humans.

Prayer is not some religious movement that gets us more favor with God... Prayer is a two way communication between a Father and His children. When we take a moment and realize how fortunate we are to just wake up and be able to touch... taste... hear... see and smell we should be grateful; we should stop for a moment and give thanks. But most of us are too busy.

Prayer doesn't have to be done for hours at a time... just take a few minutes to at least be grateful that you got up today. I know people who can't do that anymore.

Can I ask you a question? Thank you... Do you really know Christ, or do you merely know about Him? If you know Him... how do you view Him, and how do you communicate with Him? How often do you guys talk?

To get to know someone intimately and enjoy Him personally, you must:

• Spend quality time with Him
• Communicate meaningfully with Him
• Observe Him in a variety of situations.

God wants you to talk to Him and spend time with Him, and the best way to do this is called prayer.

Look; (I'll make this really simple). If you have a husband or wife... boyfriend or girlfriend and you never talked to each other, what kind of relationship would you have? None... there wouldn't be a relationship. When we meet someone and we really care about them; why is it that we want to talk to that person all the time... Because we really want to build up a relationship (good answer). So why do we act so different with God?

God deserves more than the hour your giving Him, if you're a Sunday church person, and most of the time your staring at your watch waiting for the final AMEN, so you can tell others that you attend church... Or you get real spiritual and head for the land of NOD, just can't hang in there... What kind of relationship is that... I could see God watching you and thinking... "Am I boring you?"

If your reading this I want you to know... God loves you and He really enjoys hearing from you. Some of us are 911 people and we only call God when we have an emergency... God loves to hear from you all the time and He's never to busy to listen. Try this today... Turn off you cell phone...radio... television and take a few minutes to think about your day and all the things that didn't happen... now take a few more minutes to thank God... Thank Him you're still breathing, you see we have more to be thankful for than we realize. If you think about it for a minute you'll discover that you have a lot of things to talk about.

God bless you all:

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Daddy

If I was to ask you, what is your impression of the perfect father; what would you say? Could you answer and say... mine is; or was the perfect father? I can't. Why? Because like so many others in our society I grew up without a father.

In this country fathers (not all, but a lot) have been absent... abusive (physically and emotionally) lacking in love and family commitment... alcoholics or addicted to drugs or other materials that have caused them to do bad things to there children.

If you have or had a father like that, I know your pain. My father was removed from my life at 6 months old and I didn't meet him until I was 17. This absenteeism made it very difficult for me growing up. I had no one in my life that could give the support that a father is suppose to give. I'm not talking the ATM type of dad, I talking about the support system that is suppose to be in place to teach you how to grow and mature in life.

Because of this I developed my own group of mentors and role models... 2 problems; 1) I wasn't using very good discretion with my choices; 2) No one was around to let me know that my choices were bad.

When I finally was grown and on my own, I didn't realize it at first, but the lack of having a fatherly role model followed me into my own family and when I found out that I was going to be a dad... I didn't know how to act, so needless to say I didn't always do the right things or make the right choices. But one thing I knew... I wasn't going to leave my son and become and absentee father.

Growing up my grandfather and some of my relatives (mostly Italians) instilled into my mind that God was the Father type that as soon as you screwed up, He was going to beat you upside your head with a baseball bat. They never explained that He was a Father of love.

Here's the sad part of this story. As I got older... knowing something was missing in my life, I turned to God, and this was extremely hard because I expected God to react toward me like I was brought up.

Those who have had this type of up bringing understand, and if and when we turn to God we picture God will act or react like our earthly fathers did.

This is not true. God has unconditional love for you and even knows that you're not perfect. He knows you're going to make mistakes, and when you do, He doesn't blow a rod yelling, "get out, you're a nothing and you'll always be a nothing". He has a tender love that allows you to refocus and turn it around.

Psalm 9:10 "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord do not abandon those who search for you." This means that God (the Father)will never cut out on us no matter what we are facing in our lives.

The ugly picture that well meaning people try to paint about the character of God is really a bad mental picture because God so loved the world, (mankind) that he gave His only Son (Jesus Christ) and whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.

If you could begin to understand that God loves you, it may cause you to have a new desire; to build a relationship with Him as a father who is always present and is a wonderful role model with a plan for your life. There is a lot of scriptures that give us the real picture of God's character, all you have to do is open that Bible, open your heart and search.

There are times when I still battle this issue about God booting me to the curb but today this fact is settled in my heart... God is not a man that can lie and that means I can trust Him at His word.

He has taught me so much; like how to love... how to forgive and how to be a better father. I still haven't arrived but I thank God that I'm not were I use to be in my life.

Jesus loves you and so do I.
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Channel surfing

Have you ever had a bad day? That's really a rhetorical question because if you're heart is still beating and you have a pulse...then my bet is that you have. It doesn't matter who you are...a nice person or a bad person; we've all had bad days.



Here's the thing, what you do about those bad days is totally up to you. You can stare at them and watch them grow, (even if the problem or situation hasn't changed). Or you can change the channel. The choice is yours.



This morning I was awake way ahead of my almost normal time to get up. No matter what I tried I couldn't go back to sleep. You see I went to bed last night weighed down with a situation, (and in case you're wondering if I'm a bad person my answer is no...) we all have our moments.



Well I got up... because laying there wasn't doing me any good, I went to the kitchen, turned on the coffee and then headed to the living room to spend some quiet time and prayer. (Prayer if your unfamiliar with that term; is a conversation with God) As I prayed, I was still frustrated about the situation from last night, so I talked to God about it. (Get it...prayer)



I was directed to turn to Psalm 19; and because I know prayer is two way communication, I opened my Bible and read;



"The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies, yet the message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world."



This verse continues and if you want to know more please check it out... Psalm 19.



Well I went out side, coffee in hand and sat in my back yard. A few minutes later, the sun was rising and there were some low clouds, but as I watched; the bottoms of the clouds were changing from a gray to a beautiful red and orange color. Within minutes they changed colors again then in no time, it was a completely different picture.



God was at work, and this whole process took my focus off me and my situation to a beautiful picture that was being hand painted before my very eyes. Does God care...you bet. The heavens tell of His glory.



When your focus is on your problems...situations or whatever, it's easy to miss the glory of God. To often we get so wrapped up in ourselves that God is speaking but were too busy to change the channel, and we end up missing God in action.



Psalm 23:2 (NLT) "He lets me rest besides peaceful streams. He renews my strength."



"He lets me rest," By changing the channel it allowed me to quiet my anxious heart and also allowed me to rest my emotions. The best part is this; "it renewed my strength."



God is closer than you might imagine and He is trying to calm you down from all the calamity in your life; but you're going to have to make a choice. You can lie on the couch of discouragement or you can get up and change the channel. (No fair reaching for the remote) Get up!



If you change the channel; then sit and listen to what God is telling you, you'll notice that your problems that you made so huge were just a minor irritation, not a major crisis.

It all up to you, why not channel surf and see what else is on!

S.M.I.L.E.

Silent

Miracles

In

Life's

Experiences


God still loves you

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Grace and Mercy

Great day to be alive...no I really mean that.



Today is a special day for me...a celebration of the day I was born. Yet this article is not being written to honor me; this blog is being done today to honor a Father I have never seen but I know He's there. Let me explain.



When I look back over my shoulder, at my past; I know...I shouldn't be here writing this today. Why? (I'm glad you asked) Because the things I've done should have killed me long ago. If you need more details you can visit our web at hlfc.org and this will give you some more insight.



That's why today as I sat in my backyard early this morning watching my dog's run around (their names are Grace and Mercy; but this is not about them)I knew my Father was there with me and reminding me about His grace and mercy.



Some one awhile back made a statement to me that I haven't forgotten (that alone is a miracle) they said "Grace is God giving you what you DON'T deserve" and Mercy is "God NOT giving you what you DO deserve" My friends; this is the reality for my life; How about yours? Can you see that God has shown you a lot of Grace and Mercy?



When I think about that and look back; I know that God has cut me a lot of slack. Why? Why would He do that? Why not just leave me alone here to do things my way? Several reasons came to mind...but the biggest one is because He is my Father and just like a dad; He has a desire for me to do good. How many times have your kids done things wrong and you've shown them grace or mercy? When you do that for your children or others in your life...you do that because in reality you know (you may not admit this yet but you know) God has done that for you.



Today; 51 years old and I am seeing clearer that God has never left me by the side of the road to fend for myself (even though there have been times in my life where it has felt like that) He was right there.



I want you to understand; I'm not talking about becoming religious...I'm talking about a real relationship. When your in a relationship you spend time together... you learn about each other. When you get to the point in your life where you realize how much God has showered you with His grace and mercy you fall in love... and this is where the relationship starts; not ends but the beginning point of a turn around.



No matter what you've gone through...God is aware and is closer than you might imagine, yet because we're still on the Earth and we're still human beings we attempt to become our own god and try to do things in our own ways... I don't know about you, but that didn't work out very well for me. (Just being honest here)



My challenge for you today if you've gotten this far in this article is to look at your life and ask yourself... is this true? Has God shown me grace and mercy when I haven't really deserved it? If your answer is yes... why not sit back and become thankful for the things that God hasn't allowed to happen to you. If you think about it in honesty...I bet you can come up with a lot of areas in your life that His Love...Grace and Mercy has covered you.



Become thankful...and give God some respect...He knows His job and and He can do it well.

If you met me and forget me; you've lost nothing... if you met God and forget Him; you've lost everything.



I Love you and God bless you.

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Whats on my heart

What's on my heart...YOU! When I wake up...When I go to bed...YOU are on my heart. I hope that this weeks post will touch somebody and help them to look deeper into life, because there's more to life than what we see or what we're trying to accomplish.



Some of you reading may be young and your heart tells you that nothing can stop you...so go out and do whatever you want... The problem in our young age is we think we know what we want but in reality...we don't have a clue.



I was there...it may seem like along time ago...but I've been there...unstopable...knew it all and ready to take over the world. So what did I do? I followed the crowd....became a gang member in upstate New York...but after a couple years of that something told me deep inside that if I kept up this life style...I was heading for destruction. (something deep inside)



So I decided to join the United States Navy...in those days they accepted High School drop outs...(oh yeah, did I mention I knew it all, that's why I dropped out). I traveled 13 countries and ended up at the end of the Viet Nam evacuation... Returning back to the United States I was working in some extra areas because I wanted to make those big bucks and the military in those days didn't pay real well.



My extra job ended me up in some very serious trouble and I ended up in military prison. (I thought for sure I was unstoppable...but a guy I knew wanted out so he turned against me) and I had to pay the price. That place was not as glamorous as what they show on TV.



This story can go on and on because I'm still alive...but the point I want to make here is that I didn't know it all and I was stoppable. (much to my surprise...what a rude awakening)



During the time when the government told me to go and stand in the corner...I finished my High School and starting taking some collage courses...I wanted to change my mind set....I also heard the Gospel Message and decided to give my head to this process. This didn't help because I never surrendered my heart.



7 years later...I was in trouble again...Alcoholic...drug addict...all around basket case, but this time the law wasn't breathing down my back...my conscience was and I know if I didn't make some changes, I was going to die before my time.



The change came when I gave my heart to Jesus Christ... I realized that no matter what I tried to change using my mind...the true change had to come from a new heart, because from the heart flows the blood and that's what keeps you alive.



Now I wake up...and I don't cry for me...I cry for you. I look at what's going on in our society, especially with our younger generation and I cry because I see my old nature still fighting to survive. Our youth today are lacking direction and that's most likely because the parents don't have the time to really invest in a family.



Think back if your over 45 and and remember when they took prayer out of school...then they started fighting to remove God from our life...that's when the problems really began. I am happy to hear that in Texas they have signed a law that says the school can now offer Bible classes in public school...this will be the generation who has a better opportunity to get a new heart and help us preserve the sanctity of life.



This blog was longer than normal but you need to here me...If you need change...if your tired and need peace... Ask Jesus Christ for a heart transplant; He still specializes in new beginnings.



In His Service

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Let Feedom Ring

On July 4,1776 there was signed in the city of Philadelphia one of America's historic documents; the "Declaration of Independence." It marked the birth of this nation, which under God, was destined for world leadership.

We often forget that, in declaring Independence from an earthly power our forefathers made a forthright declaration upon Almighty God.

Someone has said; "To be born free is a privilege. To die free is an awesome responsibility."

Where would we, who are citizens of the United States of America, be today if there had not been those who counted the cost of freedom and willingly paid for it?

Where will we be tomorrow if men and women of integrity do not come forward today and pay the price to reclaim a dying America?

Why are we dying? In our society today we change words around and make them say what we want them to say...We change history; not because we found out a new truth, but because it's not conducive to our new way of thinking (it's not politically correct) so we just take out facts and teach our younger children theory. Most of the time in doing this we cut God and His Word completely out of the picture.

"The first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention is the Bible."

John Quincy Adams.

"All the good from the Saviour of the world is communicated through this Book; but for the Book we could know right from wrong. All things desirable to man are contained in it."

Abraham Lincoln.

"...the Bible...is the one supreme source of revelation of the meaning of life, the nature and need of men. It is the only guide of life which really leads the spirit in the way of peace and salvation."

Woodrow Wilson.

"Go to the Scriptures...the joyful promise it contains will be a balsam to all your troubles."

Andrew Jackson.

You see my reading friends...we take out what we no longer want to hear and we change wording around because it's not comfortable to our way of thinking.

In Psalms 11:3 it says; "If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?

Our foundations for building this country is called the rock...That's the Bible...the Word of God.

Go find your Bible...dust it off...open it and read it for yourself.

The only thing that's changed is us...The only words that have changed are ours...

God said what He said and it's settled. It's the solid foundation that our country was founded on. Why do we want to change the History of our true Independence?

As you enjoy the fireworks...picnics...the day off; think about God's grace and the freedom He wants our country to experience.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

This action may cost you!

With our society screaming foul almost everyday in our court systems, it wouldn't surprise me if one day...the act of devotion shown in this picture, ends up costing you. (IF your a prayer warrior...don't give up!)

It never ceases to amaze me how far we've drifted from our fear and admiration toward God. Like it or not, this country was founded on Bible principles and no matter how much you yell...you can not stop God fearing, praying Christians.

The part that gets me is that a lot of these Christians are not just praying for themselves...they're praying for you. Not that you would leave them alone; not so that God would punish you because you're acting like a hemorrhoid...but that you would stop being so hateful toward someone who loved you so much that He "laid down" His life so that you will have a life. (Some of us are praying that you'll get a life, another article for another day).

Why are you so afraid? What has this loving God ever done to you? Maybe you're just upset because you know all this is right; but it doesn't sit well with your plans. (The ones you live behind closed doors because your afraid you'll get caught).

I read a article on a web the other day and the man who wrote wanted to know if the 10 Commandments were necessary or were "Christians" just trying to shove morality down his throat? This to me was a no brainier...look at society and you tell me if #6 on those tablets is necessary..."Thou shalt not kill" Everyday; I hear news of another murder.

Or maybe...if CEO's would practice #8; "Don't steal"...they would not be sitting in prison for embezzlement.

We have no more compassion...no feelings...why? Because not only do most of us not know the commandments; we don't follow God's rules for life.

Most people are self centered and lack the greatest gift you can have...the gift of love.

Jesus said; "Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as you love yourself." You see...Love doesn't kill, love doesn't steal.

So why do you hate Christianity? Why are we raising up our children to have so much hatred and anger toward a loving God? What are we afraid of? Why do you fight so hard to stop Christian people from reaching out to the lost a dying? Who are they hurting?

A lot of them are trying to help the people you step over each day on your rush to do your thing, (which we won't discuss right now!)

The only one who can answer these questions is you...the reader?

Have you ever tried this position? If not...you should, because your hatred toward God will not change His love for you...

Stop...drop...and pray:

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

How do I look?

Are you trying to make a good impression? How much does it really matter to you what someone else thinks about your cloths, your car, your fashion, your home and all the material stuff you're still paying for.

Here in America we focus way to much on image. Our televisions are loaded with commercials that show you a false reality that if you just use this product you'll be successful and be like a magnet. Just drink this brand and you'll be a part of the crowd. Just use this Cologne and the women won't leave you alone.


We get drawn in to that false image...then we go out and purchase that product and no one really notices. (I hate when that happens)


But don't sit back and think...how goofy worldly people are to fall into this trap. I say this because "Christians" do the same thing. We buy all this stuff and tell others how much God is blessing us; yet we can barely make ends meet because we're over extended with our credit.


Your stuff and your beauty won't sway the only one that matters. GOD.

I've been to a lot of funerals in my days and I have never seen a U-Haul, following a hearse.

I'm not saying we have to walk around with holes in our shoes but do we really need 30 pairs.


I see people all over the place that need help, and I watch people who are so wrapped up in themselves pass right on by, so I guess my question here would be...why?


Are we afraid to show others that their important?


I have to laugh...I even watch people who do something for someone else as long as it's a good photo oportunity.


Some one sitting here right now reading this is saying, well those people need Jesus because the Bible says; "God will supply all their needs." That's right, that's what it says, but do you understand that God can and will supply their needs through your prosperity? God blessed you to be a blessing.


James 2:14-17 (NCV) "My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, "God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat," but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith by itself, that does nothing--is dead."


There are people who need help all over the place and it's not just in foreign countries. We pass by a lot of them every single day of our lives.


I know this messgae seems hard but some times we need to to thumped on the forehead so that we can clear up our vision.


Jesus needs a body to work through and if your a Christian...you should be doing your part to keep the body moving forward.


I hope this truth will wake you up and set you free.


In His serivce
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Freedom is Costly

I hope today finds you with an attitude of gratitude. As an American and one who is growing older and also wiser. I've discovered that Freedom isn't free...It's costly. Somebody else has paid a price so that today, I have the freedom to sit behind this keyboard and say whatever I want.

Way to often we take advantage of this freedom and a lot of times, we misuses it as our rights...rights to spew whatever we want. But let me share a thought...you wouldn't have that right if somebody else did pay a price for you to have it.

I sat back today and stared into a newspaper clipping I cut out in October after the World Trade Center tragedy. It's a picture of a cross of steel beams that was found amidst the rubble discovered during the clean-up. The men in the picture had their heads bowed as they were reminded that freedom cost.

As I remember all the service men that had given their lives for me and all the wars that have been fought so we can experience our freedom, I also remember the Police Officers the Fire Fighters, the Peace Officers even the people who seem to be unimportant that have given up their lives so that we can have a day off and go play in the water or go to a park and enjoy our freedom. But I can't figure out why people don't stop and appreciate what they have been given.

I want to give you a thought found in the Bible: It's in the book of John 15:12-14 (NCV) "This is My command: Love each other as I have loved you. The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I have command you."

Today; your freedom really started off when Jesus Christ proved His point by dieing for you, His friends. There are people all over the world that have come to understand and accept this fact and understand that their freedom was paid for dearly and freely.

Today we have people serving our country so that you can go outside and play and not be as concerned that an enemy is going to spoil your picnic plans or you plans for a summer vacation.

My heart cry for you today is that you will open you eyes and see that Jesus gave His life for you so that you can be free. Our young men and women are doing the same.

Please stop for a moment and be grateful that you have the freedom you have today because somebody else paid a price.

If you have a loved one who has died in service...with all my heart I say thank you. and I want you to know, The price they paid is not forgotten.

God Bless America

Jim "DoughBoy" Brady.

This sounds about right...

This day starts with a few questions. Questions are good because they sometimes cause you to think or may even help you to relate; so here we go.

Have you ever heard something; maybe during a conversation or possibly in a church service that caused you to become more hopeful? Only to experience greater suffering or more frustrations.

Have you ever prayed to God (I hope you at least do this much) and believed God has given you an answer but didn't see anything different?

There is a book in the Bible called Exodus; which literally means; "road out or mass departure"
These people were being held in slavery (kind of like some of us are...we are a slave to the world today.)


I have been a Christian for 23 year and believe me when I tell you...God has not always done things for me the way I think He should. I guess I'm pretty normal in this sense because I know a lot of you can relate to this. I keep forgetting...He is God and I am not.


Now how does this relate to us today...


God is trying to bring us out of some areas that are holding us back and while we're in slaved to these areas we can't experience true freedom. If you ever get the chance to read Exodus; even though it was written long before we ever showed up in this picture of life; I believe if you read it with an open mind and not like a History book...you would think you're reading your own autobiography.


When God heard and saw His children crying about there misfortune He sent them someone to lead them out of bondage and into a Promised land...only problem is that they belly-ached all the way...Every time they didn't get their way or felt God was moving to slow for them; they took matters into their own hands. (Sound familiar)


As a believer we have to understand...There is a God who created this entire world....But because we're human beings we created the world system that a lot of people are being held back by.


Believe me when I tell you...God still answers prayer and He still hears the cries of His people.

What your going through today...is this God's fault or is it a situation or problem you created?



Being a Christian is not easy....being a leader is not easy....being different is not easy, anyone can follow the ways of this world system. But God's Word after all these years is still good for us today.


2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are doing wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."



If you need a road map out of the prison you might feel that you're in...Get a Bible and discover that His Word never changes. He can still set the captives free.


Until next time...
In His Service

Pastor Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

I asked God

I came across this and I thought that it might open your eyes to what we ask God for.

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve...I was made weak to humbly obey.

I asked God for health, that I might do greater things...I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy...I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men...I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life...I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed. *Author Unknown

This is great food for the soul. God says in Philippians 4:19 (NLT) "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort and pain. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting His provisions and power to live for Him.

God knows your needs...but do you?

In the mean time: Keep the Son in your face and you'll never be in the dark.

God Bless you
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

What's the Rules?

What's going on in your world? In mine, I keep running into people that act like they can't play by the rules. But here's the deal...they're not playing by the rules because they don't remember what they are. Does that surprise you?

I sit in utter amazement and watch how people in general act and treat others. Where's the love? Where's the joy of life? Why are people just so mean today? The answer is easy...They forgot the rules.

I want you to read on (please). I am not legalistic. I just want us to understand the boundaries and the house rules for the world we live in.

The Bible...A book still useful for the days that we are living in...the book that gives us the rules of life.

Romans 7:7 (*NLT) "Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is evil? Of course not! The law is not sinful, but it was the law that showed me my sin." Check this out. People today are not playing fair and are getting hurt in the game of life because they closed and shut out the rules.

Sin is real and it is dangerous. God gave his children 10 Commandments that were put into place not to to hurt them but to help them. Not to hamper them but to release them. Not to punish them but to protect them. Those 10 are still beneficial for us today.

Imagine a sunny day at the beach. You plunge into the water; then you notice a sign on the pier: "No Swimming, Sharks". Your day is ruined. Is it the sign's fault? Are you angry with the people who put it up? The Law is like the sign, it's essential, and we are grateful for it--but it doesn't get rid of the sharks.

Every sports event has rules that the players have to abide by and; if we want to play we have to know the rules, RIGHT? So why is it that we have no desire to know what the rules of life are?

We need to understand the rules...If we're gonna play fair!

I bet most of you have a copy of that official players guide right there in your house, why not open it up and read...The section of the rules are located in the book of Exodus 20.

Read on and get back on the playing field.

God bless you
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

No "I" in team

I hope this week finds you all well. Wow what a week we had last week. It's seems that every time we turned on the news all we heard was disaster. I want you to know that when you go through the storms of life, (disaster, separations, death) it was never intended that you have to go through them alone.

This week, I hope to reach someone with a thought that might help change a life.

In our society today, at least here in the good old U.S.A. there are a lot of people who live in a self imposed culture of "independent individualism" or as I might call it, "The Lone Ranger" In all reality this individualism isn't healthy. The fact is, you're whole life description can really be wrapped up in one word, selfish. What does life have for me? You need to wake up, because life was really intended to include you, not revolve around you. You should see what you have to offer, or what part you play on the team of life.

Every player on a team has a special skill or part to perform; but a sad fact is that a lot of "players" today believe that they're the team. Look; we see this most of our sports world. In fact I don't just see this happening in the wide world of sports but I also see it taking place in the church. You need to spit out your pride because it's gonna choke you. Life is not all about you and life is not all about me.

Check this out...

"I turned my head and saw yet another wisp of smoke on it's way to nothingness: a solitary person, completely alone--no children, no family, no friends--yet working obsessively late into the night, compulsively greedy for more and more, never bothering to ask, "Why am I working like a dog, never having any fun? Who cares?" More smoke. A bad business.

It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps. But if there's no one to help, tough!

Two in bed warm each other, alone you shiver all night.

By yourself you're unprotected, with a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three stranded rope isn't easily snapped.

This is a quote from the "Message Bible, Ecclesiastes 4:7-12"

You see, you were created to belong to a team, so that when your going through something there are others around to pick you up if you become weak. Now for those who think that their strong and they don't need anybody, I would say, there you go again...being selfish. Maybe somebody needs you. We're suppose to consider others...not just be concerned about ourselves.

To the church goer who maybe reading this...If you're not connected to a body and all you do is hop from one place to another, my question to you is why? Why are you doing that: because you are really doing others a disservice when you don't get and stay connected.

Think it threw, I might be talking to you.

In His service;
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Recycling

Wow; do we live in a disposable society or what? I have watched over the past few years how people just throw things away, including relationships. I really don't believe that's the way God planned it.

Of course to follow God's "original design" we have to know the Creator: "God." One obstacle is that there are people who prefer NO God!

These are some very serious days that we are living, and there is a world of disconnected people floating around. Not connected to anybody or anything. Nothing breaks a heart more than watching people die in the sea of loneliness.

My question is this...why is this? Why are people disconnected or afraid to be connected? I believe the answer can be found in the Bible.

Matthew 24:10,12 (New Century Version) (10)"At that time, many will lose their faith and will turn against each other and hate each other." (12) "There will be more and more evil in the world, so most people will stop showing their love for each other"

Did you catch that...why are we throwing away relationship...because we're not walking in love. Would you or someone you know want to be connected to others that don't have love?

We can reach out to others if we would just go back and follow the "original design" that was planned by God. We can recycle a life by showing our love faster than talking about our love.
Look if you want to grow apples you have to plant apple seeds, right? So if you want to be loved you have to plant love. You have the ability to change a life by planting yours; if you remember the seeds of love.

In this day and age we can't change everybody, because the hearts of many have grown cold, but by God; we can recycle a life by reaching out to others and offer hope through love.

Go ahead, reach out to what others may think are junk, because the worlds junk is God's treasure.

God Bless you:
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady
(junk collector)

Still don't get it?

Man; time sure does go by quick. I just realized it's been several weeks since we talked. Sorry, but now were into a new season, spring, the time of year that things that have been dormant,usually start to grow, that is if you take care of them, with water and love.

Wow; there sure was a lot of people who went to church on Easter, which is a good thing. The only part that hurts a Pastor's heart is this fact, a lot of those people still don't get it.

I use to think that it was humorous that on Easter and during Christmas attendance in church's increased for the day, then I noticed that during a crisis like "911" attendance at services was on the rise. The bad part is that after the dust settles its business as usual. (No disrespect intended)

But guess what? I found out through the Bible (we're talked about that book before; but in case your new here it's the "Basic Instructions, Before, Leaving, Earth") that this is nothing new. (Man I learn something ever time I open that book)

Watch this: During certain times back in those days, people from all over would travel to the Temple to pay respects and to worship. To me, that would mean that attendance was up. John 12:12 (NLT) "The next day (we're talking about at the beginning of the Passover celebration) the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors, took palm branches and went down the road to meet Him." See these people come into town to do their yearly Temple worship. (So this is nothing new.)

But this is what I want you to catch today; in Luke 24:11-12 (NLT) "But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn't believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look in. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty lined wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened."

To me this is like people who run to a service during a special festive time, they run to, peek in, and go back home wondering what happened.

Like Peter in this scripture, we check out the facts but still walk away puzzled. It's only when we encounter Jesus personally that we will start to understand the facts of our future.

God does not want you to be puzzled, He loves you and He wants to reveal Himself to you, but just like a personal relationship here on earth, it takes time and effort to cultivate. Are you willing to give God some more of your time? If you are a once or twice a year attender, try something different, go back again and you may get a clearer picture of God's love. Believe me when I tell you, He wants you to get it.

In His service
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Something just don't look right!

Have you ever been sized up or been judged, (or maybe you've been the one judging someone) the moment you've met? Well, when you look like me, this seems to be the way of life. I can walk into a store and someone will say, "what kind of Harley do you ride?" I'm not sure why this happens, maybe it's my tattoo's or the way I dress, but I have to laugh. I love to watch the expressions on people's faces when those who are willing to spend a few minutes with me, find out I'm a "Christian" or better yet, when they discover I'm a Pastor.

This behavior doesn't surprise me, after all, we can tell what a person does by the way they look; can't we? I mean, if there all dressed up they have to be very successful in their lives, right?

I said a minute ago (well depending how fast you read) that "this behavior doesn't surprise me."

In the Bible (a great book you should read) there was this man who was sent out to find the next King of Israel. He took one look at this guy and said, "surly this must be the Lord's anointed." It goes on to say "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him." The Lord doesn't make decisions the way we do. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions (what's in the heart). 1 Samuel 16.

To muddy the water a little more, there was this young man teaching and these leaders watched and listened and were "astonished" in fact they said, "where did He get all His wisdom and power to perform such miracles?" "He's just the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James and Joseph..." That guy was Jesus....

These religious leaders (very studious in the word, but no developed relationship;or maybe it's was because they looked the part) were making a judgement call on the way they saw the person.

So what's my point? OK, you asked, here we go; if well meaning "Christians" would look at people the way God does, through His eyes and into the hearts of others, you may be utterly surprised to see you may be overlooking some anointed leadership in the church community.

If you have been on that judgment seat, sizing up someone when you first met, let me give you a simple solution, say I'm sorry and get off that chair. We can be overlooking some important pieces that are needed in the church world today.

And by the way if you do have people like that in your church, do me a favor, don't use them like a public display and say...look we have all kinds here in our church because their not your trophies, we all belong to God.

In the meantime, open your eyes, and look at the heart.
I love you all...really I do.
God bless you
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady
Sr.Pastor, HLFC

You're not alone...

I have been around the block (or the mountain) more than once during my "Christian" walk and I have made some of the same mistakes over and over. Each time that happens, I sit back, blown away and wonder, "How in the world did this happen to me...again?" "I should know better than this."

Then comes the the guilt and shame because I know this time for sure, God has got to be tired of me saying "I'm sorry" or "Forgive me, it won't happen again"

If that has come out of your mouth as much as it has mine, I want you to know, you are not alone. The only difference is that I'm telling on myself. Not in the sense of being proud but to let you know you're not the only one.

Some of us don't fall back into what we might call the biggies again, yet most of us, (well at least those of us who are honest enough to admit it) are repeat offenders in other areas, like criticism, being judgemental, or maybe just not playing nice... these are just as bad...it's all the same.

We sit back and wonder how could this happen, I'm a Christian. I told God I wouldn't do that again and now look at me. Maybe I should just give up, because I just can't get it right.

You may have said something like: "I'll be in church" and then don't go, or "I've told my family I would do something and it doesn't happen." or how about this one, "I said I wouldn't take another drink", and look at me...Here I am again.

What I'm about to tell you is not to justify or excuse our actions, my hope is to let you see this for yourself. God still loves you, and you're not alone.

Does this sound familiar? "What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then act another, doing things I absolutely despise..."This was written by Paul the Apostle.

Paul's life, just like ours, had it's struggles and he discovered that knowledge of the "rules" was not the answer. Being born again takes a moment of faith, but becoming a Christian, or being Christ like, is a life long process. It's not about religion, it's about developing a relationship.

When Jesus said, "If your brother sins against you; and asks you to forgive him, do it, even if he does the same thing over and over"(personal translation), Jesus is not going to ask us to do something for others that He won't do for us. We've got to stay with it. Paul said "I press on" and that's what we have to do too.

Stay with it, remember you're not alone.

You have an enemy who really doesn't like you, he will remind you that you've tried this before and look at you; "you did it again", don't take it personal, you're not that special.

If you still have a pulse and you're still breathing, you have been given another chance to try it again. Take this time to search your heart and talk with God about whatever He's showing you.
Fess up and move on down the highway.

Get up, God is on your side.

God Bless you;
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Where did they go?

Sometimes I have to sit back and laugh; even though I may be going through a difficult time in my life. A time like depression or a time of loneliness when I could have used a friend. I was under the impression that when I came to God, and joined His family, there would be other believers around in times of trouble, people who would support and stand by as I weathered a storm, or dealt with a hard situation. People who love the Lord (or so they claimed) and wanted to be joined together as family. Yet it doesn't surprise me, and I want you to grab this so it doesn't throw a wrench in your walk. I can say, I've been there and got the T-shirt. This is nothing new.

People are still humans; living and dealing with a sinful world and nature. There are a lot of believers who no mater what they say are still learning (at least this is my prayer) to walk their talk. God's word, remember "The Bible" says; "...we all fall short..."

I want you to know that this is nothing new and it's not personal, it's just human nature.

There was this guy who's name was Peter. He was a part of a group of believers, in fact he went to church almost everyday. Peter displayed the same nature as a lot of our friends and family. He told a very close friend, "I"ll always be here for you, I love you and believe in you and we'll be side by side all the way through." His friend (Jesus, son of God) knew better.

When Jesus was arrested, he looked around and everybody split. He was left alone when he could have used a friend.

God has a promise; and we have to grab this; Hebrews 13:5; "I will never leave you, I will never abandon you" God understands our human nature and He has left us this promise, "I'm with you." God is not a man that He could lie.

Here's the funny part, after all Jesus went through, the pain, abandonment and suffering, He came back looking for His friends to let them know, He still loves them and believes in them, no matter what they said or did. Go figure!

For some reading this article, you may laugh and say; "I know that," for others you may be saying I needed that. It's practical and truth.

Human nature is hard to change, if you don't want it to change, and this challenge is passed on to all believers who have told others, I'll be there...say what you mean and mean what you say, and if you missed the mark, aim higher. God still uses others in this day and age and others are looking for God through your walk.

God bless you,
Pastor Dough

Is that a fact?

There seems to be a myth circulating in our society that says if you're a Christian (a child of God, believer, follower and disciple of Jesus Christ), that you won't have anymore problems, no more temptations and life will just be wonderful...you'll always be happy, and things will always go your way, just tell God what you want and He will jump right on it, and the best part is that you will never have to a bad day.

My questions to you is, where on God's earth did you come up with an idea like that?

As a Christian, (I already explained what that is), I have experienced pain, temptations and a lot of disappointments, (this ain't just text book information). I've been there...these areas come from inside the "church" as well as from those who are outside just waiting for us to screw up, and just so you know, this ain't nothing new. Yet even with all this going on around me, there is something deep inside me that reassures me, I'm gonna make it. I don't believe that it's just a mind set or my will power. It's much more. There is an inner peace and confidence that you and I can walk in.

Being tempted as "Christian" (I hope by now you understand what that is) is not the problem, temptation, also referred to as "SIN", develops the problem when you cave in or bow down to the temptation(s). These "temptations" come in a variety of flavors.

In the Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) in the book of Luke (in the Bible), chapter 4 verses 1-13, we see that Jesus Christ "the Son of God" was being tempted; (several times and in different ways), but He stood firm on the words that were hidden in His heart. Now check this out; in verse 13 in this same chapter, it says; (you need to catch this) "When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left 'until the next opportunity came".

Did you catch that? Jesus, 'The Son of God' was tempted and stood His ground; and the devil (not some dude in a red suit with a pitch fork) who is always working against you, left with a line from the Terminator; "I'll be back".

You will always face problems, disappointment and yes temptations even as a Christian (please don't make me explain that again) and you need something more than "will power", you need "God's Power". His Word and you know where to find it, (in the instruction manual), is that inner strength and the peace that will walk you through any storms, or temptation in your life.

My final question is this... If what I told you is NOT true, why is it that a majority of this country is trying to ban your eyes and insight to God's Word?

God Bless you;
Jim "DoughBoy" Brady

Is there still time?

This is my first attempt in the the world of Blog. My name is Jim "DoughBoy Brady. I along with my wife, Donna Jean, pastor a church in Saginaw, Texas known as Harbor Light Family Church. We are a small church and new in this mission, but it's not about the numbers, it's about the lives of the people.Changing our world, one person at a time.

Our church motto is "The perfect place for not so perfect people." You see, we have found out that even through a lot of us have gone through some bad things or made some bad choices, we discovered that God still loves us and has a plan for our lives.

Our work includes a Friday night Christian Recovery program know as "Celebrate Recovery" A biblical program designed by John Baker from Saddle Back Church in California. These steps are designed to help anyone who wants freedom from; "Hurts, Habits or Hang-ups." This program is known around the world and has a proven track recorded for helping people receive the freedom that they are looking for. Our group starts at 6:30pm every Friday night and usually ends around 9pm.

I also have my personal testimony and believe that it will explain why we do what we do today. To view testimony go to about me, on bottom is the link to Harbor Light Family Church. Go to Pastors to find out more.

In the days that we live in, even though we all believe we still have time, we don't have a written guarantee that we will see a tomorrow. So my question is why wait?

Some people think that they need to clean up there act first...not true...you come to God and He will help you make the changes. It's not about a religious experience, it's about a relationship. If your hurting instead of loading up with the usual, why not try a new way?

I hope that this small note will help somebody look at their life and ask themselves, am I ready?

In future post, I hope to share some thought provoking areas that will help you see your life and what's really going on around you through a different set of eyes.

God Bless you.
Jim "DoughBoy' Brady