Cody Braddock's Blog

Author: Cody Braddock

  • Procrastination

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Colossians 3 –     It is important to always be diligent in everything you do.  Too many times in this day and age are we caught up doing things as fast as we can, when we have time.  It is hard to get everything done and many claim, “there are not enough hours in the day.”  However, it is not impossible to get things done now, and with due diligence.  We can achieve great things when we put our minds to something and get it done!  What does the bible say about procrastination?
    Prov 12:24 – “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
    Prov 13:4 – “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
    Col 3:23 –  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
    Procrastination is usually the result of laziness.  There are many more verses that touch on this subject.  Laziness is never okay.  We are called to be diligent and fruitful in all we do. Psalm 128:2 – “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”  We should make it a point to be diligent in our spiritual lives, relationships, work, or even everyday tasks.

    Walking in the Word – I find that I procrastinate on different projects or activities I desire to do.  I believe at many times I try to take on too much at once and often leave all things undone.  When reflecting on this I can see that my attitude is to be diligent and work hard, but overdoing it on too much only leads to failure on everything.  I must start one project and finish one project.  When I can successfully multitask and take on more than one project at a time, then I will reward myself by accomplishing much more.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord, help me to be diligent and bless the fruit of my hands.  I ask that I can move with great speed on what You call on me to accomplish.  I pray that I do not become a sloth, but an upright person who sets out and accomplishes all goals.  I pray that my life is not one of procrastination, but determination.  I ask that You reveal to me areas of my life that require attention so I can work on them and become a more complete person.  I ask that all things I do reflect You to others in a way that pleases You.  Help me by strengthening my heart and giving me wisdom on how to accomplish everything that must be done.  I pray this for Your glory and in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

  • No Fear

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Isaiah 41 –     In Isaiah we see the Lord tell us not to have fear, that He is with us.  He tells us not to get upset and worry, or be dismayed.  That we will indeed be upheld by His right hand.  Yet how many times are we fearful.  It amazes me that we say we trust in the Lord and by the same token fear what will happen when obstacles in our lives rise up.  God did not give us the spirit of fear, but gave us the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).  When obstacles arise our first reaction should be to fall to our knees and pray.  After that we are to let go and trust that God wants us to succeed (Jeremiah 29:11).  We should never dwell on things that we are scared of but instead take those fears and thoughts captive in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Do not allow evil to poison the mind, which bitters the spirit.  Instead rejoice that we are in God’s war, on His side.  He has already won!  Although we may suffer in this life, fear not!  God has overcome the world (John 16:33).
    Vs 10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

    Walking in the Word – Although it is easy for me to fear and doubt in this life, I will choose not to.  I will instead believe, “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Phillippians 4:13.  I will not stay down, but rise again knowing that I am in His grace.  I will not allow evil to infect my mind, but instead take thoughts captive in obedience to Christ.  I will not lean on my own understanding, but trust in Him with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5).

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father God, thank You for giving me the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  You gave me self-discipline so that I do not run wild when I am fearful, but respond in solemn obedience.  You have designed me to stand in the face of adversity and have plated my armor to withstand any attack.  You have created me for Your purpose, not mine.  By Your name I will stand solid and firm on Your rock.  Use me Lord in Your will.  I will not be fearful.  For though a thousand may fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand, harm will not reach me (Psalm 91:7).  I will face fear and conquer it as my enemy.  I will fear nothing except You Lord.  I will not fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.  Instead I will fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).  Thank You Lord that I may serve you!  Thank You for Your protection!  If You are for us, who can be against us!  There is none like You!  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • Love and Be Loved

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    John 13 –     What a great joy it is to be able to care for someone outside of your family.  God has given us the gift of Love and there is nothing that can compare to it.  It is the one gift that never rusts or destroys.  It is such a blessing to have one another in fellowship, sharing each other’s burdens, and caring for each other as we care for our own.  I feel so moved when I see others care for people, especially complete strangers.  It is the glue of the world and all things can be made better with love.  It covers all wrong, and perseveres over any obstacle.  Love is what the Lord asks of us.  He asks us to love each other as He has loved us.  It is the one true way to know that we live for the Lord.  We must grow in compassion and love, not only for our families but for those that we don’t even know.
    Vs 34, 35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

    Walking in the Word – In my life I want to experience love in everything I do.  I have often times felt upset when someone has wronged me.  I want to learn to love those that God puts in my life.  I want to be more compassionate towards others and care for them the way Christ Jesus has cared for me.  I want to grow in love in my family as well as outside my family.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your gift of love.  I ask that I can grow in love the way You want me to.  I want to have a heart like You so that I can love anyone no matter how well I know them.  Lord I ask that You would deal with me in love and teach me how to care for Your sheep.  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!

  • A Call To Change

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    James 1 –     It is difficult to change habits.  Many of us are set in the ways we have always lived, and change is met with great discomfort.  However, how can we be renewed if we are not willing to put away some of our old habits?  We are called to be renewed in our mind (Romans 12:2) and to put off the old self which is being corrupted by our deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22).  When the word is planted it should produce a crop.  It we do not accept and change then we are no different from anyone else.  What will non-believers see in us that is different from the world if we conform with the world?  We must be set apart and lead by being living examples.
    Vs 21 – “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

    Walking in the Word – I want to be an example by my actions in my life, not just words.  I want to be the love and kindness that wasn’t shown before to my neighbor.  I want to be the shoulder for my friends, the defender of my loved ones, the pillar for the weak.  I want to be strong in the Lord and love others as I have been loved by Him.  I want them to know that joy!  I want to listen to my friends and actually hear what they have to say.  I am going to make a change to be more responsive to others and share with them joys and sorrows.  I will seek to have a heart as Christ Jesus has for His children.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord, help me to be responsive to those You have put in my life.  Help me to be an example of Your love and patience in each of their lives.  Lord give me the heart to love others as You love me and to see them through Your eyes and not my own.  Lord give me the wisdom to lead and to help them.  I want to share with them the joy You have given me.  Help me to have the words to speak and the ears to listen.  I pray this in Your name, Amen.

  • Successful You

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Romans 12 –     No matter what things come our way, we are called to be patient and faithful.  The Lord gives us success when we are successful in His call.  When we put Him first and we share with those in need.  When we love those who need to be loved, share our meals with the hungry, when pain no longer dwells in the hearts of the broken.  When we make an honest effort to love a stranger as much as our family, there will be success.  In times of difficulty and uncertainty we are called to be patient and prayerful.  Many times we end up being panicky and untrusting.  These are what people with no foundation do.  They are uncertain and scared because they try to do things by their own means, but man is flawed.  We must have God help us to achieve what we couldn’t dream was possible.
    Vs 12, 13 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

    Walking in the Word – I want to be patient when I am in trouble, faithful when I pray, and share with those the Lord sends to me.  I don’t want to be ritualistic in prayer, but I rather be meaningful.  I want the words to share with others the joy of knowing the Lord and a love that never crumbles or fails.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.  Help me to be patient, knowing that You have plans for me to prosper (Jr. 29:11).  Help me to be trusting, knowing that You will never leave or forsake me (Deut 31:6).  Lord help me to be steadfast in prayer knowing that You hear me when I do Your will (Jn 9:31).  Your word says in John 9:31 that You do not answer sinners, but those who do Your will.  Hear me Father as I seek You.  Answer me Lord and help me to live upright in Your eyes alone.  Amen.

  • Idols? What idols?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    1 John –     Many times when we think of idols we invision big golden calves, or gods with eight arms, or cows, or whatever it may be.  However, do we ever think of money, cars, work, food, men or women, or anything like that as an idol?  Indeed they can be.  In today’s age any of those or a number of other things may be considered an idol.  The real question is if you are putting something before God.  Anything put before God can be considered an idol.  The bible makes mention of abandoning idols multiple times.  It calls for a deep reflection into one’s life.  What are we doing with our lives today?  Are we glorifying God, or striving to fill in other things and only “making time” for God?  God must be first.  He must have our first fruits not only in tithing, but in everything we do and say.  It may be difficult at first to get out of the trend we have allowed to set ourselves in, but we must get out and start living as we are called to live.  Others see our lives and we must be an example of what Christ has called us to be.  This includes abandoning idols that we have set ourselves upon and tear down the barriers between man and God.  The only way to tear down the barriers is to seek God first.  In return God blesses us in ways we can’t imagine.
    Vs 21 – “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

    Walking in the Word – I have sought many things in my life that I now consider idols.  I have been guilty of seeking things like money and technological gadgets and everything else one could seek.  I desire to seek God.  I don’t only want to make what time I have left for God but actually put forth the effort to make Him first and whatever time I have left is for the other things.  I want God to know that I seek Him with a full heart.  I don’t want to give a portion, but instead I want to give my all.  Less of me, more of Thee.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Heavenly Father, help me to recognize idols in my life and abandon them in Your name.  Help me to set myself up against idols in Your name and fall at Your feet daily.  Lord deal with me in patience, grace, and mercy.  Help me to become more steadfast and seek You first in everything I do and say.  Please bless me with wisdom to speak and act as You desire for me.  Lord please make it less of me and more of You in my life.  Lord I thank You that You have been so kind to me.  Help me to show You that I am grateful and that I desire to seek Your heart above anything else in my life.  I pray this in Your powerful name, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Never Forsaken

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Hebrews 13, John 16 –     Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us.  There are many times in our lives when we may feel lonely or isolated.  In times like this it is so difficult to focus and our hearts are heavy to the point that we almost don’t want to do anything at all.  However, it is the time when we can be on our knees and look up knowing that this too shall pass.  Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.  He also says, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5.  Even in isolation, as hard as it may be to accept, there is a light…a Hope.  No matter what path we walk God is always right there to catch us.  He never leaves our side.  In the moment that we start to sink He catches us and restores us.  It is hard to see over the valley when you are in it, but when you get to the other side you see it and the journey you made through it.  Stand on the high side and help those that may be in the valley.  When others hurt, extend your hand so they may see what the Lord has done in your life. 

    Walking in the Word – There has been many valleys in my life.  Many times I wondered how I would go pressing on.  Many times I laid in bed, not wanting to move, not eating, not sleeping.  I understand how agonizing life can be.  That is why I can sit here and tell everyone that it doesn’t in fact HAVE to be like that.  An outlook on life is a reflection of how we view the world.  A person’s personality, willpower, belief, faith, and outlook are all factors that play roles in how they live their lives.  Some may be depressed always and see the gloom of the world.  Some may be joyful and take note of the beauty of the world.  Unfortunately, some don’t even care.  But all have been sad, all have gone through struggles whether they are big or not, and all have traveled a different path.  For one, a struggle may not be as severe as another views it.  My point is that there is in fact more to this life.  The reality is that our lives are mere vapors.  We are here today and gone the next.  With such passing moments one should consider how they  will be remembered.  They should consider how others viewed them.  Were they just another person that went through life with no purpose or did they touch lives of others.  God is real and each of us will be held accountable.  How will I answer my life before Him?  It’s easy to live irresponsibly, trust me I know.  It is not easy to be held accountable.  What joy there is in knowing that even though we make mistakes, God is there for us.  My life has been such a complete blessing.  I no longer lay in bed sad or feel down.  I have an indescribable joy in my heart.  No matter how hard life becomes, I still have that Light, that Love, that Happiness that was not there before.  God has given me joy that the world could not.  That gaping hole in my heart that I tried to fill so many times is now filled.  To that I praise God for what He has done in my life.  My goal is to share that Love with others.  I want everyone to feel that happiness and PEACE.

    Prayer Response to the Word –Lord, I praise You for the Peace You have given me.  I ask that I not leave my first true love Lord and that You always stay near me.  I know in my life I have upset You.  I pray now that I please You.  I thank You for giving me the life I have today.  You have given me rest, love, joy, and peace.  I ask that in even my most busy day that I take time to give You what is Yours and that my life will be a reflection of You.  I ask that I can help others the way You have helped me.  I pray that as I am blessed by You, that I can bless others from my abundance.  You have been so forgiving and patient with me.  I thank You Lord that You are my God!  Amen!

  • Move Mountains, Not Molehills

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Matthew 17 –     My Pastor mentioned last Sunday that if we are wanting to only move molehills, we are not going to be very motivated.  I mean a molehill can be moved with a small shovel.  But what about a mountain?  Now that takes effort.  Even with one rock at a time the effort will still be enormous, but not impossible.  It may take time, but it is still achievable.  Our tasks in our spiritual life for growth should be so big that they cannot be accomplished alone.  They must require the aid of God in order to be fulfilled.  The Lord magnifies Himself in such circumstances.  We become dependent on achieving what was not thought to be possible.  It requires faith, persistance, and a LOT of prayer. 
    Vs 20 – He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
    The Lord said NOTHING will be impossible for us.  I know in my life there has been things that without a shadow of a doubt could not have been done without the Lord.  I would not be where I am today.  I am cheerful and blessed in every way.  The Lord never abandons His loved ones!

    Walking in the Word – The Father has continually given me success when I have been able to do good in His name.  Sometimes it is easy to take this success and make it my own.  When I do I am usually quickly reminded that no man, woman, child, or myself made me successful, but only God.  God gives and takes away, blessed be His name.  I will reflect on how I can pray to move mountains and obstacles in my life in His name, so that He may receive all of the glory.

    Prayer Response to the Word –Father, I thank You that You have given such power to those that believe.  I ask that I can glorify You in my thoughts and actions.  I thank You for blessing my life and for making what seemed impossible in my eyes, very possible through Yours.  In my weakness I am made strong through You.  I praise You today and lift Your name on High.  There is none like You Lord.  Amen and Amen!

  • Selflessness vs Selfishness

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    James 4 –     When in prayer, what do you pray for?  Yesterday I was listening to our pastor talk about the power of prayer and how sometimes we might ask for things that glorify us instead of the Lord.  I feel this is true all too often.  Many times we are concerned with things about our own wellbeing, when in fact our prayer should be centered on glorifying God through our lives.  In return the Lord gives us the desires of our hearts anyways (Psalm 37:4).  In James 4 we see that we do not always receive from the Lord because our motives are at times tainted.

    Vs 3 –  “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

    This is saying that we are selfish rather then selfless.  Being selfish is being concerned with your own desires, while being selfless is giving up your desires.  All in all we must learn to concentrate on keeping the Lord’s things before our own.  We are last.  We do not pray that our will may be done, but rather God’s will be done.

    Walking in the Word – I want to spend time reflecting on my prayer life and question whether my prayers are self-centered or Christ-centered.  I need to seek the Lord’s will first in my life.  I know in my heart that God will indeed take care of me, therefore I need not be concerned with what I need for me, but rather what I need to be a better disciple and Christian.  I need to seek wisdom and love for my bothers and sisters.  I need to be more responsive to the needs of others and view others through the eyes of Christ our Lord.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord, I ask that You give me wisdom and love for Your people.  I ask that You help me understand Your will for me and how I can live a better life with You at the center.  Lord I don’t want to be self-centered, but rather focus on pleasing You.  Help me to establish my ways in You so that I please You Lord.  Help me to understand prayer and how to pray more effectively.  I love You Lord and I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • Patience

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    2 Peter 3 –     Developing patience can sometimes be a patient process.  For many it may be  a difficult concept to learn patience.  Today people thrive on a “here and now” basis and most want immediate results.  However, we see many examples in the bible where people prayed and petitioned the Lord for many years.  What we can rest assure of is that God doesn’t forget His promise and He remembers what He said.  The Lord’s word is infallible.  Remember that just because you don’t receive an immediate response to your prayer, don’t give up.  Stay in prayer and remember that the Lord is patient with us.  He wants us to thrive and to live happy lives.  He wants what is best for us and for us to repent and turn to Him.  The Lord WANTS to bless you.  Stay fervent in prayer and keep faith that the Lord has indeed heard you.  We must again learn how to be patient, knowing that all good things come together for the glory of the Lord God.
    Vs 9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

    Walking in the Word – I am going to practice being fervent in prayer and patient in awaiting a response.  I find myself praying so much that I don’t take time to listen.  I want to practice listening and understanding that the Lord has heard me.  He is being patient with me because He loves me and wants me to understand that He does not want me to perish, but come to everlasting life.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, there is no one like You.  You have such patience with me.  I know that I am imperfect and falter in all of my ways.  Thank You for showing patience to me and dealing with me in love, thank You for being a perfect example of life, and thank You for caring about me when You don’t have to.  I know that You don’t need me, but even then You chose to save me and gave me new life so I never thirst again.  A new fire burns within and I rejoice in it!  In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!