Cody Braddock's Blog

Author: Cody Braddock

  • A Promise To Look Forward To

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    John 14 –     What does it take to inherit the kingdom of God and show that we love Him as He loves us?  Jesus tells us in verse 15 of John, “If you love Me, keep My commands.” The next few verses really stick out to me…
    Vs 16-21 – “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me.  Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.  Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them.”What extraordinary promises!  The Lord has given us the Spirit of truth that lives within each of us!  We are able to discern what is good and prayerfully seek the face of God.  The world indeed is seeing less and less of Jesus just as He said, but those that have held His word close know peace and joy in Him that lives.  For indeed we will again live with Him.  He will never leave or forsake those He loves.  It is comforting to know that on the day that everyone will stand before the Lord, He will know us by name because He loves us.

    Walking in the Word – The Lord Jesus has given us eternal life.  His word is faithful and His blessings are plentiful.  His desire is to love everyone and share the good news with everyone.  He has passed on these desires and instilled them in each one of us.  I desire to show Him I love Him by heeding His word and being obedient to His commandments for me.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord I thank You that I am loved by You.  I thank You for rescuing me from a destructive life.  I thank You for giving me the Spirit of Truth and an ear to hear Your voice clearly through all of the noise of the world.  I desire to seek You with an open heart and have you rule over me, my family, and my loved ones.  Speak the truth in love to each of us and give us comfort knowing that one day our eternal lives will stand in Your glory, free from all affliction.  I ask for peace, prosperity and love, in our lives.  I ask for guidance to lead, a heart to love as You, discernment for Your people, a voice to speak for the needy, and eyes to seek You and see what You would have me.  In Jesus precious name, Amen!

  • Immediate Protection

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Psalm 121 –     We see tragedy in the news everyday.  It is sad and can be discomforting at times.  While there is still a LOT of beauty in the world, it is still riddled with violence.  There is no greater comfort for those who rely on God then to know that He is ultimately concerned for our well-being!

    Vs 7, 8 – “The LORD will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”So what does this mean?  Well it is naive to think that we are invincible.  There are things that happen to us that we cannot always explain.  There are things we encounter that we think we shouldn’t.  We can never fully understand the depth of life as far as fate goes.  What it does mean though is that the Lord is with us…period…no matter what struggle we face.  I believe this verse is really emphasizing that no matter what happens to us the Lord is going to protect us, whether it is here or after.  While life can be extinguished here, our souls cannot.  The Lord is saying no matter what happens He is going to make sure we are protected, no matter what.  The “forevermore” extends beyond our physical beings. 

    Walking in the Word – I am amazed by this verse because it says “…the Lord will watch over your coming and going…”.  To me this means that the Lord is always watching over me and that fills me with so much joy!  To know that the Lord takes interest in me gives me happiness.  To know that I am under His protection and watch fills my heart!  I want to keep in mind that the Lord is with me and not worry about things that I have no control over.  Instead of being sorrowful of any circumstance, I want to praise God that He is with me and that I will be comforted be it here or thereafter with Him!  Amen!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Abba, Father, I am so happy that You are with me!  It brings me so much joy to know that You have taken interest in who I am and that You have promised to keep harm away from me.  Please reach out to the ones I love and keep them close Lord, according to Your word.  I thank You for dealing with me in grace and mercy and I want to live an example as one who has much gratitude.  I want to share what You have done for me!  I am so grateful Lord and I thank You from the depths of my soul!  Amen and Amen!!!

  • For Profit?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Mark 8 –    Sometimes I wonder why we get so caught up in the love of the world.  I understand it and I understand why some people desire nicer things, but I do not understand why we go at such great lengths to ultimately achieve a point of satisfaction before we pass away.  It saddens me that we sometimes invest in things that are of little worth when we could invest more in each other.  We could invest our lives into one another and build upon our lives by showing the love of Christ to each other.
    Vs 35 – “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it.”
    This verse shows that instead of worrying about selfish ambition, perhaps we could become selfless and serve others by sharing the message that Christ Jesus brought to us.  Nothing that is hurtful, but to helpful to share love, compassion, understanding, obedience, self-control.  
     Vs 36 – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
    What will we profit?  Desire is the want that is perpetually absent, not within reach.  We desire new cars, new houses, better jobs, etc. but once we have that we desire more.  We crave to fill this hole in our hearts that is truly only filled by God.  We fell incomplete when we try to fill it with anything else.  However, when you open your heart and mind to the Lord and just ALLOW Him to show you true and fulfilling love, our lives are changed and that love just multiplies and touches others.

    Walking in the Word – I want to invest in others’ lives as Christ has invested in mine.  I am so blessed that the Creator of the Universe and the Giver of Life has chosen someone like me to save.  Blessed be His name!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father I pray that You fill me with Your love and fill my heart with Your Spirit.  Lord, I desire to be filled by You so that I may pour out to others.  I do not desire to keep what You have given me to myself, but rather invest in others.  I ask that You open their hearts and speak to them.  I know because of Your Son dying for me, that You have invested in my life.  Help me to share that love with others that need it most.  Help me to reach out and care for those that need you, need a hug, need a friend, need love, or anything else they may need.  I want to serve You by serving others as You have shown me.  I praise You Lord for Your mercy and compassion and that I have You in my life.  The desire to grow burns in my soul and I long for Your presence Lord.  In this dark and violent world be my Light.  I pray in Your precious name Jesus, Amen.

  • First Fruit

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Colossians 1 –     It is ever so important that we always give our best and our first fruits to the Lord.  The Lord has commanded this of us in every occasion, even beyond tithing.  He should be the first One we think of in our day to day life.
    Vs 18 – ‘And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
    In honoring Him in everything we do He will always uplift us.

    Walking in the Word – I am going to focus on putting the Lord first in everything I do so that it will indeed be blessed.  I know that every time I have done this in the past I have always been glad I did and have been blessed tremendously.  I will honor the Lord with my first fruits and take time to set aside for Him alone.  It is important that I have time to spend with me and the Lord.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord in heaven, I ask that You would help me in my day to day life to honor You by giving my first fruits.  Lord I am more concerned that You are pleased with me then man.  Help me to please You in my actions and thoughts Lord.  Help me to walk straight in a crooked world and hold my head up high.  I love You Lord and I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen!

  • Building in Vain?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Psalm 127:1 –     In this day and age it seems that everyone is moving rapidly through life.  We are in the mindset to hurry-it-up.  It seems that most are squeezing in things in the few precious minutes they have and rarely take time to have a breath of fresh air.  However, it is crucial to make time for the ones we care about most.  In building a life we must have a strong and unmovable foundation or we are building in vain.  We must take time to put off things that do not last and make time for the things and the ones that do.  That being said, it is important that we not waste time on that…building a structure that lasts.  In order for this structure to last it must have a heavy foundation, deeply rooted in the earth, or we have watched and labored in vain…
    Vs 1 – “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city,  the guards stand watch in vain.”

    Walking in the Word – I desire to build a foundation in my relationships that is deeply rooted in the Lord.  I want to exchange a self-centered life for that of a Christ-centered life.  I want to exchange selfishness with selflessness and become a pillar that can support me.  I want to be a guardian, protector, care-giver, and leader of my family.  I want to love others as Christ Jesus loves me.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, I ask that You help me to build strong roots and a strong building for me and my family.  I ask that at the center of that building that You dwell in it and rule my life.  I ask that You give me wisdom and understanding when I lack and a heart for discernment among Your people.  I ask You Lord that You raise me up to be a leader among the people and that You empower me to do Your will.  I ask all of this that I may glorify You Lord, and I pray this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

  • Are You Satisfied Yet?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Hebrews 13 –     A lot of times we find ourselves complaining about what we do not have or strive for things that may seem more important then they actually are.  We wonder at times whether we will have enough or how to manage in economic down-times.  Maybe we have enough already yet we are still not satisfied internally.  Here is a verse that stuck out to me when reading through the Bible.
    Vs 5 – “Your life should be free from the love of money.  Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
    What a joy knowing that God is continually providing for us.  It is good to know that we can rest assured and be content with what we have because God will always make sure we have enough to be sustained.  Remember, He provides for the birds and even when the disciples went into the city to share the gospel that were instructed not to bring anything.  God is abundant in giving so it is important that we not rely on ourselves.  When we rely on our own well it runs dry.  It is better to drink and be fed from the One that doesn’t.

    Walking in the Word – In my life I have made a constant strive to always improve.  I don’t like to be stagnant.  It is important for me to be fed spiritually just as I am fed in the physical form.  I would not survive without food or water very long, and I cannot survive without Spiritual nourishment either.  Sometimes that hunger for growth causes me to want more material things.  I am going to concentrate on being happy with what I have and allow God to bless me in the areas He chooses, if He chooses to do so.  I will allow Him to provide and release myself of that worry.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, I am so appreciative of You that You provide for me and give me nourishment.  I thank You that I don’t have to worry about what I need because You already know.  I know that in my life when I had very little I still never went hungry because You heard my prayers.  I know when I couldn’t figure out what to do You still gave to me and I always got through everything.  I am indebted to You Lord, and I want to be able to please You in everything I do.  Help me to do so.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

  • Don’t Worry, Be Happy

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Matthew 6 –     Many times we go through life worrying about every little thing until it drives us crazy.  The world is filled with things to worry about, but what does the Lord say?  In Vs 25 it says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” I love this verse because Jesus says not to worry about a thing.  Basically he says be happy and know that He is going to provide for you.
    He even goes a step further to tell us in Vs 26, 27 to “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
    What a glorious Savior and Provider!  God says He will take care of us no matter WHAT comes our way.  It is good to know that we are in His hands.  God is faithful to His word, unlike us at times.  Allow the Lord to take your stress away and bless you!

    Walking in the Word – I know in my life I have worried a lot before.  I find that it is easier and easier to allow God to take control, rather than for me to.  God has always provided for me and has shown me that I only need to worry about pleasing Him and sharing with others about what He has done in my life.  Today I remind myself of WHO I am and WHOSE I am.  I rest assured tonight that the Lord has me in His hands and it is there that I find peace.  Amen!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father God, I am grateful that You have me in Your hands.  Thank You for all that You provide for me.  I know I dwell in Your shadow where I never lack anything and I am comforted.  I pray when the enemy tries to worry me with things of the world, that You remind me that I am more than the birds of the sky.  You feed them and shelter them and not even one falls from the sky without You knowing.  I ask that I may keep that fact on the tablets of my heart.  I can rest knowing that You care for me as well as Your other children.  I praise You Lord, and I lift Your name on high.  Who is like You?  Thank you!  In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen and Amen!

  • Just How Narrow is the Gate?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Matthew 7 –     This is one of my favorite verses, but it is also one that causes me to deeply reflect on my life.  Today the word Christian is tossed around all too easily.  Many people that claim to know Jesus Christ also deny Him by their actions.  Unfortunately this is a bad representation of one who follows Jesus Christ.  Other people looking at these types of Christians may believe it is okay to live like that or think that there is nothing different about their life versus a typical Christian.  Verses 13 and 14 show that the gate is indeed narrow.  In Matthew 7 later on it also states, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and in Your name drive out demons and in Your name perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”  
    Those that claim to know Jesus, but live habitually in sin have not truly repented and risk believing that they are indeed dead to the flesh.  These people that cry to the Lord are ones that very well may have been “Christians” but never came to know Jesus and to leave their old life behind.  It is a dangerous tactic by Satan.  Christians are deceived by believing they can live how they want because grace will cover them.  The fact is that they never truly died to theirselves to gain new life in Christ.
    Vs 13,14 “[The Narrow and Wide Gates] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

    Walking in the Word – In my life I will live an example for others to follow.  I will not be a complacent Christian, but instead be obedient to God’s word and obedient to His will for me and for His children.  I will help others to see that living a life for the Lord is more than just a word.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father God, help us to see that being a follower of Jesus Christ is more than just calling ourselves Christians.  Help us to see that it is a daily dying to oneself in order that we may abide in You.  Lord please restore those that have grown weary and speak to those that did not listen before.  Help us in these times so that we may set ourselves apart and present our lives as living sacrifices.  Lord please have mercy on us and strengthen us to stand against the enemy and his tactics.  In Jesus’ precious Name, Amen and Amen!

  • Is Time On Your Side?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Psalm 90 –     It is evident that time is not slowing down or stopping in each one of our lives.  We see here in Psalm 90 that before the world was made and before time, God was there.  A thousand years passes in just a moment to Him.  If you think about how quickly each of us passes away, you have to really think about what has been done in our lives, including your own.  One cannot help but observe and wonder what kind of impact they will leave on those they affected in their lives while here on earth.  What excuse will we give for not “having enough time” to share the gospel or talk with others about how much the Lord has to give and how much He loves us?  Time goes by so quickly…are you ready?
    Vs 2,4 – “Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. A thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.”

    Walking in the Word – In my life I want to make sure that I use my time wisely, for we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  I cannot face the Lord and make an excuse that I have not had enough time.  I want to use opportunities I am blessed with to share about my Lord and Savior.  I want to not waste time, but make it.  I want to know that when I leave here there will be some lives I have impacted in a positive way by allowing the Lord to use me for His will.  I want to know I was able to help others, listen to people, heal the hurting, and walk the extra mile with others because the Lord has done all of these things for me.  I am truly grateful and want to run the race we have before us with great endurance.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Abba, Father, Thank You.  Thank you for being patient with me.  I have been slow to start, but Lord I ask you give me strength to finish strong.  I pray I do not waste my life in vain, but instead magnify Your glory through my actions as You guide me.  You are my Light and Portion!   Help me to stay strong and help others in whatever way I can.  I am Your servant and ask that You shield us from the enemy and give us strength when we are weak.  I know You never let go and You comfort those in need.  Comfort us and give us shelter Lord so that we may be strong on the day You use us.  I praise You that You have dealt with me in mercy, grace, and love.  May I reflect the attitude of Your Son in my life so that others may come to know what TRUE love is!  In Your Precious Name, Jesus, Amen!

  • Calm Down Christian

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Proverbs 15:     We should always strive to show mercy in love in everything that we say and do.  There is nothing that will turn others away from our Lord faster then being hostile or hurtful toward each other.  It is easy at times, in our daily routines, to lose our temper and say things quickly without considering each other’s feelings.  However, it is at these times that we must try all the more to say something nice.  We should replace ugly things and hurtful things with words that encourage and build up.
    Vs 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” As we can see it is the gentle and soft answer that resolves conflict, not more yelling.

    Walking in the Word– I tend to lose my temper at times in traffic jams or when I misunderstand someone.  I am going to focus on replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and praise others instead of thinking ugly thoughts.  It is at these moments when people expect me to get mad, and I don’t, that I can truly be a witness to them and show them the love of Christ.  After all, I know I have been forgiven much, so it is all the more I should love.

    Prayer Response to the Word- Father, please give me patience and understanding for those around me.  I pray that you give me the heart of Christ and to love as you love Your children as well as me.  Please help me to stay positive even when I am tempted to be angry.  I pray that in my anger I do not sin or cause another to stumble.  Thank you Lord for all You have done for me!  In Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!