Cody Braddock's Blog

Author: Cody Braddock

  • I’m Not Afraid or Ashamed

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Romans 1:     It takes courage to stand up for something you believe in.  As a former military member and as a Christian I can admit that it does indeed take digging deep within to find that courage.  In Romans 1 we can see Paul states that he is not ashamed because it is the power of God that has saved us.  It is a life-changing event and it is more significant then any other event that is going to happen in our lives.  That is why we need to be in the community, as the disciples once were, sharing what God has done in our lives.  We need to share how we have been impacted and what we were like before.  It’s amazing as Christians that sometimes we jump up and down when a new baby is born, yell when our loved ones marry, scream at graduations, but sit silently next to a lost person and never share the words of our Lord and Savior.  I believe we are all guilty of that at least at some point in our lives.  That type of news needs to spread through the land so that we may all take part in one common celebration with our Father who is in heaven.  God has rescued us so that we could enjoy life in a new way!

    Vs 16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

    Walking in the Word– I am going to spend more time sharing the word of the Lord at every opportunity.  I have so much to be thankful for, and my life has been so much better since I’ve been saved.  It is important that I share my testimony with others.  Not just preach, but relate as well.  Our lives are temporary and I don’t want to be content with just living and dying and keeping to myself.  The Lord has commisioned all of us to share.  I truly believe it’s the lack of being out there in the community that is silencing the message.

    Prayer Response to the Word- Father, give me the courage to stand up and speak where there is silence.  Give me a heart for discernment and a heart for leadership.  Give me the words to speak and the ears to listen.  I love you Lord and I thank You for all that You have done for me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • Complacent Christians

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    I really felt like I needed to come back to the book of John again.  I get convicted about the attitude of the Christian man and woman today versus what I see in the Bible from our forefathers long ago.  Simply put, we tolerate acts that would not have been accepted back in the times of our Savior.  I know I will come back to this subject time and time again because God has put it in my heart to speak against complacency in the church.  There are several reasons Atheism is running rampant today.  Obviously, in my opinion, the first is that it is easy for man to live with no figure to be held responsible.  It is easier to go through life with no one to answer to.  There are several passages in the Bible about this.  Here is one of the ones I like.

    John 3:20-21 – “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

    It is very true.  No one likes to be put on the spot or held accountable and responsible for what they do in life.  However there is also another reason.  I feel that Atheism also comes about because Atheists, at times, simply don’t see anything different from the common Christian then they do in their own lives.  That is a HUGE problem.  Brennan Manning stated this observation as well.

    “The single greatest cause of Atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle.  It is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”

    This just shouldn’t be so.  Our statistics even are starting to align with non-Christians in abortion and divorce.  Our Light needs to be apparent to others.  Complaceny surely darkens what should be a light for others.  We need more than to just go to church.  We need to move as one body toward one common goal.  We need to serve others as Jesus served us.  In a capacity of helping everyone, not just Christians.  We are to reach to those that need to feel loved, help those that are hurting, give to those that need.  It is more than just going through the motions.  It is a life changing event.  Our lives should never be as they were once we are forever changed by God.  It is like being hit by a bus.  You cannot simply walk away and act as if nothing has changed but the fact that you believe now.  It is to sacrifice all that you are, dying to yourself, and becoming a vessel to share Christ’s love for the people.  I could speak of this over and over.  The body should be walking where others don’t want to, reaching to the people that have been shunned by society, speaking where there is silence, looking where others have turned their heads, holding what was let go, listening to what has fallen on deaf ears, and seeking the lost which has not yet been found. That is our goal.  That is why we are here.  We are here to spread the news of the gospel of Jesus Christ in loud, strong voices.  Our lives are temporary.  What will you do with yours?  How can we make excuses and then pass away not ever having gave our all in all?  It is better to lose everything and gain Christ, then to gain temporary things and lose eternal life.  God bless you and yours!

    Walking in the Word- Our lives cannot be complacent.  I am going to strive to be better than an average Christian.  I want to do more, read more, speak more, and live more fruitfully.  I am going to reflect on my current goals and achievements and analyze parts of my life in which I am not bearing fruit and could use more growth.

    Prayer Response to the Word- Father I am speechless when I think of where I am and where You desire me to be.  Lord help me to die to myself, so that You may live in me.  I need less of me and more of Thee.  Lord I want to be a vessel for your Word so others may be blessed through You in my actions.  Help me to shine Your light to others, so they may take steps and not falter.  You are our lamp onto our feet.  With each step we may see well enough to take the next, having faith that in the end we will reach our destination.  I praise You Father for Your wisdom, love, and relationship You share with Your People.  Thank you Lord!  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

  • Against All Odds

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Psalm 56:4     – “In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

    I love this verse.  Too many times we get fearful of things of which we have no control over.  We also may tend to get frustrated with people when we feel cheated somehow.  What an awesome truth to know that we serve such a mighty God.  There is nothing that can separate us from His love.  There is never a need to fear because the Lord always provides.  This life is but a mere vapor and we can rest assured that even though man may hurt us here on earth, they can never harm what is God’s…our soul.  There is much pain in the world, but as we mature through life we can grow in our faith knowing that the pain is temporary and the gift is eternal.  A life with our Lord, where no one thirsts and no one is hungry.  There is no more pain, and no more suffering.  Amen!

    Walking in the Word- I am not going to be fearful of things here in this world or be saddened when people hurt me.  I belong to a mighty God and He is mighty to save, even someone like me.  Man can only hurt me here on earth, but my soul is to live eternally with God, where no pain can come.  I thank the Lord that He has taken such interest in my life and in the lives of His children.

    Prayer Response to the Word- Father I thank you that you have promised to give my soul rest and that I can sleep tonight with no fear in my heart.  You have provided such comfort and peace in my life.  A true calm in the storm.  I am joyful of your word Lord for giving me peace when the world has so much anger and violence.  Please mold me to Your will and help me to walk humbly, but upright, knowing that each day that passes You are close.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

  • Thankfulness

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    1 Chronicles 29 – Everything good and wholesome comes from our Lord.  He is King over everything (Vs 11) and we can rest assured that as we dwell in His shadow, goodness is sure to surround us as we continually follow Him.

    Vs 12 –  It is good to know that when we are lacking in strength and overwhelmed we can seek God who gives abundantly.  All we need to do is ask.“Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things.  In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.”
    Vs 13 – I am truly thankful for my many blessings, my loved ones, and all of the many things the Lord has given to me and my loved ones, even though I deserve none.  “Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.”

    Walking in the Word- I will meditate on what has been done for me and for those around me and give thanks to the Lord.  Although man is flawed and does not always keep his word, God the Father is always faithful and always completes that which He said He would do.  To that, there is nothing better.  We can rest assured that just as God said He would provide, He indeed will.  I will be more mindful of this fact and praise the Lord all the more!

    Prayer Response to the Word- Jesus, thank you for all that you have done for me and my loved ones.  We are yours and you have treated us each with love and kindness.  You have shown your servants favor and we can never give enough praise!  Thank you for being faithful to Your word and for showing such grace in our lives.  We love You and are blessed in so many ways!   In Jesus name, Amen and Amen!

  • Love in Action

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Romans 12 – There are several things to remember when expressing love to one another.  Love is not self-centered, but selfless.  It always encourages one another through anything and it is fed by the Spirit of God.  Those that grow weary from loving tend to love out of the flesh.  Their love is centered around an emotion, but love is also a choice.  When we choose to love we choose to express that gift which God gave to us (1 Cor 13:13).  In order to not grow weary in the flesh we must depend on God, Who has an abundance, so that we never run dry.  Our cup overflows as He pours His love into our lives.  In loving in Him and through Him we are able to love ourselves and each other in a much larger capacity.  When we love through Him we never grow weary because our source is infinite.

    Vs 9 – Be genuine.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
    Vs 15 – Be receptive and compassionate.  As a body we notice when one of our parts is hurt and when one is tired.  We must take care of each part of the body in order to run the race effectively.  “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” 
    Vs 16 – Be in unity as one body.  Each step requires everyone working as one.  No one part of the body is more important then the other.  “Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.”
    Vs 17 – Two wrongs don’t make a right, they make a third wrong.  Be peaceful with each other so you may be blessed.  “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “

    Walking in the Word- It is easy to get frustrated or angry with one another.  It happens daily.  I will take the time to share the compassion and love that Jesus has shown me to others.  “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13  I am proud that Jesus is my friend and my brother. 

    Prayer Response to the Word- Lord, thank you for being an example for me to follow.  Thank you that you have shown me such mercy and love as to give your all for me.  I pray that you will guide me so that I may bear fruit and nourish those around my branches.  I ask that you help me to grow in Your word, and establish roots that may never be torn apart.  In Your precious name, Amen!

  • For God So LOVED the World

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    John 3 – God sent his Son Jesus to be the light of the world.  In utter darkness, Light was given to shine to those who sought it.  The Light is Jesus, and He was sent to expose the darkness and make new the covenant between God and man.  He did not come to be served, but to serve.  He did not come to destroy but to seek and save that which was lost…man.

    Vs 16 –  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
    Many have heard this verse, but do you know what follows it?

    Vs 17-21 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.  This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

    Walking in the Word- I remind myself that even though darkness passes through the world I chose, or rather was chosen, to live in the truth and in the light of God Almighty.  God sent His only Son to shine to me and to save me from myself and the sin of the world.  Darkness can not exist in my life because light and darkness can never co-exist together.

    Prayer Response to the Word- Father God, who am I that you would give what is yours to save me?  What have you seen in Your creation that has given you such love for me.  I praise you Abba, Father!  Bless you that you have shown mercy on me by sacrificing what was most dear to You!  In Jesus name, Amen!

     

  • Obedience to the Lord

    Today I was reading a blog from my pastor and realized something important I want to share.

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    1 Samuel 15 –     The Lord instructed Samuel to destroy all of the Amalakites, but Saul did not obey and intead spared the best livestock and the king.  He thought He was pleasing God, but instead God was grieved that he did not listen.
    Vs 22,23,28 – “Does the LORD take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice,
    to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
    For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
    and defiance is like wickedness and idolatry.
    Because you have rejected the world of the LORD,
    He has rejected you as king…. the LORD has torn the kingship of Israel away from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.”

    Walking in the Word-
    It is important to always obey the Lord.  Doing things that we think may please Him, may indeed do just the opposite.  When wondering what to do in any situation I will refer to God’s word to see what He has commanded of me.

    Prayer Response to the Word-
    Abba, Father, thank you that you are ever so patient with me.  Please help me to grow in your word and to be obedient in all things that you commanded of me.  Please give me the knowledge and wisdom to discern what your plan is for me.  I praise you Lord and thank you for all that you have done!  Amen!