Cody Braddock's Blog

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  • Controlling the Tongue

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    James 3 –     Ever heard the saying, “Be careful of what you say…”?  It is absolutely true.  It is not difficult to say something and then later regret it.  There is no magic eraser on the tongue that can wipe out what someone has said.  Too often we find ourselves with our foot in the mouth, so to speak.  What comes out of the mouth can be what is harboring in the heart.  It is prudent of the person to consider slowly what they are saying in an argument and to quickly reach a resolution.  It is not beneficial to hurt one another in our speaking, thoughts, or actions.  As Christians we are to exhort one another, uplifting them always!  It is never okay to hurt someone with what you say or talk bad about someone.  It is also not okay to use perverse language, (Ephesians 4:29) but only the building up of one another.  Maturity comes from bridling the tongue.  Here is what James say from the Bible…
    Vs 1-12 – “Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; for we all stumble in many ways.  If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body. 

    Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal.  And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.  So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites.  And the tongue is a fire.  The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body,sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.

    For every creature—animal or bird, reptile or fish—is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things should not be this way.  Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?  Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs?  Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.”

    Walking in the Word – I desire to have a bridled tongue, especially when emotional.  I feel that in my speech it is important to exhort one another, but never slander.  It is easy to stumble, but maturity produces good fruit which is able to make the words sweet as honey.  I desire to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) to everyone I encounter.  When I am angry or emotional I desire to be quick to think, yet slow to speak. 

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, I thank You that You have given me the ability to speak.  I am truly grateful for this gift and realize that this is not a gift everyone has received.  You have blessed each of us in our own way.  I ask that I may use my words to uplift Your children and to be wise by bridling the tongue when needed.  I pray that You forgive me for when I have stumbled in what I say.  I desire that my words be pleasing to You and that You deal with me in love and mercy when teaching me how to speak the truth in love according to Your word.  I pray that others may be inspired by me through You and never put down or feel ashamed.  I pray that my words never cut another or cause one to stumble in their walk.  Lord please protect my speech and help me to remember that I represent You here on earth.  I ask that I may build up the body and truly take in account every word.  I ask that I be mindful of other’s emotions.  If I correct someone I ask that it is done with patience, love, and understanding.  I thank You for the many blessings that I have received, even though I deserved none.  You are truly my God and there is none like You.  May Your Name be forever echoed long after my body has returned to dust forevermore.  I praise You Lord and stand in Your shadow.  In Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!

  • What’s Your Motive?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Proverbs 21 –     Sometimes in prayer we can be praying with all good motives yet still be selfish in what we ask.  Man has a way of justifying things in order to ease any tension we may feel about it or just plain “get what we want.”  Thankfully God gives us what we need and not what we always want.  Man, because he is flawed, thinks that he may want something that indeed may end up being harmful or in the end he still feels empty.  It is the dream car that grows old, the new house that lost its splendor, the promotion that consumes time.  It is always something that never fills that emptiness in our hearts.  Only GOD can fill that emptiness and replenishes what was lost.  He is the only thing that we never grow tired of.  Nothing else will we take from this earth. 
          So when asking God for something in your life, make sure that it glorifies Him.  In the end God always provides for every need, and He promises to make sure we prosper (Jr. 29-11).  His eyes search for those who love Him and are completely His (2 Chronicles 16:9) and He gives us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).  

    Vs. 2-3 – “All the ways of a man seem right to him, but the LORD evaluates the motives. Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”

    Walking in the Word – I will make sure what I ask of the Lord is going to glorify Him.  When I die I take nothing with me.  Time is fading fast and our lives are quite short, some more then others.  I don’t want to waste time.  I want to store up treasures in heaven with my King Jesus!  When the world consumes treasures here on earth, mine won’t be destroyed! (Matthew 6:20).  I want my life to glorify God and make sure I’m not sidetracked with things of this world.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father God, I ask that You would help me in my prayer life.  This is how I can talk with You and I want You to be glorfied in what I ask.  Lord God You have been so merciful and patient with me.  I ask that You forgive me when I ask things of You with incorrect motives.  I pray my motives are always towards glorifying You in the Son.  Lord help me to pray powerfully and remember You in everything I do.  Thank You Lord for caring for a wretch like me and for giving me a new life in You.  I feel You near and my heart sings for joy.  I pray that all may come to see Your awesome power soon!  Lord help me to live with purpose, not wasting my life.  Help me to live in the capacity You desire for me and my family.  Let us please You while here so that we are storing treasures in Your kingdom.  I pray that You remember us Lord and that You allow us to serve You in heaven as well as on Earth.  Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace.  All good things come from You my Lord.  Help me to understand You better and grow in You daily.  Lord please don’t let me leave here without doing everything I can to please You.  Please let me glorify You and raise me up to exalt You among the nations!  I pray that You see my heart and know that I love YOU!  I pray that You care for Your children even though they have turned away.  I pray that You restore them and that Your glory be shown!  Don’t forget Your people Lord!  Help me to grow in wisdom and may I, as my family, be pleasing in Your sight alone!  In Jesus’ precious name I do pray this, Amen!

  • No Fear of Failure

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Psalm 37 –     Many times in life we are overwhelmed and fear failing.  As a matter of fact many fear public speaking, investing, building relationships with others, loving, and many many more.  There are many things that we get scared about attempting.  However, God seeks to walk us through each fear.  God seeks to take us by the hand, and although we may be overwhelmed we will not fail and our paths will be straight.  The only part we have to do is take the next step.  You climb stairs taking one step at a time.  Be encouraged!
    Vs 23-24 – “A man’s steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way.  Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD holds his hand.”

    Walking in the Word – I am ready to take on new things that I have never done before, or feared failing in.  I want to talk to more people and openly share about what the Lord has done for us!  What a blessing to know that the Lord never forsakes us and gives us victory in the world.  My life has grown so much since I have answered the Lord in obedience!  Words can’t express how much life has changed and the joy I feel.  Amen!  I desire to also achieve a business and become financially free of a job.  I want to start and finish reading the Bible again next January.  The list goes on, Lord give me strength!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, as I take on new challenges I ask that You establish my paths and bless me with success.  I desire to serve You alone Lord God, so I ask that You please help me to remember my vows to You and remember that I serve You before anything.  I ask that You help me to keep my motives close to my heart and that You give me wisdom in growing.  I ask that I do not stray from You, but rather grow closer to You.  I pray that my attitude in Christ reflects a positive image of Your Son and that others may come to know You by me being a leading example in Christ Jesus.  Lord I ask that You bless my hands and make my fruit pleasing in Your sight!  In Jesus’ precious Name I pray, Amen!

  • Rejuvenated

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Psalm 103 –     David’s heart for the Lord always amazes me.  In David’s life he both experience great excitement and great tradgedy.  Yet no matter the weather, David stood firm in his faith.  The Lord God desires to give us good things and to love us unconditionally.  In all of His majesty, He still desires us.  What a testimony of love!  What a blessing!
     1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
       all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
    2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
       and forget not all his benefits—
    3 who forgives all your sins
       and heals all your diseases,
    4 who redeems your life from the pit
       and crowns you with love and compassion,
    5 who satisfies your desires with good things
       so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

    Walking in the Word – I want to have a walk like David and stand firm no matter what life brings me.  I want to always glorify God no matter how I am feeling, good or bad.  I desire to love God with a WHOLE heart, and NOT in part!  I desire to give God all of me! 

    Prayer Response to the Word – Abba, Father, I need more of Thee, less of me!  I pray that I do not lose focus on what my duty is here in the world.  I am a foreigner here.  I desire to please You in my actions and in my life.  Please deal with me in patience, grace, and mercy.  Lord, I thank You for forgiving me of who I am and rejuvenating my soul!  I thank You that You have interest in me and have cleansed me of my immorality!  I praise You that I do not have to live in a body of death for eternity, but instead be with You and in Your shadow!  You are MIGHTY TO SAVE!  Amen and AMEN!

  • The Man in the Mirror

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Proverbs 20 –     Every once in a while we have to look in the mirror.  Are we usually satisfied with what we see?  It is a question that causes us to inspect the depths of who we are.  It is easier at times to pretend everything is good and bury our heads in the sand.  But true self-reflection can be a humbling experience.  The question of “What am I doing with my life?” may shake some at their foundation.  It is not always easy to look at our weakness.  The Lord is our light and no darkness can hide.  Our souls are searched and hearts are weighed.  Even in our weakness we can be made strong through the Lord.
    Vs 27 – “A person’s breath is the lamp of the LORD, searching the innermost parts.”

    Walking in the Word – In my life I have had many failures and weaknesses.  I counted these as major losses before I came to Christ.  Although I had failed I found hope.  I was tired of going through the same pains and self-inflicted drama that caused me to wind up in a vicious circle of despair.  Through God’s grace I was spared and my life changed dramatically.  I have a peace in my soul that no matter what happens I know God is going to take care of me.  That peace can’t be bought or found in this world.  I’m thankful that God spared me and that I can live a peaceful and productive life now. 

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, I thank You for sparing me.  I thank You that You have made me whole again.  I feel safe and secure now and I have Your wonderful peace in my soul.  I pray that I can share with others so that they too may have love and peace that only You can offer them.  Your peace and love are different Lord.  They quench my soul when other things didn’t.  You filled a gap in my life.  You are my purpose for living and I pray my life reflects that.  Please help me to love others and be there for those that need to be comforted.  I pray these things for Your glory and in Your name, Amen!

  • Out With the Old, In With the New

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    2 Corinthians 5 –     It is truly a blessing to get second chances.  Have you ever done something or said something you wish you could have taken back?  Have you ever wished that you could just start over?  I know I have.  There are few things in life that we can do over from scratch as far as our life itself goes.  There is great hope and wonder in being born again.  Our old selves are dead and we are born again.  We are given hope, redeemed in the one true God.  We no longer have to live that life and can have a new beginning!  A gift of eternity in everlasting love!  Amen!
    Vs 17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!”

    Walking in the Word – I remember where I was before Christ and I remember where I am now.  The old me was dying inside and had a huge hole in the middle.  Many times I tried to fill that hole with things of the world and many times that left me even more broken.  Christ Jesus met me where I was at.  I was shown love on my level and then pulled to new heights.  There is nothing that speaks to the soul more fluently then being loved right where you are.  I didn’t have to become something great or do something supernatural.  I just had to be open to being loved and because of that I have done many things in Him and through Him.  I am a better person and have that hole filled with something that never ceases, never goes away.  I am able to enjoy live fully and I have an internal peace that can’t be found anywhere else, only experienced through the love of Christ.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord Jesus, I thank You for loving me where I was.  In the depths of my despair You loved me.  Because You loved me first I was rescued from a body of death and given new and abundant life in You.  I desire to share this with others.  I want others to experience this peace and love.  I want them to rest assured that we have another life in You after this one.  This is our temporary home and a paradise awaits us after.  I praise You that You have been so patient with me in my growth.  Please continue to deal with me in grace and mercy!  I love You and thank You for what You have given me!  In Your precious name!  Amen!

  • Break My Heart From What Breaks Yours

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Genesis 6 –     The Lord God desires everyone come to know Him and build a relationship with Him.  When the Lord created man and saw how evil we were becoming He was grieved in His heart.  The Lord throughout the Bible states that He wants us to prosper (Jeremiah 29:11), He wants all to be saved and come to know the truth (2 Timthoy 2:4), to not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).  Why would we not want to be filled with joy?  Why not live in eternity where there are no tears (Revelation 21:4  “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.”)?  Is it so much to ask that we stop evil and live for the Lord God who loved us first, even when we were covered in filth from the world?  Oh, to be given such gifts when none were deserved.
    Vs 5,6 –  “When the LORD saw that man’s wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every scheme his mind thought of was nothing but evil all the time, the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.”

    Walking in the Word – I want to live for the Lord and give my all to Him.  I am tired of being complacent and watching the world pass by.  I want to actively help and love those in the world through the eyes of Christ Jesus!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Abba, Father, I love You for knowing me.  Who am I that You would see me?  Who am I to deserve such gifts from Heaven?  Use me in Your will that I may not perish without sharing Your great news and power with others.  In the end I pray that I glorify You more with my life and that You smile down upon me.  I pray that when my body ceases to live, that my soul may dwell in Your house forever!  I bless You Father and thank You for being my mighty God and Savior!  I ask You remember us Lord!  In Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!

  • Living With Purpose

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Romans 14 –     Purpose.  It’s illogical to think one can exist without it.  We must have purpose or our lives are for nothing.  Our purpose here on Earth is to live and die for the Lord God.  Some choose not to accept that, some do accept that, and some just don’t care.  Irregardless, there will come a time when all will see the face of the Lord.  Although we can have that choice now, it will not always be our choice later.  It is a scary thing to accept at times and I believe that is the reason some don’t.  It’s easier to live free and not worry, but what are the consequences?  What if we wasted our lives doing nothing?  I remember asking a gentleman I worked with that was an Atheist, “What if you’re wrong?”  It’s a sobering thought for any man or woman to digest.  I cannot deny the Lord God who created us and I cannot exist without purpose.  I was put here to develop a long sought relationship with the Lord by my own free will.  Love is not love if it is forced.  Love is a valuable thing when one chooses to love.  The Lord doesn’t need me, but He wants to watch me grow and learn, love and be joyful, run and not be weary, live and prosper.  And I love Him, because He loved us first.
    Vs 8 – “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

    Walking in the Word – I desire to live my life with purpose.  I do not just want to go through the motions and let life pass me by.  I want to know more about my Lord and serve Him through my life.  I want to put up treasure in Heaven and share what God has done for me.  I desire for everyone to know about His saving grace and power in love!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, I thank You that You loved me first!  What a blessing You have given me.  I thank You that Your always faithful, gracious, and loving towards me.  Thank You for giving me life and for allowing me to prosper even in the worst times.  You are my God and I love You.  I ask that You give me strength and the words to share Your wonderful joy with others!  I love You and pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • To ignore, is to reject

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    2 Chronicles 12 –     So what is rejection versus acceptance?  Well to put it simply, if we do not accept we inherently reject.  To ingore what is presented before us is to reject it.  To ignore commands given to us, is to disobey.  Can we opt not to choose?  Not a “yes” or a “no”, but a “maybe”?  The word “maybe” was an invented notion.  It is to deny a response by not choosing either.  It is defined as a possibility or an uncertainty.  How can one have both?  The bible puts it very plainly in Matthew 5:37 “But let your word ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.”  Here is an example of this very thing with King Rehoboam.
    Vs 14 – “He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.”
    When we put things before the Lord, we do evil.  By not putting Christ first, we live in sin.  By not obeying His commands, we become unresponsive and disobedient.  There should be an obvious difference between people who set their sights on the world versus the ones that set their hearts on Jesus Christ.  All Christians must act the same and make this their goal while on earth.  There is no such things as “Professing Christians” and “Christians.”  There should be no difference.  We all should profess and live by seeking the Lord first.  We are sinful creatures, but what makes the difference is whether we are willing to deny what our desires are, in order to make the desires of the Lord our priority.  We must always strive to move in an upward direction, putting off the old and replacing it with new.  We cannot become complacent and possibly be satisfied.

    Walking in the Word – I want to live a life that exemplifies Christ in my speech as well as my actions.  “Your walk talks, and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder then your talk talks.”  My actions show others what I profess.  I represent the Lord, and should carry myself as such.  I will take note of how I act around others and reflect on each of my actions daily. 

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, I thank You for showing me Your love by Your actions.  I’m remorseful that it took such a great Sacrifice to save me.  I ask that You help me to stand up in a fallen world for what I profess and what I have found in You.  I ask for wisdom and strength against the enemy.  I ask that You alone are glorified in all things.  I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • Listen and Do

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    James 1 –     Many times it is easier to tell others what they should do, but never do it ourselves.  It is the definition of hypocrisy and it plagues many people both Christian and non-Christian.  In the book of James, which gives a no-nonsense approach to how we should live, it discusses such practice in the first chapter.  As with anything it is much easier to listen and understand then it is to actually apply what we hear to parts of our lives.  Nevertheless, that is what we are called to do.  We are to do what we hear so that we are no just listeners, but doers of the word.  After all, that is where others will see the difference.  People may not always be interested in what you have to say, but your actions do in fact speak, and they speak louder then words.  There is a lesson learned and there is a lesson observed.  It makes the difference on what we learn and what we apply. 

    Vs 22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

    Walking in the Word – In my life I get eager to talk about what plans I have or how I will do this and that.  If I’m not careful I fall into the category of being a dreamer, and not an achiever.  I rather be an achiever.  What I dream and talk about, must be apparent in my life so that when others see me they do no see me as a hypocrite but rather someone who firmly believes and follows through with what I say.  Christ Jesus must be apparent in my life or I live in vain.  I will make it a point to listen to the word of God and directly apply it to situations I face no matter how great or small.  By my fruits they will know that I labor not in vain, but in the building up of the kingdom of God.  This life is all but temporary and before we know it we have moved on.  I don’t want to live for things that don’t matter afterwards but rather invest my time wisely while I am here on earth, in order to please God.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord, help me to be a good steward of time as well as everything else that is Yours.  Help me not to waste time, but invest it in You.  I will take nothing from this life, but I strive to leave things behind.  I want to be remembered in the hearts of people as a man that devoted His life to You, and in return others being blessed by You through me.  I pray that I labor for You and that You are pleased with me.  Help me to not be a hypocrite, but rather a doer and teacher of Your word.  Help me to care for others and love Your children no matter who they are or where they have come from.