Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: change

  • Godly Wisdom vs Worldly Wisdom

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Proverbs 19 –     What is godly wisdom?  What is worldly wisdom?  Wisdom given to us by God empowers us to know Him better and directly affects the heart of the believer.  Godly wisdom includes discernment, insight into His word, a better understanding of the characters of God, and better understanding of the will of God.  Acts 6:10 “But they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.”  Man cannot fully comprehend the matters of God.  Earthly wisdom is wisdom of things of the world and cannot produce fruit.  Earthly wisdom is made a fool and gives no life or true understanding.  It is full of words and lacks depth in understanding.  What does man know that God does not?  Did He Himself not create us and everything in the universe?  Can earthly wisdom tell me how many stars are in the universe or how they were created?  Can earthly wisdom tell of what it was like when the foundations of the earth were laid?  No.  Jeremiah 51:15 “He made the earth by His power, established the world by His wisdom, and spread out the heavens by His understanding.”  True wisdom comes from the Lord. 

    What is said about earthly wisdom? 1 Corinthians 1:19 “For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the understanding of the experts.”  1 Corinthians 1:20 “Where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish?” 

    What is said of godly wisdom? 1 Corinthians 1:25 “because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” 1 Corinthians 3:18 “No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise.” 

    Obtaining godly wisdom:  James 1:5 “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.”

    Characters of godly wisdom: James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.”

    Vs 20 – “Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.”

    Walking in the Word – I desire to seek wisdom from our Lord God.  I want to use this wisdom to glorify God and understand Him better.  I desire to help others and give insight in to the Word of God through teaching.  I also desire to guide others in the Truth and help people understand their roles here on earth.  Life is more than living and dying.  It is about glorifying God and choosing to love.  There is no reward when someone is forced to love.  God gave us a choice to seek Him and love Him.  It satisfies God when His children seek to Love Him and grow closer to Him.  He does not need us but rejoices in having a relationship with us.  He is our Provider, Comforter, Helper in time of need, and  our Father.  Our purpose here is to learn about Him, grow with Him, and learn to obey and Love Him with all of our heart, might, and soul.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, I thank You for wisdom in Your word.  Who is like You Father?  What man can ponder the affairs of God?  None.  There is none like You and I’m grateful to be Your legitimate son.  I thank You that You sought me where I was in my life and lifted me by Your grace, love, and mercy.  I did not have to be a king or even important.  You still reached down to me and brought to me a new life.  I am grateful that You chose me Lord.  I am grateful for Your everlasting mercy and grace.  I ask that what You have blessed me with be shared with those around me.  I pray that You overflow in my life to others.  I confess that I am nothing without You.  Life is nothing if it is not lived for You alone.  Help me to break the chains of this world and fervently seek You.  Please be patient with me Father and forgive me when I do not do what is pleasing in Your eyes.  Help me to learn from my wrongs, repent, and correct.  Give me wisdom so I may lead in Your name.  Give me a heart for the lost and eyes to discern what is good and evil.  I will go Lord.  Use me for Your glory so that You may be pleased with me.  Help me to do Your Will.  I pray for the lost and ask that You call them to You.  Please revive this world and remember Your promises.  Please do not abandon us despite what the wicked are doing.  Return to us Almighty Savior and claim Your people!  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • Speaking the Truth

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Colossians 3 –     Why do humans lie?  Is it to cover guilt, sin, humiliation, or something else?  Is it ever okay to lie?  No.  It should never be acceptable to lie.  The truth may hurt at times, but lies hurt worse.  There is never a worse feeling then to feel betrayed and to lose trust for someone you care about.  I do not feel it is ever okay to cross that line.  Where one lie is told, many follow.  Speak the truth in love to each other and also yourself.  Self-deception is probably one of the devil’s biggest tricks.  Be honest with yourself in what you do so that you may be blessed by the Lord our God!  When you become new, the old ways and sins of the past are stripped from you.  Put on a new armor and a new way of living as Christ intended.  We are to be renewed in our mind according to the image of God.  If you do not change who you were, how will you ever depart from where you were?

    Vs 9, 10 – “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.”

    Walking in the Word – I will keep truth on my lips and turn from lies.  I desire to honor God by keeping my mouth clean, respectful, and free from sinful talk.  I desire to speak the truth to everyone and depend on the Holy Spirit for correction.  I will take off the old me and put on the armor of Christ so that I may be strengthened by the Father in time of temptation from the enemy.  I rely on my strong Tower, the Lord our God, for comfort and shelter from evil.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, be with me daily so that I may praise You all my days.  Strengthen me with Your right hand and crush my enemies before me.  Seal me from evil and keep my heart at peace and covered in Your grace, love, and mercy.  Protect me from temptation and lies and lead me with peace.  I pray that You forgive me for when I have not honored You in my actions.  I plead the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ as atonement from my sins.  Lord please take me under your wing and renew me in You.  Please speak to the hearts of Your children, so they may once again glorify You.  I ask that You have mercy on this world for our evil.  I ask that You spare us by Your grace.  Please have mercy on these people Lord, for they know not what they do.  I ask that evil be struck down and that Your name be glorified!  I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Seeking the Lord

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Isaiah 55 –     The world is slowly decaying.  Unfortunately, the world has turned their backs to the Lord.  In the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, the cities were destroyed because there were not 10 people willing to stand in the gap and intercede to the Lord.  Today our percentages are around 9% of believing Christians who have a biblical world view.  Sadly enough we are less than 10 as well.  It is no wonder famine, war, crime, pornography and explicit media, and sexual immorality run rampant in the world more than ever. 

    As Christians we are to abandon evil and seek the Lord.  In doing so we return to His protection and provision.  He once again places His hand over us.  No matter our circumstance we remain at peace.  The Lord forgives when we seek Him humbly.  In returning to God, we once again may establish a great country and live under His protection.

    Vs 6-7 – “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call to Him while He is near.  Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.”

    Walking in the Word – I pray that I can be a positive influence on those who seek the Lord.  I pray that I may inspire others to return to the Lord.  I want to love and give freely to the oppressed.  I want to share what the Lord has done for me.  I seek to live in God’s love and under His protection.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, Abba, I pray that our country may seek You once again.  I pray that even though the world decays around us and 1,000 fall at our right hand, that no harm come to us.  I pray that when judging this land, you pardon those who have loved You.  I pray that You have mercy on us.  This blind nation takes nothing to their grave but their decisions!  May their eyes be opened once again.  May Your love fill their hearts, and may they turn away from sinful ways.  Have mercy Lord!  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

  • Giving Thanks for CHRISTmas

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Colossians 3 –     This time of the season is time to give thanks to our Lord and Savior.  It is also time to keep Christ in Christmas.  We should never forget the true meaning of Christmas.  It is more than the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and stressing over what gifts to give.  We should take this time to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect.  Reflect on what the Lord has done for each of us.  Reflect on how to share the news of the gospel to others.  Take time to take a breath and start the new year with hope and prayer for the nation and our leaders, as well we as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

    Vs 17 – “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

    Walking in the Word – I want to use this time to share about our Lord.  I want to look around and truly appreciate what the Lord has done for us, even though we are undeserving.  I will take time to reflect where I am in life and where I would like to be spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, and relationally.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God in heaven, thank You so much for the blessings you have bestowed on us.  Although this nation tries to do things on their own, Your children know the day is near where we all will come to know You.  There will be the day that all things bow and confess that Jesus is Lord and sits at the right hand of Almighty God!  Lord, I pray You have mercy on us all.  If you would hear this man’s prayer, I pray that You forgive them still, for they know not what they do.  Forgive me Father for countlessly falling short of Your glory.  Have mercy on me and please be willing to use me still to further Your kingdom and to share the news of the Gift You gave us…true salvation.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

  • Making a Difference

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Yesterday my pastor told us a story I thought to be quite inspirational.  An older man was walking along the beach when he noticed a young boy throwing something in the water.  He watched the boy stop every couple feet, bend down and pick up something, and then toss it in the ocean.  As the older man got closer to see what the boy was doing, he noticed there were thousands of starfish washed up on the shore.  The boy walked a few steps, picked up a starfish, and threw it back into the sea.  The older man inquire, “What are you doing there young man?”  The boy said, “All of these starfish are stranded on the beach.  I’m returning them to the sea where they belong.”  The older man said, “There are thousands of them, you’ll never make a difference.”  The young boy stopped, picked up another starfish and tossed it into the water.  He looked at the older man and said, “I made a difference to that one.”
    Sometimes as Christians we feel that we will never do enough to make a difference in the world.  The truth is, we can make a difference.  Just helping one person can change the world.  A revival in the world starts with the one in the mirror.  A person once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  As Christians we must live as one who loves Christ and share the love of our Lord with all others so they may see Christ in us.  We must be different than the rest of the world!  What will people see in us that is different if we do not live differently.  We should extend our arms to those in need and those that need love.  Every person can make a difference.  We share with one whom the Lord uses to share with others.

    Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of  your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

    Walking in the Word – I desire to make a difference in the world, by making a difference in at least one person’s life.  Many people set out to save things which perish.  I pray the Lord uses me to lead others to the Lord so that they may be saved eternally.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Our Father, please be with us in this dying world.  Help us to hold on to hope and joy in You.  With You nothing is impossible.  You take care of Your children Lord just as You did in the days of our forefathers.  I ask that Your children can act according to Your perfect will and love, to make a difference in each other’s lives.  I pray that we can all come to know Your love and salvation for us.  I pray that You have mercy on us.  Though we live in this world, we are not to be of it.  Restore our nation Father.  Please forgive us for abandoning Your commands.  Please deal with us in grace.  Please don’t strike us down.  I pray that we may all repent and follow You.  Who are we that You are mindful of us?  You don’t need us, yet You have taken interest in each one of us and have loved us unconditionally, even when we were not perfect.  You met us where we were in life.  We did not have to live to an unreachable standard.  You reached down and rescued us in time of need!  Help me to love others as I am loved by You.  Help me to help another in need, in Your name alone.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

  • Making Decisions

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Ephesians 4 –     How do we make decisions biblically???  There are several things to consider and multiple verses to help us stick to biblical principles.

    1. We should always start with prayer.  We must seek God’s will in what we do.  In the night before Jesus was taken away He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”  This example shows us that even though we may pray for something it may not be God’s will.  In the end God still has plans for us to prosper Jeremiah 29:11.
    2. We must define a decision.  Is what we are praying for biblical and moral?  Is it selfish or selfless?  How does it glorify God?  How can we help others with what we are asking?  We must define our intentions and future goals with purpose.
    3. Are we willing to obey God even if we don’t get what we want?  We must be willing to obey no matter the outcome.  We may not understand why, but we should still trust God.  There may be a reason that is unknown to us that is for our protection.  Example…Maybe we didn’t get to take that vacation because the plane was going to crash, maybe that delay saved our life, maybe that new car was going to use money that is now saved for a potential business opportunity.  We never know.  The bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
    4. Have faith!  Don’t worry!  Just press on and keep your heart upright.  Humans are impulsive and sometimes throw temper-tantrums.  Life is so much easier when you can accept things and learn to press on.  More opportunities come up.  Just have faith that God will provide!  Matthew 6:26 “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?”
    5. Seek direction biblically.  Find verses and stories in the bible that may reflect a similar situation.  What was the outcome?  How did God’s word address the situation?
    6. Seek direction from godly counsel.  Ask your pastor, prayer group, fellow brothers/sisters in Christ, family.  How do they feel about the decision?  What do they feel the scripture says about the decision?  Have them pray for you!
    7. Write it down!  Write down how your decision glorifies God and brings you closer to Him.  Write down both the pros and cons.  Don’t manipulate scripture to get what you want, but rather reflect on scripture and see if your desires are in alignment with God’s word.
    8. Weigh everything in the decision.  How will you, your family, your church, and most importantly your relationship with God be affected?
    9. Prioritize.  If there are priorities that prevent this decision it is best to care for them first.  Take care of what you need to before you go on with your decision. 
    10. Act on your decision.  When you have carefully reviewed everything make a decision on whether or not to go through with what you have decided and act!

    Walking in the Word – As I face important decisions in my life I want to please God in every way.  I desire to seek biblical resolution to any decisions I make in my life.  I want to do God’s will, not mine.  I will follow steps to ensure I am doing what is right and not acting out of selfish behavior.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Dear Lord, I thank You that You have given me the opportunity and freedom to make decisions.  I pray that my decisions glorify You, and that whatever I do may be pleasing in Your sight.  I thank You that You have been with me and that I have peace in my heart.  I ask that You give me the wisdom to decide on everything before I act.  Lord please speak to my heart with every step I take!  Please don’t look away from me or let me stumble.  I ask that You convict my heart when I’m wrong and that I have peace when doing right.  Please allow me to live a life pleasing in Your sight alone.  I ask that You have grace and mercy on me as well as my brothers and sister in Christ who are also going through decisions in their lives as well.  I pray that Your word soothes their hearts and that they can be a blessing to each other with advice.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

  • Christian Living

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Ephesians 4 –     As Christians, we are required to live different from the world.  I strongly feel that many people, though they believe they are saved are not.  I do not feel that you can have the Spirit of God in you and continue to live habitually in sin.  It goes against the very character of God.  Believing you have received Christ and are going to heaven no matter how you live is one of the devil’s biggest lies.  You are not your own, but were paid for at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”).  Salvation is followed by repentance.  We are to repent of the lives we lived and be changed, putting off the old person and putting on the new person of Christ.  We are not to be angry with one another, forgiving all who rise against us.  If we previously lied, murdered, stole, spoke crudely, lived in drunkenness, were sexually immoral, etc. we were to die to each sin, deny ourselves, and be raised new again in Christ.  No one can be made new when they still live in the old.

    Vs 26-32 – “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.  Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

    Walking in the Word – I want to live a Christian life based on the Word of God.  I do not want to be one of the world that has no respect for the Lord or themselves.  The devil continues to deceive others in believing they are okay in how they live.  Biblical Christian principles do not allow for one to live in a life of sin, and honestly loving the Lord prohibits you from even wanting to live in sin.  I love to please the Lord and only want to serve Him.  I desire to grow closer to the Lord by denying myself of my earthly wants and emotions.  I desire to be patient, understanding, and loving towards each person I come in contact with in my life, as Christ is.  I want less of me and more of Thee, so I may be full…lacking nothing.  It brings me joy and peace to live a life honoring the Lord!  Many people seek material and worldly things to fill a space in their heart only meant to be filled with the Lord God.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God in heaven, precious is Your name.  I am thankful for You giving me life.  I am thankful that You give me opportunity to love others as You have loved me.  I pray that I seize each of these opportunities and that I live with purpose, and that I live a pleasing life in Your eyes.  Help me to have Your heart for Your people and Your eyes to discern good and evil as well as see how to love others as You do.  Please give me the patience and wisdom I need to stand against the tide in a world that resembles Sodom and Gomorrah.  I do not want to be like everyone else Lord.  I want to live like no one else, so that I may live with You for eternity.  Strengthen my bones and my spirit Lord.  I offer my life to You.  Please help me to honor You in what I do and say.  Please have mercy and grace on me when I am weak and failing.  In Jesus name, I ask these things, Amen and Amen.

  • Bridging the Gap

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Ezekiel 22 –     Today I read in my former Pastor’s blog about Standing in the Gap.  What a powerful message!  The scripture in Ezekiel 22:30 talks about how no one in Ezekiel’s day stood in the gap between Jerusalem and God’s judgement.  The Lord looked for someone to interceed on Jerusalem’s behalf but did not find anyone.  Jerusalem faced the wrath of God.  In today who is interceding among us for our country?  Who is remembering to pray for the leaders of the nation, despite their personal preferences.  We as Christians, are to pray for every leader even if we disagree.  We must realize that they are not placed in power without the Lord allowing it.  Therefore, if we see what we believe to be bad decisions, we must still pray that God open their eyes.  This world is fading away and growing more sinful each day.  We must, as one, intercede with the Lord on our nation’s behalf so that the Lord may find favor and spare us.

    Vs 30 – “I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one. “

    Walking in the Word – I am going to spend more time in prayer for our nation.  I don’t want to see us fail and crumble.  I will seek the Lord for the forgiveness of what we have done and forgetting the principles by which we were founded.  We are a lost people and I pray the Lord have mercy on us as a whole despite the ones that will not turn from their ways.  Nevertheless, as the Lord wills, may it be done.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God in heaven, blessed is Your name.  I ask Lord for You to spare these people and myself from Your wrath.  I pray that You will have mercy and grace upon us even though we are undeserving.  I thank You that You have allowed us so many chances.  Please help us to leave our foolish ways and unite together as one.  Lord I ask that You not judge us as we deserve, but that You find favor in this country for the sake of those whom love You.  I ask that You speak to the hearts of our leaders and that they not rebel against Your commands.  I ask the Lord intercede on our behalf that we may all come to repentence and that our eyes be opened as well as our hearts.  Blessed Father, please hear our prayer.  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!

  • Settling the Matter

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Isaiah 1 –     Forgiveness.  Sometimes the very word can be hard for us to say.  Many of us go through trials in life where we are wronged by another person.  We justify why the other person should have to apologize to us instead of us going to them.  Bitterness can seep in and it may be weeks before we ever come to a settlement…or maybe never.  However when the other person forgives first we are instantly healed and embrace them or if we were really hurt we at least start to work on the process of putting it behind us.  After someone asks for forgiveness it is our part to rightly forgive and move on never to bring it up again.  The Lord God approaches us first, forgiving us where we are.  He does not wait for us to come to Him or for us to be “clean” enough to have a relationship with Him.  The Lord God beckons us asking us to come to Him as we are so that we may be made clean and dwell with Him.  What amazes me is that God met us where we were in our lives.  We never had to reach some hidden bar to be accepted.  He accepted us from day one.  So we should accept others in this way, no matter what they are going through.

    Vs 18 – “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

    Walking in the Word – I am going to “settle the matter” when I feel angry or I need to forgive.  I am not going to wait for someone to come to me, but rather go to them and be humble.  The Lord took me covered in dirt and made me clean.  Therefore I must tend to my brothers and sisters as well.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, our Father, I thank You that You have taken me as scarlet and made me white as snow.  You came to me where I was in my life, entangled in my own sin, dirty, unsightly, and impure and gave me new life.  You washed the dirt from me and cleansed me.  You took my empty cup and filled it.  You wiped the tears from my eyes and annointed my head with oil.  You softened my lips with honey, straightened my path to make it easy for me, brought me into shelter from the storm, and gave me a new name.  I thank You for this Lord.  You have restored my soul.  Please help me to restore others and bring them to You.  Why would anyone not want such joy in their lives?  You give me peace in the toughest of storms.  Thank You.  I pray that others may see what You have done for me and that You have mercy on them as well.  I praise You Lord with joy in my heart!  In Jesus name, Amen and 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.