Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: Christianity

  • 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.

  • Showing Hospitality

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Romans 12 –     As one body we are to help other parts of the body.  Do you not tend to your ankle if you twist it, or bandage your finger when it is cut, or wrap your arm if it is broken.  So we should also mend the body of Christ.  We show hospitality and kindness to others so that we may represent the body of Christ and glorify God.  In everything we do it should be evident that we are representations of the Lord in whom we believe and live for.  One should never have to ask whether we are saved because we should be saturated in love and pouring out to those that need God Almighty!

    Vs 13 – “Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.”

    Walking in the Word – I am going to focus on sacrificing and showing hospitality to those who seek Christ our Savior.  I am going to make sure that love and mercy overflows from my life into theirs.  I desire to be a living example of the LOVE of GOD in everyone’s life I meet.  I do not wish to be what the world wants, but rather what God has put me here to be…an example and representation of His love and mercy!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, to You alone be the glory.  I am merely a wretch, but You have made me feel like a king.  You have adorned me like one of Your angels and have given me my name!  To You alone be the glory.  I feel You in my heart and mind even when the world shakes my soul.  Your peace exceeds all understanding!  Have mercy on me my Lord!  I am thankful to be here today and that You have saved me from this dark world.  I ask that You send me people that I can help and love!  In Jesus’ precious 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!