Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: faith

  • 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!

  • Sharing What We Have

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Hebrews 13 –     There certainly is a problem with today’s economy.  You need go no further than the mirror to find a solution. 

    I was reminded of a story about a tribe long ago.  The tribe would send the hunters into the forest to kill and bring back food.  As long as the hunters were successful, everyone ate.  One day one of the hunters said, “I kill more than anyone here.  Why should I have to share my portion with those that do nothing!”  So he ate his portion that he killed and did not give.  Other hunters started doing the same.  Soon the hunters started a hierarchy and only the ones that worked got food.  The weak and suppressed did not get to eat and were at the mercy of the hunters.  The tribe then started raising their children to fend for themselves and not to rely on what the hunters would bring.  This became a practice that kept others isolating and only caring for themselves and what they had. 

    Unfortunately this is the same model that we see today.  If those that had more still shared with those that were suffering, what would the world be like?  Think about if we all sacrificed to help each other.  Today try to share with someone that does not have as much as you and show the Love of Christ in your actions to glorify God.  God is pleased with the cheerful giver!

    Vs 16 – “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”

    Walking in the Word – I love to give and praise God that He has made me a cheerful giver.  What a shame to have your cup filled by God and not pour out to others.  Empty your cup so you may be filled again.  I will continue to help those that the Lord has given me to care for.  I will love others, as Christ loves me, and share what I have so God may be glorified!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Abba, Father, thank You for blessings and for giving me a heart to share.  I enjoy sharing because I know I always have enough.  Lord, You are my portion and my salvation.  I thank You that I have peace and protection.  Lord please help me to help others and give me a heart to love people through their situations and circumstances.  Let me not be a judge, but instead a listener, helper, and comforter in time of need.  I pray I please You in my actions, thoughts, and words.  I thank You for my loved ones and for always caring for us no matter what the condition.  Your Love is a model of what true Unconditional Love is!  Thank You Lord!  In Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!

  • Powerful Hands

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Deuteronomy 8 –     Pride is probably one of the greatest downfalls of man.  With it man takes credit upon himself and rebels agains power greater than himself.  Is wrong to take pride in your work or accomplishments?  No.  Absolutely not!  But, give credit where credit is due.  As a Christian I account for all of my success to God.  There is no magic or person that helped me to where I am.  God has allowed me to experience lessons for learning as well as great accomplishments.  The only time I have really regretted something I have done is when I try to take the glory.  In doing so I magnify myself for everyone to see my imperfection.  In God there is no imperfection.  It is better to magnify Him.

    Vs 17-18 – “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’ but remember that the LORD your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant He swore to your fathers, as it is today.”

    Walking in the Word – I will maginfy God in what I do.  I pray who I am and what I do glorifies God and brings others to the knowledge of His grace, mercy, and love.  I desire to have success in life and use what I have gained and learned to help others who are in need.  In all things I desire to show obedience to God through our Lord Jesus Christ by obeying His commands and loving others through Him.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father, I thank You for Your gifts to me in this life.  There are not many things left in this world that are not being corrupted.  I thank You that Your gifts cannot be destroyed, the greatest ones being salvation and love.  I pray that in having success I do not forget it was by Your hands alone I was allowed to have what I have.  I pray that I not only use what I have to glorify You, but that I may be a good steward of all things.  All good things belong to You.  I pray that I make good use of time as well as money.  May You be magnified through the Son in my life and others!  Amen and 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!

  • No Slave of Money

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Romans 13 –     These days it is very easy for someone to start a financially destructive path by taking on credit and loans.  I could write several pages on this topic alone, speaking from experience in the past but I am going to keep it brief for readability.  One piece of advice I heard was, “if God didn’t provide me with the money to obtain it, I don’t need it.”  I agree with that.  Unfortunately most people aren’t taught the rules of money until after they have their first credit card.  They start spending money left and right and justify taking on more debt if they can squeeze in another low monthly payment.  Biblically we are to not owe anyone anything except to love them.  We enslave ourselves by losing that freedom of choice that we had before we went into debt.  To keep it short, aggressively pay off your debt and spend cash only.  If you work out the math you may find it takes less time than you think.  Most people can reverse debts by living on a strict budget and making sacrifices to start.  After this they can pay each debt off one at a time aggressively.  My testimoney also attributes to tithing!  Give the FULL 10% always.  Everything we have belongs to the Lord.  Give to Him what He asks for.  How foolish to rob the Lord and ask for His blessings.  The LORD is always faithful in what He promises!  Always remember to enjoy the small victories in everything!

    Vs 8 – “Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
    Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.”
    Malachi 3:7-12 – “Since the days of your fathers, you have turned from My statutes; you have not kept [them].  Return to Me, and I will return to you,”says the LORD of Hosts. 
    But you ask: “How can we return?”
    “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!”
    You ask: “How do we rob You?”
    “[By not making the payments] of 10 percent and the contributions.  You are suffering under a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are [still] robbing Me.  Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.  I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your ground, and your vine in your field will not be barren,” says the LORD of Hosts.  “Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land,” says the LORD of Hosts.”

    Walking in the Word – I desire to live a life free of financial burden.  I also desire to help others with what the Lord has blessed me with.  I want to teach others how to become financially free and be able to enjoy the life that God has designed for them.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, thank You for allowing me to achieve success financially.  You have given in abundance and I pray that out of my abundance I can help others that need it.  Lord I pray that You help me to have the heart to give and care for those that You would have me to care for.  Lord I thank You that You have taught me how to care for what You have given me.  I pray that when I help others that You alone be glorified, for it is because of You I am able to do so.  Glory and praise to You my Father!  There is none like You.  You give good gifts and love unconditionally.  We are blessed to have such LOVE from our Father in heaven.  I pray that we all come to know this TRUTH to be evident in each of our lives!  Lord I lift Your name on high 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!

  • 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!

  • Never Forsaken

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Hebrews 13, John 16 –     Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us.  There are many times in our lives when we may feel lonely or isolated.  In times like this it is so difficult to focus and our hearts are heavy to the point that we almost don’t want to do anything at all.  However, it is the time when we can be on our knees and look up knowing that this too shall pass.  Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.  He also says, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5.  Even in isolation, as hard as it may be to accept, there is a light…a Hope.  No matter what path we walk God is always right there to catch us.  He never leaves our side.  In the moment that we start to sink He catches us and restores us.  It is hard to see over the valley when you are in it, but when you get to the other side you see it and the journey you made through it.  Stand on the high side and help those that may be in the valley.  When others hurt, extend your hand so they may see what the Lord has done in your life. 

    Walking in the Word – There has been many valleys in my life.  Many times I wondered how I would go pressing on.  Many times I laid in bed, not wanting to move, not eating, not sleeping.  I understand how agonizing life can be.  That is why I can sit here and tell everyone that it doesn’t in fact HAVE to be like that.  An outlook on life is a reflection of how we view the world.  A person’s personality, willpower, belief, faith, and outlook are all factors that play roles in how they live their lives.  Some may be depressed always and see the gloom of the world.  Some may be joyful and take note of the beauty of the world.  Unfortunately, some don’t even care.  But all have been sad, all have gone through struggles whether they are big or not, and all have traveled a different path.  For one, a struggle may not be as severe as another views it.  My point is that there is in fact more to this life.  The reality is that our lives are mere vapors.  We are here today and gone the next.  With such passing moments one should consider how they  will be remembered.  They should consider how others viewed them.  Were they just another person that went through life with no purpose or did they touch lives of others.  God is real and each of us will be held accountable.  How will I answer my life before Him?  It’s easy to live irresponsibly, trust me I know.  It is not easy to be held accountable.  What joy there is in knowing that even though we make mistakes, God is there for us.  My life has been such a complete blessing.  I no longer lay in bed sad or feel down.  I have an indescribable joy in my heart.  No matter how hard life becomes, I still have that Light, that Love, that Happiness that was not there before.  God has given me joy that the world could not.  That gaping hole in my heart that I tried to fill so many times is now filled.  To that I praise God for what He has done in my life.  My goal is to share that Love with others.  I want everyone to feel that happiness and PEACE.

    Prayer Response to the Word –Lord, I praise You for the Peace You have given me.  I ask that I not leave my first true love Lord and that You always stay near me.  I know in my life I have upset You.  I pray now that I please You.  I thank You for giving me the life I have today.  You have given me rest, love, joy, and peace.  I ask that in even my most busy day that I take time to give You what is Yours and that my life will be a reflection of You.  I ask that I can help others the way You have helped me.  I pray that as I am blessed by You, that I can bless others from my abundance.  You have been so forgiving and patient with me.  I thank You Lord that You are my God!  Amen!