Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: happiness

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Don’t Worry, Be Happy

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Matthew 6 –     Many times we go through life worrying about every little thing until it drives us crazy.  The world is filled with things to worry about, but what does the Lord say?  In Vs 25 it says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” I love this verse because Jesus says not to worry about a thing.  Basically he says be happy and know that He is going to provide for you.
    He even goes a step further to tell us in Vs 26, 27 to “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?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
    What a glorious Savior and Provider!  God says He will take care of us no matter WHAT comes our way.  It is good to know that we are in His hands.  God is faithful to His word, unlike us at times.  Allow the Lord to take your stress away and bless you!

    Walking in the Word – I know in my life I have worried a lot before.  I find that it is easier and easier to allow God to take control, rather than for me to.  God has always provided for me and has shown me that I only need to worry about pleasing Him and sharing with others about what He has done in my life.  Today I remind myself of WHO I am and WHOSE I am.  I rest assured tonight that the Lord has me in His hands and it is there that I find peace.  Amen!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father God, I am grateful that You have me in Your hands.  Thank You for all that You provide for me.  I know I dwell in Your shadow where I never lack anything and I am comforted.  I pray when the enemy tries to worry me with things of the world, that You remind me that I am more than the birds of the sky.  You feed them and shelter them and not even one falls from the sky without You knowing.  I ask that I may keep that fact on the tablets of my heart.  I can rest knowing that You care for me as well as Your other children.  I praise You Lord, and I lift Your name on high.  Who is like You?  Thank you!  In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen and Amen!