Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: life

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Rejuvenated

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

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

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

  • Break My Heart From What Breaks Yours

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

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

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

  • Living With Purpose

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

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

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

  • For Profit?

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Mark 8 –    Sometimes I wonder why we get so caught up in the love of the world.  I understand it and I understand why some people desire nicer things, but I do not understand why we go at such great lengths to ultimately achieve a point of satisfaction before we pass away.  It saddens me that we sometimes invest in things that are of little worth when we could invest more in each other.  We could invest our lives into one another and build upon our lives by showing the love of Christ to each other.
    Vs 35 – “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it.”
    This verse shows that instead of worrying about selfish ambition, perhaps we could become selfless and serve others by sharing the message that Christ Jesus brought to us.  Nothing that is hurtful, but to helpful to share love, compassion, understanding, obedience, self-control.  
     Vs 36 – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
    What will we profit?  Desire is the want that is perpetually absent, not within reach.  We desire new cars, new houses, better jobs, etc. but once we have that we desire more.  We crave to fill this hole in our hearts that is truly only filled by God.  We fell incomplete when we try to fill it with anything else.  However, when you open your heart and mind to the Lord and just ALLOW Him to show you true and fulfilling love, our lives are changed and that love just multiplies and touches others.

    Walking in the Word – I want to invest in others’ lives as Christ has invested in mine.  I am so blessed that the Creator of the Universe and the Giver of Life has chosen someone like me to save.  Blessed be His name!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father I pray that You fill me with Your love and fill my heart with Your Spirit.  Lord, I desire to be filled by You so that I may pour out to others.  I do not desire to keep what You have given me to myself, but rather invest in others.  I ask that You open their hearts and speak to them.  I know because of Your Son dying for me, that You have invested in my life.  Help me to share that love with others that need it most.  Help me to reach out and care for those that need you, need a hug, need a friend, need love, or anything else they may need.  I want to serve You by serving others as You have shown me.  I praise You Lord for Your mercy and compassion and that I have You in my life.  The desire to grow burns in my soul and I long for Your presence Lord.  In this dark and violent world be my Light.  I pray in Your precious name Jesus, Amen.