Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: protection

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • No Fear

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Isaiah 41 –     In Isaiah we see the Lord tell us not to have fear, that He is with us.  He tells us not to get upset and worry, or be dismayed.  That we will indeed be upheld by His right hand.  Yet how many times are we fearful.  It amazes me that we say we trust in the Lord and by the same token fear what will happen when obstacles in our lives rise up.  God did not give us the spirit of fear, but gave us the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).  When obstacles arise our first reaction should be to fall to our knees and pray.  After that we are to let go and trust that God wants us to succeed (Jeremiah 29:11).  We should never dwell on things that we are scared of but instead take those fears and thoughts captive in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Do not allow evil to poison the mind, which bitters the spirit.  Instead rejoice that we are in God’s war, on His side.  He has already won!  Although we may suffer in this life, fear not!  God has overcome the world (John 16:33).
    Vs 10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

    Walking in the Word – Although it is easy for me to fear and doubt in this life, I will choose not to.  I will instead believe, “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Phillippians 4:13.  I will not stay down, but rise again knowing that I am in His grace.  I will not allow evil to infect my mind, but instead take thoughts captive in obedience to Christ.  I will not lean on my own understanding, but trust in Him with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5).

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father God, thank You for giving me the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  You gave me self-discipline so that I do not run wild when I am fearful, but respond in solemn obedience.  You have designed me to stand in the face of adversity and have plated my armor to withstand any attack.  You have created me for Your purpose, not mine.  By Your name I will stand solid and firm on Your rock.  Use me Lord in Your will.  I will not be fearful.  For though a thousand may fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand, harm will not reach me (Psalm 91:7).  I will face fear and conquer it as my enemy.  I will fear nothing except You Lord.  I will not fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.  Instead I will fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).  Thank You Lord that I may serve you!  Thank You for Your protection!  If You are for us, who can be against us!  There is none like You!  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

  • Immediate Protection

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Psalm 121 –     We see tragedy in the news everyday.  It is sad and can be discomforting at times.  While there is still a LOT of beauty in the world, it is still riddled with violence.  There is no greater comfort for those who rely on God then to know that He is ultimately concerned for our well-being!

    Vs 7, 8 – “The LORD will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”So what does this mean?  Well it is naive to think that we are invincible.  There are things that happen to us that we cannot always explain.  There are things we encounter that we think we shouldn’t.  We can never fully understand the depth of life as far as fate goes.  What it does mean though is that the Lord is with us…period…no matter what struggle we face.  I believe this verse is really emphasizing that no matter what happens to us the Lord is going to protect us, whether it is here or after.  While life can be extinguished here, our souls cannot.  The Lord is saying no matter what happens He is going to make sure we are protected, no matter what.  The “forevermore” extends beyond our physical beings. 

    Walking in the Word – I am amazed by this verse because it says “…the Lord will watch over your coming and going…”.  To me this means that the Lord is always watching over me and that fills me with so much joy!  To know that the Lord takes interest in me gives me happiness.  To know that I am under His protection and watch fills my heart!  I want to keep in mind that the Lord is with me and not worry about things that I have no control over.  Instead of being sorrowful of any circumstance, I want to praise God that He is with me and that I will be comforted be it here or thereafter with Him!  Amen!

    Prayer Response to the Word – Abba, Father, I am so happy that You are with me!  It brings me so much joy to know that You have taken interest in who I am and that You have promised to keep harm away from me.  Please reach out to the ones I love and keep them close Lord, according to Your word.  I thank You for dealing with me in grace and mercy and I want to live an example as one who has much gratitude.  I want to share what You have done for me!  I am so grateful Lord and I thank You from the depths of my soul!  Amen and Amen!!!