Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: reflection

  • 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!

  • Giving Thanks for CHRISTmas

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Colossians 3 –     This time of the season is time to give thanks to our Lord and Savior.  It is also time to keep Christ in Christmas.  We should never forget the true meaning of Christmas.  It is more than the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and stressing over what gifts to give.  We should take this time to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect.  Reflect on what the Lord has done for each of us.  Reflect on how to share the news of the gospel to others.  Take time to take a breath and start the new year with hope and prayer for the nation and our leaders, as well we as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

    Vs 17 – “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

    Walking in the Word – I want to use this time to share about our Lord.  I want to look around and truly appreciate what the Lord has done for us, even though we are undeserving.  I will take time to reflect where I am in life and where I would like to be spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, and relationally.

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God in heaven, thank You so much for the blessings you have bestowed on us.  Although this nation tries to do things on their own, Your children know the day is near where we all will come to know You.  There will be the day that all things bow and confess that Jesus is Lord and sits at the right hand of Almighty God!  Lord, I pray You have mercy on us all.  If you would hear this man’s prayer, I pray that You forgive them still, for they know not what they do.  Forgive me Father for countlessly falling short of Your glory.  Have mercy on me and please be willing to use me still to further Your kingdom and to share the news of the Gift You gave us…true salvation.  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.

  • 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!

  • Renew Your Mind

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Romans 12 –     Many people want to know what God’s will is for them.  They often question whether what they are doing is “in God’s will”.  The bible gives us a clear way to know how to discern whether what we are carrying out in our lives is part of God’s plan.  That does not mean we understand and know every detail of His will, but by resisting the ways of the world we are more prepared to respond to what is in God’s plan.  However, we need to be careful to understand that we can never fully comprehend God’s will, even when we are living in obedience.  Sometimes we say, “Well, God didn’t will this for us…” or “It will happen if God wants it too…” or “Why did God let this happen”.  By saying such statements we are assuming we actually know that God did/did not act on our behalf.  We try to wrap our minds around things that we only conceive of in our fleshly minds.  We do not know why all things happen.  We may never understand everything that happens in our lives.  The story of Job carries this out even further.  No one knew why Job suffered.  Everyone assumed he had great sin.  However God willed him to be humbled in order that God be glorified.  Remember that it was Satan that inflicted pain on Job, NOT God.  The bible says God’s throne is heaven and earth is His footstool.  His knowledge and wisdom are above what we can truly comprehend and sometimes things just don’t make since.  What we must keep in mind is that all things eventually come together for the glory of God.  Let’s renew how we think today.
    Vs 2 –  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

    Walking in the Word – I want to change how I perceive things.  Sometimes I think I know what is going on in the world, just to be swept away and realize I know very little.  I do know that the world is steadily growing wicked, and there is a literal battle going on spiritually for everyone.   I know that the more I flee from the ways of the world the more I feel closer to the Lord.  I desire to throw off the chains of this world and soar to the tower of the Almighty God.  I desire to be in His presence.  After my bones are left here to rot with all the material things of the world, my soul will rest in eternity with God where moth and rust do not destroy and pain is no more.  I desire to make this live meaningful and not waste it on things that do not glofiy my Father.  I want to dwell in the House of the Lord forever in live in paradise with Him!  All of us will eventually pass on and it would be a shame not to invest what time we do have into an eternity with the Creator of the Universe.  What a most precious gift! 

    Prayer Response to the Word – Father God, I ask that You please forgive me for living in the world so long in my ignorance.  I pray that You please rescue me and remember me in Paradise.  I ask that You take each of us to heaven with You and that You forgive us all for doing things so long according to our way.  I ask for Your mercy and grace on all of us.  Please be merciful and spare us from ultimate death.  Lord there is none like You.  Where were we when You laid the foundations of the Earth?  Where were we when You established the heavens?  I praise You Lord that You are mighty to save!  Blessed be Your name!  I ask that my mind is renewed and that I may discern between good and evil.  I ask that You protect me and my family from the world so that we may carry out what You command of us in Your holy name.  Lord please help us to establish a constant relationship with You.  Please help us to stand firm no matter what.  I ask that You raise me up by Your right hand and that You teach me to help others and to love others as You have loved me.  I ask that my and my family’s life pleases You and that we do not waste time in sharing with others.  Lord please instruct us on how to live a full life that magnifies You.  I pray this in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!

  • The Man in the Mirror

    Today’s Insight in the Word-
    Proverbs 20 –     Every once in a while we have to look in the mirror.  Are we usually satisfied with what we see?  It is a question that causes us to inspect the depths of who we are.  It is easier at times to pretend everything is good and bury our heads in the sand.  But true self-reflection can be a humbling experience.  The question of “What am I doing with my life?” may shake some at their foundation.  It is not always easy to look at our weakness.  The Lord is our light and no darkness can hide.  Our souls are searched and hearts are weighed.  Even in our weakness we can be made strong through the Lord.
    Vs 27 – “A person’s breath is the lamp of the LORD, searching the innermost parts.”

    Walking in the Word – In my life I have had many failures and weaknesses.  I counted these as major losses before I came to Christ.  Although I had failed I found hope.  I was tired of going through the same pains and self-inflicted drama that caused me to wind up in a vicious circle of despair.  Through God’s grace I was spared and my life changed dramatically.  I have a peace in my soul that no matter what happens I know God is going to take care of me.  That peace can’t be bought or found in this world.  I’m thankful that God spared me and that I can live a peaceful and productive life now. 

    Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, I thank You for sparing me.  I thank You that You have made me whole again.  I feel safe and secure now and I have Your wonderful peace in my soul.  I pray that I can share with others so that they too may have love and peace that only You can offer them.  Your peace and love are different Lord.  They quench my soul when other things didn’t.  You filled a gap in my life.  You are my purpose for living and I pray my life reflects that.  Please help me to love others and be there for those that need to be comforted.  I pray these things for Your glory and in Your name, Amen!