Cody Braddock's Blog

Tag: stewardship

  • 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!

  • 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!