Dominion

     It's a word not too many people are familiar with. Because of that, they live in a state of confusion and chaos, and wonder why God doesn't intervene. There have been many times in my life where I was left with so many questions in my mind that I began to doubt my faith, and nearly gave up. I found Jesus on the night I found out about dominion.

     I was at a small college hangout one night, and there was a guy there who spoke on dominion. He was a Alabama football player for Paul Bryant, and later one of his pallbearers. He is the chaplain for the University of Alabama's football team, and his sons have also played for Alabama. His credentials may seem far and wide, but he is a man of integrity, and taught me a lot about taking back what the enemy has stolen.

     He started his message off with a verse that has stuck with me since hearing quote it.

"You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet..." Psalms 8:6.

When he finished the verse, I sat it utter amazement. I could not believe what I had just heard. It was enough for me to break down at that moment. You spend your whole life thinking that all the bad in the world will get better when God steps in. But, according to this verse, He gave YOU authority to trample the enemy. He placed the enemy UNDER your feet.

     The enemy's plan is to isolate you and make you feel as if there's no way out. The enemy will convince you that you're too messed up; you'll never amount to anything. In Jesus name, I rebuke those LIES. Every morning when you wake up, you should have the confidence that you have dominion, you have authority, and in Jesus' name, you will not be shaken.

     I pray this restores some faith in a few people. You're not too far off. You are never outside the range of God's love.

 

Dear Sister,

     I'm writing you this to express my gratitude for your life and the life you'll bring into this world. I feel as if my responsibility as your oldest brother has fallen incredibly short, and I will kick myself for the rest of my life for it. But, that'll be my own demon that you will never have to fight. I want you to know that I'm proud of you. You have turned into a beautiful, young woman (compared to the hellion you were as a baby). This baby is blessed to one day call you "mother."
     If I could give you some brotherly advice (and I hope it's not too late), it would be to trust in God in everything you do. Our parents' divorce separated all of us kids, and I know it had to be tough on you to not have mom and dad in the same house. But, sometimes, life has to go on. Imagine what life would be like if dad and mom never divorced. Compared to what life is today, that reality would've been worse.
     Jesus is the only man you'll ever fully be able to rely on. No other man will ever satisfy you like He can. You'll understand God's love for you once you're holding your little one next year; you'll see with God's eyes that He loved His son so much, that He sent him here to die for you. You were worth dying for. I know that your love and sacrifice will exemplify that of what Jesus did for us. Not that you'll physically die, but that spiritually, you'll learn that the best thing you can do is to lay down your life as a sacrifice for your child.
     I don't think any less of you. You are my sister. You were the one that your three brothers argued over. We used to argue over who would marry you (being young, we didn't know better). You are the apple of dad's eye. You're mom's joy. You are your brother's troublemaker (cuz we'll kill for you). I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated - not mocked or outcasted.
     I love you, Emily, and I cannot wait to meet that little nugget.


Love,
Soon-to-be uncle Cody

God's love... Please read.

     This summer was a real eye opener. In the midst of confusion and chaos, it seemed as if the end was no where in sight. It's in those moments where people think in their mind that this is all there is to life. They couldn't be furthest from the truth. 

     God's love is never far away. His love is always near. Our view of God's love usually comes from our human perspective of what love is. But, human love is nearly that... Human. Flawed. Misunderstood. But, God's love isn't something we throw around to make ourselves feel better. Love is a person; and His name is Jesus. 

     When the word "love" comes to mind, we think of past hurts, past regrets, and sometimes our initial response is to run. As I listen to this song "Dearly Loved," I'm reminded that I am loved, and that the God who knows everything about me still loves me. There's not a single error in your life that can distant you from the love of God. He's with you wherever you go; you cannot flee Him. That's the beauty of God's love. 

     Someone out there is reading this, and they're thinking "This dude is crazy. God can't love me. I'm one screwed up dude." Reality check- we all are. If God can love someone who persecuted His own people to the point of killing them, He can love you in your struggles and addictions. I pray and hope people read this, and realize the Father's love for them. God bless. 

Support Letter

     Hello, my name is Cody Badgwell. I'm a resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I was born and raised. You are receiving this letter because you expressed interest in furthering the ministry of God to the nation. To better understand what I'm talking about, let me explain further.
     For as long as I can remember, I've had a huge passion for people. I grew up in a very diverse community, so I never saw racism or discrimination in any way. Though I'm sure those exist, I always overlooked it. My heart wasn't focuses on the color of skin or the morals of ethnicity; I was focused on seeing people for who they really are- a child of God.
     This leads to the mission God has called me on. I applied for an internship with a ministry called City Student Missions (CSM). They have sites in major cities all over the United States. The city I've applied for is Chicago, Illinois. While there, I will have the chance to work alongside the CSM staff, prepare for teams from all over the world, and then show these teams the city, cultural areas, and serve alongside them in the fields.
     Your prayers are a crucial part of your support. Monetary funds help, but prayers are my main source of provision. Once I'm in Chicago, I'll be getting paid, as this is a paid internship/job. My only source of help is for flights. If you want to contribute in any way, please send me an email at cbadgwell@gmail.com.
     Thank you so much for your interest to support this vision God has given me. Your prayers and support means the world to me.

Peace in Jesus

     I heard a quote in a movie once, and it still sticks with me to this day.

God has the power to show you who God is. 

When you hear something like that, you're instantly inspired to think that no matter what, no matter circumstances, God is still good. There have been many moments in my life recently where I've felt physically sick to my stomach from the stresses of life. I've had moments where all I want to do is lay in bed, and just waste away the day. It was in those moments where I stepped aside, and found peace. God is the ultimate peace. That is His name.
     When I think about the Israelites in captivity, I can't help but to think about how stressful that must've been. Beatings everyday. Stripped of everything you ever possessed, including your name. Where is the hope in all of this chaos? Out of the desert came a prophet who prophesied over the Israelite people:

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD. "Plans to prosper you, and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 That sounds pretty life-giving to me. Not exactly what I thought that refrigerator verse meant underneath the surface, but that's the context in which it was spoken.
     The main purpose for this post is to remind you that there is a peace that you can experience. Maybe you have something coming up; a test, move-out day, graduation, etc. There's so much to do in such a short period of time, and you're stressed to the max. Take some time, take a deep breath, and just think "Jesus." The mention of His name is enough to scare the enemy away. The enemy's strategy is to make sure you become so distracted by this stress that you forget about peace in Jesus. Revoke the enemy's powers; cancel their flight to destroy your life.

"I have mad him the ruler of the land. I have placed everything under his feet." Psalm 8:6

You have the authority to trample the enemy. Take advantage of it. And, in that, God will show you who He really is; Jehovah Shalom, the God who IS peace. 

Season of Preparation

     A lot of times I feel as if I'm left out of a lot. Maybe it's a social gathering. A bunch of friends hanging out.  I've always been an incredibly social person, so to not be invited to gatherings or hangouts can definitely make me feel alone. Growing up throughout elementary and middle school, I was the constant rejected student. I had no friends whatsoever, and prayed every single night for God to give me at least one best friend. I didn't get my first real best friend until I was in college.
     As I see all these pictures of friends hanging out, and knowing I didn't get invited, enemy always places in my head doubt. Doubt that the people that say they're my friend, are not. I'm reminded of my rejected days. And, as I remember those days, the Holy Spirit begins to speak to me in that friend's voice only He has. He tells me, " As the same before, I'm preparing you for something greater."
     Recently, I've realized that now is not the time to be social. Now is my time to tap into what God has been trying to reveal to me all along. He has been trying to prepare me for something greater than I can imagine; I've just been so socially active to slow down and realize it. As my nights come to close, I find myself watching podcasts or reading the One year bible, and it's been the most rewarding moments of my day. I can have the most stressful day at work, or maybe be stressed about some life issues, but the moment I hear or read God's word, I'm instantly transformed.
     Maybe this is your season of preparation. You just graduated college, and now you're looking for a job but it seems as if there's no luck. You're stressed because your lease is up next month, and you don't know what to do next. You're so worried about God's will for your life. You're not alone; God's will is everyone's question. As Pastor Steven Furtick once said, "If you want to know God's will, you have to know God's ways." So, allow God to prepare the way for you, and He'll lead you right to where you need to be. You may feel alone, rejected, or left out, but God is preparing you for a greater purpose. You were made for more than what you're thinking.
     God bless you all!

Revelation from WBC

     This past weekend, I had the opportunity to counter-protest what culture has branded "America's Most Hated family." Westboro Baptist Church was in Tuscaloosa protesting the University of Alabama, stating that the tornado was God's wrath upon Tuscaloosa. They've been known to protest soldier funerals and other major events in the United States.
     While I stood among other local Tuscaloosa residents, we counter protested the same way they did; by making our voices heard. Some said derogatory things while others exposed the TRUE love of God. The following words left my mouth, and pierced my own heart: "God forgave me, He can forgive you, too." As I said those words, it was as if God hit me in the face with a brick. Whoa! How many times have I lived in condemnation of my sin thinking it was too much for God to forgive? Too many times to count! The same love Westboro is searching for is the same love I found Saturday afternoon.
     For those who feel condemned, God hasn't given up on you. He's longing to be with you. What good is a relationship when it's only one way? How loved would you feel if you have everything in a relationship only to get nothing back? I know we all have questions, but the answers are in the experience. Get to know God's supernatural presence, THEN work on yourself. The Scripture says to, first, submit yourself to God. That means seek FIRST the Kingdom, and His righteousness. Then, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Don't wait to get your act together first. Come to Jesus first, and allow Him to help.
     God bless you all!

A Vision of Life

     I've been a Christian now for 13 years, and been faithfully serving God in ministry for about ten of those years. Although those numbers may sound as if Wisdom and knowledge flows, that couldn't be furthest from the truth. I'm still learning everyday, and of course, it's been a challenge. I find my strength in knowing that God doesn't tempt me beyond what I can handle, and it's proven so in so many situations in my life. 
     About six months ago, I had a vision. Growing up, I didn't have a Christian family. My grandmother took me to a small Baptist church, and then later on a Pentecostal church. My grandmother was the woman I looked to for spiritual guidance. Back to the vision. I envisioned that I was standing in the back of my church's office complex, and I saw my mom at the very front. In the vision, I had knowledge that the room was full of people, but it was also as if my mom was the only one in the room. I only saw her. And, basically, I saw my mom swaying back and worth as if she was dancing with Jesus. If you know my mom, you know she has long, flowing hair. For some reason, God placed a huge emphasis on my mom's hair, because the way her hair swayed signified the passion my mom had to worship Jesus. My mom danced with Jesus, and that's the only way I can describe the vision. 
     Recently, my mom went through some intense times, and she told me she was so ready to have purpose. Unfortunate circumstances in the past held her back, and she wants to make it right now. I write this note to encourage those who are desperate for something. Maybe your life hasn't been what you wanted it to be. Don't let that be an excuse to live. You have a purpose. I can't express that enough. My mom, she has an incredible purpose. My mom, she is my angel, and the rock that has held me together when all I wanted to so was fall apart. Jesus had always been there, too, but God used my mom for those special moments, too. 
     Even as I type this, I am in tears, because I know that I have friends that are so lost and desperate. Family members, too. And I want you to know, there is hope. You were not a mistake. I hope this encourages someone today. Allow God to reveal Himself to you like never before. 

I. AM. SET. FREE.

This past week was rather challenging. It's as if the enemy has strategically done everything, literally everything to tear me down. 

• My job I had for a year laid me off. I had done everything professionally possible in order to make a smooth transition to my new job, yet the management went ahead and laid me off. This led to a small "freak out" due to much financial strain. Of course, like all new jobs, it takes a while to get that first paycheck. And, of course the enemy placed a fear in my mind. But, I had to remind him of my little Friend, Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides all my needs. 
• I attended a retreat in Birmingham this past weekend. It was absolutely life-changing. The purpose of the LIFE retreat was to teach you how to live in freedom everyday, and to equipped you to live it out. Through the retreat, I found that freedom I craved. Forgave people. Forgave myself. Moved on. When I returned, the enemy was waiting on me. Instantly, he reminded me of my past. But, I had to remind him of my little Friend, Jehovah Nissi, the God who IS my victory. 

     Recently, I read a blog that brought much truth to my life. I constantly asked myself "If I'm saved, then why do I still struggle?" Before I was saved, I was just a reckless, dead soul. After I got saved, I was made alive. In the blog, it answered my question. The very fact that I'm alive is the answer that I struggle. A dead person can't struggle. A corpse can stress over things. It's dead. 
     So, if you have been going through the same thing, let this shine some light in your life. You're not alone, and you have an Intercessor who goes before you, and fights for you.  

The Challenge

     As I look around, I can't help but to see how many people claim to be a Christian, yet their actions say otherwise. Jesus never said the Christian life would be easy. If anything, He said that there would be troubles. He follows that up by telling us that He has already overcome the world. So, He understands that this life is hard. Today's culture has placed Christians under the radar, and now more than ever, persecution has brought out the worse in Christians.
     I honestly believe it is culture that causes Christians to cave into a lifestyle they know they don't want to live. Culture has given this image that if you uphold Christian morals and values, you're irrelevant and old school. Since when has that become a crime? "The bible is too outdated." "That was a long time ago." Have we become so prideful that decent values are no longer of importance?
     In nearly ten years of ministry, I have seen the ups and downs of a struggling Christian. I, myself, was once in that position. I'm not saying I'm not anymore, but there's a difference in living in sin, and striving to live apart from sin. The struggle is way too familiar. Stuck in hardcore addictions. Relationships. Lifestyles. It's hard to get out of what you're so accustomed to, and it's easy to get into it because "it's what everyone else is doing." Trust me, I've been there's too. I always thought it'd be cool to fit in, especially since I was regularly rejected in my elementary and junior high days.
     Growing up, I wore glasses and hearing aids. I was the laughingstock of all the schools I attended. I never could find the friends I constantly strived to have. Due to the desperation of wanting to fit it, I succumbed into a lifestyle I knew God did not approve of. It may not be as hardcore as most people's stories, but for me in my life, I was desperate to leave that lifestyle. All it brought for let down after letdown. Relationships were formed that never should had formed. Drinking what I shouldn't be drinking. Under aged smoking, knowing it was wrong, yet thought it was cool. But, the more I did it, the more I started fitting in. I started skipping class, got in trouble at school for smoking on campus, and it just all spiraled down from there. It wasn't until 2007 when I truly started to see God's calling in my life, and that He called me to be set apart.
     That's the key. We're called to be in the world, but not of it. If the friends we have are constantly nagging you about going to bars, going to parties, etc; I don't see the encouragement in that. They are pulling you into a position to not be in your right mind, and in that, can turn into something bad. Don't allow that to happen. You have been given authority by God (and as a human being) to say no. Take control over your life; guard what your eyes see, what your ears hear. If you guard yourself, you give God the control to move in your life. Quit looking at that on the Internet. Stop going to that party. End that relationship that has gone way too far. In that, you'll find your innocence is restored, your life is renewed, and you become stronger than ever.

God bless.

Salvation is here. Salvation is now.

I know it's been quite some time since I've posted, but there's so much to update on. God has truly blessed me in so many ways. I'm really not sure where to start.

Since my last post, I have moved into my own place, a small camper that a beautiful family has allowed me to rent out in however way I can afford. There's no pressure, and no obligation. Just maintain the camper. I've even added a new member to a family, a ten week old pitbull names Millow (pronounced Mee-low). She's still in those baby days, so its been a challenge so far.

School didn't work out this semester. I lost my pell grant from last semester, which wasn't a pleasant thing. I really tried hard to get the best grades. My focus hasn't necessarily been in the right place, though. I was educationally driven, just not focus-driven.

In December, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Los Angeles for a week on a mission trip. There, we worked alongside the Los Angeles Dream Center, and served almost 2,000 people. We visited Skid Row, and saw some things that have been engraved in my heart and mind. I don't think I'll ever forget them. The sadness of Skid Row scarred me, but not in a negative way to never want to go there again. It scarred me in a way to encourage me, and solidify what God's calling for my life is. We also got to go to Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Long Beach (where I met, in person, a lady whom I have only had contact with via Skype/Stickam). It's easy to see the beauty of California, but if you're willing, God can call you into the inner cities where poverty is mainstream, and drugs on the street are no surprise. Drug use is done right in front of you, and no one cares who sees you.

In September, I plan to move to Los Angeles in order to participate in an internship. Through that internship, I will have hands-on experience through ministry and missions. The Los Angeles Dream Center is also a church, and through that church (Angeles Temple) I will serve the city of Los Angeles. I'm excited to say the least, because if you realize that a lot of people who come through Temple on a weekly basis are the ones hurting, it sets something inside of you to want to serve their socks off. I know it stirred something inside of me.

So, by now, you're probably wondering what does the title have to do with this blog. It lead to this. A lot of times, I hear about people coming to know The Lord. Being in ministry, it's a common occurrence. And, many times I never meet these people face-to-face. Until recently. I had the honor of leading someone to know The Lord through the repentance prayer. It's the greatest joy to know that you took part in someone's salvation. Since then, I've been able to see the changes and struggles this guy has faced. It's challenging. But, being able to see this has brought a renewed faith inside of myself. His prayers have been of pure innocence. His fights have been fought properly. His love for The Lord grows daily. I'm amazed to see this, and I'm blessed that it has not only secured his place in Heaven, but has renewed my faith as well. Keep believing God for the salvation of your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. in God's beautiful timing, He'll provide a way, and you'll reap many blessings.

God bless you all!