Being Content vs. Complaining

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • As youngsters, we often “counted down” to important milestones in our lives like birthdays or summer vacation.
  • Once we got to the anticipates date, we started counting the next one—– and complained about the in-between time.
  • As adults, that same “hurry-up and complain” mindset often resurfaces with our tasks and responsibilities.
  • While we can look forward to the next “good” thing, complaining about our assignments displeases God, and wastes the precious time He gives us.
  • God can help us to be more intentional about using all the time He gives us wisely.

Scripture references

Psalms 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Colossians 3:23-24

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Psalm 133:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

James 5:16 (b)

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Ecclesiastes 5:18

18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

BCU Fam, I really have to be intentional about not rushing through my days and wishing my time away. Otherwise, we can miss how we can be a blessing to others and God blessing us, because we are ready to get to the next good thing. With the help of the Lord, let’s enjoy all the moments God gives us, rather than complaining.

Also, there are times when we are in extreme pain, grief, sadness, distress—and it’s a challenge to rejoice in the day the Lord has made. This is when we lean more into Jesus who will carry us through moment by moment. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for this day and with Your help we will rejoice and be glad in it. As we commit this day to You, please bless us to be aware and intentional in our thoughts, actions and interactions that we are serving and representing You, Jesus. Thank You for helping us through the assignments and tasks that we struggle with to complete them to Your glory, honor and praise. Thank You, Jesus for the job, the family, the ministry, the chores, the bills, the mountains, the valleys, the lessons, correction and the blessings You’ve graciously bestowed on us—and with Your help, we will learn to be content until our change comes.

Please remember those of us are that are enduring hardness and experiencing heart-breaking situations, where it is a challenge to function as the Word tells us to. Speak, Jesus to hearts and minds today, letting someone who is in the struggle of pain, grief, sadness–whatever it is—to hear Your voice, feel Your presence and to be strengthened by You, Jesus. Thank you for Your comfort, Your guidance, and for blessing someone today to know that You love them and are a present help. Thank you for lifting someone’s head and their hands in praise, even now, Jesus! It is in Your Name, we thank you for the victory! Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study––-we are LIVE on Facebook, at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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Same Instructions, Different Day.

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • A couple of years ago, I posted a podcast about how a thoughtless customer jumped front of me in line, and how the Lord instructed me to handle the offense.
  • Recently, I went to the same service provider for routine maintenance, and the SAME thing happened!
  • What lesson did the Lord want to teach me this time?

Scripture references:

James 1:19-20

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Ecclesiastes 3:1;7

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak

Ephesians 4:15;26

 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

   Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Romans 12:19

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

BCUFam, I had two opportunities to confront this person, but did not get the release to do so. Because grievous words stir up anger, my timing and current tone may have been the match that lit the fuse. Rather, I took things to the Lord in prayer and left them there. If God wants us to have a challenging conversation with someone, He will arrange the timing, wording and circumstances where things will turn out perfectly, because we serve a perfect God. Also, the Lord reminded me to pray for her according to Matthew 5:44-49. That should have been one of the first things I did, but with the help of the Lord, I’ll remember for next time. Aren’t we thankful for such a loving and forgiving God? Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God and Heavenly Savior, as we come before You in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the lesson and reminder to practice the pause before going into reaction mode. So many times, we have flown off the handle, done or said things that did not always reflect You, Lord and for that, we ask your forgiveness. And please help us, to recall Your words Jesus, as we interact with people and situations that may be challenging. We know that we can do all things through You that strengthens us! We thank You for your continued patience with us, as You mold us to become more like You, Lord. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study––-we are LIVE on Facebook, at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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Capturing EVERY Thought

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • God, in His infinite wisdom created us with a magnificent brain that can hold about around 2.5 petabytes, or a million gigabytes of information.
  • To sketch that out, if your brain worked like a DVR, 2.5 petabytes would be enough to hold three million hours of TV shows.
  • A 2022 Healthline.com study purported that people had more than 6,000 thoughts per day.
  • While some of those thoughts are random musings or duties to perform, (Hmm…I wonder what the temperature is?, or I need to call for an oil change appointment), still others can come from the enemy and if not controlled, can lead to inner dialogues that can work us up into an unneeded emotional froth that does not glorify God.

KJV Scripture references

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? (Luke 18:7)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

BCU Fam, what we think will spill over into our words and actions, so we have to take an active stance when it comes to which of the 6,000 thoughts we will entertain. And while we cannot control the thoughts the enemy will bring, we can filter those thoughts through the word of God. If what we are thinking is not acceptable in God’s sight (and He will let us know), we need to cast them down in the name of Jesus and replace them with other thoughts that line up with Philippians 4:8. It may take some discipline, but the Lord is able to help us make sure our thoughts are pleasing to Him. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for reminding us that what we think is just as important as what we say. Please forgive us, Jesus for the times we have allowed our thoughts to take us to conversations and places that do not please You. Thank You, Lord for helping us to actively capture, cast down or keep our thoughts——all according to Your Word versus our way. In Jesus Name, we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X,and Instagram.

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study––-we are LIVE on Facebook, at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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Storytime | Patience & Perfect Work

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • In my recent travels, a questionable charge came up, prompting me to call my financial institution for a new card.
  • As I was speaking to the representative, we had to update pertinent information on my account.
  • Due to a lack of disclosure and slip-shod customer service practices, my card was delayed in arriving.
  • The delay was a part of the Lord’s plan to develop more patience.

Scripture (KJV) references

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Philippians 4:11

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I Thessalonians 5:18

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

BCUFam, divers temptations are a common occurrence (traffic snarls, rude cashiers, long lines, etc.), and in this case, terrible customer service. We are living in a time where there is less compassion and more “there is nothing I can do”. Rather than go “Hulk”, let’s practice being thankful, turning things over the Lord and allowing Him to work things out in His way and in His time. God will either move on our behalf to take care of the problem, give us the strength and patience to get through the situation gracefully, or both! In either case, patience will have her perfect (maturing) work, we will get the victory, and God will be glorified. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Heavenly Father and gracious Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for what our ears have heard and teaching/reminding us that patience is a part of the walk with You, Jesus.

We know that tribulation works patience, so some of the things we are going through is equipping us to learn how to wait—–and how to wait in a way that glorifies You, Jesus. So as we continue to wait for the things we are looking for You to work out, we thank You Lord for giving us an attitude of gratitude, as we continue to bless Your name and serve You wholeheartedly! In Jesus Name, we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X,and Instagram.

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study––-we are LIVE on Facebook, at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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Pop Quiz: The Offensive Accusation

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • The last time we were together, I spoke on offenses, improper responses to one, and how the Lord corrected me.
  • Not too long after that post, the Lord used a situation to test my obedience to a surprise offense.
  • In today’s conversation, I’ll fill you in on all the details—and if I passed the test.

Scripture (KJV) references

Matthew 5:43-48

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

James 1:19-20

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Matthew 18:7

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

BCUFam, when someone falsely accuses you, it stirs up emotions and reactions that are valid, yet they need to remain under control of the Holy Ghost. If we take a moment to pray, taking how we feel to the Lord, He will let us know how to respond so that the situation is handled His way. Doing things God’s way ensures that our response glorifies Him, builds our treasures in Heaven, and helps us to continue to be a good witness of who we are and Whose we are. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God and awesome Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for teaching/reminding us of how we are to respond when we are falsely accused and feeling offended.

When offended, please help us, Jesus to be slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to hear, and manage our emotions so they don’t cause further offense AND so we refrain from accusing others. We thank You, Jesus for being a present help in our tough conversations, and we will continue to give You all the glory in our interactions. In Jesus Name, we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X,and Instagram.

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study––-we are LIVE on Facebook, at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

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