Handling The Spirit of Offense

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:

  • Being offended is a part of life, and these offenses REALLY show up in the lives of us who are Holy-Ghost filled!
  • I witnessed an interaction where a standing upset between two people made things VERY awkward for the onlookers.
  • The Lord reminded me of a time I was offended, did not handle things correctly, and He corrected me.

Scripture (KJV) references

Psalm 63:1

 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

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!

Matthew 5:23-24

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

BCUFam, I admit I could have done a much better job at handling that situation! I am grateful for God’s mercy and patience toward me as He helped me to reconcile with my sister-friend. Unaddressed offenses often turn into bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor and evil speaking against the offender. While we do not minimize the hurt the person caused, the Word also says to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (See Ephesians 4:31-32). When God puts it that way, it’s time to take care of these offenses. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Heavenly Father and gracious Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for teaching/reminding us that in many things we offend all, and that offenses will come.

While the hurt does not feel good, we ask that You help us to forgive the individuals from our heart, as You heal our heart, mind and spirit. Thank You, Jesus for helping us to go on and love that person the way You have called us to. We also know that in certain situations, it is best the relationship not continue after forgiveness happens. Help us NOT to lean to our own understanding on who to stop associating with, rather, bless us to consult and follow Your leading, so You are honored, praised and pleased. Thank You Lord for helping those of us who have offended others to ask for and receive forgiveness as well, so You are glorified and we can can be called Your children! 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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Errands, Timing & Blessings

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:

  • Recently, the Lord blessed me to teach on the importance of having the Holy Ghost (I may share that with you soon!)
  • Part of that teaching reminded us that we need the Spirit of God in our lives to lead and guide us in ALL things.
  • Earlier this week, the Lord suddenly reminded me I needed to run an important errand.
  • The place, timing and purpose for the errand was kairos-timed and an opportunity to be salt and light.

Scripture (KJV) references

Matthew 5:14-16.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

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

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

BCUFam, I marvel at God and how He does things. This errand had been something I was trying to take care of for over the last couple of weeks, but could not get to it. On this particular day though, God reminds me this task needed to get done, and He works out my schedule so I have the time to complete it. He then guided me to a specific store, and walked me to the person who needed the encouragement! God is AWESOME! When we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, He will truly direct our paths—-we just have to hear His voice and with His help, obey! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for teaching/reminding us to SLOW DOWN and be more aware of the people around us who need a word from You. Please speak through us as we interact with people so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and that someone will be encouraged and/or want to be saved! Thank You, Jesus, for blessing us to be good representatives of the light and salt You have called for us to be, and we will give You all the glory! 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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How God Protects: A Personal Testimony

Hey there BCU Fam!

We are so glad you are here! You can access the podcast here, or click on the avatar below, as you refer to the show notes below for the highlights. We pray the rebroadcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • A bit back, during Bible study, Pastor brought up how God is a Protector.
  • He went on to say that the Lord can use people to help protect us from danger.
  • As pondered on the supporting Scriptures Pastor had us to read, I was reminded of a particular time the Lord protected my daughter’s and my life.
  • It’s been a LONG time since I told that testimony, so I am sharing it today.

Scripture references

Acts 9:17-25

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Acts 23:19-24

19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

Lamentations 3:22-23

22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

BCU Fam, this happened in my “B.C.” (before Christ) days, so God had EVERY right to take my life, but He saw fit to spare and save me and that’s something to praise God for!!!!! AND I am believing Him to save my daughter and her family as well. He is ABLE!!! If you are saved according to Acts 2:38 (repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and filled with the Holy Ghost) then hold on to Jesus and DO NOT let go. You may have been or our going through things–God has been good to you!!! If you are not saved or are not sure, reach out to me here and let’s talk about how to get saved. Once you’ve had a touch from Jesus, you’ll never be the same again! I am a witness!

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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify!

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

Love,

BCU

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Blessings in Communication: Avoiding Talebearing

Hey there BCU Fam!

We are so glad you are here! You can access the podcast here, or click on the avatar below, as you refer to the show notes below for the highlights. We pray the rebroadcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • While communication is often defined as how well we speak, it is also how we communicate about others to others.
  • When growing up, gossip or “talebearing”, backbiting, and slander was a normal part of conversations, even among some of the people of God.
  • Years ago, the Lord delivered me from these ungodly habits, but there was an instance where I felt “obligated” to share new information I received.

KJV Scripture References

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue (Proverbs 23:25).

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends (Proverbs 16:28).

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20).

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6)

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (Proverbs 26:22).

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:6).

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).

BCUFam, that urge to share was SUPER STRONG, but God was STRONGER! Thank You, Lord! And had I gone forward in what I “knew”, the results would have been catastrophic! I am learning that when we do things God’s way, we get His results—-which are always perfect. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank and praise You for the revelation and/or reminder as to what our speech should entail. We ask You, Jesus, to help us to hear Your voice as we communicate with one another about one another, so that what we say will be non-corrupt, full of grace, seasoned with salt, and edifying to the hearer. With Your help, Lord, we also want the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable in Your sight, Jesus.Thank You for delivering us from the strong hold of corrupt communication and giving us more love in our hearts and prayers and sweet words on our lips for the people who are made in Your image. We bless Your name for helping us to represent You in our speech, 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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify!

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

Love,

BCU

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Lessons from a Flight Incident: Pride v. Humility

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

This podcast is a much-needed revisit and reminder that I am so amped to share with you! 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 a frequent flier, I am very accustomed to the rules relating to carry-ons and such.
  • Years ago, on a flight, I was settling in when a flight attendant gave me a hard time, and made me stow my perfectly legal carry-on——-that had my purse and SNACKS in it!
  • As I fumed, I pled my case with the Lord because I know I was right and she was wrong!
  • Listen in to see how what the Lord did on my behalf.

KJV Scripture References:

Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence comes! (Matthew 18:7).

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2).

When pride comes then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).

 Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom (Proverbs 13:10).

So, BCU Fam, when I first pleaded my case with the Lord, I was NOT expecting that answer LOLOL! I give God glory, though, for His correction. It is so much better if we get the lesson right on this side of Heaven, than to see Jesus after we leave here and have to depart from Him for deliberate and willful disobedience. And in doing what the Lord said, I am grateful for how things turned out. When we do things God’s way, we get His results, which are always perfect. Amen? Amen!

What are your thoughts about the post? Please scroll on down to the comments section and let’s continue our conversation!

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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, YouTube podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and many others podcast platforms!

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

Love,

BCU

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