Room A203: My Mom, An Ice-Cream Cone & A Life Lesson

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:

  • My parents were the quintessential back-in-the-day married couple with kids.
  • Dad worked and “brought home the bacon”, and Mom ensured the “bacon” clothed, fed and sheltered all of five of us.
  • Part of Mom’s household management style included special treats from time to time, which we loved.
  • One of those treats brought joy, tears and a reflective lesson.

Scripture (KJV) references

Hebrews 12:11

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Proverbs 6:20-22

20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.


BCUFam, I had forgotten about that story until a dear family member checked on me. God has a way of bringing things back to our remembrance in the natural so we can recall and apply it for our spiritual benefit and to His glory.

As I continue to reflect on the life of my late mother, I recognize that the lessons she taught—–both spoken and unspoken and they how continue to resonate with me today. Lord will, I plan to share some more of those lessons with you all as I chronicle her phenomenal life and impactful legacy. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God, and amazing Savior as we come before You today, we thank You for reminding us to be obedient to You the first time, as we desire to be hearers AND doers of Your Word. Please forgive us, Lord for the times we made ignorant and/or disobedience choices. We know that sometimes we have to walk out the consequences of our actions, so we ask for Your continued mercy until our chastisement is over, and with Your grace, we will do better going forward! We thank You, and we praise You for this and for all things, Lord, in Jesus name, we bless You. 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 PodcastsiHeart 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

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 PodcastsiHeart 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

Jesus Knows Us By Name

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 podcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • I was studying a Psalm and somehow (well, the Lord unexpectedly guided me there) ended up in the book of Exodus.
  • God has a way of illuminating the Scriptures to speak directly to our questions, concerns, or just to let us know He loves us.
  • Listen in to hear how the Lord spoke to my spirit about His relationship with His people.

KJV Scripture References:

Exodus 33:11,17

11 …And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Psalm 100:3

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 103:9-12

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


BCUFam, one of the many wonderful things about Jesus is that regardless of our location, skin tone, poise, educational level, social status, family make-up, financial standing, or past history, He made us, died for us, rose for us, and chose us to be in a relationship with Him! Just like He called the disciples friends, He calls us friends (see John 15:15). The world may have friends in high places who can take care of some things, but our Friend, Jesus, is the Most High, and always takes care of everything! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we thank You for the honor and privilege of You calling us friend! What a friend we have in YOU, Jesus! Hallelujah! We thank You for hearing Your voice of encouragement, as we do what You have called us to, and thank You helping us in the areas in which we need to clean up our garments so we will be ready to see You face-to-face. For those who do not know You in the pardoning of their sins, Jesus, we ask that You please speak to their hearts and minds, that now is the time to secure salvation through repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, as outlined in Acts chapters 1 and 2. Thank You Jesus for continuing to lead and guide us, as we continue to represent You in our lives, in Jesus Name we pray and thank You, 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 PodcastsiHeart 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

Joyful Praise: Reflections on Psalm 100

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 a youngster growing up in church, part of our order of service was a “second call to worship”.
  • In that part of the service, the congregation recited Psalm 100 every Sunday for YEARS.
  • By default, I memorized that passage as a child and STILL know it by heart.
  • As a saved adult, the richness of this Psalm TRULY blesses me! Let’s explore it!

Psalm 100

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.


So what is/are your favorite verse(s) in this Psalm? Is there a different Psalm that stirs up your praise? Or mayhap there is another passage of Scripture you love? Please head down to the comments section to share your thoughts so we can continue our conversation and praise to our God!


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 PodcastsiHeart 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

Walking In Integrity

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:

  • Integrity can be defined as aligning your conduct with what you know to be excellent.
  • Years ago, I heard a sermon on integrity, and how the people of God should display good morals even in small things.
  • While running an errand, the Lord gave me an opportunity to “witness” integrity to someone in real-time.

Scripture (KJV) References

James 4:17

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Song of Solomon 2:15

“…..the little foxes…spoil the vines…”

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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


BCU Fam, that moment was a witness of how Jesus wants us to operate in this present world. That interaction could have been a seed planted or watered so that God can bring the increase AND save the young lady and/or her family! Now that’s something to be excited about!

So, it really is in our best spiritual interest, to walk in integrity in each area of our lives so that God is glorified, honored, and praised. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus as we come before You today, 
thank You for blessing us to walk in integrity! We thank You for the times we do things Your way, and how those victorious moments bring glory AND souls to You! Please help us to be conscientious, Jesus of all that we do, say and, how we interact with people, so that the integrity You put on the inside, shows up on the outside. In Jesus’ name we pray and we thank You, 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 PodcastsiHeart 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