Short Series: From Sad to Glad | Hannah’s Story

Here there BCU Family!

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:

  • When we were together last time, we started talking about Hannah from 1 Samuel 1.
  • Like many of us, Hannah wrestled with sorrow, ridicule and disappointment around her unfulfilled desire.
  • When faced with a situation, our natural inclination is to do all we can in our finite power.
  • Once Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord, she received the confirmation that her prayer was answered.
  • Many of us currently have impossible situations. Have we taken them to the Lord in prayer?

KJV Scripture References

I Samuel 1:10-28

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.

20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.

21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever.

23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young.

25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.

27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.

BCUFam, as much as Hannah’s husband loved and took good care of her, only the Lord could comfort and assure her. I LOVE that once Hannah prayed and got the confirmation from the Lord, her face and appetite changed from sad to glad! That is a message for us to take our situations to the Lord in prayer. He may not always answer the way we think He should, but He will let us know He heard us, settle our hearts about the matter, and will answer according to His will and way. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your enduring Word. Many of us have prayer requests we are waiting for an answer to—-regarding our jobs, family members, healing, spouses, finances, salvation, deliverance….Lord, You know what we are crying, fretting and petitioning You for, so we cast our cares on You because You care for us (I Peter 5:7). We look to You to assure us You have heard our cry and will answer one way, or another by and by.

In the meantime, we thank You, Jesus for renewing our strength, and taking us from a sad to a joyful heart as we continue to faithfully serve You. In Jesus name we pray and bless Your Name, 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 mediums include Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite 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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Short Series: Hannah | Provoked To Prayer

Here there BCU Family!

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:

  • Some time ago, I was tasked to teach Tuesday night Bible study for our church.
  • The topic the Lord gave me concerned Hannah, wife of Elkanah, who desired to be a mother.
  • Like many of us, Hannah wrestled with sorrow, ridicule and disappointment around her unfulfilled desire.
  • In our difficult times, crying out to the Lord is the only way to stabilize our hearts and minds as we await further instruction.

KJV Scripture References

I Samuel 1:1-10

1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.

4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb.

6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.

7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.

8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

BCUFam, one point that stood out to me, was that for years, this heavy situation coupled with her nemesis, Peninnah provoked Hannah to the point of tears before she went to the Lord in prayer. Oh, I can recall many situations where I leaned to my own understanding prior to praying. But once we commit the situation to God and get His assurance, (and we will see in our next podcast), our countenance and/or circumstances change. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for reminding us to take every situation, circumstance, enemy, provocation, stress and tear to YOU in prayer. Psalm 37:23 reminds us that the steps of the righteous are ordered by You, so while what we are experiencing is not a surprise to You, we are relying on You for strength, guidance, and to remove the bitterness of soul that many of us are currently facing. Thank You for hearing our cry and the assurance that You are with us in our time of uncertainty, as we continue to praise and thank Your Holy name, 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 mediums include Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite 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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“This Is A Test….”

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:

  • I had an interaction with a service provider where frustration (unintended) was mounting by the minute!
  • I was contemplating walking away and rescheduling the appointment for another time.
  • The Lord quietly told me, “this is a test” and urged me to pass it.
  • In today’s podcast, I will share my test and “results”.

KJV Scripture References:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

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.

2 Corinthians 3:2
2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men…

On top of everything BCU Fam, I forgot (the person pointed it out) that I had a shirt on that said “Be The Few” (Matthew 7:14)! If I had been quick to anger, if I had been quick to speak, if I had been slow to hear what God had to say to me in that moment, I would have tainted my witness for Christ! I barely passed the test, but I THANK GOD I did!

What I learned is that it behooves us with the help of God, to slow down and know that any circumstance, situation or interaction that happens, is God-ordained. Thus, we need to listen to receive instructions from God as to how to conduct ourselves so that He is represented properly, AND that we can be in a position to be a blessing to someone.

Doing things God’s way assures us that we are walking in the Spirit versus the flesh, we are handling the matter perfectly, God is being glorified in our lives AND we will be rewarded accordingly! Now that’s something to get excited about! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the Name of Jesus, we come before You, thanking You for today’s reminder! With Your help, Jesus, as we are interacting with people, we want to be very conscientious of what it is that you would have us to say, and how we conduct ourselves so that Your presence, Jesus takes over, and that people are healed, encouraged, saved and set free!

We ask that you will continue to strengthen and keep us, as always, Lord, and we will continue to represent You well, and to serve You with distinction in every capacity possible. In Jesus’ name that we thank You and praise 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 mediums include Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite 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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The Good Part

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:

  • We live in a world that glorifies productivity, getting things done, and busy-ness.
  • I spoke with someone who enjoys serving, helping, and taking care of others.
  • While those areas are needful, our relationship with God should be first, or we may miss important directions and insights Jesus wants us to know.
  • Jesus illustrates this in a familiar passage of Scripture with two sisters named Mary and Martha.

KJV Scripture References

Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

BCUFam, I confess that for this podcast, I had one direction in mind, and the Lord took me in a different direction——and I thank Him for taking over! Ultimately, my prayer is a) something was said that resonated with you, and b) that we can continue to be more like Mary, and get the good part out of what Jesus has to say to us today! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the Name of Jesus, as we come before you today, we thank You, as always, Lord, for reminding us to stay in lockstep with You. 
Jesus, we want to be intentional about sitting at Your feet and taking in Your Word.

Thank You, Jesus for helping us to remember that we are to commit our works to you so that You will establish our thoughts (Proverbs 16:3). In following Your Word, this will keep is from being full of care, anxious or overwhelmed, knowing that when You give us directions and we follow them, everything will work out perfectly, because You are perfect in all of Your ways (2 Samuel 22:31).

Thank you, Lord, for continuing the blessed and keep us. And as always, with your help, we will give Your Name all the praise, glory, and honor. 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 mediums include Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite 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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Importunity in Adversity | Daniel & The Lions Den

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:

KJV Scripture references

Daniel 6:1-28
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

BCUFam, Daniel was aware of the decree and continued praying CONSISTENTLY—going to God in faith and importunity without fear or worry about breaking the law. Additionally, Daniel’s prayer life and faith was evident to the king—-so much so, the King Darius knew the Lord would deliver Daniel!

Moreover, the pagan king decreed to all that God is the living God and His kingdom shall not be destroyed and His dominion would be unto the end. So Daniel’s prayer life and how he lived made him a witness to government officials and ALL the people in the provinces he ruled over. Who knows how many turned from serving idols to the ONE and ONLY Lord! This is our reminder to continue praying persistently—–even in the face of adversity and look for the Lord to deliver us in due time. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for taking us to the book of Daniel and reminding us to be steadfast in our prayers at all times. Some of us are facing situations that feel like we are in a den of lions, but you are ABLE to shut the lions mouths and sustain us in safety! We thank You Jesus in advance for delivering us triumphantly, because You have ALL POWER and there is NOTHING too hard for You!

Please continue to bless and keep us, as we serve You with distinction, bringing glory and honor to Your name. Above all, we pray that someone realizes that they need You as a Savior, and will surrender to You TODAY, Jesus according to Acts 2:38-29. 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 mediums include Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many more of your favorite 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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