Petty Christians?

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

Typically, you have the option of listening to our podcast, reading the notes or both. For this post, because of the conversational story, please tune into the podcast recording and refer to the written post for the highlights and corresponding Scriptures. 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 talk show host made a disparaging comment about a respected gospel group.
- Social media was flooded with rebukes–some mean and personal in nature.
- A call was made for “petty Christians” to join into the conversation.
- Webster’s dictionary defines “petty” as having undue an concern about trivial matters, especially in a spiteful way.
- Petty is another word for “busybody”, which is cautioned against in the Scriptures.
- Pettiness is not a badge of honor, rather something to be reproached.

Scripture references

Luke 10:38 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.

10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

10:40 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.

10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters (1 Peter 4:15).

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business… (I Thessalonians 4:11).

Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm (Proverbs 3:30).

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17).

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17-18).

What are your thoughts on the “petty movement” sweeping our Christian hearts and minds? The comment section is below–let’s continue the conversation!

In the meantime, 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,Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and Apple podcasts!

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

Love,

BCU

23 Apr 20181 Dec 2018

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Day 4 and beyond…

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

Many of us just celebrated the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ–you know, the recitations (that’s what we called the “Easter” speeches back in my day), the songs, skits, plays and preached word proclaiming the victory now have because Jesus rose, just like He said He would.

What do we do now?

The reason I ask the question is because of those us who celebrate Jesus on appointed holidays, many of us we spend more time in preparing before and cleaning up after. Hence, we miss listening to and applying the message that God is trying to get across to us. Then we’re struggling and/or defeated until Pentecost Sunday, the next convention, revival or seminar as we look from a Word from God. But we’re so busy preparing, we miss the Word. See the cycle?

We’re not doing that anymore!

Let’s apply the Word of God on day 4 and beyond!

Podcast highlights:

While preparation is needful, if we’re not mindful, the prep can take our minds over so much so, we can miss out on hearing (see Romans 10:17), and applying the Word of God.
When our spiritual bank is empty, we start to draw off the enemy’s account which is full of lies (John 8:44) and accusations (Revelation 12:10), and become paralyzed and overcome with fear, guilt and shame, thereby rendering us helpless in the work of God.
Jesus reminds is what He did for us on the cross in the book of Colossians. Applying this word reminds us of how victorious we are LONG AFTER the celebrations are over.

Scripture application

10) And ye are complete in Him, [Christ] which is the head of all principality and power:

11) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12) Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.

13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

BCU Fam, lack of Word application can happen to anyone, myself included. As a matter of fact, my intention was to record this podcast earlier, but I could not seem to get it done. Why? The Lord had to take me through a test where I needed to apply His word over the lies of the enemy. Have you had this experience? How did you handle it? Please head down to the comments section to share your thoughts so we can continue our conversation!

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

Love,

BCU

2 Apr 20181 Dec 2018

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God’s lesson from a storm…

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

So BCU Fam, living in New England, our winters are unpredictable. At the time of this post, we just got through a HUGE snow storm, dumping a foot of snow in most places.

During the storm and in removing some of the snow, I stopped to notice how beautiful and peaceful things looked. And noticed something I don’t ever remember hearing.

Listen to the clip above 👆🏽 and the podcast below to find out!👇🏽

Scriptures to ponder

Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15).

I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3).

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8).

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.. (Ephesians 3:20).

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).

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

BCU Fam, to God be the glory for showing me this—this post blesses me EVERY TIME I hear it. While tests and trials are inevitable in this life, God has assured us that He is walking with us and we should continue to praise Him with our whole heart—withholding nothing and watch how He moves the situation or our attitude toward it. It is all part of the process of becoming more like Jesus! And on top of all that, when we remember that Heaven belongs to those of us that endure to the end, (see 2 Corinthians 4:17), we should be encouraged to continue praying, fasting, serving and praising God. Amen? Amen!

How are you hanging in through what you’re going through? Is there a praise in your heart? What are your go-to scriptures? Please head down to the comments section to share your thoughts so we can continue our conversation!

In the meantime, 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, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and Apple podcasts!

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

Love,

BCU

18 Mar 201818 Mar 2018

BlenCouragesU6 Comments

And just WHY do we need to forgive?!

[Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

My pastor often says that the number one sin among believers is not forgiving someone. And I have to admit, BCU Fam is one of the HARDEST things to do, especially with repeat offenders and those who have really hurt us badly, as we talked about last time we were together. Despite the forgiveness struggle, we need to forgive with the help of the Lord. Let’s jump into our second and final part of the series.

Podcast highlights:

Offenses will come..and ANYONE we come in contact with is subject to offending us.
In many things we offend all. This means while we may get offended, we offend others.
When we forgive, we MUST do it from the heart—once and for all.
Sources vary a bit, but on average, ten thousand talents equates to several million dollars in American money (USD). One hundred pence is about $17.00 USD.
Forgiveness is a part of the Christian walk. And required in order to get forgiveness from God.

Scripture references

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

Matthew 18:21-35

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Forgiveness is a tough subject, BCU Fam, yet something that all of us (especially believers) need to apply with God’s help. The Scriptures are clear that if we don’t forgive, we don’t GET forgiven! Who wants to miss Heaven over that? No one does! Let’s take the people, situations and pain to Jesus and allow Him to heal us. I am a witness He will make you as good as new—even better!

So, what is your forgiveness story? How long did you hold on to the offense? What prompted you to let go? Or are you still holding it? Please has down to the comment section here on the BCU site, where we can continue our conversation!

In the meantime, 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, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and Apple podcasts!

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

Love,

BCU

22 Jan 20181 May 2018

BlenCouragesU5 Comments

Forgiveness: Do you trust God with your pain?

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

Last time we were together, we talked through a situation where I was betrayed and hurt by people whom I loved and trusted—and more importantly the lessons that the Lord taught me through what happened. A central theme of the podcast, is forgiveness from the heart. This, BCU Fam is one of the HARDEST things to do, especially with repeat offenders and those who have really hurt us badly. Yet, we need to forgive with the help of the Lord. Listen in to part 1 of this 2 part series and and find out why.

Podcast highlights:

Offenses will come..and ANYONE we come in contact with is subject to offending us.
In many things we offend all. This means while we may get offended, we offend others.
Forgiveness is a part of the Christian walk. And required in order to get forgiveness from God.

Scripture references

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

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).

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).

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (I Peter 4:18).

Forgiveness is a tough subject, BCU Fam, yet something that all of us (especially believers) need to apply with God’s help. Many years ago, the Lord even impressed on me to forgive someone who, through inaction, hurt many family members, years after the person has passed away. Without the prompting of the Lord, I would never have realized I was holding the individual in a non-forgiving state. Who wants to miss Heaven over that? No one does! Let’s take the people, situations and pain to Jesus and allow Him to heal us. I am a witness He will make you as good as new—even better!

Lord will, next time we’re together we’ll finish up the podcast by going over the remainder of Matthew 18 and applying it to our lives. In the meantime, tell us your forgiveness story. How difficult was it? How long did you hold on to the offense? What prompted you to let go? Or are you still holding it? There’s a comment section here on the BCU site, where we can continue our conversation!

In the meantime, 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, Twitter , Instagram, and YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and Apple podcasts!

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

Love,

BCU