Letting Go and Trusting God (WHEW!)

Hey there BCU Fam!

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:

  • With the new year, we often look back over the previous year to take account of what lessons we’ve learned.
  • At times, I’ve attended courses at “Experience University” (EU) enough to know NOT to repeat certain situations.
  • Recently, in sharing my EU insight with advice-seekers, the intent was they would follow the godly, sound council.
  • Sometimes, the hearer chooses a different path, and that’s where the lesson of letting go and trusting God comes in.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

Proverbs 19:8

8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Luke 18:18-23

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 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.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

BCUFam, when we are advising the people that God has assigned to us, it can be heart-wrenching when they do not heed the biblical and wise council we offer. While it is fine to be concerned, fretting, worrying, and being consumed with their decision is not of God. Rather, what we can and what we will do is take everything to the Lord in prayer…and we will pray in FAITH! Then, we will wait in faith and look for the Lord to speak to the person/situation, and turn things around His way and in His timing. It is not easy to let go and wait, but when God takes care of a matter, it is taken care of perfectly, because He is perfect. With the help of the Lord, let it go and trust God. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for allowing us to hear Your voice through Your Word. We thank You for being here today and for the people You have placed in our lives that we care so deeply about. Lord, some of us have family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, loved ones, etc that are not making/have not made good choices, have not heeded wise and godly advice, have not secured their salvation—–whatever the situation is we are worried about. Rather than being anxious and fretful, we leave our emotions, cares and concerns at Your feet, Jesus! We want to exchange our heavy load for Your light load, as the book of Matthew 11:29-30 reminds us. We thank You for the exchange, and for giving us peace in our hearts and minds, Jesus, as You take care of the situation and us! 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 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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A Testimony of Healing: Jim Tyska’s Story

Hey there BCU Fam!

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:

  • While high school wasn’t always the easiest place to get through, it holds VERY fond memories for me.
  • In between “shop” classes, we had academics where we learned with/befriended other shop students and forged close friendships.
  • Life took us in varied directions, but social media brought many of us back together, including my friend Jim Tyska.
  • Jim reached out to me regarding a dire prayer request that I outline in the podcast, and a video update* (click here) that starts at about 49:45.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

Psalm 30:2

2 O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

James 5:16

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Romans 8:28

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.

James & Angela Tyska

BCUFam! When Jim sent me this video, the title said “Norma Prince Testimony”… So, I was thinking I would be watching another testimony and/or his church service, which I was all too happy to do! I had NO CLUE Jim would be called up to testify of God’s goodness, healing and mercy! God is faithful and has proven who He is in the life of my friend and brother!! And that is something to give God praise for!! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the miraculous healing You have provided for my brother, Jim! This testimony serves as a reminder that You are a healer, and our faith and trust should always be in You! We thank You, Jesus for hearing our cries, and for the reminder that even in these days You are STILL real! Hallelujah! We thank You for the Tyska family, and ask that You will continue to bless, keep and save the entire family in the matchless Name of Jesus!

As we come before You today, some of us have very grave, heavy, and serious situations before You. It is our desire that You will speak to the situations, and speak to our hearts and minds, giving us the peace and assurance that You hear us, and that You will lead and guide through to victory! We ask Jesus that You send healing and deliverance to someone today! We ask Jesus, that You lift up someone’s head today! We ask that You comfort someone, that You meet a need, that You step in to assist someone in a dire, impossible circumstance! We thank You Lord, for healing someone’s heart and mind, for mending broken hearts and relationships and for forgiveness to flow freely in the Name Of Jesus!

Most of all, Jesus, we thank You for giving someone the knowledge that they need to repent, be baptized in Jesus Name, and filled with the Holy Ghost, as outlined in Acts 1 and 2! Thank You for ALL that follow through on the plan of salvation and for blessing and keeping Your people! We honor and thank You, Lord for your love and kindness toward us 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 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

*The video is entitled “Norma Prince Testimony–Wednesday PM”, so for anyone wondering, you do have the correct video! Enjoy this awesome testimony!

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Kairos Time, The Dress & Miss Kim

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 LOVE to talk about time. It is often measured in two ways.
  • Chronos or chronological time is used to tell us when something starts/ends–aka “clock time”.
  • The word kairos comes from a Greek term translated as the “right time” or “opportune moment”.
  • While we need chronos time to function on Earth, God operates in the kairos time zone.
  • The Lord used His timing, a dress and function to get me to meet a wonderful sister in Christ.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Matthew 7:14

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

BCUFam, as an update, Sister Kim and I have been in contact pretty regularly, as we pray about concerns, speak encouraging words, and talk about the goodness of God! God NEVER ceases to amaze me with how He speaks to our minds, directs our plans, and re-arranges our schedules so we follow His perfect “kairos time-zoned” will for our lives. So, with the help of the Lord, let’s be sure to acknowledge the Lord in all of our ways, so He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6). Those paths will not only lead us to successfully manage our time in the chronos time zone, but to also be aware, alert and ready for whatever assignments God has for us in the kairos time zone. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray

Father, in the name of Jesus, as always, we bless and praise Your Holy and Precious Name! We thank Your for Your awesomeness, greatness, goodness, and for the Word You deposited into us today! We thank You for reminding us that ultimately, we run in the kairos time zone. Please helps us to remember that as we go about our tasks and assignments, that we are mindful of the people around us, and that we are ready to give an answer to them about the Hope that lies within us, which is You, Jesus.

We thank You, Jesus for the current and future Body of Christ, which consists of believers EVERYWHERE, regardless of organization, country, language or background. We ask the You continue to strengthen and keep Your people, Jesus! Please bless us to operate as a unit as You intended, Lord, to do Your perfect will here on Earth. and so we can hear “well done” when we see You in Heaven! 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 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!

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Random Acts of Kindness: Biblical Perspectives on Well Doing

Hey there BCU Fam!

I am a bit under the weather today, but the Lord gave me the presence of mind to record a quick thought last week! 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 podcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • I was talking with a group of people who were on the subject of “Random Acts of Kindness”.
  • Coined from an author in the 1990’s, “random acts” sparked a movement of doing nice things for people without reward.
  • One person in the group recalled an act of kindness and how they WERE rewarded many years later.
  • As I listened to the moving story, the Lord brought one of my favorite scriptures to mind.

KJV Scripture references

Colossians 3:23-25

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.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Galatians 6:9

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

BCUFam, we never know how and/or when God will reward us for our well-doing. What I do know is whether the reward is on this side of Heaven, the other side of Heaven or both, because He is a perfect record-keeper, we SHALL receive our just reward! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for what our ears have heard. We admit that sometimes, Lord, in our constant well-doing, it feels like it’s not noticed or appreciated by people, and that doesn’t feel good. At the same time, Your word reminds us to continue to do well in this world we are living in because You (vs. people) will reward us accordingly! We ask for Your help and strength to continue doing what You have called us to do, and we will continue to give Your name all the honor, praise and 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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on many podcast platforms such as  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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Avoiding Conflict: Never Take a Dog by the Ears…

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

Podcast highlights:

  • After a productive day, we stopped to get ice cream at a local parlor.
  • This is a popular place, so the line was pretty long and moving at a snail’s pace.
  • One of the staff members was free to assist the line, but was distracted, talkative and disrespectful.
  • The staff member’s comments led to a very loud and embarrassing verbal altercation with a patron.
  • The Lord used this experience to remind and teach me a couple of lessons.

KJV 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 26:17

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

I Peter 4:15

 15 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.

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Psalm 19:14

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

BCU Fam, as I thought about what happened, the manager was correct in waiting until she was unctioned to ask “Robin” to take a break. Manager quietly apologized for the wait and as we talked, we agreed Robin needed formal training on how to conduct themselves professionally with guests, and refraining for jumping into unrelated conversations.

I thank the Lord for helping me (unconsciously) to walk out Proverbs 26:17——I was not led to interfere and should not have anyway——-because it was NOT my strife. Unless the Lord tells us otherwise, when strife comes up, we should stay out of it and maintain a posture of prayer for the Lord to intervene. Now that’s where the Lord reminded me that I could have done better.

I was so busy (now that I think about it, distracted is more like it) watching the events unfold, I did not have the presence of mind to pray. The distraction is likely a topic for another podcast, but, I will say this is why we need to have a consistent prayer life, so that God intervenes for us, even when we don’t think to pray in the moment. So, I received that correction and with His grace, will apply what He taught me. What a merciful God we serve! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as many of us are peacemakers, as we should be, thank you for reminding us that our responsibility is to pursue peace and resolution with the strife and conflict in our own lives. We ask you to help us successfully manage the strife that belongs to us, and unless otherwise prompted, help is to stay out of “other men’s matters”, and to remain prayerful for the parties involved. Thank you for hearing our plea and blessing us to follow Your directions accordingly. 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 YouTube 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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