Bible Word Study: Understanding ‘Judge’ in Scripture

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:

  • This month, we will revisit the classic #BCUWord of the Week video series here and on YouTube.
  • “Judge” is this week’s word. One definition in Hebrew is “shofet” meaning, to select, decide or discern. It can also mean, “a deliverer from potential defeat” (that is very important).
  • Would you like to watch the video? Click here: YouTube | BCU Classic Word of the Week.

Scripture references

Luke 7:41-43

41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

I Corinthians 11:28-31

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Matthew 7:1-5

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

John 7:24

24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Luke 18:10-14

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 18:13

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

BCUFam, did it surprise you that we make judgements daily as it relates to decision-making? What about the phrase “you cannot judge me”? It is a blessing to now have a deeper understanding and wisdom around this important word. With the help of the Lord, let’s make it our business to judge only according to how the Lord instructs us. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we come before You with a thankful heart for more insight into Your Word, and for helping us to judge things the way You would have us to, or not at all. We ask that You would help us to turn the spotlight on ourselves on all the areas needed to be more like You. Also, as we are speaking and commenting about things, please help us to remember to acknowledge You first, so that our speech is edifying, administers grace to the hearer and is seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6 and Ephesians 4:29). We ask that You continue to bless and strengthen us, as we continue to walk upright before You, 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 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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Unveiling Pride: | BCU Word of the Week

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:

Scripture references

Proverbs 13:10

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Daniel 5:20

20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

Proverbs 29:23

23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

BCUFam, I know I ended the conversation, but I had to come back! The sprit of pride can sometimes be a “sleeper sin”, meaning in creeps in unaware, as it relates to our family status, social standing, or even pride in our church affiliation or salvation. When I was a youngster, someone told me if a person did not attend our church, they were not saved. I did not realize it at the time, but that was a prideful (high-minded, insensitive and wrong) attitude. I thank the Lord for showing me that the person erred and for Him teaching me that salvation comes from obeying Acts 2:38, and then growing in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are other ways pride can overtake us, so it is on our best interest to ask the Lord to search our hearts and remove any prideful roots in the name of Jesus! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we come before You with a thankful heart for reminding us that pride breeds quarrels, ruins relationships, and it comes before destruction. With that knowledge, we ask that You help us to remove the weeds of pride from the root, and that we walk in the spirit of humility. We give you all the glory and honor for giving us the privilege of humbly representing You in all our interactions, 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 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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Trusting God in Life Storms | Lessons from Mark 4:35-41.

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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 content blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • I grew up in the Northeast of the United States, so snowstorms and cold weather conditions were a part of our lives.
  • Living in the south, outside of extreme heat, severe storms here can include torrential rain, high winds, hail and even tornadoes.
  • In a recent “impromptu” storm, the Lord warned me, prompted me to pray, and then spoke to me about what would happen.
  • We can and should apply His Word to the “spiritual” storms we are facing.

KJV Scripture References

Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

BCUFam, I have to admit, some of our life storms are SCARY, and sometimes the winds, waves, snow, hail and rain can produce a bit of anxiety! Now, if we feel anxious, we can take what is concerning us in to the Lord in prayer with supplication and thanksgiving, knowing that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). So, when Jesus gives you the “peace release”, all we need to do is rest in what He said, knowing that He is with us—even in the most tempestuous of storms! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we want to thank You for the Word and the reminder that You are with us throughout every storm we encounter. We thank You Jesus that we have the privilege of coming to You in prayer with our situations, asking for You to be with us, as You remind us that You will never leave or forsake us! We thank You for speaking to our hearts, for giving us the release, and the assurance that You are with us during turbulent times, and You are taking us through to the other side. Lord, many of us are currently in a stormy season now, and we thank You for helping us to continue to be faithful to You throughout our situations, as we praise our way through! We thank You, Jesus for blessing us to be a good witness for You, as we tell of Your goodness, and the praise report during and after the storm! We thank You, Jesus, for continuing to strengthen and keep us, as we continue to give you all the glory, honor and praise! 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 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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Enduring Through Discomfort: A Lesson in Patience From—-A Baby.

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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 content blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • Among many beloved family members, I have three especially amazing “little” (well, two are not so little anymore) people in my life.
  • The youngest little spent some time with us and we ran into situation where I am certain he was uncomfortable.
  • The Lord taught me a lesson about patience, attitude and trusting Him through this child’s behavior.

KJV Scripture References

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.

Psalm 34:1-2

 1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

Galatians 6:9

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

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Philippians 4:6-7

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.

BCUFam, that baby reminded me that sometimes, what we are going through TAKES TIME to go through. And what we want to do, with the help of the Lord, is to continue to be good witnesses of God’s grace, goodness and mercy through our attitude. Very often, when we go through, we can allow the discomfort of the situation to change our demeanor to where we are nice at work and mean at home. Or, maybe we are angry, sullen, short or snippy with the people we are interacting with, citing the fact that we have been waiting “too long”. Now, trials and tribulations do not feel good at ALL! They are, however a part of the walk with Christ, and while we may be in the midst of “the uncomfortable wait”, we can rest assured that if we love the Lord, and are the called according to His purpose, things will work out for our good (Romans 8:28). Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as always, we thank You for what our ears have heard! We thank You for letting us know, or reminding us of what our attitude should be when we are in the uncomfortable waiting period. Jesus, You know the severity of our circumstances and what we can bear, so we are depending on You for deliverance. Some of us are feeling weary, but Your Word reminds us to not to be weary in well-doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not! So please, Jesus bless us with the grace and strength we need while we wait. Please give us the assurance You have heard our cry and will answer by and by! Thank You, Jesus for helping us to properly represent You in this hard season, so that people will know who we are and Whose we are! Most of all, we thank You for blessing us to endure to the end, so we can hear, “well done, thou good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” We thank You, Jesus, for continuing to strengthen and keep us, as we continue to give you all the glory, honor and praise! 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 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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Discovering God’s Work in Ordinary Things | Ep 346

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:

  • The Oxford dictionary defines the word “ordinary” as: not different or special or unexpected in any way; usual.
  • When we were together last time, I posted a podcast sermon about how God uses ordinary people.
  • This week, the Lord reminded me He also uses ordinary circumstances to accomplish His will.

KJV Scripture references

Proverbs 16:24

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Philippians 2:13

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

BCUFam, in my mind, I was just going about my day in an ordinary way, not realizing that a “random” greeting would make that big of an impact. But God specializes in taking what seems to be small or insignificant things and making them into beautiful blessings. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for what you have taught us today. We want to thank You for using ordinary people and circumstances in order for us to be a blessing to someone else! For some of us, we feel like the things we do may not be special, but when we obey You, we treat people well, love them like You have instructed and deal with them as You have told us, that is special—-and our behavior pleases You! Jesus, please help us to be mindful of the people who are around us, conducting ourselves in a way that will draw people to You. We want to ensure we are planting and watering, and thanking You in advance for the increase, so that You will be pleased with us now, and when we see You in face to face. We thank and praise You for the opportunities You will give us to be a blessing to someone else. 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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