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 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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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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A pop-quiz on love

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:

  • On one of my very rare days off, I went to get a treat from a local eatery.
  • In doing so, I had an encounter with a cashier who was less than helpful when taking my order, which is a “spiritual trigger” for me. The enemy and my flesh knows that all too well!
  • The Lord also knows that, and I’m certain this was a “pop quiz” from Him in applying Matthew 5:43-48.

Scripture references

Matthew 5:43-48

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

How we treat others who mistreat us is a barometer of our love and maturity in Christ.

BCUFam, big battles and big testimonies are a part of many of our lives, and we thank God for them. Just as important are the day-to-day interactions we have, in respect as to how we treat people who mistreat us. It is easy to bicker, quibble, wrangle, and verbally spar with others as a way to prove we are right or to avenge ourselves. While the Lord gives us permission to speak up in a firm way as needed, the love we have for Jesus and people will have us conduct ourselves that honors God. And yes, sometimes we may feel that throwing napkins, telling someone off, or flipping a table will avenge us, but if we love, bless, do good and pray instead, we will be called the children of our Father in Heaven and the Lord will take care of our enemies (see Luke 18:1-8). Amen? 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, Twitter 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, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify,  Stitcher Radio , and many more!

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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Just before the confrontation…

Here there BCU Family!

Typically, you have the option of listening to our podcast, reading the notes or both. For this post, because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording 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:

  • Confrontation is a part of life —whether we are in the giving or the receiving end of the conversation.
  • In the time leading up to the conversation, it’s IMPERATIVE to guard your mind against negative, accusing thoughts about the person/situation with the help of the Lord. Otherwise, we build up a case based on emotion–and emotions lead to comments, tones and attitudes that are counterproductive and destructive to the relationship.
  • If we go into the conversation prayerfully, with forgiveness, humility and the heart to resolve the situation, that will typically disarm the individual, thus fostering an environment of understanding and healing.

Scripture references:

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord (Isaiah 54:17).

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:20).

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression (Proverbs 19:11).

I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (I Corinthians 13:4-5).

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it (1 Peter 3:11).

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).

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).

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

So what are your thoughts on our topic-du-jour? What goes on in your mind when you’ve been offended and need to confront someone? Do you stick with the facts, or does the conversation take a emotional/personal turn? Please head to the comments section below and let’s chat some more!

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 , and Instagram! 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

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When trials come, I_______________.

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 informal format, please tune into the podcast recording 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 saved (according to Acts 2:38) is an amazing, wonderful experience and yields an awesome life here and the promise of eternal life as well!
  • Contrary to some popular preaching and teaching, the Scriptures teach us that  going through trials is a part of the Christian walk.
  • While the trials do not feel good to the flesh, they are purposeful, needed—and GOOD for us.
  • In all that we go through, God is ALWAYS with us (See Hebrews 13:5).

 Scripture references

Job 1:20-22

20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). 

I Timothy 4:1-5

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables

5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

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.

And He [Jesus] spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).

So…what are your  initial reaction to trials? How challenging will it be to adjust your attitude straightaway? (I know I need to be really mindful!)  Let’s talk some more about this—head down to the comment section so we can continue our dialogue!

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,  and Instagram! 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

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