Room A203: My Mom, A Road Trip, and a Heart to Serve

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:

  • My earliest memory was my first road trip to South Carolina to visit our extended family, which I LOVED!
  • A highlight of our outings was to head to the Piggly-Wiggly to pick up provisions for our family.
  • Unbeknownst to me at the time, through these trips my parents (Mom in particular), taught lessons on entitlement, humility, and being a blessing to others.

Scripture (KJV) references

Romans 12:10

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

Philippians 2:3

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”.

Matthew 23:11-12

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

A picture of my late Mom and I in London
Mom and I in London

BCUFam, in this present world, we see pride and a spirit of expectation and entitlement—–completely opposite of what the Lord instructs his children to do. Jesus was about serving and being a blessing to others, and my Mom walked that out in front of us for early and often.

As I reflect on the life of my late mother, I recognize that the lessons she taught—–both spoken and unspoken and they how continue to resonate with me today. Lord will, I plan to share some of those lessons with you all as I chronicle her phenomenal life and impactful legacy. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God, and amazing Savior as we come before You today, we thank You for reminding us to walk in a spirit of humility as we interact with others. Please help us to be cognizant, Lord of how we can be a blessing to others as we continue to reflect You in our lives. We thank and praise You, and we honor You for the opportunity to be a blessing to others, and to serve You in a way, where someone will ask, “what must I do to be saved?” We thank You, and we praise You for this and for all things, Lord, in Jesus name, we bless 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 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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Short Series: | Hannah’s AMAZING Testimony!

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 started our series, we met Hannah who wrestled with sorrow, ridicule and disappointment around her unfulfilled desire.
  • The last time we were together, we learned that once Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord, she received the confirmation that her prayer was answered.
  • As we wrap up our series, Hannah now gives praise and honor to the ONLY GOD who can answer our prayers!

KJV Scripture References

I Samuel 2:1-21;26

1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7 The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.

9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest.

12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.

13 And the priest’s custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.

15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.

17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.

18 But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The Lord give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the Lord. And they went unto their own home.

21 And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord.

26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.

BCUFam, did Hannah’s powerful testimony bless you? She kept her word in offering her son back to the Lord, and in turn, Samuel became a powerful servant of God! Additionally, Hannah was blessed with THREE more sons and TWO daughters! Now, we may not have the same petition as Hannah—-maybe we need healing, deliverance, a job, or, perhaps we are standing in the gap for a loved one—–the same God who answered Hannah is the same God we serve today! God will take our impossible situations and turn them into our testimony! So be encouraged and reminded to take your requests 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 the word of God that has encouraged our hearts and minds. When we look at the story of Hannah and how You blessed her over and over and over again, and how she got the victory over the enemy, we say thank You, Jesus!

Please remember someone who needs a healing touch from You in their body, heart or mind. Please remember someone who is struggling with an addiction and needs to be set free, some of us need jobs, a financial miracle, a relationship reconciled, family member saved—-whatever it is, we look to You to assure us You have heard our cry and will answer one way, or another.

And while we wait for the answer, Jesus, we will continue to bless Your name and serve You with gladness! 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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God’s Perfect Timing

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:

  • If you have been with me for any length of time, you are aware I LOVE to talk about time.
  • Time can be measured in two ways——-chronos or (clock) time or kairos time (God’s opportune moments).
  • Ideally, we are aware of and operate in both “time zones”.
  • Once again, God set up a kairos-timed opportunity that I would LOVE to share.

Scripture (KJV) references

Ecclesiastes 3:1&7

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

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Proverbs 27:17

17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Exodus 13:13-14

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

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.

BCUFam, I marvel at God and how He does things! Years ago, He set up these relationships, that led to the connections, that led to a Scripture, that led to the confirmation, that led person who needed to hear from Him at a particular time! These are God’s opportune moments, aka the kairos time zone—-and it is a blessing to be a part of His work! We serve a MIGHTY God! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we want to be found doing Your perfect will, thus we thank You for every opportunity You give us to be used by You in the kairos time zone. Please bless us Jesus to be aware and intentional to represent You well in every task and assignment You have for us! Lord, please bless all who are here today to hear Your voice in kairos time and move accordingly, 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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God is in the details

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 used to travel for a living, and thus, I learned to be organized and leave for the airport VERY EARLY!
  • On this latest trip, I prayed for an opportunity to be a witness to someone, and went on about my way.
  • Upon arriving at the airport, the TSA line was actually non-existent, so I did not have to rush to be screened.
  • God set up a kairos-timed opportunity for me to be blessed by an airport staff member.

Scripture (KJV) references

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.Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Proverbs 27:17

17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

I Thessalonians 4:16-17

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

BCUFam, I marvel at God and how He does things. God was in all the details, really starting from my mom being born, getting married, saved, having kids, living through some health challenges, and seeing her most recent birthday. Then He arranged the day I booked the trip, the airline to use, the arrival time at the airport—–all to meet this one woman, Joyce who BLESSED and encouraged ME! God is AWESOME! When we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, He will truly direct our paths—-we just have to hear His voice and with His help, obey! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for teaching/reminding us to be good stewards with our chronos time, so we can SLOW DOWN and be more aware of what You would have us to do/receive in kairos time. Jesus please speak through us as we interact with people so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and that we will either be a blessing to someone, they will bless us, or both! Thank You, Jesus, for helping us to be good representatives of the light and salt You have called for us to be, and we will give You all the 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 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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Storytime | Patience & Perfect Work

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:

  • In my recent travels, a questionable charge came up, prompting me to call my financial institution for a new card.
  • As I was speaking to the representative, we had to update pertinent information on my account.
  • Due to a lack of disclosure and slip-shod customer service practices, my card was delayed in arriving.
  • The delay was a part of the Lord’s plan to develop more patience.

Scripture (KJV) references

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Philippians 4:11

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I Thessalonians 5:18

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

BCUFam, divers temptations are a common occurrence (traffic snarls, rude cashiers, long lines, etc.), and in this case, terrible customer service. We are living in a time where there is less compassion and more “there is nothing I can do”. Rather than go “Hulk”, let’s practice being thankful, turning things over the Lord and allowing Him to work things out in His way and in His time. God will either move on our behalf to take care of the problem, give us the strength and patience to get through the situation gracefully, or both! In either case, patience will have her perfect (maturing) work, we will get the victory, and God will be glorified. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Heavenly Father and gracious Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for what our ears have heard and teaching/reminding us that patience is a part of the walk with You, Jesus.

We know that tribulation works patience, so some of the things we are going through is equipping us to learn how to wait—–and how to wait in a way that glorifies You, Jesus. So as we continue to wait for the things we are looking for You to work out, we thank You Lord for giving us an attitude of gratitude, as we continue to bless Your name and serve You wholeheartedly! 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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