Letting go…

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:

  • Once upon a time, I had a God-sent friend who was a wonderful confidant, advisor and encouragement to my heart.
  • And likewise, I was the same for Friend when they needed biblically-based advice and council.
  • One day, Friend needed some extra love and encouragement, and I was delighted to be of assistance.
  • For some odd reason, Friend and I started drifting apart.
  • This anomaly was confusing and was sad, initially, but the Lord walked me through it.

KJV Scripture References

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.

Matthew 18:21-22

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.

Psalm 147:3

3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

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, the Lord is teaching me that not all relationships are “evergreen”—some are seasonal and even still, some are for a season.

On that wise, let us ask the Lord His purpose for the people we come into contact with, and how best we can love them as ourselves. If the time for closeness is up, we should be able to maintain the love even from a distance. Love means that if Friend calls after a year has gone by and says, “can we talk?” with the help of the Lord, we should be able to have a conversation without name-calling, blaming, or chairs being overturned in anger. Love means we have forgiven Friend and do not feel any anger or hurt. Love means that although the person may not be on our “fave five” list (that’s a CLASSIC reference), we can still pray for them with a healed heart, because we gave the entire situation to Jesus. We may not be best buddies, but we can still love and serve as Jesus leads us. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for how You speak to our hearts and minds, we thank You for helping us to hear Your voice. Thank You for helping is to understand and accept the reasons and seasons for people in our lives.

Lord, there are some that are struggling today with letting go of a certain relationship or situation—–perhaps because of sentimental value, time invested or a deep love. Whatever the reason is, Jesus, if you are instructing us to let go, please help us to do so completely, giving the person, situation, relationship over to you, knowing that You know what’s best.

For the part that hurts Lord, please heal broken hearts as only You can, in the name of Jesus. For the relationships that will be restored, thank You. And for those relationships You know are past season, we thank You. Please bless us to move on in You, knowing You will not withhold any good thing from us, and all of what is happening is working for our good. It’s in Jesus name we 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, Google 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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What’s love got to do with anything? Everything.

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:

  • We use the term “love” very generally, but the definitions are very specific.
  • There are more types of love to define, but our focus is on the four below.
  • Regardless of the love type or (lack of) love reciprocity, God expects us to exhibit love in all interactions.
  • Loving the hard-to-love can be a challenge, but God is able if we are willing.

BCU Fam, I admit it has been some time since I have looked at these love types in detail, so this was a good reminder for me to check my love-meter in all these areas so I am loving people the right way. This study also let us know how much God loves us!!! There is NOTHING like His agape, unconditional love that He has for us and I am SO grateful for that and I know you are as well.

Also, in honor of Valentine’s/Love Day/Week, with all of the hearts, flowers, chocolates, pictures posted and everything love-themed, this time of year can be difficult for people for many reasons—even in knowing that Jesus loves us. Is that you today? I definitely understand, and I know from experience that Jesus is a present help. Let’s pray about it.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for this day that You have made–Your Word tells us to rejoice and be glad in it. For someone today, it’s a struggle to rejoice and be glad. Jesus, we ask that Your love comes in and washes over all who are broken-hearted, broken in spirit, challenged with not forgiving, needing to be forgiven, or whatever the circumstance is. We thank You for being nigh to and healing those with a broken heart and saving those of a contrite spirit. Jesus, please wrap Your loving arms around someone today and bless them to feel Your presence as a Comforter and strengthen them in every area of need. Thank You for blessing someone today to know You, Jesus are always present and available when we need help, guidance, strength, tear-drying, love and above all—–salvation! We honor and praise You for answering our prayer today, in Jesus name, we 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, 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 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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Broken hearts and contrite spirits…

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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:
  • As of this recording, we are/will have celebrated Memorial Day in the United States.
  • While Memorial Day is a day of barbecues, sales and merriment for some, the true purpose is to remember those who gave their lives in service for our country.
  • For many families, this Memorial Day is marked by extreme grief and sadness as they remember family members who have been taken them from in an evil manner–through gun violence.
  • How do we work through our questions and emotions? Jesus is the answer.

KJV Scripture references

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18).

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:28).

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2).

 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Matthew 24:12).

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:16).

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28).

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Casting all your care upon Him;(Jesus) for He careth for you (I Peter 5:7).

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (I Peter 3:15).

BCUFam, this was a hard tough topic for me to talk through—as a parent, a lover of people, especially the elderly and children, these shootings were a bitter pill to swallow. And on top of that, to see people denouncing God, saying prayers are useless, the fighting about legislation/gun reform, all this blame being passed around—-and sporadic focus on the families who are going through—it was too much for me to carry. I had to take my emotions to Jesus–and I am grateful to Him to taking care of my heart and spirit.

Imagine those who are having a hard time turning to Jesus. Or maybe those who do not know Jesus like we do. The families and friends who are angry, sad, grieved–they need someone to intercede in prayer, to be there for them, perhaps to comfort in words or physical presence, to know that there is hope in Jesus. There is work to do BCUFam, and the only way we can hear and do what God says is to stay connected to Him, so we can be properly equipped to respond to what we see and hear with the answers God gives us, thereby being a blessing in word and/or deed to all who we come in contact with. 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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. 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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