Word study: “Accuser”

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:

  • We are continuing our word study this week by looking at the Biblical definition of a word or phrase.
  • “Kategoros” is a Greek word for accuser, meaning a prosecutor, or plaintiff in a lawsuit, or one who speaks in a derogatory way of another.
  • Another word is “diabolos”, meaning adversary, enemy or slanderer–especially regarding Satan and/or His spirit. He is hostile toward God and man, and part of his work is to accuse us of disloyalty and sin before others and God.

Scripture references

Revelation 12:10

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Matthew 5:1-12

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

I Corinthians 13:7

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Proverbs 26:20

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

It is natural to want to strike back at our accusers. But Jesus tells us to rejoice.

BCUFam, this word reminded me of what my response should be when falsely accused, as well as how we are supposed to react when someone comes to us with an accusation about another person. And it does not matter if you know the person or not——our responses should be the same. “Did you speak with the person?” “Were you there?” “Did you get the whole story?” “Are you praying for/with them?”  Or, “I don’t know what happened, but I will be praying for the entire situation.” This may annoy the “well-meaning” talebearer/accuser, but it will put that fire out and keep us in right standing with God. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, we thank You for Your word that has illuminated our hearts and minds. Thank you for reminding us that we do not want to accuse anyone falsely at all. Help us to remember not to join into the conversation and besmirch the individual, rather we are to err on the side of love, and to bear, believe, hope and endure all things.

Jesus, please help us to respond correctly when we are falsely accused. Bless us to remember what You told us in the book of Matthew——that we are blessed when we are reviled, persecuted, and evil spoken of for Your sake. We are to rejoice and be EXCEEDINGLY glad, because we have a GREAT reward in Heaven for us.

Thank You for blessing us to hide this Word in our hearts, so that we will not sin against you. Please continue to strengthen, bless and keep us in Your care to do all we are charged to do, so that we can see you in peace, 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, 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 mediums include Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google 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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Word study: “Provoked”

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:

  • We are continuing our word study this week by looking at the Biblical definition of a word or phrase.
  •  “Paroxsuno” is the Greek word for “provoked.” It is a compound of para, meaning alongside, and oxsus, which means to poke, to prick, or to stick, as with a sharpened instrument.
  • When compounded together, the new word portrays someone who comes alongside another and then begins to poke, prick, or stick that other person with some type of sharpened instrument—–usually resulting in a verbal or physical altercation.
  • Provoked can also mean irritated by people—–especially when people delay our plans, tell us “no”, or when they interrupt us.

Scripture references

I Corinthians 13:5

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

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.

Acts 15:27-41

27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Sticks and stones may break our bones, and careless words WILL hurt us.

BCUFam, this word admonished, corrected and encouraged ME! I thank God for a pliable heart to hear and receive what He is saying, as well as for the mind to apply the Word. Irritation and being provoked are a part of the walk with Christ, and our reactions to those areas are what the Lord is interested in. With His help, we can choose to respond in a way that brings God glory, honor and praise. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray about it!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, thank You so much for the timely reminder that we are not to be easily provoked or irritated when it comes to our interactions with others. Please help us to be mindful of the things that trigger our irritability, and to take those areas to you in prayer. We never want to operate in a selfish way, rather we want to be sure to represent You in our words, and how we interact with people. The Scriptures remind us that we will be known by the love we exhibit to others.

Please help us to remember to apply Your word when we are tempted to respond the wrong way after being provoked. Help us not to be the provokers! Bless us to remember to pray before we speak, to be peacemakers, and to be slow to speak, slow to wrath, and quick to hear the other person, but also to hear Your instructions. In doing so, You will be glorified and lifted up in our lives.

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 mediums include Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google 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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Word study: “Liberty”

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:

  • A fun fact about me: I love vocabulary and word etymology (the history of a word or phrase shown by tracing its development and relationship).
  • When studying the Bible, it’s important to get an understanding of the original text (Hebrew|Old Testament or Greek|New Testament).
  • In doing so, we can better comprehend the meaning and see how we can apply it to our daily lives.
  • One definition of “liberty” in the Greek is —“aphesis”, meaning release from bondage or imprisonment. forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty. It can also mean power, license or authority.

Scripture references

Galatians 5:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:13

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another..

Mark 12:28-31

28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

When we love God with all of us, and love people like ourselves, we have kept all the commandments.

BCUFam, it is a blessing to walk in the liberty Christ gives us. The freedom we have does not give us the license to do whatever we want–that mindset leads us back into the bondage of sin. Rather, because of Jesus, we are free to do what was impossible before He filled us with the Holy Ghost—and that is to live independent from sin.

Sure, we will struggle in some areas, or mess up along the way, and if we do, we can repent, ask for God’s forgiveness, and walk in the freedom of His forgiveness. That means we will not allow people to hold us hostage to what God forgave us for, AND going forward with God’s help, we do not continue practicing sin. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we come before You with a thankful heart for the liberty you have given us! Thank You for freeing us from the bondage of sin, and helping us to walk independent from sin, and dependent on You to help us follow Your Word to the letter, so we are pleasing in Your sight, we are good witnesses of the transformational power of the Holy Ghost, and, so we can see You in peace, hearing the words “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We give you all the glory and honor for giving us the privilege of representing You in all our interactions, in Jesus name, we pray and thank You, Amen!

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 mediums include Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google 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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It’s a heart condition…

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 had an interaction with a co-worker who had questions for an “obvious” request I made.
  •  As I spoke to the individual, my tone and words were pleasant, but my heart was agitated and God was not pleased.
  • The Lord reminded me that we are in a position of service, and that starts in the heart.

Scripture references

Luke 6:31

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Colossians 3:22-25

22 *Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

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.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Jeremiah 17:9-10

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Matthew 15:18-20(a)

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

20 These are the things which defile a man:

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

If the Lord was physically in front of us, how would we serve those who agitate us?

BCUFam, I have an update! First, the Lord put me in a situation where I had to have a conversation with someone who was a bit short with me when I was asking necessary questions—and I did not enjoy how that felt and had to repent! God has a way of chastening us so we will remember what NOT to do!

Shortly after that, the Lord arranged another opportunity to interact with the co-worker from the podcast–in fact, even the request I had for them was very similar to the first one I had. Immediately, the Lord reminded me of my lessons, so with His grace, I was able to answer their questions (serve) the individual properly—with singleness of heart and being pleasing to God! It was a challenge now, but the Lord brought me through it! Glory to His name!

In this life, there will be areas of our walk with Christ that will be a bit more of a battle than others, and the Lord knows that. The good news is that these battles are not to destroy us, but to make us more dependent on and more like Christ. And when do feel the challenges overwhelming us, we can call on the POWERFUL and MIGHTY name of Jesus every step of the way and He will help us! 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 Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and  Stitcher Radio !

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

*These scriptures DO NOT condone or endorse slavery as our history recounts and many of our people remember. Mankind has a way to take the Word of God and twist it for personal gain/benefit and that’s NEVER what God intended.

According to history, in Biblical times, some were servants as a way to pay off debt, and others were servants that made a living taking care of others. Some of the servants (and perhaps employers as well) were newly saved and were getting out of order, so Paul gave directions to both parties. In modern day terms, these verses apply to the employer/employee relationship.

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Just how GREAT is our God?

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 are now days away from the day many set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ. (Note, There is NO biblical reference mentioning when Christ was born. We’re just glad He came).
  •  As we meditate on the miracle of His birth, and how/why He came here to save mankind (see John 3:16), the preparation and circumstances for Jesus’ arrival were orchestrated perfectly.
  • Years ago, God gave me this simple, yet powerful post that truly showed me how and reminded me of how powerful He is! Please listen, reflect and rejoice on the magnitude of our God!

Scripture references

Prophecy: Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me, the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Situation: Joseph & very pregnant Mary are in Nazareth/Galilee about 70 or so miles away from Bethlehem and likely had no reason to go there. Until…Let’s go to Luke 2:1-3.

1And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2This census first took place while Cyrenius was governing Syria.

3So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Solution: Caesar declares a tax and all people, including Joseph and Mary have to make their way to their own/home city (and with no modern transportation, I might add). Now to Luke 2:4-6).

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was great with child.

6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

Lesson: God used a carnal government official to make His Word/promise come to pass. He’s that powerful!! Psalms 62:11 says, “God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: power belongs to God!” That’s something to get excited about!

Proverbs 21:1 declares, “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” When we think about that, it helps us to understand who God really is and how He organizes circumstances to accomplish His will. While we may not understand or like our current situation(s), with His help, we need to trust He knows what He’s doing. In fact, Paul reminds us that “..we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬). While the individual situations that happen in our lives may not feel good, once the Lord finishes His masterpiece, ALL things will work together for good! With the grace of God, we’ll just hang on in here together and let the Lord have His way! 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 Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and  Stitcher Radio !

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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