Avoiding Haste, Waste, Stress & Mess

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:

  • Blogging/podcasting is such wonderful blessing to me—–the Lord has truly brought BCU a LONG way!
  • Experience has taught me that I need to break my podcast production into two parts.
  • One particular week, I leaned to my own faulty understanding and did not follow that teaching.🤦🏽‍♀️
  • Listen in to what happened, and what the Lord taught me about haste, waste and prayer.

KJV Scripture Reference

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.

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;

Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

I Thessalonians 5:17

 Pray without ceasing.

BCU Fam, we live in a society where it is almost a badge of honor to be busy, running, stressed and tired. There is no biblical evidence of that being a requirement for salvation, or living the Christian life. In order to combat this worldly mindset, with the help of the Lord, we should acknowledge Him regarding ALL our tasks, even the things we know we have to take care of routinely. I am not saying that we need to ask the Lord if we should brush our teeth or clean up the spilled milk before we leave for work. Rather, if we make it a habit to start our day with prayer (Psalm 63:1), and pray throughout the day, asking the Lord for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding on how to carry out our assignments, and which ones take priority for the day, He will help us. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, thank You so much for the reminder, as always to acknowledge You in all of our ways. Whether we are going to work, school, at home, taking care of family, whatever it is, please help us to ask You, Jesus, in what sequence things should go in for the day.

Help us, Jesus to hear You and follow that sequence, so that we are not walking around tired, stressed, angry, agitated, irritated, or any of those things that are not of You. Thank You for giving us the grace to follow what You tell us to do, as we look forward to being more productive and doing things in the kairos time zone, according to Your will and way! 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, Pandora, Spotify and many other 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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Enjoy The Present

Hey there BCU Family!
For this special post, you have the option of listening to our podcast (click here, or on the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!


This “adulting” thing I have to do keeps me pretty occupied. I praise God and am grateful that I have a full-time job, spouse, church, family and the BCU ministry (essentially run pretty full time). In between all that, I like to see friends and family, minister to people, keep house, eat, read and especially rest and sleep.


In fact, I look forward to the holidays and precious few and far in between days off to just. do. nothing. I’m the kind of vacation person that LIKES to stay home, with no plans, no clock to punch, no set time do, be, or go anywhere. I call that, “the slow hurry.” Those are my million dollar days.


I recall years ago, I had a week off for vacation. While a couple of those days were already spoken for, I was excited for the remainder of the time for doing nothing! As I was talking to my best friend Kenya about it, I started to lament about my life AFTER my time off was finished. It would be MONTHS before my next big block of time was coming up! I started thinking about how long those days would be and how hard it would be to get through them. During those days, there was nothing to look forward to, until the next vacation. The Lord checked me on that.


“Enjoy the present.”


We have a habit of saving the anticipation-filled phrases like, “I can’t wait…” or “I am looking forward to…” for special occasions, while saying, “I’ll be glad when this day is over”, or “it is Monday…already”, or “I wish this day would hurry up and come…” with dread and disdain. We wish away the days, complain the about the time we have to spend at work, going to and from work, doing chores, shopping, cleaning, running kids around——we even complain about the time we give God. “Why does the message take so long?” “He prays too long!” “What time is service over?”


When we FINALLY get to the free time we couldn’t wait for, how are we really spending it? Looking our loved ones in the face, studying their words and actions——-conversing intently? Or are our faces glued to our devices, while we catch snippets and fragments of what is being said? I’d venture to guess that many of us do the latter. Keeping that in mind…

What if…we were intentional about rejoicing in the day the Lord made (which would be all of them, including Monday)… See Psalm 118:24.


What if… instead of complaining about our jobs and wishing the day away, we payed attention to the people we work with for an opportunity to bless, encourage or be a witness to them——even if it’s demonstrated through our attitudes and actions. See Matthew 5:16. 


What if…rather than complain about the job God blessed us with, we take all the tasks, including those those mundane meetings, the clean-up, the less glamorous parts that have to be done, along with tasks we enjoy, keeping in mind, that we work unto God as not as unto men. See Colossians 3:23-24. 


What if… we practiced being content..even if things are not where we want them to be at the moment? The spouse you prayed for? Thank God. The kids you asked God for? Thank God. The spouse you are waiting for? Thank God.  Struggling to pay bills? Thank God. We have the money to pay the bill? Thank God. It’s important that we live in the state of contentment. See Philippians 4:11. 


What if…we prepared our hearts, minds and bodies for the services we attend——-looking for the Lord to bless, heal, deliver, save and set free in a mighty way? What if we arrived rested, full, prayed up and ready to see what we can do to be a blessing——and excitedly anticipate what God has for us? See Psalm 133:1. 


What if… we prayed fervently (rather than half-way and sarcastically) that the Spirit of the Lord rest upon the hearts of the people during service, so much so, that people walk out differently than how they came in? And rather than complain about the time, we rejoiced in the fact that people are being blessed? See James 5:16 (b). 

BCU Family, whether we like it or not, our days are numbered. In Psalm 90:10, Moses said that we the days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years. Threescore is 60, add another 10 and that’s 70. So, fourscore is 80. Of course, some live longer and some shorter——that’s all in God’s hands. No, we don’t know when we’ll leave here—-but what we can do, with the help of the Lord, while we are living for Him, is to enjoy our days to the fullest. Ecclesiastes 5:18 reminds us, “it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of labor that he takes under the sun all the days of his life, which God gives, for it is his portion.”


Enjoy the present.

BCU Fam, I really have to be intentional about not rushing through my days and wishing my time away. Once, I remember catching myself thinking “I need to hurry through this chore to get my free time”. Rather than rush through my schedule, the Lord reminded me to take my time. I confess, I was blessed in the process, and got home in plenty of time to rest.  We often miss how we can be a blessing and God blessing us, because we are operating in chronos time (keeping a schedule), versus being present in kairos time (God’s opportune moments). Amen? Amen!

BCUA Fam, 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 YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and many 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,

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Kairos Time, The Dress & Miss Kim

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:

  • I LOVE to talk about time. It is often measured in two ways.
  • Chronos or chronological time is used to tell us when something starts/ends–aka “clock time”.
  • The word kairos comes from a Greek term translated as the “right time” or “opportune moment”.
  • While we need chronos time to function on Earth, God operates in the kairos time zone.
  • The Lord used His timing, a dress and function to get me to meet a wonderful sister in Christ.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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.

BCUFam, as an update, Sister Kim and I have been in contact pretty regularly, as we pray about concerns, speak encouraging words, and talk about the goodness of God! God NEVER ceases to amaze me with how He speaks to our minds, directs our plans, and re-arranges our schedules so we follow His perfect “kairos time-zoned” will for our lives. So, with the help of the Lord, let’s be sure to acknowledge the Lord in all of our ways, so He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6). Those paths will not only lead us to successfully manage our time in the chronos time zone, but to also be aware, alert and ready for whatever assignments God has for us in the kairos time zone. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray

Father, in the name of Jesus, as always, we bless and praise Your Holy and Precious Name! We thank Your for Your awesomeness, greatness, goodness, and for the Word You deposited into us today! We thank You for reminding us that ultimately, we run in the kairos time zone. Please helps us to remember that as we go about our tasks and assignments, that we are mindful of the people around us, and that we are ready to give an answer to them about the Hope that lies within us, which is You, Jesus.

We thank You, Jesus for the current and future Body of Christ, which consists of believers EVERYWHERE, regardless of organization, country, language or background. We ask the You continue to strengthen and keep Your people, Jesus! Please bless us to operate as a unit as You intended, Lord, to do Your perfect will here on Earth. and so we can hear “well done” when we see You in Heaven! 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!

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

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 rebroadcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • Some time ago, BCU Live did a stewardship series about managing our time, with some focus on being in the kairos (God’s perfect timing) time zone.
  • The day that post was released, I had an extremely hard time getting the podcast produced in a “timely” manner.
  • Because of the delay, I was a little anxious and concerned I would not have time to run an important errand.
  • The Lord had a word that was important for me to receive and the delay ensured that I got it.

Scripture references

Philippians 4:6-7

Be (anxious) 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.

Colossians 3:23-25

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.

Matthew 7:14

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 5:14-16

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

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Galatians 6:9

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

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.

BCUFam, as I type this through happy tears, I marvel at how God allowed a delay to test how I would react to the enemy’s false accusations. I admit I was concerned about my “lateness”, but Jesus reminded me who I was really serving, so with His help I was able to calm down and take the time to finish up the podcast properly. And then He used that same delay to have me run into a beautiful young woman of God (God bless you, Cynthia) who carried out her assignment to remind me of who the Lord says I am (insert praise here)! Listen, when we run on kairos time, the Lord will bless us every time! 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, X,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, 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’s] Timing is Everything.

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:

  • Time is often measured in two ways.
  • Chronos or chronological time is used to tell us when something starts/ends–aka “clock time”.
  • The word kairos comes from a Greek term translated as the “right time” or “opportune moment”.
  • While we need chronos time to function on Earth, God operates in the kairos time zone.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

Philippians 2:13

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

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, as we acknowledge the Lord in all of our ways, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6). Those paths will not only lead us to do well in the chronos time zone, but to also be aware, alert and ready for whatever God has for us in the kairos time zone. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for what you have taught us today. Thank You for reminding us to seek You and to heed to Your voice, even in what seems ordinary and routine, so we are following Your perfect path. We thank You for representing You well in our daily routines, so we can hear “well done” when we see You face-to-face! We thank and praise You for the opportunities You will give us to be a blessing to someone/be blessed by someone in the kairos time zone. 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

BlenCouragesU1 Comment