Short Series: From sad to glad | Hannah’s story

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format, and other times, like today, it is in more of a “studio” format. In any case, 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:

  • When we were together last time, we started talking about Hannah from 1 Samuel 1.
  • Like many of us, Hannah wrestled with sorrow, ridicule and disappointment around her unfulfilled desire.
  • When faced with a situation, our natural inclination is to do all we can in our finite power.
  • Once Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord, she received the confirmation that her prayer was answered.
  • Many of us currently have impossible situations. Have we taken them to the Lord in prayer?

KJV Scripture References

I Samuel 1:10-28

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.

20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.

21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever.

23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young.

25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.

27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.

BCUFam, as much as Hannah’s husband loved and took good care of her, only the Lord could comfort and assure her. I LOVE that once Hannah prayed and got the confirmation from the Lord, her face and appetite changed from sad to glad! That is a message for us to take our situations 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 Your enduring Word. Many of us have prayer requests we are waiting for an answer to—-regarding our jobs, family members, healing, spouses, finances, salvation, deliverance….Lord, You know what we are crying, fretting and petitioning You for, so we cast our cares on You because You care for us (I Peter 5:7). We look to You to assure us You have heard our cry and will answer one way, or another by and by.

In the meantime, we thank You, Jesus for renewing our strength, and taking us from a sad to a joyful heart as we continue to faithfully serve You. In Jesus name we pray and bless Your Name, 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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Short Series: Introduction to Hannah

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format, and other times, like today, it is in more of a “studio” format. In any case, 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:

  • Some time ago, I was tasked to teach Tuesday night Bible study for our church.
  • The topic the Lord gave me concerned Hannah, wife of Elkanah, who desired to be a mother.
  • Like many of us, Hannah wrestled with sorrow, ridicule and disappointment around her unfulfilled desire.
  • In our difficult times, crying out to the Lord is the only way to stabilize our hearts and minds as we await further instruction.

KJV Scripture References

I Samuel 1:1-10

1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.

4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb.

6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.

7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.

8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

BCUFam, one point that stood out to me was that for years, this heavy situation coupled with her nemesis, Peninnah provoked Hannah to the point of tears before she went to the Lord in prayer. Oh, I can recall many situations where I leaned to my own understanding prior to praying. But once we commit the situation to God and get His assurance, (and we will see in our next podcast), our countenance and/or circumstances change. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for reminding us to take every situation, circumstance, enemy, provocation, stress and tear to YOU in prayer. Psalm 37:23 reminds us that the steps of the righteous are ordered by You, so while what we are experiencing is not a surprise to You, we are relying on You for strength, guidance, and to remove the bitterness of soul that many of us are currently facing. Thank You for hearing our cry and the assurance that You are with us in our time of uncertainty, as we continue to praise and thank Your Holy name, 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, 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

BlenCouragesU2 Comments

A lesson in leadership

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:

  • When on the job, I am privileged to facilitate some amazing content to many phenomenal new and aspiring leaders.
  • Sometimes, leaders need to be reminded that staff needs time, patience, understanding and compassion to learn the ropes of a new task.
  • Recently, the Lord reminded me of a time where He used someone to teach me the aforementioned points—-many years ago, and how that teaching helped to shape my life to His glory.

KJV Scripture References

Ecclesiastes 3:1,3

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

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

2 Corinthians 1:6

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

BCUFam, I have been saying this for years—-we have to know how to talk to people, so they will want to talk with us. While there is a time for reproof and correction, most of the time, it is not while the person is crying out for assistance. Therefore, it is prudent that we are slow to anger and speak, and quick to hear what the person is saying, as well what the Lord is saying, so He will guide us on our responses. We can never over-acknowledge the Lord when it comes to needing help on how to take care of His assignments, so that He is honored and glorified in our lives.

I lost track of the sister that was such an encouragement to me, but the Lord knows who she is. I thank the Lord for how He used her to comfort and undergird me, and to shape how I interact with people. My prayer is that the Lord will always bless her and her family spiritually, physically, financially, mentally and emotionally—- and in all abundance until He comes back again. We never know how our acts of kindness will not only bless us, but all whom we are connected to as well. And on top of it, we will be welcomed into heaven for a job well done, as good and faithful servants! Now that’s something to look forward to! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for what our ears have heard! We thank You for the people You have placed in our lives, realizing that sometimes, they are with us for a season—to help us get to the next level in You. We also thank You for helping US to be cognizant that we may be “that person” for someone else. Please help us to acknowledge You in all our ways, as we endeavor to take good care of the people You have entrusted us with, so You will be magnified in our lives. We thank You, Jesus, for continuing to strengthen and keep us, as we continue to give you all the glory, honor and praise, 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, 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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The Karios Time Zone

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:

  • Last year, I wanted to podcast about a particular subject, but was having a challenge pulling the content together.
  • The Lord brought my attention to different content, and He prompted me to podcast God sees us.
  • By following His directions on what to post, one person “happened” to tune in and really needed that Word from God.
  • While we run on chronological or chronos time (by the clock and what we think is best timing-wise), it is important to live in karios time (listening for and operating in God’s opportune and divine moments that are just for that time).

KJV Scripture References

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.

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Psalm 37:23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.

BCUFam, it never ceases to amaze me when God shows up in the lives of His people! He knows just what we need and when we need it, and He will use us to accomplish His will and way, if we listen and obey. We may not always see result of our obedience, but God sees it and will reward us accordingly. So, with His help, let’s acknowledge the Lord in all our ways so we are operating in the karios time zone, which is God’s perfect will for our lives. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for this word of encouragement today! Thank You for reminding us to take time to hear Your voice and to operate in the karios time zone. Help us to be mindful of the people around us, those may need encouragement, their hearts lifted, to be witnessed to, or prayed for—–whatever You would have us to do, Jesus, help us to hear and be obedient to what that is.

With Your grace, please help us to be willing vessels to do whatever it is You have called us to do—-not for recognition, acknowledgement or just tangible rewards, rather, we want to hear “well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Thank You for helping us to be sensitive to Your directions for us, and carrying out Your will and way, 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, 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

BlenCouragesU6 Comments

Story time | Lessons from 2023

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, I recorded the content via video which is RARE for me! 😆 But it is the end of the year, so why not try something a little different, right? The audio link on the BCU avatar below is a brief explanation that the podcast is on YouTube this week. Please tune into the podcast video (click here), 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:

  • With the grace of God, we are at the end of 2023, and we thank God for His mercy and grace!
  • For many of us, this is a time to recount the defining moments we experienced throughout the year.
  • For this podcast, I am sharing a few lessons the Lord taught/reminded me of via video. Please click here and I’ll see you there!

Scripture references

Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Galatians 6:1

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

I Corinthians 13:13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

BCU Fam, this was a blessed AND challenging year for many of us, myself included. In all things, we give God praise for His goodness and mercy toward us. I am so grateful for all of you, and will do what I can with His help to continue to keep encourage your hearts so we can #StayOnTheWall together! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for all of the lessons you have taught us this year. It is our prayer that you help us to know how to speak to, respect and prayerfully approach one another, so that you are glorified, honored, and praised in our speech and actions.

Thank You for helping us to be a safe place for someone to come to when they do have a confession. Help us to prayerfully hear what they are saying without judging unrighteously, and to respond in a way that will correct and restore those who desire to do differently. We thank You for blessing each and every person here according to Your riches in glory, and we will give Your name glory and honor, 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 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 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,

BCU

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