Faith, Persistence & Humility.

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 recently had the privilege of visiting God’s Holy Temple in DeSoto, TX.
  • First Lady Lakeisha Perry taught one on of my FAVORITE scriptures—Luke 18.
  • In this recording, Sister Perry will remind us of the importance of faith, humility and salvation, along with persistence in prayer in the face of adversity.

Scripture references:

Luke 18:1-7

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 18:9-14

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 18:15-26

15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

Luke 18:27

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.


BCU Fam, the Lord used Sister Perry to break down and connect this chapter in a way that I had NEVER heard before. In addition to persistent prayer, we need to have faith, humility and surrender to God, knowing that what is impossible with man is possible with God. It sounds simple, because it is—we just tend to complicate things, especially when what we are praying about does not come to pass right away, or things start to take unexpected turns. But God has a way of stepping in at the right time to avenge His very elect that cry out to Him day and night. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!


Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your Word today and for You being our Avenger. Thank You for reminding us that nothing escapes Your knowledge and that You will always take care of Your elect. We thank You for blessing us to walk in a spirit of humility towards the people we serve, helping us not to put our trust in the things of this world, and that through You, ALL things are possible! 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 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 PodcastsiHeart 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

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

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

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

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 PodcastsiHeart 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

Pop Quiz: The Offensive Accusation

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:

  • The last time we were together, I spoke on offenses, improper responses to one, and how the Lord corrected me.
  • Not too long after that post, the Lord used a situation to test my obedience to a surprise offense.
  • In today’s conversation, I’ll fill you in on all the details—and if I passed the test.

Scripture (KJV) references

Matthew 5:43-48

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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.

Matthew 18:7

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!


BCUFam, when someone falsely accuses you, it stirs up emotions and reactions that are valid, yet they need to remain under control of the Holy Ghost. If we take a moment to pray, taking how we feel to the Lord, He will let us know how to respond so that the situation is handled His way. Doing things God’s way ensures that our response glorifies Him, builds our treasures in Heaven, and helps us to continue to be a good witness of who we are and Whose we are. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God and awesome Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for teaching/reminding us of how we are to respond when we are falsely accused and feeling offended.

When offended, please help us, Jesus to be slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to hear, and manage our emotions so they don’t cause further offense AND so we refrain from accusing others. We thank You, Jesus for being a present help in our tough conversations, and we will continue to give You all the glory in our interactions. 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 PodcastsiHeart 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

Handling The Spirit of Offense

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:

  • Being offended is a part of life, and these offenses REALLY show up in the lives of us who are Holy-Ghost filled!
  • I witnessed an interaction where a standing upset between two people made things VERY awkward for the onlookers.
  • The Lord reminded me of a time I was offended, did not handle things correctly, and He corrected me.

Scripture (KJV) references

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;

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Matthew 18:7

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

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.


BCUFam, I admit I could have done a much better job at handling that situation! I am grateful for God’s mercy and patience toward me as He helped me to reconcile with my sister-friend. Unaddressed offenses often turn into bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor and evil speaking against the offender. While we do not minimize the hurt the person caused, the Word also says to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (See Ephesians 4:31-32). When God puts it that way, it’s time to take care of these offenses. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Heavenly Father and gracious Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for teaching/reminding us that in many things we offend all, and that offenses will come.

While the hurt does not feel good, we ask that You help us to forgive the individuals from our heart, as You heal our heart, mind and spirit. Thank You, Jesus for helping us to go on and love that person the way You have called us to. We also know that in certain situations, it is best the relationship not continue after forgiveness happens. Help us NOT to lean to our own understanding on who to stop associating with, rather, bless us to consult and follow Your leading, so You are honored, praised and pleased. Thank You Lord for helping those of us who have offended others to ask for and receive forgiveness as well, so You are glorified and we can can be called Your children! 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 PodcastsiHeart 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

Errands, Timing & Blessings

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:

  • Recently, the Lord blessed me to teach on the importance of having the Holy Ghost (I may share that with you soon!)
  • Part of that teaching reminded us that we need the Spirit of God in our lives to lead and guide us in ALL things.
  • Earlier this week, the Lord suddenly reminded me I needed to run an important errand.
  • The place, timing and purpose for the errand was kairos-timed and an opportunity to be salt and light.

Scripture (KJV) references

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.

Proverbs 25:11

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

Galatians 6:9

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


BCUFam, I marvel at God and how He does things. This errand had been something I was trying to take care of for over the last couple of weeks, but could not get to it. On this particular day though, God reminds me this task needed to get done, and He works out my schedule so I have the time to complete it. He then guided me to a specific store, and walked me to the person who needed the encouragement! 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 SLOW DOWN and be more aware of the people around us who need a word from You. Please speak through us as we interact with people so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and that someone will be encouraged and/or want to be saved! Thank You, Jesus, for blessing 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 PodcastsiHeart 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