Capturing EVERY Thought

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:

  • God, in His infinite wisdom created us with a magnificent brain that can hold about around 2.5 petabytes, or a million gigabytes of information.
  • To sketch that out, if your brain worked like a DVR, 2.5 petabytes would be enough to hold three million hours of TV shows.
  • A 2022 Healthline.com study purported that people had more than 6,000 thoughts per day.
  • While some of those thoughts are random musings or duties to perform, (Hmm…I wonder what the temperature is?, or I need to call for an oil change appointment), still others can come from the enemy and if not controlled, can lead to inner dialogues that can work us up into an unneeded emotional froth that does not glorify God.

KJV Scripture references

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? (Luke 18:7)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

BCU Fam, what we think will spill over into our words and actions, so we have to take an active stance when it comes to which of the 6,000 thoughts we will entertain. And while we cannot control the thoughts the enemy will bring, we can filter those thoughts through the word of God. If what we are thinking is not acceptable in God’s sight (and He will let us know), we need to cast them down in the name of Jesus and replace them with other thoughts that line up with Philippians 4:8. It may take some discipline, but the Lord is able to help us make sure our thoughts are pleasing to Him. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for reminding us that what we think is just as important as what we say. Please forgive us, Jesus for the times we have allowed our thoughts to take us to conversations and places that do not please You. Thank You, Lord for helping us to actively capture, cast down or keep our thoughts——all according to Your Word versus our 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 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 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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Story Time: Customer Service, Attitudes & The Last Days?

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:

  • In a previous post, I mentioned how refreshed I was in my mind and spirit.
  • As the Lord refreshed my mind and body, I ran into a few instances where the people around me were entitled, sullen, arrogant, loud and disrespectful.
  • In fact, at the time of this post, I encountered a person with a poor attitude an establishment I frequent—–and it offended me!
  • The Lord reminded me some of what we are experiencing now is all part of the last days, and what we can do.

KJV Scripture References

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.

BCUFam, I am from a generation that respected the adults we interacted with, especially in a customer service situation. Moreover, the Spirit of God down on the inside will “check me” if a tone or attitude shows up, so in order for me to see Jesus in peace, I have to make sure I am loving on everyone, especially the unlovely. When we stay in lock-step with Jesus, He will remind us to not to get in our feelings and take these behaviors personally, but to pray and witness about the saving power of Jesus! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as always, we want to thank You for the Word we have heard! We thank You for reminding us that when these spirits show up, that you help us not to be infected and affected, but rather, humbled and thankful that You delivered us! Bless us to remember to stay in a posture of prayer, versus reacting in a way that does not glorify You. We also intercede on behalf of those who are infected by these spirits to be delivered, healed, saved and set free in the matchless name of Jesus! We thank You, Jesus, for the victory and 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 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 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,

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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

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

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

4 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 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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Summer in the Kairos Time Zone

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:

  • We are BACK after being on holiday for the month of July!
  • Some of you all have heard me talk about chronos and karios time.
  • In short, we need chronos (clock) time to function on Earth, and God operates in the kairos (His perfect) time zone.
  • The Lord used His timing to bless and refresh me, as I blessed and refreshed others.

KJV Scripture references

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Mark 6:31

And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while….

Romans 15:32

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Proverbs 16:3

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

BCUFam, July is LONG gone, but the refreshing feels like it happened yesterday! Spending quality time with my friends and family over breakfast, lunches, dinners, in fellowship and in prayer and moving slow is necessary!

I know we have our schedules and to-do lists—–and some of our tasks are non-negotiable. If we take our task list to Jesus first, and do what He tells us to do, when and in the order He tells us to do it, everything needful will get done. And what is done will be perfect, because what He tells us us perfect. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray about it!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as always, we thank YOU for Your Word that has been spoken to our hearts. We also thank You for the work You give us to do, AND for every opportunity You give us to rest in our bodies and minds. We ask, Jesus, that You help us to hear Your voice, so we know when to stop, go, and wait, and that we follow Your directions explicitly, according to Your will and way. With Your help, we do not want to be tied to our schedules and doing all of the “extras”, rather doing what You have instructed us to do, and moving in the kairos time zone.

Jesus, we ask that You please bless each and every person listening today in all abundance, and we thank and praise You Lord for answering our prayers according to Your perfect timing. 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!

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The Original Fantastic Four

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, we fellowshipped with our friends in the Lord, Pastor and First Lady Brewer of Faith and Power Ministries.
  • I was tasked to give a 12-minute “lecture” that would lay the foundation for the main speaker.
  • I know The Fantastic Four is a Marvel creation known and loved by many…
  • …The Bible has the ORIGINAL Fantastic Four—–let’s talk about THEM!

KJV Scripture references

Mark 12:29-31

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.

Mark 2:1-12

1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

BCU Fam, this was a call to action for me! How many of us are neighbors to someone in need? Would we “carry” someone to Jesus? Are we doing what we can to “take off the roof” so someone can be forgiven? Healed, Saved? Delivered? Are we bringing our neighbors (family, friends, co-workers, enemies, government officials, bereaved, homeless, etc, to Jesus in prayer? Speaking an encouraging Word? Witnessing to those we come in contact with? Being the answer to their prayer by bringing a meal, being a listening ear, or helping out in some way?

The original “fantastic four” are a perfect representation of how we as believers love our neighbors as we love ourselves. With the help and unction of the Holy Ghost, let’s be more aware of those whom we interact with, and show the love of the Lord to them today. 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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