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 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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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 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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The Christian and the clapback

Hey there BCU Family!

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 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

  • This week’s post is about a “messy” situation that unfolded on social media.
  • My heart was disturbed about how the conversation was handled–a subliminal “clapback” was posted in retaliation.
  • Clapbacks are targeted, typically vicious attacks said to hurt, embarrass or put the person “in their place”.
  • At some point in this life, we will either be offended or offend someone--the Bible tells us so (Matthew 18:7 and James 3:2).
  • God wants us to handle our offenses according to what His word says, versus “getting in our feelings”.

Scripture references

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 18:7).

 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  (James 3:2).

 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican (Matthew 18:15-17).

Matthew 18:21-35.

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19).

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).

BCU Fam, I understand how challenging it can be to stay in The Spirit when it comes to wanting to shut down those who offend us. As new creatures in Christ, we are to exchange the clapback behavior for God’s perfect way of dealing with the people who are made in His image. While it  may initially feel good to get back at someone, is practicing that behavior worth our risking our blessings and our salvation?

What are your thoughts on our topic-du-jour? Is resisting the clapback a struggle? What are your go-to Scriptures to keep your heart from speaking something you’ll regret later?  Please head to the comments section below and let’s chat some more!

In the meantime, 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! 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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Does your heart need healing?

Your heart can be healed

Hey all,

I didn’t post last week (please forgive me) but I have a few ideas roaming around in my head and I think I will start with this one. This is something I penned years ago out of my heart and I recently found it again. So many young ones (and not so young) are going through for love when Jesus took care of that for us all. I thought I would share an excerpt with you.

There was a time I wasn’t free
There was a time I was hurting
There was a time I was being hurt
It was mental, it was physical
It was from someone who said, but “Bay, you know I love you”.

I was bound in bondage–at the time I didn’t know
The enemy had this sabotage planned
in order to forever claim my soul.

I went through life trying to mask the pain
A voice telling me I was to blame
I wasn’t good enough I needed to improve
Then he’s really love me–hey, that’s a good move.

But even with this brand new me
The changes I mad that all else could see
Wasn’t good enough for he
I was still being lied to, he’s still cheating on me

But the prayers of my parents and loved ones and friends
didn’t fall on deaf ears, for God heard and saw my pain.
And He wanted to dry my tears.

After leaving from that mess, a new freedom I’m on
I could be myself, the healing could begin
I let that bad man out of my life and let Jesus in.

To forgive me, love me and show me love.
That unconditional agape amour that comes from above
To show me how to forgive and love others, too.
And to learn to love myself and all that I do.

Love my skin, my lips, and my hair
Learn from my past mistakes, and with others I’ll share
The real way to love us yes, though a man,
His name is JESUS– it’s part of His divine plan.

To let us know to love Him first.
Trust Him to give us what we need–including a man
A real man who will love, honor and cherish me correctly
Like the beautiful, unique queen that I am.

I want women everywhere to know that true love starts and ends with Christ. He can heal your broken heart and make you whole again. He desires to fulfill all your needs, we just have to wait on Him–it’s not easy, but totally worth it. Be encouraged!

Love,

Blen

© Blenda, Blen’s Blog and poem/Blenblogs, 2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Blenda and Blenblogs with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Thank you

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