Independence, trust & trauma

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:

  • Independence is an encouraged and prized trait in our culture—–especially for women.
  • Books, songs, and movies tout the fact that women do not need anyone at all——they can do everything on their own.
  • Admittedly, shifts in society, lack of resources, unforeseen circumstances, and sometimes our choices make it where women have to hold things together alone.
  • While some independence is needed AND a wonderful thing, too much of it is actually unhealed trauma manifesting itself in our relationships, or lack of them.*
  • Jesus knows all about what happened, and wants to and can heal us from the trauma and bless us to trust again.

Scripture references:

Jeremiah 17:5-8

5 Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.

6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

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 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Psalm 34:18

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Isaiah 55:9

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

The Lord will sort things out, if we let Him in.

BCU Fam, many of us, myself included, have been on the receiving end of trauma and it can/does break your heart and spirit. For others, we may now realize we were the trauma causers. Or, perhaps, we continue in the “spirit of ultra-independence” (rooted in pride), and leave Jesus out of our circumstances——–and then things really become messy. Whatever the situation, there is an Answer! Jesus is available and is offering us help only He can give. He wants forgive us, heal us, redirect us, and make us whole. Let’s pray about it.

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before you, we thank You that Your presence is Here. We pray for those who have been on the receiving end of trauma, those who are going through trauma now, and those who have been through trauma and are unsure what to do. We pray now in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that You will speak to broken hearts and spirits everywhere, Lord! Please touch someone, even now, where they are, in Your healing Name, Jesus——speak to their heart, and please mend it and put them back together again! Please speak to the minds of Your people and help them to forgive the person(s) who caused the trauma. Bless all who are listening, who this post and prayer is for, to hear Your voice, to feel Your Spirit, and to be renewed in both heart and mind. We thank You that the trauma will no longer identify them, that they will no longer live in hurt, guilt and shame, but that they rise up in the Name of Jesus with a renewed heart, mind and spirit. Bless us to be able to deal with people according to how you would, with Your help, Jesus.

No more, will we walk around with in independence saying we do not need anyone——-rather we thank You for the people you put in our lives to undergird and support us. Bless us to know how far to take our relationships, what to do, and what to say, who to keep in our lives, and who to let go of, so that You are glorified, honored and praised. Remember and forgive those who have caused the trauma. If we were the perpetrators, help us to acknowledge what we’ve done, apologize where we need to, and not to repeat the same patterns again. Please forgive us for walking in independence and leaning to our own understanding. Bless us to remember we can depend you on You, Jesus, to help us make the right decisions. Ahhh, we thank You, Lord for making and keeping us whole in the Name of Jesus!

As the tears flow for some of us, we thank You comfort, strength, mercy and restoring relationships today! We thank you healing and delivering and we bless Your Holy name! Thank You for coming to speak to our hearts and minds and we will continue to give Your name the praise, glory and honor that belongs to You, as we live our lives out loud for and through You, Jesus! In Your 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, 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 whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify,  Stitcher Radio , 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

*The source post I refer to in the podcast–the author is unknown. If anyone recognizes the content, please let me know so we can credit the wonderful person who brought this matter to our attention. Thanks, BCUFam!

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Psalm 103 (and a little more).

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:

  • Psalms is one of the best-known and likely most quoted books of the Bible.
  • While some refer to the Psalms as “chapters” or “divisions”, The Psalms are actually arranged in five books.
  • Today’s focus is from Psalm 103 (book 4) We’ll look at verses 1-12.
  • Main theme: This Psalm tells us the many ways God cares for us.

Book One——Psalms 1-41

  • David is the author
  • God is usually referred to as “The Lord”.
  • Key verse: The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).

Book Two——-Psalms 42-72

  • Eighteen psalms are penned by David and the remainder by Korah and his descendants.
  • The Lord is mostly referred to as “God”.
  • Key verse: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise (Psalm 51:17).

Book 3———–Psalms 73-89

  • Mostly written by Asaph and Korah and his descendants.
  • The Lord is mostly referred to as “God”.
  • Key verse: Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved (Psalm 80:3).

Book 4———–Psalms 90-106

Book 5————Psalms 107-150

  • Fifteen Psalms name David as the author.
  • These psalms are mostly for worship and praise and God is usually referred to as “The Lord”.
  • Key verse: They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever (Psalm 125:1).

Psalms 103:1-12

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.

BCU Fam, when we read through this Psalm, it really does tell us how much the Lord loves us! I am so grateful for all He does for us, especially His redemption and assurance of forgiveness——thank you, Jesus!!! My intent was to read this Psalm in it’s entirety, but the Lord gave me so much good background information, I just had to share with you all! Lord will, we will finish up the next time we are together. In the meantime, let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for this exposition and closer look at Your Word. We thank You for this Psalm reminding us for the benefits You give us and we are so thankful for them! We want to thank You for crowning us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Thank You, Jesus for satisfying our mouths with good things, for forgiving us for our transgressions, and we especially thank You for the privilege for being able to bless Your Holy name! Help us to remember this Word as we go through the day and to apply it so You will be glorified, honored and lifted up in our lives. Thank You for this time together and for all You do, in Jesus name we bless You, Amen!

As a reminder, the comments section is open —tell us what you thought about the post! Also, 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 whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify,  Stitcher Radio , 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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Receiving forgiveness

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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 our last podcast, we talked about a cherished friend who biblically and gently confronted me on an important matter.
  • In that same conversation, we talked about how important it is to receive forgiveness without the constant mind replay or any self-punishment. Otherwise, we are operating in a spirit of pride.

Scripture references

Matthew 18:7;35

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!

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

James 3:2

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.

Galatians 5:1

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

John 8:1-11

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Philippians 4:8

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.

When we try do something over and above what God is doing, we are operating in a spirit of pride.

While God will convict us to lead us to repentance, God is not interested in making is feel guilty for the remainder of our lives–that’s a trick of the enemy and after today, we will no longer fall prey to that deception! Once we realize our error, the object is to repent/ask for God and the person, (if needed) for forgiveness, receive it, and then note the lesson God taught us through our mistake, and apply that lesson going forward. We can walk in the freedom that God has intended us to, knowing that we are loved by Him without ANY replays, guilt or shame. 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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Fill-in-the-blank..or not.

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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:

  • A common theme the Lord has put on my mind and in my teaching is forgiveness, biblical confrontation and reconciliation.
  • At some point in all relationships, we will either be offended or offend someone–the key is handling it God’s way.
  • Someone dear to me very gently confronted me about an important date I missed.
  • Let’s talk about how the Lord used the situation to be a blessing to the both of us.

Scripture references

Matthew 18:7,15.

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!

15 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.

James 3:2

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.

Proverbs 3:6

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

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.

When our expectations are not met, we tend to “fill in the blanks” with the wrong answers. @blencouragesu

BCU Fam, when we allow the fill-in-the-blank spirit to reign, we continue walking in offense where the anger, animosity, bitterness and wrath replays in our hearts and minds. Eventually our evil-thinking of the person leads to evil-speaking about the individual to others–and in actuality, whether in our hearts or to someone else, incorrect blank-filling or evil-speaking is a direct violation of the Word of God (See Ephesians 4:31-32).

“We should strive for forgiveness being automatic in our hearts” –SuperFriend

With the help of the Lord, my Super Friend was a perfect example of following the Word of God by praying about the situation, reaching out quickly, gently confronting me, all while thinking AND speaking in love (You forgot–I know this isn’t like you), followed by immediate forgiveness! As we were ending our conversation, Super Friend said, “building true relationships eliminates the fill-in-the-blank spirit”, and that is spot on, BCU Fam. When we do things God’s way, there are no blanks to fill in–He tells us exactly what to do and once we do, He will instruct us as to how to handle the situation so the results will be perfect, because God is perfect. 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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I HAD the receipt…

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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:

  • My parents taught us valuable biblically and practical life lessons.
  • One lesson taught me to always get a receipt and a bag as proof of purchase.
  • It was also imperative to keep the receipt in case the item needed to be returned.
  • Keeping receipts is good for things, but not on people.

Scripture references

Matthew 18:1-10

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

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!

8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

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.

Getting offended is inevitable. Staying offended is a choice.

BCUFam, I’d be less than truthful if I said forgiving from the heart is an easy task. When we look at how the Lord says to handle offenses and what happens when we do not, (see verses 34-35), no offense is worth losing our soul over. God is really good about helping us forgive completely–and we’ll know we did because the offense is like that faded receipt. Sure, we remember the encounter, but we can talk about the situation (as we are led), from a healed and whole heart, only remembering whatever lesson God wanted to teach us. Maybe we’ll talk about that more the next time we are together.

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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