What Are You Thinking?

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 LOVE a good Holy-Ghost filled service, where praise, worship and the Word is flowing freely!
  • I also enjoy the “love-feast” afterwards when the people of God get to talk and fellowship.
  • One time, someone reached out to me with the concern that I was offended by lackluster fellowship.
  • Just how did this individual handle this delicate situation?

Scripture (KJV) references

Matthew 18:15

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.

Luke 6:31

31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Exodus 20:12

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

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..

Philippians 4:8

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.

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.

BCUFam, it is IMPERATIVE that we ask the Lord to give us a clean heart and renew a right Spirit within us, as David said in Psalm 51. In doing so, we will think the BEST about people and avoid incorrectly filling-in-the-blanks about motives and intent. Instead and as needed, we should take any and ALL concerns to the Lord in prayer. This way, we can get His direction so we get His results which are always perfect. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God and Awesome Savior, as we come before You today, we praise Your holy name, and we give You honor, Lord, for the Word You have downloaded into us today. Lord, please bless us as we are interacting with one another to not to be easily offended——-and if we are offended, Lord, please help us to take care of the situation straightaway so that you, Jesus, are magnified and lifted up in how we handle the offense.

We thank you, Lord, for the people and relationships that You have given us. Bless us to take good care of all You have entrusted to us, in Jesus name. Let every heart say, 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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Jesus Knows Us By Name

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 podcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • I was studying a Psalm and somehow (well, the Lord unexpectedly guided me there) ended up in the book of Exodus.
  • God has a way of illuminating the Scriptures to speak directly to our questions, concerns, or just to let us know He loves us.
  • Listen in to hear how the Lord spoke to my spirit about His relationship with His people.

KJV Scripture References:

Exodus 33:11,17

11 …And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Psalm 100:3

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 103:9-12

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.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

BCUFam, one of the many wonderful things about Jesus is that regardless of our location, skin tone, poise, educational level, social status, family make-up, financial standing, or past history, He made us, died for us, rose for us, and chose us to be in a relationship with Him! Just like He called the disciples friends, He calls us friends (see John 15:15). The world may have friends in high places who can take care of some things, but our Friend, Jesus, is the Most High, and always takes care of everything! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we thank You for the honor and privilege of You calling us friend! What a friend we have in YOU, Jesus! Hallelujah! We thank You for hearing Your voice of encouragement, as we do what You have called us to, and thank You helping us in the areas in which we need to clean up our garments so we will be ready to see You face-to-face. For those who do not know You in the pardoning of their sins, Jesus, we ask that You please speak to their hearts and minds, that now is the time to secure salvation through repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, as outlined in Acts chapters 1 and 2. Thank You Jesus for continuing to lead and guide us, as we continue to represent You in our lives, 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,

BCU

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Room A203: A Story of Love, Friendship & Sisterhood🌷🌷

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this special presentation, please tune into the video recording, and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages your heart today!

Podcast highlights:

  • This is a special conversation about an amazing individual in the person of, Lydia “Tulip Petal” Edwards.
  • We met years ago and became fast friends and sisters in the Lord, sharing conversations of everything and nothing.
  • In this impromptu video post, among other things, I highlight a stretch assignment she gave me, and how that changed my life.

KJV Scripture references:

Psalm 143

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

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

You know, BCUFam, I had no idea that Psalm would minister to Lydia and the BCUFam the way it did! Many of us have experienced feeling overwhelmed and desolate—-and that is NORMAL! What David did in that Psalm was to teach us feel our feelings, and to take them to the Lord, who is the ONLY one who can comfort, strengthen and advise us on our next move—–even if it’s just to trust that He knows what He is doing. And that’s what Sister Tulip Petal did.

BCUFam, Lydia passed away late last week. My Tulip Petal was beautiful flower who wasn’t called to speak on a program, did not have a dedicated platform to teach from, or a mass following, but quietly ministered in an impactful way to all the people the Lord assigned to her. I am blessed and enriched to have had her in my life for the time God allowed, and not one moment squandered. May God bless us to all be the same way about our relationships. The people in our lives are assignments from the Lord, and we want to be sure we are about our Father’s business in every interaction. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the Name of Jesus, as we come before You today, our hearts are heavy for the loss of our sister, yet light because she was saved, full of the Holy Ghost, and is resting without any tubes, medication or pain. And Jesus, with Your help, when we see You for the first time, we will see Lydia again, as Heaven is our final destination. Please bless and comfort all who were connected with this wonderful woman of God.

We ask You, Lord to help us be mindful of and loving in all of our interactions, and that You bless us to be an excellent witness to all around us, so that people may ask, “what must I do to be saved?” We thank You answering our petitions and for all things, 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

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Friendship With Jesus | He Knows My Name

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 podcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • I was studying a Psalm and somehow (well, the Lord unexpectedly guided me there) ended up in the book of Exodus.
  • God has a way of illuminating the Scriptures to speak directly to our questions, concerns, or just to let us know He loves us.
  • Listen in to hear how the Lord spoke to my spirit about His relationship with His people.

KJV Scripture References:

Exodus 33:11,17

11 …And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Psalm 100:3

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 103:9-12

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.There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

BCUFam, one of the many wonderful things about God is that regardless of our location, skin tone, poise, educational level, social status, family make-up, financial standing, or past history, God made us, died for us, rose for us, and chose us to be in a relationship with Him! Just like He called the disciples friends, He calls us friends (see John 15:15). The world may have friends in high places who can take care of some things, but our Friend, Jesus, is the Most High, and always takes care of everything! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we thank You for the honor and privilege of You calling us friend! What a friend we have in YOU, Jesus! Hallelujah! We thank You for hearing Your voice of encouragement, as we do what You have called us to, and thank You helping us in the areas in which we need to clean up our garments so we will be ready to see You face-to-face. For those who do not know You in the pardoning of their sins, Jesus, we ask that You please speak to their hearts and minds, that now is the time to secure salvation through repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, as outlined in Acts chapters 1 and 2. Thank You Jesus for continuing to lead and guide us, as we continue to represent You in our lives, 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 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, 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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Survivor’s Song | Interview with Connie L. Johnson

Here there BCU Family!

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:

  • We are wrapping up our conversation with my songwriter, author, advocate and friend, Connie L. Johnson.
  • In our first conversation, Connie and I talked about christian conduct, advocacy and blessing others.
  • Our last talk was about trauma, grief, AIDS advocacy, “busyness” and healing.
  • This time, we chat about introversion, “Ted Talking”, and being a good neighbor.

KJV Scripture References

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 13:35

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

James 2:8

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

Where are all my introverts who are living in this extroverted world? LOL! lThe struggle is real, but so is our amazing God who is able to strengthen us to stand up and out for Him. Also, this was a good reminder for us to be a good neighbor to the people we come in contact with.

As a gifted speaker, Connie has a Ted Talk which you can access here. She has also written a book about women in Kenya who are living with HIV and AIDS. If you would like to purchase Connie’s book, Beyond Measure, please visit her site here: www.IamConnie.me, or you can reach out to her at “IAmConnie40” on all social media platforms. Let’s end in prayer!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for the blessing of love, fellowship and friendship. We also thank You for remembering those of us who are on the shy side to allow Your Spirit to rise up in us, so we can boldly live and speak for You without fear—in the empowering name of Jesus!

Jesus, we ask that you please touch the body and mind of someone who is in pain today. Please remember all who are living with HIV, AIDS and any other disease, and heal as only You can, Jesus! We thank You that someone will now know that You are a Healer, Savior, deliverer and a very present help in the time of trouble!

Please help us, Jesus, to know how we can love on and be a good neighbor to everyone, so we do our part in honoring and caring for the people who are made in Your image. We thank You for continuing to bless and keep us as only You can, 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

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