Story time | Lessons from 2023

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, I recorded the content via video which is RARE for me! 😆 But it is the end of the year, so why not try something a little different, right? The audio link on the BCU avatar below is a brief explanation that the podcast is on YouTube this week. Please tune into the podcast video (click here), 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:

  • With the grace of God, we are at the end of 2023, and we thank God for His mercy and grace!
  • For many of us, this is a time to recount the defining moments we experienced throughout the year.
  • For this podcast, I am sharing a few lessons the Lord taught/reminded me of via video. Please click here and I’ll see you there!

Scripture references

Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Galatians 6:1

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

I Corinthians 13:13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

BCU Fam, this was a blessed AND challenging year for many of us, myself included. In all things, we give God praise for His goodness and mercy toward us. I am so grateful for all of you, and will do what I can with His help to continue to keep encourage your hearts so we can #StayOnTheWall together! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for all of the lessons you have taught us this year. It is our prayer that you help us to know how to speak to, respect and prayerfully approach one another, so that you are glorified, honored, and praised in our speech and actions.

Thank You for helping us to be a safe place for someone to come to when they do have a confession. Help us to prayerfully hear what they are saying without judging unrighteously, and to respond in a way that will correct and restore those who desire to do differently. We thank You for blessing each and every person here according to Your riches in glory, and we will give Your name glory and honor, 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 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 many 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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A small town named Nazareth..

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:

  • As December 25th approaches, many Christians anticipate the celebrating the birth of Jesus.
  • For years, there have been great debates on the “appropriateness” of celebrating—-citing not knowing the date of His birth, the commercialism, and pagan origins of Christmas (all valid points).
  • For those who know Jesus in the pardoning of their sins, we understand and celebrate the biblical and life-changing momentousness of His birth.
  • This post looks at a few of the lesser-studied, yet significant highlights around the birth of Jesus Christ.

Scripture references

Luke 1:26-38

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 2:7-21

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

BCUFam, how awesome is that we do not have to come from a long line of fame, fortune, mega-ministries, popular towns, or anything else to be used by the Lord. In fact, I Corinthians 1:26-27 reminds us that, God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. So no——-God did not make a mistake in choosing you——-when He works through you, it’s for His glory. For with God, nothing shall be impossible. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your goodness, grace, mercy, power, love, and of course, for today’s study. Thank You for reminding us about certain aspect around Your birth that we may not always pay close attention to, yet, we see You in these important details. We want to thank You, Lord, for sending Your Son, Jesus to save us! And as the song says “Manger-born/ but on a tree/ You died to save humanity” and so we THANK YOU Jesus, for giving us a right to the Tree of Life, we thank You, Jesus for the Comforter—the Holy Ghost down on the inside, that leads and guides us into all truth.

The people of God understand the commercialism and paganism that is around this time of year. While we see it, we choose to celebrate Your birth, Jesus, not just this month, but all year long as we live our lives so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and people will ask, “what must I do to be saved?” Please help us to remember all the things You taught us in this study, and bless each listener in a special way. It’s in the name of Jesus we thank and praise You for all things, 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, Spotify or whatever podcast platform you like best!

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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Worship & praise: | Psalm 148

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 have loved the Psalms since I was a little girl.
  • While some refer to the Psalms as “chapters” or “divisions”, the Psalms are actually arranged in five books.
  • The Psalms are to be read with four perspectives in mind: the author, the reader, how it relates to Jesus, and how it relates to Israel.
  • Psalm 148 from Book 5, is one of worship and praise to our amazing God.

Psalms 148:1-14

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.

BCU Fam, as we read through this Psalm, we are reminded that God created everything—-(see Genesis 1) there was no “big bang” or evolution process at all! Moreover, everything He created and EVERYONE He created is eligible to praise God—–His Name alone is excellent and WORTHY to be praised! Hallelujah! Let’s exalt His name together as we pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we come before You today with our hands lifted up and our mouths filled with praise! We thank You for this Psalm that reminds us of Your majesty in all the earth! Thank You, Lord, for all you have created—the fire, the snow, the mountains—You even know the stars by name, just like You know all of us by name! What a MIGHTY God you are! We thank You, Jesus for everything, even in the midst of our tears, not understanding some things, the heaviness, struggles, trials and tribulations of this life, we thank You for being here with us! Thank You, Jesus for being a Comforter, a Tear-drier, our Strength, our Way-maker, Sustainer, the Lifter of our Head, and our Deliverer! For all of that we say thank You! Thank You for the breath we have that makes us eligible to praise Your holy Name, and with Your help, we will endeavor to continue to praise You with all we have within us! In Jesus Name, we pray, 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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Psalm 103 (and a little more) | Part 2.

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.
  • In part 1 of our chat, walked through Psalm 103 (book 4), verses 1-12. Today, we will finish up with verses 13-22.
  • Main theme: This Psalm tells us the many ways God cares for us.

Psalms 103:13-22

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;

18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

BCU Fam, as I read through the latter half of this Psalm, I am reminded that we have a time to flourish in this life, so with God’s help, I want to use the time He gives me here wisely—-living for Him. How about you? When I read that His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting–I am grateful to God for that extension of mercy to even my generation, so I could know the Lord in His fullness. Is that something to be thankful for? And finally, the Psalm ends in a praise to God for all His works! Let’s do that together as we pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we bless Your Holy Name today for ALL of the benefits You give us! We thank You once again for your lovingkindness, tender mercies, and forgiveness. We especially thank You for remembering we are fragile, but Your care is eternal. Thank You for the compassion and mercy You have graciously extended to us and for the reminder to keep Your commandments with the days you give us. Finally, we just bless Your name with all that is within us and everything, everything, everything that is within us! In Jesus name, we pray, 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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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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