healing – Page 4

And just WHY do we need to forgive?!

[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 conversational story, please tune into the podcast recording and refer to the written post for the highlights and corresponding Scriptures. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

My pastor often says that the number one sin among believers is not forgiving someone. And I have to admit, BCU Fam is one of the HARDEST things to do, especially with repeat offenders and those who have really hurt us badly, as we talked about last time we were together. Despite the forgiveness struggle, we need to forgive with the help of the Lord. Let’s jump into our second and final part of the series.

Podcast highlights:

Offenses will come..and ANYONE we come in contact with is subject to offending us.
In many things we offend all. This means while we may get offended, we offend others.
When we forgive, we MUST do it from the heart—once and for all.
Sources vary a bit, but on average, ten thousand talents equates to several million dollars in American money (USD). One hundred pence is about $17.00 USD.
Forgiveness is a part of the Christian walk. And required in order to get forgiveness from God.

Scripture references

Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (Matthew 18:7).

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 fellow servants, 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 fellow servant 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 fellow servants 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.

Forgiveness is a tough subject, BCU Fam, yet something that all of us (especially believers) need to apply with God’s help. The Scriptures are clear that if we don’t forgive, we don’t GET forgiven! Who wants to miss Heaven over that? No one does! Let’s take the people, situations and pain to Jesus and allow Him to heal us. I am a witness He will make you as good as new—even better!

So, what is your forgiveness story? How long did you hold on to the offense? What prompted you to let go? Or are you still holding it? Please has down to the comment section here on the BCU site, where we can continue our conversation!

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, Instagram, and YouTube! 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

22 Jan 20181 May 2018

BlenCouragesU5 Comments

Forgiveness: Do you trust God with your pain?

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

Last time we were together, we talked through a situation where I was betrayed and hurt by people whom I loved and trusted—and more importantly the lessons that the Lord taught me through what happened. A central theme of the podcast, is forgiveness from the heart. This, BCU Fam is one of the HARDEST things to do, especially with repeat offenders and those who have really hurt us badly. Yet, we need to forgive with the help of the Lord. Listen in to part 1 of this 2 part series and and find out why.

Podcast highlights:

Offenses will come..and ANYONE we come in contact with is subject to offending us.
In many things we offend all. This means while we may get offended, we offend others.
Forgiveness is a part of the Christian walk. And required in order to get forgiveness from God.

Scripture references

Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (Matthew 18:7).

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).

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).

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (I Peter 4:18).

Forgiveness is a tough subject, BCU Fam, yet something that all of us (especially believers) need to apply with God’s help. Many years ago, the Lord even impressed on me to forgive someone who, through inaction, hurt many family members, years after the person has passed away. Without the prompting of the Lord, I would never have realized I was holding the individual in a non-forgiving state. Who wants to miss Heaven over that? No one does! Let’s take the people, situations and pain to Jesus and allow Him to heal us. I am a witness He will make you as good as new—even better!

Lord will, next time we’re together we’ll finish up the podcast by going over the remainder of Matthew 18 and applying it to our lives. In the meantime, tell us your forgiveness story. How difficult was it? How long did you hold on to the offense? What prompted you to let go? Or are you still holding it? There’s a comment section here on the BCU site, where we can continue our conversation!

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 , Instagram, and YouTube! 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

15 Jan 20184 Dec 2018

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

Hope, healing and a prayer for the abused woman.

Hey there BCU Family!

For this post, I STRONGLY recommend tuning into the podcast, (click the BCU avatar below to listen) as the Lord suddenly led me in a conversational and prayerful direction that could not be captured in words. Please feel free to drop us a line in the comments section or contact us at Blen@BlencouragesU.com for prayer or assistance. God bless you!

So the Lord blessed me to write this many years ago and I posted it on my blog back in the day where there were no podcasts, it at least I didn’t know what one was!

The reason I thought to resurrect the piece, is because there is a show I watch from time to time that chronicles true stories of people, (mostly women), who have died at the hands of someone who says they “loved” them. The heartbreak for the families and friends is painful to watch and in some cases, avoidable.

Many women, myself included, have a natural desire to love and be loved–and there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem comes in when we fill the specially crafted, God -sized void in with the wrong man/men. Trying to fill that void outside of God can lead us onto a path that, if He doesn’t intervene, can lead us to our own demise.

At this point in the post, the Lord started talking, so, if you are not already doing please listen to the remainder of the post for the words He gave, as well as the prayer of hope and healing.

There was a time I was not free.
There was a time I was hurting.
There was a time I was being hurt.
It was mental, it was physical, it was psychological, it was emotional.
It was from someone who said, but, “Bae, you know I love you”.

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

I went through life trying to mask the pain
A voice telling me that I was to blame!
I just 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 made that everyone else could see
They STILL weren’t good enough for he
I was still being lied to, he’s still cheating on me

But the prayers of my family, my loved ones, my friends–
they did not 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 in!
I could be myself– FINALLY and the healing could begin!
I let that bad man out of my life– and praise God I 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 God blesses me to do.

Love my skin, my lips, and my hair
to learn from my past mistakes, with others I’ll share,
The real way to love is yes, though a man,
His name is JESUS– it’s part of His divine plan!
Oh, to trust Him to give us whatever it is that I need–including a man
A real man who will love, honor and cherish me correctly,
Like the fearfully and wonderfully made person that I am.

I want women everywhere to know that true love starts and ends with Jesus, as “old school” and cliche as that sounds, it’s true. 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. Need help? Contact us here: Blen@BlenCouragesU.com, and with the help and leading of the Lord, we’ll do what we can to be a blessing to you.

Thank you so much for tuning in and your prayerful support! Lord will, until the next time we’re together, may God bless you, keep you, make His face to shine upon you and give you peace as you, #StayOnTheWall.

Love,

BCU

17 Jun 201719 Jun 2017

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

#SpeechTherapy| Healing through forgiveness|Part 4| with Jewel Taylor!

Hey there BCU Family!

We are in our final installment of our Healing Through Forgiveness with the amazing Jewel Taylor! A few weeks back, Jewel joined us on our weekly Bible study live on Periscope (Thursdays @ 8:05pm EST on channel BlenCouragesU), to talk us through how to heal through forgiving. Last time we were together we started talking about how Joseph, from the book of Genesis REALLY had to forgive and heal with all his family and others put him through.

Jewel and fam — Jewel hanging with her kids!

This time, Jewel finishes up Joseph’s story and highlights the tragic events in Joseph’s life and how he remained faithful and forgave through everything! The study notes are below, so feel free to print and make any other notations you’d like! Finally, if you need the notes in a nifty PDF format, just email us (Blen@Blencouragesu.com), and we can make it happen! Click on the icon below and be blessed!

#forgiveness: FROM JONAH TO JOSEPH

Why is Joseph’s story an integral part of forgiveness? Joseph is one of the best examples, besides Christ, of forgiveness. The pain he endured at the hands of his blood family became the launching pad of blessing for nations.

Jonah still had issues with the extent of God’s grace and forgiveness in his story, therefore we do not have final resolution for forgiveness from Jonah’s heart in the Bible. However, once we have gone through the steps of forgiveness, our end goal is to become like Joseph. Enduring, forgiving, wise and generous despite our past, hurts and experiences. Life is cyclical and we will experience hurt more than one time and in different and varying forms. Our job is to remember what Joseph went through and use him as encouragement that no matter what we face, we can endure, forgive and move forward triumphantly.

Joseph was born to the favorite wife of the patriarch Israel as the 11th of his sons. Though Joseph was one of the youngest, he was favored in his father’s view so much, that it drove his older brothers to deadly jealousy. Joseph was also favored by God (Gen. 37:6-8) and when he told his family what the Lord had showed him, the hatred from his brothers reached its boiling point.

After being used several times by his father to spy on his brothers’ behavior, his brothers conspired to kill him (Gen. 37:18). They ended up sparing his life and selling him into slavery to a passing merchants who ended up selling him into the house of the captain of the guard of Egypt (Gen. 37:28-36). From there Joseph:

Excelled (Gen. 39:1-6)
 Was wrongfully accused/framed (Gen. 39:7-20)
 Served diligently in prison (Gen. 39:21-23)
 Blessed others while in prison (Gen. 40:1-22)
 Had his good deeds forgotten (Gen. 40:23)
 Blessed Pharaoh (41:1-39)
 Is blessed and set on high by Pharaoh (Gen. 41:40-46)
 Blessed the nation of Egypt (Gen. 41:47-49)
 Received increase (Gen. 41:48-57)
 Proved his brothers love (Gen. 42-44)
 Blessed his family and ultimately the nation of Israel (Gen. 45-47)

Joseph did not allow his negative experiences/past to stop him from working to his full potential in God. Joseph never withheld his gifts because of the trauma nor did he give with respect of person. He used his gifts for those in prison as well as the palace.

This is the will of God. That we heal by forgiving those in our lives who have offended us or hurt us. We must forgive each and every person diligently from our hearts as prescribed in Matt. 18:35. Though all manner of ill-will was shown to Joseph, there is no mention of his retaliation or his unwillingness to serve in whatever capacity he was afforded. Joseph understood that what had happened to him was for God’s purpose.

If we knew everything God had set aside for us to do ahead of time, we probably wouldn’t take one step in the journey. God has fashioned each and every one of us through our various experiences to get our hearts and minds to the point he deems necessary to execute his will. Therefore we must live our lives forgiving, healing and ready to forgive again, knowing that the trials that we face build our character and impact a greater story.

And there you have it, BCU Family! Jewel shared with us that her husband, Richard preached a sermon “It hurt, but it worked”, meaning that ALL the things that God allows to happen in our lives is really to serve God’s purpose. With His grace, we need to go through it, learn from it and to apply those lessons in our lives.

I trust this series was a blessing to and challenges all of us (myself included) to be a doer of the Word ( James 1:22) in forgiveness and in ALL areas of our lives with the help of the Lord.

Thank you SO much for tuning in, liking, subscribing, commenting, sharing and encouraging us to continue to encourage you. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest posts, classes and whatever the Lord inspires us to do! In the meantime, may God bless and keep you! #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

16 Jul 201614 Sep 2016

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

#SpeechTherapy| Healing through forgiveness| part 2| with guest teacher Jewel Taylor!

Hey there BCU family!

We are back again this week with our special guest and my wonderful sister in Christ, Jewel Taylor! A few weeks back, Jewel joined us on our weekly Bible study live on Periscope (Thursdays @ 8:05pm EST on channel BlenCouragesU), to talk us through how to heal through forgiving. Last time, the Lord blessed Jewel to beautifully expound on healing and forgiveness from the book of Jonah.

This week, Jewel talks us through the seven principles of how to heal through forgiveness citing the book of Jonah and other scriptures from the Word of God. Jewel also provided study notes and key Scriptures as a guide for you, so feel free to print and make any other notations you’d like! Additionally, if you need the notes in a PDF format, just email us (Blen@Blencouragesu.com), and we can make it happen!

Click on the icon below and be blessed!

Study notes

HEALING IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE

Why the book of Jonah? God dealt with Jonah in three major areas:

His pride
His arrogance
His lack of compassion
How can we heal and forgive from our hearts as dictated in Matthew 18:35 if our hearts are full of clutter? Healing through forgiveness starts with us.

1) STOP RUNNING
Read: Jonah 1:1-4

Key verse: v2. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

What are you running from? What measures have you taken to avoid the person/people who caused you harm? What is God telling you to do and you are dragging your feet?

We must face our life situations/people in them regardless. When we stop functioning we open the door for depression, anxiety and other emotional & mental issues. We must face the situation.

Being hurt is not the sin, but living in it is.

2)STOP PLAYING THE TAPE & DO NO HARM

Read: Jonah 1:5-17

Key verse: v10. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

>>Sometimes we don’t want to let go of the anger because it is comfortable and we feel justified in our anger. We feel righteous – as Jonah did (see Jonah 4:2).

>>Stop rehearsing what was done and do not play the victim. Do not meditate on what was done, who did it, why they did it etc.

>>How do you stop the tape? By filling your heart/mind with the things/thoughts of God. When the negative thought comes – change it.

Supporting text:

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

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.

1 Thessalonians 5:17> Pray without ceasing.

>>If you do not stop the tape – you will then lead yourself to cause harm (to someone else or to those who’ve harmed you AND continue the cycle of hurt, as Jonah endangered the men on the ship.

Key verse: Jonah 1:12 >And he[Jonah] said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

THE BELLY OF THE WHALE: THE HEALING PLACE

3)CAST, CRY & CONFESS

Read Jonah 2:1-9

Key verses: v2-3>And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

Action items: Cast your burden on to the LORD (not everyone else). Be real, raw and honest with Him.
– Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Cry out to the Lord.
– Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard
him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Supporting text: Hebrews 4:15-16>>For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Note: King David cried A LOT – hence a major portion of the book of Psalms.

4) REFRESH YOUR MIND

Note: Through crying out, Jonah understood his own folly .

Key verses: Jonah 2:7-8>When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

>>What lies/mistruths have we perpetuated about ourselves? What have we told ourselves that we keep believing despite reality?

>>Remember others are suffering and have suffered (1 Peter 5:9).

1 Peter 5:6-9 >Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

5) SEEK THE WILL OF THE LORD
Read Jonah 2:1-9, Jonah 3

Key verses: Jonah 2:9>But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Jonah 2:10> And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Jonah 3:3> So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.

Supporting text: Psalms 37:4> Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

6) COMPASSION – FIND IT!>> Try to see the person/people through God’s eyes
Read Jonah 4

Key verses: Jonah 4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
 Jonah 4:4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

Supporting text: Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [KNOW YOUR REAL ENEMY].

Proverbs 17:9> He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

7) SHOWING LOVE & HAVING COMPASSION ENDS THE ENEMY’S PLAN
Key verses: Jonah 4:10 -11> Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Supporting text:
 Matthew 5:44-45> 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.
 Romans 12:20> Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

BCU family, were you NOT blessed by Jewel’s teaching? Are there weeds of bitterness growing in your heart? Are you still nursing an old wound? With God’s grace we need to give our hurt and disappointment, no matter who it was and how deep the cut to Jesus, the Master Physician, so He can heal us completely! Will thou be made whole?

Lord will, join us next time as we go into “Healing through forgiveness” part 3 as we take transition from Jonah to the book of Genesis and… Joseph! Thank you for tuning on and may God bless you, make His face to shine upon you and until we are together again, #StayOnTheWall!