The Widow’s Mite

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:

  • A sweet friend of mine gave me a gift, and asked me how I liked it.
  • After telling the person how wonderful it was, friend remarked, “well, it wasn’t much”.
  • I gently scolded friend—–and let the individual know any gift given from the heart was much.
  • The Lord led me to talk about the “Widow’s Mite” and how Jesus sees our giving.

Scripture references(KJV):

Mark 12:41-44

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Colossians 3:23-24

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

BCU Fam, this short passage of Scripture is a POWERFUL aide memoire that really has me rethinking giving and heart motives. Jesus sees everything, so we want to ensure that EVERYTHING we give and really all we do is in the right Spirit. In the final analysis, Jesus will reward us for all we do, and we want to make sure our reward is where we will be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven versus told to depart. Since the Lord is reminding us now, let’s all be sure to repent for any “mis-giving” and be more intentional going forward. Amen? Amen!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your Word today and the reminder about the heart behind our giving. Help us not to be concerned about what others are giving, or to be guilted or shamed into giving anything other than how you have led us.

Please bless us to remember that whatever we give—whether time, love, or money, talents, gifts–that we are stewards over what You have entrusted us with, and we always want to give out of a pure and cheerful heart, so you will be glorified, honored and praised. In Jesus Name, we 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, AnchorFm, 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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Blessings in Communication: Avoiding Talebearing

Hey there BCU Fam!

We are so glad you are here! 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 rebroadcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • While communication is often defined as how well we speak, it is also how we communicate about others to others.
  • When growing up, gossip or “talebearing”, backbiting, and slander was a normal part of conversations, even among some of the people of God.
  • Years ago, the Lord delivered me from these ungodly habits, but there was an instance where I felt “obligated” to share new information I received.

KJV Scripture References

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue (Proverbs 23:25).

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends (Proverbs 16:28).

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20).

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6)

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (Proverbs 26:22).

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:6).

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).

BCUFam, that urge to share was SUPER STRONG, but God was STRONGER! Thank You, Lord! And had I gone forward in what I “knew”, the results would have been catastrophic! I am learning that when we do things God’s way, we get His results—-which are always perfect. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank and praise You for the revelation and/or reminder as to what our speech should entail. We ask You, Jesus, to help us to hear Your voice as we communicate with one another about one another, so that what we say will be non-corrupt, full of grace, seasoned with salt, and edifying to the hearer. With Your help, Lord, we also want the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable in Your sight, Jesus.Thank You for delivering us from the strong hold of corrupt communication and giving us more love in our hearts and prayers and sweet words on our lips for the people who are made in Your image. We bless Your name for helping us to represent You in our speech, 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 YouTube8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple 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

BlenCouragesU2 Comments

The Dispute Dilemma

Hey there BCU Fam!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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 podcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • Last month I was studying Psalm 37 in preparation to teach through it to the BCUFam.
  • There was one verse the Lord underlined for me; I was eager to find a “good” biblical example to further expound on.
  • The Lord let me know that the best example was a situation that I had been through, so I am sharing!

KJV Scripture references

Psalm 37:21

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

James 4:17

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Romans 13:8

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

BCUFam, while it may have been lawful to dispute the old information, it was not expedient, especially since the Lord unctioned me not to. While it is important to not drink, smoke and be dressed a certain way, it is equally important, with God’s help that we pay our bills/debts according to the agreement we made. These may not seem like “big” areas to be concerned about, but when the Lord mentions it, a big concern to Him.

So with the Lord’s assistance, let’s examine our finances to see if there are any old outstanding bills/money owed that we need to rectify, even if it takes awhile to repay our lenders. I am a witness that God will move on your behalf and work things out so He will be glorified in this area of our lives as well. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank and praise You for the information You have given us. When it comes to certain areas of our finances, sometimes, we do not include You like we should. We want to be sure we are good stewards in all areas of our lives, including repaying the debts we have incurred. Jesus, please help us to clear any forgotten outstanding debt, and to pay our bills on time, so we even represent and honor You in this overlooked area.

Jesus, please remember those who are struggling to keep up with the bills they have—this economy is difficult for many of us who are just trying to make ends meet. Please help us to make wise decisions in our paying, spending and giving, so we have what we need, and to be a blessing to someone else as we are led. 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 at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple 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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Being Tempted to Talebear…

Hey there BCU Fam!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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 rebroadcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • When growing up, gossip or “talebearing” was a normal part of conversations, even among some of the people of God.
  • In ancient times, a talebearer was equivalent to trader or merchant——a merchant carries/sells goods; and a talebearer brings AND carries information.
  • While the Lord delivered me from this ungodly habit, a situation crept up where I was tempted to indulge.

KJV Scripture references

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends (Proverbs 16:28).

Where no wood is,there the fire goeth out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20).

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (Proverbs 26:22).

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).

BCUFam, while I was concerned and prayed for the people involved, the Lord let me know that the intent of me wanting more information was to just have it—in other words, being NOSY! LOL!! But seriously, we often ask/want specifics under the guise of knowing how to “pray more intelligently”, but doesn’t God already have all the details? He is not moved by the detail in which we pray, God is more interested in our clean-hearted, faith-filled, effectual, fervent prayer! So, the next time we want particulars on a situation, let’s ask the Lord to examine our hearts and motives first. If detail is needed, the Lord will let us know. If not, we can still pray in faith for the Lord to answer our prayer, and rest assured that He will answer. Either way, because our motives are pure, we’ll be pleasing to His sight. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank and praise You for the message You have conveyed to us today. Please help us, Lord to be careful and mindful of the words of our mouths and the meditations of our heart. Jesus, You know our heart SO much better than we do, so please help us to have pure motives and intentions for what we are doing, so You are honored in every aspect of our lives. 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 YouTube8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple 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

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

“Stop Talking”

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:

  • Because of my schedule, I often update my friends about the happenings in my life while I am on the go.
  • In a seemingly innocent conversation, I was in mid-sentence, the Lord told me to stop talking.
  • I initially questioned if I was hearing correctly, but the Lord assured me it was Him!
  • It is important for us to hear God, obey and apply the lesson from the correction so we’ll see Him in peace.

Hebrews 12:11

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

James 3:5-10

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be

Proverbs 21:23

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Jeremiah 17:9

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

I John 3:20

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Psalm 51:10

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Matthew 15:18-19

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Ephesians 4:29

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Revelation 12:10-11(a)

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;

BCU Fam, the update I was giving was meant as a form of entertainment, so in the moment, it “felt” okay to keep going in the conversation. While I did not understand why the Lord asked me to stop in the moment, after some thought, I realized that perhaps in my zeal to share, the hearer may not have been edified at what was said, maybe it could have caused them to stumble, or perhaps the talk was out of a place in my heart that God needed to work on. Or maybe a combination of all of the above. As I work though that in prayer with God, I do thank Him for hearing and obeying His voice! When we do get the victory, it’s important to testify about it, and therefore God is glorified, the accuser is horrified, the people are edified and Jesus is magnified! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the time we had together and the lesson You taught us about our communication, and how we should filter our words through the Word of God. Bless us Lord, to acknowledge You in all of our ways, including in causal conversation. With Your help, we want to have wholesome conversations with laughter and fun, but only from a pure place from our hearts, and that edify and administer grace to the hearer.

Lord, please bless those of us who struggle in this area to be sensitive to Your voice as we interact with others, so that You are well-represented, honored, glorified and praised in our lives. Thank you for the victory in our conversations so that we can see You in peace. It’s in Jesus name that we thank You for this and all You do for us, we pray and we bless Your name, 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

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