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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Trusting God Post-Election: A Call to Prayer

Hey there BCU Fam!

Whew, I thank the Lord for being back after being sick last week! 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:

  • As of this podcast, we are one week post-elections in the United States of America.
  • For many, the results were a bit of a shock and disappointment, and for others, a long-awaited victory.
  • In a social media post, someone said “the people have spoken” with respect to the democratic process.
  • Without getting into the quagmire of politics, the Word of God tells us that He has spoken.

Scripture references

Proverbs 16:9

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 19:21

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

Philippians 4:6-7

Be (anxious) careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 121:1-2

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Matthew 9:37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

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, I understand, respect and thank God for the democratic process that we’ve created, where we choose who we’d like to lead us. While those systems have their place, ultimately, God directs the outcome.

Now, I will say there are some things God allows that we may not agree with or fully understand, but that’s where we have to look to Jesus as the Good Father He is and trust that He will work things out for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). As we see the day of the Lord approaching and uncertainly looming, this is a time for us to really pray that the Lord will cover, keep, lead, guide, direct and protect us. Additionally, we should be praying that God will help us to walk out the work He has called us to do. Finally, we should be praying for those who do not know Jesus in the pardoning of their sins will be saved. Our only way through uncertainty, concerns, questions, and to Heaven is through Jesus. Let’s hold on to His Word and unchanging hand. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for this day You have made and we rejoice and are glad in it! As the elections are over and results have been called, there are some who are rejoicing, and others who are frazzled, nervous, confused, angry, or afraid. Whatever the emotion is, Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that You are a high priest that can be touched by the feeling of our infirmities! So we take every emotion, concern, problem and worry to You, Jesus, and we leave them at Your feet, in exchange for the peace the passes all understanding, that will guide our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Lord, we know that no matter who is in charge, YOU are still on the throne and in control. Please continue to keep and provide for us as You always have. Please help us to stay focused on You and not fall away in these uncertain times. We also ask You to please bless us to an encouragement to Your people, and to be the light for those who need to You in their lives, Jesus. We thank and praise You for hearing our cry and answering our prayers, 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 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Random Acts of Kindness: Biblical Perspectives on Well Doing

Hey there BCU Fam!

I am a bit under the weather today, but the Lord gave me the presence of mind to record a quick thought last week! 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:

  • I was talking with a group of people who were on the subject of “Random Acts of Kindness”.
  • Coined from an author in the 1990’s, “random acts” sparked a movement of doing nice things for people without reward.
  • One person in the group recalled an act of kindness and how they WERE rewarded many years later.
  • As I listened to the moving story, the Lord brought one of my favorite scriptures to mind.

KJV Scripture references

Colossians 3:23-25

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.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

BCUFam, we never know how and/or when God will reward us for our well-doing. What I do know is whether the reward is on this side of Heaven, the other side of Heaven or both, because He is a perfect record-keeper, we SHALL receive our just reward! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for what our ears have heard. We admit that sometimes, Lord, in our constant well-doing, it feels like it’s not noticed or appreciated by people, and that doesn’t feel good. At the same time, Your word reminds us to continue to do well in this world we are living in because You (vs. people) will reward us accordingly! We ask for Your help and strength to continue doing what You have called us to do, and we will continue to give Your name all the honor, praise and glory, 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 many podcast platforms such as  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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Perfect Timing

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

Podcast highlights:

  • Some time ago, BCU Live did a stewardship series about managing our time, with some focus on being in the kairos (God’s perfect timing) time zone.
  • The day that post was released, I had an extremely hard time getting the podcast produced in a “timely” manner.
  • Because of the delay, I was a little anxious and concerned I would not have time to run an important errand.
  • The Lord had a word that was important for me to receive and the delay ensured that I got it.

Scripture references

Philippians 4:6-7

Be (anxious) careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:23-25

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.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Matthew 7:14

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

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, as I type this through happy tears, I marvel at how God allowed a delay to test how I would react to the enemy’s false accusations. I admit I was concerned about my “lateness”, but Jesus reminded me who I was really serving, so with His help I was able to calm down and take the time to finish up the podcast properly. And then He used that same delay to have me run into a beautiful young woman of God (God bless you, Cynthia) who carried out her assignment to remind me of who the Lord says I am (insert praise here)! Listen, when we run on kairos time, the Lord will bless us every time! 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, 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Avoiding Conflict: Never Take a Dog by the Ears…

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

Podcast highlights:

  • After a productive day, we stopped to get ice cream at a local parlor.
  • This is a popular place, so the line was pretty long and moving at a snail’s pace.
  • One of the staff members was free to assist the line, but was distracted, talkative and disrespectful.
  • The staff member’s comments led to a very loud and embarrassing verbal altercation with a patron.
  • The Lord used this experience to remind and teach me a couple of lessons.

KJV Scripture References:

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.

Proverbs 26:17

 17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

I Peter 4:15

 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Psalm 19:14

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

BCU Fam, as I thought about what happened, the manager was correct in waiting until she was unctioned to ask “Robin” to take a break. Manager quietly apologized for the wait and as we talked, we agreed Robin needed formal training on how to conduct themselves professionally with guests, and refraining for jumping into unrelated conversations.

I thank the Lord for helping me (unconsciously) to walk out Proverbs 26:17——I was not led to interfere and should not have anyway——-because it was NOT my strife. Unless the Lord tells us otherwise, when strife comes up, we should stay out of it and maintain a posture of prayer for the Lord to intervene. Now that’s where the Lord reminded me that I could have done better.

I was so busy (now that I think about it, distracted is more like it) watching the events unfold, I did not have the presence of mind to pray. The distraction is likely a topic for another podcast, but, I will say this is why we need to have a consistent prayer life, so that God intervenes for us, even when we don’t think to pray in the moment. So, I received that correction and with His grace, will apply what He taught me. What a merciful God we serve! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as many of us are peacemakers, as we should be, thank you for reminding us that our responsibility is to pursue peace and resolution with the strife and conflict in our own lives. We ask you to help us successfully manage the strife that belongs to us, and unless otherwise prompted, help is to stay out of “other men’s matters”, and to remain prayerful for the parties involved. Thank you for hearing our plea and blessing us to follow Your directions accordingly. 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment