Great and mighty is our God!

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:

  • We are now days away from the day many set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ. (Note, There is NO biblical reference mentioning when Christ was born. We’re just glad He came).
  •  As we meditate on the miracle of His birth, and how/why He came here to save mankind (see John 3:16), the preparation and circumstances for Jesus’ arrival were orchestrated perfectly.
  • Years ago, God gave me this simple, yet powerful post that truly showed me how and reminded me of how powerful He is! Please listen, reflect and rejoice on the magnitude of our God!

Scripture references

Prophecy: Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me, the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Situation: Joseph & very pregnant Mary are in Nazareth/Galilee about 70 or so miles away from Bethlehem and likely had no reason to go there. Until…Let’s go to Luke 2:1-3.

1And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2This census first took place while Cyrenius was governing Syria.

3So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Solution: Caesar declares a tax and all people, including Joseph and Mary have to make their way to their own/home city (and with no modern transportation, I might add. Now to Luke 2:4-6).

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was great with child.

6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

Lesson: God used a carnal government official to make His Word/promise come to pass. He’s that powerful!! Psalms 62:11 says, “God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: power belongs to God!” That’s something to get excited about!

BCUFam, Proverbs 21:1 declares, “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” When we think about that, it helps us to understand who God really is and how He organizes circumstances to accomplish His will. While we may not understand or like our current situation(s), with His help, we need to trust He knows what He’s doing. In fact, Paul reminds us that “..we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬). While the individual situations that happen in our lives may not feel good, once the Lord finishes His masterpiece, ALL things will work together for good! With the grace of God, we’ll just hang on in here together and let the Lord have His way! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, as always, we say thank You! Thank You for reminding and illuminating us about the birth of Your Son, Jesus, through the Scriptures. We thank You, Lord because You are strategic and because all Your ways are perfect, You arranged everything according to how You wanted them to happen, so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and Your will and purpose was accomplished. Because of this, we know we can trust You with the details of our lives as well.

Some of us are going through some things we do not quite understand, Lord, nonetheless, we want to lean on, trust in and depend on You! We want to hear what You are saying to us, and with Your help, walk in the steps You have ordered for us, Jesus. Psalm 37:23 reminds us the steps of a good man are ordered, and You delight in his way. Please bless us to follow Your way, so that Your perfect will is done, You are honored, and eventually we will hear,”well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” We thank You for each and every person here today, we ask You to bless all who are listening and thank You for continuing to bless and keep us, 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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[Happy] Holidays…

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 of this post, we are in the beginning of December, and the holiday season is in full swing.
  • For many, this is a time to gather and celebrate with one another, especially friends and family.
  • For others, this time of year is difficult as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.
  • Years ago, through a conversation, the Lord taught me a lesson on having compassion and understanding for those who are heavy-hearted right now.

Scripture references

Ruth 1:19-21

19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

Proverbs 25:20

As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

Proverbs 12:25

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Job 2:11-13

11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.

13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.

Isaiah 50:4

The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

BCUFam, we are human, and the death of our loved ones HURTS! And it’s natural to miss their physical presence, especially at certain times of the year. Now, it is hard to watch someone grieve––and it is also natural and CORRECT to want to comfort the person. God knows what you should say (if anything), and will lead you accordingly if you ask. Proverbs 25:11 says, “a word spoken fitly is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” When you think of what a stunning vision that is, how awesome would it be to speak that way? Ask God how. And know that sometimes, just a listening ear, a quiet shoulder, or just your silent presence can speak volumes. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, as always, we give Your name praise, glory and honor. We come to You with uplifted hands, and thank You for Your goodness and mercy that You have extended to us up until this present time. Lord, we want to be aware of those around us who may be grieving or feeling the loss of a loved one. Please help us to be sensitive and compassionate in our words and actions, so that the people we interact with may be comforted, encouraged, and that You will be glorified.

For those of us who are feeling the loss of someone, it is my prayer that You will speak to every broken and hurting heart, as Psalms 51:17 reminds us—-You are near to those who are broken-hearted and save those who are of a contrite spirit. Because, Jesus, You are a present help, because You are ever-present, because You understand our grief, we thank You for being a tear-drier, a comforter, and for wrapping Your arms around us today, so we feel Your presence and are strengthened, in the name of Jesus. For those who may not know You in the pardoning of their sins, those who may be choosing harmful methods to dull the pain of grief, we pray that You will speak to their hearts, so they will ask, “what must I do to be saved?”

We thank You for helping us to be good helpers to one another as we represent You, Lord! 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

Please click here for a resource to assist you through the grieving process.

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Tis the season?

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

Podcast highlights:

  • As of this post, in the United States, we just celebrated Thanksgiving and the holiday season is officially here.
  • While I realize that not everyone celebrates Christmas, for many, this is also a season of giving to others.
  • Giving should not be seasonal, in fact, it is biblical for us to look after the needs of others.

Scripture references

Philippians 2:1-4

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Matthew 5:16

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

Mark 2:1-12*

 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Galatians 6:9

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

BCUFam, if one person looked after the needs of one other person, many issues in this world would be eradicated. Because we live in this world the enemy is prince (for now, anyway—-see John 12:31), the spirit of selfishness, gain and greed are with us. Think about it——-the wars, poverty, inflated prices, hatred, envy—–these maladies adversely effect others and develop from a lustful, prideful, spirit which does NOT come from God (I John 2:16). Since we know this spirit will be with us until Jesus comes back, as people who love Him and live by biblical principals, with His help, let us continue to give and take care of others as God leads us. We may not be able to help everyone, but all of us can assist someone else. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, as always, we give Your name praise, glory and honor for who You are, for what You do, and for Your Word you give us day after day, to let us know exactly what we are supposed to do. We thank You for this particular podcast—-reminding us that we are helpers one to another, and that we are lights that are to shine in this dark world, so we may glorify You in Heaven.

Please help us to remember to acknowledge You in all our ways, so you can direct us as to how we can be of assistance to someone else. Bless us to remember that tending to the needs of others is not just monetary, but acts of service, giving of time, talents, gifts, out of our abundance, praying, listening, advising, encouraging, teaching, or even just being present, as Job’s friends were at one point. We want to keep in mind that when we serve others, we serve You and You will reward us accordingly. Therefore, rather than do anything out of strife, vainglory or importunity, we want to do everything to Your glory, so that those who are saved will be encouraged, and those who are not will ask, “what must I do to be saved?” We thank You for every opportunity to be a blessing to someone today and always, 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

*This podcast was recorded previous to the war in Israel, which started in October of 2023. Any references to Palestine are to Israel’s landscape as a whole, versus a political view or statement. Please reach out to me for any questions or clarification. Thanks!

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Check over your paper…

Here there BCU Family!

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

Podcast highlights:

  • In school, tests are a regular part of the landscape–there was NO way around them.
  • In my day, it was a “badge of honor” to be among the kids who finished first.
  • That honor was sometimes “stripped” as the work was riddled with some avoidable or careless mistakes.
  • The Lord wants us to check over our work to ensure we have no glaring errors.

KJV Scripture References

Matthew 24:45-51

45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

John 9:4

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Ephesians 5:27

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Romans 14:12

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Isaiah 58:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

BCUFam, I have to confess that there are some hard assignments in this life——and they can have us rushing through our work to get it done. But how did get get it done? Did we respond in the right spirit? Was the outside sweet and the inside sour? Did we skip the assignment because we have not forgiven the person? The list goes on, so while we are here and can, let’s ask the Lord what “careless mistakes” we made, what assignments (over)/due, and the wisdom, knowledge and strength to get them done, so we can hear, “well done, thou good and faithful servant…..Enter into the joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:23). Amen? Amen! Let’s pray about it.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we bless and praise Your name! We magnify You, Lord, because You are worthy of the praise, honor and glory!

We thank You, Lord for the opportunity and the reminder for us make sure to go over all of our work while it is daytime. Please help us to come to You honestly and to review all you have tasked us with—the families, finances, people, gifts, talents, and everything You have given us to steward over, Lord. We may not always have done things the way You have instructed us, Lord, so we repent and ask Your forgiveness. Please help us to be aware and cognizant of our tasks, Jesus, and help us not to do things with an attitude, or out of obligation, but in service to You, so that all our interactions are to YOUR glory, honor and praise.

We thank You for blessing us to be ready to see You in peace. With Your help, Jesus, we will continue to serve You as we are serving others, and we will continue to bless and praise Your holy name! It is in the name of Jesus Christ, 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 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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