The Original Fantastic Four

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:

  • Recently, we fellowshipped with our friends in the Lord, Pastor and First Lady Brewer of Faith and Power Ministries.
  • I was tasked to give a 12-minute “lecture” that would lay the foundation for the main speaker.
  • I know The Fantastic Four is a Marvel creation known and loved by many…
  • …The Bible has the ORIGINAL Fantastic Four—–let’s talk about THEM!

KJV Scripture references

Mark 12:29-31

29 “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Mark 2:1-12

1 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.

BCU Fam, this was a call to action for me! How many of us are neighbors to someone in need? Would we “carry” someone to Jesus? Are we doing what we can to “take off the roof” so someone can be forgiven? Healed, Saved? Delivered? Are we bringing our neighbors (family, friends, co-workers, enemies, government officials, bereaved, homeless, etc, to Jesus in prayer? Speaking an encouraging Word? Witnessing to those we come in contact with? Being the answer to their prayer by bringing a meal, being a listening ear, or helping out in some way?

The original “fantastic four” are a perfect representation of how we as believers love our neighbors as we love ourselves. With the help and unction of the Holy Ghost, let’s be more aware of those whom we interact with, and show the love of the Lord to them today. 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, Twitter 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 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

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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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When the “forecast” changes…

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 informal format, please tune into the podcast recording 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:

    • Whether or not we are walking with God, we are ALL made in God’s image.
    • While we have our own ideas on how situations in our lives should turn out, sometimes, God has a different plan.
    • While God’s way does not feel good to the flesh, His way is always better.
    • How we really feel about God changing “our” plans comes out in our thoughts, words and actions.

 Scripture references

Job 37:5-6

5 God thundereth marvellously with His voice; great things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend.

6 For He saith to the snow, be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of His strength.

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 (Romans 8:28).

Galatians 5:17; 24-25

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

24-25 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Isaiah 55:8-9

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.

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

WHOO!!! This one is easy to spot in others, BCU Fam, but we really have to look at ourselves here first, right? So what is your gut reaction when the “forecast changes”? How challenging will it be to allow the Lord to adjust your attitude knowing that God has our best interests at heart?  Let’s talk some more about this—head down to the comment section so we can continue our dialogue!

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! 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

When trials come, I_______________.

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 informal format, please tune into the podcast recording 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:

  • Being saved (according to Acts 2:38) is an amazing, wonderful experience and yields an awesome life here and the promise of eternal life as well!
  • Contrary to some popular preaching and teaching, the Scriptures teach us that  going through trials is a part of the Christian walk.
  • While the trials do not feel good to the flesh, they are purposeful, needed—and GOOD for us.
  • In all that we go through, God is ALWAYS with us (See Hebrews 13:5).

 Scripture references

Job 1:20-22

20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). 

I Timothy 4:1-5

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables

5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

And He [Jesus] spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).

So…what are your  initial reaction to trials? How challenging will it be to adjust your attitude straightaway? (I know I need to be really mindful!)  Let’s talk some more about this—head down to the comment section so we can continue our dialogue!

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! 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

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