Your current wait time is…

Hey there BCU Fam,

You have the option of listening to our podcast (click the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study! 

Who out there in the BCU community really enjoys waiting? How about waiting on the Lord to answer a prayer request? Right. Let’s talk about that.

When I got saved, I was under the erroneous impression that  I could “name and claim”, “blab and grab”, and “it’s my blessing so I should get it now” for anything I wanted and did not have to wait on it. After all, the King’s kid should have whatever they want when they want it, right? 🙄 Not always. There are times where God does move on our behalf swiftly and suddenly–and of course we love when that happens. Many times, the reason He does is because our petition lines up with God’s perfect will at that time. Other times, maybe we are reaping what we have sown. Still again, the righteous are never forsaken, nor His seed begging bread, so God will take care of us no matter what. The point is, that God’s perfect will and timing are in effect. We believe that when things happen suddenly. Do we believe it when we have to wait?

For many of us, once we make out requests known to God, there is that hopeful expectation and faith that He will answer, and in our minds mostly, pretty soon. But sometimes it is God’s perfect will for some wait time before He fulfills our petition. That is when we need to settle in and enjoy the process.

According to Strong’s Concordance (4037),  the word “wait” in Greek is a compound word, perimènō. Perí, meaning all around, and mènō, meaning remain, abide. In essence, waiting is staying steadfast or enduring through challenging situations.

Many times, when the wait time is extended, our faith in God can grow weak. Then the adversary comes in to let you know you that the Lord is taking too long, God has forgotten you, if you are so faithful why hasn’t He responded, or you may need to do things yourself, rather than wait on God. When we choose to mediate on these lies, we become consumed with the fact that God hasn’t answered yet–and begin to doubt and question our faith and trust in God. In fact, because we are so concerned with what it looks like God is not doing, that very request will be our focus point so much so, we will talk (aka complain) to anyone that will hear us and not hear God’s voice at all. Very often, our lack of faith will prolong the wait time even more. Or cause us to miss out on the blessing altogether. 

When the Lord freed the children of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians, it’s been said that their journey to the Promised Land was about 250 miles, which could take about 11 days to a month or so, depending on breaks and such. The Word of God tells us that the trip took 40 YEARS, mostly due to murmuring, complaining and disobedience against God! On top of that, out of approximately one million people, only TWO from the original trip were able to enjoy the blessing? That is NOT the testimony God wants us to have! Rather, His Word is here to help us. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite Scriptures.

We need faith and to believe God. Hebrews 11:6 says:

 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

We should not give up on God. Proverbs 24:10 says:

 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

If we feel weak, though, there is help! We continue waiting. Waiting should produce strength vs weakness. *Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us: 

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

There is a purpose in waiting–it produces the fruit of patience and matures us. James 1:2-4 says:

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect (mature) and entire, wanting nothing.

And while we wait, we should be thankful. I Thessalonians 5:18 says:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

BCU Family, I might add that the Scriptures in *Isaiah indicate that waiting is active versus passive. When nothing else in on your heart or mind except what you are waiting for God to do, the anxiety of wondering when is it coming, why is it not here, what’s the holdup, etc., can stop us from continuing to serve the Lord.  Isaiah mentions flying, walking and running as we wait, so that tells me that we ought be busy for the Lord WHILE we wait. Hmm…I may talk about that in an upcoming podcast…stay tuned.

I can testify to the fact that I have been waiting on the Lord for quite a few things..some requests put in yesterday, some for months, and yes, some for years. I would not be telling you the truth if I told you I always followed the Scriptures I listed above. The Lord was  (and still is) really patient with me as I cried, complained, murmured, shut down, and eventually allow/ed patience to have her perfect work.  This perfect work is designed by God help us be more like Him here on Earth, so we can make it into Heaven. Amen? Amen!

So what about you, BCU Fam? What is your current wait time? Have you been waiting on something specific from God for awhile? How have you constructively occupied yourself while you wait?  Or has there been more complaining? We have no judgement for you here–let’s talk in the comments section.

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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School’s out! So what did you learn?

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!

The BCU Youth Squad is back! As school winds down for the summer here in New England, a few of us had an impromptu conversation around what the kids have learned over the school year. Listen in to what Kaniya, 13, Jaz, 10 and Professor, 9 shared with me.

Podcast and Scripture highlights:

How to treat others. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise (Luke 6:31).

Drama avoidance.  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20).

Stopping and listening before doing. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him (Proverbs 18:13).

These kids are pretty insightful, right? This is why it is SO important to actually ask our young people questions and prayerfully LISTEN to the answers. THEN we can comment, commend or correct as the Lord leads. Amen? Amen!

What are your thoughts around what the youth had to say? I am certain they would LOVE to hear from you, so please head down to the comments section, let us know what is on your mind so 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 , 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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Tribute: Three lessons I learned from Apostle Floyd E. Nelson, Sr.

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:

    • Apostle Floyd E. Nelson Sr., the presiding apostle of the International Bible Way Church of Jesus Christ passed away on April 2, 2019.
    • I am veering away from my usual topic/format to talk through the impression and impact he (and his wife, Dr. Yvonne Nelson) made on me.
    • I’d like to share three lessons I learned that God blessed me to implement in my life and ministry.
    • The related podcasts I mentioned are here–> who isn’t clapping and the power of the surrender. 

 

You know, those very lessons helped BlenCouragesU.com to get “back on track”–unbeknownst to him, but very obvious by the growth in BCU subscribers! I love and thank God for ALL of you! So while we mourn his passing, I thank God for the life lessons and legacy he brought to all who interacted with. May God continue to bless and comfort all who were touched by this great man of God!

BCU Fam, as much as we do not like to think about it, our days on Earth are numbered. Psalm 90:10 reminds us that the days of our years are threescore and ten (age 70) or by reason of strength fourscore (age 80), and after that we fly away. Obviously some live longer or shorter lives and that’s all up to God. How long we live is not necessarily the point, it’s HOW we live that makes a difference. Psalm 90:12 says teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. This means we need to wisely do all God has assigned to us in the time allotted, to be a blessing to all those we come in contact with here AND  so we can hear “well done, thou good and faithful servant”, when we go to see Jesus. Amen? Amen!

So how are you walking out your calling from God? What do you want people to remember most about you? Let’s talk about it in the BlenCouragesU.com chat section below!

As we wrap up, 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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The Christian and the clapback

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

  • This week’s post is about a “messy” situation that unfolded on social media.
  • My heart was disturbed about how the conversation was handled–a subliminal “clapback” was posted in retaliation.
  • Clapbacks are targeted, typically vicious attacks said to hurt, embarrass or put the person “in their place”.
  • At some point in this life, we will either be offended or offend someone--the Bible tells us so (Matthew 18:7 and James 3:2).
  • God wants us to handle our offenses according to what His word says, versus “getting in our feelings”.

Scripture references

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

 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).

 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican (Matthew 18:15-17).

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 fellowservants, 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 fellowservant 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 fellowservants 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.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19).

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).

BCU Fam, I understand how challenging it can be to stay in The Spirit when it comes to wanting to shut down those who offend us. As new creatures in Christ, we are to exchange the clapback behavior for God’s perfect way of dealing with the people who are made in His image. While it  may initially feel good to get back at someone, is practicing that behavior worth our risking our blessings and our salvation?

What are your thoughts on our topic-du-jour? Is resisting the clapback a struggle? What are your go-to Scriptures to keep your heart from speaking something you’ll regret later?  Please head to the comments section below and let’s chat some more!

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 , 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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The Lollipop Lesson

Hey there BCU Family!

For this post, you have the option of listening to our podcast (click the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!

A number of years ago, I had my faithful traveling companions, Jaz and Peanut with me–and Peanut was in dire need of a haircut. The barbershop I took him to, not only does a phenomenal job with kids, they also give lollypops to the kids, even if they don’t get a service. How nice is that?! Once the kids chose their treats, I told them to put them away until after we ate dinner. Veggies before sugar, right?

When we got home, I thought it best to collect the lollipops and pass them out after dinner. Peanut happily produced his lollypop, while Jaz hesitated and told me her stick broke. I told her that was fine, just hand it over. In addition to the broken stick, the wrapper was barely hanging on, obviously in an attempt to quickly re-wrap it. When I asked why it was open, after I was clear about NOT opening it, she replied “I wanted to see what color it was”. Well, it’s a good thing she enjoyed it with her eyes, because she did not get to enjoy her treat, even with the sad face and tears.

I know, I know, that seemed a little harsh? Not really. Let’s take a look at four lessons God taught me from this one situation.

  • Patience: When God clearly to tells wait, He MEANS it. There is a reason that we can’t have what we want when we want it. Remember when your/a child thought could make wise choices in fashion, makeup, friends and other life decisions at the age of six? Remember how much “wisdom” we possessed at age 16? Our parents had to suffer through that period and correct our thinking. In God’s infinite wisdom, He knows when the best time is to be blessed, even though WE think we know better. Romans 9:19-21 asks how the creature going to tell the Creator what’s best? When we look at it that way, it helps us to back down and trust His process.
  • Resisting temptation: This is a tough one–I know the shiny lollypop was alluring to Jaz–and we are no different as adults. When something looks good to our flesh, we want it and now. Things that look good surface-wise, are not necessarily beneficial in the short or long term. How many of us have learned that over the years? Don’t go back there! We have to ask God for the power to leave it alone. Period. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (I Corinthians 10:13).
  • Haste makes waste: running ahead of my instructions cost Jaz her lollypop, so it was wasted. She had to wait until we go again to get another one, which wouldn’t be for a long time. When we go outside of God’s divine will, He will allow us to do what we want often at a high price, including wasted time, emotions, money, energy, strength, resources, and then we likely have to wait a long time before we get what God had for us in the first place. Lamentations 3:26 says it is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
  • Consequences: The Bible is clear that there are consequences for disobedience. While God is good and plenteous in mercy, sometimes His mercy is not taking us out of here right away when we mess up. Recalling Adam and Eve (Genesis 3),  they clearly disobeyed and while God spared them, there was still a punishment. Esau sought repentance with tears and still lost out on his birthright and blessing (Hebrews 12:17). Is the thing that is clearly outside of God’s divine will worth losing out on blessings, favor or even missing out on Heaven? Surely not! For it is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing (1 Peter 3:17).

The bottom line: There will always be times where we feel frustrated with waiting, not understanding why things haven’t changed yet, why another trial, where is my blessing, maybe I should “help” God out–that’s natural! There will be times we mess up and go ahead of God–thank God He’s willing to forgive when we ask! And He wants us to learn from our experience rather than choose to make to wrong decisions repeatedly.

We also have to remind ourselves with the help of God, that He does really have out best interest in mind…Matthew 7:11 tells us so! And since we will never know better or more than Jesus, let’s purpose in our hearts to take Him at His Word! Amen? Amen!

Which part of what we talked about is a struggle for you?  Mine is the patience—the Lord is yet teaching me how to wait on Him. Otherwise the wait gets a LOT longer! Let me know in the comments section so we can continue our chat.

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, 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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