Fill-in-the-blank..or not.

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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 common theme the Lord has put on my mind and in my teaching is forgiveness, biblical confrontation and reconciliation.
  • At some point in all relationships, we will either be offended or offend someone–the key is handling it God’s way.
  • Someone dear to me very gently confronted me about an important date I missed.
  • Let’s talk about how the Lord used the situation to be a blessing to the both of us.

Scripture references

Matthew 18:7,15.

7 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!

15 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.

James 3:2

2 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.

Proverbs 3:6

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

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

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.

When our expectations are not met, we tend to “fill in the blanks” with the wrong answers. @blencouragesu

BCU Fam, when we allow the fill-in-the-blank spirit to reign, we continue walking in offense where the anger, animosity, bitterness and wrath replays in our hearts and minds. Eventually our evil-thinking of the person leads to evil-speaking about the individual to others–and in actuality, whether in our hearts or to someone else, incorrect blank-filling or evil-speaking is a direct violation of the Word of God (See Ephesians 4:31-32).

“We should strive for forgiveness being automatic in our hearts” –SuperFriend

With the help of the Lord, my Super Friend was a perfect example of following the Word of God by praying about the situation, reaching out quickly, gently confronting me, all while thinking AND speaking in love (You forgot–I know this isn’t like you), followed by immediate forgiveness! As we were ending our conversation, Super Friend said, “building true relationships eliminates the fill-in-the-blank spirit”, and that is spot on, BCU Fam. When we do things God’s way, there are no blanks to fill in–He tells us exactly what to do and once we do, He will instruct us as to how to handle the situation so the results will be perfect, because God is perfect. 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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Heart and mouth

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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:

  • In my recent travels, I ran into a wonderful person of God, who I LOVE and admire.
  • We were able to briefly love on one another and went our separate ways.
  • The Lord brought back to my mind an interesting encounter this person and I had years ago.
  • This encounter was a good reminder about how what is in our hearts (thoughts) comes out of our mouths.

Scripture references

Proverbs 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

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:

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.

Psalm 51:10

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

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Our words should be tasted before they are served.

BCU Fam, I am so grateful to God to report that I had forgotten about the incident until I spoke to you all about it. And even in that, I have no ill feelings, anger or bitterness–that’s a surefire way to tell if you have forgiven someone–and that’s something to give God praise for! The Lord is also reminding us make sure our hearts are clean (with His help) and full of Jesus, so that we do speak, what comes out is clean (even if we have to have a difficult conversation) and full of Jesus. 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Offending and offended

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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 common theme the Lord has put on my mind and in my teaching is forgiveness, biblical confrontation and reconciliation.
  • At some point in all relationships, we will either be offended or offend someone–the key is handling it God’s way.
  • I recently dealt with a “perceived” offense that reminded me of a perceived offense from many years ago.
  • Let’s talk about how the Lord helped me work through both situations.

Scripture references

Matthew 18:7,15.

7 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!

15 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.

James 3:2

2 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.

Proverbs 3:6

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

Matthew 5:23-24

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

James 1:19

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

I John 4:20

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Rather than stew in the situation or “fill in the blanks”, I was led to go the person and ask what happened.

BCU Fam, since we know that offenses are part of our relationships and our walk with Christ, it’s important for is to handle them biblically. If not, our pride will keep us offended, angry, accusing, bitter and hateful–and none of these are attributes of God. Moreover, we jeopardize our relationship with God and our place in Heaven. No offense on earth is worth keeping us away from Jesus, right? Let’s ask God to search our hearts to see if there is any situation where we need to forgive and/or confront the person. Once we do, He will instruct us as to how to handle the situation so the results will be perfect, because God is perfect. 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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Three lessons I learned from Joseph

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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, BCULive finished up a study called “The Law of Kindness”, starring Joseph from the book of Genesis.
  • Joseph is a very familiar Bible figure who has been taught on and preached about many times over.
  • The Lord really brought out many lessons that we can and should apply to our daily lives.
  • Today, we will focus on being chosen/disliked, ministry and forgiveness.

KJV Scripture references

 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness (Proverbs 31:26).

Genesis 37:10-11

10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?

11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying (Genesis 37:10-11).

Genesis 39:8-9;20-23

8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.

Genesis 40:8

 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

Genesis 41:15-16; 38-40.

15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Genesis 45:4-8, 10-11

4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

Joseph continued to work as unto the Lord and minister as a slave and a prisoner. His faithfulness took him to being the governor of Egypt.

BCU Fam, I could go on and on, but I had to stop for the sake of time and space! 😆 We thank God thank we have enough to pray about and apply as the Lord leads. Being ostracized, ministering and forgiving is not always easy, nor does it feel good, but it all works together for our good, because we love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Obedience x sacrifice

Hey there BCU Fam!

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 (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:
  • Every so often I like to take a vacation day to take a break from my very busy life.
  • In anticipation of those days, and even just for the weekends, I try and complete all tasks during the week so I can enjoy my time off as much as possible.
  • On this particular vacation day, I was planning to skip a morning conversation/prayer I have with the family, to start my “slow hurry” day, but the Lord had other plans.

KJV Scripture references

 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (I Samuel 15:22).

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 (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

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).

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).

BCUFam, I will confess that my body did not want to rise at that early hour! I just bless the Lord for heeding to His nudge and sacrificing my comfort for the conversation and prayer. Only the Lord knows if a plan of the enemy was cancelled, maybe a demonic force was rendered helpless, some formed weapon did not prosper, or if was the planter and/or waterer for the Lord to finish His work on the kids in terms of salvation. I may never know specifically what was abated, but I thank God for it!

Obedience may be costly, but that cost does not compare to return on the obedience investment.

Something else to keep in mind——obedience does not always net a tangible blessing. Sometimes we feel that every time we obey God, we will rewarded with a new car, mansion, yacht, bags of money, and other such things. I am not saying that God will not bless us with earthly things—–I am a witness that He will. However, God is not obligated to show “His appreciation” to us tangibly, or at all, otherwise, we only obey to receive.

Also, if we don’t get a “treat” every time we obey, the enemy will trick us into thinking there is no merit in doing what God says—and that will lead us away from Him. So let’s practice being obedient to the Lord out of love and wanting to please Him—and knowing He’s pleased is a reward within itself. And whatever He may decide to bless us with, be it material, spiritual, financial, physical, now later or not, let’s just give God thanks in all things—it’s His will concerning us (I Thessalonians 5:18). 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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