Warning: Do NOT miss your flight!

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format, and other times, like today, it is in more of a “studio” format. In any case, 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 a former frequent flyer, I am fastidious about getting to the airport at least 2 hours early.
  • This helps me avoid the last minute rushing, and gives me time to check/get to my gate and settle in.
  • On one trip, I had a 2-hour layover, which I LOVE! Layovers allow me the extra time I like to explore the airport, snack, and get to my proper gate in a timely manner.
  • While sitting at the gate and waiting to board, I missed a couple of important announcements.
  • In that moment, the Lord taught me a valuable lesson on spiritual attentiveness.

KJV Scripture References

Matthew 25:1-13

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

BCUFam, I was so busy with other things, I didn’t pay attention to anything that may have told me that my gate had changed. I didn’t hear an announcement, see that people had left the area, or look up to quadruple-check my gate information. Many times, we are so caught up with the cares of this life, we don’t hear or heed the small, still voice of God. We don’t double check His word about the things we should (or not) be doing. And we let people (rather, the spirit that operates within people) to grieve and vex our spirits, rather than going to God in prayer about it. These actions can cause us to miss the blessings of God. Even more grave, we can miss Heaven or the rapture!

As we journey on to our Heavenly destination, let us keep in mind that God gives wisdom liberally (James 1:5) and wants us to use it liberally. Some things we do can be recovered from, while others can be life-altering and regrettable. Every word, thought or deed has a consequence and rather than making fleshly decisions that will cause pain, grief and suffering, let us walk in the Spirit so we suffer for the cause of Christ, (rather than for our own foolishness) reap blessings, God be glorified through us and we go back with Him when He comes. Amen? Amen!!!

We LOVE interaction, so tell leaving a comment would be a good thing! To make it easier, think about answering these questions:

B) How do you stay focused on God through your day-to-day activities?

C) When is your favorite time to get with God and fellowship in prayer with Him 1 on 1?

U) Have you ever “skipped over” God’s voice and made a decision that took some time to recover from?  (I know I have)! What did you learn?

Let’s pray! Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for what our ears have heard in the way of reminding us to be in tune and stay in lock-step with You, Jesus, so we do not miss any of Your instructions. Please help us to be aware of Your presence, and to not only be hearers of Your word, but DOERS, so the results will be perfect, and that we will be counted among the wise who will be ready for You when You come back for us. Please continue to bless us, as we continue to praise and thank Your Holy name, 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

BlenCouragesU3 Comments

How much does disobedience cost?

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 conversational story, please tune into the podcast recording and refer to the written post for the highlights and corresponding Scriptures. We pray the post blesses and encourages you.  If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast outline:

So, in having a conversation with Professor Peanut (aged 7 1/2), we discussed the price of continued and deliberate disobedience and that play now, pay later is not the wisest of decisions. Here are the high points of what you’ll hear.

  • The importance of listening and following directions.
  • Thinking through the consequences of disobedience.
  • The need to be filled with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:38).
  • ALL decisions carry a consequence—good or bad.
  • My own story where I rebelled as a youngster–and the HUGE price I paid.

Here is the podcast link!

Scripture references:

Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. (Romans 6:1).

Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him, it is sin (James 4:17).

For he that sows to his flesh shall reap corruption, but he that sows to the Spirit shall reap life everlasting (Galatians 6:8). 

There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same [steward] was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he [the rich man] called and said unto him, how is that I hear this of you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you may no longer steward (Luke 16:1-2).

And the foolish said to the wise, give us of your oil for our lamps have gone out. But the wise answered and said, not so, lest there be not enough for us and you. but rather, go to those that sell and but for yourselves. Ans while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying Lord, Lord open to us. But He answered and said, verily I say unto you, I know you not (Matthew 25:8-12).

His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many. Enter into the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:23). 

Whew! This was a sobering, but needful lesson, BCUFam! What are your thoughts about willful disobedience? Paying those consequences? Is it a struggle?  There’s a comment section here on the BCU site, just ripe for us to 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 , Instagram, and  YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes!

Thank you SO much for stopping by. God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

*Join us on Periscope every Thursday night at 8:05pmEST on channel BlenCouragesU.

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

Procrastination reason number 14: “Waiting for someone else do it”.

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 conversational story, please tune into the podcast recording and refer to the written post for the highlights and corresponding Scriptures. We pray the post blesses and encourages you.  If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • This is based on a Stewardship study series we’re doing on *Periscope, specifically time management/procrastination (meaning to forward to tomorrow), and the reasons for doing so. One such reason for procrastination: waiting for someone else to do it. 
  • The Lord showed me how that very reason came up in an area of my life…I totally missed it!
  • We talk through that illustration and the detriments of waiting and delegating.
  • We are accountable to God for all assignments He delegates to us.

Here is the podcast link!

Scripture references:

Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him, it is sin (James 4:17).

And Gideon said unto God, if you will save Israel by mine hand, as You have said, behold I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth besides, then I shall know that You will save Israel by mine hand, as you have said (Judges 6:36-37–read through to verse 40).

There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same [steward] was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he [the rich man] called and said unto him, how is that I hear this of you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you may no longer steward (Luke 16:1-2).

And the foolish said to the wise, give us of your oil for our lamps have gone out. But the wise answered and said, not so, lest there be not enough for us and you. but rather, go to those that sell and but for yourselves. Ans while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying Lord, Lord open to us. But He answered and said, verily I say unto you, I know you not (Matthew 25:8-12).

Whew! This was a sobering, but needful lesson, BCUFam! With God’s grace, we want to be in God’s perfect chronos/kairos timing in ALL assigned tasks. And that may mean us having to take an assignment the Lord gives us–one that we would not have chosen for ourselves. That’s another podcast, but suffice it to say, I know ALL about that! Nonetheless, as stewards, our responsibility is to carry out the duties that our wise God has assigned us.

What are your thoughts about avoiding the things God tells you to do, BCUFam? There’s a comment section here on the BCU site, just ripe for us to 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 , Instagram, and  YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes!

Thank you SO much for stopping by. God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

*Join us on Periscope every Thursday night at 8:05pmEST on channel BlenCouragesU.

BlenCouragesU6 Comments

Ability, responsibility, and the baseball cap.

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

As usual, 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 post blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Currently, it’s summertime and for many of us that means a family vacation. In prep for the trip to the southern part of the country, I brought “Peanut”, aged 7, a baseball cap. While it looked cute, the main purpose was to help protect his little head from the sun from the hot summer sun. During various points of the trip, I found myself asking and reminding this little one about wearing and keeping up with that hat.

Fast forward to today where it’s raining and will be raining pretty hard all day. In an unsuccessful attempt to dodge raindrops, Peanut gets in the car and I ask:

“Where is your hat?”

Peanut: (quietly) “I don’t know”.

Me: “Hmm..do you know where your fidget spinner is?”

Peanut: “Yes!”

Me: “What’s my point of asking you that?”

Peanut: “That I don’t know where the IMPORTANT things are–but I know where the  not so important things are.

Now I admit his response was pretty impressive for a second-grader. It also sparked a couple of thoughts.

Many of you all listening and reading may be thinking, “well he’s ONLY seven”. “Kids lose things all the time.” “Boys are like that”. “Just get over it..it’s ONLY a cap. Go buy him another hat, Blen.” And I hear these points loud and clear–no doubt. Let’s look at this from a natural and spiritual perspective.
We all have (well, we all should have) a level of responsibility for certain things. While I would not expect an 18 month old child to drive a car, he can pick up a toy and put it back in the toy box upon request. When my daughter was around little–maybe around 16-18 months or so, when I asked her to get me a diaper to change her, she understood me enough to do just that. It was also a sign that she could start to potty train.  And thank God,  she was FULLY trained before age two with minimal accidents.

My point here is that many times, (I know there are exceptions),  children are capable of much more that we think they are. And as parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, godparents–whatever your role is in a child’s life, we should be assigning responsibility to our children according to their ability.  We also need to teach (and consistently reinforce) the consequences to evading our duties as well.  This, in part helps them to grow up as mature, responsible adults– in most cases.  So, now that we’ve looked at this naturally, let’s look at this spiritually.

When someone gives us something, asks us to take care of something, gifts us with something that has a benefit, we have a responsibility with the help of the Lord, to take care of that something. Even if it seems insignificant or not super important at the time, it was IMPORTANT enough to the giver to entrust us with it, so it should be just as important to us to keep and take care of it.

This takes me to one of my favorite stories, the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30.  It’s real, relatable and encourages me to take care of what God gives–not just material-wise, but even the spiritual gifts and talents as well. I plan to give a synopsis here, but please take some time to read the parable in it’s entirety, BCU Fam—it will bless you!

There was a lord that had servants who had to go away for awhile and called in his servants to give them talents to take care of.

The lord gave one servant five talents, another two talents and another one talent. Note he gave out the talents according to their ABILITY, so the master knew what each one was capable of (verse 15).

After a period of time, the lord  returns to see how the servants did with the tasks they were entrusted with.  The servant that received the five talents gained five more and the one who received two gained two more, much to the delight of their lord who told them, “well done, thou good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many. Enter into the joy of the Lord.

When it came time for the servant with the one talent to reconcile, here’s what happened:

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 

25And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 
27So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
 28Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 
30And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Notice, BCU Fam that the servant was called wicked and lazy because he did NOTHING with his talent. Yes, he knew where it was, but because of his inaction, it was a good as lost, because it was TAKEN away–never to be recovered again. And on top of that–he was cast out where there was  sorrow, sadness, crying and regret. What a tragic ending to this servant’s story and his life!

I say all that, BCU Fam to say this: We should NEVER casually treat what God has given us to do. Some talents, gifts and opportunities that we are assigned, we may NOT be able to “just go get another one”.  We do not always get a second chance. We cannot say, “I was too young” because as our Creator knows exactly what we are capable of—He knows our ability, not age!!! And it is our RESPONSIBILITY with God’s grace and help to do what we can to gain more talents–win souls to the kingdom, excel in the ministry (ushering, praise and worship, cleaning the church, taking care of your family, being a witness on your job, preaching, teaching), what ever God has given! We are to flourish and not to hide or do nothing with our God-given assignment.

I am prayerful this post was a blessing, confirmation and a nudge to dig up your talent(s) and put them to work for our amazing God. I admit that it is easier and more comfortable to side-step our duties now, but inevitably we will have to give an account to God for every thing He’s given us to steward over and I want Him to say, “well done, thou good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful over a few things and I will make you ruler over many. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord!” That’s something to get excited about, Amen? Amen!

So, what do you want the Lord to say to you? How do you stay focused on your talents? Do you struggle with that at all? Let’s talk more in the comments section below!

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 , Instagram, and  YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes!

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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