Worship & praise: | Psalm 148

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:

  • I have loved the Psalms since I was a little girl.
  • While some refer to the Psalms as “chapters” or “divisions”, the Psalms are actually arranged in five books.
  • The Psalms are to be read with four perspectives in mind: the author, the reader, how it relates to Jesus, and how it relates to Israel.
  • Psalm 148 from Book 5, is one of worship and praise to our amazing God.

Psalms 148:1-14

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.

BCU Fam, as we read through this Psalm, we are reminded that God created everything—-(see Genesis 1) there was no “big bang” or evolution process at all! Moreover, everything He created and EVERYONE He created is eligible to praise God—–His Name alone is excellent and WORTHY to be praised! Hallelujah! Let’s exalt His name together as we pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we come before You today with our hands lifted up and our mouths filled with praise! We thank You for this Psalm that reminds us of Your majesty in all the earth! Thank You, Lord, for all you have created—the fire, the snow, the mountains—You even know the stars by name, just like You know all of us by name! What a MIGHTY God you are! We thank You, Jesus for everything, even in the midst of our tears, not understanding some things, the heaviness, struggles, trials and tribulations of this life, we thank You for being here with us! Thank You, Jesus for being a Comforter, a Tear-drier, our Strength, our Way-maker, Sustainer, the Lifter of our Head, and our Deliverer! For all of that we say thank You! Thank You for the breath we have that makes us eligible to praise Your holy Name, and with Your help, we will endeavor to continue to praise You with all we have within us! In Jesus Name, we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, the comments section is open —tell us what you thought about the post! Also, 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 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 whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify,  Stitcher Radio , and many more 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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Representation Matters

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:

  • Last week at this time, I was severely under the weather—–and it’s been a LONG time since that’s happened.
  • While scrolling through a social media page, a friend posted a song,* based on Psalm 23.
  • As I the song blessed me, I was reminded we all have some hardness to endure as good soldiers.
  • The Lord, Our Shepherd also let me know that as we endure, we will not want, therefore we should always represent Him well.

Scripture references

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Timothy 2:3
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

There are some things the Lord takes us over, and other things we He takes us through.

BCUFam, I do not know anyone who enjoys being sick or going through hard situations on any level. If the battle goes longer than we think it should, if we are not careful, we can allow it to alter our mood to the point where we’re grumbling and complaining to others about how unfair what we are experiencing is, and taking our frustration out on those around us. Is that how Christ would want us to represent Him?

We will have times where our faith will be tested to the point where we’ll have some off days on occasion—-and that’s understandable. When we feel those feelings coming, let’s remember that Psalm 23 is true—the Lord is our Shepherd, so we will not want or lack ANYTHING we need, including the help and strength we need to ensure Jesus is well-represented through all we endure. 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

*To hear the song, please listen to the podcast.

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Word Study: Psalm 1 (Part 2).

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:

  • Last time we were together, we talked through part of Psalm 1.
  • This time, we’ll wrap of this wonderful word that reminds us why we should follow the Lord.

Scripture references

Psalm 1:1-6.

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace (Exodus 14:14).

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).

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

If we walk in the ungodly’s counsel, it will walk us outside the Word of God. @blencouragesu

BCU Fam, this Psalm tells makes it plain that there are only two roads–righteous or ungodly. Moreover, the Lord also plainly tells us what happens in either case, so we can decide which path we’d like to take. Since the ungodly’s road ends in regret, ruin and the lake of fire, I’m sticking with road Jesus is on. Sure, it’s not a popular, or well-traveled–and sometimes there is rough terrain, but the it’s the perfect path from Earth to Heaven. Are you with me?

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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Scripture lesson: Psalm 118

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. I recommend listening to the podcast for more commentary. 🙂 In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!

BlenCouragesU · BCU Podcast | Psalm 118| (Ep 221)

I was listening to this Psalm while resting and some of the verses blessed me richly, BCU Fam, In sharing these verses and expository with you all, I’m positive the Lord will speak to your heart as well! Without further ado, let’s walk through Psalm 118!

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

4 Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5 I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

7 The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.

11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:

20 This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

29 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Amen, amen, amen! BCU Fam, there are several passages of Scripture that speak to my heart–especially when the psalmist talks about God’s enduring mercy, trusting in the Lord, calling on His name, living and NOT dying, His marvelous work, and giving thanks Hallelujah!!!!!!

So what do you think of our Psalm/Scripture of the month?  Do you have a favorite Psalm or verse you hang onto? If you are not already on the BlenCouragesU.com site, please head there and down to the comment section so we can continue our conversation!

Also,  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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Scripture lesson: Psalm 103

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. Recommend listening to the podcast for more commentary. 🙂 In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!

So this podcast/post is a special request from dear friend of mine, (I did not ask permission to use their name, so I’ll leave that out for now), who asked to read a passage of Scripture, and Psalm 103 came to mind. I realized about half-way into the reading, that I spoke on part of this Psalm a couple of years ago around this time,  but the Word of God, and this Psalm in particular, is always timely, relevant, illuminating, refreshing and encouraging.  Without further ado, let’s walk through Psalm 103:1-22!

1)Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2)Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

3)Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,

4) Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5) Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6) The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.

7) He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

8) The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9) He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.

10) He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11) As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear [reverence] Him;

12) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13) As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.

14) For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

15) As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16) For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

17) But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children,

18) To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19) The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom rules over all.

20) Bless the Lord, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21) Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22) Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

Amen, amen, amen! BCU Fam, there are several passages of Scripture that speak to my heart–especially when the psalmist talks about God’s healing, redeeming, mercy and grace that is extended to his children. It is no wonder David started and ended the Psalm with “bless the Lord, O my soul!” Hallelujah!!!!!!

So what do you think of our Psalm/Scripture of the month? Should we keep that idea in the podcast/post rotation? Do you have a favorite Psalm or verse you hang onto? If you are not already on the BlenCouragesU.com site, please head there and down to the comment section so we can continue our conversation!

Also,  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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