The Word That Replaces Worry

Hey there BCU Family!

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

  • Focusing on current events and the actions of others causes us to worry, get anxious, and to fret.
  • The word “fret” has several meanings including to be agitated, to be disturbed or to gnaw.
  • While we may initially be disturbed about our situation, consistent fretting has no place in the life of a believer.
  • The Word of God has “built-in” verses to ease the hearts of those who fret.

KJV Scripture references–Psalm 37

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.

18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

BCU Fam, as a “recovering fretter”, I completely understand how it feels when you are waiting for God to move on your behalf for the healing, job, spouse, blessing, miracle, situation to clear up or whatever you are trusting God for. As we mature in Christ, it is imperative that we remember God really is in control and that His will, timing and gifts are always perfect. Trust me, (well, trust God) whatever He has for you will be so much better than you imagined, you’ll be so thankful that you waited and did things God’s way. Let’s pray about it!

Father in the name of Jesus, we thank You that rather than fretting needlessly, we can come to you with our anxious thoughts, worries, cares and concerns, and leave them with You. We will no longer be consumed with who is doing what, and seemingly getting by, rather, we will rest and wait patiently in You, Lord. We will rest knowing that our steps are ordered and that we are the righteous, so we will not be forsaken, and we are Your seed, so we will not be begging bread. We bless Your name because You preserve and deliver your saints because we trust in You. Thank You for Your continual care of us, Jesus, and we will continue to give Your name the praise and glory, 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 for our Thursday Night Bible Study––-we are LIVE on Facebook, at 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, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, 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,

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Social Media, Bias, Jesus & Us.

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:

  • Investopedia.com defines social media as a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, information and building community through virtual networks.
  • Some of the earlier social medial platforms include AOL chatrooms (powered by dial-up), MySpace and Pana.ma.
  • TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, What’s app and Instagram are just a few of the top social media sites.
  • While these communities are wonderful for connection and information for many, for others, it can cause or exacerbate “cognitive bias”.
  • Cognitive bias is a distortion in thinking that occurs when people process and interpret information in the world around them (in this case, social media) and, that processing without Christ’s involvement can negatively affects our thinking, decisions and actions.
  • Our task is to allow the Word of God to govern how we think.

https://www.dailyinfographic.com/8-ways-social-media-messes-with-our-brains

Scripture references:

Fear of missing out (FOMO) | If I am not always connected, I may miss something. | Fear is not of God.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

Psalm 84:11

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Expectation of availability | I have to reply to every comment, post, email, message immediately. | Idolatry

Colossians 3:23-24.

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Galatians 5:19-21

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Catastrophizing |You send a message, the recipient is not responsive, so must be angry, stupid, etc.| Evil thinking

Matthew 15:18-20

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:

20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

I Corinthians 13:4-5

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Unfair Comparison | She posts such nice travel pictures all the time. It’s not fair I have to struggle.| Envy.

1 Timothy 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Philippians 4:11-12

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

BCU Fam, we do not have to live fear, worry, wrong thinking, or discontentment. God is able to deliver is from people-pleasing, renew our minds in Him, so we will have a thankful heart, knowing He will supply all of our needs. Let’s pray about it!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, today, we thank You, SO much for who You are, and what You do for us! Thank You for bringing these areas to our attention. Please forgive us for the times we allowed fear/fear of people to govern our thoughts and actions. Bless us to remember that we serve You and we will do so with distinction. Thank You for delivering us from evil thoughts about the people made in your image. Bless us to walk in the patient and kind love outlined in I Corinthians 13.

Thank You for reminding us that You are a present Help, Jesus and a supplier of our needs. Please remember those who are struggling right now financially, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.In any area we need help, we can call on You, Jesus for that help, and rest in the assurance that You heard our cry and will answer. Thank you for sending jobs, reconciling relationships, healing, strengthening tired bodies, setting someone free, soothing anxious minds, and healing hearts in the name of Jesus! In the meantime, You will sustain and keep our minds in perfect peace as we keep our minds stayed on You and thinking on things that are pure, honest, just, full of virtue and praise. We thank you for the victory 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 for our Thursday Night Bible Study––-we are LIVE on Facebook, at 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, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Avoiding Haste, Waste, Stress & Mess

Here there BCU Family!

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:

  • Blogging/podcasting is such wonderful blessing to me—–the Lord has truly brought BCU a LONG way!
  • Experience has taught me that I need to break my podcast production into two parts.
  • One particular week, I leaned to my own faulty understanding and did not follow that teaching.🤦🏽‍♀️
  • Listen in to what happened, and what the Lord taught me about haste, waste and prayer.

KJV Scripture Reference

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

Psalm 63:1

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

I Thessalonians 5:17

 Pray without ceasing.

BCU Fam, we live in a society where it is almost a badge of honor to be busy, running, stressed and tired. There is no biblical evidence of that being a requirement for salvation, or living the Christian life. In order to combat this worldly mindset, with the help of the Lord, we should acknowledge Him regarding ALL our tasks, even the things we know we have to take care of routinely. I am not saying that we need to ask the Lord if we should brush our teeth or clean up the spilled milk before we leave for work. Rather, if we make it a habit to start our day with prayer (Psalm 63:1), and pray throughout the day, asking the Lord for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding on how to carry out our assignments, and which ones take priority for the day, He will help us. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, thank You so much for the reminder, as always to acknowledge You in all of our ways. Whether we are going to work, school, at home, taking care of family, whatever it is, please help us to ask You, Jesus, in what sequence things should go in for the day.

Help us, Jesus to hear You and follow that sequence, so that we are not walking around tired, stressed, angry, agitated, irritated, or any of those things that are not of You. Thank You for giving us the grace to follow what You tell us to do, as we look forward to being more productive and doing things in the kairos time zone, according to Your will and way! 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, Pandora, Spotify and many other podcast platforms!

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

Trusting God Post-Election: A Call to Prayer

Hey there BCU Fam!

Whew, I thank the Lord for being back after being sick last week! 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 podcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • As of this podcast, we are one week post-elections in the United States of America.
  • For many, the results were a bit of a shock and disappointment, and for others, a long-awaited victory.
  • In a social media post, someone said “the people have spoken” with respect to the democratic process.
  • Without getting into the quagmire of politics, the Word of God tells us that He has spoken.

Scripture references

Proverbs 16:9

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 19:21

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

Philippians 4:6-7

Be (anxious) careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 121:1-2

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Matthew 9:37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Romans 8:28

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.

BCUFam, I understand, respect and thank God for the democratic process that we’ve created, where we choose who we’d like to lead us. While those systems have their place, ultimately, God directs the outcome.

Now, I will say there are some things God allows that we may not agree with or fully understand, but that’s where we have to look to Jesus as the Good Father He is and trust that He will work things out for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). As we see the day of the Lord approaching and uncertainly looming, this is a time for us to really pray that the Lord will cover, keep, lead, guide, direct and protect us. Additionally, we should be praying that God will help us to walk out the work He has called us to do. Finally, we should be praying for those who do not know Jesus in the pardoning of their sins will be saved. Our only way through uncertainty, concerns, questions, and to Heaven is through Jesus. Let’s hold on to His Word and unchanging hand. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for this day You have made and we rejoice and are glad in it! As the elections are over and results have been called, there are some who are rejoicing, and others who are frazzled, nervous, confused, angry, or afraid. Whatever the emotion is, Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that You are a high priest that can be touched by the feeling of our infirmities! So we take every emotion, concern, problem and worry to You, Jesus, and we leave them at Your feet, in exchange for the peace the passes all understanding, that will guide our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Lord, we know that no matter who is in charge, YOU are still on the throne and in control. Please continue to keep and provide for us as You always have. Please help us to stay focused on You and not fall away in these uncertain times. We also ask You to please bless us to an encouragement to Your people, and to be the light for those who need to You in their lives, Jesus. We thank and praise You for hearing our cry and answering our prayers, 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 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, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Random Acts of Kindness: Biblical Perspectives on Well Doing

Hey there BCU Fam!

I am a bit under the weather today, but the Lord gave me the presence of mind to record a quick thought last week! 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 podcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • I was talking with a group of people who were on the subject of “Random Acts of Kindness”.
  • Coined from an author in the 1990’s, “random acts” sparked a movement of doing nice things for people without reward.
  • One person in the group recalled an act of kindness and how they WERE rewarded many years later.
  • As I listened to the moving story, the Lord brought one of my favorite scriptures to mind.

KJV Scripture references

Colossians 3:23-25

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

BCUFam, we never know how and/or when God will reward us for our well-doing. What I do know is whether the reward is on this side of Heaven, the other side of Heaven or both, because He is a perfect record-keeper, we SHALL receive our just reward! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for what our ears have heard. We admit that sometimes, Lord, in our constant well-doing, it feels like it’s not noticed or appreciated by people, and that doesn’t feel good. At the same time, Your word reminds us to continue to do well in this world we are living in because You (vs. people) will reward us accordingly! We ask for Your help and strength to continue doing what You have called us to do, and we will continue to give Your name all the honor, praise and glory, 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 at 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on many podcast platforms such as  Apple 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment