Impact>Winning

Hey there BCU Fam!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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:

  • During an oratorical review, I was on the podium with a well-known and beautifully skilled presenter.
  • Knowing that we’d be rated, and that the person would “win”, I almost backed out of the review.
  • The Lord let me know to stay, and do what He had put on my heart to do.
  • The outcome of the evaluation went from disappointing, a revelation, and a blessing in a matter of moments.

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, initially and for a brief moment I considered taking a hiatus from the class, thinking, “what’s the use?”. In retrospect, when things do not go as we expect, the enemy comes in to accuse you of not hearing God properly, failing at your assignment, or discouraging you from doing what God called you to do. The Lord immediately let me know that was not His voice, and He used a stranger to confirm I was in the right place. Moreover, “stranger” confirmed that my obedience and follow-through to present what God said was impactful and a blessing. Glory to God!!!! He is awesome!

There is nothing wrong with receiving awards and accolades for what we do in this life. Those awards, though are temporary, perishable, and based on people’s memory and subjective standards. On the other hand, God’s standards are clearly outlined in His Word, His record-keeping is flawless, and rewards are eternal. So keep putting your time in—payday is coming after awhile! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for the reminder to keep doing what You have called us to do. All of the things the world has to offer in the way of awards and recognition will pass away, yet what is recorded in Heaven is permanent. That is where we are building our treasures! Jesus, please help us remember to follow Your directions in every thing we do, so we get Your results and are rewarded accordingly. 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

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The Dispute Dilemma

Hey there BCU Fam!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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:

  • Last month I was studying Psalm 37 in preparation to teach through it to the BCUFam.
  • There was one verse the Lord underlined for me; I was eager to find a “good” biblical example to further expound on.
  • The Lord let me know that the best example was a situation that I had been through, so I am sharing!

KJV Scripture references

Psalm 37:21

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

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

James 4:17

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Romans 13:8

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

BCUFam, while it may have been lawful to dispute the old information, it was not expedient, especially since the Lord unctioned me not to. While it is important to not drink, smoke and be dressed a certain way, it is equally important, with God’s help that we pay our bills/debts according to the agreement we made. These may not seem like “big” areas to be concerned about, but when the Lord mentions it, a big concern to Him.

So with the Lord’s assistance, let’s examine our finances to see if there are any old outstanding bills/money owed that we need to rectify, even if it takes awhile to repay our lenders. I am a witness that God will move on your behalf and work things out so He will be glorified in this area of our lives as well. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank and praise You for the information You have given us. When it comes to certain areas of our finances, sometimes, we do not include You like we should. We want to be sure we are good stewards in all areas of our lives, including repaying the debts we have incurred. Jesus, please help us to clear any forgotten outstanding debt, and to pay our bills on time, so we even represent and honor You in this overlooked area.

Jesus, please remember those who are struggling to keep up with the bills they have—this economy is difficult for many of us who are just trying to make ends meet. Please help us to make wise decisions in our paying, spending and giving, so we have what we need, and to be a blessing to someone else as we are led. 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 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

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Bible Word Study: Understanding ‘Judge’ in Scripture

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:

  • This month, we will revisit the classic #BCUWord of the Week video series here and on YouTube.
  • “Judge” is this week’s word. One definition in Hebrew is “shofet” meaning, to select, decide or discern. It can also mean, “a deliverer from potential defeat” (that is very important).
  • Would you like to watch the video? Click here: YouTube | BCU Classic Word of the Week.

Scripture references

Luke 7:41-43

41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

I Corinthians 11:28-31

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Matthew 7:1-5

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

John 7:24

24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Luke 18:10-14

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 18:13

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

BCUFam, did it surprise you that we make judgements daily as it relates to decision-making? What about the phrase “you cannot judge me”? It is a blessing to now have a deeper understanding and wisdom around this important word. With the help of the Lord, let’s make it our business to judge only according to how the Lord instructs us. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we come before You with a thankful heart for more insight into Your Word, and for helping us to judge things the way You would have us to, or not at all. We ask that You would help us to turn the spotlight on ourselves on all the areas needed to be more like You. Also, as we are speaking and commenting about things, please help us to remember to acknowledge You first, so that our speech is edifying, administers grace to the hearer and is seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6 and Ephesians 4:29). We ask that You continue to bless and strengthen us, as we continue to walk upright before You, in Jesus name, we pray and thank You, 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, YouTube podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and many others 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

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The Yellow Light Story

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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:

  • When driving on surface streets, traffic lights are part of what keeps us from running into one another.
  • Many years ago, I adopted the practice of stopping at yellow lights vs. powering through the intersection.
  • Yellow lights caution us that there could be some danger on the other side of the light.
  • The Lord used a “yellow light” via a scripture to warn me to avoid an impending life collision.

KJV Scripture References

Proverbs 26:11

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

Psalm 84:11

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.

Isaiah 58:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

BCUFam, sometimes in my hurrying, I admit I have zoomed through yellow lights at intersections, both in my car and life. To the glory of God, He has kept, chastised, taught me some hard lessons, and has forgiven me—–and I AM THANKFUL! And because He knows what’s best for us, He can help us avoid running the lights and waiting for the good and perfect gifts He has for us. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for Your warnings and the yellow lights that come up in our lives. We ask that You will help us to hear Your voice and to follow through with what it is You are asking us to do or not to do, so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and that we are protected from the enemy. Jesus, we ask that You will continue to help us to obedient to Your Word, will and way—please be a fence around us. And if we accidentally mess up, we pray for Your mercy, for You to bring us out, that we get the lesson, and stay away from the vomit! We thank and praise You for hearing our plea , 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

BlenCouragesU2 Comments

Letting go…

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! 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:

  • Once upon a time, I had a God-sent friend who was a wonderful confidant, advisor and encouragement to my heart.
  • And likewise, I was the same for Friend when they needed biblically-based advice and council.
  • One day, Friend needed some extra love and encouragement, and I was delighted to be of assistance.
  • For some odd reason, Friend and I started drifting apart.
  • This anomaly was confusing and was sad, initially, but the Lord walked me through it.

KJV Scripture References

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.

Matthew 18:21-22

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.

Psalm 147:3

3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Romans 8:28

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, the Lord is teaching me that not all relationships are “evergreen”—some are seasonal and even still, some are for a season.

On that wise, let us ask the Lord His purpose for the people we come into contact with, and how best we can love them as ourselves. If the time for closeness is up, we should be able to maintain the love even from a distance. Love means that if Friend calls after a year has gone by and says, “can we talk?” with the help of the Lord, we should be able to have a conversation without name-calling, blaming, or chairs being overturned in anger. Love means we have forgiven Friend and do not feel any anger or hurt. Love means that although the person may not be on our “fave five” list (that’s a CLASSIC reference), we can still pray for them with a healed heart, because we gave the entire situation to Jesus. We may not be best buddies, but we can still love and serve as Jesus leads us. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for how You speak to our hearts and minds, we thank You for helping us to hear Your voice. Thank You for helping is to understand and accept the reasons and seasons for people in our lives.

Lord, there are some that are struggling today with letting go of a certain relationship or situation—–perhaps because of sentimental value, time invested or a deep love. Whatever the reason is, Jesus, if you are instructing us to let go, please help us to do so completely, giving the person, situation, relationship over to you, knowing that You know what’s best.

For the part that hurts Lord, please heal broken hearts as only You can, in the name of Jesus. For the relationships that will be restored, thank You. And for those relationships You know are past season, we thank You. Please bless us to move on in You, knowing You will not withhold any good thing from us, and all of what is happening is working for our good. It’s in Jesus name we thank You, 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

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