Blessings in Communication: Avoiding Talebearing

Hey there BCU Fam!

We are so glad you are here! 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 rebroadcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • While communication is often defined as how well we speak, it is also how we communicate about others to others.
  • When growing up, gossip or “talebearing”, backbiting, and slander was a normal part of conversations, even among some of the people of God.
  • Years ago, the Lord delivered me from these ungodly habits, but there was an instance where I felt “obligated” to share new information I received.

KJV Scripture References

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue (Proverbs 23:25).

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends (Proverbs 16:28).

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20).

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6)

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (Proverbs 26:22).

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:6).

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).

BCUFam, that urge to share was SUPER STRONG, but God was STRONGER! Thank You, Lord! And had I gone forward in what I “knew”, the results would have been catastrophic! I am learning that when we do things God’s way, we get His results—-which are always perfect. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank and praise You for the revelation and/or reminder as to what our speech should entail. We ask You, Jesus, to help us to hear Your voice as we communicate with one another about one another, so that what we say will be non-corrupt, full of grace, seasoned with salt, and edifying to the hearer. With Your help, Lord, we also want the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable in Your sight, Jesus.Thank You for delivering us from the strong hold of corrupt communication and giving us more love in our hearts and prayers and sweet words on our lips for the people who are made in Your image. We bless Your name for helping us to represent You in our speech, 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 YouTube8:05EST/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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Avoiding Conflict: Never Take a Dog by the Ears…

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 rebroadcast blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

  • After a productive day, we stopped to get ice cream at a local parlor.
  • This is a popular place, so the line was pretty long and moving at a snail’s pace.
  • One of the staff members was free to assist the line, but was distracted, talkative and disrespectful.
  • The staff member’s comments led to a very loud and embarrassing verbal altercation with a patron.
  • The Lord used this experience to remind and teach me a couple of lessons.

KJV Scripture References:

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.

Proverbs 26:17

 17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

I Peter 4:15

 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Psalm 19:14

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

BCU Fam, as I thought about what happened, the manager was correct in waiting until she was unctioned to ask “Robin” to take a break. Manager quietly apologized for the wait and as we talked, we agreed Robin needed formal training on how to conduct themselves professionally with guests, and refraining for jumping into unrelated conversations.

I thank the Lord for helping me (unconsciously) to walk out Proverbs 26:17——I was not led to interfere and should not have anyway——-because it was NOT my strife. Unless the Lord tells us otherwise, when strife comes up, we should stay out of it and maintain a posture of prayer for the Lord to intervene. Now that’s where the Lord reminded me that I could have done better.

I was so busy (now that I think about it, distracted is more like it) watching the events unfold, I did not have the presence of mind to pray. The distraction is likely a topic for another podcast, but, I will say this is why we need to have a consistent prayer life, so that God intervenes for us, even when we don’t think to pray in the moment. So, I received that correction and with His grace, will apply what He taught me. What a merciful God we serve! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as many of us are peacemakers, as we should be, thank you for reminding us that our responsibility is to pursue peace and resolution with the strife and conflict in our own lives. We ask you to help us successfully manage the strife that belongs to us, and unless otherwise prompted, help is to stay out of “other men’s matters”, and to remain prayerful for the parties involved. Thank you for hearing our plea and blessing us to follow Your directions accordingly. 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 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

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The Power of Words: Life and Death in the Tongue

Hey there BCU Family!

For this rebroadcast, you have the option of listening to our podcast (click here or on the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study! 

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I was talking to a friend of mine recently about the power of words.  We often do not give much thought to the words we say and how they effect and infect those we come in contact with, nor do we consider what God has to say about our speech. Let’s take a look at a few verses that we should use as a filter for what we say.

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1. Our words are life and death. What we speak, we eat.  

Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21).

2. When we talk too much, we usually end up saying the wrong things and eventually sin. 

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise. (Proverbs 10:19).

3. “Idle words” means words with no profit–they mean nothing at all. Our words should always add value to a conversation and the company we are in. Jesus reminds us about what happens when we are speak empty words.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37).

4. Our words can either hurt or heal. 

“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” (Proverbs 12:18).

5. Our words should be like a beautiful picture.

 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

6. Our words should instruct or improve someone. 

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

7. Before we speak–and get/respond in an  extremely angry state, we should listen prayerfully first. 

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).

BCU Fam, I intended for this post to go one way, but the Lord took it in a totally different direction! When we consider the implications of our speech and how seriously God takes what we say, our resolve, with His help should be pray before we speak whether it’s a casual conversation, meeting, discussion, disagreement or even in correcting someone.  When we do pray before we say,  our conversations will be more meaningful, rich and bring glory to God. Amen? Amen.

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This is a HEAVY topic, BCU Fam! What do you think about words and their weight? Are idle words a struggle? Maybe telling someone a thing or two because you just have to say it? Or maybe you have gotten the victory when it comes to conversation! Let’s talk more in the comments section!

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, 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 Taskmaster vs. The Master

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:

  • Earlier in my career, I had a leader who was a “micro-manager”, strict ruler and rule-follower.
  • There was a time I needed to ask this person for a favor that was outside of the established policy.
  • While the request was a “long shot”, the Lord worked things out (to His glory), and used this experience to refine me, my work, and my prayer life.

KJV Scripture references:

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.

Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

BCUFam, when it comes to work, I know there are tasks, people and times that can really challenge us! That’s where we need to remember that our work is really as unto the Lord rather than people. If we work according to how God instructs us, He will reward us accordingly—-and we know when God gives rewards, [whether tangible or not, or on this side of Heaven or not], they are always good!

Also, I am reminded that God can move on the heart of ANYONE! Some of you know people who are hardened and not much moves them——but I know a Man WHO CAN!!!! Continue praying on those impossible situations and see how the Lord moves on your behalf! Watch him work it out and give you peace while you wait! The answer may be different from what you expected, but because God’s ways are perfect, His answers are perfect. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for Your goodness, grace, mercy, power and kindness! We thank You for the opportunity to come before You and make our requests know to You, and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). There are some things we have been praying for, some situations on our hearts and minds, some impossible challenges that we want to leave with You, Jesus, knowing You have the best resolution, because You are God, You are good and You are able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).Thank You for the victory according to Your timing, will and way, 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, 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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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

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