Obedience is a Requirement

Hey there BCU Fam!

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:

  • When one of the kiddos was younger, he informed me that there were things we HAVE to do, even if we don’t WANT to.
  • I recall a time where someone requested me to take care of a task their way, rather than my way.
  • Naturally, my way was “better”, and I was prepared to do things the way I wanted to. Period! 😆
  • The Lord spoke to me about the situation, so I’d like to share that conversation with you.

KJV Scripture references

I Kings 13:1-26

And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the Lord unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.

And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee.

And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lordhath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.

And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.

The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord.

And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the Lord thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.

And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.

And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:

For so was it charged me by the word of the Lord, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.

10 So he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel.

11 Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.

12 And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.

13 And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass: and he rode thereon,

14 And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am.

15 Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread.

16 And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:

17 For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.

18 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.

19 So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.

20 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lordcame unto the prophet that brought him back:

21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee,

22 But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

23 And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back.

24 And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

25 And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt.

26 And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the Lord: therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake unto him.


BCUFam, this was a sobering WORD! While we are grateful for living in the dispensation of grace, with the help of the Lord, we still need to follow what He tells us to do. Because Jesus is a Good Father, He would never misguide us, so this is where we have to trust that God knows what is best. Now, in our zeal to get things done right away, coupled with our finite and limited capacity to see ahead, we can easily lean to our own understanding. Our understanding is faulty, short-sighted and will not ever be more wise than the Lord’s way of doing things. In fact, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). So the wisest choice is to follow the Lord’s leading, so we will always get His results. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the Word that has corrected us today! We bless Your name and thank You for loving us enough to remind us that we need to be obedient in every area of our lives. Lord, as we come before You, we thank You for helping us follow Proverbs 3:5-6, that admonishes us to trust in You with all of our heart, lean not to our own understanding, and that we acknowledge You in all of our ways, so that our paths will be directed. By doing things Your way, the outcome will be perfect, because You, Jesus are perfect. Please continue to bless and keep us, and we will continue to give You all 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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcastsGoogle 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

Teen Conversations & Airport Reflections

Hey there BCU Fam!

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:

  • The kiddos (well, high-schoolers) and I had some eye-opening conversations, as it relates to life and their worldview.
  • In this impromptu post,I’m live from the airport as I reflect on a chat we had about teens not “needing” adults.

KJV Scripture references

Genesis 1:1-12

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”


You know, BCUFam, once again, I did not intend to podcast whilst I was waiting, but I’m so grateful that the Lord prompted me to do so! Let’s continue to pray for our young people, and for one another. 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, 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 podcastsGoogle 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

Parting is such sweet sorrow…..

Obedience vs. Sacrifice X 2

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:

  • A couple of “red flag” situations happened the week of this recording, prompting this “unplanned” podcast.
  • Admittedly, in one of the situations, I did not recognize one of the flags until after the incident happened.
  • Oh, but thankfully, I heard the Lord loud and clear for the second flag.
  • Acknowledgement is a requirement—–if we want to do correctly and God’s way.
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Scripture references:

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

Proverbs 24:19

The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.

Psalm 37:23

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

I Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.


BCU Fam, I have to confess I was really looking forward to the items in my on-line basket—and I was a bit disappointed that things did not work out the way I wanted. BUT, I do thank God for the warnings, and for me actually heeding them (this time). It may seem “unnecessary” to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, (meaning, I already know what to do—it’s the same routine I do everyday), but it’s important to speak to Him for guidance in everything that we do. Yes, even in the simple things, like which sale to partake in, which route to take home, how to conduct that meeting, or even the sequence of our routine tasking. This way, we get used to hearing and obeying God’s voice, and avoid the pitfalls that come with not listening. Now, this can take some practice and thankfully, if we do mess up, there are some situations that we can come back from, with God’s help. Keep in mind, though, there are other decisions that can be more difficult or even impossible to recover from—and we do NOT want that testimony (See I Kings 13:1-30). So now that we know differently, with the help of the Lord, we will do differently. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray about it!


Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before you, today, thank You so much for reminding us to acknowledge You in all of our ways. Bless us, Lord to make it a habit to spend time with You in prayer, so we can hear Your voice clearly and obey You completely, so that we stay on the paths you have for us. Bless us Lord to trust that if it’s a no, or there are roadblocks, that it is for our good and Your glory, Jesus. We thank You for hearing us and helping us, 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, 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 PodcastsGoogle PodcastsiHeart 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

Resting comfortably

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:

  • Generally speaking, we are a “busy” society. Spouse, kids, church, ministry, appointments, family, pets, parties, work, chores, self-care, practice, bake sales, lessons, the list goes on, right?
  • Staying connected, tiredness, and multi-tasking are considered to be a necessary hallmarks of living this life.
  • While God designed us to take care of what He gave us to steward over, He also designed us to intentionally rest, as He did.
  • Resting, in part, is defined as being free of toil, strain and mental exertion; ceasing of movement in body, and freedom from anxiety or worry.
  • The rest-struggle is real, but God is greater. Optimal rest is achievable—-if we do things His way.

Scripture references:

Mark 6:30-32

30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

Matthew 11:28-31

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Psalm 63:1-2

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;

To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Philippians 4:6-8

Be 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.


BCU Fam, when following God’s will, some things on our to-do list just WILL NOT GET DONE, and we need to rest in that. While it seems “better” to do task how we want, if we ask the Lord about what we are doing and how to do it, His ways become ours—and what we do and how much of it gets done will be perfect. That’s when the rest comes in.

Our bodies and minds need to rest on the regular in order to hear God and to function optimally. Why needlessly continue to be restless in your body, heart and mind when our Good Father wants to take care of us? Let’s pray about it!


Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before you, thank You so much for reminding us that we need to rest. We are so thankful to You that we can cast all our cares on You because You care for us. Please help us to acknowledge You in ALL our ways, so that You can direct our paths and in all our tasks, so that we are walking in Your perfect will for the day. Bless us to rest in the fact that You are a Good Father, Jesus, and when we feel anxious, worried, concerned or overwhelmed, we can come to You in prayer, and exchange our heavy yoke, for your light burdens so we can rest in our minds, souls and body. Thank You for taking good care of us, Jesus, and with Your help, we will make rest a priority in our lives so we can hear your voice clearly, and do as You say without being guilted or pressured by anyone or anything. It’s in Jesus name we thank You for hearing us and helping us, 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, 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 PodcastsGoogle PodcastsiHeart 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

…”It wasn’t much….

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:

  • A sweet friend of mine gave me a gift, and asked me how I liked it.
  • After telling the person how wonderful it was, friend remarked, “well, it wasn’t much”.
  • I gently scolded friend—–and let the individual know any gift given from the heart was much.
  • The Lord led me to talk about the “Widow’s Mite” and how Jesus sees our giving.

Scripture references:

Mark 12:41-44

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

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.


BCU Fam, this short passage of Scripture is a POWERFUL aide memoire that really has me rethinking giving and heart motives. Jesus sees everything, so we want to ensure that EVERYTHING we give and really all we do is in the right Spirit. In the final analysis, Jesus will reward us for all we do, and we want to make sure our reward is where we will be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven versus told to depart. Since the Lord is reminding us now, let’s all be sure to repent for any “mis-giving” and be more intentional going forward. Amen? Amen!


Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your Word today and the reminder about the heart behind our giving. Help us not to be concerned about what others are giving, or to be guilted or shamed into giving anything other than how you have led us.

Please bless us to remember that whatever we give—whether time, love, or money, talents, gifts–that we are stewards over what You have entrusted us with, and we always want to give out of a pure and cheerful heart, so you will be glorified, honored and praised. 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, 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 PodcastsGoogle PodcastsiHeart 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