Pop Quiz: The Offensive Accusation

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:

  • The last time we were together, I spoke on offenses, improper responses to one, and how the Lord corrected me.
  • Not too long after that post, the Lord used a situation to test my obedience to a surprise offense.
  • In today’s conversation, I’ll fill you in on all the details—and if I passed the test.

Scripture (KJV) references

Matthew 5:43-48

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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.

Matthew 18:7

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

BCUFam, when someone falsely accuses you, it stirs up emotions and reactions that are valid, yet they need to remain under control of the Holy Ghost. If we take a moment to pray, taking how we feel to the Lord, He will let us know how to respond so that the situation is handled His way. Doing things God’s way ensures that our response glorifies Him, builds our treasures in Heaven, and helps us to continue to be a good witness of who we are and Whose we are. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God and awesome Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for teaching/reminding us of how we are to respond when we are falsely accused and feeling offended.

When offended, please help us, Jesus to be slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to hear, and manage our emotions so they don’t cause further offense AND so we refrain from accusing others. We thank You, Jesus for being a present help in our tough conversations, and we will continue to give You all the glory in our interactions. 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

Handling The Spirit of Offense

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:

  • Being offended is a part of life, and these offenses REALLY show up in the lives of us who are Holy-Ghost filled!
  • I witnessed an interaction where a standing upset between two people made things VERY awkward for the onlookers.
  • The Lord reminded me of a time I was offended, did not handle things correctly, and He corrected me.

Scripture (KJV) references

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;

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Matthew 18:7

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

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.

BCUFam, I admit I could have done a much better job at handling that situation! I am grateful for God’s mercy and patience toward me as He helped me to reconcile with my sister-friend. Unaddressed offenses often turn into bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor and evil speaking against the offender. While we do not minimize the hurt the person caused, the Word also says to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (See Ephesians 4:31-32). When God puts it that way, it’s time to take care of these offenses. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Heavenly Father and gracious Savior, as we come before You today, we thank You for teaching/reminding us that in many things we offend all, and that offenses will come.

While the hurt does not feel good, we ask that You help us to forgive the individuals from our heart, as You heal our heart, mind and spirit. Thank You, Jesus for helping us to go on and love that person the way You have called us to. We also know that in certain situations, it is best the relationship not continue after forgiveness happens. Help us NOT to lean to our own understanding on who to stop associating with, rather, bless us to consult and follow Your leading, so You are honored, praised and pleased. Thank You Lord for helping those of us who have offended others to ask for and receive forgiveness as well, so You are glorified and we can can be called Your children! 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

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

Cut-off Culture | Michele L. Perry

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:

  • “Cut-off culture” is a relatively new phrase, but not a new phenomenon.
  • Basically, when someone offends you, cut-off culture says stop dealing with the person immediately and permanently.
  • This mindset is contrary to the Word of God and should be avoided as a way to handle all offenses.
  • A friend of mine, Michele L. Perry, spoke about this attitude in a post about a conversation she had with her late father.

Scripture references:

Matthew 5:43-48

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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.

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

BCUFam, we thank the Lord for Michele and sharing her story so that we can stay away from participating in this cut-off culture that is so prevalent right now. The Lord knew that we would be offended by people, so He gave us the blueprint as to how to handle it—we go to the person and talk to them about it (see Matthew 18:15). By doing things God’s way, we will get perfect [however God works it out] results. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for coming by with a Word to encourage us to examine ourselves. We thank You for helping us to see any lack of forgiveness, or patterns of cancelling people, in any relationships that we have, and helping us to choose to walk out Ephesians 4:32, where we are commanded to be kind, forgiving and tender-hearted toward one another.

Bless us to remember that You have forgiven us, so we want to continue forgive others. Thank You for the victory in this area, so we are without spot, wrinkle or blemish, and You are glorified in our lives, 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, 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Receiving forgiveness

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:

  • In our last podcast, we talked about a cherished friend who biblically and gently confronted me on an important matter.
  • In that same conversation, we talked about how important it is to receive forgiveness without the constant mind replay or any self-punishment. Otherwise, we are operating in a spirit of pride.

Scripture references

Matthew 18:7;35

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

James 3:2

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Galatians 5:1

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

John 8:1-11

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

When we try do something over and above what God is doing, we are operating in a spirit of pride.

While God will convict us to lead us to repentance, God is not interested in making is feel guilty for the remainder of our lives–that’s a trick of the enemy and after today, we will no longer fall prey to that deception! Once we realize our error, the object is to repent/ask for God and the person, (if needed) for forgiveness, receive it, and then note the lesson God taught us through our mistake, and apply that lesson going forward. We can walk in the freedom that God has intended us to, knowing that we are loved by Him without ANY replays, guilt or shame. 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment

Fill-in-the-blank..or not.

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:

  • A common theme the Lord has put on my mind and in my teaching is forgiveness, biblical confrontation and reconciliation.
  • At some point in all relationships, we will either be offended or offend someone–the key is handling it God’s way.
  • Someone dear to me very gently confronted me about an important date I missed.
  • Let’s talk about how the Lord used the situation to be a blessing to the both of us.

Scripture references

Matthew 18:7,15.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

James 3:2

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Proverbs 3:6

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

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Matthew 18:21-35

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.

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

When our expectations are not met, we tend to “fill in the blanks” with the wrong answers. @blencouragesu

BCU Fam, when we allow the fill-in-the-blank spirit to reign, we continue walking in offense where the anger, animosity, bitterness and wrath replays in our hearts and minds. Eventually our evil-thinking of the person leads to evil-speaking about the individual to others–and in actuality, whether in our hearts or to someone else, incorrect blank-filling or evil-speaking is a direct violation of the Word of God (See Ephesians 4:31-32).

“We should strive for forgiveness being automatic in our hearts” –SuperFriend

With the help of the Lord, my Super Friend was a perfect example of following the Word of God by praying about the situation, reaching out quickly, gently confronting me, all while thinking AND speaking in love (You forgot–I know this isn’t like you), followed by immediate forgiveness! As we were ending our conversation, Super Friend said, “building true relationships eliminates the fill-in-the-blank spirit”, and that is spot on, BCU Fam. When we do things God’s way, there are no blanks to fill in–He tells us exactly what to do and once we do, He will instruct us as to how to handle the situation so the results will be perfect, because God is perfect. 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

BlenCouragesULeave a comment