God is in the details

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:

  • I used to travel for a living, and thus, I learned to be organized and leave for the airport VERY EARLY!
  • On this latest trip, I prayed for an opportunity to be a witness to someone, and went on about my way.
  • Upon arriving at the airport, the TSA line was actually non-existent, so I did not have to rush to be screened.
  • God set up a kairos-timed opportunity for me to be blessed by an airport staff member.

Scripture (KJV) references

Matthew 7:14

 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Proverbs 27:17

17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

I Thessalonians 4:16-17

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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


BCUFam, I marvel at God and how He does things. God was in all the details, really starting from my mom being born, getting married, saved, having kids, living through some health challenges, and seeing her most recent birthday. Then He arranged the day I booked the trip, the airline to use, the arrival time at the airport—–all to meet this one woman, Joyce who BLESSED and encouraged ME! God is AWESOME! When we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, He will truly direct our paths—-we just have to hear His voice and with His help, obey! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for teaching/reminding us to be good stewards with our chronos time, so we can SLOW DOWN and be more aware of what You would have us to do/receive in kairos time. Jesus please speak through us as we interact with people so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and that we will either be a blessing to someone, they will bless us, or both! Thank You, Jesus, for helping us to be good representatives of the light and salt You have called for us to be, and we will give You all the 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,

BCU

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

Errands, Timing & Blessings

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:

  • Recently, the Lord blessed me to teach on the importance of having the Holy Ghost (I may share that with you soon!)
  • Part of that teaching reminded us that we need the Spirit of God in our lives to lead and guide us in ALL things.
  • Earlier this week, the Lord suddenly reminded me I needed to run an important errand.
  • The place, timing and purpose for the errand was kairos-timed and an opportunity to be salt and light.

Scripture (KJV) references

Matthew 5:14-16.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Galatians 6:9

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


BCUFam, I marvel at God and how He does things. This errand had been something I was trying to take care of for over the last couple of weeks, but could not get to it. On this particular day though, God reminds me this task needed to get done, and He works out my schedule so I have the time to complete it. He then guided me to a specific store, and walked me to the person who needed the encouragement! God is AWESOME! When we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, He will truly direct our paths—-we just have to hear His voice and with His help, obey! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for teaching/reminding us to SLOW DOWN and be more aware of the people around us who need a word from You. Please speak through us as we interact with people so that You are glorified, honored and praised, and that someone will be encouraged and/or want to be saved! Thank You, Jesus, for blessing us to be good representatives of the light and salt You have called for us to be, and we will give You all the 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,

BCU

Why Salt is Essential for Health and Faith

Hey there BCU Family!

I was honored to teach on the subject of salt years ago, last month, and I recently had a very special request for an encore of “salt talk”. For our final segment of this three-part series, you will have the option of listening to our podcast (click here, or the BCU avatar below to listen), or, if you are short on time, reading the basic notes below, or you can do 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! 

Podcast Highlights:

  • A couple of weeks ago, I started on a “salt series” that talked about salt production and how vital it is to our natural body and in the body of Christ on a spiritual level.
  • Last post, we learned that salt was just not a food enhancer or monetary trade item, it was also used as a covenant symbol.
  • This final post will review/ round off that series by exploring why we need (more) salt in our lives.

 Let’s dig in by reviewing our anchor Scripture, (which we will refer to later).

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13 NKJV).

Photo by Sarah Chai on Pexels.com

Salt gets a bad rap because of its link to high blood pressure, fluid retention, etc. While anything in excess can be harmful, iodized salt is not the best for the body. Common “table” salt is void of vital nutrients except iodine, which is added back after processing.

Sea salt contains nutrients that are needful for the body like sulphate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, bromide, borate, strontium, and fluoride. In addition, sodium regulates the passage of nutrients into the cells. Without it, nutrients cannot enter your cells and you will have malnutrition and exhaustion, no matter how good your diet. Some other salt functions are:

Muscle cramps prevention
Regulator of:
–blood pressure
–blood sugar
–sleep
Eliminates dry coughs (just a bit on your tongue)
Soothes a sore throat (warm water & salt gargle)
Draws out infections

And that’s just the a small fraction of what salt does! Just as its needed in your body, it’s needed in the “Body Of Christ” as well.

Consistent salt regulates the “Body” by keeping “infections” out such as: idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and things like this. Willful engagement of these behaviors will prohibit us from entering into the kingdom of God, according to Galatians 5:20-21. Having salt on the regular will keeps us functioning and keep the “good” in. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT).

Additionally, salt was also used as a food preserver. History teaches us that salt was used to keep fresh fish from spoiling (there were no freezers in biblical times). In relation to the above paragraph, spiritual salt “preserves” us from practicing sin.

We also need salt for our conversations with family, friends, co-workers and the not-so-nice store clerk. “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every one: (Colossians 4:6 NKJV). Another example comes from Proverbs 15:1–“a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievious words stir up anger.” Salt helps temper your responses.

Few things are as bad as a flavorless, or what I call a peppered Christian—acting bitter and nasty due to hurt, cares of the world, practicing sin or bad habits. In fact, let’s go back to the verse that started the series–Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

In the Bible days, when harvesting the salt, if any of it was contaminated with dirt or marsh, it was put on the dirt roads to keep the dust down, hence the reference to being trampled underfoot by men. A contaminated Christian NOT the testimony we want. We have to stay seasoned in order to draw the world AND love folks. Jesus said,“have salt in yourselves and peace with one another” (Mark 9:50). If there is no salt in you, you will not have peace with others. Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?

Bottom line: Salt is a necessary nutrient needed in our natural and spiritual lives. Adequate salt intake comes from prayer, fasting, regular bible study and attending church. Also, just like when we season our food, we want to use the correct amount of salt in our speech and actions. Too little salt is not effective—too much salt and is not palatable. Let us purpose in our hearts to ask God to help us to always use/the right amount of salt in ALL our interactions. Amen? Amen!


So what are your thoughts on our topic-du-jour? Did you know that salt is a necessary nutrient both naturally and spiritually? Do you get enough salt?  Please head to the comments section below and let’s chat some more!

 

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

 

The Power of Salt: Spiritual Meaning and Promises

Hey there BCU Family!

I was honored to teach on the subject of salt years ago, last month, and I recently had a very special request for an encore of “salt talk”. For part 2 of this three-part series, you will have the option of listening to our podcast (click here, or the BCU avatar below to listen), or, if you are short on time, reading the basic notes below, or you can do 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! 

Podcast highlights:

  • Last post, I started on a “salt series” that talked about salt production and how vital it is to our natural body and in the body of Christ on a spiritual level.
  • In today’s conversation, let’s take a look at what salt has to do with promises.

Anchor Scripture: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5:13 NKJV). 

Let’s see why we need to keep salt in us relating to promises.

One of the earliest mentions of salt is in Leviticus 2. That chapter outlines detailed instructions on how sacrifices had to be prepared to be given to the priests and then offered to God. In verses 4-6, you’ll see God was very specific about the flour, oil—and even if the grain sacrifice was made pan versus a frying pan. (Side note: note how you just couldn’t bring God a sacrifice any ‘ol way. That’s important for us to think about when we bring Him our sacrifice of praise, worship, time, money….anything we have for Him, we should give Him our best). Looking at the verses 11-12, God specifies the “seasonings” on the offering—-that there should be no leaven or honey, but:

“Every offering you shall season with salt. You shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt” (Leviticus 2:13).

Okay, Blen, so what does that mean? I am glad you asked! Salt was just not a food enhancer or monetary trade items like we learned last time, it was also used as a covenant symbol.

History mentions that people used salt as a sign of binding loyalty and a symbol of alliance. In fact, in Europe and parts of the Middle East, salt and bread are offered to guests as a sign of friendship (hence the phrase “we have salt between us”). Additionally, treaties and truces were formalized using salt. Each person would take a lick of salt (similar to shaking hands) to “seal the deal”.

Salt was also used to heal a rift between parties as well. If there was a disagreement between folks, you would invite the person into your home to share a dish of salt. Each of you would lick your finger, dip it in the salt and then eat the salt together. As peculiar as this may sound, when a promise was seasoned with salt, it was so serious, that people would rather die than break that promise! Let’s examine another Scripture on the Covenant of salt.

2 Chronicles 13 tells of a war between Israel (King Jeroboam) and Judah (King Abijah). Jeroboam had the bigger army and was pretty sure he could take Abijah down. King Abijah reminded Jeriboam of God’s promise.

“Should you not know that the Lord God of Israel gave the dominion over Israel to David forever, to him and his sons, by a covenant of salt? Now look, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with sounding trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the Lord God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper!” Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah”
(2 Chronicles 13:5,12,15 NKJV). Yessss———God ALWAYS keeps His word and Judah triumphed!!!!!!

Are you connecting the dots, BCUFamily? Isn’t it wonderful to see how God shows us how He keeps promises with something as simple, yet as powerful as salt? How about the promises we make? 🙊Are they “salt-worthy”? Solomon warns us think before we vow:

Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few
(Ecclesiastes 5:2 NKJV).

I cannot speak for you all, but if someone promises they will do something and they don’t follow through, I am so disappointed! Because the Lord has made me more mindful about keeping my word, He reminds me to say “with God’s help I will”…or, “if nothing changes, I plan to”, or “Lord will, I’ll…” Keeping that last verse in mind, it really helps us to rely on our perfect God to help us keep our word. Also, if we something does happen, it’s a good idea to circle back to the person quickly and fulfill your promise as soon as possible.

Bottom line: If you can’t season your promise with salt, it really best not to promise at all. I heard a cartoon character say, a broken promise cannot be easily put back together. That’s heavy, right? So keeping that in mind, we should pray before we promise. 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 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