Testing, testing, 1-2-3

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 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, I wrote a post that we are to work as unto the Lord and not people.
  • I also mentioned that some of our assignments have “unpleasant” aspects and/or people attached to them.
  • The Lord often allows tests to come our way to refine us via the unpleasantness.
  • In today’s podcast, I will share my test and “results”.

KJV Scripture references

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Song of Solomon 2:15(a)

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines:

Ephesians 6:10-18.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Hebrews 12:11

 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

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.

I Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

BCU Fam, our old nature can be quick to respond sharply, when we feel we’ve been wronged or disrespected—-and that’s natural. We have to remember that we do have to account to God for how we treat everyone even though and especially if they mistreat us. So this is where being slow to speak and wrath come in. This way, we can be quick to hear what God says about how we should handle the situation and prayerfully follow His instructions. Doing things God’s way assures us that we are walking in the Spirit versus the flesh, we are handling the matter perfectly, God is being glorified in our lives AND we will be rewarded accordingly! Now that’s something to get excited about! 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

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Work and the Lord

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 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:

  • Many of us work in one capacity or another–whether on a job, at home, or in a ministry of some sort.
  • Unless the Lord tells us otherwise, all jobs, functions, tasks and assignments are from the Lord.
  • Some of our assignments have “unpleasant” aspects and/or people attached to them.
  • Despite the unpleasantness, we are responsible for doing our work as unto the Lord and not as unto people.

KJV Scripture references

Colossians 3:22-25

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

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.

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.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Taking everything into account, BCUFam, the Lord knows when the work we do feels menial, unfair, unpleasant or wrong. That is the wonderful thing about Jesus being our supervisor–we can go to Him at anytime and talk with Him about it. He will let us know if this is a trial to strengthen our faith (Romans 12:12, I Peter 4:12-14), or maybe a chastisement we need to patiently endure (Proverbs 3:11, Hebrews 12:11). Perhaps, it’s thorn in our flesh to keep is from being exalted above measure (2 Corinthians 12:7), or an inequity He will avenge us from us (Luke 18:7). Whatever the reason is, Jesus will help us to handle the situation so the works gets done, and He is glorified, and we are rewarded accordingly! 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

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A walk through Psalm 100

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

Typically, you have the option of listening to our podcast, reading the notes or both. For this post, because of the conversational story, please tune into the podcast recording and refer to the written post for the highlights and corresponding Scriptures. 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:

  • As a child growing up in church,  part of our order of service was a “second call to worship”.
  • In that part of the service, the congregation recited Psalm 100 every Sunday for YEARS.
  • By default, I memorized that passage as a child and STILL know it by heart.
  • The richness of this Psalm ALWAYS blesses me! Let’s explore it!

Psalm 100

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

So what is/are your favorite verse(s) in this Psalm? Is there a different Psalm that stirs up your praise? Or mayhap there is another passage of Scripture you love? Please head down to the comments section to share your thoughts so we can continue our conversation and praise to our God!

In the meantime, 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! 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

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