Stay on the wall – Page 15

Overcoming people approval! Lessons from Nehemiah (Part 2)

Hey there BCU Family!

As usual, you have two options for this post! Listen in by clicking the icon, read through the text or both! Whatever you choose, we pray God’s word blesses you!

So we are back with another study on one of my favorite books–Nehemiah! What I love about Nehemiah was his fortitude and steadfastness in doing the work of the Lord in the face of adversity. Last time we were together, we looked at Nehemiah chapter 1 to get our background story and basics on Nehemiah. Let’s continue talking about how we can overcome people approval/disapproval starting on Nehemiah chapter 2.

v1)And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. (This was about a 4 month period from chapter 1 in the month of Chisleu and the month of Nisan).

v2Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

v3And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

v4Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

BOOM! This was the king—his employer and Nehemiah said he was SORE afraid (emotion). Rather than letting his emotion overtake him, he prayed—this was his time to put God’s plan given to Nehemiah 4 months prior (end of chapter 1–we find out about it later) into action.

v5And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.

v6And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

v7Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;
v8And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Nehemiah calmly asked for time off and then asked for letters to let him pass through to Judah, a letter for timber to make beams for the gates, walls and the house where he would stay. God touched the king’s heart to give him what we wanted. The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord, and just like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wants (Proverbs 21:1). Let’s ask God to touch people’s hearts.

v9)Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

Nehemiah did not ask for captains of the army or horseman at all–it was extra. When we do whatever job God gives us as unto Him, and not unto men, because we serve Christ, He rewards us (Colossians 3:23). When we serve the Lord with gladness as Psalm 100 commands, (yes, even on the job that is trying, but that we should be thankful to have), He will bless us with extras. Ask me how I know? He has done it for me!

v10When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

While God gave Nehemiah the plan, the enemies came with it. The weapon would be formed—yet not prosper (Isaiah 54:17). All things would work together for good, to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose— but all the individual things that are happening may not good. My cousin Tanyel once said that the ingredients that go into a cookie, raw oatmeal, eggs, flour, sugar, baking soda a stick of butter—individually are not good. I’m not about to sit down to a good bowl of flour! Yet that flour when added to other ingredients and baked, it makes up a delicious confection. Our fiery trials, temptations, rough patches and valleys are a challenge!! They try your faith!!!! But when we mix all those things up and “bake” them we’re a confection for Jesus!! We have to go through the baking process!!!!!

As we look again at verse 10, notice when these folk HEARD the news, they were grieved.
The Horonites and Ammonites were two of the people groups God had driven from the Promised Land for the Israelites. Sanballat (meaning bramble bush—enemy in secret) Tobiah, (meaning God is good) were regional governors serving under the king of Persia. Generations after Israel had first possessed the Promised Land, some of their old enemies were back, seeking to keep Jerusalem in ruins.

If you were around for our study of Ruth we talked about the Moabites—they were enemies from way back.

“An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever:

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.

Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭23:3-6‬.

Additionally, Judges 3:12-30 says, the Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord strengthened King Eglon of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Here are a couple of key verses:

13In alliance with the Ammonites and the Amalekites, he went and defeated Israel; and they took possession of the city of palms.

14So the Israelites served King Eglon of Moab eighteen years.

Why bring this up, you say? Because typically, you don’t have “new enemies.” Oh sure they may come in a different disguise, but under the surface, it’s the same enemy from out in the world. And it’s usually linked to all that’s in the world—the lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and the pride of life.(1 John 2:16)

Back in the day did you liked the men/women? Lust of the flesh. Coveted/schemed after nice things in a lustful way? Lust of the eye. Like to show-off new things? Pride of life. Lying to save face? Pride of life. Still upset with Kee-Kee for belittling you in 1972? Pride of life. Know your old enemies and stay alert to fight them in the spirit!

These two men were “exceedingly grieved” [to cause great distress to (someone)]. Some other synonyms are: sadden, upset, distress, pain, hurt, wounded, soured, pained dissatisfied, unhappy, all because they HEARD a man came to see about the children of Israel. Not that the walls were broken down or the people were in danger. They were upset because they HEARD Nehemiah came to take care of things. What spirit is that? Pride of life. Pride says:

Why are you helping them?!
You are not good enough. Why are YOU here?

Why should ANYONE look after them?

I’m not helping them—neither should you.
I don’t want to see them prosper. I don’t want to see them better.

Whatever happened it’s good for them.
Who sent you?

Pride is what goes before destruction. Pride is what kicked the enemy and 1/3 of the angels out of heaven. The spirit of pride works through people in subtle and big ways. For example, awhile back, a mechanic asked me what type of gas I put in my car. I KNEW I was all about riding on the cheap, so I’m putting in 87. I MIGHT have put in 93 once or twice. This was a long time ago, so I don’t recall my exact answer, but it was something like sometimes 91, sometimes 87. Immediately the Lord said “pride of life”—you didn’t want to look “cheap” or bad in front of the guy. Did that make sense? Like how would that help? I cleared it up and repented afterwards, but see how fast that spirit works IF you let it? 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says the mystery of inquity does already work in who lets it. Sure, I had the power to resist the spirit, but I gave in and wasn’t trying or intending to. Just.that.fast. So imagine that spirit working through someone is willfully and a practicing sinner.

Folk will be grieved when the Lord gives YOU an idea and the mind to carry it through. Folk will be soured because you preach/teach the Word. People will be distressed because you have a talent to sing and use it to the glory of God. Someone will be pained because you are striving for perfection. Another will be dissatisfied because the Lord blessed you. It’s NOT the person—those adjectives…grieved, soured, sad, upset, dissatisfied have their roots in PRIDE. It is the spirit of PRIDE we have to pray against and guard our hearts against. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

We are SO busy snarling, growling, avoiding, talking about and looking at the person—or fighting them in the flesh, we FORGET as Holy Ghost filled believers, that we have the power of Jesus on the inside to fight that spirit in the spirit. When you fight in your flesh, you’ll get wounded in your spirit. I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go to verse 11.

v11So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

v12And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

Nehemiah took a few men with him that he trusted, but he kept quiet about what God told Him. Some of our people addiction/fear is because we TALK TOO much to the WRONG people. Why are we telling people we know that won’t support the work we are called to do and get upset when they don’t embrace it?

In Luke 2 around verse 13, after the birth of Jesus, ANGELS came praising God saying glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men. The shepards were the ones who made it known ABROAD what was said, but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Did God lead you to share it on social media? When you don’t get likes or shares will it bother you? When someone questions you on the inbox, you get upset—talking about, they won’t let me be great! Isn’t greatest in the kingdom is the one who serves (Matthew 18)? Does the servant tell everyone I’m making moves? Watch out because I’m going to… With God’s grace, do what you are called to do without calling everybody.

BCU Family, did The Word of God bless you? Was there a bit of conviction that came along with it, too? I know it did for me, but that is what the Word of God is designed to do, right? Along with blessing us, it corrects and reproves us as well in order for us to be more like Christ. With God’s grace, let’s take what we learned today and start taking the necessary steps (prayer, fasting, accountability partner, etc.), to stop letting people stop us from doing the work God gave us. Amen? Amen.

Lord will, join us next time as we continue to study chapter 2–the enemy is lurking and God blesses Nehemiah to deal with it beautifully, so do not miss it! Thank you SO much for stopping by, Family! May God bless, keep and, make His face to shine upon you–and until we are together again, #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

30 Jul 201622 Oct 2016

BlenCouragesU9 Comments

Series: Overcoming people approval with Nehemiah!

Hey there BCU Family!

As usual, you have two options for this post! Listen in by clicking the icon, read through the text or both! Whatever you choose, we pray God’s word blesses you!

So we are back with another study on one of my favorite books–Nehemiah! What I love about Nehemiah was his fortitude and steadfastness in doing the work of the Lord in the face of adversity. Before we dig in and talk about how we can overcome people approval/disapproval, we need to establish the groundwork.

Background: Jerusalem was destroyed and exiled to Babylon. After 70 years of being in captivity, the Jews were allowed to return to their homeland and began/completed rebuilding the Temple which can be read about in the book of Ezra. Nehemiah chapter 1 opens up where he inquires about what is going on back home.

v1) The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

v2)That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

v3)And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

While the Temple was rebuilt, walls around the city were destroyed. In Biblical times, cities were surrounded by HUGE, thick walls. The walls represented strength, beauty and protection. The children Israel were in distress and shame as the downed walls left the city and people defenseless and vulnerable against , wild animals weather situations and more importantly any ol’enemy could come in. Broken walls represented defeat and humiliation. Gates were needful to let allowable things in and “kick” bad things out.

So as we pause here, in a practical application sense, let us answer the question “what walls are broken down in our lives?’ No, not those unauthorized walls your flesh puts up because you “stay mad”, are hurting, upset and determined in your heart, this won’t happen anymore—I am blocking them OUT! That’s a dangerous place to be—let’s look at why.

We learned over the last few weeks offenses will come (Matthew 18)—that’s a part of the believer’s—and really everyone’s lives, when you think about it. Believers are called to handle offenses differently than the world. We are to be angry and sin not: not letting the sun go down on our wrath (Ephesians 4:26), meaning we don’t hold onto the anger/hurt—we take it to the Lord and then to the person if needful, according to Matthew 18.
When we don’t follow God’s prescription, that primes the enemy for entry. Why? Going back to our #SpeechTherapy season 1 study, because our speech and actions start in the heart, whatever we dwell on is what will drive us, so we have to constantly inventory our minds, and evict any thought that is not of God.
Additionally, we talked about the lust of the eye, flesh and pride of life. We learned that desires are typically a good thing—we desire a home, car, safety—even to feel and show emotions, like happiness, grief, and anger. All VERY normal. Where the issue comes in, is when the enemy takes that desire, and turns it into a lust. Lust has a focus of pleasing oneself and can lead to fulfilling that perverted desire with NO thought to the detrimental consequences. So any ANGRY, HURT walls need to GO in the name of the Lord! Let us give those to Jesus and be healed!

About the “walls” (figuratively, not literal) that may be broken down and need repair: what about the walls of our discernment? Wisdom? Knowledge? Understanding? Did we ask God about doing, saying, seeing, watching, ignoring, going forth, lawfulness, expediency? Proverbs 25:28 says he that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. We cannot let any ol’ person, place or thing in!!! The walls stop us from giving non-working, scheming Junebug money when God said no. The walls will stop you from letting people overstep their boundaries! The walls will stop you from being over-bothered in your spirit about that repeat offender! The walls will stop you from letting the enemy take your mind, heart and spirit over! Ask God to help you REPAIR YOUR WALL!

Getting back to Nehemiah, the condition of the walls and gates tore Nehemiah apart as we read in verse 4.

v4)And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
As we pause here, Nehemiah’s concern for the people brought him to tears. When is the last time we wept over someone in affliction and shame? Did we just shake our heads? Say “that’s what happens when..” or “I’m glad it’s not me!”For those of us who have the Holy Ghost down on the inside, we should be moved in some way over the people and some of the situations they face in this world, and moreover, we can recommend Jesus.

Next and still in verse 4, Nehemiah said he sat down and wept, mourned CERTAIN days. The emotional desire to weep, cry and mourn is fine. Notice he did not cry and mourn for months and years on end. There comes a time when we NEED to go to the next step— fasted and prayed. Do we pray then react or react then pray? POUR OUT YOUR HEART to GOD. Psalms 62:8 says, in trust in the Lord at all times, ye people pour our your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Not Ba-boo, Bishop, Tink and dem—talk to the LORD about it. Proverbs 3:6 promises, if we acknowledge God in all of our ways, He will direct your paths.

In the following verses, we see how Nehemiah goes to God, rather than act out in the flesh. In verse 5, Nehemiah offers praise:
v5And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

He repents:
v6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.

v7We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

He calls God in to remembrance of His Word, which is why we need to know it:

v8Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

v9But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

And makes his request:

v10)Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
V11) O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

And as Nehemiah finishes up in verse 11, while we don’t learn the plan till the next chapter, God has laid on Nehemiah heart exactly what to do, so he prays for mercy the king to have mercy.

The function of a cupbearer was to taste (either for quality or for poison or for both), carry, and serve wine to his master. In a case like that of Nehemiah, a cupbearer for royalty was not just a personal servant but also a trusted confidant and advisor–a LOT of responsibility. Nehemiah did not let the trouble STOP him from going to work. Now in certain situations that may be called for, but NOT we cannot call out/sit down on every trial. Whatever we do, be it your regular job, homemaker, ministry of sorts, school, God expects us to continue our assignments. Too weak? That means we are relying on OUR strength rather than God’s. A good friend of mine says our strength is limited. God’s never is. We may get weary—but we can go to God and wait on Him to renew our strength, mount up with wings like an eagle that soars, they shall run and not be weary, walk and never faint (Isaiah 40). His strength is made perfect in a time of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

WHEW!! The Lord made excellent points here, didn’t He? I pray that this study blesses and more importantly, CHALLENGES all of us to change and come up to where God wants us, Amen? Amen!

Thank you so much for tuning in, reading, sharing and encouraging us, as we encourage you! God bless you and until the next time we are together, #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

23 Jul 201615 Oct 2016

BlenCouragesU22 Comments

#SpeechTherapy| Healing through forgiveness|Part 4| with Jewel Taylor!

Hey there BCU Family!

We are in our final installment of our Healing Through Forgiveness with the amazing Jewel Taylor! A few weeks back, Jewel joined us on our weekly Bible study live on Periscope (Thursdays @ 8:05pm EST on channel BlenCouragesU), to talk us through how to heal through forgiving. Last time we were together we started talking about how Joseph, from the book of Genesis REALLY had to forgive and heal with all his family and others put him through.

Jewel and fam — Jewel hanging with her kids!

This time, Jewel finishes up Joseph’s story and highlights the tragic events in Joseph’s life and how he remained faithful and forgave through everything! The study notes are below, so feel free to print and make any other notations you’d like! Finally, if you need the notes in a nifty PDF format, just email us (Blen@Blencouragesu.com), and we can make it happen! Click on the icon below and be blessed!

#forgiveness: FROM JONAH TO JOSEPH

Why is Joseph’s story an integral part of forgiveness? Joseph is one of the best examples, besides Christ, of forgiveness. The pain he endured at the hands of his blood family became the launching pad of blessing for nations.

Jonah still had issues with the extent of God’s grace and forgiveness in his story, therefore we do not have final resolution for forgiveness from Jonah’s heart in the Bible. However, once we have gone through the steps of forgiveness, our end goal is to become like Joseph. Enduring, forgiving, wise and generous despite our past, hurts and experiences. Life is cyclical and we will experience hurt more than one time and in different and varying forms. Our job is to remember what Joseph went through and use him as encouragement that no matter what we face, we can endure, forgive and move forward triumphantly.

Joseph was born to the favorite wife of the patriarch Israel as the 11th of his sons. Though Joseph was one of the youngest, he was favored in his father’s view so much, that it drove his older brothers to deadly jealousy. Joseph was also favored by God (Gen. 37:6-8) and when he told his family what the Lord had showed him, the hatred from his brothers reached its boiling point.

After being used several times by his father to spy on his brothers’ behavior, his brothers conspired to kill him (Gen. 37:18). They ended up sparing his life and selling him into slavery to a passing merchants who ended up selling him into the house of the captain of the guard of Egypt (Gen. 37:28-36). From there Joseph:

Excelled (Gen. 39:1-6)
 Was wrongfully accused/framed (Gen. 39:7-20)
 Served diligently in prison (Gen. 39:21-23)
 Blessed others while in prison (Gen. 40:1-22)
 Had his good deeds forgotten (Gen. 40:23)
 Blessed Pharaoh (41:1-39)
 Is blessed and set on high by Pharaoh (Gen. 41:40-46)
 Blessed the nation of Egypt (Gen. 41:47-49)
 Received increase (Gen. 41:48-57)
 Proved his brothers love (Gen. 42-44)
 Blessed his family and ultimately the nation of Israel (Gen. 45-47)

Joseph did not allow his negative experiences/past to stop him from working to his full potential in God. Joseph never withheld his gifts because of the trauma nor did he give with respect of person. He used his gifts for those in prison as well as the palace.

This is the will of God. That we heal by forgiving those in our lives who have offended us or hurt us. We must forgive each and every person diligently from our hearts as prescribed in Matt. 18:35. Though all manner of ill-will was shown to Joseph, there is no mention of his retaliation or his unwillingness to serve in whatever capacity he was afforded. Joseph understood that what had happened to him was for God’s purpose.

If we knew everything God had set aside for us to do ahead of time, we probably wouldn’t take one step in the journey. God has fashioned each and every one of us through our various experiences to get our hearts and minds to the point he deems necessary to execute his will. Therefore we must live our lives forgiving, healing and ready to forgive again, knowing that the trials that we face build our character and impact a greater story.

And there you have it, BCU Family! Jewel shared with us that her husband, Richard preached a sermon “It hurt, but it worked”, meaning that ALL the things that God allows to happen in our lives is really to serve God’s purpose. With His grace, we need to go through it, learn from it and to apply those lessons in our lives.

I trust this series was a blessing to and challenges all of us (myself included) to be a doer of the Word ( James 1:22) in forgiveness and in ALL areas of our lives with the help of the Lord.

Thank you SO much for tuning in, liking, subscribing, commenting, sharing and encouraging us to continue to encourage you. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest posts, classes and whatever the Lord inspires us to do! In the meantime, may God bless and keep you! #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

16 Jul 201614 Sep 2016

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

#SpeechTherapy |Healing through forgiveness| Part 3| with guest teacher Jewel Taylor!

Hey there BCU Family!

*This series was recorded prior to the horrific events of this week. The BCU family is praying God’s comfort and strength for all families who have lost loved ones in these tragic and senseless killings.

We hope you are enjoying the study with my sister in Christ, Jewel Taylor! A few weeks back, Jewel joined us on our weekly Bible study live on Periscope (Thursdays @ 8:05pm EST on channel BlenCouragesU), to talk us through how to heal through forgiving. Last time we were together, the Lord blessed Jewel to walk us through seven principles that

encompass healing through forgiveness. This time, Jewel recaps those principles, chats about healing and starts to transition from Jonah to Joseph and how his forgiveness and healing process came forth. The study notes are truncated from last week’s post (click here for the full version of the study notes) with a bit of an addition this week, so feel free to print and make any other notations you’d like! Finally, if you need the notes in a nifty PDF format, just email us (Blen@Blencouragesu.com), and we can make it happen!

Click on the icon below and be blessed!

Study notes

1) STOP RUNNING
Read: Jonah 1:1-4

Key verse: v2. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

2)STOP PLAYING THE TAPE & DO NO HARM

Read: Jonah 1:5-17

Key verse: v10. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

3)CAST, CRY & CONFESS

Read Jonah 2:1-9

Key verses: v2-3>And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

4) REFRESH YOUR MIND

Note: Through crying out, Jonah understood his own folly .

Key verses: Jonah 2:7-8>When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

5) SEEK THE WILL OF THE LORD
Read Jonah 2:1-9, Jonah 3

Key verses: Jonah 2:9>But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Jonah 2:10> And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Jonah 3:3> So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.

6) COMPASSION – FIND IT!>> Try to see the person/people through God’s eyes
Read Jonah 4

Key verses: Jonah 4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
 Jonah 4:4> Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

7) SHOWING LOVE & HAVING COMPASSION ENDS THE ENEMY’S PLAN
Key verses: Jonah 4:10 -11> Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

#forgiveness: FROM JONAH TO JOSEPH

BCU Family!!! Have you ever thought of the story of Joseph like this? Hurt and offenses can come from anyone at anytime, many times it comes from those that are closest to us. At the same time, WE also offend and hurt others and they need healing. Keeping that in mind, it’s really in our best interest to ask God to help us heal, hurt others less and to forgive freely. Amen? Amen!

Lord will, join us next time as we go into “Healing through forgiveness” part 4 as we wrap up our series with the finale of Joseph’s story! Thank you for tuning on and may God bless you, make His face to shine upon you and until we are together again, #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

9 Jul 201630 Aug 2016

BlenCouragesU3 Comments

#SpeechTherapy| Healing through forgiveness| part 2| with guest teacher Jewel Taylor!

Hey there BCU family!

We are back again this week with our special guest and my wonderful sister in Christ, Jewel Taylor! A few weeks back, Jewel joined us on our weekly Bible study live on Periscope (Thursdays @ 8:05pm EST on channel BlenCouragesU), to talk us through how to heal through forgiving. Last time, the Lord blessed Jewel to beautifully expound on healing and forgiveness from the book of Jonah.

This week, Jewel talks us through the seven principles of how to heal through forgiveness citing the book of Jonah and other scriptures from the Word of God. Jewel also provided study notes and key Scriptures as a guide for you, so feel free to print and make any other notations you’d like! Additionally, if you need the notes in a PDF format, just email us (Blen@Blencouragesu.com), and we can make it happen!

Click on the icon below and be blessed!

Study notes

HEALING IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE

Why the book of Jonah? God dealt with Jonah in three major areas:

His pride
His arrogance
His lack of compassion
How can we heal and forgive from our hearts as dictated in Matthew 18:35 if our hearts are full of clutter? Healing through forgiveness starts with us.

1) STOP RUNNING
Read: Jonah 1:1-4

What are you running from? What measures have you taken to avoid the person/people who caused you harm? What is God telling you to do and you are dragging your feet?

We must face our life situations/people in them regardless. When we stop functioning we open the door for depression, anxiety and other emotional & mental issues. We must face the situation.

Being hurt is not the sin, but living in it is.

2)STOP PLAYING THE TAPE & DO NO HARM

Read: Jonah 1:5-17

Key verse: v10. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

>>Sometimes we don’t want to let go of the anger because it is comfortable and we feel justified in our anger. We feel righteous – as Jonah did (see Jonah 4:2).

>>Stop rehearsing what was done and do not play the victim. Do not meditate on what was done, who did it, why they did it etc.

>>How do you stop the tape? By filling your heart/mind with the things/thoughts of God. When the negative thought comes – change it.

Supporting text:

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

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.

1 Thessalonians 5:17> Pray without ceasing.

>>If you do not stop the tape – you will then lead yourself to cause harm (to someone else or to those who’ve harmed you AND continue the cycle of hurt, as Jonah endangered the men on the ship.

Key verse: Jonah 1:12 >And he[Jonah] said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

THE BELLY OF THE WHALE: THE HEALING PLACE

3)CAST, CRY & CONFESS

Read Jonah 2:1-9

Key verses: v2-3>And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

Action items: Cast your burden on to the LORD (not everyone else). Be real, raw and honest with Him.
– Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Cry out to the Lord.
– Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard
him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Supporting text: Hebrews 4:15-16>>For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Note: King David cried A LOT – hence a major portion of the book of Psalms.

4) REFRESH YOUR MIND

Note: Through crying out, Jonah understood his own folly .

Key verses: Jonah 2:7-8>When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

>>What lies/mistruths have we perpetuated about ourselves? What have we told ourselves that we keep believing despite reality?

>>Remember others are suffering and have suffered (1 Peter 5:9).

1 Peter 5:6-9 >Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

5) SEEK THE WILL OF THE LORD
Read Jonah 2:1-9, Jonah 3

Key verses: Jonah 2:9>But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Jonah 2:10> And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Jonah 3:3> So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.

Supporting text: Psalms 37:4> Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

6) COMPASSION – FIND IT!>> Try to see the person/people through God’s eyes
Read Jonah 4

Key verses: Jonah 4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
 Jonah 4:4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

Supporting text: Ephesians 6:12 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. [KNOW YOUR REAL ENEMY].

Proverbs 17:9> He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

7) SHOWING LOVE & HAVING COMPASSION ENDS THE ENEMY’S PLAN
Key verses: Jonah 4:10 -11> Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Supporting text:
 Matthew 5:44-45> 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.
 Romans 12:20> Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

BCU family, were you NOT blessed by Jewel’s teaching? Are there weeds of bitterness growing in your heart? Are you still nursing an old wound? With God’s grace we need to give our hurt and disappointment, no matter who it was and how deep the cut to Jesus, the Master Physician, so He can heal us completely! Will thou be made whole?

Lord will, join us next time as we go into “Healing through forgiveness” part 3 as we take transition from Jonah to the book of Genesis and… Joseph! Thank you for tuning on and may God bless you, make His face to shine upon you and until we are together again, #StayOnTheWall!