Leaf Lessons

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:

  • Depending on where you live in the United States, we are about halfway through the beautiful season of Autumn.
  • The brilliantly colored leaves falling to the ground is a timely reminder from Solomon: “to everything there is a season and a time and purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiates 3:1).
  • God so beautifully demonstrates that Word in our lives, especially at this time of year.

KJV Scripture References:

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Isaiah 43:19(a)

19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

BCU Fam, God has made us in His own image and likeness, giving us the ability to think, reason and make our own decisions. Now, He has supplied us with the Word of God and His Holy Spirit (for those who have the Acts 2:38 experience) to guide us in the decision making process, but ultimately we do get to make choices, good or bad. It is ALWAYS wise to heed the voice of God in our decision-making——this way the outcome is 100% perfect.

Also, while we do not need a change of seasons to remind us to let go of things, we can use the leaves effortlessly falling from the trees as a reminder to trust that when God says drop it, He means it—–and for good reason. While new growth is dormant for a season, hold on for the new growth/spring coming in your life. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your timely Word! Please help us to let go of the people, places, things and situations that are outside of Your perfect will. We thank You for sustaining and keeping us in the transitional and dormant seasons, and preparing us for the new things in store! 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

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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

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Being Content vs. Complaining

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:

  • As youngsters, we often “counted down” to important milestones in our lives like birthdays or summer vacation.
  • Once we got to the anticipates date, we started counting the next one—– and complained about the in-between time.
  • As adults, that same “hurry-up and complain” mindset often resurfaces with our tasks and responsibilities.
  • While we can look forward to the next “good” thing, complaining about our assignments displeases God, and wastes the precious time He gives us.
  • God can help us to be more intentional about using all the time He gives us wisely.

Scripture references

Psalms 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Matthew 5:16

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

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.

Psalm 133:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

James 5:16 (b)

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Ecclesiastes 5:18

18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

BCU Fam, I really have to be intentional about not rushing through my days and wishing my time away. Otherwise, we can miss how we can be a blessing to others and God blessing us, because we are ready to get to the next good thing. With the help of the Lord, let’s enjoy all the moments God gives us, rather than complaining.

Also, there are times when we are in extreme pain, grief, sadness, distress—and it’s a challenge to rejoice in the day the Lord has made. This is when we lean more into Jesus who will carry us through moment by moment. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for this day and with Your help we will rejoice and be glad in it. As we commit this day to You, please bless us to be aware and intentional in our thoughts, actions and interactions that we are serving and representing You, Jesus. Thank You for helping us through the assignments and tasks that we struggle with to complete them to Your glory, honor and praise. Thank You, Jesus for the job, the family, the ministry, the chores, the bills, the mountains, the valleys, the lessons, correction and the blessings You’ve graciously bestowed on us—and with Your help, we will learn to be content until our change comes.

Please remember those of us are that are enduring hardness and experiencing heart-breaking situations, where it is a challenge to function as the Word tells us to. Speak, Jesus to hearts and minds today, letting someone who is in the struggle of pain, grief, sadness–whatever it is—to hear Your voice, feel Your presence and to be strengthened by You, Jesus. Thank you for Your comfort, Your guidance, and for blessing someone today to know that You love them and are a present help. Thank you for lifting someone’s head and their hands in praise, even now, Jesus! It is in Your Name, we thank you for the victory! 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

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Big Storm, Big Lesson

Here there BCU Family!

I typically record our content in an informal “podcast on the go” format. Many times, the Lord gives me subject matter as I am driving or waiting, so I record on the spot! You can access the podcast here, or click on the avatar below, as you refer to the show notes below for the highlights. We pray the content blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

Podcast highlights:

  • I grew up in the Northeast of the United States, so snowstorms and cold weather conditions were a part of our lives.
  • Living in the south, outside of extreme heat, severe storms here can include torrential rain, high winds, hail and even tornadoes.
  • In a recent “impromptu” storm, the Lord warned me, prompted me to pray, and then spoke to me about what would happen.
  • We can and should apply His Word to the “spiritual” storms we are facing.

KJV Scripture References

Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

BCUFam, I have to admit, some of our life storms are SCARY, and sometimes the winds, waves, snow, hail and rain can produce a bit of anxiety! Now, if we feel anxious, we can take what is concerning us in to the Lord in prayer with supplication and thanksgiving, knowing that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). So, when Jesus gives you the “peace release”, all we need to do is rest in what He said, knowing that He is with us—even in the most tempestuous of storms! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we want to thank You for the Word and the reminder that You are with us throughout every storm we encounter. We thank You Jesus that we have the privilege of coming to You in prayer with our situations, asking for You to be with us, as You remind us that You will never leave or forsake us! We thank You for speaking to our hearts, for giving us the release, and the assurance that You are with us during turbulent times, and You are taking us through to the other side. Lord, many of us are currently in a stormy season now, and we thank You for helping us to continue to be faithful to You throughout our situations, as we praise our way through! We thank You, Jesus for blessing us to be a good witness for You, as we tell of Your goodness, and the praise report during and after the storm! We thank You, Jesus, for continuing to strengthen and keep us, as we continue to give you all the glory, honor and praise! In Jesus name, we pray and 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, 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

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Same Instructions, Different Day.

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 years ago, I posted a podcast about how a thoughtless customer jumped front of me in line, and how the Lord instructed me to handle the offense.
  • Recently, I went to the same service provider for routine maintenance, and the SAME thing happened!
  • What lesson did the Lord want to teach me this time?

Scripture references:

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.

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.

Ecclesiastes 3:1;7

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

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak

Ephesians 4:15;26

 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

   Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Romans 12:19

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

BCUFam, I had two opportunities to confront this person, but did not get the release to do so. Because grievous words stir up anger, my timing and current tone may have been the match that lit the fuse. Rather, I took things to the Lord in prayer and left them there. If God wants us to have a challenging conversation with someone, He will arrange the timing, wording and circumstances where things will turn out perfectly, because we serve a perfect God. Also, the Lord reminded me to pray for her according to Matthew 5:44-49. That should have been one of the first things I did, but with the help of the Lord, I’ll remember for next time. Aren’t we thankful for such a loving and forgiving God? Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Eternal God and Heavenly Savior, as we come before You in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the lesson and reminder to practice the pause before going into reaction mode. So many times, we have flown off the handle, done or said things that did not always reflect You, Lord and for that, we ask your forgiveness. And please help us, to recall Your words Jesus, as we interact with people and situations that may be challenging. We know that we can do all things through You that strengthens us! We thank You for your continued patience with us, as You mold us to become more like You, Lord. 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

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