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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Your current wait time is…

Hey there BCU Fam,

You have the option of listening to our podcast (click the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or 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! 

Who out there in the BCU community really enjoys waiting? How about waiting on the Lord to answer a prayer request? Right. Let’s talk about that.

When I got saved, I was under the erroneous impression that  I could “name and claim”, “blab and grab”, and “it’s my blessing so I should get it now” for anything I wanted and did not have to wait on it. After all, the King’s kid should have whatever they want when they want it, right? 🙄 Not always. There are times where God does move on our behalf swiftly and suddenly–and of course we love when that happens. Many times, the reason He does is because our petition lines up with God’s perfect will at that time. Other times, maybe we are reaping what we have sown. Still again, the righteous are never forsaken, nor His seed begging bread, so God will take care of us no matter what. The point is, that God’s perfect will and timing are in effect. We believe that when things happen suddenly. Do we believe it when we have to wait?

For many of us, once we make out requests known to God, there is that hopeful expectation and faith that He will answer, and in our minds mostly, pretty soon. But sometimes it is God’s perfect will for some wait time before He fulfills our petition. That is when we need to settle in and enjoy the process.

According to Strong’s Concordance (4037),  the word “wait” in Greek is a compound word, perimènō. Perí, meaning all around, and mènō, meaning remain, abide. In essence, waiting is staying steadfast or enduring through challenging situations.

Many times, when the wait time is extended, our faith in God can grow weak. Then the adversary comes in to let you know you that the Lord is taking too long, God has forgotten you, if you are so faithful why hasn’t He responded, or you may need to do things yourself, rather than wait on God. When we choose to mediate on these lies, we become consumed with the fact that God hasn’t answered yet–and begin to doubt and question our faith and trust in God. In fact, because we are so concerned with what it looks like God is not doing, that very request will be our focus point so much so, we will talk (aka complain) to anyone that will hear us and not hear God’s voice at all. Very often, our lack of faith will prolong the wait time even more. Or cause us to miss out on the blessing altogether. 

When the Lord freed the children of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians, it’s been said that their journey to the Promised Land was about 250 miles, which could take about 11 days to a month or so, depending on breaks and such. The Word of God tells us that the trip took 40 YEARS, mostly due to murmuring, complaining and disobedience against God! On top of that, out of approximately one million people, only TWO from the original trip were able to enjoy the blessing? That is NOT the testimony God wants us to have! Rather, His Word is here to help us. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite Scriptures.

We need faith and to believe God. Hebrews 11:6 says:

 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

We should not give up on God. Proverbs 24:10 says:

 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

If we feel weak, though, there is help! We continue waiting. Waiting should produce strength vs weakness. *Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us: 

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

There is a purpose in waiting–it produces the fruit of patience and matures us. James 1:2-4 says:

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect (mature) and entire, wanting nothing.

And while we wait, we should be thankful. I Thessalonians 5:18 says:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

BCU Family, I might add that the Scriptures in *Isaiah indicate that waiting is active versus passive. When nothing else in on your heart or mind except what you are waiting for God to do, the anxiety of wondering when is it coming, why is it not here, what’s the holdup, etc., can stop us from continuing to serve the Lord.  Isaiah mentions flying, walking and running as we wait, so that tells me that we ought be busy for the Lord WHILE we wait. Hmm…I may talk about that in an upcoming podcast…stay tuned.

I can testify to the fact that I have been waiting on the Lord for quite a few things..some requests put in yesterday, some for months, and yes, some for years. I would not be telling you the truth if I told you I always followed the Scriptures I listed above. The Lord was  (and still is) really patient with me as I cried, complained, murmured, shut down, and eventually allow/ed patience to have her perfect work.  This perfect work is designed by God help us be more like Him here on Earth, so we can make it into Heaven. Amen? Amen!

So what about you, BCU Fam? What is your current wait time? Have you been waiting on something specific from God for awhile? How have you constructively occupied yourself while you wait?  Or has there been more complaining? We have no judgement for you here–let’s talk in the comments section.

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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When trials come, I_______________.

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 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:

  • Being saved (according to Acts 2:38) is an amazing, wonderful experience and yields an awesome life here and the promise of eternal life as well!
  • Contrary to some popular preaching and teaching, the Scriptures teach us that  going through trials is a part of the Christian walk.
  • While the trials do not feel good to the flesh, they are purposeful, needed—and GOOD for us.
  • In all that we go through, God is ALWAYS with us (See Hebrews 13:5).

 Scripture references

Job 1:20-22

20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). 

I Timothy 4:1-5

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables

5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

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

And He [Jesus] spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).

So…what are your  initial reaction to trials? How challenging will it be to adjust your attitude straightaway? (I know I need to be really mindful!)  Let’s talk some more about this—head down to the comment section so we can continue our dialogue!

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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“The pennies don’t count?”

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:

  • The U.S. penny hardly gets any love! They are often thrown away or tossed aside as a nuisance.
  • If something is little, we’ll often “overlook” it.
  • “Little” things will morph into bigger things.
  • God holds us accountable for the little and big things in our lives.

Scripture references:

Matthew 25:14-30 (NKJV)

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.

15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.

17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.


18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’

21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.

27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

                    ***********************************************

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelations 21:8).

A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter (Proverbs 11:13).

Romans 1:28-32

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines…..” (Song of Solomon 2:15)

Know ye not that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? (I Corinthians 5:6b).

So what are your thoughts on the “little things” in your life now? How do you treat the “pennies”  in your life?  Will you ever look at a penny the same way?  Please head down to the comments section to share your thoughts so we can continue our conversation!

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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When gossip strikes back…

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

As usual, you have the option of listening to our podcast (click the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the post blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

There’s a gospel song called “Birds in the Church”. Actually, its a narrative by Rev. Benjamin Cone, Jr. (from Mississippi Mass Choir, I believe) who among other things, tells us how people can be a lot like parrots–freely repeating other people’s business. I get tickled when I hear it, but the truth is evident!!!

Before I was saved, I could be a little “Willona-ish” (remember her from the TV show Good Times) when it came to discussing the happenings of people’s lives. The intent wasn’t malicious, just something to talk about, dissect, and share my “expert opinion” on the matter at hand.

macaw-2671151_640
“Chile, have you heard?”

This behavior continued after I got saved….more of a bad habit, I suppose–and apparently God was trying to get my attention and did when I shared something rather personal/serious in confidence with someone I’ll call “Thelma”, who went back told their family.  Mayhap that wouldn’t have been so bad, if the family was offering sound wisdom, but Thelma came back to tell me the family laughed about it. That may sound petty to you all, but I was SO hurt that someone would repeat and make light of my concerns to others so casually.

 

Another time, I was involved in a sensitive situation where someone I’ll call “JJ” had to get involved. Now, JJ was helpful throughout the situation, but promptly started spreading the details of what happened and it got back to me.

I politely confronted JJ, letting them know it really wasn’t right getting others involved in a matter that was supposed to stay between selected persons. JJ was VERY apologetic–and I’m certain the chatter wasn’t done to be mean, rather it was just JJ’s habitual, but hurtful behavior.  With God’s grace, I forgave Thelma and JJ and we’re cool, but I have to say I felt really hurt, embarrassed and betrayed! Through that pain, God showed me how awful it is to idly parrot and betray confidences AND that my idle chatter were NOT Christ-like at ALL! Thankfully, with His help that behavior soon ceased in Jesus name, and has been dormant for the past couple of decades.

In the days since those times, God guides me on who to tell what to and when to do it. Luke 2:16-19 tells us about the birth of Jesus and how the angels talked to the shepherds and those shepherds told people, but Mary, the mother of Jesus, now “kept all these things and pondered things in her heart”. There is a valid reason she didn’t share that information with everybody!  Follow the leading of the Lord as to who to confide with.

Another lesson is, that God also blessed me to be a confidant. People do come to me with sensitive information and private challenges, knowing that with the grace of God, I will offer wise council, pray and keep the matter between us. No ifs, ands, buts or suppose. Period.

My final lesson is that people have also come to me with other’s business and that behavior needs to be shut that down with a swift retort like, “I will keep the situation/persons in prayer”, “that’s not my battle to fight–only God can work that out”, or “have you been praying for them?” Talking about someone is not as effective as praying for them. I’m not saying that we can’t talk through someone’s situation to understand things better or help that individual in crisis—we just need to be sensitive to how the Holy Ghost is telling us to handle it so we’re truly walking in the Spirit, rather than the flesh.

The bottom line?  The Bible says we will give an account for every idle word spoken (Matthew 12:36).  That means we have to explain or justify WHY we said what we said., and I have to tell you, BCU Fam, we will have NO justification whatsoever.  Let’s repent TODAY and with the help of God, work on our spiritual balance sheet, so that we will have more credits (allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our conversation) rather than debits (allowing the flesh to rule the conversation). Amen? Amen!

So, BCU Fam, what’s your reaction to this week’s post? How do you guard against gossip coming out of your mouth and staying out of your ears?  Please scroll on down to the comments section and let’s continue our conversation!

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 , Instagram, and  YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes!

Thank you SO much for stopping by. God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

 

 

BlenCouragesU8 Comments