Trusting God in Life Storms | Lessons from Mark 4:35-41.

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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, YouTube podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and many others podcast platforms!

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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Enduring Through Discomfort: A Lesson in Patience From—-A Baby.

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:

  • Among many beloved family members, I have three especially amazing “little” (well, two are not so little anymore) people in my life.
  • The youngest little spent some time with us and we ran into situation where I am certain he was uncomfortable.
  • The Lord taught me a lesson about patience, attitude and trusting Him through this child’s behavior.

KJV Scripture References

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Psalm 34:1-2

 1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

Galatians 6:9

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

Isaiah 40:31

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.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

BCUFam, that baby reminded me that sometimes, what we are going through TAKES TIME to go through. And what we want to do, with the help of the Lord, is to continue to be good witnesses of God’s grace, goodness and mercy through our attitude. Very often, when we go through, we can allow the discomfort of the situation to change our demeanor to where we are nice at work and mean at home. Or, maybe we are angry, sullen, short or snippy with the people we are interacting with, citing the fact that we have been waiting “too long”. Now, trials and tribulations do not feel good at ALL! They are, however a part of the walk with Christ, and while we may be in the midst of “the uncomfortable wait”, we can rest assured that if we love the Lord, and are the called according to His purpose, things will work out for our good (Romans 8:28). Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as always, we thank You for what our ears have heard! We thank You for letting us know, or reminding us of what our attitude should be when we are in the uncomfortable waiting period. Jesus, You know the severity of our circumstances and what we can bear, so we are depending on You for deliverance. Some of us are feeling weary, but Your Word reminds us to not to be weary in well-doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not! So please, Jesus bless us with the grace and strength we need while we wait. Please give us the assurance You have heard our cry and will answer by and by! Thank You, Jesus for helping us to properly represent You in this hard season, so that people will know who we are and Whose we are! Most of all, we thank You for blessing us to endure to the end, so we can hear, “well done, thou good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” 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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, YouTube podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and many others podcast platforms!

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 lesson in leadership

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:

  • When on the job, I am privileged to facilitate some amazing content to many phenomenal new and aspiring leaders.
  • Sometimes, leaders need to be reminded that staff needs time, patience, understanding and compassion to learn the ropes of a new task.
  • Recently, the Lord reminded me of a time where He used someone to teach me the aforementioned points—-many years ago, and how that teaching helped to shape my life to His glory.

KJV Scripture References

Ecclesiastes 3:1,3

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

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

2 Corinthians 1:6

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

BCUFam, I have been saying this for years—-we have to know how to talk to people, so they will want to talk with us. While there is a time for reproof and correction, most of the time, it is not while the person is crying out for assistance. Therefore, it is prudent that we are slow to anger and speak, and quick to hear what the person is saying, as well what the Lord is saying, so He will guide us on our responses. We can never over-acknowledge the Lord when it comes to needing help on how to take care of His assignments, so that He is honored and glorified in our lives.

I lost track of the sister that was such an encouragement to me, but the Lord knows who she is. I thank the Lord for how He used her to comfort and undergird me, and to shape how I interact with people. My prayer is that the Lord will always bless her and her family spiritually, physically, financially, mentally and emotionally—- and in all abundance until He comes back again. We never know how our acts of kindness will not only bless us, but all whom we are connected to as well. And on top of it, we will be welcomed into heaven for a job well done, as good and faithful servants! Now that’s something to look forward to! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for what our ears have heard! We thank You for the people You have placed in our lives, realizing that sometimes, they are with us for a season—to help us get to the next level in You. We also thank You for helping US to be cognizant that we may be “that person” for someone else. Please help us to acknowledge You in all our ways, as we endeavor to take good care of the people You have entrusted us with, so You will be magnified in our lives. 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 Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, Google 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

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Representation Matters

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 (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:

  • Last week at this time, I was severely under the weather—–and it’s been a LONG time since that’s happened.
  • While scrolling through a social media page, a friend posted a song,* based on Psalm 23.
  • As I the song blessed me, I was reminded we all have some hardness to endure as good soldiers.
  • The Lord, Our Shepherd also let me know that as we endure, we will not want, therefore we should always represent Him well.

Scripture references

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Timothy 2:3
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

There are some things the Lord takes us over, and other things we He takes us through.

BCUFam, I do not know anyone who enjoys being sick or going through hard situations on any level. If the battle goes longer than we think it should, if we are not careful, we can allow it to alter our mood to the point where we’re grumbling and complaining to others about how unfair what we are experiencing is, and taking our frustration out on those around us. Is that how Christ would want us to represent Him?

We will have times where our faith will be tested to the point where we’ll have some off days on occasion—-and that’s understandable. When we feel those feelings coming, let’s remember that Psalm 23 is true—the Lord is our Shepherd, so we will not want or lack ANYTHING we need, including the help and strength we need to ensure Jesus is well-represented through all we endure. 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

*To hear the song, please listen to the podcast.

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Diamonds in the rough

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:
  • Last month, my hubby and I fellowshipped with a wonderful local church (PTL Pastor and First Lady Brewer!)
  • We were invited back to a Women’s Day service themed “Diamonds in the Rough”.
  • The Greek word for diamond is “adamas” meaning unbreakable or unyielding.
  • I was tasked to open up for the speakers with “The Occasion”.
  • The Lord really came through for me, BCUFam. Please take a listen!

NKJV Scripture references

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Daniel 3:16-24

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 

20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 

21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 

22 Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 

27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.

Jeremiah 20:9

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name. But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones, I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.

John 15:1-3

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 

2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 

3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

John 8:12

 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

Matthew 5:14

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Romans 8:37

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

BCU Fam, ONLY God could have put all this topic together this way! He is truly a present help and can totally be depended on. My prayer is that what He said encourages you to go on in Jesus name! And if you do not know Jesus in the pardoning of your sin, today is a good day to repent for all you’ve done to sin against Jesus. The truth is we all have sinned, but Jesus paid for those sins and wants a relationship with you. Prayerfully read Acts chapters 1 and 2, focusing on Acts 2:38 for the plan of salvation. Pray and ask God to lead you to a Bible-based church who baptizes in Jesus name and believes in the indwelling of the Holy Ghost–and the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues. Then, you can live this life with Jesus down on the inside, who will lead and guide you from Earth to Heaven where we will be with Him forever! Please contact me if you need more information and we can go from there! 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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