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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Word study: “Provoked”

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:

  • We are continuing our word study this week by looking at the Biblical definition of a word or phrase.
  •  “Paroxsuno” is the Greek word for “provoked.” It is a compound of para, meaning alongside, and oxsus, which means to poke, to prick, or to stick, as with a sharpened instrument.
  • When compounded together, the new word portrays someone who comes alongside another and then begins to poke, prick, or stick that other person with some type of sharpened instrument—–usually resulting in a verbal or physical altercation.
  • Provoked can also mean irritated by people—–especially when people delay our plans, tell us “no”, or when they interrupt us.

Scripture references

I Corinthians 13:5

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

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.

Acts 15:27-41

27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Sticks and stones may break our bones, and careless words WILL hurt us.

BCUFam, this word admonished, corrected and encouraged ME! I thank God for a pliable heart to hear and receive what He is saying, as well as for the mind to apply the Word. Irritation and being provoked are a part of the walk with Christ, and our reactions to those areas are what the Lord is interested in. With His help, we can choose to respond in a way that brings God glory, honor and praise. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray about it!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You, thank You so much for the timely reminder that we are not to be easily provoked or irritated when it comes to our interactions with others. Please help us to be mindful of the things that trigger our irritability, and to take those areas to you in prayer. We never want to operate in a selfish way, rather we want to be sure to represent You in our words, and how we interact with people. The Scriptures remind us that we will be known by the love we exhibit to others.

Please help us to remember to apply Your word when we are tempted to respond the wrong way after being provoked. Help us not to be the provokers! Bless us to remember to pray before we speak, to be peacemakers, and to be slow to speak, slow to wrath, and quick to hear the other person, but also to hear Your instructions. In doing so, You will be glorified and lifted up in our lives.

In Jesus Name, we 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, Twitter and Instagram.

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those mediums include Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google 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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I lost some weight….

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

~In most relationships, there are times when disagreements pop-up–that is normal.

~The hallmark of mature Christian individuals is successful navigation through the disagreements–at the very least, forgiveness, if not reconciliation.

~Sometimes, people just want to hold on to the [perceived] wrong and make the choice not to forgive–and that can weigh [burden or encumber] you down–but it doesn’t have to! Jesus says so!

KJV Scripture References:

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24).

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses Matthew 5:14-15).

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17).

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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 (Philippians 4:6-8).

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. rain on the just and on the unjust (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Listen, BCU Fam, with all that extra weight I was carrying around, the Lord came to see about me! After just moments of being in His presence in prayer, I took those heavy burdens to the Lord and I LEFT them there. After that, I felt lighter, more focused, and ever so grateful to God for Him reminding me that once we do our part, it’s His job to deal with the hearts of the people (See Proverbs 21:1). If they choose not to be a part of our lives at that time, or ever, that’s His perfect will, and with His grace, we will submit to that and run on, keeping the Son in our eyes! (Hebrews 12:2). 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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The biggest loser: getting rid of dead weight.

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 corresponding Scriptures. We pray the post blesses and encourages you.  If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

We’ve talked about being offended and attacked while “on the wall”, and while we’re warned that offenses will come, depending on the severity of the attack, it can take a minute to recover and more importantly, understand the lesson behind the situation.

In this podcast, I discuss a situation where I was offended and what the Lord showed me I NEEDED (rather than the offending party) to do. Click below to listen in.

Scriptures to meditate on:

Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence comes! (Matthew 18:7).

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2).

The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression (Proverbs 19:11).

Wherefore seeing that we are also compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that does so easily beset us.. (Hebrews 12:1). 

Finally brethren, whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think of these things (Philippians 4:8).

Come unto me all that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

So, BCU Fam, what’s your reaction to the podcast? How do you handle offenses after the fences have been mended? Do you let the details go?  Are you catching the lesson God is showing you?  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

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Can you really detox in 7 days? Read on….

Hey there Family!

So, everyone can use a little detoxing in their lives, right? Yes, even if you “run on” Jesus (we all should be full of Jesus), occasionally we need to purge ourselves in the natural, because sometimes, those things can effect us spiritually.

Take a look at this infographic (courtesy of infographic journal.com) and see what areas may be helpful to you. As you are reading through the info, please note that while all areas may not be applicable to you, just like a restaurant menu, you know what to choose and glance over, right? Right!  There really is some good stuff here, folks. Apply liberally.

You are very welcome! 🙂

Much love and God bless,

Blen
image

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