Capturing every thought…

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:
  • God, in His infinite wisdom created us with a magnificent brain that can hold about around 2.5 petabytes, or a million gigabytes of information.
  • To sketch that out, if your brain worked like a DVR, 2.5 petabytes would be enough to hold three million hours of TV shows.
  • A 2020 Healthline.com study purported that people had more than 6,000 thoughts per day.
  • While some of those thoughts are random musings or duties to perform, (Hmm…I wonder what the temperature is?, or I need to call for an oil change appointment), still others can come from the enemy and if not controlled, can lead to inner dialogues that can work us up into an unneeded emotional froth that does not glorify God.

KJV Scripture references

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 10:5).

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 4:8).

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? (Luke 18:7)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

This conversation only took place in my mind. Hostility, anger and division was creeping up over a thought and imaginary conversation that did not come from God.

BCU Fam, what we think will spill over into our words and actions, so we have to take an active stance when it comes to which of the 6,000 thoughts we will entertain. And while we cannot control the thoughts the enemy will bring, we can filter those thoughts through the word of God. If what we are thinking is not acceptable in God’s sight (and He will let us know), we need to cast them down in the name of Jesus and replace them with other thoughts that line up with Philippians 4:8. It may take some discipline, but the Lord is able to help us make sure our thoughts are pleasing to Him. 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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Obedience x sacrifice

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:
  • Every so often I like to take a vacation day to take a break from my very busy life.
  • In anticipation of those days, and even just for the weekends, I try and complete all tasks during the week so I can enjoy my time off as much as possible.
  • On this particular vacation day, I was planning to skip a morning conversation/prayer I have with the family, to start my “slow hurry” day, but the Lord had other plans.

KJV Scripture references

 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (I Samuel 15:22).

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 (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

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 (Romans 8:28).

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).

BCUFam, I will confess that my body did not want to rise at that early hour! I just bless the Lord for heeding to His nudge and sacrificing my comfort for the conversation and prayer. Only the Lord knows if a plan of the enemy was cancelled, maybe a demonic force was rendered helpless, some formed weapon did not prosper, or if was the planter and/or waterer for the Lord to finish His work on the kids in terms of salvation. I may never know specifically what was abated, but I thank God for it!

Obedience may be costly, but that cost does not compare to return on the obedience investment.

Something else to keep in mind——obedience does not always net a tangible blessing. Sometimes we feel that every time we obey God, we will rewarded with a new car, mansion, yacht, bags of money, and other such things. I am not saying that God will not bless us with earthly things—–I am a witness that He will. However, God is not obligated to show “His appreciation” to us tangibly, or at all, otherwise, we only obey to receive.

Also, if we don’t get a “treat” every time we obey, the enemy will trick us into thinking there is no merit in doing what God says—and that will lead us away from Him. So let’s practice being obedient to the Lord out of love and wanting to please Him—and knowing He’s pleased is a reward within itself. And whatever He may decide to bless us with, be it material, spiritual, financial, physical, now later or not, let’s just give God thanks in all things—it’s His will concerning us (I Thessalonians 5:18). 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

BlenCouragesU4 Comments

Broken hearts and contrite spirits…

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:
  • As of this recording, we are/will have celebrated Memorial Day in the United States.
  • While Memorial Day is a day of barbecues, sales and merriment for some, the true purpose is to remember those who gave their lives in service for our country.
  • For many families, this Memorial Day is marked by extreme grief and sadness as they remember family members who have been taken them from in an evil manner–through gun violence.
  • How do we work through our questions and emotions? Jesus is the answer.

KJV Scripture references

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18).

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:28).

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2).

 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Matthew 24:12).

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 (Hebrews 4:16).

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).

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 (Philippians 4:6-7).

Casting all your care upon Him;(Jesus) for He careth for you (I Peter 5:7).

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (I Peter 3:15).

BCUFam, this was a hard tough topic for me to talk through—as a parent, a lover of people, especially the elderly and children, these shootings were a bitter pill to swallow. And on top of that, to see people denouncing God, saying prayers are useless, the fighting about legislation/gun reform, all this blame being passed around—-and sporadic focus on the families who are going through—it was too much for me to carry. I had to take my emotions to Jesus–and I am grateful to Him to taking care of my heart and spirit.

Imagine those who are having a hard time turning to Jesus. Or maybe those who do not know Jesus like we do. The families and friends who are angry, sad, grieved–they need someone to intercede in prayer, to be there for them, perhaps to comfort in words or physical presence, to know that there is hope in Jesus. There is work to do BCUFam, and the only way we can hear and do what God says is to stay connected to Him, so we can be properly equipped to respond to what we see and hear with the answers God gives us, thereby being a blessing in word and/or deed to all who we come in contact with. 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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A dog that brings a bone..

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:
  • When growing up, gossip or talebearing was a normal part of conversations.
  • I noticed that it started trouble in my middle school years.
  • I also noticed that this ungodly habit was prevalent in my adulthood and among some people of God.
  • I was taught that a dog that brings a bone, also carries a bone.

KJV Scripture references

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends (Proverbs 16:28).

Where no wood is,there the fire goeth out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20).

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Proverbs 26:22).

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 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; 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 (Matthew 5:43-45).

BCUFam, I praise God for heeding His voice and letting Him take over the situation. So much so, that after praying about it, the Lord blessed me to love on and do good for the alleged offender without even thinking about it—-I had actually forgotten initially wanting to confront the person! By being swift to hear the Lord’s directions, He will handle the talebearers and the alleged offender His way and in His time. In the meantime, God is glorified in my life, the offenders and talebearers see how to walk out the Word in these kinds of situations, AND Jesus identifies me a child of my Father in Heaven! Now that’s something to give God praise for! 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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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

BlenCouragesU1 Comment