We share The Word of the Lord, to help you #StayonTheWall for the Lord!
Hey BCU Family,
SURPRISE!!! The #StayOnTheWall BCU drink ware has finally arrived in LIMITED quantities for the BCU family in the lower 48 states! Glory to God!!!
Please click 👉🏽here👈🏾 for the purchase details! I’m EXCITED!!! 👏🏽
Thanks for sharing the hydration excitement on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Please take pics!
May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you—-and #StayOnTheWall!
Love,
BCU
Hey BCU Fam!
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 podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!
As a person who likes to fly, I am usually very fastidious about printing my boarding pass, getting to the airport early, getting my baggie with the liquids out, checking my gate, etc.
A few years ago, I was connecting to a flight in Chicago and had a 2-hour layover. I checked the gate location a few times and proceeded to it, while getting breakfast and coffee enroute. Once I got to my gate, I had my nourishment and chatted with friends via telephone/text, checked emails, social networked..just doing my thing.
When I saw the plane come in, I waited for the announcement so I could board. When the counter flight attendant started talking about customs forms, I got a little nervous…it turns out that flight was going to Toronto, Ontario—CANADA! Apparently there had been a gate change and I didn’t hear it/check again. Thank God, the new gate wasn’t far away and I made my flight--I was the very last one to board. As I sat down, the Lord spoke to my heart and put my faux paux in a spiritual lesson.
Family, I was so busy with other things, I didn’t pay attention to anything that may have told me that my gate had changed. I didn’t hear an announcement, see that people had left the area or look up to quintuple check my gate information. Many times, we are so caught up with the cares of this life, we don’t hear or heed the small, still voice of God. We don’t double check His word about the things we should be doing (or not). And we let people (rather, the spirit that operates within people) to grieve and vex our spirits, rather than going to God in prayer about it. These actions can cause us to miss the blessings of God. Even more grave, we can miss Heaven or the rapture!
Remember the parable of ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13? Five were foolish and five were wise. While waiting for the Bridegroom, the foolish ones let their lamps go out rather than keeping them trimmed with oil, as the wise ones did. Consequently, when the bridegroom came, the foolish virgins were scrambling to look for oil from the wise virgins, (who told them NO–go buy some) and were left behind because they were NOT ready! Maybe they were too concerned with the cares of this world to take care of business? Maybe they thought they had plenty of time to get right? Mayhap they were not listening/paying attention to the Lord’s voice and followed someone else’s? Walking in the flesh, rather than the spirit? We’ll never know, but we can learn from their error.
With all the noisome pestilence about us, it’s not always easy to stay Christ-focused, I admit. God has provided ways for us stay on high alert and in tune with us. Along with the baptism (Acts 2:38-39), in Jesus name and the gift of the Holy Ghost–which is our guide on the inside, reading God’s Word daily, committing it to memory and making an effort to practice living it will help us to hear God’s voice clearly. This way, we don’t follow a strange voice, but flee as Jesus said in John 10:5. Strange voices are full of trouble! The more we listen to God and practice following His word, the stranger the voice of the enemy will become.
Bottom line? As we journey on to our Heavenly destination, let us keep in mind that God gives wisdom liberally (James 1:5) and wants us to use it liberally. Some things we do can be recovered from, while others can be life-altering and regrettable. Every word, thought or deed has a consequence and rather than making fleshly decisions that will cause pain, grief and suffering, let us walk in the Spirit so we suffer for the cause of Christ, (rather than for our own foolishness) reap blessings, God be glorified through us and we go back with Him when He comes. Amen? Amen!!!
Thank you so much for stopping by! We LOVE interaction, so tell leaving a comment would be a good thing! To make it easier, think about answering these questions:
B) How do you stay focused on God through your day-to-day activities?
C) When is your favorite time to get with God and fellowship in prayer with Him 1 on 1?
U) Have you ever “skipped over” God’s voice and made a decision that took some time to recover from? (I know I have)! What did you learn?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! And if you have not done so, please like BlenCouragesU on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram! And PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes. You’ve already done that? Then please tell someone you love AND your enemy–I’m trusting they will soon become your friend! 🙂
Until we are together again, may God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you—-and #StayOnTheWall!
Hey 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 podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!
As we fully transition into autumn especially in New England, (my mind is still in August, though :-)), the brilliance of the colors of the leaves changing and 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). Yes, we’ve likely heard this before–it’s just that God so beautifully demonstrates this in our lives at this time of year.
A tree has no brain, thinking or decision-making capacity in any way–only what God has told it to do, which is let go of the leaves as they die off.
How this applies to us: 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.
So, as your relationship with Christ grows and you hear His voice, when God urges us to let go of the “dead leaves”, with His help, LET THEM GO! Dead leaves can come in a variety of ways–maybe it’s time to walk away from that job, a toxic relationship, or telling that able-bodied, freeloading relative you will no longer support them. Nothing in those areas? What about the fear of walking in your calling, witnessing about Christ, a bad habit, (cutting people off when talking, habitually tardy, angering quickly), a weakness, (seeking comfort in illicit company or going to the wrong types of places, worrying) or whatever “crutch” (excessive shopping, over-eating)–you may have. You all get what I mean, right? We do not have to wait until October to let go, mind you, this is a good time to examine ourselves through the Word of God’s microscope or just ASK the Lord what needs to be let go of–trust me, HE WILL tell you!
And once we know, it’s our duty with His help to lay aside EVERY dead weight and/or sin (Hebrews 12:1), that will slow you down, trip you up or outright attack you. Ask God to help you see WHY you want to hold on to something He is asking you to turn loose. The answer may come right away or later on—just be prepared for the answer! Let’s take a look at an example.
Many years ago, in my B.C. (before Christ) days, for years I dated a “great” guy, we’ll call “Sam” (just to protect his identity). Sam and I were talking marriage. For some reason, my heart was very unsettled about getting married, but kept planning. I don’t recall the exact sequence of events, but one thing led to another where we broke things off. I was devastated and hurt, but that break-up led me to the alter where I was filled with the Holy Ghost. Apparently, the Lord knew Sam was not the person for me (and BOY, did I find that out later–YIKES!) Thank God for His protection!
But even after being saved and understanding God’s providence, He was urging me to let go of the friendship with Sam–period. MAN, that struggle was REAL–it was really hard to let all that love and history. But, eventually with the grace of God, I walked away from it and have not looked back. While I could never accurately predict what would have happened if I had continued holding on the “Sam season”, I’d like to think that I would not have gone as many places, done as many neat things as God has allowed and would have NEVER been as obedient or effective in my Christ-walk, gifts and talents. Glory to God!
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.
“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth, shall you not know it?”….(Isaiah 43:19a).
Amen? Amen.
Thank you so much for stopping by! If this was a blessing to you, please comment below and share it with someone–you’ll never know how the Lord may use you to encourage someone else! And if you have not done so, please like BlenCouragesU on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram! And PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes!
Until we are together again, may God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you—-and #StayOnTheWall!
Love,
BCU
Hey 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 podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!
About a year ago, I posted a chart I saw on Linked in–outlining what we tend to say to ourselves (I’m not good at this) vs. what we should say (what am I missing?) So as I looked at the post again, while the “positive affirmations” still resonated with me, the Lord spoke to my heart and mentioned the many negative things we say to ourselves can and SHOULD be overridden with the The Word of God.
Paul reminds us that we are to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). That’s important because what we think translates into words and they effect our actions. In fact, Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue and you will “eat the fruit of your words”. Every self-depreciating comment, negative affirmation or put-down is like eating rotten, deadly fruit. How many of us would knowingly eat harmful food? If you’ve ever had food poisoning or ANY gastrointestinal trouble after eating a particular food or at a place, you would totally avoid it! We need to incorporate God’s Word in our thought and word choices.
|
Instead of thinking this… |
Think on THIS |
| I’m no good at this! | I can do ALL thing through Christ that strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). |
| They will never change! | The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, and just like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wants. (Proverbs 21:1). |
| What did I do to deserve THIS situation? | And we know that ALL things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). |
| Seems like they get away with doing wrong. Why do right? | But you, brethern, be not weary in well-doing (I Thessalonians 3:13). |
| This situation will not get any better.. | With God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27). |
| If only I had more… | But godliness with contentment is great gain (I Timothy 6:6). |
| This is scary AND I’m lonely! | Fear not, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am Your God who will strengthen, help and uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). |
| I do not feel special.. | I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows well (Psalm 139:14). |
| I will NEVER forgive. | How often should you forgive? Seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22). |
If we don’t change the way we speak, the rotten fruit of our lips not only effects you to the point where you feel like you cannot do anything correctly, it either draws other “flies” to you (fellow bad fruit eaters–that’s another post) and/or can drive away the folks who prefer to speak life. Moreover, it is a like a slap in the face to God, who has made us and not we ourselves (Psalms 100:3).
Bottom line: If it you are reading this, it’s not too late to repent for thinking and speaking in the negative. We all say things on the left side of the list from time to time, myself included—the thing is not to continue practicing this behavior. How different would our lives be if we spoke life into ourselves, children, co-workers, et cetera? It’s best to ask God to help us line up our thoughts, words and actions with His Word and enjoy the good fruit of the spoken labor. Amen?! Amen!
Thank you so much for stopping by! If this was a blessing to you, please comment below and share it with someone–you’ll never know how the Lord may use you to encourage someone else! And if you have not done so, please like BlenCouragesU on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram! And PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes. You’ve already done that? Then please tell someone you love AND your enemy–I’m trusting they will soon become your friend! 🙂
Until we are together again, may God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you—-and #StayOnTheWall!
God bless you and thank you for reading!
Love,
BCU
Hi there BCU Family!
#TeamBCU is praying in the name of Jesus for all survivors, family and friends who were/will/may be effected by Hurricane Matthew. BCU Family, please pray and as you are led by God, DO what you can to assist those in need. Thanks and God bless you!
We’re back and continuing our lesson on the Singles Chalkboard! To catch you up, the Lord blessed me with the fantastic opportunity to be a speaker at the 2016 She is Set Apart Singles (SISA) Conference last month, and I thought I’d share the audio [it cut out on occasion, but not too badly] with you.
A common question from singles is “what do I do while I wait?” I used to ask questions like that and the answer I got was “just wait” or “pray”. [This is where the blank stare comes in]. While that is accurate, there is a little more to it than that. I’m glad the Lord blessed me to know better than that–and I’ll share it with you.
What you will hear are the remaining 2.5 of the 5 areas where we singles should do an inventory check on ourselves through the Word of God. This is NOT a “fix-and get-married-quick” list, rather, as we look at these areas through the eyes of God, we start to see where we can become more like Him and move to doing just that. In the process, if it is His will to send us that mate, we’ll be more discerning, choose wisely, and even better equipped to handle the responsibility of a relationship that God is entrusting you do give your best in.
We covered 2.5 of these areas in the last podcast:
Spiritual (I Corinthians 5:17, Acts 2:38).
Financial (2 Corinthians 9:7–and not JUST money)
*Emotional (Matthew 20:11)
And we’ll cover these areas this podcast:
Emotional (Matthew 20:11)–*We’ll finish this up
Physical (I Corinthians 6:20)
Mental (Matthew 12:34)
It’s a good idea to have your notebooks handy to jot down the Scriptures, so you can study them and take note of what God tells you. Also, if you’d like more detail in a .PDF format, please send an email to Blen@BlenCouragesU.com or pop me a note in the comments. Click on the icon to listen!
Thank you so much for stopping by! If this was a blessing to you, please comment below and share it with someone–you’ll never know how the Lord may use you to encourage someone else! And if you have not done so, please like BlenCouragesU on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram! And PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes. You’ve already done that? Then tell someone you love AND your enemy–I’m trusting they will soon become your friend! 🙂
Until we are together again, may God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you and until we are together again— #StayOnTheWall!
Love,
BCU
BCU 