…And humility for the win!

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!

In recent weeks, we’ve been talking about my recent testing in pride and humility–it’s been ROUGH, y’all, but God is faithful as He brought and taught me through it.

A couple of weeks ago, while having a conversation with a family member about mouthing off, the Lord reminded me about a trial He brought me through YEARS ago where a LARGE amount of humility was required. I was a baby Christian then (probably just months old) and knew little to nothing about pride, so the way He blessed me through it was amazing. 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).

He has put them down from their mighty seats, and exalted them of low degree (Luke 1:52).

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. Acknowledge the Lord in all you ways and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom (Proverbs 13:10).

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

And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

So, BCU Fam, that’s my story! Do you have a situation about a co-worker who you’ve had to endure? How are you doing with that? 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

Let’s talk about “re-gene-ration!”

Hey there, BCU Fam!

BlenCouragesU is excited to bring you thoughts from my VERY special guest in the person of Erma Nurse-Williams! Enjoy the post and be blessed!


The second half of 2017 brings with it promises of joy, peace, and hope, but as Bishop T.D. Jakes says, we cannot be the old us and get the new blessing.

Actually, the inspiration for this post comes from his sermon on January 3, 2016 titled, “Ground Level Zero.” In the sermon, he talks about how we need to be “re-gene-rated” to claim the blessings that God has for us.

“Re-gene-ration” is the uprooting and restructuring of our genes in the spiritual sense. We have physical and spiritual genes, and it’s important to note their differences. Physical genes are made up of DNA. They contain the genetic information that determines how we look and function. Spiritual genes are made up of spirit matter, a.k.a., that stuff that determines how our soul functions.

God wants our soul to operate in His likeness. He wants our soul to be a reflection of Him. We may want that too, but sometimes our soul gets polluted with the trappings of life. When that happens, God steps in to re-gene-rate us. He gives us a new soul by reshaping, and in some instances, replacing our genes to His liking. He removes the contentious genes and replaces them with Christ-like genes. You notice that I’m using “re-” a lot, right? “Re-” is a prefix that means “again, anew.” It indicates that a birth has occurred. We are reborn several times throughout our lives as God calls and commands. These rebirths are necessary filtration processes that draw us closer to the Lord. God wants us near to Him so that we can advance His kingdom. It is through doing His will that we shall receive the ultimate peace.

As we march through the remainder of 2017, let us remember that our re-gene -ration is God’s glory manifested in us in spiritual form. The earthly works that we perform as a result of our re-gene-ration are the physical fruits of God’s goodness, grace, and mercy.

God bless you and thanks for reading!

Erma is an avid lover of pomade. She created her online store, The Pomade Shop, to share her love of pomade with the world. Find her online at ThePomadeShop.com.


BCU says: As I read Erma’s encouraging words, Paul’s words to the Romans 12 come to mind.

1)I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2)And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God  (Romans 12:1-2).

                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pride vs. Humility–Round 2

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!

Click below to listen to my “encounter” with an individual who really offended me– and what lessons the Lord taught me.

Scriptures to mediate 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).

If you love them that love you, what is your reward? Do not the publicans (tax collectors do the same? (Matthew 5:46).

[Love] does not behave itself unseemly, is not self-seeking, is not easily provoked and thinks no evil (I Corinthians 13:5).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. Acknowledge the Lord in all you ways and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom (Proverbs 13:10).

So, BCU Fam, that’s my story! What are your thoughts about the post? 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

Pride vs. Humility–Round 1

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!

Click below to listen to my “incident” with a flight attendant this past weekend and what God taught me about my response.

Scriptures to mediate 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).

When pride comes then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).

 Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom (Proverbs 13:10).

So, BCU Fam, that’s my story! What are your thoughts about the post? 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

Declaring independence from “foolishmess!”

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

As usual, you have the option of listening to our podcast, 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!

I wanted to share an “interesting” experience or maybe test that echoes the importance of prayer, and exercising wisdom so your are free from “foolishmess”.

Years ago, I was at a conference at a hotel where a handsome guy from across the aisle and I made eye contact and smiled. You know, just a friendly “hi”.  After the conference let out, as I went to run an errand, I ran into “Eye Contact!”  After some initial conversation, he very politely asked what I was doing later, where I was going to eat (all okay) and THEN he asked “could he “holla at me” after my errand (insert face of horror here). While I do not recall my exact response, it was time to exit the conversation.  As I departed, I told the Lord if this man was going to be frippery, he needed to just go away so I didn’t have to deal with him again. Ugh.

As I made my way back from my errand and through the lobby,  I heard “yo”, but I kept it moving. I heard “YO!” again. Then I heard “YO!” loud and close behind me. My curiosity said, “who is that hollering like that?!” I turned and it was Eye Contact!! Now remember, BCU Fam, I’m quite grown; I haven’t seriously been called “yo” probably since I was in high school and did not like it then. Oh, but it gets better, y’all.

So, now that he has my attention by default, he asks me to call him. And not on his cell, but in the room he was staying in, as he is looking for piece a paper to write down this valuable information On top of that, he was now speaking in hushed tones! Hello? Seriously? Ya’ll can draw your own conclusions on what Eye Contact was thinking. I’m thinking, is this happening right now? What kind of monkeyshine is this? Are men still acting like this who are over age 35? Seriously?!

While I was disgusted by Dude trying to run a game on me, I thank God for helping me to think and recognize the trick of the enemy. What happens is, the enemy likes to send a decoy to derail you when you’ve been waiting and trusting God for your blessing. Let’s review the “highlight reel” in this guy’s game, so you can declare your independence from foolishmess.
1)  The approach:

Any gentleman who really wants to approach a lady will NOT address her by “yo”. And a real lady won’t answer to that, either. That street talk is not àpropos for a virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10).

2) The pursuit

When a man wants to get to know you, he will ask you for YOUR number and pursue you, rather than him telling you to pursue him. That’s against the natural order of things! Yes, it’s 2017 and while clothes and slang has changed, men do NOT value anything handed to them! By nature men are hunters and like a challenge–they like to work for what they get! Genesis 29:20 says Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but it seemed like a few days because of the love he had for her. He did not ask Rachel to do the work while he chilled! He happily worked to get her. Sure, the customs have changed in terms of obtaining a wife, the principle still applies–he should happily do the work in pursuing you.

3) The Conversation

I know this is obvious, but is worth a revisit. No gentleman should act like he’s worried about seeing you in public. I have heard, “oh he’s shy” and “sometimes you have to help them along”. I don’t discount shyness or advocate women giving men a hard time “just cuz”. There is NO excuse for ANY MAN to be looking over his shoulder and whispering while talking to you. That’s code for married, engaged, attached, or scouting out his next prey.

What can happen to those of us who have been waiting, when we are approached by someone (rather than the one) we can respond in emotion versus wisdom–especially when we’ve been waiting awhile. Emotion says, at least we met in a store, not a club. Emotion says, at least he works part-time. Emotion says, at least he attends church occasionally.  Emotions says, he has potential.  And anytime we have to justify some of these areas which should already be shored up, we are walking in emotion versus wisdom. James 1:5 says God gives wisdom liberally for the asking. Why make foolish, emotional decisions unnecessarily? Better to not get into a situation than get caught out and live with the consequences.

With God’s help, do NOT be the low-lying fruit that any man can come by and pluck off the vine. The sweetest fruit is at the top of the tree and requires some work by the person who wants it—it’s okay for the gentleman to pursue you. If he really wants to get to know you, he will put the work in.  Know your worth and trust that good and perfect gifts come from God (James 1:17). If the “gift” doesn’t line up to what’s good, it’s NOT from God—-reject it, keep waiting and renewing your strength like Isaiah 40:31 reminds us! God has not forgotten you, BCU Fam! Your blessing is enroute according to His will and perfect wise timing.

So what encounters have you had with the opposite sex (women sometimes get out of order as well), that took you by complete surprise? Let’s talk about it in the comments section!

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!