Faith, Persistence & Humility.

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:

  • We recently had the privilege of visiting God’s Holy Temple in DeSoto, TX.
  • First Lady Lakeisha Perry taught one on of my FAVORITE scriptures—Luke 18.
  • In this recording, Sister Perry will remind us of the importance of faith, humility and salvation, along with persistence in prayer in the face of adversity.

Scripture references:

Luke 18:1-7

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 18:9-14

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 18:15-26

15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

Luke 18:27

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.


BCU Fam, the Lord used Sister Perry to break down and connect this chapter in a way that I had NEVER heard before. In addition to persistent prayer, we need to have faith, humility and surrender to God, knowing that what is impossible with man is possible with God. It sounds simple, because it is—we just tend to complicate things, especially when what we are praying about does not come to pass right away, or things start to take unexpected turns. But God has a way of stepping in at the right time to avenge His very elect that cry out to Him day and night. Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!


Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your Word today and for You being our Avenger. Thank You for reminding us that nothing escapes Your knowledge and that You will always take care of Your elect. We thank You for blessing us to walk in a spirit of humility towards the people we serve, helping us not to put our trust in the things of this world, and that through You, ALL things are possible! 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, 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 PodcastsiHeart 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

Lessons from a Flight Incident: Pride v. Humility

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

This podcast is a much-needed revisit and reminder that I am so amped to share with you! 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 a frequent flier, I am very accustomed to the rules relating to carry-ons and such.
  • Years ago, on a flight, I was settling in when a flight attendant gave me a hard time, and made me stow my perfectly legal carry-on——-that had my purse and SNACKS in it!
  • As I fumed, I pled my case with the Lord because I know I was right and she was wrong!
  • Listen in to see how what the Lord did on my behalf.

KJV Scripture References:

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, when I first pleaded my case with the Lord, I was NOT expecting that answer LOLOL! I give God glory, though, for His correction. It is so much better if we get the lesson right on this side of Heaven, than to see Jesus after we leave here and have to depart from Him for deliberate and willful disobedience. And in doing what the Lord said, I am grateful for how things turned out. When we do things God’s way, we get His results, which are always perfect. Amen? Amen!

What are your thoughts about the post? Please scroll on down to the comments section and let’s continue our conversation!

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 podcastsYouTube podcastsPandora, 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

Unveiling Pride: | BCU Word of the Week

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:

Scripture references

Proverbs 13:10

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Daniel 5:20

20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

Proverbs 29:23

23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.


BCUFam, I know I ended the conversation, but I had to come back! The sprit of pride can sometimes be a “sleeper sin”, meaning in creeps in unaware, as it relates to our family status, social standing, or even pride in our church affiliation or salvation. When I was a youngster, someone told me if a person did not attend our church, they were not saved. I did not realize it at the time, but that was a prideful (high-minded, insensitive and wrong) attitude. I thank the Lord for showing me that the person erred and for Him teaching me that salvation comes from obeying Acts 2:38, and then growing in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are other ways pride can overtake us, so it is on our best interest to ask the Lord to search our hearts and remove any prideful roots in the name of Jesus! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we come before You with a thankful heart for reminding us that pride breeds quarrels, ruins relationships, and it comes before destruction. With that knowledge, we ask that You help us to remove the weeds of pride from the root, and that we walk in the spirit of humility. We give you all the glory and honor for giving us the privilege of humbly representing You in all our interactions, 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 podcastsYouTube podcastsPandora, 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

Helllloooo BCUFam!

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!

  • 2021 was a year of challenge for many of us—myself included.
  • God gives us people for a season–it’s important to nurture relationships.
  • The people we are given are not always easy to deal with, but God commands up to love them anyway.
  • We can do that with His help.

Scripture references: (King James Version)

Matthew 5:38-48

38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 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;

45 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.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.


BCUFam, my intent was to come on for a “casual” conversation/update, but the Lord led me in this way and I THANK Him! I’ve been dealing with some unlovely people, and this was a timely reminder to do what God says–exercising humility and kindness, rather than “clapping back”. God saw everything and will take care of the offense in His own time and way. Meanwhile, I want to be sure with His help, that I continue doing what I am supposed to do, so I may have the honor of being called a child of my Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:45a). Amen? Amen!

If you have not already 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! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio Google Play, and  Apple podcasts. Finally, please join us LIVE on Thursday nights at 8:05pmEST onYouTube.


Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

The people we are given are not always easy to deal with, but God commands up to love them anyway.

@blencouragesu

Throwback post–Let’s talk about pride.

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:

  • A few years ago, the Lord led to start a *BCU YouTube channel where we did an in-depth study on a word or phrase from the Scriptures
  • The Lord led me to share the audio/video on the word “pride”.
  • Pride [zadon in Hebrew] means to “boil” up, to be arrogant or high-minded.
  • The sin of pride is a chosen disposition that only cares about one’s own feelings or situation.
  • Left unchecked, pride will keep us living in a frequent visitor in a state of offense.
  • Walking in humility and forgiveness how the Lord wants us to live our lives.

Scripture meditation:

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

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

But when his [Nebuchchadnezzar’s] heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him (Daniel 5:20).

A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit (Proverbs 29:23).

 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:16).

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matthew 18:35).

So BCU Fam, what do you think about our topic du jour? Is forgiveness easy for you? What about walking in humility when being offended? Are we replaying situations that keep is living in a state of offense?  Let’s talk about it in the comments section below!

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 , and Instagram! 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

*I know, I have not uploaded a video in a LONG time. I’m hopeful to get back to the videos–I miss doing them! 🙂