…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

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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).

                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rejoice, people of God! The fight is FIXED!

Hey 👋🏾 there 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 post blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

I Samuel 17:4-54 tells how giant Goliath, champion of the Philistines taunted the Israelites twice daily for over a month–looking for someone to fight him. He was “kind” enough to make a deal with the Israelites: if they won, the Philistines would be their servants, but if he won the Israelites would be servants to the Philistines. (verses 8-10). I wonder if Goliath and his crew rested assured thinking, “yep, we got them right where we want them.”

Meanwhile, the word tells us the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid! (verse 11).  These were the same people who experienced the blessings (and punishment) of God, but likely because Goliath was so big (almost ten feet) weighted with all that armor, and so confident, he frightened his opponents so NO one wanted to fight him. That is, until David, a youthful shepherd came by.

David heard about Goliath’s behavior, the Israelites’ fear, and was incensed that he would defy the army of the living God. David went to Goliath with no armour, rather with The Lord on his side, and a rock to Goliath’s forehead. As I was reading this story, the Lord pointed out three points.

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? (David–1 Samuel 17:26b)

1)Notice Goliath never touched the Israelites—he just spoke to them and they fell to pieces (see verses 8-10). In comparison, the adversary is a type of Goliath. He taunts, accuses, brings feelings of doubt, fear, worry —sometimes paralyzing us so we fall apart and we will not fight. We allow the enemy to stop us from doing what God called us to. We draw back when we notice the stern, unsmiling faces at church when we speak. We stop praising God freely because someone is looking at us. We stay out of the prayer line fearing the congregation will be wondering why we are up for prayer–again. We think,”what if God doesn’t…..” or “maybe people will laugh” or “what if I mess up?” The list can go on and on, but you get the picture. Proverbs 29:25 reminds us, the fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Whose side are we trusting on?

Let no man’s heart fail because of him [Goliath], I [David] will go and fight with this Philistine (1 Samuel 17:32).

2) While the feelings of fear, worry and doubt may creep up (that’s a normal reaction in the flesh), we have to think and act in The Spirit. Recall what David said to Goliath: You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou has defiled (1 Samuel 17:45). David had total confidence in God and the ability God gave him. AND David didn’t have the Holy Ghost, but WE do. We’ve got THE power in the name of Jesus, we just have to use it!

3) While we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (no stones needed) 😄, we do wrestle against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Our battles are fought and won with fasting, prayer, reading and applying your Word in faith, knowing that our God is God and following His battle plan ensures victory EVERY time! The fight is fixed!

The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, he will deliver from out of the hand of this Philistine. (David–1 Samuel 17:37).

Bottom line: while there are some “Goliaths” in all our lives from time to time, those of us who are Holy Ghost filled have the privilege to know the same God on whom David relied, is the same one we can call on for help. Psalms 98:1 reminds us His [God’s] right hand and His holy arm has gotten Him the victory. Because He lives in You, you can rest in knowing God is working on your behalf to ensure you will be victorious, according to His will! Glory to God!!!! Fight on and share your victory (or your struggle–we’ll be praying with you) with us in the comment section below!

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, 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

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

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

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

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

BlenCouragesU8 Comments