It is Time to Die!

This morning I studied from the book of John. I ventured through chapters 7 to 14. I typically will read then pause and write at each section, but God said just read through it all. So as I began to read through I began to see the process and preparation Jesus had to experience before his crucifixion. Then the fact that Jesus had to die to save us stood out. And I was like, okay God!!! :) So what I am going through is preparing me to save someone's life and for you to get the glory. Then I started to marvel at how gracious, kind, loving, tactful, prudent, wise, unselfish and many more attributes Jesus displayed. Jesus did not experience no identity crisis,!!  He knew where He came from, who He was, Whose He was, where He was going and the PURPOSE He was called to do. He remained focused on God and stuck to that all throughout His journey up to being crucified. He NEVER compromised. He was completely sold out to God! Then the fact that something has to die kept sticking out to me. Something has to die in order for something to be manifested! I hope your hearing me right now!! Something has to die. So I googled, "does a seed die before it grows," and came to this enlightening article about seeds. http://www.examiner.com/article/seeds-for-success-pt-2-a-seed-must-die-before-it-grows

 In order for a seed to grow it has to die. "When seeds are given the right environment, which includes the right amount of water, oxygen and temperatures; the seed will germinate.  The seed absorbs water; the water softens the seed coat and causes a chemical change inside the seed. Once the seed falls into fertile ground, the outer shell begins to open as it dies; and inside the dead shell, new life awaits ( Seeds for Success Pt. 2) ."

This really stood out to me. Have I died to myself? Am I a sell out for Christ? Am I holding on to a seed that needs to die, so that God can get the increase and others will be saved? Mmmm...I began writing my first book last week and as I am writing through the first draft I am seeing a part of me that needs to die. And this study confirmed for me that the little girl inside of me needs to die so that the Warrior Woman inside of me can live. 

Excerpts from Power of Potential : 

"As I write this book I am literally battling for my life, for that other woman, for that man, for that child’s life that I have been called to change.  My life depends on writing this book and yours does too because your reading it. I came across a quote that said “vulnerability is courageous,” and if that is the case then on this day I choose vulnerability. I release myself to be courageous. I release myself to relive my pain so that someone else’s life can be saved. This is the point where the litte girl inside of me will die so I can live as the warrior woman God created me to be. I choose to die so that I can live. This is my Rites of Passage."

According to the Seeds for Success article "Experts believe that seeds are produced by as many as 250,000 kinds of plants;A plant has to produce seed to continue its legacy; so near the end of the plant’s life, the plant produces its offspring in the way of a seed. Seeds can remain dormant for different periods of time yet they are still able to germinate under proper conditions." 


 This right here is mind blowing!! I hope you see yourself in it! This is a universal truth and a natural/biological fact. If a plant has to produce seed to continue its LEGACY then what do you think you need to produce to continue Your Legacy! Have you even considered the legacy that you are leaving behind or desire to leave behind? DORMANT?! Means to have normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or if as in a deep sleep. Biological seeds can remain dormant for years!! What seeds in your life are dormant, because you have not been willing to die to yourself so that God can GROW YOU UP! Just as under proper conditions seeds can germinate even if they have been dormant for some time, so can you! God is willing, ready and able!

So I choose to give God the little girl inside of me and I give her permission to die, so that God can produce a Warrior Woman of God within me. Guess what! She has been there all along, but now in 2014 I decree that she will rise! She will rise! She will rise! In 2014 give God You!!! Give God that idol. Give God that Habit. Give God Alcohol. Give God lust. Give God Fear. Give God Anger. Give God Unforgiveness. Give God Resentment. Give God your frailties. Give God whatever is holding you back from FULLY walking in the Anointing He has placed on your Life. As I join with others at Immanuel Praise Fellowship tonight at 10pm to give God whatever is keeping me from Him, I pray you will have the courage to join me. Your 2014 is decreed to be a Blessing! God has got Awesome things in store for you. So participate , do your part, plant those seeds, Embrace our Father. Awake to the Spirit Man that resides inside of you.


 XoXo....Jasmine Nicole

Obediance

Obedience is so key in this life journey.  And I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have falling short. But thank God for His Grace and Mercy. I feel so undeserving sometimes but thank God for Jesus. This next season we transition into I want us to go into it focusing on just living righteous. We focus so much on who we don't want to become, what we don't want to do and in turn we end up becoming or falling for that very thing. Get real accountability partners, be honest with yourself,  what you can and can't handle and your accountability partner. Jesus loves us despite our sin and however many times we have put him back on the cross.  Choose today to walk in obedience. Choose Jesus over that feeling. Over that anger. Over that judgemental attitude. Over unforgiveness. Over lust. Over your "boo." Over Yourself. Don't allow anything or anybody to take away your anointing. Ignite to Movement.  Jesus Loves You.

Jesus-Constant

The beautiful thing about God is that He is always there. I love that we can never go too far, make too many mistakes or disown Him too many times.  Yes this hurts our Father,  but because of Jesus! ! Because of Jesus we have opportunities to come back to Him. Jesus stands with open arms waiting for us to embrace His Love. Thank God for Jesus. I used to think I messed up too much and just wasn't worthy enough. Why would God love someone like me? What do I have to offer Christ? That thinking led me to live astray and according to my own will. But I'm glad to say that today I am saved. My value comes from Christ alone. Without God I am nothing,  but with God!!!! Oh man! You better get out my way, lol. With God I am Bold, Anointed,  Powerful,  Called....must I go on! Yes I Am! And Praise be to the Most High God so are You!!!! Won't He Do It!!

Diagnosis

These past two and half months have been trying and challenging. I have not been reading my Word as faithfully as I should, praying and fasting. I learned in a message that there are acute problems and then there are chronic problems. When you want to treat something acute you go after the stems. When you want to treat something chronic you go after the roots.  Our stems indicates our roots. Most of our stems aren't Godly because Jesus is not at our Roots. "We are treating the stems of our problems and neglecting the roots(Pastor LaQuetta Simmons)." This message hit home hard. Here I am after all this time of being saved and delivered and serving in the church....and Bam! Stems not of God begin to seap up. So where is my root?  What is my root? Because my stems aren't reflecting Christ. This tells me that I have to be courageous enough to be vulnerable and deal with the roots that are keeping me from growing into what God wants me to be. What you plant is what you reap. I say I'm a seed of God but my stems/fruit fail to show it at times. Be willing to look deep within and inspect your roots. Make sure your source is God. Not yourself, your boo, money, school, a job...etc. #I've been diagnosed

W.O.W

WOW was amazing tonight! WOW stands for Women of Worship and this is the women's ministry at Immanuel Praise Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga. The leader of this ministry is Min.Jenise Bush and she along with Pastor LaQuetta Bush-Simmons ( Co-Pastor with her husband Pastor Kelvin Simmons of IPF) lead the women through this ministry. The ministry is phenomenal and has excellence stamped all over it. My life has not been the same since I began attending every 3rd Saturday of each month. This is a safe, LOVING,  non judgemental environment.  I cannot use the word Love enough because that is what these women have given me and countless others.
We need more ministries like this one that is genuine and adds to the life of every women that steps foot in WOW. I urge and encourage every women to be here next year 2014! Tonight was the last WOW for the year but these women will meet again next year.
If your interested in learning more about this ministry and/or how to be apart of it please go to www.immanuelpraisefellowship.com

Allow Love In...

God is so amazing. His love is awe inspiring and infectious. I sure didn't expect Him to bring love into my life and use it to heal my wounds. I always thought that I couldn't let love in until my divorce was final (Yes i said divorced, thats another blog in the making) and I was walking fully in perfection, but that was not the case.  Love came knocking and God saw that it was good and as afraid as I was I let love in. Surely it wasn't without a fight because I had to get to a point that I believed that I deserved to be loved by a man who could love and see me as Jesus does. Jesus loves us so much. He knows exactly what you and you and you need, want and desire. And He is so amazing that He will give it to you all in His order and timing based on your obediance to Him. Allowing love in for me is beautiful,  because its apart of my healing process as a woman of God and a woman of anointing. Love is being vulnerable. Love is trusting, even when it hurts & isn't pretty. Love is unconditional and always has your back. Love is your #1 fan even when that's your only fan. Love is God. Love heals, Love delivers, Love protects,  Love provides, Love loves, Love gives exactly what it has, Love is resurrecting...Love is Jesus. Thank God for Jesus.

So trust God, Listen and Obey Him. If he says to leave that "random" then do it. If he says not to date for a year then do it. If he says serve me like this then do it. Its in your serving him that you will discover your partner.  When God says its time your life partner will awake and so will you and when your in eachothers presence a shift will occur. Then that process is a lot of work in itself, so listen, trust and Obey our Lord. He knows best, so there is no need to stress. Love is...You. Ignite Love & Move.

XoXo,
Jasmine Nicole

#Won't He Do It!

Wow! God is so Amazing!  He knows exactly what you need, so trust Him. Let me tell you about the God I serve!!! A couple months ago God told me to leave my job.  Did you read this good?! He said "daughter,  leave your job. You asked me to take you to your wealthy place so you need to leave your job and do this 5linx business." And I was like, okay Lord but I don't know Jesus. I got benefits, security, great repor with Supervisors. I'm good Jesus. But I was working in Beverly Hills and that is a 30 minute drive going and 1-2 hour drive home. And my car was taking a hitting from all that commuting.  And honestly I was ready to leave. I worked with children in an after school program  and my passion began lacking. I love working with children and love teaching. But leave my job?! I have to point out that I struggled working in Beverly Hills.  Having to deal with people's prejudices and being one of the few Black women was not always easy but I LEARNED so much. And God is So Intentional. So back to my story!! So after a couple weeks I finally put in my resignation after working there almost 2 years.  The only source of income I had was an Internship and that was only 12 hours a week. So it wasn't a source of income that could sustain me. So two weeks later I leave my job. My supervisors were sad to see me go and my last day was bittersweet, but I was OBEDIANT and I trust God! So now I'm going to my internship and now bills need to be paid. Oh and my car starts having mechanical problems. So I got a little bit of money and a list of bills, including rent. I believe and follow the Laws of the Harvest, so I give my TITHE & OFFERING Faithfully!! So whatever I get from my internship I sowed it back to God. Whatever I got from family, I sowed it back to God. I was torn because I wasn't able to give as much since I wasn't making that much anymore but I gave my 10 percent and Offering and gave toward my $500 Seed Pledge. My last day was Oct 18th so I have been unemployed since then. It has been a learning and humbling experience. My God you are good! I struggled with doubt, worry, concern and I combated it with tears running down my face saying I trust you God, I trust you. I was at a point where I had no control.  I had to submit myself fully, really trust God and have real Faith. I say real Faith because real faith is trusting that God will sustain you after leaving a job and having no other secure income coming in. Im doing my 5linx and getting No's left and right[Network marketing is a billion dollar industry by the way & the services are essential! We use them everyday & you pay lower prices for same products you use everyday]. So I'm like okay Lord...are you sure this is what you said? Maybe I heard you wrong. Then a friend of mine shares with me about her job hiring for black friday at Charlotte Russe.  #Humbling I haven't worked retail in 5 years Jesus. Oh no no no! Lol! But I was like okay i could use extra money. And who am I to think any job is beneath me. Check your Heart Jasmine! So I go to the interview,  get hired and work black friday. I actually had fun and enjoyed working with all the ladies. Plus it came natural because I worked retail for so long, love fashion and helping others. So it was a great day. So that was a one day job so now I'm back to not working my internship at all because my hours are cut and I really don't have nothing. Zero.Zelch.Nada. But I give the little I have and sow my seeds. A week or so later I get  a call from Charlotte Russe asking me to work! And it was supposed to be a one time job. Wow! Okay Lord. Ill take it! Then i get an email that says "Jobs!" From Immanuel Praise Fellowship the next day and it says Christian Preschool now hiring in Rancho Cucamonga. What! Okay Jesus!  Well I will apply and go from there. I call at 7:15am to inquire about position and gave my info to staff. Then I send my resume and receive a call from the director that afternoon to come in for interview the next day. I go in for an interview on Friday the 6th and after seeing the daycare preschool, meeting staff and children then getting my interview...I got the job! :-) Okay Lord!  This is an amazing fit. I get to teach kids about Jesus,  what?! I get to teach praise dancing to kids, what?! I see more beautiful Black children, what?! Awww Lord you done, done it now! *praise break** Aaayyyy!!!* So Sisters and Brothers I am a living witness and testament to when you are OBEDIANT,  step out on Bold FAITH,  TRUST GOD then He will give you way more than what you need, want and desire. Won't He Do It! Yes He Will! I praised Him when I had nothing and when he gave me something.  I spend time with God, I study His Word, His will is my will. We must take up our cross daily. Stay connected. He is good! What He Does For Me, He Will Do For You!! God does not discriminate.  Trust Him!! We are all in this together!

With Jesus,
Jasmine Nicole

Trust.Worry.Faith.Doubt.

Greetings People of God!! I want to encourage you all, including myself to Trust in the Lord on today! Stand on the Word of God, because His Word is True. Jesus always remain connected to the Father. No matter what He did. He always prayed, went away by his self to spend time with Gid and made sure that the will in which he acted under was the will of God. I am studying the book of John and in John 5 Jesus said, "By myself I can do nothing (v.30)." So if Jesus! Jesus! Knew that He could do nothing without the Father, why are we trying to do everything without Jesus? Why do we believe that we can handle and carry our own issues, pain, problems, worry and the like. But on today I am charging us all to cast everything on Christ. He is literally saying, Daughter I am Here! Rest on Me! Let me drive you, lead you, carry you, guide you, hold your hand, Let me!! Then Praise Him for that class you need to pass, that test you have to take, that person you will help, the sickness that you will be made whole, the financial blessings that are about to pour down upon you. Praise Him! And when you feel doubt, worry, stress come along...just say I trust you. Thats what I do with tears in my eyes, I say I trust you. When I have no gas and have to pick someone up and take them somewhere, I say I trust you. When my bills are past due I say I trust you. Trust and believe that He will make a way. His Way is the best way. If He did it before He WILL DO IT AGAIN!!! Amen!

Serving,

Jasmine Nicole

just when the caterpillar thought the world was over...

This quote really spoke to me and my situation and reminded me that there is an end. An awesome, great end in Christ.  You may be in your caterpillar experience right now and the process is slow, challenging, painful and you lost sight of the vision or just cannot see what God is doing through you. Well Sisters!  God is about to TRANSFORM you into a Butterfly!!! Change comes through chaos. It doesn't come through taking the easy way. Stars in the sky are literally formed out of chaos. They collide with eachother, collapse, become denser, lose gravity...but in the end a Star is born. So continue to strive and persevere in your caterpillar experience and Trust & Believe that God is about to Transform You! #BOLD#CONFIDENCE#YOUAREALIONNOTAGAZELLE#ItsAlwaysSpiritualNeverPersonal#MoveSisters!

Unfathomable God

Have you ever been in a season where nothing makes sense?  What God is telling you just doesn't seem feasible but you hear Him loud and clear.  Well Sisters that's where I am! God has told me to resign from my job...yes just like that. I'm like God for real!!! I'm secure, i'm comfortable. ..I got benefits Jesus!! When people around me are asking for prayer to get a job and your asking me to leave my job...I just can't fathom it. But you know what I ask God...I ask God to direct my paths. I  confess that I trust in Him with all my heart and will not lean on My own understanding. That in all my ways I will acknowledge Him and because of that He will direct my paths. ( Proverbs 3:5 )  I commit my plans (work, school, family, career, single life, career)to the Lord and trust that He will establish my way (Proverbs 16). Then in the midst of Him honoring my request I begin to doubt because the process. Sisters I am Here today sharing this with you in hopes of encouraging you to have ExtraOrdinary Faith and step out in boldness on those things that God is calling you to do. The devil will send the demons of doubt, fear, worry...to get you second guessing what God has already told you. But tell those demons to die in the name of Jesus!  Trust what God has for you is for you.I didn't even mention my car starting to overheat on me while I was on my way to beverly hills(the job I'm resigning from) to fill out paperwork.  The devil is a lie! ! When all seems to be falling right in front of your eyes... Give God a shout!! Praise Him for what He is orchestrating in your life, destiny, purpose, mission...The devil knows you are getting close to your breakthrough so his pulling in all the reinforcements. So don't be fooled Sisters.  Trust what He told you!! The devil doesn't know that his helping to build your testimony!! So sisters I need you all to speak to the Warrior Women of God that resides in your soul and pray on behalf of your Sisters & Yourself! And walk in your Birthright!  You are the Daughter & Son of the most High God. You are a Co-Heir with Christ!! You are a Lion and Not a gazelle. I love you all dearly!  Have a God-Favored Day!



Because of God,
Jasmine Nicole

"Do It Afraid!"

So I am beginning my blogging on today! God has placed it upon my heart to begin writing for the longest and it seems like time has not been in my favor. Yet, I have decided on today that I will simply "do it afraid!" I am unsure of what the outcome will be to my writing. I am unsure if my writing will touch the lives of anyone. I am unsure if anyone will even read these posts, but on today I choose to "Just do it!" With no expectations, but just to pour my heart and spirit out onto this blog. I am in this season of transformation. I know that God is about to shift me, because I have been going through battles...some Won and some lost. But no matter what God is always there guiding and leading me. He simply just wants for me to let him drive and for me to sit back and ride. Riding is hard to do, because I like to direct. Not only do I like to direct but I like to know where I am going and when I am going to get there. I want to know all the miniscule details. But God is saying "Rest" Daughter. "Trust" Daughter that I am driving, carrying, leading, guiding and taking you all the way through to where I want you to be. So anyways...today I did something afraid and not knowing what to expect and God showed up! #Won't He Do It! Last year I graduated from the community college in which I attended and began the process to transfer to a University. I had one more class that was required for me to begin attending a University. I was accepted to 4 Universities and agreed to attend the one I thought was the best choice. As my final semester began to come to an end...I ended up receiving a [D] in the course which made me ineligible to transfer. I was devastated and felt like everything including the visions and purpose God had given me had fell apart. Man oh man! I was a mess. Can you say Humility?! Because it sure has been a humbling experience. But four months later I see God working and I am beginning to understand why it was not time for me to transfer. Yes I failed a class (and not to mention took the class over passed with a [B] hallelujah! And the University still did not reinstate my admission)and God could have worked in my favor but He had to teach me something. So where was I....almost four months later and I am reapplying to schools and God is good because I had no money to but He made it possible for me to receive 4 fee waivers and apply for free!Amen!Because I didnt have the money I was thinking about not applying but God said apply and I said I will TRUST YOU LORD and He made a way. I went down to a lecturer at Scripps College by myself to hear Dr.Julianne Malveux speak and because I introduced myself to a Professor that was there God was able to place it on her heart to give me her info and connect me with someone to help me get in to Pitzer College. I was afraid to introduce myself, I had no idea what to say....but God said introduce yourself and I will do the rest. So a couple weeks later Im contemplating calling the Professor and going down to the school, but I finally do it( Do it afraid!). I met with a counselor and he gave me so much beneficial information I did not know and at the end of my meeting I come to find out that he is one of the counselors specifically for Transfer students ( Ya'll dont see what God is doing!!). Wow! If I did not drive down to that school because of my fear of not knowing what to say or who to speak to I would have never came across another person who can get me a step closer to getting in to the University in which so many people including myself dream to go. So for now I will end here and encourage all of you to "DO IT AFRAID!" With God you have NOTHING to lose. Trust Him! Step out on Faith! Do NOT Allow Fear to hold you back any longer!!! Spend time with God, our Father, our Daddy. He loves us Unconditionally! Do It Afraid!!!

Motivational Clip! It's Time To Move!

 

XoXo,

Jasmine Nicole