journal – Heartdwellers Africa

Holy Week: The Lord Is Looking For Fruit Of Repentance

April 17, 2019 From Jesus With LoveLeave a comment

This is my first time truly observing Lent and really coming before the Lord to have his way in me. To remove anything in me that displeases him and oh how he has taken me upon that offer or better yet I don’t think it was my inclination at all. It was his and he simply wanted to let me in on what he was going to do anyway lol. So there has been a lot of trials where I can see the Lord is testing my faith, ridding me of fear, testing my patience, having temptation to return back to the lust of the world and really calling me deeper in surrender. He has had me at his feet so that I may come to know him more, grow in discernment and have deeper fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

He has had me at his feet also on Sundays, where I learn from him the most and this past Sunday woke up feeling completely exhausted after prayer as I thought to myself “Lord maybe I should go to church today because after all it is Palm Sunday. However, he put a desire in my heart that he wanted to teach me about Palm Sunday what it really means and the significance to our Christian walk. So this blog is expressing the ideas of a minister whom the Lord led me to listen too to learn the true meaning of Palm Sunday and further more Lent. It such amazing revelations and gave me a greater understanding that this “religious holiday” is not just to be recognized or just to do a devotional and then go right back to the way things were before. No, the Lord is indeed wanting to purify and call us all to repentance. A word were not really familiar with in this generation that no longer desires to be talk about sin but only God’s grace it seems thereby living like the world but professing Jesus. Furthermore, causing this generation lack greatly in personal holiness and that is what the Lord is desiring that we be holy as he is holy. He then offers “grace” to obtain that! Either way I am just like the rest for truly I am a working progress and have much willful sin the Lord is dealing in me daily Pride, Self righteousness, Jealously, Gossip, Lust the list goes on however he continues to remind me as he shows me all these hidden sin. That his grace is available for me to overcome this sins, baring fruit to really live a holy life. So may this Holy Week be a week where we all give ourselves over the Lord for him to prune us and bare fruit worthy of repentance

Palm Sunday: Fruit of Repentance Sermon Notes

Matthew 21:1-11
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, ²saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” ⁴This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. ⁷They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. ⁸Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” ¹⁰And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” ¹¹And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Bethany means “house of figs” while Btehpage is house of “un-ripe figs”
-Jesus left a house full of believers into a town of people shouting his praise who lacked repentance for they soon would be the ones to yell “crucify him”
-“Figs” symbolize Fruit of repentance The Triumphal Entry of Jesus was foreshadowing of a Parable being acted out ” the Parable of the Fig Tree”

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree Luke 13:6-9

And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. ⁷And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’⁸And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. ⁹Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Jesus ministry was for 3 1/2 years to the Jewish people, the fig tree baring no fruit was the Jewish people and the “man” is God the father coming to retrieve fruit from his chosen people but finds none and wants to cut it off. However, our beloved Jesus the “vinedresser” tells the Father no give Jewish people more time and if not then cut them down. We know know it means to give salvation to the Gentiles first instead of the Jews who ended up rejected him!

Back to the Triumphal Entry
He rode on ass before riding on a colt , the ass represents the Jews and the Colt represents the Gentiles. The Lord came to the Jews first but they rejected him and the Gentiles repented and accepted him to receive salvation.
-The Palm leaves were a sign of great triumph not only in Christian art but victory in sports hence the crowd waiving pal branches
-During this time of lent he has been looking for fruit worthy of repentance. He has come again to check our “Fig trees”, to see if we are baring fruit worthy of repentance.
Oh, how easily we praise him with Palm leaves in our hands one day then the next we crucify him with our sinful ways actions. How easily we can be so much like the crowd, tossed too and fro in commitment from one day to the next.
Jesus knew men were fickle so he never entrusted himself to any man ( John 2:24)

The Lesson of The Fig Tree Matthew 24:32-35
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as it branches become tender and sproutleaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door

So what is the lesson in all of this? The branches are tender in this generation Jesus is coming very soon!

Will the Lord find Holy people in his church today when he comes to check the Fig Tree? Will the Lord find fruit on your tree worthy of repentance when he comes to check?

We must commit ourselves to holiness, charity in serving others and sanctity lets ask the Lord for these graces and to prune us so we may be a fruitful bride!

-From Jesus With Love

Miss Misunderstood….Lord Deliver Me

November 12, 2018November 12, 2018 From Jesus With LoveLeave a comment

1 Peter 3:14-17
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their intimidation;do not be shaken.”But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope you possess. But respond with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you will be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

It has been that type of season for me. Where I find myself feeling so misunderstood and criticized as the Lord continues to break me, crush me and mold me for his purposes and use. I found myself feeling the need to defend my walk, defend what I believe, defend what I am doing, defend even how I look. However, this approach was always wrong n the first place I should’ve never tried to defend myself but, allow the Lord to do that. If I was indeed in his will but, that darn flesh always gets in the way. lol So here I am always feeling the need to say something to justify myself.

The Lord has made it clear so many times in scripture that to follow him we must deny ourselves pick up our cross and follow him, that those who love their lives will lose it but those he hate their lives will find it. Furthermore, that if we love our mother, brother sister anyone more than him we are not worth of him. So the Lord has been putting me through test within this season. I’ve had to be obedient to all that the Lord had asked me to do recognizing those around me the Lord didn’t speak to and they wouldn’t understand which was okay.

So when the Lord called me to leave my apartment than rerouted me back to my mom’s to learn humility and charity…(its okay they wont understand)

When the Lord has called me to work from home and not a 9-5 fully trusting him with my provision..(its okay they wont understand)

When the Lord has called me too a lifestyle of consecration and intercession…(its okay they wont understand)

When the Lord called me to give my life to helping the poor and needy thereby living on only the bare necessities of life …(its okay they wont understand)

When the Lord began to teach me about his blessed Mother, the power of the Rosary prayer and the saints …(its okay they wont understand)

When the Lord has called me to warn his children about his impending return and end-times prophetic events (its okay they wont understand

When the Lord has called me to follow Him….not any in the footsteps of any other minister or Pastor…(its okay they wont understand)

Why, because he hasn’t called “them” to this but me. It was out of pride many times that I felt the need too explain or too justify myself or wanting them to really come to understand my calling but, can I be honest..I dont even fully understand what I am called too. lol So how then those around me the Lord hasn’t spoken too. I had to remind myself of these things and recognized me wanting to be understood could easily become a form of idolatry. Which could have me bound to fear of men or seeking the praises of them. Then the Lord gave me this rhema word:

“Through scorn and contempt I am training you to be free from the opnions of men and to walk in brotherly love”

So I am coming to understand that I am not called to be understood but I am called to follow Jesus and be obedient to what he tells me alone. The Lord as able to use anyone to speak through and as a dear friend reminded me after prayer He said I feel the Lord is saying “for you to be gracious towards everyone and accept peoples criticism”. At first my flesh wanted to get defensive, well okay I got defensive lol .Then in the days ahead it sunk in that it indeed was from the Lord and his desire was for me to recognize it was him allowing people to misunderstand me, criticize me or despise me because he was transforming me into his likeness. Just another part of the breaking from the Lord he reminded me through this book called “Imitation of Christ” that he too endured all his trials in patience and wanted me to do the same. He too was reproached by men, rebuked for his doctrine, had many contradictions, and a man acquainted with grief and sorrow but ,was completely obedient and abandoned to the Father. He wanted me to do the same for if He endured this cross to be crushed for our sake than how much more I for love of him and my brother. So I began to pray to the Lord, Father please deliver me from wanting to be understood in Jesus name!

So I ask of you, are you called by the Lord but find yourself feeling as if you have to defend that call, have to explain yourself, or tell others what the Lord has spoken to you to do? Have you found yourself feeling alone many times, no one to understand you but desiring to be obedient to the Lord? Then began to thank the Lord for this cross he has allowed you to bare because you look just like him now! He is slowly but surely break, crushing and molding YOU at of YOU so that YOU die and He lives his life in you. He is teaching you not to be moved by the opinions of men, nor having their praise validate who you are but teaching you to trust him and seek praise only from above. It wont be easy but so rewarding as you….and me both endure patiently.

-Miss…Undertood

From Jesus With Love

Renewing My Vows

April 20, 2018April 24, 2018 From Jesus With Love1 Comment

I am hearing His whisper….
Today you will renew your vows to Me. I will cause you to remember those words you spoke to Me when I first unveiled My love in Your heart. You said to Me that you will love Me and serve Me and go with Me where I lead you.
Today you will renew that vow to Me. And you will know that I am in You, even as you are in Me. I am energized to show you My love as you renew your passion to do My will. There is a work ready for you to do, good works that will bring Me much glory.
You are ready, for I have prepared you. The only thing that now remains is that you fasten Your heart to Mine and come with Me. I will revive your soul until your life overflows with My goodness. Many will see and trust in Me as your life presents My fullness to others.
I will cause the veil to drop in front of you and you will gaze upon mysteries you have never seen before. You will see what angels see and feel the fire of My passion.
What I will reveal to you cannot be learned by books or through the instructions of men. I, Myself, will make your heart to know Me and understand My ways. The preparation I am calling you is this: renew your vows of love to Me today and I will show you things that will change you forever.

– Passion Translation

“I have fallen, I have fallen and I can’t get up”…..this has been the cry of my heart this season. Woooo………. it has been a whirl wind of battle after battle that I continuously failed; because I allowed my flesh and emotions to get in the way of what the Lord was trying to do. Which was to grow me more in virtue and character to resemble him as his bride. I didn’t realize how miserably I had failed until I found myself brokenhearted, wounded, utterly discouraged, weary and looking back to see the many missed opportunities where I could’ve responded like him….in LOVE.

Instead I had allowed seeds of resentment, bitterness, unforgivness to fall in my heart. I had allowed the enemy of my soul to steal my peace, my joy, and even my hope. I had indeed fallen and wasnt sure how to get up anymore. I began to have pride swell in my heart as I questioned Gods ways, wanting to have understanding and feeling entitled too a different path of MY CHOICE and not the one he had laid out for me, because it was so uncomfortable and painful. I thought to myself, of course this has to be wrong and MY WAY has to be right. ( I got God figured out right) ?WRONG!. I was frustrated as I continued to worry instead of trust, and question instead of seeking his face for clarity.

What made things worse in light of all of these things was that my weakness was put on display for others to see. As the enemy would push sensitive buttons over and over again and as I would react in my flesh over and over again. I began to despise my weakness and cried out to the Lord to heal me, fix me but what I love about Jesus is that he is not like a man at all. He gently picked me up in prayer, held me to his chest so tightly and allowed me to be there. Without any words his love would wash over me and he understood perfectly every fiber of my being, he understood perfectly every pain and torment I was going through, he understood perfectly my wants and needs that only he could fulfill. As I felt him say in my heart ” Beloved don’t despise your weakness or be ashamed for others to see it. In fact boast in your weakness so my grace would be perfected in you. I made you just the way you are in your weakness so you could rely on me even more. Your weakness calls you to intimacy with me”

So this weekend I told the Lord I want to get away with him. I am desperate for his presence and to hear his words of truth to wash away the lies and labels I incurred. I am in need of his balm of Gilead to be poured out upon my heart to heal and strengthen me and his words of wisdom to give me clarity and direction in this season of my life. So 3 1/2 years into our relationship I am going to renew my vows again to Jesus. I am going to empty myself of all I think I know, of all I have been taught and sit at his feet like a child to be taught all over again. I need him to rekindle the fire of my love so I may continue this journey with the same passion and love for his will in my life. I believe as his bride its so important we do this from time to time. We can begin to get so casual with our relationship with Jesus that we sometimes lose our way and fall….not knowing how to get back up, but we thank God that he runs to pick us up and is still willing to continue this journey with us!

-From Jesus With Love

Choosing Jesus Or Choosing Nana: The Fight Of Self-Denial

August 8, 2017 From Jesus With LoveLeave a comment

(Pic credits Kevin Carden website http://www.christianphotoshops.com)

I have found to walk with Christ takes two decisions, first confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that he is Lord which seals your salvation then…..( the part which majority of us believers struggle with) to DENY YOUR FLESH completely in total surrender that He may live. Which I have come to realize is day by day, decision by decision to choose Jesus rather than to choose Nana. I don’t pass the test every time but the longer I am walking with Christ the more apparent that call seems, the quicker I find myself willing to sacrifice my desires for his…Now I didn’t say easier lol Don’t be mistaken it is hard but dying is never easy.

I had given my life to the Lord at a young age but I hadn’t given him my life. So when the Lord called me to surrender my life 3 years ago I hesitatingly did. Not realizing it would be the greatest, most amazing and difficult decision I had and will ever make. However, I began to get rhemas from the Lord asking for “total surrender” and I would wonder hmmm Lord I have completely surrendered, (or so I thought) I don’t get it. You have my heart and my life is yours now. Not realizing he wanted complete control of my time, my body, my money, my plans etc….you name it He wants it all. So many times as believers we declare God you can have it all, whatever you want, my life is yours but do we really mean that and are we willing to live a sacrificial, crucified, hedged in life , denying ourselves every worldly pleasure and living only for the perfect will of God?? I would say many Christians don’t , especially in our generation and in our western Christianity. I remember the Holy Spirit speaking to me these words:

“In this generation we call obedience legalism and holiness religious”

So true! I remember being so frustrated at times because I slowly started noticing as I walked with Jesus there were many things other Christians could do but I couldn’t. For the life of me I couldn’t understand it. I thought the christian life was suppose to be fun with Jesus! lol No, the Lord was like is “your called to be holy and pure for me”. So I have found myself many times making plans, having personal desires and them being completely adverted because Jesus has plans for me as his bride to do instead. So i have been learning to submitted to my bridegroom.

One instance was two days ago, where I found myself weary at my moms house with all my nieces and nephews over. The day felt like I was taking care of a day care lol. I was unable to get any work done really and wanted to get away. Just then a friend from my Kenya team reminded me of get together they were hosting at their home. Watching the Avengers movie and eating snacks. So having a strong desire to go, I first wanted to make sure it was okay with the Lord first so I asked him for a rhema I got “Sickness” . Now when I get scriptures about that either I am asking for healing or the Lord is saying my mind is sick, I have come in agreement with wrong thinking…hmmm. So having a slight nudge he didn’t want me to go and would rather have me spend time with him. I thought I am not sick (like I didn’t know) and went anyway lol. As soon as I got in front of their house a song came on the radio guess what the Lyrics where ” There is a sickness in the world where people are looking to fill the void but can only be filled with Jesus” All I could do was laugh, I was like nooooo. Jesus I am already here (the Lord can use anything to talk to us by the way). Then the second song came on lyrics ” Lord help me to listen to what you tell me to do”. I reasoned with the Lord saying, moms house is crowded where can i go to spend time. Then the idea came to mind to go to my sisters place, she was out of town for trip so would have the place to ourselves. So with my face in my palm, I looked up looking at the inviting house, movie, fellowship and snacks or leave and head to my sisters. I had a decision to make….To Choose Jesus or Choose Nana. Nana, wanted to have escape, have fun and relax with friends and Jesus wanted to escape with me, have fun and have me relax in his heart…… (with a sigh ) lol I said yes, Lord. I chose Jesus (that is all by his grace)

I made my way to my sisters apartment and there I had 3 hours of the most awesome and intimate time with alone in her walking closet. I left feel at peace, no longer burdened, loved and feeling full of purpose. Jesus has called me and if not all of us to a life of TOTAL SURRENDER . We must understand it takes our permission for the Lord to complete His work in us. He is a gentleman, he wont force his will on you but will you yield to his? Jesus has asked me to live a life denying myself of the news, of movies, of TV, of Entertainment. of certain food, of sweets, idle time wasted hanging out, many worldly pleasures, worldly comforts and live on the bare necessities which come from him alone just to name a few. It feels like a tug of war every time but, God is so gracious and patient with me lol. He has me hedged finely and I am learning to appreciate that rather than complain. I get asked many times lately about intimacy with Jesus and I always tell them one of the many components to walking with Jesus so intimately is to deny yourself, not all at once. The Lord works with us all in stages and by layers, its one day at a time waking up to say I choose you Jesus today above my desires, my plans and my comforts so will you make a decision and choose Jesus every time? Ask him for the grace to make you willing to be made willing!

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

-From Jesus With Love

My Valentines Letter To Jesus….My Marriage Vows

February 17, 2017February 17, 2017 From Jesus With Love2 Comments

letter

I know valentines day has passed but wanted to share a sweet moment that I had that day. 3 years ago began my covenant relationship with Jesus I didn’t know what true love was until I surrendered my desire to be loved to him. Since then he has captured my heart, my body, my mind and soul. Truly the God that we serve is so gentle, so tender, so loving, so gracious, so good, so funny, so faithful, and so steadfast. He indeed has become my everything. You see before surrendering to the Lord I didn’t know you could be this intimate with him, I thought he was just a distant God who watched over us, answered prayer and got upset if we did something wrong but that is so far from the truth lol. The saddest part is many people see Jesus this way because they have allowed Man, religion….and I hate to say it the Church, Christians and even pastors to show them who God is rather than looking at Jesus life to be a true reflection of the heart and nature of the one true God!

Exodus 34:1, 4-10
“A God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love

So all of this in my heart prompted me to share my relationship with two other young ladies who then decided to give themselves wholeheartedly to Jesus in a covenant relationship on Valentines day. We had our church young adults ministry and we held a short but sweet wedding ceremony. Where three of my friends bought purity rings and vowed to keep themselves for Jesus until their marriage. It was so awesome. We all had vows we wrote to Jesus and had witnesses to hold us accountable. I am now excited to do this journey with my friends and many others who are now beginning to desire intimacy with God and take their walk with Jesus seriously! These are photos of my friends below…as the Beyoncé song goes “If you like what you see put a ring on it”…well Jesus did lol!

So here go my marriage vows to the King of My heart Jesus after 3 long years of marriage lol:
Jesus, we have been through so much together. The first two years was the most difficult I had many thoughts of doubt and even divorce at moments but, your relentless patience, love, gentleness, and faithfulness held me together. You continue to make me feel like I am the only woman in all the world that you love. You have made me stronger, better, you have encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone. You have been my anchor, my rock, and my protector when fear has set in. You have never left my side when many times I have wandered. You have never lusted for another when many times my eyes and my heart has wandered. You are indeed made just for me and I just for you. You have taught me the love and beauty in submission and seeking your wisdom in every decision as my life partner. You have comforted me in the most darkest moments. You held me together when no one else could. My tears are liquid words that you only can read and understand. You have gone before me in all things and as my rear and front guard you have hedged me finely. You are indeed the true lover of my soul. You have shown me love that surpasses anything of this world. Your presence is something I cherish may I never take it for granted. I consecrate myself to you my love on this day. I give you my body, my heart, my soul, my mind to be fully yours. I vow to stick this out through thick and thing for all of eternity. I vow to always make you the first person I talk to in the morning and the last at night. I vow to be your help mate, laying down my life to help you build your kingdom. To cover your mission and purpose in prayer. I vow to defend, stand up and be unashamed of you and who you are to me. I vow to share you with others because this is the only marriage you have graced to be and “open marriage”. I vow to take care of our children and family. Jesus I love you take this strong-willed, hotmess of a girl to be your bride!

Isaiah 62:5
As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

As a believer living in this time we have the most beautiful grace to know Jesus even more intimately because we are his “Bride” that goes for you to guys 🙂 . The Church is the bride of Christ but since were individual members and our bodies are his temple we too are individual are his bride. In my season of singleness I have come to know and love Jesus as my hubby before my physical hubby comes! lol He has taught me submission, trusting in him, consecrating my body to him alone, seeking him for wisdom before I make any major decisions, helping me be a good steward of my time so we have time for each other, going on dates with him and including him in every aspect of my life. Jesus has truly been preparing me for marriage and teaching me what it means to be an Ephesians 5 Wife, A Titus 2 and A Proverbs 31 woman. You don’t have to wait start or grow in these attributes ladies when you get a husband start now with the Lover of your soul, Jesus!. Marriage is suppose to be a reflection of your relationship with Jesus anyway! Its been amazing and He is the Perfect Husband lol

-From Jesus with Love <3

The Word For This Year Is “Child Like Trust”

January 16, 2017 From Jesus With LoveLeave a comment

So isn’t she the cutest….yes that’s my 3 year old niece London aka my mini aka Lolo :). I have heard it said that when you have children you then come to understand your relationship with the Lord even more deeply. You began to see and understand from his eyes and his heart through your child. Interestingly enough the Lord has been teaching me through my niece Lolo about trust and how many times I try to do things on my own instead of relying on his own strength. When the Lord gave me these two lessons I laughed thinking “oh my goodness Lord that’s exactly how I am with you, huh” and just had to write about it.

John 1:12
but as many as received him, to them gave he the right to be children of God, to those that believe on his name;

You see everyone believer is a child of God that is our true identity. We are sons and daughters of the Most High King, the Creator of the Universe, the one who Started it all and will End it all, who was in the Beginning and is the End, the One true living God that is our Father. Soooo why don’t we trust him? lol Oh how we can talk a lot of lip service all day but how many of us continue to worry, to doubt, to even fear because we forget who are Father is and how close he is to us in every detail of our lives.

The First Lesson: Child Like Trust

I went out to the playground with my sister and my nieces the weekend after Christmas and we bought Lolo these new Frozen skates she wanted to test out. Mind you she has never skated before but, she was so excited. As she began to walk up the trail she began to cry and was really scared so my sister grabbed her hand to walk with her. However, she was still so fearful holding my sisters hands alone then I caught up with them and grabbed her other hand upon doing that I immediately felt her feeling more secure. She immediately let her legs go beneath her which made me hold on more tightly startled I thought she was falling just to look down and see she was doing it on purpose. As she began to do tricks, turning her feet, letting her legs go to skate then she would pull her body up again just to do it all over again. My sister retorted I guess she didn’t feel confident with just me she had to have you beside her too. Then we both burst into laughter and I told her oh my goodness this is how it is when we walk with God. As we grab the hand of the Father and Jesus’s hand we immediately trust that we cannot fall, they wont fail, that they are for us, and that they got us so we can do anything! That’s what the Lord reminded me in prayer as I asked him for a word in 2017, the image of my niece that night came to me as he reminded me “Child Like Trust”. To have both hands planted firmly in his trusting in his promises and his lead in my life. To chart new territory and not to fear the unknown or uncomfortable but, to only let go of my fears, worries and reservation and as I do with the help of he Holy Spirit I will do some amazing tricks lol…..or should I say works/breakthrough for the Lord!

Second Lesson: Trust In His Strength & Ability

Now this lesson came this week as my niece came over to stay with me for a day. I had to moves some foldable chairs and tables from my living room into my storage room. So immediately my niece ran to help saying “I want to help”. I told her sure, grab one of the chairs so she did as I grabbed two. Then she attempted to walk in front of me and hold the chairs on her own but, she couldn’t. So I grabbed the top half of the chair and began to assist her carrying most of the weight as she held the chair and walked with it. She was so excited she was carrying the chair all on her own….or so she thought lol. As we placed the chair in the storage room she was so excited that “she did it” as I praised her my hands began to get hot ( sidenote which has become a manifestation of Gods presence) I just burst into laughter again thinking oh my goodness this is exactly what I do with you huh lol. So I continued as she asked again to help, she grabbed another chair but, this time wanted to do it all by herself and go ahead of me. I told her to wait but, she didn’t listen and the chair came crashing down after a few steps. She looked so scared then looked back at me so sad as I told her its okay. Let me help you, as I picked up the first half of the chair taking most of the weight and allowing her to carry it to the storage room. The last and final chair she attempted again slightly a little more cautious but, still didn’t wait on me so it fell again. Instead of being sad this time she immediately bend down looked at the chair then back at me and asked me to help her. All I could do was laugh as I knew the Lord was teaching me a valuable lesson on trust and relying on him right before my eyes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

How many times do we ask the Lord use me, use me or “I want to help Lord guide me”? Then when the Lord directs us we “think” we can actually do it on our own and even when we do it, it is him doing the work through us by His strength not ours. Then when we become confident in our own ability we tell God…its okay I can do it. We run ahead of him and then when we stumble it leaves us fearful, sad and sometimes hurt. However, do we learn from that nope lol we just decided to still do it on our won but be more cautious then we stumble again however by this time we learn Gods grace and his goodness so we come to him and ask for help. How faithful he is to continuously, always and forever help us when we ask. He is soooo good! This two lessons taught me not only to trust God but his heart for us as his children. As my love for my niece compelled me to always run to her rescue and just be delighted to assist her how much more our father in Heaven. He takes pleasure in loving us, protecting us, being with us and helping us because he knows there is now way we can do it whether we believe that or not. Yet he is so gracious and patient. So what have you not been trusting God with, what have you been trying to do in your own strength? Or has he told you to be fearless this 2017 year yet you still doubt his provision to help you bring things to past? Will you trust like the child that you are, will you seek his help and rely on his ability and strength above all else to do a great work through you? Let go and be in awe this year as you walk into a place of “Child like trust, Child like faith and Child like love this year!

From Jesus with Love,

God bless

When God Calls You To Walk On The Waves With Him

October 28, 2016May 4, 2017 From Jesus With Love4 Comments

I know a lot of times we hear when God is calling you higher that means your going deeper which is true, but a lot of times it never looks they way you envision it. You think a deeper dive in the ocean but he actually means he is calling you higher. Higher level of faith, trust, hope in him. Not only does he call you out of the boat to walk on the water but he calls you then to go deeper which requires a deeper level of trust and faith by walking on the waves with him.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.

My walk has been nothing short of interesting to say the least, just a few weeks ago I wrote a blog about contending with contentment at my job. The job that I was finding difficult to wake up every morning to go to0, the job that I was complaining about, the job that the Lord was teaching me to be excellence, content, and faithful at……..well that job let me go last Tuesday. You would think I would be excited or relieved but it was such a shock, very unexpected. I think sometimes the Lord is thinking this girl doesn’t know what she wants, isn’t he so gracious lol! I woke up that morning excited in the wee hours of 4 am to spend time with the Lord and wonderful time it was in his presence, worship and reading the word before work. I was so full of joy that morning, now I had heard rumors of our positions being changed but not losing our jobs however, I went in that morning finding out we had a surprise meeting and they told us we were let go and to go home. I wasn’t sure what to think, if I can be honest inside I was keeping cool but on the inside I think my soul was jumping lol All these thoughts of doubt, fear, anxiety hit me..one of the lies of the enemy was telling me “see you woke up spend all that time with the Lord and he didn’t forwarn you, you don’t really hear from Jesus” that was the hardest lie I was trying to cast down.

OUT OF THE BOAT

You see, the Lord called me to lay down my life for him almost 3 years ago. I had intended on pursuing my own business I had at the time, my clothing and jewelry line and move to NY until I had a radical encounter with my beloved Jesus and it changed everything. So when he asked me almost 3 years ago to live for him I said “of course, I will tell everyone about you and what you have done for me, my life is yours no turning back! I surrender all to you Jesus”. So when the Lord lead me to my job I thought I wouldn’t be there for long or so I thought a few months turned into a year, then the one year turned to two and I was anxious along the way but the Lord kept telling me to wait, Nana wait….

Psalm 27:14
Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

ON THE WATER

So in the midst of waiting he began to change my perspective and stir my heart for him in such a way to have my life be a witness for others. That wasn’t my intention at the job but he began to show me that I was there by assignment in the midst of me waiting. So I started to notice the Lord giving me opportunities to share him with my coworkers, to pray and encourage and he even opened the door to began a prayer meeting at the job! Which I looked forward too and enjoyed, he began to give me words of knowledge and dreams about my coworkers to draw them closer to him! Indeed he was stirring my passion to be bold and courageous for him however, he began speaking to my heart to totally surrender and abandon myself to his will. I would get this word over and over again to the point it became frustrating because I thought I had totally surrendered, I wasn’t sure what else I needed too. I kept telling the Lord all is yours, I live a hedged life because you ask that of me, I am at this job surrendered to waiting on you because you said too what else Lord. Thinking to myself I am like peter Lord, you called me to walk on the water jump out of the boat called “Nanas idea of her life” to follow you and I did just that not sure what else I can give…oh but was I mistaken. He wanted TOTAL SURRENDER & ABONDMENT which means whatever may come, whatever you allow Jesus I am yours. I remember when I started hat job and being around other Christians friends who were called and knew their calling I was so insecure at that time and doubtful because I didn’t know mine so I went on lunch break crying out to the Lord to show me my calling please just show me and he said:

“I cant show you I have to lead you”

WALKING ON THE WAVES

So now he has lead me out the boat, on the water now even higher to walking on the wave. Losing my job caused my eyes to be fixed on the storm rather than on Jesus gaze and his hands that have been right in front of me. I knew the next step from this job would be walking into my purpose and that’s why I was so anxious to leave because I thought I was ready. But we know God is very funny and he will always give you what you ask for just not the way you want it lol That’s exactly what he has done, he has called me higher and deeper in him, not to stop walking on the water called faith, not to go back to the boat called comfortability by getting another job, no he has called me to continue to grab his hand, gaze in his eyes and trust him as he guides me step by step to walk above the storm and to walk on the waves. I have learned that that I am actually always on assignment whenever, with whoever and wherever I am at. I am a pilgrim on an journey here on this earth and that to surrender is not just a one time choice but a daily choice to say today I die that you live Jesus may I do your will and not my own. So I have been asked the question so many times what are going to do, what’s next, what are you waiting for? All I can say is that I am being led by the one who loves me the most, who created me and knows my purpose and is threading this beautiful tapestry of grace called my life and only he knows the finished work. As he is building my trust in him in a deeper way, growing a greater level of faith in me and sanctifying me for his use. Of course he has me waiting again for the next direction. As I sit at his feet I find myself wondering what he is up too slightly anxious if I can be honest but excited about this crazy adventure that I get to do with my forever life partner, leader and guide Jesus!

Prayer Changes Everything- I AM is in Control!

October 14, 2016October 14, 2016 From Jesus With LoveLeave a comment

Many have forgotten the power of prayer. That is the greatest gift the Lord has given us to have fellowship and communion with him through prayer. Sometimes prayer can seem like a to-do list, or better yet just dropping off a list of things to God you want him to do for you. However, its gives us an opportunity to communicate with the creator of the Universe, the ONLY God through his son Jesus. As you can see I used the word communicate because prayer is a conversation. It wasn’t until these past two years walking with the Jesus did I finally realize that. You see, through Jesus Christ we can have a personal relationship with God where he speaks to us, guides us, and councils us. Many religions or “spiritualists” have a form of prayer or mediation but to be frank they are speaking to false gods/spirits and none can offer a personal relationship with God. To them it seems unheard of to have God speak to them and that’s what Jesus offers. When he shed his blood on Calvary and in three days raised up to sit on the right hand side of God the Father he now prays for us as the mediator. By his name and his name alone can we come before the presence of God and make our request known. So there our 3 main points all believers should know about prayer which I hope will be make you more excited to come to the Lord everyday to speak to him!

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus

Prayer is an wonderful opportunity to have a conversation with God

Have you ever had a phone call from a friend who called to just vent, he/she goes on and on doesn’t allow you to get one word in then says thanks I feel better then just leaves? I mean maybe at first it would be funny but after a while you wouldn’t want to pick up their call. lol I think that’s what many believes do in prayer….me included at times, it wasn’t until walking with Jesus did I find out that he actually talks back! I thought hearing the voice of God was for a select “gifted or chosen” person but the Lord kept reminding me in his word my sheep hear my voice and none other will they follow. So that means I can hear him too, you can hear him too! Just like Adam walked with God in the Garden in the cool of the day speaking to him pouring out his heart and God pouring out his heart to him we have that same grace through Jesus Christ. So every believer can hear Gods voice through prayer after you vent (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with) because guess what….God wants to be included with every part of every detail of your life. He is that crazy about you truly, no detail in your day or life is too small for God! Then be still and allow him to speak to your heart. That’s where you will hear his thoughts, write them down and you will be amazed at the counsel, wisdom, encouragement or love words that you receive.

Psalm 91:14-15
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer;

2 . Prayers move the heart of God to act on HIS behalf according to HIS will

1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to HIS WILL, he hears us.

I have heard it said sometimes that how is it we can change the mind of God, but the truth is we don’t change his mind we are able to move his heart as his children. God is not a distant deity who just looks down on us and sees if we can try to figure out but he desires a relationship with us and he loves to hear our wants and needs especially if it lines up with his. The closer you get to God the more you will began to have his heart, his eyes, his wisdom in all circumstances in life because you know him. Just like Abraham, he was a friend to God when the Lord was going to make the decision to bring judgment on Sodom he came to Abraham and told him what he desired to do. Genesis 18:17 Then the LORD said, “Shall I hide From Abraham what I am about to do? How Abraham then pleaded with the Lord to have mercy on that nation even bargaining with the Lord saying what if we find fifty righteous people, then too forty, then too thirty then to twenty, then too ten righteous in order to save Sodom and what did the Lord say? He said sure ” I will not do it If I find 10″ I just love that, he heard the prayer of his son who prayed according to his heart and will. Sometimes, we may even have a tendency to think God doesn’t cares about my opinion, my suggestion, my thoughts about any matter, oh Yes he does! lol.

3. Prayer is an opportunity for every child of God to become an intercessor

Hebrew 7:25
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

An intercessor is a person who intervenes on behalf of another, especially by prayer. Have you ever prayed for you siblings, coworkers, your child, spouse, and the person driving in a car next to you, a tragedy, a group of people, or a nation? Then you are an intercessor by definition! The greatest intercessor we have is Jesus Christ; he lives and sits on the right hand side of God interceding for us daily. Wow, the Lord prays for us every day to the Father for more grace upon our lives that we might fulfill what he created us for. How I am so grateful that the times when I can seem to even pray for myself we can take comfort that Jesus is praying for us. The Lord has always desired his children to partner and join him in prayer. He gives us all burdens for different things. It might be a next door neighbor, the car accident in front of you, what you heard on the news or someone that just dropped in your heart. Those thoughts are not your own and that is the Lord prompting you to pray in agreement with him because he knows that prayers move the heart of the God the Father and he will answer.

Revelation 8:4
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

So knowing all of these things, why do we so easily get discouraged, worry, fall into doubt, frustration or anger as to what is going on in the world as if I AM is not in control. God is in complete control and is not surprised by what is going on in the world and especially our nation. We just have to change our hearts and our perspective to know that we have a God who sits on the throne of heaven and desires to hear our hearts, talk with us, answer us and partner with us in prayer. So that his kingdom will come and His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. So will you seek Gods face, pray, and partner with him to intercede for this world and this nation?
Below is a prayer list the Lord gave me and I pray as you are led by the Holy Spirit you will began to hear the Lord speak, share your heart and began to pray with God given burdens for others each day. God bless you!

Intercessory Prayer List:

Prayer for Israel, Peace of Jerusalem & repentance of Jews
Pray for Mercy-(you can use) Divine Mercy Chaplet
Youngadults/Children would repent, awake seek guidance
Pray for destruction of infrastructures set up against us
Pray for enemies and the unsaved, especially innocent & last minute conversions
Pray for increased courage & grace for intercession
Pray for peace and comfort for those affected by the shootings
Pray protection over cops & civilians
Pray against the spirit of division, racism, hatred, pride & prejudice
Pray for the Church to rise up and be a light
Pray for the Bride of Christ to stay vigilant & keep garments spotless
Pray that believers would seek to have the heart, mind, and wisdom of Christ
Pray for the Lost, family & friends
Pray for families all over the world who encounter tragedies to turn to God first
Pray for repentance for Miami, Tel Aviv, Caribbean, Russia, Washington, Hollywood, Haiti, Turks Caicos, Las Vegas, Florida, California, New York City,
Pray for all presidential candidates, hearts to be turned to God
Pray for Trump protection over him and his family
Pray for the innocent and those who are unable to protect themselves
Pray that many would awake to the times were in and heed to the warnings
Prayer for soldiers all over the world
Pray for world leaders to have a holy conviction hearts turned to God
Pray for Russia President Putin
Pray for the lonely, rejected & hurting
Pray for China, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon Tyre
Pray for Gods will to be done and his kingdom come above all else

Morning Devotional

August 25, 2015September 8, 2015 From Jesus With LoveLeave a comment

Woke up this morning somewhat dishearten honestly not wanting to get up to do my devotional. Something kept telling me to sleep in what’s the point it’s a waste of time. Immediately I knew that was the more reason I needed to get up wasn’t sure if it was the enemy or honestly my own flesh feeling like that way. So I went on my balcony with the Lord and was honest with him telling him ” Lord what is going on with me, I feel like its a struggle to find my joy in you this morning” Help me again, I am tired of these yoyo emotions and feelings. Just last night I was praising and worshiping you before I went to bed. I made a decision then I wouldn’t allow the enemy to steal my joy despite how I felt. My shoulders and chest began to get tight again I am assuming now because of anxiety and worrying. I hate when that happens, its seems to be happening more often than not. So I began to just worship him through song, singing praise and worship to him. Of course sure enough, the pressure began to lift off as I began to sing. Man there is power in worship. Lord, help me to rest in your joy today give me the grace not to focus on how I feel, the pain but just to look at you. Help me to rest and remain in you today in Jesus name!