Faithful God
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23, ESV
God is so faithful. I was sitting in my office studying scripture and just listening to the Holy Spirit when God dropped in my spirit a friend who I had not spoken to in years. She had come up in my mind a few days earlier and I felt like I should call her, but I did not move. I just let the feeling pass.
I felt the desire to call her again, only this time I asked God what He wanted me to do. I said, “This is the second time you have placed her in my spirit.” He said to call her and I said, “Right now? I am in the middle of studying.” However, I heard Him clearly say, “Now!” I picked up the phone and called her. At first she did not recognize who I was, but she remembered when I gave her my maiden name.
We chatted about how our families were doing and how they were holding up during the Shelter In Place orders. Then she had another call and I was put on hold. While on hold I asked God what He wanted me to say to her. He said to tell her exactly why you are calling. So when we got back on the call I told her what God said and then I asked her again how she was doing. She said everyone was fine.
God said “Tell her that you called because God wants you to pray for her about something.” I told her exactly what God said and she then shared that she was going through some things that she did not want to get into. I was so happy that there was something I needed to pray about for her. I did not need to know what it was, I was just excited that I was in alignment with God. I said, “Okay let’s pray.” I prayed for her and when we finished she said she felt like a weight had been lifted.
When I hung up the phone I was so grateful that God is so faithful. I immediately fell on my knees and began to thank God for His faithfulness. We are so blessed that we serve a faithful God. He is so faithful! He was faithful to my friend and He was faithful to me. She received a deliverance and I received confidence that I hear God and am following His instructions. We never have to worry or fear because our God is faithful. The question is are we faithful to Him?
Father,
Thank you for your faithfulness and for teaching us how to be faithful to you. It does not mean that we don’t make mistakes, or miss it sometimes, but our hearts are totally after you. Thank you so much for your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Judgment
“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.” Matthew 7:1-2, CSB
I had prayed and I was just listening to God. He told me to be quiet. When I quieted down I heard Him say to me, “The same judgment you give, that is how I will judge you. Do not judge!” He then reminded me of when David had sinned against God when he had taken a census of all the fighting men in Israel. God sent Gad, David’s seer, to give David three options to choose from as punishment for his sin. The choices were three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of his enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of the Lord brings devastation throughout the land of Israel.
David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.” God said to me that He has great mercy when He punishes but when we judge you do not show mercy. So if we judge, there will be no mercy like God’s mercy that will return to us. Then God reminded me that I had made a comment/opinion in my spirit about the way I felt our Bishop had presented something at the church. I never said what I was thinking out loud or to anyone, it was just in my private thoughts. God said to me that even our private thoughts are accountable unto Him.
He reminded me that He looks at the heart. What was in my heart came out in my thoughts. Scripture says “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
Father, please help us to guard and protect our heart, keeping us humble before you. We are so quick to give our opinion which is a form of judgment and many times we don’t even realize we are judging others. Your word says that we will be judged with the same measure we give out. Let your mercy fill our soul so that our hearts are full of You and only your words come forth out of our mouth. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
God’s Word
Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 ESV
I was watering my garden when I felt the Holy Spirit move upon my heart to just sit with Him. It is so funny, when I felt that nudge I ran upstairs and got my laptop and some other things to add to my study. Now the Holy Spirit did not say get anything. He just nudged me to sit with Him.
I was looking forward to this long engaged study time with the Lord but instead it was maybe 15 minutes and I did not use any of the things I brought out. I sat with my legs crossed still in my garden, boots sitting on the ground next to me. As I was sitting, I literally saw my heart pumping. Because I had my legs crossed, the pumping of my heart and the blood running down my legs caused my feet to move up and down ever so slightly with every beat. I sat and just embraced that moment. It was so amazing because God said to me, just like I keep your heart pumping….I will keep every promise that I made to you. When you get in doubt just come back and check and watch your leg move with your heart!
This is just a word of encouragement - God keeps his promises! Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Display
Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Display: make a prominent exhibition of (something) in a place where it can be easily seen; to exhibit ostentatiously (in a pretentious or showy way designed to impress); an eye-catching arrangement by which something is exhibited; a pattern of behavior exhibited especially by male birds in the breeding season
Everyday we put ourselves on display. It may not be our intention but because we are always in a place where we can easily be seen, we are on display. Some may make a bigger splash than others to be noticed but we are all making ourselves seen. As soon as we leave the comfort of our homes we have displayed ourselves openly.
As we were preparing for our trip to Italy, I went shopping for clothes to wear that would look nice on me and in some ways, to put my best on display. I wanted to not only be comfortable but to look my best at the same time. As individuals, when we leave our home most of us want to look our best. We want to present ourselves in a way that conveys who we are in the best way possible.
Our church had a women's conference that I attended and one of the speakers said that putting ourselves on display is unhealthy. She said the best way to be healthy was to put God on display. Those words landed in my spirit so heavily. I have always said that I wanted God to be seen in my life, that I want to be consumed by Him. However, that statement made me wonder, who truly was I displaying?
I knew that the speaker was really addressing our heart because no matter how we dress up the outside of our bodies the inside of our heart is what really matters. The goal should be to focus more on displaying who we are on the inside rather than dressing up the outside. This then takes us to what the scripture says: to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:1). The only way we can display the characters of God is by renewing our mind with the word of God. If we truly want to display God, we have to dress up our mind with the word of God with as much detail as we do for our bodies.
Think about it. We clean our bodies, put on fresh, clean clothes, comb our hair, brush our teeth, wash our face. Some put on make-up, get our nails done, shave, and the list goes on. The point is that we spend a lot of time preparing our bodies to be displayed for others to see. God is asking how much time will we give to him so that He can be displayed through us. What we say, how we choose to behave are all signs of who is truly on display. So the question for you today is, who are you displaying?
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Attacks
“…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
I believe God wants us to understand that attacks are a part of our spiritual warfare and we have to learn how to work through them while completing the task before us. The attacks will not stop because they come with our assignment. We have to learn how to encourage ourselves through the attacks. I picked up my bible and started to read.
Deliverance! I started reading in Romans and landed on chapter eight. I have read this passage many times but today the Word opened up to me in a new way. The whole chapter is amazing but the words “nothing can separate us from God’s love,” nailed itself in my soul! It does not matter what lies Satan uses or what truths he may bring up about us from our past or present sin…. all have been conquered at the cross! YES! When we seek forgiveness, it is given immediately!
Scripture says those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior, live in accordance with the Spirit and we have set our minds on what the Spirit desires. This does not mean we will not make mistakes but that our desire has changed to please God rather than ourselves. Satan attacks our mistakes, not the desires of our heart which are after God. He constantly reminds us of what we were in the flesh. Of course, we are a mess in the flesh! That is why we accept Christ Jesus. For we did not receive a spirit that makes us a slave again to fear, but we received the Spirit of sonship. In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:15, 26, NIV
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present not the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39, NIV
Our spirits can get downcast, Satan can remind us of how bad we were, but nothing can separate us from God’s love. We have the power of the word of God to refute anything Satan throws in our spirit. There is nothing that will give us the power to overcome the devil like the word. The word is our sword. Romans 10:17 says, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The attacks of the enemy will never go away but we can overcome every attack through the word of God.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; Psalm 149:6, NIV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
It’s Contagious 2
“A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the friends he chooses.”Proverbs 27:19 TLB
The kind of person you are is reflected in the friends you pick. So if your life is unproductive and stagnant, look at the people you’ve surround yourself with. Friendships, good and bad, indicate the direction you’re going. “Whoever walks with wise people will be wise, but whoever associates with fools will suffer” (Proverbs 13:20, GWT). Misery loves company, so steer clear of negative thinkers. It’s better to travel alone than spend your life listening to people who drag you down. When you come into agreement with the right people, you “can accomplish more than twice as much” (Ecc. 4:9, TLB). Author John Mason writes: “The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. The right friends and associations bring out the original in you. You know the kind of people I’m talking about. After you’ve been with them you find yourself less critical, full of faith, and with a vision for the future. The Devil doesn’t [generally] use strangers to deter or stop you…your friends will either stretch your vision or choke your dream. As you grow in God, your associations will change. Some friends won’t want you to go on; they’ll want you to stay where they are. But as Edwin Lois Cole observed, “When you let someone else create your world for you…they always make it too small.” Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. Respect those whom God has connected to you to help you. God cares for people through people…and wise is the person who fortifies their life with the right friendships.”
Source: The Word For You Today
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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He IsWorking
Even when we don’t see or feel that God is working, He never stops working. He is moving right here in our midst. He is here working in this place. Our Father God is always moving and woking in our midst. He is here touching and healing every heart. He always makes a way, keeps His promise, works miracles and He is our light in the darkness.
God works in ways that we cannot see; which is called the supernatural. I love that He speaks to each one of us individually. He speaks to us privately about our behaviors that He wants us to change. He is not a God that will embarrass us; unless we don’t listen after many of His warnings. Unfortunately, I have experienced the exposed discipline because of my own stubbornness to not change my behavior.
Many times we don’t see God’s miraculous hand working because God’s way is not our way. However, He never stops working. He brings us into situations that puts pressure on us to change so that we become more like Him. Although our flesh fights hard at times against the fire of God inside of us, God does not give up. Praise God that He never stops working! That is the God that we serve! The fire inside of us never stops working! My God, He never stops working on us! Amen
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Having Joy
Some years back our church did a series of messages on Joy. As I was going back through the messages, I came across one explaining how we can truly have the joy of the Lord as our daily strength. I love the clarity I received! The world gives us “common joy,” which is based on what is happening in our lives. The joy we receive from the world is ever changing and is based on the circumstances that we deal with at any given time.
Biblical joy is based on the unchanging nature and character of God who is everlasting, accessible, and powerful.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete John 15:5-11, NIV.
For I am the Lord, I change not… Malachi 3:6, KJV We can have and live in this “uncommon joy” through abiding in Christ. With all the ever-changing things happening in our world today, it is good to know that the joy of the Lord never changes!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Let You Go
I’ve been listening to this song that has truly blessed me. I love songs when the words speak to the depth of your soul; especially those that cause us to reflect and meditate for a while. This song is called Let You Go, by United Pursuit, Will Reagan. The whole song is wonderful, but these specific words have just resonated with me:
“Help me let You go Help me give up control Of the God I have made you
When my fear has contained you”
I just had to wrap my brain around this verse, asking God to help me give up control of the God I made Him through my fear! I thought wow!!! We contain God in a box through our fear. Did you get that? Our God is the creator of the world, the all powerful God and there is no other God greater than Him. Yet, we can limit what He can do in our lives through our fears!
Fear: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Did you see that fear is an emotion (a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others)? It’s a feeling that causes us to doubt our belief in God’s ability. This doubt or fear hinders God’s miracles in our life because we are required to have faith. Jesus told the woman that was sick for 12 years with blood issues that her faith is what made her whole. The word says that without faith it is impossible to please God.
Satan’s job is to steal our faith so we lose hope in our all mighty God!
Father,
We pray that you will help us to give up control of the God we have made you through our fears. We had no idea that our fears contained you! But we praise you that our faith releases all of your miracles in our life. Help us to walk deeper in the faith you have given each of us! God to you be glory and praise!
https://unitedpursuit.com/blog/video-let-you-go
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Burning Bush
I was checking my JCCMinistries blog site and I noticed that I had been writing blogs for seven years! When I first setup the blog site I had no idea what I was doing. If I am truthful, I still don’t really know much about blog sites! Actually, I did not even setup my first site; my daughter did. I mentioned to her that I wanted to share my thoughts to friends and family. As we were reading the Jesus Calling Devotional she suggested that I develop a blog site.
Now here it is! Some seven years later I am writing what God gives me instead of my own thoughts! Like Moses, the Jesus Calling Devotional was my burning bush. It was what God put in front of me to cause me to turn aside and check out what was in my heart. I love that God told Moses to go and I will teach you. Moses did not know anything about being a leader, but as he went out God taught him all he needed to know.
I did not know that God was leading me to write devotionals! I am so glad He did not tell me His plans. I probably would have been so intimidated that I would not have moved. When I started writing I did not have an office, laptop, or an editor. I actually started writing on my iPad. However, as I continued to follow God in this writing journey, He provided the things I needed.
I know that God has put something in your heart for you to do, or you would not be reading this post. You don’t need anything right now; except what is in your hands. Move with what He has already given you! Remember how Moses started, he had a staff. But because he moved, God used him to deliver a nation!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Do You Have A Difficult Boss?
“Serve wholeheartedly” mph 6:7, NIV
If you think your boss is hard to get along with, imagine working for David’s boss, King Saul. The more David tried to help him, the more Saul tried to kill him. So what did Davi do? Every time his boss flew into a jealous rage and threw spears at him, David ducked and kept on serving him. Why? (1) Because David knew God had called him to be king, and what better place to learn the ropes than right there in Saul’s palace? The truth is, sometimes you can learn more from mistakes and failures than from the achievements of success. So David kept his head down and kept on learning and growing. (2) David recognized that because Saul had been called by God to the position he held it was God’s job to remove him. Was that hard to do? Yes. But David understood that how you treat others when they’re in trouble determines how God treats you when you’re in trouble. And before his life was over, David got into lots of trouble and needed God’s mercy big-time! Paul writes, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” Instead of murmuring and complaining, work to excel on the job and pray for favor. Remember: “The king’s wishes” (Pr 21:1, NKHV). Because David acted with grace and integrity while serving under a boss who was a nightmare, God made him the boss! And when you honor God on the job, He can do the same with you.
Source: The Word For You Today
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Follow God’s Plan
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21, ESV
I was doing some research for an upcoming Bible Study that I would be attending. I had read the chapter we were going to be covering and then I went to my concordance to get a better understanding of the reading. I wrote down some questions I had and begin to search for the answers.
About mid-way through my study I felt like I could not get anything else out of my head. I was beginning to get a little frazzled because it seemed like I had hit a road block in my study. Our God has this really funny way of putting us back on track. In the midst of this scenario I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Why are you beating yourself up if that is all that I have given you for now?” I can’t begin to tell you how the clarity of those words pressed in my spirit. I said, “Okay!”
Sometimes we try to be so perfect and attempt to figure things out for ourselves when God is trying to direct our paths. In the midst of my study God was giving me guidance and I was trying to beat down His door. We must remember that when we surrender to God and give all things over to Him, even in our study time He has a plan. The Bible says that man makes His plan, but God directs his path. I can attest to you that I would rather have God’s plan, than mine; for His yoke is easy and His burdens are light. I was beginning to lay a heavy burden on myself which was supposed to be a wonderful time of studying with God!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Meditation is from God
But his delight is in the law of the Lord And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
Mediation is from God and meditating on the word of God is not a suggestion, it is a command. I believe because we know that God is so loving, we take his instructions as something we should do, but not that we have to do it. In truth, his instructions are also commandments that He is directing us to follow. He is our Holy King and a loving Father and we must follow his direction and know how to meditate on the word.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippines 4:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
But his delight is in the law of the Lord And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
Meditation is focusing on something for a long period of time. Some people use meditation to quiet their spirit so they can direct their thoughts. When we meditate on the word of God it draws all that we are searching for to us. The book of James says that we are to think over, dwell on, let it fester in our being until all is revealed. As we meditate on the word it will all come to us. One scripture can linger with us for days, weeks or even months as God will continue to reveal to us as we dwell on a subject. Do not rush the thoughts, just let your body and soul rest in it!
When we are deliberate about meditating it requires a quiet place with the purpose of hearing from God. Meditation in the word is personal intimate time with God. It is developing a relationship with our Father. Meditation on the word usually requires reading the scripture over several times, looking up definition of words and then being still to hear God speak to our heart. God’s desire and request is that we meditate on the word so we have clear understanding of who He is, what His instructions are to us, and the blessings He has laid out for us. When we are meditating on the word we are in God’s presence, listening to Him speak to our soul. What a blessing it is!
God, your word is amazing, we do not just want to read the word, we want understand what is being said to us. We love having appointed times with you, help us to take more time to meditate on what you are telling us and to apply what you have revealed in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Positioning
I was riding in the car with my husband having a wonderful conversation when we came upon the subject of my parents. We started chatting about their home and that’s when I realized that they were “positioned” by God.
My parents had come over to see the new home we had purchased. My father really liked the neighborhood so we decided to take a walk. My father noticed a house down the street from where I lived and commented on how much he liked that home. He said, “I really like the porch!” The house was not up for sale so we just kept walking. Further down the street we noticed a home with a sign in the yard that said, “For Sale By Owner.” My dad and I decided to inquire about the house.
We went to the door and to our surprise the owners invited us in to tour their home! The home was very nice and was almost the same style as the first house my father looked at that he liked. My dad was really excited and fell in love with the home. He told the owner that he wanted to buy the home and would have his realtor get in touch with them. My parents went through all the loan preparation, selling their home and putting in an offer for the house. The owners accepted the offer and then months later changed their minds about selling the house. My parents were very disappointed. They had gone back and forth with this owner for months. They had prayed over this home and was sure that this was what God had wanted for them; but it was not.
Several weeks later I was taking a walk in my neighborhood and noticed that the home my father had first said he really liked was up for sale. I immediately called my parents and told them to have their realtor check it out for them. Three days later they were touring the home with six other couples. It was exactly what they wanted! My father said that he did not want to be in a bidding war, so he offered them the asking price.
Although my parents submitted their offer, it was not accepted because someone else put in a higher bid. However, two days later they received a call asking if they were still interested in the house. It turns out that the individuals who offered the higher price were not qualified for the loan. My parents had their loan and all finances in place because they had prepared months in advance during the time they submitted an offer on the previous house. It was not until much later that we realized that God had positioned them for this home! He had them fall in love with the other house so that they would be “ready” for the home my dad had first picked out! God knew that they were going to need to be ready because of the bidding wars. So, He prepared them ahead of time.
When God shut down the first house that my parents submitted an offer on, it did not look like God was working things out in their favor, but He was. God already knows what we cannot see! He knew that their would be a bidding war on the house He had for them. He knew exactly how ready my parents would need to be in order to receive the house they really wanted. God loves us so much that He will not let our emotions and broken heart move Him. As a result, He can give us the best thing He has for us! Amen
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Trip Time!
My husband and I took a trip to Santa Barbara this past week and I was so excited about getting out. I was also excited because I was going to get my hair cut and colored at this new place in Santa Barbara. I had gone there with my daughter and decided that I wanted to give them a try as well. I know Santa Barbara for a hair appointment but what can I say it was fun.
Because we had not been anywhere in a while I booked the Ritz Carlton as a treat. I knew my husband was going to go crazy but I thought why not. Well when He found out he was not fond of paying over thousands of dollars for a room for two nights so he suggested we look somewhere else. He said he did not mind the expensive room but when we are doing bigger trips. Well we both took the time to find a room that we both felt comfortable with. We ended up at this place called Hideaway Santa Barbara. When we got there the location was definitely not as I expected. I kept hearing God say in my spirit are you in agreement with me? So I kept my mouth shut.
When we checked into the hotel the hostess said our room was on the front. Which means the busy street is where our room faced. Once again I heard the Holy Spirit say are you in agreement with me? With gritted teeth I said yes after asking for another room which of course they did not have any available. But just like our God!! The hostess said because you are the only room on the front when we lock up this whole sitting area becomes yours. I was like what did you say? I almost missed my blessing just like that!The picture above only shows part of what was ours besides the fact that we had a fireplace in our room. When we trust God and let go of our plans He always has something more than we could think or imagine.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCallingtv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
My Light
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
I was on a prayer call the other day and I heard this young lady sing the words to the scripture above. Her melody was so beautiful and it still resonates within my soul. The Lord is my light…what is light? The dictionary says that light is the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. Based on this definition the scriptures is saying we don’t truly see. There is another level of revelation that we can have when we know the Lord.
The scripture goes on to say that the Lord is our salvation and why should we fear. I understand that God is our salvation, he sent Jesus his son to the earth to die for our sins. If we accept Jesus as our personal savior then we have eternal salvation. However, I also want to give you what the dictionary says about salvation, it is preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin or loss. If we don’t go to the second definition and stay right there…salvation delivers us from any harm, any ruin or loss. This explains why the psalmist says, he has nothing to fear. Because with the Lord he has preservation, no matter what happens.
The writer goes on to say that the Lord ( the revealer of light) is his stronghold. When I think of stronghold I think great protection someone guarding me. But to ensure accuracy I looked this word up also and the dictionary says a place that has been fortified; so as to protect it from attacks.
Wow, that one scripture says so much about what we receive when we have the Lord. Our vision is made clear, we gain wisdom and understanding because of clear vision. We are operating in clear light and we have nothing to fear. The Lord protects us and keeps us from ruin. Truly with the Lord we have nothing to be afraid of.
If you do not have the Lord as your light, and you would like to have all that he offers, you can receive him right now. The scriptures teaches us that If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 Below is the simple confession
Father, I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that you are Lord. I believe that you died on the cross for my sin, please come into my heart.
That is it! That simple prayer of confession of your faith has now given you access to the light. Welcome to the family!
Father,
I pray for my sister or brother who has accepted you as their personal savior. Please give them guidance to a wonderful church home that will direct them in your way. Thank you for their new journey in you. I praise you that you are good and you have nothing but good for them. We love you Lord! In Jesus name amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Blessing Blocker - Summary
I have been sharing with you in the previous post about blessing blockers. I wanted to sum up all four of the blockers in one post. In the book, The Fourth Dimension by Dr. David Yonggi Cho he shares what blocks our prayers from being answered.
The spirit of hatred, the spirit of fear, the spirit of inferiority and the spirit of guilt are what Dr. Cho refers to as blessing blockers. The paragraphs below wrap up why these spirits can hinder God from hearing and answering our prayers
The Spirit of Hatred: If we keep hatred in our heart we can never have God flowing through us. Hatred is that unforgiving spirit that will be the number one enemy to our faith life. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
So how do we get rid of hatred when we have been hurt so badly? We start by giving our pain to God. He is the only one who can heal us. We then have to ask Him to help us forgive those who hurt us and to teach us how to pray blessings on them. When we release the pain, we release the hatred. Releasing the pain does not mean that we were not justified in how we feel, it just means that we are trusting God with it. We must remember that God said vengeance is mine! As we start to pray blessings on those who have hurt us, we open up the pipeline to receive our blessings. It is written, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35, NKJV. The more we pour out forgiveness, the more blessings we receive. WOW!
Spirit of Fear: Whatever we fear will come to us. The dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)
It is not easy to let go of the spirit of fear, but that is why God gave us so many examples in the Bible of how to overcome fear. We all know the story of David and Goliath. The whole Israel army feared Goliath, but David went after him in the name of the Lord and killed Goliath. Everything we fear can appear to be as big as Goliath, but we can take God at His word. We have His power to overcome any fear! Fear keeps us locked in prison and causes us to miss our blessings. When we operate in fear we put our faith in Satan!
Spirit of Inferiority: The dictionary defines inferiority as the condition of being lower in status or quality than another or others. We can be so deceived in this world by a person’s occupation and the sum of their income that we let it hinder our opportunity to have all the blessings God has stored up for us. God does not want us to feel inferior to anyone because we are each made in His image. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them Genesis 1:27. No one is better than anyone else. A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Proverbs 18:16, KJV
It does not matter how many failures we have experienced, or how little the income that we currently have, we are just as valuable as the president of our country. God does not want us to compare ourselves to others. This jams up the pipeline for us to receive our blessings when we have our eyes on comparison we cannot see the blessings waiting for us. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, Galatians 6:4-5, NIV
Spirit of Guilt: We all have things in our past that we wish we had not done and sometimes we carry that guilt. When we hold on to guilt then we are not accepting the gift that Jesus died to give us. Carrying guilt opens the door for Satan to use those emotions to keep us in bondage because we cannot go back and change the mistakes we have made. Locked in bondage keeps us from hearing God and blocks the blessings He has for us.
We can’t receive God’s love, compassion and forgiveness because our hands are too full with guilt. We have to be willing to empty our hands so we can receive His blessing. Note to self!Nothing we do is a surprise to God! Hallelujah!
In closing I find that this scripture sums up how we release all blessing blockers This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8, KJV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Blessing Blocker - Guilt
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7, ESV
The fourth blessing blocker listed in the book by Dr. David Yonggi Cho was guilt. When I read the passage about guilt it immediately convicted my heart. We all have things in our past that we wish we had not done and sometimes we carry that guilt. When we do that we are not accepting the gift that Jesus died to give us. In the book Dr. Cho shares a story about a women who had received several abortions and that guilt along with her other sins were eating away at her life.
This woman husband brought her to Dr. Cho for healing. After she shared with Dr. Cho her past and how she could not let go of the guilt that she felt Dr. Cho then says this to her “Sister, close your eyes, “I instructed her, also doing the same thing myself. “Let’s go to a very silent and beautiful lake. Now you and I are sitting beside the lake, and there are many pebbles. In my hand I hold a very small pebble. You pick up a big rock. Let’s throw this pebble and this rock into the lake”.
“First it’s my turn. I take hold of the pebble and cast it in. Did you hear the sound it made? A ripple. Where is the pebble now?” She answered, “Well, it went down to the bottom of the lake.” “Right,” I replied. “Now it’s your turn. Cast your rock in. Yes, you cast it in…okay, now that you’ve cast it in, did it make a light noise?” “No,” she asserted, “it made a big sound, and a large ripple.” “But where is your rock?” “Down at the bottom,” she replied. “Well, it seems that both my small pebble and your big rock went to the bottom when they were thrown. The only difference was the sound and ripple. Mine made a plop, yours made a boom. Mine made a small ripple, yours a large ripple. People go to hell with small sins just as well as big sins, for they are without Jesus Christ. And what is the difference? Sound and its influence on society. Everyone needs the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus cures all sins, big and little.” (The Fourth Dimension Dr. David Yonggi Cho)
Just like this woman in the story that Dr. Cho shared we can carry guilt that we don’t believe is forgivable even though we know Christ died for all those sins. I too am like the woman in the book, for I have done things I was ashamed of and the guilt ate away at me. However, God reminded me that He already knew what sins we would commit and He carried them to the cross. Our confession to God with a sincere heart is all that is required for forgiveness.
When we carry the guilt of past sin, it blocks the pipeline for God to pour into us His blessings. We can’t receive his love, compassion and forgiveness because our hands are too full with guilt. We have to be willing to empty our hands so we can receive His blessing. Note to self!Nothing we do is a surprise to God! Hallelujah!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Blessing Blocker - Inferiority
When we think of inferiority we don’t usually see it as something that would block our blessings. In Dr. David Yonggi Cho’s book The Fourth Dimension he says, “That If people feel that they are inferior because they live in the slum area, you cannot pull them out. Perhaps they failed in their businesses and have resigned themselves to be a failure. But so long as they have this attitude, you cannot help them. You must ask each to surrender his inferiority complex, and let himself be reconstructed by the love of God.”
This passage brought to my mind the caste system in India. The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. The main castes were further divided into about 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation. Outside of this Hindu caste system were the achhoots - the Dalits or the untouchables https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35650616.The caste system in India have put people in bondage based on their religious beliefs and as Dr. Cho said the change can only come from surrendering to God.
Many of us do not live under that religion and we have choices on what we chose to do with our lives. However, we can be so deceived in this world by the occupation of what a person does and the sum of their income that we let it hinder our opportunity to have all the blessings God has stored up for us. God does not want us to feel inferior to anyone because we are each made in His image. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them Genesis 1:27. No one is better than anyone else. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Proverbs 18:16, KJV
It does not matter how many failures we have experienced, or how little the income that we currently have, we are just as valuable as the president of our country. God does not want us to compare ourselves to others. This jams up the pipeline for us to receive our blessings. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, Galatians 6:4-5,
Father,
Thank you for this word! We want to receive all the blessings that you have for us. We know that, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” James 3:16. This will cause us to miss out on all you have stored up for us. We surrender our inferiority complex, to you and we release ourselves to be reconstructed by the love of God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Blessing Blocker - Fear
I shared with you in a previous post that hatred is a blessing blocker. There are four blessing blockers that were mentioned in the book I read by Dr. David Yonggi Cho. The second blocker is the Spirit of fear.
Whatever we fear will come to us. The dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Did you see that fear is belief in something. The Scriptures tell us to fear not because God is with us. Satan uses fear to move us away from God and to believe in his lies.
When we operate in fear we put our faith in Satan! In Dr. Cho’s book he talks about how he was in a biology class and the teacher was teaching about the dangers of tuberculosis when the instructor ended the class by saying, “There are people who are born with a tendency to have tuberculosis. Men with narrow shoulders and long necks seem more apt to catch tuberculosis.” Dr. Cho believed the statement to be true and looking at himself having narrow shoulder and a long neck, he believed he would contract tuberculosis. He says in the book , “Right away I knew that I would get tuberculosis. Fear stuck me. When I got back to my room, I stood before the mirror, looking at my neck all afternoon. Fear came into my heart, and every moment I lived under the grinding fear of tuberculosis. When I turned 18 years old I did have tuberculosis. Like attracts like, and like produces like. If you have fear, the devil has an open channel through with to come and strike you; fear is negative faith.”
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7) I love this scripture because it reminds us that a spirit is something we can put on or take off. In Isaiah 61:3 ….we are told to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. God reminds us that He did not give us this fear spirit, He gave us the spirit of power, love, and self control.
I know that it is not easy to let go of the spirit of fear, but that is why God gives us so many examples in the Bible of how to overcome fear. We all know the story of David and Goliath. The whole Israel army feared Goliath, but David went after him in the name of the Lord and killed Goliath. Everything we fear appears to be as big as Goliath, but we can take God at His word. We have His power to overcome any fear! Fear keeps us locked in prison and causes us to miss our blessings.
Father,
We thank you for your word teaches that when we seek you, You deliver us from all of our fears. Help us to remember that when we are afraid, all we have to do is put our trust in you. God we praise you for we chose to walk in faith and crush fear! In Jesus name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9