Jacqueline Crooks 7/6/23 Jacqueline Crooks 7/6/23

Seeds

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17, ESV

To start my garden, I usually purchase the seedlings plants instead of starting with seeds. Seedlings are young plants raised from a seed that have yet to produce fruit and are ready to be planted in a garden. This year however, because I waited so late and the inventory for these young plants were so low, I ended up planting seeds. Now planting seeds that late in the gardening season is usually not successful, but I felt the leadership of the Holy Spirit, so I did.

Every morning I would wake up early and go out to the garden to see if the seeds had sprouted. I would check two or three times a day because I knew that the seeds were in the fertile soil. They would soon die, and the plant would start to sprout. I had an expectation that I would see the seeds break ground.

One afternoon while I was looking so intently for the sprouts, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Do you look like that for what you have prayed for?” He said, “You are expecting these seeds to produce. You have faith in what you have sown in the ground. Why don’t you have the same faith in the seeds you give to me?” I can’t tell you that I had some amazing response to God’s prompting. I just let His words sit in my spirit. I knew if He was speaking to me about this, I needed to meditate on what He was saying. Even now while I am writing this message the words are still lingering in my spirit.

I thought, “Well, I know how to go to the garden and look for the seeds to sprout, but where do I go to look for answers to my prayers?” As I sat there thinking about this, the Holy Spirit said, “If you have asked for healing, then look at all the scriptures where I have healed. If you are looking for provision, then look at all the scriptures where I have provided for others. If you are looking for direction, then look at all the scriptures where I have given direction. Keep your focus on what you have prayed for.” The more I focused on the garden, looking at it expectantly each morning, my mind continued to believe that the seeds were going to sprout. It is the same with God, when we are focused on what He said, reading his scripture increases our faith and that faith produces the fruit. We become more focused on our expectations, having hope that what we prayed for will manifest. Scripture says, So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The more we hear scripture on what we are believing for, the more our faith is encouraged and increased. Faith produces the fruit!

When we pray, we are sowing a seed of faith. In this economy, even though we trust God, we can walk away and not see our prayer answered. I consistently water my garden and protect it from intruders (bugs and insects eating its sprouts) so that it can grow and produce fruit. It is the same with our prayers. We have to water our faith with the word of God daily, focusing on what we are believing to be received. Staying in the word with the focus on our subject protects our mind from the intruder Satan. If we are not careful, we can allow the intruder to eat up what had originally sprouted and not receive our fruit. Amen, Let’s pray:

Father, thank you that in everything you have given us the answer on how to water our seeds through scripture. Thank you that you have provided everything we need to see our seeds produce fruit. We repent from not taking the time to study the word which helps to expand our faith and protect us from the onslaught of Satan’s attack. Thank you for direction on how to move. We give you glory and praise 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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 7/6/23 Jacqueline Crooks 7/6/23

Planting Seeds

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV

I am so excited about my garden. I started the gardening season off late this year because of the weather in Sacramento. We received so much rain that I did not think anything would grow. We had also done some traveling so I really did not get started until the first week in June, which is kind of late for summer harvesting!

When I got to the nursery to pick up the seedlings I wanted, the inventory was really low. I spoke with the salesclerk and asked when they would get another shipment of more plants. She said they were not ordering anything else until the fall. While I was so disappointed, I felt a prompting from the Holy Spirit to buy some seeds and plant them. Now this was one of those moments when the Holy Spirit starts talking and you try and reason it away. I was thinking it is definitely too late to sow seeds for a summer harvest. But then I thought, “If God says so, what do I have to lose! The soil is prepared and ready,” so I bought seeds and planted them.

God reminded me that my thoughts were just like when He brings an assignment to us and we think we are not qualified to complete it. Be it our age, education, gender, race or whatever we feel insecure about, our first thoughts can be to say no to His prompting. We can think it is too late or the timing is not right for us to move into what He has called us to do when in actuality, it is the perfect time! Now our focus will be totally on God - not thinking we can do it in our own strength. When God prompts us to come work with Him, He makes sure we are uncomfortable. He always chooses something outside of our comfort zone! Yet, He has made everything around us perfect for growing. He is waiting for us to get in agreement with Him, saying no to our flesh yes to Him, so the work can begin.

Once I planted the seeds in my garden, I was so focused on waiting to see if they would sprout that I checked my garden every day, sometime three and four times a day, to see if anything was sprouting. Within a week the sprouts were up! I was so excited! Then God reminded me that just like those seedlings sprouted when planted, when we say yes to Him, no matter what it looks like to us, we are in the process of sprouting - heading straight into full fruit production!

Let’s pray: Father, thank you for always brining us to a challenge. Thank you for always stretching us. Thank you for always making us ready, especially when it looks the complete opposite! We glory in you that you never call us to what we are qualified to do, but you qualify the ones you call! To you be glory and praise 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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23 Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23

God’s Love

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10, ESV

Living in this world can direct our thoughts away from how much God loves us. We get so caught up in the cares of our lives that we miss the special love that God shows us everyday. Scripture says that The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

My God, how awesome is that! He brags about us and protects us! Did you know that He also promises that when we go through the waters, He will be with us? And when we pass through the rivers they will not sweep over us? And when we walk through the fire, we will not be burned: the flames will not set us ablaze! That is a promise from God in the book of Isaiah.

God is constantly telling us not to fear because He has got us covered! Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10, ESV; Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV; Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV

I’m not sure if you have heard all the names of God, but He has many names that describe who He is. He told Moses that when the Israelites ask what His name is, to tell them that His name is I AM. I AM….whatever you need! If we are in need of anything, all of His names have us covered. See the list below for just a few of his names:

Jehovah-Jireh means God is our provider.

Jehovah-Rapha means He is our healer.

Jehovah-Rohi means He is our shepherd.

Jehovah-Shalom means He is our peace.

ADONAI means My Great Lord

El Elyon means the God Most High

ElOHIM means The All powerful one

IMMANUEL means God With Us

When He told Moses to say His name was I AM, it meant that any other name would have put limits on who He is. It boggles my mind that this is the God who we can sit with any time of day with all of our issues. He takes time for each one of us. Family, there is no other way to spell love without I AM!

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

Jehovah-Jireh means God is our provider.

Jehovah-Rapha means He is our healer.

Jehovah-Rohi means He is our shepherd.

Jehovah-Shalom means He is our peace.

ADONAI means My Great Lord

El Elyon means the God Most High

ElOHIM means The All powerful one

IMMANUEL means God With Us

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/@jccministriestv8904

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

Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23 Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23

He is Working

Then the word of the Lord came to him, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:8-24, ESV

Our Bishop spoke from this scripture one Sunday and the message glued itself to me. In his teaching he shared how we can miss our miracles looking for God to bless in a different way. The woman never received a big bag of flour or a ton of extra oil; it just came every day when she went back to prepare food. This reminds me of one of the miracles that Jesus did when He fed the five thousand with two fish and five loaves of bread. He never had an abundance that we could see physically but the provision just kept producing as they used what was in their hand.

We can be so focused on looking for God to provide the answer in another way that we miss the blessing we have in our hand. For many years I was under the impression that I was not a good writer because my bosses in my previous positions would rewrite everything I would prepare for them. Therefore, I did not recognize the gift that was in my hand. But God has a way of opening our eyes to see what we might think is a deficiency as actually an abundant blessing. Our little is never too little for God! He is the Miracle Worker who has given us all we need to produce the abundance that we are looking for when we release everything to Him.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/@jccministriestv8904

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

Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23 Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23

Echo

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8, ESV

I’ve always heard that God echo’s a message that He has for you. It's like getting confirmation that you are where God wants you to be. In Bible study last week, the lesson focused on having a more extraordinary relationship with God. The topic was The Exponential Worshiper. Our focus was on the acts of Daniel and the exemplary worship habits that he exhibited. In Daniel 6, he was put in the lion’s den for his worship to God. As our Pastor shared this teaching, I felt a tug in my heart - God was saying, “I need you to draw closer to me”.

Later that day I was listening to another teaching, this time from a completely different person and ministry Dr. Sharon Nesbit. In it she says, “Stop being casual with God”. I thought wow! Okay God, I hear the message you are sending me. He was telling me that I needed to have a more intimate relationship with Him. As soon as I heard the words from Dr. Nesbit, I knew it was confirmation that God was telling me to draw closer.

After meditating on what I had heard, I tried making up my own schedule for how I would get closer to God. I set up a calendar to pray a minimum of four hours during the day. But by the time I got through the second hour of prayer I was discouraged because I could not think of anything else to pray. I was sharing my disappointment with a dear friend and she told me I was trying to do this in my own strength. You have to yield to God and let Him direct you on the journey of a closer walk with Him.

After speaking with her, I went to God to seek His direction and everything became so clear. If we pay attention we will find that God echoes to us what He wants from us, bringing confirmation to His word. We also have to remember that when He brings something to us, He already has a plan of how it will work out. Our job is just to surrender our will and let Him lead us.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/@jccministriestv8904

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

Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23 Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23

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:

https://www.youtube.com/@jccministriestv8904

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

Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23 Jacqueline Crooks 5/30/23

Highway of Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, NIV

I try hard not to be surprised by some of the things I read on social media or hear in the news. The world seems to be getting darker and darker. I know that the Bible teaches us that we are to expect these things as we come closer to the end of the world, but the level of evilness shocks me and hurts my heart dearly.

When my husband starts to share with me stories of what he has read in the news or on social media I find myself immediately going into prayer. Praying and sharing God’s amazing love are the most powerful tools we have to enact change. I usually tell my husband I don’t want to hear any more evil. I ask him to share with me something good that he has read. He sometimes gets annoyed and says I can be like an ostrich with my head in the sand. I understand that it is important to know what is going on in the world but I feel like the news outlets sensationalize evil. Their top story is usually focused on the most horrific thing that has happened and their goal seems to be to bombard the world with it. But it’s important to remember that whatever we feed ourselves is what we become.

God sent His only son to a world that He knew was horrific and dark to die for us and give us a way out of this destructive place. Believers are aware and living in this wonderful gift but it is our job to make sure the world knows that this opportunity exists. We don’t have to beat people down with the Bible and Christian jargon; all we have to do is love them the same way God loves us. Scripture says we are living epistles written by God and read by men. Let men read God in all that you do!

Father,

Thank you for a different highway that you made available to us. We are forever grateful for this amazing gift. We ask that you open up the pathway for us to show your love in this dark world. Open the eyes of our hearts to see what we can do in every moment to offer your love to this dying world. In your precious 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/@jccministriestv8904

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

Jacqueline Crooks 4/22/23 Jacqueline Crooks 4/22/23

Holy, Holy, Holy

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come’ Revelation 4:8, ESV.

I was quoting the last line of this Scripture over and over while praying and giving reverence to God when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Look up the word Holy.” I did not want to stop in my prayer but because I felt it pressing upon my heart, I pulled out my iPad and looked up the word. The definition of the word in the Webster Dictionary said the following:

Holy: 1) exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness

2) divine: for the Lord our God is holy

3) devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity: holy temple

4) having a divine quality: holy love, venerate as or as if sacred: holy scripture, holy relic

Greek: 1) hagios sacred; separated from sin and consecrated to God, Sacred, pure, blameless,

Hebrew: 1) kodesh, means holiness; holy thing

Many times, we get so used to using a word that we truly forget the depth of its meaning. Holy describes who our God is (one perfect in goodness, righteousness and holiness) and how we should honor Him (exalted or worthy of complete devotion). I thought I knew what “holy” meant but as I referenced the definition, I found that this word is for God alone.

Although I never thought to use this word in any other way it never occurred to me that this word “holy” can only be used to describe our God. There is no one or nothing perfect in this world except our living God! We can say, “Holy Ghost,” “Holy Spirit,” and “Holy Bible.” All those terms describe our God. If we used this word in any other way, we have taken it out of context. In Scripture it says, “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy” (Psalm 99:9, NIV).

As believers, He has made us holy through Jesus Christ, but we should be just like the four living creatures in Revelation who continue day and night saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” What an awesome way to worship and give our God praise!

Father,

What an honor and a privilege that we have been hand-picked by you to give you glory and praise! Lord, how we love you! We say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 4/22/23 Jacqueline Crooks 4/22/23

God Speaks

If you truly want to hear God speak to you, keep praying and reading His word. Every time I am in prayer I hear the Holy Spirit speaking to me. I have now learned to listen when I hear Him speaking in my spirit. I don’t know why I am surprised when He speaks right in the middle of worship because scripture teaches God inhabits the praise of His people.

The other morning, I was praying about all the things I had to do on Sunday when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “The dry bones that I showed Ezekiel are all the dead, dry things in your life”. I went “Wait, hold on, what!!!” He said, “Do what I told Ezekiel to do and speak to the dryness in your life. Everyone has a valley of dry bones. All they need to do is speak to it with the authority and power I have given them.”

Yes, that is exactly what the Holy Spirit does. He brings you words of comfort and direction when you least expect it. I love that, because it points straight back to His word. “Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV). As I acknowledged God, He gave me direction on my path. Before I started praying, the song “Anthem” by Todd Delaney rang in my spirit and I began to sing it as best I could. God reminded me of what that song was truly saying.

He has paid our debt. He was raised from the dead. He is alive. He has all power. We are free, His blood covers our sin and He is in charge. Ask for whatever you want according to His will and speak with His authority in the name of Jesus and it is done.

I encourage you to read Ezekiel 37:1-14 which I have included below. Ask God to teach you how to speak to the dry bones in your life. Right them down and pray over them as He instructs and watch what appears to be dead around you come to life. Amen!

The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:1-14, NIV

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

Jacqueline Crooks 4/22/23 Jacqueline Crooks 4/22/23

For My Good

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28, KJV

In Romans 8, Apostle Paul was writing to the church in Rome and was describing the difference between a person living a life in selfishness (after the flesh) and a life lived in accordance with God. For a long time, it would really bother me to hear someone quote the scripture above. I’ve always thought that with all the evil going on in the world, how could God say that He was working everything out for the good of those who love the Lord and are called to His purpose?

Over the years, God has taught me that it is truly Him who is keeping us. Through the study of His word He has shown me that evil is not His will but man’s choice. His grace covers and watches over those who believe in Him. Just like a shepherd leads his sheep, God is our shepherd, and He leads us. A shepherd may come into bad situations but he is always watching to make things well for his sheep. God has already done that same thing for us. He knows what is up ahead. While He does not change man’s choices, He still protects his sheep!

In my finite mind, I always thought that God should just get rid of the bad stuff so we wouldn’t have to go through all these painful things. Then I was reminded of Jesus and his journey to the cross. He asked God to take away the bitter cup, but He exclaimed “...not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, ESV). Jesus had the power to come down off the cross but He did not. He knew that God had a purpose for His pain that would ultimately work out for the good of all people.

The example Jesus left us should encourage our hearts and give us some clarity. Like a shepherd leading sheep - even though the shepherd sees trouble ahead, he still needs to carry his sheep through to the other side. For the other side has wonders that the sheep know nothing about. If the shepherd does not keep moving, the sheep could literally die where there are, missing the blessings waiting for them up ahead.

Jesus had the power to get off that cross, but He chose not to because He knew the father’s desire. We may have the power to move away from a difficult or hard situation but that does not necessarily mean it is the right thing to do. In every situation we need to do what Jesus did: pray and ask God for His will, not our own, and move according to the answer He gives us.

Be encouraged. God has not forgotten the promises He has made to you. Although things may not look good or be good, our Father has worked them out for our good.

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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 3/18/23 Jacqueline Crooks 3/18/23

GOD WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN

The Bible says, “Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’” (Luke 1:34-35 NLT). Has God been telling you things He wants to do through you, but you’re looking at yourself and thinking, “How can this happen?” You’re saying, “I don’t have the training, the resources, the skill, or the connections. And I certainly don’t have the strength to accomplish it alone.” If you’re wondering how God will bring it all to pass, remember that He will accomplish it! No one else will get the credit. How will it happen? “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v. 35 NLT). The Holy Spirit can impregnate you with a vision, inspire you with creative ideas, introduce you to the right people, and empower you to do the job. God had a unique plan for Mary, and He has one for you too. You aren't privileged to see the future and you don’t know all that God has in store for you—but He has a plan. After the angel spoke to Mary, notice what she said: “Be it unto to me according to thy word” (v. 38). Not according to your social status, or your job resume, or your finances, or what you deserve. No, “Be it unto me according to thy word!” Was that easy to say or believe? No, she was taking an extreme risk. To be pregnant and unmarried brought dire consequences in those days. Yet she gave herself willingly to God—and the results were miraculous. And God can do the same for you.

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 JCC Ministriestv:

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

Jacqueline Crooks 3/18/23 Jacqueline Crooks 3/18/23

Graciousness

I love the scripture Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. In this verse the prophet Jeremiah is prophesying to the people of Judah what God is going to do for them when they come out of captivity. The people of Judah were in captivity because of their disobedience to God. This is what the Lord says: Look, an army is coming from the land of the North, a great nation is being stirred up from the ends of the earth Jeremiah 6:22. …I will hand all Judah over to the king of Babylon…Jeremiah 20:4.

The people of Judah had been given multiple opportunities to repent from their sins and change their behavior but they refused. They were held in bondage for 70 years because of their disobedience. God is so gracious that even in His punishment, He tells them that He will continue to bless and prosper them. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” Jeremiah 29:4-7, NIV.

Our God sees us wherever we are. He knows what situations we may find ourselves in because of our disobedience to Him. God will always give us opportunities to change our behavior. But if we persist in our own ways, He will discipline us for our disobedience. It is just like any parent who gives their children warnings to change their behavior. After a while, the parent says “Okay, you would not listen so here is your punishment”.

Even though our parents punish us for our wrong behavior it never stops the wonderful desire and plans they have for us in the future. They are still making a way for us to get the best education and to have the best life possible. How much more does our God do that for us! That is exactly what Jeremiah 29:11 is all about. God is reminding His people that He still has awesome plans for them and will make their way prosperous.

Family, at times we may feel so down and disappointed in ourselves, thinking that God could not possibly want to bless us. But that is so far from the truth. We have a loving God who has only great plans for our lives. Be encouraged that no matter what situation you are experiencing right now, God has great things ahead for your life! Keep your head up high and be encouraged as you journey out of where you are to where He is taking you!

Father,

Thank you for your graciousness, that even when you discipline us for our disobedience, you still have great plans for us when we repent from our sins and receive your forgiveness. Thank you for putting us back on the road to the wonderful plans that you have for our lives. We thank you in Jesus name, we pray, Amen!

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCC Ministriestv:

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

Jacqueline Crooks 3/18/23 Jacqueline Crooks 3/18/23

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 she came 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 I 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 JCC Ministriestv:

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

Jacqueline Crooks 3/16/23 Jacqueline Crooks 3/16/23

God Has Called You!

I attended the Declare conference in Dallas Texas which was very informative. This conference was for Christians woman who were called to the social media platform.

I met so many awesome woman who have been called to this public world. They were all at different levels some were just beginning to blog or write books others had just published their first book and some had over 20 books published! There were those who were doing all kinds of social media such as podcast, Facebook and YouTube live, Twitter and there were public speakers who had speaking engagements all over the world. I was inspired and honored to be apart of this faith filled group of women who were stepping out of their comfort zones to follow God.

The teachings and messages were informative and powerful! The conference reminded me that God has something for every one of us to do. He has given every one of us assignments in our hand although we may not recognize them, they are there. It was clear as I had the opportunity to speak with other women that we all experience the same thing while on the journey of walking out our assignment. Everyone spoke about their feelings of being nervous, afraid, and even not sure if they were going in the right direction but they were not letting that freeze them. We have to keep moving and watch God direct our path. We are here on earth at this time in this moment because God has ordained something for each of us to do. He has called you!

I leave you with these instructions Apostle Paul gave Timothy…I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.. 2 Timothy 4:2-5, ESV

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCC Ministriestv:

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

Jacqueline Crooks 1/26/23 Jacqueline Crooks 1/26/23

JEHOVAH Nissi - The Lord Is My Banner

Moses built an altar and called it,The Lord is my Banner. Exodus 17:15, ESV

While the Israelites were moving through the desert and headed to the promised land, the Amalekites came and attacked them at Rephidim. They were a strong and massive army. Moses told Joshua to take some men to fight them.

Moses went up on a mountain and stood where the Israelites could see him while he held up the staff of God. This was the same staff that Moses had performed miracles with, so the Israelites knew it had power. Scripture says that as long as Moses held up the rod, the Israelites were winning. But when his hand grew tired and he let it down, they would lose. So Aaron and Hur held his arms up so that Joshua and the Israelites had victory over the Amalekites.

Moses built an altar unto God and called it, The Lord is my Banner because Lord was the banner under which they fought; the banner that gave them victory.

Whenever America’s armed forces go to war, they fight under the power of the USA. You will never see them fight without the appropriate weaponry, flying the flag of their country as they march into battle.

It is the same for us when we pray. We are not praying under our own power or authority because nothing would get accomplished. We come under the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ for any situation we might encounter. Our Lord is our banner! That is why we have the power to overcome any demonic spirit that tries to take up residence in us. Our God resides inside of us and when we invoke His power, we have victory. We must remember when we pray, we are not praying alone, but with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

We can rejoice in prayer because we already have the victory! Just like the Israelites and Joshua had to fight, we have to do our part in war and fight under the banner of JEHOVAH NISSI!

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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 1/25/23 Jacqueline Crooks 1/25/23

Limiting God

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:19, ESV

I sit daily with God at 5:00 pm. Some years ago, I don’t remember how long it has been, I was studying the Bible when God said, “I want to meet with you daily at 5:00.” I said “Okay,” and so here I am. I was thinking about how when I would first come in to meet with Him I would pray for an hour. It never occurred to me to do anything different or ask God what He wanted. Then a few years later He prompted me to ask Him what He wanted me to do.

To my surprise, what He wanted was quite different. Sometimes He would invite me to the backyard to sit with Him. Other times I would take a walk with Him or go sit by the lake. Sometimes it was listening to music or giving someone a call and encouraging them. At times He would prompt me to stop by a coffee shop and have one of those indulging drinks. But this evening He told me to pull out my laptop and type. I told Him that I would rather sit and listen to Him, but writing was what I heard from Him today. I always want to be obedient, so here I am, writing this devotional. How about you? How are you spending your time with God? Do you sit with Him? Do you talk to Him in your car on the way to work? How do you hear Him speaking to you? He wants to have a relationship with you! He wants you to know more about Him. He wants to tell you how to access all of those wonderful spiritual blessings He has placed inside of you!

I had often thought that my prayer time and meeting time with God should always look the same everyday: Bible study and serious conversations about God. But God showed me that if I did the exact same thing with my husband everyday, we would get bored and sick of each other. He said, “You should know I like different things, look around. Can you name all the different flowers?” God has been making my time with Him more exciting, exhilarating and fun, simply because I said yes. And He wants to do the same with you!

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

Jacqueline Crooks 1/25/23 Jacqueline Crooks 1/25/23

In the Room

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

My husband and I were given the opportunity to be in a meeting with a First Vice President Financial Advisor for wealth management. The meeting was to take place at 10:00 am but the client who we were joining did not arrive until 11:00. Because my husband and I were there at 10:00, we had the opportunity to sit with this Financial Advisor and talk about wealth management for one hour. We were so enlightened during that conversation and continued to grow as we sat in the room for the three-hour meeting with the client.

When the meeting was over, the Financial Advisor gave his client a book. I got the opportunity to see the title and read the book. My husband and I were not in the position to be clients of this advisor at that time. But God put us in the room so that we could gain valuable information. We could have both thought that the meeting was just for his client and not taken advantage of the opportunity. But we both understood that God put us in the room for His own purpose.

We must never forget that when God puts us in the room He has a plan for our good. This meeting was never scheduled for us nor could we have arranged this for ourselves. But God arranged through another client for us to receive the invaluable information, He wanted us to have for our next assignment. God does not want us to waste anything. When He puts us in the room He has information that He wants us to get. God put Joseph in prison so he could be in position to be second in command of Egypt and save his people.

God always has a plan that will prosper us. We don’t know the plan, so it may not look like we should be in the room. But know that if you are in the room, God has ordained for you to be there. You should gather all the information you can, because God is educating you for your next assignment.

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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 1/23/23 Jacqueline Crooks 1/23/23

Giving Birth

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5, ESV

On special occasions like Christmas and birthdays my sister-in-law gives out soaps and candles as gifts. My husband and I really liked one of the soap scents she gave us from Jo Malone and we made a purchase of some of the products ourselves. While making the purchase I was invited by the manager who sells Jo Malone to attend a showing of their new fragrances. I gladly accepted the invitation.

At the event I learned that Jo Malone was originally a facial therapist who had a love for fragrance. We were told that she developed some scented products in her kitchen as gifts for her clients. The giving of those gifts led to many open doors and you can now purchase her products all over the world!

I share this story with you because it just reminds me of what an awesome God we serve! I have never met Jo Malone but I love her journey of discovery of what was on the inside of her. God has given each one of us a dream (like an unborn baby) that’s inside of us. We are to give birth to that dream, which is always bigger than ourselves. Jo Malone’s love for fragrance moved her to create scented products by hand in her own kitchen!

I know that it can appear like we are just living day to day, walking around doing the same old thing. But I want to encourage you as I encourage myself that God has greater things for us to do. What God has called us to do is always bigger than what we can think of. Jo Malone was a facial therapist but she did not let her career dictate her future. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). God has laid everything out for us, all we have to do is walk in it.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain (Psalm, 139:1-6, NIV).

In 1999, Jo Malone sold her business to Estée Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until she left in 2006. She is now a motivational speaker and has written her autobiography Jo Malone: My Story. You can find more about Jo Malone at https://www.joloves.com/about

Father,

Thank you that you have created and designed each of us with a special purpose for your glory that will enrich the lives of others. It is our deepest desire to fulfill all that you have called us to. We surrender our will to you so that the gifts you put inside of us will be birthed. Our deepest desire is to walk hand in hand with you as we take this journey to manifest what you have already ordained for us to do. To you Father be the glory! 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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 1/23/23 Jacqueline Crooks 1/23/23

Forgiveness is not a Feeling

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34, ESV

Forgiveness does not start with feelings. Forgiveness starts with the words, “I forgive you.” If we try and wait until we feel like forgiving the person we may never forgive anyone because of our emotions. When we speak out of our mouth, “I forgive you,” forgiveness happens. We may still have the same feelings in our heart, but as soon as we speak the words, forgiveness happens. Remember, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:3). The word says that when He spoke the word “light”, light happened. Many times, we are trying to feel forgiveness in our heart before we actually say the words. Scripture teaches us that we have to speak the words in order for what we want to manifest.

Our words are containers of power. The word teaches us that “...death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21, ESV). Scripture also says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11, ESV). Did you see how much power is inside of the spoken word? What we speak will accomplish whatever is spoken! But he answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).

Our words are so powerful that they affect the direction of our lives! The objective of Satan is to keep us speaking how angry we feel so that we never produce the forgiveness that is inside us. According to the dictionary, our feelings are an emotional state or reaction. Our feelings can be fickle and can cause us to respond emotionally. If we continually sulk in unforgiveness we can live on an emotional rollercoaster and never get off.

Forgiveness is so important because if we don’t forgive, we lose everything. The word says, “...but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15, ESV). There is no discussion; we have to forgive. Even when the disciples had a disagreement, Peter went to Jesus and asked how often am I to forgive my brother. Jesus responded, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:12). Basically, Jesus was saying as many times as necessary. Jesus did not tell Peter that he would feel forgiveness, he commanded him to forgive.

How do we forgive? We first ask God for help, then speak the words out of our mouth. Jesus gave us the best example when He was on the cross and said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do…” (Luke 23:34).

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 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

Jacqueline Crooks 1/19/23 Jacqueline Crooks 1/19/23

The Stirring

Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. Daniel 3:8

When I prepare cookies I use a large mixer to get all the ingredients combined together. This allows for an easier and faster way to get the product prepared for my customers and give them an irresistible batch of cookies. As I was reading the above scripture God showed me how He is always stirring things up in the background to combine the ingredients to bring about the best product.

In the third chapter of the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar has set up a golden image for everyone in his providence to bow down and worship whenever certain musical instruments are played. He specifically gathers those he has appointed to high positions (the satraps, the prefects, the governors, the counselors, the treasurer, the justices, the magistrates, and all of the officials of the provinces) to the dedication of the image. He gives them instructions to give proclamations to everyone in all the land that when they hear these musical instruments played they are to bow down. If you did not bow down to the golden image you would be thrown into the fiery furnace. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were a part of the king’s administration did not bow down to this image. They had committed their lives to God as they were Jewish and God’s chosen people. They know that they were only to bow and worship God alone.

Somehow these Chaldeans find out that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not bowing down to the golden image and according to the scripture above they went and told King Nebuchadnezzar. When our enemies are working against us, we don't always understand that God is actually using them for his perfect plan. He is actually stirring up the ingredients for a perfect promotional position for his servants.

We must remember when things seem to be going all wrong in our lives and all kinds of situations are working against us, God’s hand is in it and He is doing work in the background. We don’t usually see our enemies coming and many times it can knock us off track if we are not prayed up. It is just like with my cookies: my customers never see me mixing the ingredients together and doing all the work behind the scenes but they can never have an irresistible batch unless the stirring in the background happens. It is the same way with our lives. God is always in control and doing the behind the scene work to give us the abundant life He promised!

So the next time your enemies come for you, take a pause and understand God is doing something behind the scene and your promotion is right after this! Now remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to go through the fiery furnace but God was with them. I encourage you to read all of Daniel chapter three so you will understand how God works. The fire always brings in the promotion!

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