Ascribe to the Lord
Praise the Lord, you angels in heaven. Praise the Lord for his glory and strength. Praise the Lord for the glory that belongs to him. Worship the Lord because of his beauty and holiness. The voice of the Lord is heard over the waters. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees. The Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon into pieces. He makes the mountains of Lebanon leap like a calf. He makes Mount Hermon jump like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert. The Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oak trees. It strips the forests bare. And in his temple everyone cries out, “Glory!” The Lord on his throne rules over the flood. The Lord rules from his throne as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people. The Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29, 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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Faith is a Shield
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one… Ephesians 6:16, ESV
As I read the verse above and was meditating on it, my thoughts went back to a vision I had seen some time ago. I was sitting in the dark and fiery darts were coming at me. Now at the time I did not realize they were darts because all I could see in the vision was little fiery lights. I would move myself close to them, but they seemed to move back. I could not understand why I could not embrace those fiery lights coming at me. I saw them consistently coming but they did not touch me. They were close, but I never felt them.
While meditating on that scripture, the word shield stood out and the Holy Spirit said, “Those darts could not hit you because your faith was a shield!” I was like, what!! And then the Holy Spirit showed me how in the times when I doubted God, I had lowered my shield, and the darts would hit. The first hit that would land on me would always be fear. It was such a revelation - fear got in because I had lowered my shield of faith!
How did I lower my shield? The Holy Spirit said I had stopped hearing and feeding myself the Word of God. Now as much as I did not want to believe that the scripture does not lie. “…faith comes by hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). And it also says that there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love (1 John 4:18).
The more time we spend hearing and studying the Word of God, the more we are being perfected in love and our faith is strengthen. This happens because God is love, and as we study the Word, He reveals more of Himself to us. Listen, the more time I spent with my husband when we were dating, the more my faith was built up in our relationship. So when he told me he loved me and asked to marry me, I believed him based on the relationship we had developed. Now if he was sporadic in our relationship, I would have doubts about his love for me and less faith in our relationship moving forward.
How much more is God saying the same thing to us? Our faith shield is kept up by spending more time with Him and in His Word, which is Him speaking to us. And at the same time our love grows and is perfected in a way that we will never doubt that He loves us and will do exactly what He says. 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 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
All In with God
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. Genesis 12:1-5, ESV
The story of Abram should cause you to move immediately when God drops something in your spirit. When God spoke to Abram, he moved. Abram did not know where he was going, but he moved. Abram was 75 years old. He was not wealthy, he had no children, and he had none of what God had promised him, but he moved. He was leaving all that he was comfortable with, all of his friends and family, and walking alone with God.
Why do we procrastinate on completing the instructions God has laid in our heart? Every concern that we have, Abram had it too. He was just starting a relationship with God, but he did not let that stop him. God chose Abram. He handpicked him for the task ahead and Abram obeyed.
God has handpicked you too. He has a task for you to do that He has equipped you for and it is waiting on you. You cannot see all the treasures God has placed in you, but He wants you to trust him. You currently have the privilege of reading the story of Abram becoming Abraham and all that God did through him, but at those moments, Abram walked in pure faith and trust - hand in hand with God.
Our journey begins and ends with faith. Inheriting the promise is the outcome of faith and depends entirely on faith in order that it might be given as an act of grace, which is God’s unmerited favor (Romans 4:16). It is not our works that will get us to the manifestation of what God has put in our spirit, but our faith. How do we keep our faith strong? By consistently renewing our mind with what the Word says: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
God is always going to tell you to do something that is way outside of your ability. Scripture teaches us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways, declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8-9). You cannot begin to comprehend what God has for you to do. There was no way for Abram to make himself a great nation and have everyone honor his name. But he kept his eyes on God. He listened and obeyed what God said and in the midst of doing those things, his faith grew stronger. Abram did not waver from what God had said and did not get distracted from the purpose.
Just like Abram’s faith was given to him for his purpose, God has given you the faith you need to also move in all that He has placed in you. Do not just sit in the boat where it is safe, get out and walk on the water with God. When God told Peter to come and walk on water, Peter started out faithful, but took his eyes off Jesus and was frightened by the distractions around him. Peter cried out to God and He saved him, and he still walked on water! Don’t let the waves around you keep you from moving with God or you will miss the amazing journey God has for you. Be all in with Him!
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 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
While Waiting
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25, ESV
I was in the doctor’s office waiting for the results from a test I had taken. During an earlier exam my gynecologist had felt a lump in my right breast and wanted me to have further testing. While I was sitting there waiting for the results my mind started to just wander into the most negative places possible. I heard myself say “Stop!” and began to pray, “God, I trust you. My answer to whatever the outcome is yes. I will walk whatever journey you put in front of me hand in hand with you.” I then started to pray under my breath in my prayer language.
I started to think about all those who do not have God as their source. My mind wondered to everyone who was just sitting, waiting for some kind of result, hoping for the best. I thought about their anxious feelings and what the enemy might be doing to their minds, and I continued to pray. The ultrasound technician walked in a few minutes later and said the doctor wanted me to take another test. She asked if I was okay with that, I said yes. I was moved to another room to wait for more imaging to be done. The Holy Spirit said to me, “I told you that you do not have cancer and there is no problem. Rest in me.” I responded, “Okay, God, then you must have me here for something. Who do you want me to encourage?” No sooner than I said that a lady walked in and sat not too far from me. She was not in the best mood and was having a difficult time. I just said “Hello”, and we joked with each other until it was her turn to be tested. After about 20 minutes I went in for the final imagining. When it was all completed, I was told that there was nothing to worry about. They just wanted to make sure that what they saw was nothing.
That journey of waiting was not easy, and prayer was hard because the enemy was working overtime to get my mind into the worst place. I love that in the midst of those moments if we let him God redirects our mind off of ourself and onto others. When my mind was off me, peace came to my heart. In your waiting season I invite you to thank God for where He has you and to seek His face for others in your situation. As you do this, He will free you with His perfect peace. Scripture says “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
Affirmations; 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:
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Overcoming Fear
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13, ESV
There have been times in the past when I’ve dreaded having to do a certain task or deal with a certain person. I was afraid of the push back or conflict I might have to face. It’s interesting - while writing this post and reflecting back, I’m realizing that many of the times when I faced the thing I feared, it was not as bad as I had anticipated. I know that was because I sought the Lord before moving. Now, sometimes the situation would end just the way I had feared but I still had to move and take care of the issue at hand, and God always gave me what I needed to get through it.
In the book of Esther, we read where her cousin Mordecai tells her she must go before the king to seek his favor and plead for the life of her people. Esther was afraid because she had not been summoned by the king for a month. The rule was that if any man or woman goes to the king in the inner court without being summoned, he would be put to death, unless the king held out the golden scepter to him. Esther sought the Lord through a 3-day fast with the Jewish people before she went before the king, and God gave her favor.
When the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites came up against Jehoshaphat, he was afraid. He decided to ask the Lord for advice and told all the people of Judah to go without eating. The people came together to ask the Lord for help. In fact, they came from every town in Judah to pray to God. Then Jehoshaphat prayed to God the promises that God had already said He would bring to pass for His people. After the prayer, a word came to Jehoshaphat through Jahaziel. God told him not to be afraid, and that He would fight their battle for them. Jehoshaphat still had to go down to the battle ground, but when they got to the battle ground there were only dead bodies lying around. God not only fought their battle for them, but He also gave them all the wealth of those who lay dead!
No matter what you are facing remember this – “the Lord your God, holds your right hand; it is God who says to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you’” (Isaiah 41:13). Take every situation to the Lord in prayer and He will deliver you!
Affirmations; 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:
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His Word Works
…for I am alert and active, watching over my word to perform it. Jeremiah 1:12, AMP
I don’t know about anyone else's god, but my God, ELOHIM, says that He is watching over His word to perform it! The one whom by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17). He is the one who says that He is watching over every word written in the Bible, every promise, to ensure it happens!
He says He has gone before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. He tells us not be afraid or discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8) and says that He is our God who goes with us to fight against our enemies and give us the victory (Deuteronomy 20:4)! Hallelujah!
A dear friend shared with me that when she was in prayer with God, she was seeking answers and God said, “You are looking for answers, but I am the answer!” Did you get that? ELOHIM is the answer. He is the beginning and the end, and all things are held together by Him! In this human flesh, we can get so caught up in our emotions and forget all the promises that we have in Christ. The other day I prayed about something that was really bothering my spirit. I did not want to have it in my heart, but I just could not seem to let it go. As I was meditating, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Start writing all the things you are grateful for”, and as I started to write, my heart was lifted and my spirit was filled. Instant healing took place in my soul and there was a complete peace that came over me.
His Word has been tested, tried, and proven true! He told the Israelites in Malachi 3 who had been robbing God by not bringing in their tithes and offerings, “Put me to the test, and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” God says, “Test me!” Listen family, His Word works! If you have doubts or concerns, talk to Him. He promises that He hears and answers all prayers. What a mighty God we serve! 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:
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You Were Chosen
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16, ESV
The scripture above makes it clear for believers who we are and why we are here. At that time Jesus was getting ready to depart the earth and he was speaking to His disciples and giving them instructions. He uses this analogy of the branch and the vine, telling them that He is the vinedresser, and they are the branches. As long as they stay connected to the vine, they will produce much fruit. He later ends the teaching reminding them that they did not choose Him, but He appointed them to their assignment. What amazing encouragement they received! All doubts were canceled about their identity and their assignment was precise.
We, just like the disciples, were all hand selected by God to be on the earth at this specific time. Can you imagine our God has a timetable set up and He specifically selected you for this season on the earth? Wow! That alone should cause you to pause and give Him praise. Listen, each one of us are so special to God that He waited for centuries to brings us to the earth.
Everyone here has a purpose and that is to reach the lost. God knew before Adam and Eve sinned that this world would be full of lost souls. He is concerned about every soul because every soul belongs to Him. His desire is for them to be saved. While He has assigned each of us different occupations, our focus should always be to make sure our light is on wherever we go. This world is so full of darkness that it is vital we make sure we are filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, who helps us complete all that we were chosen to accomplish.
Jesus left these specific instructions for our assignment: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:12-14).
Father, thank you for choosing me. Thank you for the seasons that I am in. At times I can get confused about my assignment, but I thank you for specific instructions. Lord, you command that I love others as you have loved me. I must confess that I struggle with this, especially with those who miss treated me. I seek your guidance and help so that I can follow your will completely. This I pray In Jesus’s 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:
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Harvest is Plentiful
The other day I was shopping at the grocery store with my husband. Once we finished, he went to the counter to pay, and I went outside to wait for him and finish a phone call I was on.
As I was encouraging the individual on the phone, I noticed a woman limping to her car. I was watching her move when I heard God say, “Get off the phone”. We were just about finished but He said to get off the phone now. When I got off the phone, He told me to go pray for the women who was limping.
I got up, went over to her car, and asked her if I could pray for her. She looked at me a little strange and I said, “I noticed that you were limping, and I would like to pray for your healing.” She said, “Oh yes, please.” After telling her my name, the Holy Spirit said “Bend down to where she shows you the pain. Lay your hand there and pray for her.” When I finished praying, there were tears in her eyes. She said that no one had ever done that for her. She thanked me and explained what had caused her illness. I told her when she sees her healing manifest, she will know that it was God.
We have to be prepared to move when God says go because we never know where the fruit is that God is going to wants us to harvest. 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:
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The Lord’s Day
For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:7, NIV
When we think of the Lord’s day, we usually refer to a time of worship on either Saturday or Sunday, depending on our personal beliefs. I was doing some research for a message when I came across the scripture above. I wanted to share the passage with you because it gives clarity to the Day of the Lord. Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonica, saying they had already understood the meaning of the day of Lord, so they had no reason to fear:
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11, NIV)
Our focus as believers must be on doing the work of the kingdom because Christ is returning soon. As scripture says, “…what kind of people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness [displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God], [while you earnestly] look for and await the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:3-12).
Paul explains that the day of the Lord is when Christ returns. As believers, we will not be surprised. Scripture has already given us insight about what to expect in this world when the appointed time comes. Make sure you are in the word!
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
Right Now
At this moment, we are exactly where we are supposed to be. God is with us directing our steps and nothing in this moment is more precious than acknowledging Him. This instant is not an accident. Everything in this moment has been orchestrated for us. Many times we look at our situation and get discouraged by what we see or are experiencing, but God wanted to remind us the He is in the midst of this moment with us. Take a moment and reflect right now that you are in perfect alignment with Him!
When we are in perfect alignment with Him we find gratitude comes easy from our heart. We must seek to develop the habit of thanking God for the right “now.” Our situation may not be as we would like, and we may not understand everything arounds us, but when we have gratitude for the gift of “now” it brings much peace to our heart!
Now: at the present time or moment.
Breathe deep and exhale, rest in the moment. You have just experienced the breath of your Creator. Now give Him every situation in your heart. Receive that your request has been answered and give thanks. That is the power of a right now moment with Him!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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I Am Supernatural
…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
I posted this message back in 2019 and God brought it back to my attention a few days ago. He was reminding me of the steps He had me take to look with expectation that my prayer was being answered. I literally took the scriptures of God’s promises and prayed them, expecting Him to make a way for me to attend a conference. I remember feeling this sense of peace after praying the scriptures. The scriptures recounting what God had done in the past gave me the confidence I needed to keep believing in the midst of all odds. See below:
I paid for a ticket to attend the I Am Supernatural Summit in Dallas, Texas. My girlfriend and I fasted and prayed scriptures for what we were believing would take place at the summit for our lives.
The day finally came for the summit, and you can imagine how excited I was to attend. I had so many expectations and I knew God was already answering our prayers. The day before the trip my husband wanted to take me to lunch since I would be away for three days. While there, I remembered that I had not checked into the airlines for my ticket.
I pulled up the airline, punched in my confirmation number, and I received a message that read CANCELED! You can only imagine my shock. I did what everyone else would do and put the number in again thinking I must have put it in wrong, but the same message came up. I immediately called the airline to find out what was wrong. I was told that I had inadvertently gone through a second party and that they had canceled the ticket.
I asked the individual who was helping me if there were tickets available on the same flight and she said they were, but they were $1,100.00 - $1,700.00 for a round trip ticket from Sacramento, California to Dallas, Texas. I had paid a little over $300.00 for my ticket. My husband said that the price is way too high, and he suggested that I check other airlines. I can’t even begin to tell you all the emotions that ran through my spirit at one time. Trying to trust God that He was making a way and hearing all the negative garbage from Satan. I texted my girlfriend who was attending the conference with me and asked her to pray.
I went back to work somewhat in shock and while there started looking for a ticket. After a while, I decided God wanted me to do my work and to wait until I got home. Then He would show me what to do. On my way home, my daughter called to see how I was doing, and I began to share with her my situation. Of course, she immediately went into work mode, searching for flights on different airlines. She found a roundtrip ticket for $550 from an airline that was 2.5 hours away from my home. The plane departed at 6:00 a.m., and I knew in my spirit that was not from God.
When I got home my husband suggested that I gift the registration that I had paid to attend the summit and plan to go next year. I did not feel that in my spirit either and wanted to be obedient to God’s direction. So, I went into my prayer room at 5:00 p.m. and asked God what to do. At 6:00 p.m. I heard the Lord say, “Pray the ticket price down and go pack your bag.” I went and packed my bag and I pulled up my computer with my credit card sitting next to it and I began to pray like Elijah did when he prayed for rain. I prayed the promises of Hannah when she prayed for a son. I prayed the promises of King Hezekiah when he prayed for more years to live. All the promises of God and His answers to prayers kept swarming in my head and I kept praying them. At 7:49 p.m. God gave me a ticket for $150.00 round trip! I was on the original flight that I had first booked and left at 6:00 a.m. from Sacramento the next morning. From that moment on I was forever changed; the I Am Supernatural Summit had already changed my life forever.
God wants us to remember that the way to keep our focus on His promises is to stay in His word. We cannot just plant the seed and walk away expecting it to produce fruit. We must keep it watered and that is done through prayer, scripture reading and worship. When we water our faith with the word of God, it keeps our eyes and expectations on Him. It also gives us the strength we need to fight off the negative thoughts the enemy sends our way.
Father, thank you that you have equipped us with the word of God. Thank you that the word comforts us and reminds us that no matter what we are facing, we are to keep our eyes on you. You are our source there is no other help but you! 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:
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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
Forgiveness is not a Feeling
“...death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21, 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 object of Satan is to keep us speaking how angry we feel so that we never produce the forgiveness that is inside of 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
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Harvesting
When I would hear the word “harvest”, I would get so excited because I knew what that word meant: an abundance was coming!
The thing is, I thought I completely understood the word but I did not realize what was actually involved in harvest. We are never in the same season for very long. We are either planting, growing, resting, or harvesting. Several weeks ago, I asked God what season I was in and He said harvest! I did it get excited. I guess I thought a harvest was going to rain down in my life. But to my surprise, God began to unveil to me what harvest really looked like.
I was listening to the Bible when I came across the story about Joseph. God told me that when Joseph was sold by his brothers for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, he had entered his season of harvest. Isn’t that something? Joseph was stripped of his beautiful robe and sold away from his family by his brothers yet God said he had entered into his season of harvest.
Perhaps we should understand the word harvest a little more. Harvest is defined as ”...the season for gathering in agricultural crops; the act or process of gathering a crop.” God revealed to me that He sent Joseph to Egypt so he could get prepared to become second in command there. Joseph was sent ahead of his family to literally gather a harvest for them. The way in which God ordained Joseph's path for harvest did not feel like a harvest to Joseph.
Many of us could not imagine a harvest as something negative and devastating. Joseph was stripped of everything he knew in order to receive the greater harvest God had for him. Many of us are in a season of harvest but we are unaware of it because things can be so detrimental. Our focus is so much on our current situation and usually we are asking God to change it that we cannot see what He is doing. When in essence our problems have positioned us right in the place we need to be for the greatest harvest to happen in our lives.
Joseph could have never imagined seeing his parents again, although I’m sure he dreamed of it. Just because it may seem that God strips us of the things we love does not mean it will be that way forever. God knows what is best for us, for whatever season he has us in. We just have to trust Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path! Proverbs 3:5-6
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Expectantly
I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1, KJV
I have read this scripture above many times. Only this time when I was reading it, I heard the Holy Spirit ask me, “What does ‘patiently’ mean?” I said “Not being in a rush, being patient and understanding.” He then told me to look up the word, not only in the dictionary but also in Strong’s Concordance.
Patiently: in a way that shows tolerance of delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. (Dictionary)
Patiently: gavh (kaw’vaw) means to bind together—wait, look, wait for, to look for, gathered. This word stresses the straining of the mind in a certain direction with an expectant attitude…a forward look with assurance. (Strong’s Concordance)
When I looked up the word “patiently” in the concordance I looked for the definition that was specific to the scripture. I was surprised to find that “patiently” meant focusing or looking with an attitude of expectancy. In this specific scripture the psalmist is saying that he waited with an expectation that God would hear his request and answer him.
The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the way I wait with expectation when I go to a restaurant. I put in my order and I wait with expectation that they are going to bring me the food I ordered. I don’t just wait. I wait with my mind in a certain direction for what I am expecting. I heard God say, “Do you wait for me that way? When you ask me for something are you expecting me to answer? Are you straining your mind to see the answer come?” I was embarrassed to answer that I am not always looking with expectancy. The Holy Spirit then brought back to my attention that the psalmist received his answer because he was expecting to receive from God!
When we pray we must remember to have an attitude of expectation. Just like we expect to wake up every morning and we plan for the day ahead; how much more should we look to God with expectancy that He will answer our prayers.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Highway to 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. And God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Let’s remember to allow men to read God in all that we 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
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Doubt and Unbelief
Doubt: a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
Unbelief: lack of religious belief; an absence of faith.
We can receive miracles everyday but if we have doubt and unbelief in our heart the miracles will move right past us. The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. If we have doubt and unbelief, we cannot please Him because these characteristics are not of faith. Scripture says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6-8, ESV)
At times, I have heard people pray and afterwards say, “God, please, please answer this prayer.” Even though they prayed the prayer, they had doubt that God would not answer their prayer and their doubt became their faith, which caused them not to receive the answer to their prayer. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. When we listen to the Word of God, we increase our knowledge and therefore our understanding raises the level of our faith. We can then believe that when we pray God’s will, He answers our prayers and we receive His miraculous.
Father,
At times, because we have not meditated on the Word of God, we miss the miracles that you have for us. Please forgive us and help us in our understanding of the Word as we spend time listening and meditating on what you present to us. We want to experience your miracles and please you; therefore, we rebuke the spirit of doubt and unbelief and we submit ourselves to your instructions. In Jesus name, amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Ready to Move
The conference I attended at Hillsong was amazing. There were so much that God poured into me all throughout the conference. Pastor Craig Groeschel challenged us in obeying God. He said one act of obedience could change our path forever. He invited us all to make a decision that night to obey God in whatever he has placed in our spirit.
The Spirit was so heavy that you could feel the presence of God as the Pastor spoke. When he asked us to make the decision of obedience I could not think of anything. I whispered in my heart to God what decisions do you want me to make? Before the night was over God reveled to me the answer. He reminded me of something he had previously spoken to me about. This message was a reminder. Sometimes we just need a push of encouragement to get us moving.
At that moment I said yes to God and I later setup a schedule to begin the work. I had no idea how I was going to complete this task. I did not know how I would afford everything, but I knew God had put this in my spirit. I knew this it was what He wanted me to do. The task before me was a lot of hard work, it was not going to be easy and to be honest the unknown felt a little intimidating.
But when I looked back to the word of God, there were so many examples of those individuals who experienced the unknowns, fears, and hardship as they obeyed the call. Their task were not easy and way beyond their control but God brought them through it all. If we look at God’s track record we will find that he always leaves space for us to walk in faith. That is how He operates, for scripture says without faith it is impossible to please God. He tells us what to do, and expects us to do as he says. A perfect example is Moses when he came to the Jordan River. Nothing happened until he put his foot in the water. Obeying God draw us into a relationship with Him that we could never imagine. Before Moses left Egypt, he had no idea what God was going to do with his life. After forty years God called him, and although Moses was hesitant, God blessed him with a life that he could have never imagined! Our God has the same thing for us. We just have to move when he says go.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Wandering Mind
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, ESV
In a devotional I was reading, the writer said that when you sit with God your mind will wander all over the place. I know that to be true. I used to work so hard to try and keep my mind focused on God! I spent more time trying to get my mind back to God than I ever did resting in God. One day I asked God for help. He told me to just let the thoughts come. He said not to fight them, but give them to Him. He said “I am clearing out your mind so it can be rid of distractions”. In those moments, He taught me to put on some inspirational instrumental music and that would help to bring peace to my mind.
God knows our desire to get close to Him. It is actually Him who put the desire in our heart. He knows Satan will try to bring all kinds of distractions to us. Remember scripture says that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. He went to sit with God and to get acquainted with the Holy Spirit. Jesus went into the wilderness full of the Holy Spirit but He came out with the Power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3-4). Satan was right there to try to tempt Jesus in every way he could. When we decide to go sit with God, it is really us being led by the Spirit into the presence of God. He gives us that desire in our heart to meet with Him. Jesus says, No man can come to Me unless the Father who hath sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the Last Day. (John 4:44, KJV) We are literally being drawn by the Father. That right there is good news!
We can expect Satan to show up, but God never leaves us alone and with Him we always have the victory. There is no need for us to feel discouraged or defeated in our time with God. Even if all we did was pass our every thought to Him, God is good with that!! He said to give everything to Him. We must remember to let God drive our quiet time, He is the one who requested our presence in the first place. He always has something good to give us even if it is just clearing our mind! Hallelujah!
Thank you, Father, that you love us so much! Even in our time of study and quietness with you; You already know what is going to happen. I praise you, as we need not be disappointed that things don’t happen the way we would like. We are to give you praise in everything because you are working it all out for our good.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Restoration
The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:13-14
I don’t know about you but when I am reading certain words or passages, parts of it will leap into my spirit. I was reading Psalm 145 when the passage above did just that - it leaped in my soul. I love the confidence that we have in God and His word. God is our King and Lord and He is faithful to us. This makes me think about how over my lifetime I can’t remember how many presidents I have voted for but none of them have been faithful to all their words or always been kind in all of their works. It is impossible for me to expect any leader to be that way because they are human and as human beings we make mistakes.
God’s word says that He is faithful in “all” his words and kind in “all” his works. That means that whatever you find written in the Bible God is faithful to do it! We can look at any promise in the Bible and bring it to God’s attention for our life and He will do it.
This promise should bring joy to every believer’s heart. The second part of the scripture also guarantees that God will uphold those who are falling, who are moving from a higher to a lower level or rapidly declining without control. When we call on God, He has the power to change the circumstances of those rapid declines in our life and raise us back up. You know what I love about this scripture is that God did not give any conditions on His promises. It could be our own fault that we messed up but when we ask God, He handles it for us! He not only handles it for us believers but God can change the situation of anyone we pray for. I love that as believers we have the power to pray for all kinds of situations happening in the world and we have God’s promise that it is done!
Father,
Thank you for your promises. Thank you that your word is true with a yes and amen! We have all made mistakes that have caused us to fall and many times we just accept our fate. But your word says you will uphold those who are falling and raise up all who are bowed down. We ask for this blessing in our life and for the homeless on the streets. They have fallen and many don’t even have the capacity to ask you for help. But we get to intercede on their behalf and we ask that you raise them up and bring restoration to their life as well. 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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Party Makers
Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance Luke 15:7, KJV.
Every Monday our church has a short recap of Sunday’s message that comes out online. I was listening to the recap and I heard Bishop say, “We are the party makers!” I don’t know about you but I love parties! As I meditated on that thought, “we are the party makers” this scripture came to mind: Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance (Luke 15:7).
Heaven is waiting on us to be the witness for Christ! You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our[a] hearts, to be known and read by all men. 2 Corinthians 3:2
When we live our lives in such a way that others can see God, it draws them to Christ and heaven throws a party!!! I was reminded of the scripture that said No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day (John 6:44). I would always pray to God that He would draw the lost to him not realizing that we are the vehicle He uses. As we live our life pleasing unto Him it will draw the lost.
We are His witnesses on the earth. As we obey Christ, He promises to bless us because of our obedience. This obedience is the witness that is needed to draw others to Christ. What does that witness look like…it is love. Scripture says to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:27). Neighbors can be anyone, it is not just the person living next to you.
I thought about love and how we are to show love, then God reminded me of the scripture where Apostle Paul goes into great detail explaining how we walk in love. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of us should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2). When we live our lives in love we are drawing the lost people of this world to Christ and when they repent of their sins and say yes to God, we not only rejoice but heaven throws a party!
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