Life-Giving Spirit
"So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, because if you are living according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." —Romans 8:12-13, CSB
In the above passage, the Apostle Paul was writing to the believers in Rome, explaining the life-giving Spirit. In essence, he was saying that when you give your life to Christ, the body is dead because of sin, but your spirit is alive because Christ lives in you.
I once fell asleep while listening to scriptures from the book of Acts. When I woke up, the reading had moved to Romans 8. As I listened to this chapter, I couldn’t help but feel that there is no way for us as believers to walk in righteousness without meditating on the Word of God.
Our position, once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, is no longer that of a sinner but of righteousness. However, at the same time, we battle the desires of our flesh, which constantly seek their own way. I thank God for the Holy Spirit, who guides and prompts us to live righteously. There have been times when I’ve heard the Holy Spirit tell me not to say something, yet somehow the words still fell out of my mouth (lol). Of course, I was then left to deal with the consequences of what I had said.
The more we meditate on the Word of God, the less likely we are to allow our flesh to control us. Meditating on the Word empowers us to put to death the deeds of the body and to obey Christ.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your amazing love. Thank You for giving us new life. Thank You for the Spirit of God, who helps us put to death our sinful deeds and guides us to live in righteousness with You. We pray this 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 published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Word Heals
My yoke is easy and my burdens are light Matthew 11:30, ESV
There are many mornings that I wake up full of life and excited about what is next. But then there are those morning that I have to fight to get my heart in a good space. This particular morning I was laying in the bed, just quietly going over every thing that was before me. It was so much that I found myself sinking. I could literally feel my spirit and my body sinking. I was praying quietly in my spirit not wanting to wake my husband, but I was having a hard time.
Just as I was about get out of the bed and go layout before the Lord my husband who I thought was sleep said, “what is wrong?” I said I’m just going to go and pray about my thoughts. He said tell me what is on your heart. As I told him everything he laid in the bed quietly never saying a word just listening. When I stopped talking he said are you finished, I said, “yes’” by now I am in tears. He then said, “the Bible says, my yoke is easy and my burdens are light.” As soon as he said those words, I felt life come back into my heart. My body was full of life and joy resonate in my soul. Those words healed me! I just began to rejoice in the depth of my soul and to give God praise! His words healed me!
As I reflected later, the Holy Spirit said, “The word of God will always heal you because you are speaking the my truth! You instantly felt healing because those words were the medicine that your spirit needed to be healed!” The word is the medicine. There was nothing physically in this world that could have healed my soul. Our soul is invisible and there is nothing tangible that can heal the invisible. The words of God are invisible in that we cannot see them work, but we can feel the effects of the word. We cannot see the invisible transformation that takes place in our soul, spirit and mind, but we can feel his power moving in us.
Transformed: in the Greek the word is metamorphoo meaning metamorphose to change into another form.
transformed: in the dictionary is make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of
Scripture says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Our mind is changed by the word of God. As we put the word in our mind it does the work of transforming and healing us. I am reminded of what the Lord told Joshua: “The book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” We saw Moses take on a complete transformation by obeying God. The Lord then told Joshua, “The same God that was with Moses is also with him, but he must keep this book on his lips.”
If we just stay in the word and meditate on the word; transformation, success and prosperity will be our life. This does not mean that we will not have trails.The first thing that happened to Jesus after he was baptized was forty days in the wilderness. And his greatest testimony was dying on the cross for our sins. We will have struggles, but the word will heal us and bring us through.
Key points:
Life comes with problems.
The answers to our problems are found in the word of God.
The Word transforms and heals us.
Nothing tangible can heal the invisible.
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
The Obstacles of Life
…and lean not on your own understanding;…Proverbs 3:5, ESV
I have been traveling back and forth to my daughter’s home to help take care of our grandson. He was about seven months old, and they were in the midst of trying to hire a nanny. Our daughter lives anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours away from us, depending on traffic. On this particular occasion, I was leaving her home at a time when traffic was expected to be a little heavy, so I entered the directions into my GPS to find the best possible route home.
The GPS took me down a path I had never been before, so I paid close attention to where I was going. The system kept updating, saying, “There is a quicker path that will save you ten minutes.” I accepted the instructions for the shorter path. After a couple of times accepting the quicker route, I realized I had driven in a circle and ended up right back where I had started. I was so mad! I had wasted almost thirty minutes following the system, only to end up on the same route I would have taken in the first place without the GPS instructions.
I’ve been walking with God long enough to know that when something like this happens, He is teaching me a lesson. I said, “Okay, God, what is the lesson? What are You trying to tell me?” God didn’t answer me right away. He waited until I got home. By then, I was frustrated and a bit upset. He said, “You made it to your destination, right?” I replied, “Yes.” Then He said, “Sometimes this is what it will be like on the journey with Me. You just have to trust that I know what I am doing. You had no idea what was ahead or what I was keeping you from while you were going in circles.”
Our journey with God is never a simple, straight line. There will always be valleys and mountains to climb. These twists and turns prepare us for our destination and for what we will face when we get there. Remember, the Israelites had to fight for their Promised Land. Their journey prepared them for the battle. God never told them what was up ahead but He is always preparing us for what lies in our future.
Key points:
The twist and turns of life are purposeful.
Lean into God when he allows these obstacles to come otherwise you may find yourself fighting with Him and that is a fight you will never win.
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
Provision is in the Light
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12, ESV
It was early morning, still dark outside, and I was looking for my phone. I wanted to put it on the charger so it would be ready for the day ahead. I didn’t want to turn on the bedroom light because my husband was still sleeping. But he heard me moving around and said, “Turn on the light.”I replied, “No, I don’t want to disturb you.”
Instead, I grabbed my Apple Watch and used its button to ping my phone. The phone rang right in front of me, but I still couldn’t see it. So, I shined the tiny light from my watch onto my nightstand to locate it.
Instantly, I heard the Holy Spirit say, Provision is in the light. If you come to the light, you will have all the provision you need. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Provision was right there in front of me, waiting for me to access it. The lamp in my room was within reach, but I refused to turn it on. I had already disturbed my husband, but I was determined to do things my way.
The Holy Spirit revealed a lesson to me: when we live our lives “with the light off,” we are not in the Word—we are walking and working in darkness. We can become so self-reliant that we refuse the light. Just like I refused to turn on the lamp because I thought I could find my phone on my own, we often try to navigate life without fully depending on God’s Word. Instead, I used the tiny light from my watch to locate my phone, but it wasn’t sufficient. The Holy Spirit said, That behavior is like getting a word once a month and trying to survive on that small bit of light. The Bible says, “Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
We cannot expect to thrive on sporadic glimpses of God’s Word. Jesus told His disciples to pray for their daily bread—not weekly or monthly bread. We cannot live off day-old, stale bread. Every day, we must seek the Father for direction, and that guidance comes through His Word, which is our daily sustenance. If you’re not getting your daily bread, you are not prepared or sustainable for the tasks He has ordained for you that day.
Key points:
Daily bread is imperative.
Without the light, you will struggle.
There is a word for you daily.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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The Gift Is Waiting For You
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34, ESV
You are forgiven—whether you believe it or not, whether you receive it or not, and whether you walk in it or not. When Jesus asked the Father to forgive us, it happened immediately. When I heard those words in a message, I was blown away because I had never thought of God’s gift in that way.
What came to mind was how, in the past, I’ve purchased a gift for someone but was never able to give it to them. Eventually, I gave the gift to someone else. But Jesus is not like that. His gift remains, waiting for each of us to receive it. He is consistently working on every individual’s heart, gently urging them to accept His gift.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, the gift of forgiveness is still waiting for you. That gift grants you eternal life. Hallelujah!
Key points:
There is a free gift for you.
This gift gives you peace, righteousness and eternal life!
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
A Gift
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16, NKJV
I was sitting on the floor of my office praying when the song I Need Thee Every Hour came to mind. I started to hum the words and was I reminded of my grandmother. She used to sing that song with such passion that tears would roll down her face. The first time I remember seeing her do this, I was in my twenties. I didn’t fully understand the depth of her relationship with God or the urgency she felt in her heart for Him.
At that time, my grandad had passed away, and my grandmother was living alone. She was a strong woman, and in my eyes, she seemed to handle life with confidence. Looking back, I now realize how desperately she depended on God. It never occurred to me then that she might be struggling. To me, she was just my grandma—a strong businesswoman who cried out to God with unwavering faith. My grandfather passed in his sixties, and my grandmother lived into her late eighties, spending many years without my grandad’s support.
As I sat in my own desperate moment, seeking God, memories of my grandmother flooded my mind. My heart was very heavy, but I began to thank God. Although I didn’t understand then why my grandma acted the way she did, she had shown me how to turn to God in times of pain and suffering. I became so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that God would bring back those precious memories to remind me that everything was going to be alright. I was so grateful that my grandmother loved God so deeply. Even though I didn’t know the problems she faced, she taught me through her actions about the invaluable resource of faith.
Every day, we have no idea who might be watching us. That’s why it’s so important to let God’s love shine through us and to live our lives for Christ. We are a witness now, and we continue to be even after we’re gone. I doubt my grandma ever realized I was paying attention during those emotional moments, but she left me a priceless gift. I pray that we can all do the same.
Key points:
Pay attention to the gift you are leaving.
Everyday your actions are providing a message.
Your actions speaks louder than your words.
What is inside you will always shine through.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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The Pulse
Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon… Judges 6:34, ESV
The passage above says the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, meaning he felt the power of God! There was a pressure that moved him to act. Scripture tells us that the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples joined forces, crossed the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. They had come to attack Israel!
God had already told Gideon that He would be with him in battle. So, when God’s Spirit came upon Gideon, he knew it was time to move. God does the same with us today. Often, we feel a strong emotion—whether of justice, hurt, deep compassion, frustration, or even anger—that touches us in a way others might not feel. Gideon was so stirred that he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.(Judges 6:34-35)
When God stirs your spirit, it’s time to act. We don’t need to ask anyone’s permission; we just need to move in what God is calling us to do. He has already equipped us—what we feel is the immersion of His power prompting us to speak or act. At that moment, He has given us exactly what we need to fulfill His purpose. Though Gideon was the youngest in his family and from the smallest tribe, he didn’t seek anyone’s approval; he simply moved with God’s power. That’s exactly what God calls us to do. We have everything we need!
I’m reminded of a dear friend who’s close to retirement. She shared that her heart’s desire is to work in a senior home once she retires. Her face lit up as if she’d just received a million dollars when she spoke about it. She said, “I just want to talk to them, listen to them, and be there to help.” That deep desire she feels for seniors is the same passion that stirred Gideon to go into battle. We cannot ignore when God speaks to us—it’s imperative to act on whatever He gives us. I love to write and encourage others. I can write all day, or sit in front of a camera and talk about God’s goodness and everything He has for us. That is my passion.
Every one of us has that same fire! My husband, for instance, loves to play his saxophone. He enjoys playing in senior living homes and seeing how much they appreciate the music. He actually loves playing anywhere. Everyone’s calling is unique, so we shouldn’t compare or think one purpose is more important than another. After Gideon’s great victory, the people of Ophrah wanted to make him their ruler and king. But Gideon knew that wasn’t what God had called him to do, so he declined. Even when offered a place of honor, he chose to honor God by staying true to his calling.
Let us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and move with what He gives us!
Key points:
Answer the call when God moves you.
Just move before fear tries to stop you.
That deep passion you feel about an issue or something is God saying move.
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
Evil Will Not Win
In my prayer time, the Lord led me to read Judges 6. I had read the story of Gideon many times before and thought, What am I going to learn this time? But in that moment, God directed my focus, not on Gideon, but on the word "evil" in the first sentence. I used my Strong's Concordance to look up the original Hebrew and Greek words. This resource organizes the words by scripture, helping to locate the Hebrew or Greek word used and offering a deeper understanding of the verse's meaning.
As I researched the word "evil," the first explanation was a description of God’s order. It said, "The Lord created a universe governed by a moral order. Calamity and misfortune will surely ensue from the wickedness of ungodly men." I paused to meditate on those words. The Hebrew word for evil is ra, which means a rough exterior of wrong; morally reprehensible: sinful, wicked; arising from bad character or conduct; causing discomfort or repulsion.
Sin, a transgression of God's law, entered the world through Adam and Eve. When the people of Israel did evil, their disobedience would bring devastation. God designed the universe to operate in righteousness, and when we stray from His plan, it disrupts the harmony He established, leading to trouble in our lives. It’s like putting the wrong things in our bodies—it eventually disrupts the way God designed them to function. As believers, we can find comfort knowing that no matter how much evil we witness, it will not prevail. God is in control!
The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man[a] he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. Acts 17:24-26, CSB
Key points:
The universe is under a moral code of righteousness
Sin will not go unpunished
Righteousness will be rewarded.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Free Gift
So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:7-9, ESV
During the holiday season, I love shopping for Christmas gifts. I enjoy purchasing gifts that people really like. There are members of our family who like the Jo Malone Colognes, so I usually head over to their counter to purchase gifts. When you purchase items from them, based on the amount of items purchased you can receive free gifts. They are little samples in a bag that I could take home for myself, or add to a stocking stuffer. The intent of the free gift from Jo Malone was to encourage me to purchase some new scents that they had available.
For some reason, when I read the scripture above the thought about the gift from Jo Malone came into my mind. As I meditated on the thought, it came to me that Jo Malone’s gifts were never really free. I had spent a certain amount of money and therefore they were giving me a gift with the purpose to get me to spend more money. The passage above reminds us that the gift Jesus gives everyone is truly “free.” There are no strings attached. You do not have to pay anything, or make yourself better before you can receive his gift. It is free to us. He paid a deep price with his life so that we could truly receive the free gift of eternal life!
I love how gracious our God is to all of us. We received the curse of sin; whether we wanted it or not. We were born into it. We had no choice. Sin was a free curse. So God took on the payment of sin through Jesus Christ and offers us the gift of righteousness and eternal life with him for free! The world and every single individual has a choice. One can choose their own stance; a righteous nature that offers eternal life with Christ Jesus, or a sinful nature that offers eternal death with Satan. Both choices are free and the decision is up to the individual. Scriptures says, I call heaven and earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live, Deuteronomy 30:19, KJ21 I would suggest that you choose life!
Key points:
You have a choice.
The choice is free.
Choose life.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Prayer Delivers!
But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Psalm 66:19, ESV
At times, we can become overwhelmed by what we hear. I was on the phone with my mother, and she was telling me about my cousin, who is about the same age as I am. She explained that he had fainted, fallen backward, and hit his head on the cement. He was rushed to the hospital, but he could no longer take care of himself. He couldn’t speak, or remember anyone. He couldn’t swallow and essentially couldn’t care for himself. His sister was now looking for an assisted living facility for him.
With every word she said, I could feel my heart growing heavier. I think it hit me especially hard because this cousin had been unhoused for most of his life. He had finally gotten his life together—he was married—but just three years earlier, his wife had been hit by a car and died. He had been managing on his own, but it was tough. As my mom spoke, the weight of his struggles seemed to fall on me, and I began to feel a deep sense of helplessness. Then, out of nowhere, as my mother continued speaking, I heard myself say, “Let’s pray.” I began to pray for my cousin and to thank God for being the answer and our source of strength. As I prayed, I could literally feel my spirit lift. I felt the power of God re-energizing me! I became filled with strength and gratitude for the almighty God we serve. We never have to lose hope, or let life’s challenges bring us down.
Years ago, I struggled with the scripture: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I couldn’t understand how I could give thanks to God in every situation. But over time, he has shown me that he is in control, even when things look bleak and devastating. Our Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent God is always in total control. Therefore we can always rejoice because when we put it in his hands it is done!
Prayer is the most powerful thing we can do for anyone or any situation! Elohim, who created this world and knows every thought, holds every soul in his hands. There is no other source that can give us the right answers. To God be the glory and praise!
Key points:
Omnipresent, he is everywhere.
Omniscient, he knows everything.
Omnipotent, he has all power.
ELOHIM is the answer to any problem.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Keep the Faith
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me Psalm 38:1-2, ESV
In the passage above David is seeking God’s forgiveness. It appears that he has done something that has brought discipline on himself. But I love that later in the scripture we read that David does not lose faith or hope in God for he says, “Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:21-22, ESV
Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal savior no longer have a sin nature. We are righteous because we have the nature of Christ! Hallelujah! But we still war with the flesh daily and at times we succumb to what we know we should not have done. We are always forgiven when we turn away from the behavior and seek Jesus for forgiveness. However, this does not mean we will not suffer the consequences of our behavior. There are certain things that we can get ourselves into that God will discipline us for.
It appears in scripture this is what has happened to David. We cannot lose our hope in God because of the correction that he gives us. I am reminded of Joshua when they had taken the city of Jericho and God specifically told them not to keep anything for themselves. All the vessels of gold, silver, bronze and iron were to be dedicated to the Lord. But Achan sinned and took some articles and hid them under his tent. When Israel went to their next battle against Ai about thirty-six of their men were killed. The Israelites returned in fear, but Joshua sought the Lord and the Lord revealed to him that Israel had sinned and disobeyed his instructions. Therefore his presence did not go with them.
When Joshua found out that Achan had disobeyed God they stoned him, his family and everything that belonged to his household. Then they set it all on fire. After they took care of the sin God retuned his presence with them and gave them victory in the battle with Ai.
God disciplines those he loves and he brings correction to his children. This does not mean that you are banned from his presence or cannot go to him. He has told us that he is with us forever. God corrects us and we move on in his presence with the same relationship as we had before. He does not hold vengeance against his children. Just like a parent disciplines their child, it never stops the parents love or the relationship that they have together. Scripture says, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews
12:4-6, ESV
Key points:
God disciplines those he loves.
Discipline is necessary to correct your behavior.
Discipline does not change your standing with God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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
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It's’ On Its Way
This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. Habakkuk 2:2-3, MSG
In the passage above Habakkuk was complaining to God about justice. God gave him a vision and told him to write it down and make a plan. Did you notice in the passage that it said, “the vision aches for coming, and it can hardly wait to get here?” I heard the Holy Spirit say those who do not have a vision, have nothing coming to them. We cannot complain about things not happening in our lives when we have not written what we are expecting to come our way.
I have a vision book that I look over daily. I may not read everything I have written in there, but it is a constant reminder of where I am headed and what is coming to me. At times I do get a little discouraged because it seems like things are taking awhile, but the other day the Holy Spirit pointed out that the scripture says, “If it seems slow in coming, wait. It is on its way!” Oh how those words right there lifted my soul! I took that scripture and put it in the front of my vision book to remind me to not get discouraged.
I want to encourage you, if you have not already done so do a vision board, book, or even put it on a wall. Whatever you have available, get the vision written down. Make sure that you can see it daily as a reminder of where you are headed. The Holy Spirit will guide you as to what to put down and he will give you scriptures to go with what he shows you. He will have you print pictures and add them to your vision board.
I remember years ago when our children were toddlers I had put up a picture of Greece in our home. I told my husband one day that I wanted to go there. We had moved several times and I had no idea what happened to that picture. But many years later we went to that exact place that was in the picture! Now I had totally forgotten that I had put a picture up of Greece in our home so many years earlier. But when we returned from our vacation, our daughter asked us for some baby pictures of her for her job. I started looking through old photo books and in one of the pictures of our daughter as a toddler she was standing under the picture of Greece! I was blown away! The Holy Spirit wanted to remind me that the vision I had put up so many years earlier had come to pass! We visited the exact same place that was in the picture. It was a vision that seemed slow, but it came right on time!
Key Points:
No vision, no direction
No vision, nothing coming
When you have a vision, it is on its way
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
The Power is In You
That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God] 2 Corinthians 5:19, AMP
In the passage above it tells us that God, the creator of the world was working through Christ Jesus to bring the world back to him. He was not counting our sin’s against us, but canceling them! Jesus Christ has given us oneness back to God! Hallelujah! We are now called to do the same thing.
Remember when Jesus told the disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise that he would send to them which was the Holy Spirit. He has given that same power to every believer. We each have the same power that Jesus had while he was on earth. When Jesus left the earth he said, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
We have been equipped to serve the most high God in the most powerful way. The Spirit of God is right now working through every believer to bring as many people as possible back to oneness with him. We do not have to depend on ourselves to get the work done. The Spirit of God moves through us as we give ourselves over to him. Listen there is a harvest of people that are ready to become believers. The harvest cannot harvest itself. It is waiting for a believer to come by and harvest them out of the sin nature into righteousness. Amen!
We have to approach the harvest. Jesus went around approaching people and healing them and telling them about the kingdom of God. I remember one day while on break at work I had taken a walk. As I made my loop I came upon a bus stop. I saw this gentleman standing there and I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirt saying, “Pray for him.” At first I felt a little hesitant, but I moved past those feelings and went to him. When I asked if he wanted prayer he said, “Yes please.” I prayed for him and this man lifted his arms in the air and was giving praise to God! Tears came rolling down his face and you could feel God all over him! We cannot pass up the opportunity God gives us. We are his hands and feet! His power is working inside of us just like when Jesus was here. We must move when he says move and do the work he has brought us here to do!
Key points:
The harvest cannot harvest itself.
You are prepared for whom God brings to you.
Move when God prompts you.
Push past your feelings to do the work of the kingdom.
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 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
Everlasting Arms
The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you…Deuteronomy 33:27, ESV
My nephews wedding was a big celebration! We were all so excited that all the family was there. Family came in from all over the U.S. to witness our nephew tie the knot. Our six-month old grandson made his debut to all of the family. He was so good! He enjoyed meeting everyone. I watched him go from person to person without any tears. He would get a little restless after a while and want whoever that was holding him to move him around.
At one point I saw him with his father. His dad was catching up with one of the family members he had not seen in a while, so they were in a pretty long conversation. I watched our grandson hang out with his father for about thirty minuets being just content. He was on his father’s shoulder looking around and he never said a word, or tried to move about. He was so satisfied with his father! He did not care that his father stood in the same place, he just kind of gnawed on his fingers and watched everyone.
Days later that scene kept playing over and over in my head. I heard the Holy Spirit say that the way you saw your grandson with his father is the way my children are supposed to be with me. Your grandson did not have a care in the world because he knew that he was with his daddy. He brought to my mind how LJ was good with the family, but he did not get settled until he was with his father. We can be good with other believers and have a great time of fellowship and worship, but our place of contentment and security is with our Father! Hallelujah!
Key points:
Security is guaranteed in the Father’s arms.
Rest is in the arms of our father.
Nothing can take the place of time with Jesus.
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 published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Good Shepherd
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11, ESV
My husband said to me that we we were going to do a short walk and talk because he was on a tight schedule. At first I was a little annoyed because I wanted to get in a good exercise. But when we got out of the car, I saw that where we were walking they had the these sheep and goats grazing. It instantly reminded me of all the things Jesus had said about us and how he takes care of his sheep.
As we made our way around the path I noticed that there were all different kinds of sheep and goats. I saw speckled and spotted ones and I thought about the story of Jacob Genesis 30:25-31. Then it reminded me of the world and how God has made us all different. The animals were all in different locations of the space that was allotted to them. I said to myself, “God you have done the same for us.” This world is the perimeter that you have given us. And just like the shepherd has a watchful eye over the sheep, you are doing the same for us.
The shepherd had supplied a fence around the perimeter to keep the sheep safe. There was also a watch dog and everything the sheep needed was inside that fence. When the sheep would find that there was no more food in a particular area, they did not have to worry where they were going to be feed because the shepherd had already made arrangements for them. As I watched the sheep some were just sitting under shade trees so content. I thought in my mind, “That must be really nice. They have absolutely no worries. The Holy Spirit said to me, “You can have the same thing if you will do what they are doing. Trust the shepherd!”
When I came home the Holy Spirit lead me to the passage in Ezekiel where he speaks to his covenant of peace with his sheep, “I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land. And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them. They shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the land devour them. They shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will provide for them renowned plantations so that they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, and no longer suffer the reproach of the nations. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Lord God. And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 34:25-31, ESV
Key points:
God is our Shepherd.
We can rest in his peace.
He has cared for everything you will ever need.
Trust in the Lord.
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 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
Righteousness
And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6, ESV
The passage above teaches us that God did not count Abraham as righteous because of what he did, but because he believed God. And those truths are the same for us today, for we know that if we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord we shall be saved. John 3:16 Most of us do not have a problem believing that Jesus died and came to live inside of us, but many can get caught up on the part that we are righteous; especially when we sin.
Listen, Abraham did not do everything right, he told Sarah his wife to say that she was his sister several times so that it would go well for him when they entered into these places where he thought the people did not fear God and would kill him for his wife. He believed he had to take care of himself, even though God had provided for him immensely. Satan is always lurking around trying to get us to doubt our Savior.
When we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal savior our old sin nature died with him in the grave. We then took on the new nature of Christ, and we are made righteous in him. Scripture says, “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous! Romans 5:19 Hallelujah! Righteousness does not come by our works, but by what Jesus did on the cross and therefore our behavior can never make us righteous. It is our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ that made us righteous. Scripture teaches us that we carry the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:21
For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:9-10, NKJV. We must not listen to the lies of Satan. God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus…Ephesians 2:4-6
There is no doubt about it we are righteous! When your actions do not align with the word of God, don’t move into the spirit of condemnation, but repent and thank God that he is transforming you into the image of Christ!
Key points:
You are a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Your actions are not your identity.
You are righteous.
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 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
He Leads Us
…he leads me beside quiet waters…Psalm 23:2, NIV
The more time you spend with someone, the more you recognize their voice, their personality, their character, their likes and dislikes. You can tell immediately when they want to say something, or if they are uncomfortable. I can look at my husband and tell if something is wrong.
The Holy Spirit is the same way. The more time we spend with him the more we will get to know him. He prompted my niece and I to go to the hospital and pray over people. We both knew that God was directing us, but we had no idea where in the hospital he wanted us to go. We had peace about the hospital we were supposed to go to, but after that we both did not have any other direction.
When we got out of the car, we noticed this organization with big signs complaining about the work situation of employees in the hospital. There were about four people each standing at the end of each one of their large displays describing the issues with their establishment. The last time God sent us to the hospital, we were lead to the emergency room. So we decide to head in that direction.
As we walked past the those four individuals, I started to feel differently. There was something moving in my spirit. We had parked a ways from the hospital and while walking up there my spirit was fine until we started to walk past them. See God was speaking to my spirit. He was saying something, but I was so focused on getting to the hospital that I ignored the feeling. Then I heard him say, “Ask them if they would like prayer." I kept walking, but as I walked I begin to feel every step grow heavier. I stopped and told my niece that we have to go back and ask them if they would like prayer.
God was teaching me another way to know his voice. He was letting me feel his direction as I walked past them. The whole time my niece and I were walking up to the location, we were talking and just having a great conversation. But as soon as we started to walk past them, God started to speak. I knew it, I could feel it, but I was not sure how to move with it. God’s presence is so strong that when we pay attention we can literally feel him guiding us. The scripture says that the Lord leads me into green pastures. He was holding my hand and leading me and when I tried to keep going he put pressure on my feet so I would follow his direction!
Take aways:
God is not in a box. He moves in many different ways.
The Holy Spirit is with you forever, take time to know 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/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
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
Serve the World with Love
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14, ESV
My husband and I had just finish attending the early service at church. On our way out of service my husband suggested that we stop by a restaurant and have breakfast. So we stopped by a local restaurant in the area and had breakfast. As we were discussing the message we had just heard that morning, this gentleman walks up to our table and sits in the chair across from us.
There were four chairs at our table and my husband and I were sitting next to each other.. That left the other two chairs across from us open. So this gentleman walks up and sits down in front of us! I’m sure the look on my face had the expression of what I was thinking about this man, but immediately I heard the Holy Spirit say, “No!” Then he said say “Good Morning.” So I said “good morning” as my husband did the same. He then stood up and said I just got married last night! We congratulated him and several other gentlemen who attended the wedding came over.
Interestingly enough we had this amazing conversation with everyone. I had the opportunity to speak with the groom and he shared that he was a little nervous about his marriage. He said this was his second marriage and he was hoping he could control his drinking so that his marriage would last. I immediately started to speak blessings over him and his marriage. It was clear that drinking was an outlet for him as it was maybe 9:30 am and you could sense he had been drinking quite a bit and he held a beer in his hand. I could hear God saying, “I brought him to you so you all could pray for him and continue to remember him in your prayers.”
When they left, we finished up our meal, but before we left we walked over to them and said, “Good bye.” God stared a whole new conversation with them and I ended up sharing about the devotionals that I write and I gave them my card if they were interested in following me.
As we walked away, the Holy Spirit said, “They just had an encounter with me. You and your husband were my hands and feet to these individuals.” He said, “You will remember the groom and his prayer request and my words of righteousness will be spoken over his life.” I then heard the words, “So shall my word be that go forth out of my mouth, it will not return to me void but it will accomplish that which I please and it will prosper in wherefore I have sent it.”
When we allow God to be in complete control of our lives, he sends those in need in the least way we think possible. This is how we show love to our neighbor!”
Key Points:
Love is patient.
Love is kind.
Love puts others before ourselves.
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 published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Way
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:8-9, ESV
The disciples had been with Jesus when he started his ministry. He hand selected them to be disciples so he could teach them about the Father and the kingdom of God. In the passage above Jesus is about to return to heaven and he is speaking with the disciples. Then Philip ask him to show them the Father. Through all the things that Jesus had done, they still had missed that the Spirit of the Most High God was living inside Jesus doing the work!
At first one might think, “How could Philip not know this when he saw all the miracles Jesus did and heard all the sermons Jesus gave?” The truth is we can be just like Philip today. When trials and tribulations come and if we don’t keep our hearts on Jesus the situation can cause us to question our faith. But when we take the time to look back over our lives we can see the hand of God working in and through us. Clarity will have us understand that the presence of the Spirit of God has always been with us.
Scripture says, “Those of us who are believers know the Spirit of God because he lives within us.” John 14:16-17. We have the same power of God in us that raised Jesus from the dead. Scripture says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:29 When doubt tries to misdirect our way of thinking we can go back to the word of God. John 14:16 says, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— Based on this scripture, we have the assurance that the Spirit of God lives inside of us and directs us because the word says, “He is with you FOREVER! Hallelujah! Amen!
Key Points:
Reflect back over your life and see that God was always there.
The Spirit of God is with us forever.
Every single day God is showing you the way.
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 published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Water Fast
I heard the Holy Spirit say, “I want you to give up tea for the weekend.” Now hot tea is one of my favorite drinks. It is the drink I use to relax and just chill out. So when the Holy Sprit said, “I want you to give up tea for the weekend,” this was a sacrifice for me! I said, “Okay” and I started that weekend, but as Monday drew near, I heard in my spirit, “Twenty-one days.” I was like, “Is this really God?” But then he gave me some specifics. He said do not drink anything but water. You can put lemon in your hot water in the morning, but that is it. He never gave me a scripture, or told me what the fast was for. So, I asked, “Do I need a scripture and what time I’m supposed to pray?” But I did not hear anything.
After a week, I thought, “Did I hear God right? I have not received any other instructions.” And then God said, “You heard me say give up every drink but water. Just follow those instructions.” So off I went for twenty-one days only drinking water. I did not realize how much I craved other drinks. Every time I saw something other than water I wanted it. One day during the second week, my husband loaded the fridge with my favorite drinks. It was just another confirmation that I was on the right track. Because whenever you are trying to do the right thing something will always pop up to tempt you. The challenge was most difficult for me because I had no idea what it was all about, or why I was doing it.
I remember hearing this pastor say that God does not always give us the details to his plan. I felt like I was definitely left out of the details. At the end of the twenty-one days I said to God, “Okay, the twenty-one day fast is up, can I ask why I was told to drink just water?”
He said to me, “The water represents the word of God. All through the twenty-one days all kinds of temptations came to get you to drink something different, but you did not. He said the water was the word and just like there were all kinds of distractions to keep you from drinking the water it is the same that keeps my people from the studying the word.” Everything that can will come to distract a believer from sitting and hearing the word. He showed me that believers have to be determined and must set time in their schedules to pick up the word and read it.
If we do not make time to study God’s word we will never do it. We need to build our schedules around the word of God or our schedules will never make room for him. I reflected back about the days of when I was drinking water and I remembered carrying a bottle with me so that I would not get tempted to get something different. I always had water with me. Every time I thought of something else to drink I would down some water to flush out the desire of something else. That is what God wants us to do with his word. Be so focused on studying his word that it drowns out any other temptation that shows up. We have to be intentional if we want to have the victory. God came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly. That abundant life is waiting for us. We just have to make the determination that we are going to go and get it. We have to consecrate ourselves to him and the desires of our heart will flow in ways that we could not think, or imagine. He has everything you desire waiting for you, but the way to it is through his word.
I guarantee you that once you start studying his word, your focus changes and you will enjoy him so much that you never want to leave the study! All of a sudden everything will start falling into place while you are sitting under the word!
Key points:
The word is the answer.
What you are searching for is in the word.
Meditate on the word day and night.
Success is guaranteed when the word is your life.
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 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