Turbulence
The Captain made an announcement as we took off to our destination that reports from those ahead of us noted turbulence ahead, so everyone would have to keep their seatbelts on. He instructed the flight crew to stay seated and said that he would notify them when it was safe to move about the cabin.
Days later when I was home from my trip, the Holy Spirit reminded me that the pilot had to fly through the turbulence to get us to our destination. He knew there was some trouble ahead on the path, but it did not stop him from pushing through. I take my sister to her weekly chemo treatments. She is aware of what the chemicals are doing to her body. She can see and feel some of the reactions from the drugs, but she is pushing through to get to get to her destination of healing.
This world is full of trouble. We are guaranteed to have turbulence in our life. We will witness devastation, experience sorrow, and feel the pain of brokenness but that is a part of the journey of life. Scripture teaches us the way through all of these difficulties is to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and be consistent in prayer (Romans 12:12). I work hard at staying out of trouble and trying to do everything possible to prevent turbulence in my life. But over the years God has taught me that tribulation is from Him. He allows the test. Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin” (Exodus 20:20). He reminded me that just like the plane keeps you in the air through the turbulence, He is holding us in our trials and tribulations. We do not need to fear but walk in faith with Him.
I never doubted that the pilot would get us through the turbulence. I had full confidence that although we could feel the turbulence the plane would hold together, and we would be safe. The Holy Spirit is our pilot and Yeshua is our plane. He has already told us we have nothing to fear for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He reminded me of what He spoke through the prophet Isaiah when everyone was coming against Israel. God said to them “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). We will have to go through some turbulence to get to the other side, but we need not be afraid because we are seated in Christ Jesus and that is safer than any airplane! Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story #4
Jesus’s birth.
About this time Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the nation. (This census was taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
Everyone was required to return to his ancestral home for this registration. And because Joseph was a member of the royal line, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, King David’s ancient home—journeying there from the Galilean village of Nazareth. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born; and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket[a] and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket,[c] lying in a manger!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang, “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”
When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them. Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:1-20, TLB
When God gives us an assignment we must remember that every assignment comes with challenges. Although Mary was chosen with the great honor to carry and deliver God’s son, there were hardships and unknowns all along the way, however, God kept his promise. He is doing the same for us today. No matter what it looks like, keep your eyes focused on Christ for he is the reward of those who diligently seek him.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story #3
The birth of John the Baptist
By now Elizabeth’s waiting was over, for the time had come for the baby to be born—and it was a boy. The word spread quickly to her neighbors and relatives of how kind the Lord had been to her, and everyone rejoiced. When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They all assumed the baby’s name would be Zacharias, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! He must be named John!” “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they asked the baby’s father, talking to him by gestures. He motioned for a piece of paper and to everyone’s surprise wrote, “His name is John!”
Instantly Zacharias could speak again, and he began praising God. Wonder fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread through the Judean hills. And everyone who heard about it thought long thoughts and asked, “I wonder what this child will turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him in some special way.”
Then his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to visit his people and has redeemed them. He is sending us a Mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago— someone to save us from our enemies, from all who hate us. “He has been merciful to our ancestors, yes, to Abraham himself, by remembering his sacred promise to him, and by granting us the privilege of serving God fearlessly, freed from our enemies, and by making us holy and acceptable, ready to stand in his presence forever.
“And you, my little son, shall be called the prophet of the glorious God, for you will prepare the way for the Messiah. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. All this will be because the mercy of our God is very tender, and heaven’s dawn is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, and to guide us to the path of peace.” The little boy greatly loved God and when he grew up he lived out in the lonely wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. Luke TLB
I pray you are enjoying the readings this week! How wonderful is our God to sit with us and share the story of how much he loves us and keeps his promises! I love watching Christmas movies with my family during the Christmas season, but there is nothing that can compare to this story right here. It is the best ever! Hallelujah!
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story #2
Mary receives A visit from Gabriel
The following month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin, Mary, engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Congratulations, favored lady! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
“Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to wonderfully bless you! Very soon now, you will become pregnant and have a baby boy, and you are to name him ‘Jesus.’ He shall be very great and shall be called the Son of God. And the Lord God shall give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he shall reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom shall never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God. Furthermore, six months ago your Aunt Elizabeth—‘the barren one,’ they called her—became pregnant in her old age! For every promise from God shall surely come true.” Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.” And then the angel disappeared.
A few days later Mary hurried to the highlands of Judea to the town where Zacharias lived, to visit Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “You are favored by God above all other women, and your child is destined for God’s mightiest praise. What an honor this is, that the mother of my Lord should visit me! When you came in and greeted me, the instant I heard your voice, my baby moved in me for joy! You believed that God would do what he said; that is why he has given you this wonderful blessing.”
Mary responded, “Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. For he, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence him. “How powerful is his mighty arm! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has torn princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry hearts and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our fathers—Abraham and his children—to be merciful to them forever.”
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.
I love how God brings confirmation to what he has put in our spirit. Mary lived about 100 miles away from Elizabeth which took about a weeks worth of traveling. When Mary arrived at Elizabeth’s home she was not showing that she was pregnant. Actually scripture says that Mary left to see her Aunt Elizabeth only a few days after the angel of Gabriel had spoken to her. But God gave Mary confirmation of his word through Elizabeth’s spirit and the response of John the Baptist in the womb. How awesome is our God! Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him Proverbs 30:5, ESV
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Christmas Story
Zechariah receives a visit from Gabriel
We all know why we celebrate Christmas, but there are many distractions that try and keep us away from the real meaning of this Holiday. We know that December 25th is not the actual day that Jesus was born, but I praise God that a time has been set aside to celebrate our Savior’s birth. Satan has thrown in a lot of distractions to keep the real meaning at bay, so this week we are reading the story of Jesus’ birth. I pray that as you read, the words will attach themselves to your soul and God will bring a deeper revelation of himself to you. So sit back, snuggle up with Jesus and read aloud his story. We begin with the story of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ written by Luke.
My story begins with a Jewish priest, Zechariah, who lived when Herod was king of Judea. Zechariah was a member of the Abijah division of the Temple service corps. (His wife, Elizabeth, was, like himself, a member of the priest tribe of the Jews, a descendant of Aaron.) Zechariah and Elizabeth were godly folk, careful to obey all of God’s laws in spirit as well as in letter. But they had no children, for Elizabeth was barren; and now they were both very old.
One day as Zechariah was going about his work in the Temple—for his division was on duty that week—the honor fell to him by lot to enter the inner sanctuary and burn incense before the Lord. Meanwhile, a great crowd stood outside in the Temple court, praying as they always did during that part of the service when the incense was being burned. Zechariah was in the sanctuary when suddenly an angel appeared, standing to the right of the altar of incense! Zechariah was startled and terrified.
But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will both have great joy and gladness at his birth, and many will rejoice with you. For he will be one of the Lord’s great men. He must never touch wine or hard liquor—and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from before his birth! And he will persuade many a Jew to turn to the Lord his God. He will be a man of rugged spirit and power like Elijah, the prophet of old; and he will precede the coming of the Messiah, preparing the people for his arrival. He will soften adult hearts to become like little children’s, and will change disobedient minds to the wisdom of faith.”
Zechariah said to the angel, “But this is impossible! I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to you with this good news! And now, because you haven’t believed me, you are to be stricken silent, unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.
Meanwhile the crowds outside were waiting for Zechariah to appear and wondered why he was taking so long. When he finally came out, he couldn’t speak to them, and they realized from his gestures that he must have seen a vision in the Temple. He stayed on at the Temple for the remaining days of his Temple duties and then returned home. Soon afterwards Elizabeth his wife became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is,” she exclaimed, “to take away my disgrace of having no children!”Luke 1:5-25,TLB
This reading reminds us that God sees everything that we are going through (The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3). He hears our prayers (And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1John 5:14) and there is nothing impossible for God. (But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26)
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Birth of Jesus Christ
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:1-20).
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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I’ve Got the Victory!
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37, ESV
I’ve got the victory! Those words just landed in my spirit and immediately made me think of gospel artist Yolanda Adams. Her song “Victory” speaks to all kinds of trials and tribulations that one might go through, reminding us that we have victory in Jesus.
At times in life, it can be very difficult to see that victory. We are hopeful that things will turn out right but many times we have no idea what the outcome of our circumstances will be. Despite what we see, scripture teaches us that we have the victory in all things through Christ Jesus. I’m reminded of the time when I was finishing high school and heading off to college. Everyone was asking me what I wanted to do, but I had no idea. I was trying to figure out what my next steps would look like. Now in my sixties, when I look back over my life, I can truly say God gave me victory not only in that season but in every dark season I’ve experienced.
We must remember, having victory does not mean everything will always turn out as we would like. God promises that we will have trouble but while weeping may endure for a night, joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). This means that there will be seasons of difficulty, but victory will produce joy in the end.
Think about David and all the struggles he went through before becoming King of Israel. David was a shepherd boy minding his own business when God sent the priest to his house to anoint him to be king. Yet for many years after David was anointed by the priest, King Solomon hunted him down to kill him. David had to hide in caves and villages running for his life. He trusted God and was consistent in prayer, but trouble still came after him. Although his journey to the throne was not as David would have preferred it, God kept him safe and through it all, gave him the victory.
All of our experiences are building character and preparing us for what God has for us next. It is just like being in school. Every move to the next grade requires a test to make sure we are ready for what is ahead. Scripture teaches that God tests us, “…for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:3). In all our struggles and testing of our faith, the one thing we can be assured is that we have the victory in Jesus!
Father,
Thank you that we have your promise of victory. Many times, we cannot see the victory or your hand at work in our situation. But our hearts are encouraged as we stand on your Word that we are more than conquerors through you who love us! Thank you for victory even when things look so dark. We give you glory and praise for you are our light! Hallelujah! Amen.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Difficulty
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
I remember when I first accepted Jesus as my personal savior, I thought that everything was going to be perfect! I believed that because I had Jesus, I would not have any problems. All I had to do was talk to Him and He would take care of everything. I missed the part about the suffering, trials, and tribulations as a believer. I did not realize there was a work God had to do in me to get me ready to serve Him.
My husband and I took a walk around a beautiful neighborhood. As we walked around the lake, we saw a young lady across the street taking a picture of her dog. We waved at her, and she waved back and said “Hello!”. It was clear she wanted to talk, so we walked across the street to chat.
She told us a bit about herself and how she was headed back to college soon. She said that she had packed everything up in her car so it would be ready to go and spent some special quite time in the spirit, which gave her a good, pure feeling inside. But after that time in the spirit, she walked outside to see that someone had broken into her car.
She asked how so much evil could have come to her after being in such a pure place. I did not know if she was a believer or not, but I told her that when we decide to do good, evil is always present to discourage us and to turn our hearts back to a place of sin.
In those moments of difficulty God has not left us. He is working things out in our heart so we can be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:57-58). God has given us the Bible with all the testimonies of those who have come before us to remind us that testing and trials are a part of the journey. He promises that He will be with us in the midst of everything and will never leave us to deal with life’s difficulties on our own.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Exercising Faith
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13, ESV
Apostle Paul penned that he could be content in whatever situation he was in, and he would be able to do it all through Christ who strengthened him. I hear this scripture quoted so many times, but I wondered if we truly understand the magnitude of how Paul could come to a place to pen those words.
Paul truly understood what he was speaking about because of the many trials and tribulations he had been through. We have to remember that Paul was the same individual who when headed to Damascus, requested letters from the high priest to capture those who were disciples of Christ. Scriptures says “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1-3).
God met him on the road to Damascus and changed his life forever. Jesus spoke directly to Paul, and he was blinded for three days. He had to wait for Ananias, a disciple of Christ, to heal him. Throughout his journey and by the time he pens those words he had been beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, mistreated by some of his fellow brothers, sought after to be murdered, and the list goes on. Paul had suffered so many trials that he could say with confidence that no matter what the suffering, whether having an abundance or a little bit, he knew for certain the only way he was able to go through all those things was because Christ strengthened him for the journey.
I believe we all know that God will give us the strength we need to do anything He puts before us, but until our faith has been tested, our words do not have much power. We must remember that even if we fall short in the test, God will not leave us. As a matter of fact, He knows exactly how well we will do. Most times, the test is to bring revelation to us about the level of our faith. I have learned that areas I thought I was good in revealed a different outcome after I was tested. Now I repent and praise God for the journey of bringing me to another level of trust and awareness in Him. May we all one day be able to say, “I am content in whatever situation I am in because I know Christ Jesus will sustain me.”
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Purgeth
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit… John 15:2, KJV
Many times, it’s hard to see the filth and impurity within us, but we can easily point out the fault in someone else. Scripture teaches that we need to remove the plank out of our own eye before we deal with the speck in our brother’s. In the scripture above Jesus is speaking with His disciples about those who are believers in Him. He tells them that every person that is within Him that is not bearing fruit, He purgeth. Even if you are producing fruit, you will be purged so you can produce more. Purgeth in Greek is kathairo, which means to cleanse of filth and impurity.
Purgeth: to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify.
Scripture makes it clear that as believers we are constantly being cleansed. Although we study scripture and pray, there is an ongoing work that is being done in us so that we can produce fruit for the kingdom. The other day my husband and I stopped by a coffee shop and ran into someone we both knew. My husband chatted with the gentleman as I went inside to gather our drinks. When I came out, they were still in conversation, so I joined in. We were in discussion about the Word of God and in the midst of our conversation, I made a comment that countered something my husband had just said. My comment came across to my husband like I was the authority on the Bible.
The worst part about the whole conversation is that I did not even realize I had devalued my husband’s comment. Once we’d walked away my husband informed me of what I had done. I was shocked by what he said but as I listened, I understood. I was grieved by what I had done, and I immediately apologized to him and repented to God for my mistake.
God has a way of pruning pride, self-righteousness, and all those things that we can’t see within ourselves. My husband was the individual God used to prune me out of my self-righteousness. That behavior cannot be used to draw others to the kingdom of God. I did not mean any harm by my comment, and he even said it was a good one, but the way I said it was wrong and God will not tolerate that kind of behavior.
We are His vessels and when He cleanses us it will not feel good. Just like a gardener pruning a tree using sharp cutters to prune unruly branches - it’s the same with us. God has to cut the ugliness out of us so we can move in love. His greatest command is that we love. If we cannot walk in love, we are of no use to Him.
Father,
Thank you for loving me enough to correct me. Have your way with me so that I can be used by you to fulfill the purpose for which you brought me here to do. To you be glory and praise. Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Water (3)
So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Jonah 1:15, ESV
In the scripture above Jonah was running away from an assignment God had for him. He was on a boat going in the opposite direction of where God had told him to go. The water of the sea started to rage. It blew so hard that everyone on the boat was afraid. When they realized Jonah was responsible for the problem, he told them to throw him overboard and the sea would calm down. At first they were afraid to do so, but once they did, the sea calmed.
Water can be a strong force depending on the body of water you are in. The water in the ocean is stronger than water in a pool, or a sea, a river or even a lake. But as long as we have the right equipment to operate in the different bodies of water, we can enjoy the experience.
God’s Word is like water – every person needs it. And as long as we obey the Word, we can thrive. Jonah decided to go against God and God used the water to bring Jonah to his knees. But our God is so gracious to us, even when we are drowning because of our own disobedience He sends us help. In Jonah’s case God sent a big fish to swallow him up so he would not drown. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days before he repented and God delivered him on dry land.
There have been times God has told me to do something that I ran from because I was either afraid or procrastinating. It did not take long for the word of God to convict my heart into repentance. I remember one time when I was much younger, I could hear God talking to me and I did not want to do what He said, so I put my hands over my ears and made loud sound with my mouth to block out His words! Yes, I was a Jonah too. But as we know, “…scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…(2 Timothy 3:16-17). When we are not following the rules in the different bodies of water, we can lose our life. It is the same with the Word of God. When we are not following the instructions of the Word, we will not only drown but we will lose our life for all eternity.
Father, we repent from our disobedience and we turn to you. Please forgive me for not obeying you at all times. I ask for your help to be an obedient servant who always follows and obeys your Word. 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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Water (2)
Give us this day our daily bread…Matthew 6:11, ESV
Every living thing on the earth must have water. Without water, a human being will die in around three days. Up to 60% of the human adult body is made up of water. According to the US Geological Survey, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery, around 31% (USGS, 1945).
In our back yard we have huge sequoia redwood trees. They have grown so much that they keep shade on most of the yard, even though they are only planted on one side. I love how we can sit out in the back when the temperatures are really high, because they keep the area several degrees cooler.
I was sitting out one morning, just being quite before the Lord, and I noticed that these trees were turning brown. Now yes, it had been hot outside, but warm temperatures are normal for our area. Then the Holy Spirit showed me that we still had them on the same watering time as we had when we first moved in, when they were very young trees. The trees had grown up but we had not increased their supply of water. They were telling me that they were dying on the inside. I remembered a few summers back that we had increased their watering time, but had since cut it back due to the rainfall we were having in California. We never returned the watering system back to compensate for their growth.
You know God is always teaching me something. I heard him say, “You cannot spend the same time with me as you did when you were a new believer and expect to continue to grow. Just like those trees need more water, you will need more of me and the Word to continue in growth. One message on Sunday morning is not enough. You will turn up dry and not be able to sustain yourself or be a benefit for me to use you for my kingdom.”
It reminded me of when I was little, how my parents took us to children’s church and Sunday school. What I learned then could never sustain me for now. We must set time on purpose to meet with God, to listen to Him and study His Word. The prayer Jesus gave to the disciples to pray states “…give us this day our daily bread…” (Matthew 6:9-13). God has a supply to carry us throughout the day. We can only get our daily bread if we are sitting before the supplier. But when we don’t spend time with Him, we are trying to operate on yesterday’s supply or even last weeks, which will never sustain us. If we did not need the supply, God would have never told us to ask for it.
Father,
Thank you for the supply of your Word daily. Thank you for reminding us that we cannot sustain ourselves as much as the trees in my yard cannot water themselves. They have to receive a supply from their owner, and we have to do the same. We repent for not seeking you. We ask for help in slowing down our schedule to seek you first so we can be ready for whatever you have for us. We give you glory and praise 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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Water (1)
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3, ESV
I love sitting in our backyard. It is so peaceful, and a great place to hear God speak. The other day I was back there, just sitting in God’s presence. I did not want anything, I did not have any need - I just wanted to be around Him, so I sat quietly. While sitting, I looked down at the grass in front of me and I noticed immediately that some of it was turning brown. It was still green but as you looked closer you could see the brown underneath. It needed water.
As I started to look closer at the yard I noticed that other parts were really green. I said to myself, “They all sit under the same sprinkler and get the same watering time, but obviously some get more water than others.” I watched the sprinklers as they came on and noticed that the parts that were turning brown underneath were only getting a drizzle of the sprinkler, while the parts that were really green were getting a full blast.
It made me think about the life of a believer. We all go to church and sit under the same teaching, but the location of our heart determines how much we will receive. We can look good on the outside but be very thirsty on the inside. God says, “I will pour water on the thirsty land…”, (Isaiah 44:3-4). Our soul is thirsty for the Word but we have to be prepared to sit and receive His watering. We can sit in church every Sunday and still receive nothing.
While serving one Sunday as a prayer leader we were told to walk around the congregation and pray for whoever the Holy Spirit led us to. I felt the need to go upstairs to pray. I looked around to see who God was leading me to and I felt like I was not sure. I saw a friend who had just lost her brother, so I went and prayed for her. On my way back from her God said, “Pray for this gentleman,” and when I looked over at him, he had his phone open and I could see that he was looking at porn. Satan does not care that we are in church. He will come and sit with us to distract our heart so we miss the Word of God.
Father, thank you that it is your desire for us to receive your Word. Thank you that we are thirsty for you. I pray that every stronghold of distraction will be broken so that we hear you. Father, show us where we are being deceived so we can repent and turn it all over to you. Thank you for your Word that fills us and gives us your direction. This we 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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The Dream
He saw steps going up from the earth to heaven. He saw the angels of God going up and down these steps. And he saw the Lord standing above them. He said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham, and the God of Isaac. I will give to you and your children after you the land where you are lying. They will be like the dust of the earth. You will spread out to the west and the east and the north and the south. Good will come to all the families of the earth because of you and your children. See, I am with you. I will care for you everywhere you go. And I will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done all the things I promised you. Genesis 28:12-15
In the passage above, Jacob has a dream in which God tells him exactly how He is going to bless him. Jacob had done some very deceitful things to his brother Esau and the last thing you would expect God to say is how much he is going to bless him. But the first encounter Jacob has with God is through this dream - and he hears only good news.
We are so quick to point out all the wrong someone has done. We are never in any way looking to give them a blessing. In actuality, we want to see the individual disciplined and punished for their behavior. Scripture says God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways higher than our ways and God thoughts higher than our thoughts. It is easy to receive the generosity and grace from God but it can be difficult to give that grace to someone else, especially when we are the one who was mistreated.
Scripture teaches us to “…love the Lord your God with all our heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…” and “…love our neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31). Despite all the difficult things we see in this world, God reminds us that love is the greatest gift we can give. We can only give this kind of love when we stay constantly connected to the Word of God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:
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Upper Room (4)
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31-32, NIV
Jesus was in the upper room giving His last instructions to the disciples, telling them what was to come and what He had done for them. In the verse above He specifically tells Peter that he is going to be tested. He lets him know that Satan has requested and has been granted the opportunity to break him down. But Jesus says, “I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:32). What a powerful word. Even though Peter must walk through this assignment, he will come through victorious because Jesus has prayed for the strength of his faith.
I loved that God showed us how Peter failed, and how that failure did not stop him from completing his assignment! God made sure to let us know that we are going to mess up. We are going to miss the mark, but that should not stop us from moving on the path He has given us.
My husband and I love to ski. When we took ski lessons, the first thing they taught us was how to fall. It was not a question of if we would fall - we were going to fall, so they taught us the right way to do it. It is the same way in our walk with Christ. There are times we are going to miss it! We cannot allow those mistakes to keep us from fulfilling the assignment God has placed in us.
Scripture says grace and mercy are new every morning - because we need it! When Jesus went to the cross it was not just for the sins of today, but for the mistakes we will make in the future. Listen, the price for our sin was paid before we were even born! That is good news right there! Hallelujah! We cannot give into the condemnation that Satan will try to place on us in an effort to stop us from moving forward. The Holy Spirit will convict our hearts when we are wrong and it is our job to pray, repent, and keep on moving in the call!
Peter prayed, repented, and got right back into fellowship with God. The first time God gave him an opportunity to speak, he moved in the authority of the Holy Spirit and over 3,000 men were saved! Move in the authority God has given you…there are lives depending on it!
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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Upper Room (3)
“Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you.” Luke 22:11, ESV
I love that Jesus gave specific instructions; He never causes us to wonder what we need to do. He told Peter and John that when they got to the city, they would find a man carrying a jug of water. When I first read that passage, I wondered how Peter and John would be able to distinguish which man God was talking about. Through study, I learned that most of the time women were the ones who gathered the water for the household. When Peter and John entered the city and saw a man with the water jug it, would be easy for them to recognize who God was speaking about.
My mind reflected on the man who was bringing the water to his house. He was just doing his regular daily task. He had no idea that Jesus was going to use him that day. Jesus had planned to use his home before the beginning of time to host His last supper. What an honor for that man! Our God is so amazing, He has everything so laid out - down to the finite, minute details of how and when we move.
God is consistently telling us not to worry, not to fear, because He knows how everything is going to work out. This portion of scripture could have been completely left out of the Bible, but I think God purposed it to remind us that He sees us, even when we’re carrying pitchers of water to our home. God used a task that seems so insignificant to remind us to stay true to the task He has given us, for He has purpose for it all. Amen! Be encouraged! God sees you and you are right where He wants you to be!
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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Upper Room (2)
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. John 13:2, NIV
Jesus had reserved the upper room for Him to meet with His disciples for their last physical Passover meal together. Scripture says the evening meal was being served and before they had even eaten, the devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus. Listen, when God called all His angels to a meeting, the devil was permitted to show up too. While at this meeting, God asked the devil where he had been, and Satan replied “…going out to and fro throughout the earth”, seeking whom he may devour (Job1:7).
Satan is always strategizing, looking for a way to take us down. He is consistently watching his targets to strike at just the right time. Judas was in the inner circle with Jesus. He had access to Jesus daily, he heard all of the teaching and saw all of the miracles, yet Satan was able to capture his soul.
Scripture teaches us that Judas was a thief. He was the one holding the money bag for Jesus and he would take money out whenever he wanted. Jesus knew that Judas was a thief, but it did not stop Jesus from having Judas in the upper room meal. Jesus is always at the door of our heart knocking, asking us to let Him come in. The choice is always up to us. Because Judah was a thief, he had opened the door to Satan and gave him mastery over him. Up until the very last moment he had an opportunity to turn his heart to Jesus. But because he had opened that door, Satan was ready to strike and moved right in.
We can’t go back and change what we’ve already done. Scripture says that when Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse for turning Him in. He returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priest, but it was too late. Judas went away and hung himself. His decision was final.
Jesus came so that we could change our lives and be part of the upper room fellowship with Him, but Satan is always looking for an open door. We have to make sure we know who has mastery over us, and we do this by staying in the Word. We must spend time with him daily. For he tells us to pray, “give me my daily bread” he has food to keep us nourished so we don’t give over to Satan. 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
Upper Room (1)
He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there. Luke 22:12
Passover is a celebration of the day God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Luke 22 Jesus instructs Peter and John to go to the city to make preparations for them to eat the Passover. He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there” (Luke 22:10-12, ESV).
The upper room would have been on the roof of a typical home. It may have been open-air or covered by some sort of canopy. It was a room where family and friends would gather at the end of a long day. This is the place where Jesus hosted His last Passover meal with the disciples. It is where they received His final instructions before He went to the cross. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, tells them what will happen in the future, leaves them with encouragement, prays over them, and promises that He would send them a Helper. He purposefully hosted them in a “large upper room”, a place on which they could reflect, remembering their last physical meeting with Jesus, and be encouraged.
We can all have this upper room experience when we have a designated place where we meet with Jesus. Jesus had a special relationship with His disciples. He wanted to spend time with them in a place where no one could disturb them. When my husband and I started dating we would always look for places where we could be alone to spend time together. We wanted to get to know one another and develop our relationship. It is that same desire that God wants us to have with Him. He invites us to develop a relationship with Him (Matthew 11:28-30) so we can experience all that He is and receive all that He has for us. We cannot develop this type of relationship with distractions and other people around us. We have to get to a secret place, a place with just us and God, and He will begin to open up to us in ways we could never imagine.
When I first started my private time with Jesus it was in a closet in my house. There was no other room that was available so I would go in my closet and sit with God. I would take my Bible and a notepad and God would meet me there. When you have a sacred place with God, you set it aside for an encounter with Him and that place becomes like a portal. It makes room for a spiritual encounter, for relationships to grow deeper. It is a safe place to be transparent with YHWH. I encourage you to go, set up a place, and have this intimacy with Him. You will never regret it.
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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Judgement Day
I was sitting in the jury area waiting to see what would become of my day. I knew this was the appointed time for me to be there, so I expect to be chosen for an assignment. As I glanced around the room, I saw people all over waiting to see if they would be selected too. Some individuals were on their phones, reading books, playing puzzles, or just sleeping as they waited to hear their fate.
My mind started to drift off and I began thinking about what the day of judgement would look like when Jesus returns. I wondered about how different we will all be, and about those who were waiting for their trail to start. I wondered if they were as relaxed and comfortable as we were. I would suspect they were a little more anxious and unsure of their fate. Their attorneys had prepared their cases to the best of their abilities and their clients were trusting in them to win.
This of course brought me right back to my own Judgement Day! As I started to mediate on it, my heart went out to those who have not prepared for their trial. The word says, “But why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God, for it is written, ‘As I live says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God’. So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12). The more I dwelt on this scripture it became clear to me that we are all guilty.
The word says, “…for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). There is absolutely nothing we can humanly do to defend ourselves before a righteous God. “As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one…’” (Romans 3:10). The decision of whether we are guilty or innocent has already been decided. We just need to make sure we have the right attorney defending our case.
Jesus Christ has already taken the penalty for our sin. He paid the price. If we have accepted Him as our personal savior, as our attorney, we are saved. We will have eternal life. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:28-30). But if we do not accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior, guilt is inevitable, and no one can stand to protect us. “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Father, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to accept you as our personal Savior. Thank you that we will have no fear on Judgement Day, for you have paid the price for our sins. We pray for those who are lost that the eyes to their hearts will be opened to receive you. We give you glory and praise 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:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Closer Than We Think
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. James 1:17, ESV
Some time ago, my husband and I went to Canada, and we truly enjoyed the accommodations that God blessed us with. We rented a place through Airbnb and the location was on the 12th floor of the building. It was about 2:00am on Sunday morning when I was looking out over the city from our bedroom. The view was phenomenal. The city was lit up in lights. Although most people were sleeping, I could see lights all over the city. I wondered what God was trying to show me. What was the message He wanted me to share with you? I could see the CN tower (The CN Tower is a 553.3 m-high concrete communications and observation tower in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada) from my window and it is lit up with dark blue lights tonight. I learned that each night is a different color represents an event happening in the city. That night, the Toronto Argonauts, a professional Canadian football team, was competing in the East Division of the Canadian Football League.
God said, “Just like you see the lights of the city late at night when everyone should be sleeping, that is exactly how I am. My light is always shining. I am always visible; I am closer to you than you know.” He is in everything - the structure of the buildings, in the lights of the city, in the streets, in all that man has put his hands together to build. It all came from our Father. The weather, the trees, all of it was brought to man by God.
He put the vision in the mind of man and man followed God’s instruction. He reminded me of Noah who built the first boat. He said, “I am still giving man direction. Everything you see in the natural comes from the place of the supernatural where things are truly real.” We have been deceived into believing that what we see is the real thing when actually, what we don’t see is the real thing!
Nothing on this earth can come forth without the activation of what we don’t see! God wants us to know that He is real and everything that is manifested on the face of the earth is from Him. Nothing can be built, designed, or done without the power of the Holy Spirit.
God gave man power so that whatever he puts his mind to, he can accomplish because we are made in the image of our Father (see Genesis 11:1-9). Sometimes it can feel as though we are in this world all alone and God is not here, but He wants us to be encouraged. All we have to do is look out of a window and see Him in everything! Our Father never leaves us or forsakes us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9