I Just Want to be With You
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7, ESV
I asked the Holy Spirit what I was supposed to share with you today and He said, “The song I gave you.” I woke up this morning with this verse to a song in my spirit. I’m not sure I know any other part of the song, but these words kept humming in my heart: “Bread of heaven fill this place. I just want to be with you, I just want to be with you.” It felt as if my spirit was singing to God out of my subconscious mind. I just want to be with you, God. I felt like He was sending me a message through this song. He was saying to me, “Jacqueline, I just want to be with you, say these words.” The song stayed with me all day!
The Word says that God gives us the desires of our heart. I believe in my flesh I’m not capable of wanting to be with God. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” John 6:44, KJV. The desire to be with Him comes from Him into my spirit. When I speak those words, they manifest, and I can feel a complete oneness with Him.
It is truly a blessing to know that our spirit hears God. I love that God can drop songs in our spirit that come from a place of complete peace. Listen carefully to when God speaks to you. He is so serene that you may not even recognize that it is Him. I literally heard myself humming this song out of nowhere. When I heard myself humming it, I was overwhelmed by God’s graciousness. My husband heard me humming the verse as I got dressed and asked, “Are you singing that song?” He went on to say the words. I just nodded yes. I knew then that God had manifested the word in both of us!
Bread of Heaven fill this place; we just want to be with you; we just want to be with you!
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
Charging
Seek and you shall find…Matthew 7:7
When my husband and I were in Greece, we brought adapters to make sure we had what we needed to charge our phones and all the other gadgets we had. We started in Athens and all of our chargers worked and we had the right adapters. When we got to Santorini, we found that only one of our adapters was working because they only had one specific size in our hotel. This meant that my husband and I were constantly sharing this one adapter.
One morning while I was sitting with God, I was giving thanks and praise to Him when the scripture that says “…seek me you shall find me” landed in my spirit. I thought about the ways and opportunities we have to seek Him. Prayer, worship, reading the word and sitting with Him is what came to my mind. At that moment I was just sitting with Him. I said, “God, sometimes I am not sure about this sitting thing because it can feel like I am not receiving”. He reminded me of my phone and how often we were both trying to get our phones charged.
He said, “All the phone does is sit on the charger. The phone just sits, and because it is connected to the source it gets charged and is ready for the next time it is needed. How about you? How often do you charge? How long do you sit to be charged? Can you sit with Me, which is your source, as long as your phone sits on its source?” I thought about how long I let my phone sit on the charge. Sometimes it is all night because it can be completely dead. Other times it would be for 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much additional power it needed.
I get up every morning to sit with God but sometimes that morning time is just not enough. I know when I am not completely charged. I know when my heart is still yearning for God. God drops that yearning in us because He has more to say to us and He needs us to stay and listen. I am learning not to leave His presence until I am fully charged. The Holy Spirit said to me “Try to sit quietly with me every time you charge your phone”.
Every time we sit with God we are seeking Him. We will find Him. We will be charged up and ready for whatever is to come. It does not take a long time to hear from God but what I have noticed over the years is that God stretches us. Each time you are with Him, He puts the desire in you to want more of Him because He wants to give you more. So your time will be extended. You will not get from Him…the intimacy you are looking for if you do not take the time to sit with 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 recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Giving Thanks in the Midst of Darkness
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
One of the reasons why I have a Mac computer is because I love the AppleCare support that they offer. I contacted them because of some problems I was having with my computer. The individual that worked with me was very kind and supportive. However, later that evening, the issue that I thought we had fixed caused me even greater problems than before!
My emotions were all over the place because I had so much work to do. I knew the issue truly had nothing to do with my computer and more to do with God testing me. At that moment, I came across a devotional titled “Casting or Keeping.” I knew that I was supposed to cast that care on to God, however, I felt my emotions all tied up in the thing. I said to God, “I know you are testing me and have given me all these emotions to feel. So how do I cast this thing on you while my emotions are running wild?” Immediately I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Give thanks!” So I said the prayer below. Afterwards, I shut down my computer with my heart trusting and knowing that God was refining me.
Even in our most difficult times, we have to trust that God is in the midst of things. He is always working it out for our good.
Father, I thank you that in the middle of my emotional rampage you are here with me. I thank you that you know exactly why I am in this space. I thank you for what you are doing in me and for the changes that are taking place. I surrender my will to your will and I give you glory and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCallingtv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6 ESV
I got ready to take a run one morning but the whole time I was getting dressed I could feel something in my spirit. I had this feeling of desperation, like I needed to get in the word. Now I had been up between 2am and 5am to spend time with God. At about 5:30 I started to fall asleep so I went back to bed and got up around 7:30am to run. I wanted to run earlier because I knew the weather was going to be warm that day. I tried to ignore the feeling that was in me, but it would not let go of my spirit. I went into my office to pray and seek God’s face about what I was feeling. I could not shake it. It was so heavy on me that I knew I could not go running until this feeling was dealt with.
While in my room praying and reading, my husband came in and asked me why I was sitting in the room alone. He thought I was going running and wondered why I did not come to say I was headed out. As I began to explain to him why I was sitting, praying and meditating, the Holy spirit spoke out of my mouth that I was spiritually hungry. He said that just like when we wake up in the morning and we are hungry for breakfast, my spirit was hungry for its spiritual breakfast.
When the words “spiritual hunger” came out of my mouth I thought, “Wow, that is exactly what I am feeling.” So I told God I would sit there until I am spiritually stuffed. I did not want to leave until I made sure that I received all that He wanted to give me. My mind raced back again to the breakfast table and God showed me that I never leave the breakfast table half full. I may leave food on the table but I am always completely full. He showed me that every time I fill up my spirit with spiritual food I will always leave food on the table because my spirit just can’t take it all in at one time.
God is always speaking to us. Many times we are so focused on what we want to do that we miss hearing the gentle signs that the Holy Spirit places in our soul. God sent us the Holy Spirit to give us direction. The more we respond to the small voice of God the more we will hear Him speak on the matters that we so desperately want answers to. If we don’t listen and adhere to the small voice of God we will never hear the answers to our questions we have because we have not trained our ear to hear when He speaks. God speaks to our spiritual ear. Our physical ear is for this world but He has given us a spiritual ear. If we do not train ourselves to hear with it, we may never hear God speaking.
The answer to our miraculous healing may be to take a ten minute walk everyday. But because we have not trained our spiritual ear to hear God, our physical body tells us we don’t have time to take a walk. We listen to that voice when in fact, we could be missing the answer to the miraculous miracle that we prayed for. When God taps your spirit, sit quietly and listen. Do not rush God. Wait because He is speaking to your soul and your spirit needs to be fed. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Spiritual Blessing Chosen
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3 ESV
Our church is going through a series called “Reclaiming Our Identity”. The scripture above is a part of the foundation of study. I love that it said we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places through Christ. This means that those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior receive all the blessings that God gave to Jesus.
It just so happens that during this season of study, God had called me from all of my activities to sit here and focus on this word. So, I guess my task is to write as I go through this study. As soon as I read the verse above the first thing I wanted to do was to understand my spiritual blessing. I immediately began to look up spiritual blessings through the internet and read further in the scripture to get clarity and understanding. Ephesians 1:4 starts to give us clarity on the first blessing: Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world…Being chosen by God before the world was ever created is a spiritual blessing. We could not get this blessing physically. God chose us in the beginning. I looked up the word “chosen” to make sure I understood it.
Chosen: one who is the object of choice or of divine favor: an elect person selected from a number; picked out; taken in preference; elected; predestinated; designated to office. 2. Select; distinguished by preference; eminent.
When I think of the definition of this word my heart rejoices and becomes so grateful. This tells us how special we are to God. He could have created anyone and made them look any kind of way. But He chose each one of us on purpose, designed us just the way we are, and we are perfect to Him. There could be no one else to take our place. Out of all the miraculous things God has done, He deliberately made you and I, choosing us to be here and serve as part of His team. We were chosen before the foundation of the world with all of our mistakes and idiosyncrasies. We are the number one perfect pick for God!
You may not feel like you were chosen or have what it takes to be on God’s team but those feelings do not matter to God. He sees what we cannot see about ourselves. He knows that we are the most excellent, most desirable and effective team member for His purpose. We must rest in Him and trust the creator, that we have been chosen by Him and are perfect for the assignment He has for us!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
The Steadfast Love of the Lord
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33, ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCallingtv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Inner Peace
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
I saw the words Inner Peace on a sweater at my yoga studio and instantly I was drawn to it. Inner peace is what all of us strive to have in the midst of whatever is going on in our lives. The dictionary says peace means freedom from disturbance; tranquility; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.
In John 16 Jesus was telling the disciples what was to come before he left the earth. He wanted them to beware so they would be equipped and not be surprised when certain things happened. He shared with them that in the world they would have tribulation (great suffering, trouble, worry, anxiety, burden, and sorrow), but he told them that they could have peace in Him. Jesus was saying you have the option to have inner peace.
I knew I was drawn to the shirt because it reminded me that my inner peace only comes form God who lives on the inside of me. I can have inner peace at anytime because God is always with me. The problem is I don’t always check-in and use the source that is within me. Our God is not the author of confusion, or any kind of crazy thoughts that run through our minds. As we slow down in our moment, second, minute, hour, or day we can hear the inner peace of God speaking to us and directing our paths.
Scripture says, “God keeps us in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV) and confirms that the Lord of peace himself will give us peace at all times in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ESV). As we acknowledge God, check-in with Him on our every thoughts, stay on the righteous path than there will be complete peace. When we find ourselves having anxiety, worry, fear, stress, we need to check our thinking because those emotions are radar alerts to let us know that we are not in alignment with God. Therefore we have no inner peace!
None of the following emotions sit with God:
Anxiety: Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7, ESV
Worry: Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life,… Matthew 6:25 CSB
Fear: Fear not, for I am with you. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Stress: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Good News
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself am serving the law of God, but with my flesh, the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25, CSB
Our church has been in a series of study on reclaiming our real identification. One of the passages our pastor spoke from in this study was Romans 7:24-25. For years I had struggled with this verse trying to get a clear understanding of how to walk out this battle of the flesh. It became clear to me in the verse above.
We are spirit and we live in a fleshly body. Once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal savior immediately a battle for our mind takes place and that will never stop. See, before we accepted Jesus Christ we lived out of our natural normal nature; which is sin. That is what Paul is speaking about in the verse above. In the previous verses he speaks of his struggles between his spirit and his flesh.
Think about starting a new exercise program. In our spirt we lay out our plan and have everything ready to go. But on the day of implementing our plan, or a few times after we are working in the new program, our flesh says, “I do not want to do this anymore.” At that moment we enter a battle with our spirit and our flesh. This is similar to the struggle we sometimes have following Christ.
But the good news is that we have Jesus Christ who is our Deliver. He gives us the power to overcome. This does not mean that we will not have the battle of the mind; we will daily. But because we understand why there is the fight and who we have on our side it gives us strength to overcome! We also understand that when negative thoughts come into our consciousness it is Satan.
We can now use the words of Paul with power when evil approaches our consciousness. We can say, “That is from the sinful nature of the flesh, and I am NOT serving you!” And walk in the freedom of the law of God!
Father, thank you that you know this sin nature is real, normal, and common and that it is a daily battle for us. We praise you that you have given us victory over our sin nature and we do not have to move in guilt and commendation, but in freedom in You!
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
Here’s My Heart
I wanted to spend some time with God in worship. I grabbed my laptop and pulled up YouTube to look for some worship music.To my surprise one of my favorite songs came up and I played it. As that song was ending I asked the Holy Spirit to move in the midst of the playlist so that after this song was finished more uplifting music would play.
I love how God answers so immediately. I had never heard the song that came up in the play list but it just ministered to my soul! The words are perfect for quiet prayer time. I wanted to share it with you. I have also added the lyrics and url so that you can listen to the song as well. The name of the song is Here’s My Heart by Casting Crowns.
Lyrics
Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Speak what is true
Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord,Speak what is true
I am found, I am Yours I am loved, I'm made pure I have life, I can breathe I am healed, I am free
Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Speak what is true
I am found, I am Yours I am loved, I'm made pure I have life, I can breathe I am healed, I am free You are strong, You are sure You are life, You endure You are good, always true You are life breaking through Here's my heart Lord,
Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Speak what is true Here's my life Lord,
Here's my life Lord, Here's my life Lord, Speak what is true Speak what is true
You are more than enough You are here, You are love You are hope, You are grace
You're all I have, You're everything
Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Speak what is true
Here's my life Lord, Here's my life Lord, Here's my life Lord, Speak what is true Speak what is true Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Here's my heart Lord, Speak what is true
Speak what is true
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
Great Grace
I was sitting in my office listening to Acts 4 and reading along with the scripture. When I heard the reader say, “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” I stopped the reading and just meditated on the term “great grace.” I thought, God, what is great grace?
I had an understanding of grace defined as God’s unmerited favor, giving us what we have not earned or deserved. I wanted to understand it better so I started researching grace. The more I researched, the more I began to understand. I found an article that said, “Grace is love that seeks you out when you have nothing to give in return. Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you. Grace is being loved when you are unlovable.”
I love this quote that also I found: “Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of sin, suffering, and brokenness.” We come to God with nothing in our hands to offer but our brokenness and sin and he gladly takes it and gives to us new life as His child.” (whatsinthebible.com) Right after I finished reading this, my girlfriend sent me a text with the scripture: Leviticus 1:2-5 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock.’ If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord. He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. Then he shall kill the bull before the Lord, and Aaron's sons the priests shall bring the blood and throw the blood against the sides of the altar that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” Jesus is our perfect sacrifice and it is by His great grace that we are accepted and receive eternal life.
As I reflected on great grace, the Holy Spirit showed me that grace comes with a price. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us to receive grace. I was reminded of an incident that happened to me in the grocery store. I was waiting at the deli counter to pick up a couple of items. Two ladies were ahead of me and I was standing in the middle of both of them waiting to be served. They were both being served. When the clerk finished serving his customer, he saw me standing there waiting and he walked right past me and went to the lady on the other side of me and asked if she was being helped. I stood there in shock that he would do that. The lady of course said that she was being helped and then he came back to me. My mind was still focused on the fact that he walked right past me; he skipped over me. Never mind that I was the only black person there and all the emotions from what we have seen on television recently came rushing forward to my mind. I gave him my order but all the emotion of what had just happened was wailing up inside of me. I did not react in any way. I just asked God to deal with me. When I received my stuff, I thanked him and walked away. As the Holy Spirit was playing this back in my mind He said I had the opportunity to show great grace because I could have given him $20.00 and thanked him for his service. The Holy Spirit said, “That is what great grace looks like.”
The Holy Spirit showed me that to give great grace in our daily walk does not feel good and it is not deserved. We want all the grace Jesus offers but we have no idea what it feels like to give it. He reminded me that it did not feel good to Jesus to die for us and take all our sin to the cross but that was great grace.
The next time you think of grace and mercy following you don’t forget to reflect on Him who paid the price for us to have that kind of backup!
Father, your word says grace and mercy follows us every day. They have our backs. For some reason we think that everything we do in this life is supposed to feel good and be the best ever for us. But that is simply not true. You called us to be your ambassadors and to do that we must offer grace which will not always feel good. Help us to cling to you as your word says acknowledging you in everything so that we don’t allow our flesh to act up when you are trying to get great grace out of us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCallingtv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
His Presence Is Here
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7, ESV
I have always had my schedule set in a way that did not allow time for me to just stroll around and see what surrounds me. I felt like that was a waste of time. I had been taught that you should make the best use of your time, so hanging around doing nothing was a waste of the gift God had given me. I love how God has this gentle way of showing us His plans for our life and usually it does not look like what we had planned.
Across the street from my former job is the State Capitol which has a beautiful park. I had taken many lunch breaks at that park. I loved to sit in the Rose Garden because there were so many different roses. On this particular day I was sitting in the garden when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Look around you.” So I looked all around and saw the people walking around the park. Others were sitting having lunch with friends and some were taking a tour of the park. I heard Him say, Look!” again. This time I looked at the trees and the birds in the sky and I admired God’s beauty. I heard Him say, “You don’t see it yet, keep looking.” A little frustrated I said, “Where am I supposed to look?” Then out of nowhere my eyes were opened and I saw dragonflies everywhere, ladybugs flying, butterflies and all kinds of insects that I could not even name! The Holy Spirit said, ‘You are missing the beauty of my world. My world is very busy. Look at how they are moving without anyone telling them what to do.” I was mesmerized by all the activity and the beauty of God’s creation! At the time I was not sure why the Holy Spirit was taking such time to show me these things, but I later came to understand that the more I looked at His creation, the more I came to know who He is.
In our life God continues everyday to demonstrate His love and show us who He is. He has given us so much abundance that we don’t even realize it is there for us. If we truly want to know who God is, we have to take time to sit with Him. We must pay attention to His creation and allow Him to reveal Himself to us!
Father,
Thank you that you have made yourself available in ways that we could not even imagine. Thank you that even if were an unbeliever you still speak to us through your creation so that we may come to know you. All praise and glory to you in Jesus name amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
His Reckless Love
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV).
I was looking for a song that just focused on praising God. I told God I just want to praise you. I want a song that will give you complete praise. I wanted something that basically said, God I praise you, but I felt the Holy spirit pulling me to this song Reckless Love by Cory Asbury. I had heard the song before, so I felt like I knew it and it was not really what I was looking for.
I thought this is not a praise song, it talks all about what God does for us. It does not speak to me lifting my hands singing Hallelujah and giving God praise. I almost skipped past it, but I felt the pressure to listen. I just sat there and listened to the words and the more I listened the more tears ran down my face. My soul was so overwhelmed with praise to God! His reckless love for us is something I cannot describe! I played the song over and over again. Did you know we serve the almighty God who makes us His priority? Even if you have heard this song before, I encourage you to listen to it again.
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
Ordained
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV )
I have had so many revelations since my trip to Canada. The plane ride back to the USA was long, mostly because I was disappointed that I forgot to bring a book. But as I started thinking about the wedding it occurred to me that I had been hand-picked to be at the wedding. The Scripture above reminds me that wherever I am, God has ordained it.
I wondered how God’s light could shine through me at a wedding when everyone’s focus would be on the bride and groom. To my surprise, God sent me to a wedding in Canada to shine brightly to some hurting people.
The seating arrangements at the reception were different from anything I had experienced. As we walked into the reception area we were instructed to pick a number out of a jar. The number you picked was where you were to sit. When my husband and I went to our table there were no more seats. Several couples had decided they wanted to sit with friends and were not interested in moving. So, they offered us their numbers. My husband, being the kind gentleman that he is, agreed to let them sit together and we moved to another table.
As God would have it, the table we were at is exactly where God ordained us to be. We hit it off really well with the couples at our table. We ate together, danced together and had lots of laughs. It was so much fun we even exchange information so we could get together again. Later in the evening one of the gentlemen started talking about religion. How he got on that subject, I will never know. I had no idea he was speaking to my husband about religion and his beliefs until my husband turned politely to me and said to the gentleman, “My wife is the minister. Talk to her.” lol
I listened to this guy tell me how he could never forgive those who inflicted so much pain on him and his race. He said, “Religion tells you to forgive and I am not forgiving anyone for what they did.” He talked about religion and why he did not believe in it. He was so full of pain that he was angry. I just listened to him talk for about 30 minutes. I never interrupted him. Finally, he stopped and said, “That is why no one can persuade me to believe in religion.” While he was speaking I was praying. I knew this was God’s opportunity to use me as His vessel. I said to him, “You do not have to forgive anyone. How about just having a relationship with God? Forget the religion. God did not invite us to religion; He invited us into relationship with Him.” [“If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9).] The gentleman was extremely quiet. There was silence for a while as he stared at me and began to nod his head. God did not prompt me to use Scriptures or say anything else. He had given our friend what he needed to hear.
Later that evening, his girlfriend came and spoke to me about her beliefs. She wanted someone to hear her who would not judge her for her lifestyle. She was pained because of religion as well. She was not angry; she just wanted God to be pleased with her. We had a great conversation and I was elated that God would take me all the way to Canada to share with others His words.
We all have been called and sent by God for a purpose. Most of the time we don’t even realize it. This interaction with that couple reminded me of God sending Paul to Rome to appeal to Caesar for his freedom. When actually, Paul preached to the Roman citizens about Christ for two years before he appeared before Caesar. As Ambassadors of Christ we need to always be expecting God to have already set up a plan for us to let His light shine. That is why we are here. I was focused on the wedding but God had an ultimate plan that would save someone’s 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 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
Joy Of the Lord
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” Nehemiah 8:10
I have always heard the scripture mentioned above and repeated it many times, but I did not quite understand it. I was reading over this scripture when the Holy Spirit asked me the definition of joy. I wanted to continue reading the chapter in Nehemiah, so I glazed over explaining what I thought joy meant. However, you all know that when the Holy Spirit speaks to you, you have to stop and respond. So, I ultimately looked up the word joy (just an fyi, when God does that prompting when you are reading the Bible he is ultimately teaching you how to study his word)!
Joy – noun
1. the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires;
2. delight;
3. the expression or exhibition of such emotion;
4. gaiety, a state of happiness or felicity;
5. bliss, a source or cause of delight.
Joy – verb
1. to experience great pleasure or delight; rejoice.
As I sat and meditated on the definition of joy I could not seem to connect the meanings of joy and strength with each other. I said to God, “I think I am missing something.” Then the Holy Spirit led me to this article that talked about what brings God joy. The article led me to the following scriptures listed below:
‘For the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross” Hebrews 12:2
“And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people” Isaiah 65:19
“And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5
“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more JOY in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7
“He will take GREAT DELIGHT in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will REJOICE over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
I got so excited after reading these scriptures! What brings God joy is his bride which is those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal savior and obey his will. We are strengthened through God’s joy because when we are in his presence we are completely full. He says that he will never leave us nor forsake us. The only way we miss God’s strength is when we step out of his presence.
Can you believe that we are his joy? Did you see the definition of joy? God experiences great pleasure and delight over us! Beloved we are his creation, and his joy is to have us in his presence as he did with Adam in the beginning. He so desired to have a relationship with us that he sent his only begotten son to die for our sins!
Father, thank you that your joy is our strength! What an honor and privilege it is to be in the family of God. It is our hearts’ desire to obey you and bring you joy in all that we do. We love you and praise you! In Jesus name Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Blessings of the Lord
My husband and I were taking an evening stroll through a neighborhood when we both noticed a car with the license’s plate Psalms128. Neither of us had our phones so we could not look up the scripture, but we made a note of it to check it out when we got home. As soon as I read the Psalm I knew I was supposed to post it for you! Enjoy.
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children—peace be on Israel. Psalm 128, NIV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published 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
Attacked from Within
My husband and I often take walks together and during one of our walks I asked him what his goals were for 2021. As I listened to him talk my heart became heavy because I felt like we were not headed toward the same goals. He told me that what I was striving for was not his desire. And then he began to list his desires. Let me just tell you that there was absolutely nothing wrong with what my husband listed as his desires; they were just different from what I believed God had put in my heart.
I held what my husband said in my heart and accepted that we were headed in different directions but it really bothered me. I was not really able to get much else completed that day because of this heaviness. However, as I sat with God later that day, I began to talk with Him about how I felt regarding our conversation. God is so good. He said that me and my husband are one and what He put in me He has also put in him. He told me to never be moved by what I hear, see or feel if it doesn’t align with Him.
He showed me how the enemy had spoken some things through my husband that was not bad but it was a setup for me to agree with him so we would be working separately and not together. The enemy came to slowly tear away at my marriage. The Holy Spirit told me to repent because I had accepted and agreed with the words of us going separately instead of together. I then had to thank God for changing the action I had put in place and for bringing us back in alignment with God.
We must BE ON ALERT AT ALL TIMES BECAUSE SATAN COMES LIKE A ROARING LION SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. He cannot devour us unless we give him access!
Father,
Thank you for moving on my heart and showing me how deceptive the enemy will be to get us to move from alignment with you to alignment with him. I pray that just like a soldier we are always on alert and expecting the attacks to come because we are in war! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
From Downcast to Praise
Some days when we wake up for no reason at all, we just feel down. I woke up with that downcast feeling. I was also very tired but I knew I needed to go sit with God in prayer. When I got to my quiet space, I said a few words and fell asleep right there on the floor.
When I woke up, I felt a little better and I was thinking it was because I gave my body more rest. I was about to leave my room and head back to bed when I remembered I had not put on any praise music. I pulled up my music list on Spotify and the song Reckless Love came on. I just kept playing the song over and over and the more I let the song repeat the better I felt.
It is so important that we pay attention to what words we allow to come into our heart. These words take up residence in our heart and it is what we become. This song led me into complete praise and worship to God. I was so thankful for the message because it reminded me of what God does for us and how much He loves us. The whole song is really encouraging, but this part just resonated in my heart:
“Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it
still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending
reckless love of God, yeah
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me”
Family, know this: that no matter how we feel in our spirit, God loves us!
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV).
Reckless Love by Cory Asbury
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
The Steadfast Love of the Lord
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33, ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCallingtv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Silence Satan
This warfare in my head right now will not stop. I want it to stop but it will not. Dr. Juanita Bynum says that God wants us to get accustom to working with warfare because it is never going to stop. Satan will never stop his attacks. I’m writing because at this moment my head is just full of all kinds of crazy stuff. In the teaching on Working with the Warfare by Dr. Juanita Bynum she says that the only way to stop the devil is to keep working.
This morning I am working from a hard place. I have to sit at this keyboard and write whatever God brings through my spirit. Working is what beats Satan. When we take the time to engage Satan we have moved over into the enemies lane and given him a place in our head.
Warfare in our head is when everything negative and crazy comes into our mind and we cannot shut it off. Many of the things that the enemy puts in our head are true and are from the past. He is looking to tear us down and stop us from reaching our goals. But praise God that He never leaves us and He is always there with us!
Scream the name “Jesus” if that is all you can do to get your mind to shut off the negative spirit! The Bible says when we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil he will flee James 4:7, ESV. This morning I called on God, listened to my praise music and I started working. My work is resisting the devil. My mind is now clear and my focus is on writing and the noise of the enemy has ceased. I know that he will come again and again because that is his job, but when I continue to do the work God has called me to do I silence Satan’s voice!
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11, ESV
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
The Day of the Lord
When we think of the Lord’s day, we usually refer to a time of worship on Saturday or Sunday depending on your own personal belief. I was doing some research for another article when I came across a scripture. I knew immediately that I was to post it for you today. After reading this passage of scripture you will have a different perspective when you think of the Lord’s day.
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11, NIV)
We must keep at the top of our minds that Christ is coming back! And He expects us to be alert and looking out for Him. The day of our Lord is when Christ returns!
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