Fragrant Gift
I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18, ESV
I was researching the internet on the subject of fragrant offerings. What brought me to this research was the words Paul used in the verse above when he said that the offering received from Epaphroditus was a “fragrant offering”. I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to look up why Paul would choose to use those words.
I found that the same word is used in Ephesians 5:1-2 to speak of the offering of Christ. “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” I was beginning to understand that how we give from our heart and the sacrifices we make determines how our offerings go up before God. I also remembered that in the book of Leviticus there are scriptures describing sacrifices God required from the Israelites as a “pleasing aroma” to Him. Although none of those sacrifices could pay for sins, they served as a temporary covering.
I felt like the Holy Spirit prompted me to look up Epaphroditus. I found that Paul writes in Philippians 2:25-30, “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.” Epaphroditus’ offering was a fragrant aroma because of the self-sacrifice that he made to Paul. He cared more about serving Paul than bringing pleasure to his own life.
Finally, I was led to this article that gave another look at the sweet aroma of a gift to God: https://www.ccef.org/a-fragrant-offering/ I pray that it blesses you as it did me.
Father,
Thank you that you know the heart of man. Absolutely no thought can be hidden from you. I pray that our hearts will be transformed in such a way that in everything we do, every action we take, it is a sweet aroma pleasing to you. 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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Transformed
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6, ESV
There was this song we used to sing in church… “Silver and gold, silver and gold, I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold.” As a young child I had no idea what I was saying and sang the words without hesitation. As I became a young adult and we would sing that song in the choir, I would tell God, “I am not there yet. Nope, that is not how I feel. I would prefer silver and gold.”
I knew Jesus was good and I knew He had given me eternal life but because I missed the teaching on having a relationship with Jesus, I only knew Him through religion. Religion did not offer me much of anything except rules and repetition. It was not fun and to me, wealth and riches looked a whole lot better than what I was experiencing. I remember watching this show called the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and thinking, “Now they have the life!”
In my immature mind I did not realize that the show was only painting a picture of what they wanted me to believe, and I fell right into it. But praise God, at some point I started asking Jesus questions. I started to want to know Him in a deeper way. I started going to women’s conferences and really having a desire to seek His heart. Looking back, I now know it was the divine activation of the Holy Spirit that was prompting my heart to seek God in a different way. I was given the freedom to talk to Him about everything without trying to sound perfect or proper. Religion became a distance past, and I began an intimate relationship with God.
Let me just say this - I very much like silver and gold and I believe there is absolutely nothing wrong with having wealth, it just cannot be your god. Scriptures teaches, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). When I was young, silver and gold were becoming my god. It was years after this that I was sitting one day looking at some expensive vehicles and I heard God say, “You can have that one.” and immediately I said, “Not if it this item will cause me to be prideful and take the place of you!” Instantly the Holy Spirit reminded me of how I had changed from that young teenage girl. He showed how it was not through works that I had changed but by His Word and the renewing of my mind.
We can’t change ourselves into Christ-like servants of God, no matter how much we want to or how hard we try. Change and faith comes with hearing the Word of God and allowing it to transform the inside of our heart. If you want change in your heart, stop working to try and get it right.
Did you notice, I never tried to change my thoughts about wealth. I wanted to have a new heart, but I wanted wealth too. There was this war going on inside me, but the Holy Spirit sent me into the Word. The promptings in my heart led me to Him and He transformed me from the inside out. Do not be so hard on yourself about the thoughts you have inside. Give them to God. Stay under the Word and the power of His Word will transform you! Amen.
Holy Father,
Thank you for your grace, your patience, your kindness, your understanding, your mercy, and your love. We have this fleshly desire that is always going against you! I praise you because scripture tells us that change happens by the renewal of our mind in the Word of God! It is not by works, nor by power, but by your Spirit that we get transformed! To you be glory and praise. 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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Prayer of the Week
October 28
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3
I received these three boxes of prayer cards and inside each boxes were 20 cards with scriptures on them to pray. God has been having me pull a card from the box and pray the scripture. This morning when I pulled the card the scripture above is what was written. My first thought after I read the scripture was how we can quickly forget all the amazing things God has done for us depending on our circumstances. Let’s pray…
Father, how I praise you! The scripture reminds me of how good and great you are! I realized that I can often take your blessings for granted and not see your greatness because my eyes are focused on what I don’t have, or what I want. Oh God I repent and ask for forgiveness. How good you have been to me! I am sitting right here in this moment and I can see, read and I have been chosen to know you. Wow! I was divinely designed by you for this moment! Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus! I praise you that you have called me to be your disciples and I get to intercede on behalf of others. God I lifted my voice in praise for the lost souls to be saved, for the hurting and sick to be healed, for those in need, to receive provision, but most of all for them to have this intimacy with you that you so desire to give to us all. Thank you God for being God and may I never forget to give you praise! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Prayer of the Week
October 21
Oh magnify the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised. Oh magnify the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised. Hosanna blessed be the rock, blessed be the rock of my salvation. Hosanna blessed be the rock, blessed be the rock of my salvation.
One morning when I woke up the song above was in my spirit. I just sat and let the words settle in my spirit. As I began to hum them things started to change in my spirit. My soul was lifted, prayers started flowing out of my mouth, joy filled every part of me and God did what he wanted to do in me. I invite you to go back now and sing the words above out of your mouth. Let them flow until you can feel his presence shifting your atmosphere. Listen when you praise him; shifting happens. I don’t understand how it is done, but the movement of God happens in praise. Our prayer for today is “Magnify the Lord!” Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Prayer for the Week
October 14
Father, God, I thank you! Jehovah Shammah, I thank you for you are right here with me. Immanuel, I thank you for you are inside of me. I thank you for this supernatural experience. I sit with you and feel your presence. My heart is filled with joy. My soul overflows with your goodness. My lips utter words that I do not understand and tears stream down my face. I do not know how it happens, but I know that I am right here with you. Hallelujah! I can’t help but raise my hands and praise continues to utter from my lips. I hear you in the midst of my praise! I hear you giving me direction, I hear you speaking to my soul! Yes, God! This supernatural experience just blows my natural mind! Thank you for your kingdom has come and your will is being done in my life. Thank you for my daily bread and forgiveness of my sins. Thank you for this journey of intimacy with you! I will forever give you praise and glory! Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Prayer for the Week
October 7th
Father, I magnify you for you are worthy to be praised! Hosanna blessed be the rock! Blessed be the rock of my salvation. I praise you for this moment. I praise you for the struggle. I praise you for the difficulty. I praise you for the pain. I praise you for what I don’t understand! I praise you for what I don’t have. I praise you for what I do not know. I praise you for you are my God! You are my king! You are my Lord you know everything! You are my provider, You are my healer, You are my deliver, You are my instructor, You are my way! You are right here with me in the midst of my sorrow. Lord, I give you praise! Your word says to praise you at all times so I lift my voice and I lift my hands and I praise you! Thank you for bringing me through! Thank you for lifting my heart, thank you for making a way, thank you for healing. Oh God thank you that you are so good. You are so kind and you never leave me. Thank you for the battle for it reminds me that I am in alignment with you! Hallelujah! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the rock of my salvation!
Father, I give you praise, you are so worthy of praise! I honor you Lord! I enter into your presence with thanksgiving. I thank you that I can enter into your presence. I thank you that you have made a way for me to be right here with you. To you be glory and praise. My heart is filled, my soul rejoices for I am in the presence of the all mighty God! Hallelujah! Lord you are king of this world. You are God of everything, everything comes from you! What an honor it is to sit and receive from you! What an honor that you would receive my praise!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Let Praises Rise
God woke me up early one morning and put part of this song in my spirit. Because I did not recognize the name of the song, I pulled up my computer and searched the words. The song, “Let Praises Rise” by Todd Galberth came up. I sat listening to the song and it filled my soul. Let the words of this song be your encouragement and prayer today:
Father, fill us to full and overflow, let praises rise from the inside, from the inside of me. Father, I pray that you may delight in the inside, in the inside of me. Please come fill my life from the inside, from the inside of me. Set me on fire from the inside, from the inside of me.
Because all I want is for You, you to be glorified, for you to be lifted high. Saturated my heart, saturated my heart with you and fill my life till all they see is you Lord, glorify your name, fill my life till all they see is You Lord! Glorify your name! All I want is for you to be glorified and lifted high!
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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It Is A Heart Thing
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13, ESV
I have often looked really hard for lost money and have searched really intently when looking for a new job. But for some reason I did not think it was necessary to seek God with all my heart in the past. I guess I thought that since God is always there, I had no real reason to seek Him with all my heart.
As I grew in my relationship with God, He taught me that I can have whatever kind of relationship I wanted with Him. It was up to me. I remember my younger sister, who is now with the Lord, always reading her Bible. She was always seeking God and I could tell she had this amazing relationship with Him. I wanted that same relationship, but at the time I did not understand that it required a sacrifice on my part.
I wanted the relationship but I did not want to do the work. There is absolutely no way you can have a great relationship with anyone without putting in the time with that individual. I soon learned that spending time with God is truly more of a blessing than it is work. He wants to be found. He wants us to have an amazing relationship with Him. He created us so that He could enjoy each one of us individually and shower us with His love. Looking for lost money or finding a new job is actually harder work than seeking God, because God desires to have relationship with us!
I love having a relationship with my daughter and son. When they call, even if I am busy, I will make time to chat with them. How much more will God do the same with us when we seek Him with all of our heart?
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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Blow My Mind
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26, ESV
Have you ever just let the Holy Spirit have full control of your music feed? Have you ever started with a song and just let whatever comes up in your music feed play? I am not usually a fan of doing this, because there are times that I am drawn to certain types of worship songs and want to curate my playlist with exactly what I want to hear. It is really important to pay attention to what we listen to because some songs can sound like they are ministering to us but could have us saying something that is not even in alignment with God’s word!
But lately I have felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to let God have His way with what I am listening to. I was listening to a song and had it on replay, but another song jumped in the feed and I know it was the Holy Spirit’s doing. I heard the words, “blow my mind” and thought, “Wait hold on, listen to the words of this song!” The phrases “blow my mind” and “do the impossible” were repeated in the song over and over again, and it spoke to me!
The song, “Blow My Mind”, suggested that we ask God to blow our minds. The more I listened to the words I started to rest on the fact that I serve a God who can blow my mind! Then it came to me - I had never even thought to ask God to blow my mind! Scripture tells us that nothing is impossible with God, yet somehow my mind could not fathom that I could just ask God to blow my mind!
Then, another thought arose. God has already blown my mind, because He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us (while we were in our sin) so that we could have everlasting life! He then gave us the Holy Spirit to teach us all things and to remind us of everything He has taught us. It is easy to think of a lot of material things to ask God for, but I am encouraged that no matter what kind of problem or situation we have going on in our lives, our God can and will do the impossible for us! Many times, we put limits on God when He wants to just blow our mind! I pray this song blesses you as much as it has blessed me! https://youtu.be/IGdh73NFCnY
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Blank Canvas
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:11-12, NIV
These messages just keep coming up in my spirit. I literally sit at the computer with a blank screen not knowing what I am going to write. But then the words just began to flow from my mind onto the screen. I know that in those moments I am in perfect alignment with God. I can hear his still quiet voice pouring into my soul. It reminds me of my sister-in-law who says that when she is painting, she never knows what is going to be put on that canvas.
Every morning when we wake up, we have a blank canvas. We get to decide what kind of picture we are going to paint or what kind of story we are going to write. Many times, when I look back at my writings, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was written by the Holy Spirit. As God says, there is nothing good in this flesh (Romans 7:18-19).
This reminds me of what the Bible says - that one day, we are all going to have to give an account for our lives. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:11-12).
This means we will each look back at every day we spent here on earth and will have to speak to how we painted on the canvas of each day. I work hard to hear God as I write these posts, but as I think about the canvas of my day…I probably need to spend a little more time listening to Him about how the painting should look. Many times, I think I can be guilty of just throwing color on the canvas and hoping it turns out well.
We don’t want to hope on judgement day…we want to know for sure that our paintings are exquisite and please Him! 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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Emotional Attack
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8, ESV
I was reading this article about how when someone attacks you it is actually a demonic spirit working behind them, nudging them to attack. The article was saying that when someone hurts our feelings or irritates us we can instantly put a face to that individual. As I was sitting and thinking about this I could literally go back to the moment an individual hurt me and feel those feelings again.
The article was reminding us that this is how Satan and his demons work. They have no face because they are a spirit, so they will use our husband, wife, children, friends - anyone that is close to us to get us offended and hurt. The next thing you know, you are in a fight or argument with someone you love and that is Satan’s goal.
While I was meditating on that thought of how Satan fights through our emotions I said under my breath, “God, if you knew Satan was going to do all this why did you give us these emotions in the first place?” God is so gracious, He said, “I gave them to you because I wanted you to have a relationship with me. How could you know what my love felt like if you had no emotions? How could you have expressions and experience joy, laughter, fun if you had no emotions?” He said, “I have given animals feelings, so of course I wanted the ones who are made like me to feel and know like I know.”
He then said that Satan just takes all the wonderful gifts that He has given to bless us and uses them against us. It is his tool to try to conquer and divide. God then reminded me that He had told us how we would have to fight the enemy and what we needed to do. In Ephesians 6:11-13 he says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Literally while I was writing this devotional, the demon came at me through my husband and for a moment I engaged, but the Holy Spirit reminded me of who I was fighting against. Only our time with God armoring up in His word will give us the tools we need to stand and overcome the enemy!
Father, thank you for reminding us that all these emotions are gifts from you to help us experience the best in this life and in our relationship with you. Remind us to meditate on the word day and night so that we talk of your commands when we sit in our houses, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we wake up. Let your word be in our spirit consistently so that we will have the power to overcome the enemy. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Fire of God
We had a guest speaker at our church on Sunday and the message just lit a fire under me. It is so ironic how the Holy Spirit can speak something into your heart and then you hear those same words spoken to you a few days later. You know what the Holy Spirit is saying is especially for you!
After having the opportunity to see the replica of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky, I went back to listen to the story of Noah and the ark again. As I was meditating on Noah’s responsibility, I began to wonder what would have happened if Noah had not fulfilled his calling. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper in my soul that your gift and calling is tied to someone else’s blessing. If you do not complete your calling, you can cause others to miss their blessing.
The guest speaker’s message was entitled “The Call” and the scripture reading was from Exodus 3. He spoke to how Moses’ calling was not just for him but for all those people God wanted to save through him. This just registered so deep in my soul - how many of us are sitting on the gifts God has given us? When we do this, we are hindering someone else from being saved. Could it be that the answer to homelessness in this world is tied to someone’s calling? My God! Family, we have got to move. We can’t sit and wait for someone else to answer the call.
Fear will not be an acceptable excuse to God for us not fulfilling the assignment He has called us to complete. The other thing our guest speaker shared that lingered in my spirit was that if Satan could have killed you he would have already done it!!!! That means we have nothing to fear!
Father,
Your word is so powerful. Thank you that each and every one of us has purpose and a calling that you want us to complete. We ask for forgiveness for not moving and we pray that your fire will rest upon our soul so deeply that we are completely uncomfortable until we move! 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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God Draws
Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. John 1:19, NIV
The scripture above refers to John the Baptist. He was out preaching the word of God in the wilderness of Judea (Matthew 3). The Pharisees and Sadducees had sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. I find this scripture to be so powerful because it gives us such insight on how we must be in everything that we do.
John the Baptist was in the wilderness preaching the message of Jesus Christ. Scripture says that everyone came to John in the wilderness. He did not go to them. He did not go and announce to the Pharisees and Sadducees that he was preaching about Jesus. He did not send people to go to the synagogue to tell the leaders to invite him to speak . As a matter of fact, when he saw the leaders coming he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7). He insulted them.
John reminds us that we never have to do as the world does to draw those to hear the message God has put in our heart. It does not matter what assignment God has given us, He will make the way for us to be successful. John was so prepared and spoke God’s message so powerfully that they thought he was the prophet Elijah. Some even thought he was the Christ! John did not heal anyone. John did not do any miracles. All he did was speak the word of God and people came to the wilderness to hear and be baptized.
When God gives us an assignment, such as working in our career field, we do not have to bang down doors to get noticed for promotion. We do not have to sacrifice our character to be put in a position of authority. We just have to prepare ourselves for the assignment and God will open the door. He will send people looking for you! When I first started writing these devotionals I would ask my husband to look them over for me before I sent them out. After several years of writing God sent me an editor. A beautiful spirit filled young lady who knew I was writing came up to me one day and said, “If you would like, I can edit your devotionals for you.” I was like what??? She offered to edit them free of charge!!! Look at God! Although that season has passed God continues to provide what I need so that the messages can be edited, posted and schedule for you to receive them.
He wants us to know that when He gives us an assignment, He provides the provisions. We just have to be prepared for the door when it opens.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Harvest the Land
There are times when I am praying to God and He starts talking to me, but I'm not sure if I should get up, write, or sit still. During one of these moments, I felt an urgency to move to the computer. I began reading 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for[f] you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
As I sat and read this scripture I became overwhelmed with grief for those who do not know Jesus Christ. My heart ached because there are so many people living in such horrible conditions. They have no idea that Jesus died to give them eternal life and a better life while living here on this earth. It is imperative that every time we get the opportunity to speak to someone, we let them know that Jesus is Lord!
God wants our conversations to be about Him and what He has done for all of us. We can spend so much time having these conversations with others yet we do not give them any insight about Christ. I pray that as God presses upon our hearts to share His word, we will move in boldness to minister to everyone we come in contact with. Time is winding up and our neighbors, roommates, grocery store clerks, coffee shop workers, bank tellers, estheticians, co-workers, etc. can all die without receiving our Savior because we held back on sharing His word!
It can sometimes be hard to remember that we are here on assignment! This human experience can really deceive us at times and cause us to miss our opportunity to share His word. We have to remember that we are spirits placed in a body sent by God to do His work on this earth. Everyday someone is dying. We cannot be afraid to tell others about our Savior. We must let our light shine whenever the Holy Spirit prompts us to do so! Wherever we are right now there is land waiting for us to harvest!
Father,
Thank you for the amazing gift of Jesus’ blood that gives us eternal life. Thank you for using others to draw us to You. Father, show us how to minister in whatever way you have designed for us to draw others to You! My God how 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:
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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
Darkness
Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life John 8:12 AMPC.
Do you know if you are in darkness? Can you see in the dark? When I worked for the Department of Justice many years ago, I got the opportunity to go into what was called a “dark room.” The private investigator gave me special goggles that would allow me to see in the dark. While listening to my Bible app read the book of Acts I came across the 23rd chapter where Paul was defending himself to the Sanhedrin, which consisted of Sadducees and Pharisees. As he was sharing with them about Jesus, they became angry and wanted to kill him. They were so focused on defending what they believed to be the light that they did not realize they were in darkness. They thought they were in the light.
My friend and I were having a conservation about her trip to South Africa. While in South Africa they got the opportunity to go on a Safari. She said that while they were out on the Safari they spent the night and all around them was pitch black. All of a sudden, she and her husband noticed that there were these big bright beautiful lights. At first, she did not recognize them but instantly realized they were stars. She said they appeared so close that she felt like she could touch them.
As we continued our discussion about the stars we reflected on how much light is in the city. There is so much artificial light in the city that we can hardly see the darkness. It is the same way with many Christians; we attend church every Sunday, sing in the choir, serve at the greeting table and follow all the laws and rules of the Word, but are we living in darkness? The activities in the church are good but they can become artificial lights that make us believe we are saved. Scripture says, The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1:5).
The way to avoid being deceived by artificial light is to have a relationship with Christ and not with the activities. Although Christ called us to be his disciples, his first command was to Love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul and with all of our mind (Matthew 22:37). And The second command Love our neighbor as yourselves (Matthew 22:39). The key to recognizing darkness is to apply these scriptures. If we make love our focus we will never miss the light or walk in darkness!
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
Patience is Key
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Romans 12:2, CSB
I was just brushing my teeth getting ready for bed when the Holy Spirit reminded me of an incident that happened while we were on a month-long trip to Italy, our first time together traveling out of the country.
We flew from San Francisco to Rome. We had a driver pick us up at the airport in Rome to take us to Santorini which was a three hour drive. When we got off the plane at the airport in Rome we waited for our luggage for about 45 minutes only to learn that our luggage did not make it. We then had to wait in a line and report to the airport as well as the airline that we did not receive our luggage, which was another hour-long wait.
When we finally got to our location in Santorini, we decided to complete the other paperwork to let our airline know we did not receive our luggage. We were told we needed to report to the airline within three days of the date we lost our luggage. The only problem was the lady who helped us at the airport did not give us a parcel number for us to report to the airline. We tried several times with no success to get through to the airport. We decided to wait until the next morning and give them a try again.
With a bit of frustration building, we called the airport the following morning but we still could not get through. We prayed and asked God for guidance on how to move. In our anxiousness my husband decided that we needed to buy a new phone from Italy with a local service in hopes of getting through to the airport. We found a place to purchase a phone with the local phone service. We paid an extremely large amount of money for this phone and service only to find out that when we called the airport number it still did not work!
Feeling defeated, we decided to just go and have lunch. While sitting outside at the restaurant I decided to try calling all the numbers the airport had given us one more time with my phone. To our surprise the call went through and we were able to speak to someone. They were able to give us all the information we needed so we could report the lost luggage to the airline.
God taught us that patience is key. In our haste, fear and frustration we allowed our emotions to get the best of us and we spent a large amount of money that was not necessary. God showed me that if we do not have peace in our heart when we move, we are moving without Him. He is always working things out for us and we just have to be patient and wait on Him. I will admit that in the midst of a storm it can be hard to not react to our emotions. But God has shown me over and over again that when we move outside of Him we will be disappointed with our outcome. Patience is the key!
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
Obedience Moves You
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; Isaiah 1:19, ESV
Obedience moves you to all the desires of your heart. God said that as long as you are obedient to Him you shall have all the desires of your heart. He showed me how obedience brings us joy, peace and happiness. Think about it: when we are disobedient we feel the tug in our spirit to stop but that flesh will keep moving. Those disobedient actions can lead us into stressful situations and most times, regret
God will not reward our disobedient behavior because we will continue in that way which is not in agreement with His instructions. When our children are disobedient to our instructions we do not give them blessings but discipline for their negative behavior. We want to correct the behavior and when our children are back in alignment they receive our blessings. The absolutely amazing part is that the blessings for them are always there waiting on them to be obedient.
It is the same with God! When we get in alignment all that we have prayed for is just waiting for us. Our blessings are never lost or taken away; we hold them up by not being obedient. God tells us to do the simple things and we say okay but forget to do it, then we wonder why our God has not answered our prayer or why the manifestation has not come. The problem is not God, but us not doing as we were told. Scripture says, …”We must obey God rather than men.” Listen to this promise, but if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. Exodus 23:22, 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 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
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13, ESV
My husband, our daughter and I went on a hike through Point Reyes. We had a great time just sharing with one another and spending time together! At times during the hike we would all be together. Other times we’d be separated, depending on what each of us wanted to do. On a portion of the hike I caught our daughter walking by herself and she reminded me of when she was a little girl.
I noticed that she had this unusual happiness and a kind of a skip in her step. I wondered what was going on in her head. When she and I were together I told her that she seemed to be really happy and I asked her what she was thinking about. She said that she was singing this song called Blessings on Blessings that had just popped up in her music feed a few days ago. She then began to sing the words to me. The words to the song were so encouraging that I started to write them down on my phone. She said, “Mom, don’t do that. I will send the song to you as soon as we get to an area with internet service.”
I got the opportunity to listen to the song and I totally understood why she was so full of joy! Every time I listen to the song, joy comes into my spirit! God’s Word is so true! Words are so powerful! The name of the song is Blessings on Blessings by Anthony Brown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwNzTSLE-4Q
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
REAL (the song)
I wrote in a previous devotional about this song REAL by Anthony Brown & group therAPy. I have listed below the lyrics to the song. I truly hope that it will minister to you like it did for me! You may have to listen to the song a couple of times to understand what they are saying, but the words are so powerful! https://youtu.be/eBexSmg2xFU
I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year And it don't get no realer than you I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year And it don't get no realer than you
Who was right there every time that you call (My God is) Who was right there to pick u up when you fall (My God is) Who was right there to meet every one of your needs (My God is) Who makes way after way never forsakes you and never leaves (My God Is)
I don't care what the worlds saying I've seen the works of his hand He's come through time and time again And you can't make me doubt him (I don't care what the worlds saying) (I've seen the works of his hand) (He's come through time and time again (And you can't make me doubt him)
I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year And it don't get no realer than you I only got time for the real this year
I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year And it don't get no realer than you
Who was right there every time that you call (My God is) Who was right there to pick u up when you fall (My God is) Who was right there to meet every one of your needs (My God is)
Who makes way after way never forsakes you and never leaves
I don't care what the worlds saying I've seen the works of his hand He's come through time and time again And you can't make me doubt him (I don't care what the worlds saying)
(I've seen the works of his hand) (He's come through time and time again) (And you can't make me doubt him)
The love he gives me is real The joy he gives me is real The peace he gives me is real
Yeah he's so real to me The healing he gives is real The feeling he gives is real He is always there when I need him He's so real to me
That is why I love him so That is why I love him so He's so real to me That is why I love him so
That is why I love him so He's so real to me
The love he gives me is real The joy he gives me is real The peace he gives me is real
Yeah he's so real to me The feeling he gives is real The healing he gives is real
He is always there when I need him He's so real to me
That is why I love him so That is why I love him so He's so real to me That is why I love him so That is why I love him so He's so real to me
I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year And it don't get no realer than you I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year I only got time for the real this year And it don't get no realer than you
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published 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
Glory
I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other…Isaiah 42:8, ESV
Glory, glory, glory! Yes! That is what rang out in my soul as I sat with my Father. He told me to close my eyes and imagine God. He said, “Just sit quietly with your eyes closed and see me.” As I saw Him in my thoughts, He began to open up my mind to really, truly see Him. All I could say was, “Glory, glory, glory!” My soul was overwhelmed with all the wonders of God! He said to me, “Imagine if that was all there was. Everywhere you look in your imagination, just see Me!”
As I started to see His presence in my mind, He said, “This is how it is to be. It has always been Me. There was nothing before Me and there is nothing after Me; It has always been just Me. I created you and everything in your world. Just like picking up a pencil and drawing a picture. That picture is drawn exactly as you see. In order to truly understand that picture, the one looking would have to talk to the artist.”
He then said, “It always surprises Me that when my people ask Me for help, they are always so surprised when I answer their prayer! I hear them say, “Look at God! He did it!” He said “That is because people don’t sit with Me long enough to know my character. If they spent more time with Me they would never worry about a thing. Tell them to spend more time with Me. Just like a parent does not like to see their children worry and be upset, I don’t like it either. I have handled their problems and provided for their every need. I want them to be at peace and enjoy all that I have ordained for them!”
God told me, “The life I give has great blessings, challenges, excitement, fellowship and is full of love from Me. Invite them to join Me. I really want them to experience all that I have for them. I am everywhere. Tell them they can see the effects of Me by just looking around them. Every single thing in the earth came out of me. I am God and I provide goodness, growth and challenges so that we can get to know each other before your season on this earth is up!”
Family, friends, and loved ones….if you have not yet had the opportunity to know God, He is waiting at the altar of your heart for you to invite Him in. Just ask Him and I can guarantee you that He will come in!
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