Alignment
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
—Romans 12:2, ESV
Every time I walk in my backyard, the Holy Spirit begins to speak. I’ve come to expect His voice during these moments. One afternoon, as I sat down in my chair, the Holy Spirit said, “Do you see how that plant is struggling? It has some green on it, but you can tell it’s very airy. It should be just as dense as the plants to the right of it.”
The struggling plant was once completely full and thriving. It was planted in front of some trees. When it was first planted, the trees were small, and the sun shone directly on the plant, giving it everything it needed to grow. But now, the trees have grown tall and cast shade over the plant, preventing it from operating at its full potential. The plant is no longer in the right position to prosper.
The Holy Spirit revealed that the struggling bush was an example of people who are out of alignment. The bush had been doing so well in its position that no one realized it was time to move it. Similarly, we can thrive in a certain place for a time, but when God says it’s time to move, we often resist. By staying in a place longer than we should, we hinder ourselves and miss out on the amazing blessings God has prepared for us.
The other plants around the struggling bush were thriving because they were shade plants. Sometimes, we see others thriving around us and wonder why it’s not happening for us. The solution is to check in with God and ensure we are aligned with His will. Perhaps He has been trying to promote us to another place. We must not let the fear or intimidation of something new keep us from receiving God’s best. Amen.
Key Points:
Bloom where you are planted, but be ready to move when God says so.
You will prosper when you are in the right soil.
Posture yourself to always hear what God is saying.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Holes
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour…1 Peter 5:8
I love Bok Choy; it is one of my favorite vegetables, so I planted some in my garden. I usually go out every morning and do a quick pass by the garden to ensure everything is doing well and nothing has happened overnight. But because we had been traveling weekly, I got out of the habit of checking every morning. One morning, I went out to check on things and noticed holes in my Bok Choy leaves.
I was not happy, but I knew it meant I needed to spray because pests had started their attack.
Since it was early in the morning, I knew I couldn’t spray until that evening. Unfortunately, I forgot to spray that evening, and the next time I checked, some of the leaves had been completely chewed off. I was so upset, but I heard the Holy Spirit say, “This is what happens when you miss your time with Me.” I was like, What did You just say?
Listen, when we stop feeding ourselves with the Word, we may not notice anything at the beginning. The holes are so small that they don’t seem to impact us. A few days might go by without us realizing what is happening. But in the background, Satan is setting us up for a fall! He is constantly trying to keep us distracted so he can take us down. When we get out of our routine of study, we open the door for Satan. He is a strategist—always plotting and looking for someone to devour.
It is imperative that you have a daily quiet time with God! I don’t care if it’s just fifteen minutes—get it! You may say, “I don’t have time.” When you eat lunch, instead of working or talking to others, spend your lunch break with God. Or during your drive to work, play a Word that ministers to you. If you go to the gym, listen to the Word while you’re working out. Ask God, and He will show you the best time for you to spend with Him. You have an enemy who is always working to take you out, and you must consistently get into God’s presence to defeat him!
Key Points:
Being consistent with your time with God is invaluable.
There is an enemy you cannot see who is constantly plotting against you.
Time with God provides the armor you need to conquer your enemy.
Affirmations:
Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
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
Turn on The Light
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
One morning, I was reading a book, and the passage quoted the scripture above. I immediately heard the Holy Spirit say, “Turn on the light.” If we are not reading and meditating on the Word daily, we are walking in darkness. Can you imagine having the righteous nature of God, yet walking in darkness because you don’t “turn on the light”? If you continue in darkness, you will eventually stop seeing the light. The darkness will become light to you.
I remember walking into a dark room and having to wait for my eyes to adjust before I could move and see where I was going. Did you catch that? I had to adjust my eyes from the light to see in the darkness. If we keep adjusting our eyes to darkness, eventually it will begin to look like light, and we will miss everything God has for us. The darkness will lead us to death.
The Word of God guides us moment by moment. Unfortunately, because we wake up every morning with the sun shining, we think we are already in the light and can see clearly. What a deception! Satan is the ruler of this world. Scripture says, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). It goes on to teach us that “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).
Scripture reminds us that we are in this world but not of it (John 17:16). As long as we are on this earth, we cannot escape Satan or his evil devices. He is “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). However, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Our victory comes only by walking in the light. Every day, we must wake up, read the Word, and meditate on it. When we do, we will have direction for our day!
Key points:
No Word, no light.
Jesus is the light!
Keep your eyes adjusted to the light!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Rushing
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything…Philippians 4:5, ESV
rushing: moving with urgent haste
When I hear the word rushing, so many things come to mind. But one morning, as I lay in bed, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me about rushing. I heard Him say, Rushing can move you out of alignment with Me, and it can cause you to take on the emotions of Satan. Think about it—when you’re rushing, emotions like anxiety, frustration, and confusion start to overwhelm you. Peace disappears, and fear is usually not far behind.
I decided to look up the definition of rushing, and it included the word haste. The Holy Spirit then prompted me to research the word haste and find scriptures that mention it. Below, I’ve listed a few of the verses I discovered:
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Proverbs 19:2, ESV
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs, 21:5, ESV
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20, ESV
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs, 29:20, ESV
In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord's Passover. Exodus 12:11, ESV
We learn based on scripture that if we are not being directed by God to move quickly we can easily bring disaster on ourselves. Rushing is not apart of God’s plan.
My husband was sharing with me how he lost some items while packing up after a gig. He’s in a band, and after they had finished their set, he was eager to get home. As he hurried back and forth, loading his car in the dark, an item fell out of his pocket. He didn’t see it, and it was lost. While he was describing what happened, the Holy Spirit said, “He was rushing.”
As my husband told his story, my mind reflected on a time when I was working downtown. During breaks, I would take walks around Capitol Park. I used to walk really fast to fit in as many laps as I could before my break ended. One day, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, saying, “Slow down.” I slowed my pace, but then I heard Him say it again, “Slow down.” So, I slowed even more. Then He said it a third time. I finally asked, “God, how slow do You want me to walk?” He replied, “Slow enough so that you are walking with Me.” He reminded me of a time I saw sheep grazing in the grass not far from where we live. He asked, “Did you see any of the sheep rushing around? Did you ever see the shepherd rushing around?” Of course, the answer was no.
He said, “I am your Shepherd, and you are My sheep. The sheep follow the Shepherd. If I do not tell you to make haste, the pushing is from the enemy.” Then He reminded me of the story of Pharaoh’s army chasing Israel into the Red Sea. The Bible says that Israel walked on dry ground (Exodus 14:29). They didn’t run! Bible says Israel walked on dry ground. Exodus 14:29 They did not run!
Scripture teaches us that if we are not directed by God to move quickly, we can easily bring disaster upon ourselves. Rushing is not a part of God’s plan.
Key points:
Slow down and walk hand in hand with God.
God is never in a rush.
Pause, and seek God first when you feel the need to rush.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Great Work Is Happening Within You
It was a little after midnight, and I couldn’t sleep, so I started working. While working, I was listening to music and heard these words: “I know what it looks like, but I choose to go against that. I am speaking something different, I am claiming something different, I am believing something different.”
Immediately, my spirit was uplifted. I had been feeling down without realizing that I was speaking based on what I could see instead of what God had told me. I had stopped focusing on the destination and started complaining about the journey. It was as if I had mistaken the side of the road for the destination. Satan’s deceptive words are always lies, designed to get us off course and make us believe that God isn’t keeping His promises. But the truth is, we simply haven’t reached the destination yet.
Every plant that continues to grow in the right soil will produce fruit and fulfill its purpose. And we are so much greater than plants! Everything God creates has a purpose, and when it aligns with Him, it will produce fruit. Just as God works supernaturally through plants, He is doing a great work in each of us. We just have to keep going. Remember, Scripture says, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion!” Hallelujah! God is doing a great work in each of us.
God showed me an illustration: when we go to the store and grab a package of vegetables or fruit, each one looks different. It’s the same with us. It doesn’t matter how we think we look or what experiences we’ve had—God has already placed a great harvest inside each of us. Often, we fail to see the potential because we’re focused on the seed. But if we stop fixating on what the seed is doing and focus instead on what God says, the harvest is guaranteed to be abundant.
Listen, God already knows what’s in the seed and how it will produce fruit. All we need to do is keep our eyes on Jesus and follow His instructions. Amen!
Key points:
The side of the road is not the destination.
The seed never looks like its potential
Keep going, the Creator will complete the work in 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 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
Directions
The Lord answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. Habakuk 2:2, ESV
I’ve shared with you in previous posts that the Holy Spirit spoke to me about creating a vision book. At first, I thought it would be a lot of fun, but the process quickly became daunting. However, the Holy Spirit was gracious and guided me step by step through it. This wasn’t just a haphazardly assembled book—everything was broken down in detail. Even now, there are times when He prompts me to make adjustments to it.
It had been about two weeks since I last looked at my vision book. Life had been busy, and I kept setting it aside after my prayer time. One day, while driving to a location I had never been to before, I relied on my GPS for directions. As I often do, I glanced at it periodically to ensure I was on the right path. In that moment, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “How are you going to reach the end of your vision if you’re not looking at the directions? You don’t know how to get to your destination, yet you’re not paying attention to the directions.”
God has this incredible way of capturing our attention when we least expect it. He continued, “You glance at the GPS every few minutes, even though it tells you where to go. You give more attention to this man-made device to guide you than you do to the vision book I’ve given you. That vision book is your direction—it’s your map to the end result of where I’ve told you to go. Just like you set the destination point in your GPS, the vision is your destination point.”
He went on to explain, “So many of My people get caught up in wondering how they will reach the end of their vision. But if they follow Me—just like you follow the GPS—they will get there. Scripture says, ‘Write the vision and make it plain.’ If you don’t have a vision book or board, you have no destination point, and you won’t make it to where the Holy Spirit is directing you. The vision board or book is your compass to a destination you’ve never been to before. It’s like traveling to a foreign country where you don’t know the language—you need something to translate and guide you.”
If you’re reading this and you don’t have a vision, or you haven’t looked at your vision board or book in a long time, I encourage you to revisit it. Take some time to sit with God and let Him guide you into what He’s placed in your spirit. You already have everything you need inside of you to fulfill what the Lord has ordained for your life. He has instructed us to write the vision down and make it crystal clear.
Key points:
The vision for survival is imperative.
The vision written down is necessary.
The vision is your direction to your destiny.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Change
…I am going away to make ready a place for you. John 14:2, ESV
In the passage above, Jesus tells the disciples that He is leaving, and they cannot go with Him to where He is going. The disciples had given up everything—their families, their businesses—to follow Jesus. Now, Jesus was telling them He would no longer be with them physically. The disciples were shocked, saddened, and uncertain about what they would do next. Change was upon them, and they didn’t feel prepared for what lay ahead.
I remember when our daughter had our first grandson. We were all so excited, but I had no idea how much his arrival would change our lives. I thought we would simply enjoy all the fun and wonderful moments with him, but I didn’t expect my schedule to change so dramatically. To my surprise, I found myself traveling up to four hours, three times a week, to help babysit our grandson.
When the nanny our daughter and son-in-law had hired decided to take another job at the last minute, they were left in a bind. My husband and I, along with her mother-in-law, stepped in to help as temporary nannies. I was grateful that we were self-employed and had the flexibility to adjust our schedules, but it was definitely a significant change.
There are times when we can anticipate change and prepare our hearts for it. But there are also times when God unexpectedly redirects our lives without warning. I was reminded of King David when his son Absalom took over his kingdom. David had no warning and had to leave his kingdom immediately. What stood out to me most was David’s heart in the situation. When the Ark of God was about to be carried out with him, David said:
“Take the Ark of God back into the city. If ·the Lord is pleased with me [I find favor in the Lord’s sight/eyes], he will bring me back and will let me see both it and·Jerusalem [ its dwelling place/tent/Tabernacle] again. But if the Lord says ·he is not pleased with me [ “I take no delight in you”], ·I am ready [here I am]. He can do ·what he wants with me [to me what is good in his sight/eyes].”’ 2 Samuel 15:25-26, EXB
When we understand who we belong to and who is ultimately in control of our lives, we can surrender to whatever circumstances come our way. I learned this during the many hours I spent driving (when my husband couldn’t join me) to my daughter’s home. In that time, God drew me closer to Him. I cherished the discussions we had, the Bible teachings I absorbed, and the prayers that rose up in my spirit. God placed me in a personal classroom with no distractions, just the two of us. The time I spent with my grandson was also incredibly special. I shared scriptures with him, read stories, prayed prayers, sat in the park, took stroller walks, and did so many things I never imagined I would get to do. Those memories are treasures forever etched in my heart.
God brought about a change in our lives that, at first, felt inconvenient and disruptive. But it turned out to be a tremendous blessing—one we would gladly repeat if He directed us to do so. Change can be uncomfortable, but when we approach it with a surrendered heart, we can receive all that God has for us.
Key points:
Change is necessary.
God is always in control
Do not fight the change but trust the one who is in control.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
A Living Epistle
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, CSB
In the passage above, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He tells them that they are the Bible people will read, with God’s word written on their hearts. When God says, “Go make disciples of all men,” He is speaking to how we live our lives every day. People will read our lives as though they had opened the Bible and studied it. We are to be His testimony to the world. We are the living word because Christ lives within us.
When we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit instantly came to live inside us, transforming our old man from sin to righteousness. This doesn’t mean we are perfect—it means that while we were born into sin, our spirit changed to righteousness through our new birth in Christ. Our behavior, however, is a work in progress. As we mature in the Word, the Holy Spirit within us guides us into righteous actions.
Apostle Paul reminded the church that by letting Christ shine through them, others would see Jesus. This doesn’t mean we have to carry a Bible everywhere we go or have a cross tattooed on our arms. While there’s nothing wrong with a tattoo, Paul is speaking to how we treat others in our daily lives and how we share the gospel.
I remember one day my husband and I went for a walk around a lake in our neighborhood. Houses lined the lake, and a young woman, probably in her twenties, saw us walking and waved. We waved back and said hello. As we got closer, she said to me, “What do you have on the inside of you? I want that!” I was just walking with my husband, wearing shorts and a tank top, but the Holy Spirit was shining through. That’s the message Paul was conveying to the Corinthians and to us, as Christ’s representatives on Earth. We must spend time in the Word so that when we are out in public, people see Jesus through us.
Key points:
You are God’s representative in the earth. Everyday you are being read by someone. The more you spend time with the Holy Spirit, the more he will transcend through 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 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
You are Enough
And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” Judges 6:15, ESV
Israel found itself oppressed by Midian because they had disobeyed God and done evil in His sight. As a result, God handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and the people of the East, would come against them. They would encamp around Israel, devouring the land’s produce as far as Gaza, leaving no sustenance in Israel and no sheep, ox, or donkey. They would arrive with their livestock and tents, swarming like locusts in number—so numerous with their camels that they couldn’t be counted—laying waste to the land as they came. Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the people cried out to the Lord for help (Judges 6).
In response, God sent an angel to Gideon, who greeted him, saying, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Gideon began to voice his frustrations, questioning why God had forsaken them and allowed them to fall into Midian’s hands. The angel replied, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from Midian; do I not send you?” Gideon responded, “Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” But the Lord assured him, “I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
When we apply for a position, the hiring agency examines our resume for our education, skills, and abilities—they are always looking for the most qualified. But that is not how God works! He often chooses those with the least qualifications to fulfill His purposes. We see this in the story of Gideon, who recognized his limitations and tried to explain them to God, as if God were unaware. When God calls us to an assignment, it is always something so big that it requires Him to accomplish it. We are simply the vessels He has chosen to use to fulfill His purposes on Earth.
When God calls us, He has already qualified us for the task. Before the angel came to Gideon, he was already complaining to God about their situation, expressing his desire for change. Similarly, I remember when I began feeling a burden for our church’s prayer team. I would ask the pastor and others about prayer meetings and the state of the prayer ministry. I didn’t realize that God had placed that concern in my heart, slowly leading me toward my next assignment. When I finally had the opportunity to discuss the prayer team with the church leaders, I was asked to take the lead. That was not my intention! God has a way of dropping assignments right into our laps. I felt completely unqualified and unprepared to lead the prayer team, but I said yes and immediately turned to God for help.
My conversation with Him sounded a lot like Gideon’s: “God, I am not qualified, and I don’t know how to do this!” Now I understand—that’s precisely why He called me. He knew I would depend solely on Him.
Key points:
God is not interested in our skills and abilities
God has already vetted you for the position.
Keep your eyes on God and you will succeed.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Unseen
…but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Psalm 34:9-10, ESV
When I read the passage above I was remind of how the Spirit of God that was working through Jesus when he was here on earth is the same Holy Spirit that lives in us. Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. John 14:10
I believe that, like Philip, many believers can easily forget that the same power working in Jesus is also at work within each of us. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26, ESV). Often, when we don’t see how things will work out or we lack the resources we think we need, we can start to think like Philip. The Holy Spirit has been teaching me that just because I can’t see the resources doesn’t mean they aren’t there. He is the answer, and He is right here with me.
He reminded me of this while I was working in my garden. I thought I had cleared all the plants and harvested every squash. The next day, the Holy Spirit prompted me to record a message about my squash plant and its abundance of resources. Before I started recording, He said, “Go back into the garden and take another look.” To my surprise, I found two squashes that I hadn’t even noticed previously—they were larger than the ones I had harvested the day before. As I reflected on this, the Holy Spirit said, “Just because something is unseen doesn’t mean it isn’t there.” I can’t see the Holy Spirit with my physical eyes, but He is always with me. Philip only saw Jesus and didn’t realize that the Father was there too. But Jesus told him, in everything you hear me say and do, know that the Father is with me!
Listen, we can’t see our mind, our will, or our emotions, yet we know they are there. God has provided for our every need and has given us the desires of our hearts. If it seems like you’re lacking something, call on the Holy Spirit and take another look—everything you need is with you now. If there’s something you think you need and God hasn’t revealed it, it means you don’t need it at this moment. There is no lack in God. Scripture says, “Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:9-10, ESV). The unseen is more real than the seen, because everything comes from the unseen.
Key Points:
Unseen does not mean it is not there.
All you need is within you.
Everything comes from the unseen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
There is Time!
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV
I almost missed it! I woke up a little late but still early enough to get my run in. My husband mentioned he had an appointment, but he could pick me up at the coffee shop by a certain time and drop me back home. So, I jumped up and took off.
I was probably in the second mile of my run when I overheard two guys talking. They looked to be in their twenties and were walking toward the sidewalk where I was running. As I passed them, I felt this sudden pause. I kept running, focused on getting my miles in before the time cut-off. I never heard God say a word, but I knew I had to turn around.
See God was teaching me to feel his pulse. He was teaching me when he pauses I need to pause. It was the slightest pause I felt but I knew it was him. I turned around and headed back towards them not having any idea what I was going to say. The words that came out of my mouth were are you saved? Do you know Jesus Christ? The words came out so strong and so forceful that I knew it was God! On of the young men said yea I know him but I was not convinced. But the second one looked in my eyes with deep hunger and said I think, I’m not sure. He was ready, he was the harvest! God gave me a few more words to say to them and then I left. As I took off running again I was upset with myself that I did not lead them to the plan of salvation.
God was teaching me to sense His promptings. He was teaching me that when He pauses, I need to pause. It was the slightest feeling, but I knew it was Him. I turned around and headed back toward the two men, not knowing what I was going to say. The words that came out were, “Are you saved? Do you know Jesus Christ?” The words came out so strong and certain—I knew it was God speaking! One of the young men replied, “Yeah, I know Him,” but I wasn’t convinced. The other looked into my eyes with a deep hunger and said, “I think... I’m not sure.” He was ready; he was the harvest! God gave me a few more words to say to them, and then I left. As I ran on, I felt frustrated that I hadn’t led them through the plan of salvation. I felt like I was too focused on meeting my time crunch.
When I talked with the Holy Spirit about that moment, He said, “That wasn’t your purpose. He is now ready for the one I’m going to send next. You needed to prepare the soil for what’s coming.” I felt so grateful for God’s grace and mercy, realizing that I had almost passed them by because I was on my own schedule!
What a mighty, kind, and gracious God we serve. He brought us here for His purpose, yet somehow we think our plans are more important. God has time for every purpose under the sun! Don’t let your schedule make you miss the purpose for which you are here.
Key points:
Just stop when you feel the pulse and say yes.
God has given you enough time for everything.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Garden Lesson
Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 1 Peter 5:8, NIV
I remember when I first started my garden. I was so eager to spend time with God and hear Him speak to me. I loved going out, sitting by my garden boxes, and waiting to hear from Him. As a new gardener with little experience, I wasn’t aware of all the work involved in gardening. Gently, God began to guide me, showing me what I needed to do to ensure the plants produced the fruit I was hoping for.
Now, I have to tell you, I dislike bugs very much—but there are all kinds of bugs in a garden. Some are beneficial, while others can destroy it completely. One day, as I was sitting by my garden boxes, waiting to hear from God, I noticed some large leaves on one of my plants. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Turn that leaf over and look at it; it has some holes in it.” I turned the leaf over and saw tiny white specks. I didn’t know they were bugs or even that they could harm the plant.
Wearing gloves, I brushed them off as prompted. Then I inspected the other leaves and saw more of the same white stuff. I took out my phone and looked it up on Google—my first introduction to aphids!
Definition of aphids: a tiny bug that feeds by sucking sap from plants. It reproduces rapidly, often producing live young without mating, and can live in large colonies that cause extensive damage to crops. I have come to really dislike aphids!
The aphids had shown up without notice and would have destroyed my garden if God hadn’t guided me to pay attention. I immediately sprayed the plant and cut off some of the leaves to give it a fresh start. I’ve since learned that when I see ants in my garden, it’s a sign to look out for aphids!
Satan operates in much the same way—he never announces himself. Instead, he comes undercover. For example, I love working in the church and was happily serving in various roles. Serving and helping others made me feel fulfilled. But one day, God stopped me. He said, “I don’t want you to serve in any capacity at the church.” I was shocked. But He said, “No,” and sat me down.
During that season, He began to show me that I was covered with “aphids” that were about to take me out. He revealed that I was finding gratification and approval from others, and this was feeding my ego. Pride was creeping in. The Bible says, “Pride comes before destruction.” I had no idea! Although I was serving at the church, I was, in fact, serving myself. Satan had taken something good and turned it into self-destruction for me.
God showed me that I was on a path to destruction without even realizing it. Although that time was difficult, I am so grateful for the lessons I received. He opened my heart and eyes to truly see Him. He taught me that if my service is not for an audience of One—Him—I could be destroyed and not even know it. That’s exactly how the aphids work in my garden. They suck the life out of the plant.
Now, I practice preventative care in my garden. I spray before I see signs of aphids. I also do preventive maintenance in my service, checking in with God before I say yes to any activity. He keeps my heart aligned, and I seek His direction in my serving.
Key points:
Satan is always lurking especially in the good things.
Seek first the Kingdom of God in all things.
Check your flesh, it's always seeking some kind of self-gratification.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Garden Lesson 2
I remember when I first started my garden. I was so eager to spend time with God and hear Him speak to me. I loved going out, sitting by my garden boxes, and waiting to hear from Him. As a new gardener with little experience, I wasn’t aware of all the work involved in gardening. Gently, God began to guide me, showing me what I needed to do to ensure the plants produced the fruit I was hoping for.
Now, I have to tell you, I dislike bugs very much—but there are all kinds of bugs in a garden. Some are beneficial, while others can destroy it completely. One day, as I was sitting by my garden boxes, waiting to hear from God, I noticed some large leaves on one of my plants. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Turn that leaf over and look at it; it has some holes in it.” I turned the leaf over and saw tiny white specks. I didn’t know they were bugs or even that they could harm the plant.
Wearing gloves, I brushed them off as prompted. Then I inspected the other leaves and saw more of the same white stuff. I took out my phone and looked it up on Google—my first introduction to aphids!
Definition of aphids: a tiny bug that feeds by sucking sap from plants. It reproduces rapidly, often producing live young without mating, and can live in large colonies that cause extensive damage to crops. I have come to really dislike aphids!
The aphids had shown up without notice and would have destroyed my garden if God hadn’t guided me to pay attention. I immediately sprayed the plant and cut off some of the leaves to give it a fresh start. I’ve since learned that when I see ants or holes on the leaves in my garden, it’s a sign to look out for aphids!
Satan operates in much the same way—he never announces himself. Instead, he comes undercover. For example, I love working in the church and was happily serving in various roles. Serving and helping others made me feel fulfilled. But one day, God stopped me. He said, “I don’t want you to serve in any capacity at the church.” I was shocked. But He said, “No,” and sat me down.
During that season, He began to show me that I was covered with “aphids” that were about to take me out. He revealed that I was finding gratification and approval from others, and this was feeding my ego. Pride was creeping in. The Bible says, “Pride comes before destruction.” I had no idea! Although I was serving at the church, I was, in fact, serving myself. Satan had taken something good and turned it into self-destruction for me.
God showed me that I was on a path to destruction without even realizing it. Although that time was difficult, I am so grateful for the lessons I received. He opened my heart and eyes to truly see Him. He taught me that if my service is not for an audience of One—Him—I could be destroyed and not even know it. That’s exactly how the aphids work in my garden. They suck the life out of the plant.
Now, I practice preventative care in my garden. I spray before I see signs of aphids. I also do preventive maintenance in my service, checking in with God before I say yes to any activity. He keeps my heart aligned, and I seek His direction in my serving.
Key points:
Satan is always lurking especially in the good things.
Seek first the Kingdom of God in all things.
Check your flesh, it's always seeking some kind of self-gratification.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
No Nutrients
One of the elders at our church shared with me that during her quiet prayer time with God, He said the church was unrecognizable. I knew exactly what she meant. The behavior of God’s people has gotten so troubling that no one can tell believers from nonbelievers. Her words moved me deeply, and I understood what God was conveying. Although many believers have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and now have a righteous nature, their actions do not reflect Him, making it hard for unbelievers to see Christ in them.
As I meditated on this, it reminded me of a moment I had while running. The Holy Spirit prompted me to stop and ask two gentlemen if they were saved. The first one answered, "Yes, I’m saved," but his behavior and mannerisms did not reflect Christ. The second individual said, “I think I know God, but I’m not sure about being saved.” He had a spirit of humility, and his demeanor reflected Christ more than the one who claimed to be saved.
This experience reminded me of the soil in my garden. At the end of each season, I have to fertilize the garden again. Since all my boxes are above ground, the water washes the nutrients out through the bottom and onto the cement. If I don’t tend to my garden, it becomes unrecognizable, and weeds are the only things that grow there.
It’s the same for us as believers. If we aren’t spending time in the Word, continuously pouring into ourselves and revitalizing our souls with its nourishment, we can become unrecognizable. Our soil can become so dry and lifeless that we are no longer useful for the Kingdom. I am constantly renewing and enriching my soil to ensure that, when it’s time to plant seeds, they have everything needed to bear fruit. Time in the Word, prayer, and worship provide all the nutrients we need to produce fruit that reflects our Father.
Heavenly Father,
Glory and praise to Your holy name! I give You thanks for Your generosity, mercy, and kindness! You bring revelation to Your people so that we may pray and seek Your face in repentance. You told Solomon that if Your people, who are called by Your name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek Your face, and turn from their wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. Praise be to You, God, for Your unconditional love is far greater than we could ever imagine. I pray for a heart of conviction among all believers, that it leads to sincere repentance. Lord, show us the plank in our own eyes before we attempt to remove the speck from our neighbor's eye. I pray for healing in our souls so that we may serve You with all our hearts and be a light to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key points:
Contamination happens in our foundation when there is no nutrients.
Study of the word, worship, prayer and fellowship with other believers are imperative.
Pay attention to your behavior, and those you hang around, it will inform you of who you are reflecting.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Garden Lesson
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15, ESV
I never really liked farming. My parents grew up on a farm and used to talk about it all the time. My father even considered buying a farm as a young man and raising his family there. Whenever he tells that story, I always say, “I’m so glad things didn’t work out and God led you to the city.” But in 2020, God placed it on my heart to start a garden. A dear friend of mine had started one, and every time she talked about her garden, she would tell me how God would speak to her there.
As I listened to her share what she learned from her time in the garden, I would say to God, “I want that experience. I want to hear You like that!” God responded, “Start a garden!” I had no interest in gardening, but her testimony stirred something within me. There was so much He wanted to teach me, and the garden would be my classroom. Adam and Eve recognized the sound of God before they heard Him speak in the garden. Scripture says, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…” (Genesis 3:8, ESV). God wanted to teach me to recognize Him before He even spoke.
The garden is a reflection of the world—a place that holds lessons about everything in life. We often don’t fully understand what we see or what’s happening until the Holy Spirit reveals it. God uses the garden to bring clarity to His word, and it becomes a tool to help us learn more about ourselves and Him.
One morning while I was praying, the Holy Spirit brought my garden to mind. He showed me my squash plant and said, “There is a reservoir of squash inside that plant. It will continue to produce squash until its season is over.” Then He said, “The same is true for you. There is a reservoir of everything I’ve placed in you, waiting to be brought forth.”
He told me that the desires He placed within me are ready to emerge. Everything He declared about who I am and what I am to do is already there, sitting in my reservoir—it is who I am. The seed of the squash plant is squash, even when it’s still a seed. It just waits for someone to plant it in the ground so it can become all it’s meant to be.
When my squash plant starts to grow, all kinds of things try to attack it to prevent it from fulfilling its purpose. Aphids, weeds, bugs, ants, spiders, and worms can invade and completely destroy the garden if I’m not vigilant with preventive maintenance. This is just like life. Satan sends obstacles to try to destroy us before we can produce the fruit within us.
That’s why we must maintain preventive care in our lives. God has given us the keys to success. He told Joshua, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8, ESV).
The Word of God is the wall that protects us from anything that comes against us. It is our assurance of success. Start walking in everything God has placed inside of you!
Key points:
Everything is in the garden.
You are not trying to become anything
You are already who God has said you are!
There is a reservoir inside of 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 published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Speaking Vision
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I called this devotional “The Speaking Vision” because, while I was sleeping, I could feel God speaking to me. I could literally see what He was saying—His words were creating a vision in my mind as He spoke. Many would call this a dream, but it felt completely different; His words were transforming into visions as He spoke.
He was talking to me about trust, reminding me of the scripture, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I instantly saw an image of Olympians running for the gold. He said to me, “They are running with all they have. Every Olympian gives everything within them to win gold. That’s how I want you to trust Me.”
He also said, “You don’t have to settle when you ask Me for something.” He reminded me, “I have called you kings and queens, so don’t settle for what you think you can afford when you’ve already asked Me to provide! If you wait and trust with all your heart that I’ve answered your prayer, don’t move.”
In my office, I had an old chair I’d used for years. The seat and arms were worn out, so my husband took me to look for a new one. We searched several stores, but I couldn’t find anything I loved. I didn’t want to order one online and risk having to return it if it didn’t work.
In one store, I found a chair that felt comfortable, but it wasn’t stylish or elegant. It looked like a plain executive chair without any character. As I sat in it, I kept thinking I didn’t want it in my office. My husband and the salesman were encouraging me, saying, “It’s comfortable, and you can get it today.” I was tempted to say yes because I felt like I had no other options. But then the Holy Spirit said, “Is that a queen’s chair?” I immediately realized He was telling me not to settle.
That prompting from the Holy Spirit reminded me I wasn’t walking in the full measure of faith He had given me—I wasn’t truly trusting Him with all my heart. Later, as I reflected on that moment, I realized I hadn’t been specific with God about the kind of chair I wanted. So, I became more descriptive in my prayers about what I was looking for, and now I’m on the lookout for the right chair.
Key points:
Don’t settle for less than what you have asked God for.
God does not need our help to provide for us.
Cling to God like running for the gold in trusting Him.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Obedience
A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecclesiastes 3:6, ESV
There is something powerful about writing out your vision. As I mentioned before, God has been leading me to write down the vision He has shown me for my life. It’s definitely been a process; as I start writing, He brings up scriptures and directions I would never have thought of on my own. Every time I sit down and read over what I've written, the Holy Spirit prompts me to add something or make adjustments. It’s truly a work in progress.
God has instructed me to read and speak my vision daily. I've noticed that when I speak this vision out loud, some incredible changes happen. One example involves our garage. I had been asking, even begging, my husband to clean it out. I went through and cleared everything that belonged to me to encourage him to sort his things, but he wasn’t ready to go through them. He would tackle a box here and there, but the clutter remained overwhelming.
Our garage was so cluttered that I was embarrassed; when people saw it, I’d apologize for the mess. But after I started speaking and praying over my vision book, my husband came to me and said, “I’m going to rent a storage unit to help clear out the garage. I’ll put things in the unit until I can sort through them.” He signed up for a three-month rental and, without any prompting from me, started going through boxes and getting rid of things. Interestingly, my vision book doesn’t specifically say that the garage will be cleaned out. However, some of the things I wrote down require a clean garage before they can happen.
While I’m thrilled about the garage being cleared, I’m even more excited to see how removing the clutter makes way for what God has spoken for us next. When we start following God’s guidance and obey His instructions, we begin to witness His miracles unfolding in our lives.
Key points
Obedience moves the hand of God.
The vision is so important
Speaking in alignment with God brings manifestation.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Seasons of Life
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
I was praying for a sister whose husband was dying. My heart was so heavy. I went from scripture to scripture, praying the Word for his healing. In the midst of prayer, I landed on John 11:40, where Jesus asked Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” This was when Lazarus, Martha’s brother, had died, and Jesus told them to roll the stone away from his tomb before raising Lazarus from the dead.
While meditating on that scripture, the story of Jacob came to mind. God had given Joseph, Jacob’s son, a dream, revealing that his brothers would bow down to him. Later, Joseph had another dream, and he told it to his brothers, saying, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” When he told the dream to his father and brothers, his father rebuked him, asking, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. (Genesis 37:9-11, ESV).
As I continued praying, God brought to mind the image of Jacob mourning for Joseph, believing he had been killed by a wild animal. His sons had dipped Joseph's robe in blood and brought it to Jacob, saying, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son's robe or not.” Jacob identified it and said, “It is my son's robe. A fierce animal has devoured him. Joseph is without a doubt torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his garments, put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days. Though all his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, he refused to be consoled, saying, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus, his father wept for him. (Genesis 37:32-35)
Many times, when we are in desperate situations, it’s hard to believe that what God has said will come to pass. Martha’s brother had died, and even though Jesus stood right next to her, she could only see the situation in front of her. Similarly, God had sent a message to Jacob through Joseph about what would happen in the future, but because of his immediate grief, Jacob couldn’t see beyond the present.
When we received the news that my dad had bone marrow cancer, we were all saddened and immediately went into prayer. The very next day, my sister took my mom to a restaurant, and while they were in line, a woman approached my mom and offered to pray for her. They agreed, and during the prayer, the woman said, “Your husband is healed of cancer!” We cannot lose hope, no matter the situation. A few days later, my friend’s husband passed away. It wasn’t the news I had prayed for, but I knew deep in my soul that God had healed him. He was a believer, and scripture says that God takes away all sickness and disease. I was reminded that God’s thoughts and ways are far beyond my understanding, and I may not comprehend his purpose. But as a believer, I know he is caring for my friend, comforting her in her grief. He has surrounded her with love and support. Though she may never understand why God took her husband home, she can rely on him to carry her through this season and move forward into all he has planned for her.
Key points:
Do not lean on your own understanding.
God’s ways and thoughts are never like ours.
Trust in the Lord, He is our comforter.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Releasing Control
We were invited to a wedding in San Diego. When my husband heard about it, he said, “We’re going to drive, right?” I replied, “No, we’re going to fly.” As the days drew closer, my husband kept insisting that he wanted to drive. Now, driving from Sacramento to San Diego takes about ten hours, and I wasn’t looking forward to it, especially since we had free tickets and could fly. The flight would have taken just an hour and thirty minutes. But my husband wanted to stop along the way to visit some friends. Although I wasn’t kicking and screaming, I made it clear that I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of driving.
It’s interesting how we think we’ve fully surrendered control to God until a situation arises where we want to control the outcome to best fit what we want. Through this trip, I learned that what I thought was best for me wasn’t actually right. We ended up having an amazing time driving. We chatted the whole way, listened to Bible teachings together, and discussed them. We stopped whenever we wanted, bought snacks, and I even reclined my seat and took a nap. It was so much fun and incredibly relaxing—nothing like I had imagined. The drive didn’t feel long at all. At some point during the trip, I thanked my husband for choosing to drive and admitted that I had been wrong. The drive turned out to be the best thing for us, and we had a fabulous time together.
Scripture says, “Man makes his plans, but God directs our path.” Many times, when God is guiding us, it doesn’t align with our plans. Our plans usually don’t match up with God’s path, so when he takes control, we’re tempted to resist or complain. I believe it’s a test to see if we’ve truly surrendered to him. When we’ve genuinely let go, we’re adaptable and don’t complain.
David is a perfect example of surrendering control. When King Saul was chasing him to take his life, God gave David several opportunities to kill Saul, but David refused to harm him. He was content to trust that God would fight his battle. David had fully surrendered control to God (1 Samuel 24-31). When we say, “I surrender, Lord. Not my will, but yours be done,” you can be assured, God will test us. Often, it’s in the simplest moments that the test comes. Your boss might say, “Let’s take the stairs,” but you prefer the elevator. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21, ESV).
Key points:
Pay attention to the agitation of the heart. It may be that you are fighting to control.
Be adaptable without complaint to God’s direction.
God always knows best, release.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Obedience to God
The king said to the man of God, “Come home with me for a meal, and I will give you a gift.”But the man of God answered the king, “Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water here. For I was commanded by the word of the Lord: You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.” So he took another road and did not return by the way he had come to Bethel. 1 Kings 13:7-10
In the passage above, God had given the Man of God instructions to go to Bethel and speak with Jeroboam while he was making a sacrifice at the altar. Jeroboam wanted to offer the king a gift, but the king refused and followed God’s instruction. The message is such a warning for us, see the passage: By the word of the Lord a man of God came from Judah to Bethel, as Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make an offering. By the word of the Lord he cried out against the altar: “Altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who make offerings here, and human bones will be burned on you.” That same day the man of God gave a sign: “This is the sign the Lord has declared: The altar will be split apart and the ashes on it will be poured out.” When King Jeroboam heard what the man of God cried out against the altar at Bethel, he stretched out his hand from the altar and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward the man shriveled up, so that he could not pull it back. 5 Also, the altar was split apart and its ashes poured out according to the sign given by the man of God by the word of the Lord. Then the king said to the man of God, “Intercede with the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored and became as it was before. 1 Kings 13:1-6, ESV
After the man of God restored the king’s hand, the king invited him to receive a reward for what he had done. But the man of God stood his ground. What happens next reminds us of how easily we can allow our flesh to cause us to fail. Satan is always looking to devour us and we must remember that he is the father of lies.
Now there was a certain old prophet living in Bethel, whose sons came and told him all that the man of God had done there that day. They also told their father what he had said to the king. Their father asked them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him which road the man of God from Judah had taken. So he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And when they had saddled the donkey for him, he mounted it 14 and rode after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. So the prophet said to him, “Come home with me and eat.”
The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”
The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house. While they were sitting at the table, the word of the Lord came to the old prophet who had brought him back. He cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You have defied the word of the Lord and have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. You came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where he told you not to eat or drink. Therefore your body will not be buried in the tomb of your ancestors.’”
When the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the prophet who had brought him back saddled his donkey for him. As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying on the road, with both the donkey and the lion standing beside it.
This passage reminds us of how closely we have to obey the word of God. The man of God was adamant when he spoke to the king about what he could not do and he did not go with the king. But maybe because the old man who said he was a prophet and the man of God was a prophet he let his guard down and believed his words. Listen, when God gives you instructions, unless he comes back and tells you something different follow what he says. And if someone comes to you telling you something opposite of what God told you, I don’t care who they are, check in with God yourself. The Holy Spirit is with you forever, you can always count on him to guide you correctly!
Key points:
Satan is always lurking for a way to deceive you.
Follow the first instructions God has given you.
God is not the author of confusion.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss