The Goodness of God
Isaiah 65:24
“Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.”
Psalm 139:1–4 (ESV)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
The promise in Isaiah—“Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear”—brings such deep comfort. As I sat reflecting on these words, Psalm 139 came to mind. King David reminds us how intimately God knows us and how deeply He loves us.
For a moment, I wondered: if God already knows what we need and what we will ask, why do we even need to pray? Then I remembered: “By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16–17).
We were created for Him. One of His instructions to us is to communicate with Him through prayer. He designed us for an intimate relationship with Himself! What an amazing God—that He would create us in His image and give us the privilege of fellowship with Him. He invites us to know Him, just as He fully knows us.
This brings us incredible assurance: no matter what we face or what is happening in the world, the God of the universe invites those who belong to Him to ask for what they need. He already has the answer prepared. We don’t have to force anything to work. God sees us, He is with us, and He knows exactly what we are going through. The key is to pray according to His will and to believe that He hears and responds: “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matthew 21:22).
At times, it may feel as though God is slow to answer. Yet Scripture encourages us: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Waiting on the Lord takes courage and trust. Spiritual waiting is not passive—it is active faith, believing that God’s timing is perfect and that He is working behind the scenes. His plans are always better than ours. Letting go of control allows us to rest in the truth that God has already gone ahead of us and prepared the way.
I’ve found that keeping my mind fixed on His Word and worshipping Him fills my heart with peace while I wait for His promises to unfold.
Key Takeaways
You are so precious to God that He chose you for a relationship with Him.
Nothing you bring before God is a surprise to Him.
The answer is already prepared before the problem arises.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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The Hidden Things
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
— Jeremiah 33:3
I was listening to a message entitled Your Vision Is Your Victory when the speaker mentioned the verse above. He said that the “great and hidden things” Jesus promises to reveal are the visions He has prepared uniquely for each of us. These visions are hidden from the world but given personally to us.
Later, as I reflected on the message, my thoughts turned to the heroes of faith and the journeys they walked to fulfill the hidden things God revealed to them. Do you remember Noah? He built the ark that carried the seed of humanity. God met Noah in the Spirit and gave him precise instructions—how to build the ark, which materials to use, and who to bring inside once it was finished.
As far as we know, Noah had never built a boat before. Yet God called him to create something that had been hidden until the appointed time. I imagine Noah must have faced doubts and endured criticism from those around him. But he trusted the vision God had given him and continually returned to God’s instructions to stay aligned with the plan.
The visions God gives us often come with challenges and rarely make sense from a human perspective. The Lord told Noah to build a boat because it would rain for forty days and forty nights—yet, up to that point, it had never rained on the earth. Still, Noah obeyed, and through his obedience, humanity was preserved.
Each of us carries hidden secrets—God-given assignments meant to be fulfilled in the earth. We are not called to figure out every detail or fully understand the plan; we are called to follow His instructions step by step. The world may never understand the vision God has entrusted to you, because it was not given to them. But as you walk with Him in obedience, impossible doors will open, and you will witness His vision come to life before your very eyes.
When you call to Him in the secret place, He will reveal to you the great and hidden things He has prepared.
Key Takeaways
God shares His secrets with you.
Do not be discouraged by those who don’t understand your vision.
The vision is between you and God, giving you a personal, intimate relationship with Him. Don’t miss it!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Change of Plans
A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.
— Proverbs 16:19 AMP
What happens when God changes your plans? You’ve mapped out your life on a timeline, everything is moving forward smoothly, and then—suddenly—something beyond your control shifts everything. How do you respond? What do you do?
In Scripture, we see that Joseph experienced this very thing. His father sent him to find his brothers and bring back a report. Joseph went after them and eventually found them at Dothan. When his brothers saw him from a distance, they conspired to kill him.
They said, “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.”
But Reuben intervened, urging them not to take Joseph’s life. Instead, he suggested throwing Joseph into a pit, planning secretly to rescue him later. When Joseph arrived, his brothers stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors—and threw him into an empty cistern.
As they sat down to eat, they noticed a caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt. Judah suggested selling Joseph instead of killing him: “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” The brothers agreed, and Joseph was sold for twenty shekels of silver and taken to Egypt.
Before this betrayal, Joseph had dreamed that his family would one day bow before him. His brothers hated him for this dream and for their father’s special love toward him. At only seventeen, Joseph found himself in a situation he never imagined—betrayed and sold into slavery through no fault of his own. His plans had changed in an instant.
When we read further, we see that Joseph didn’t fight back; he surrendered to what had happened. Surely he felt hurt, betrayed, heartbroken, disappointed, and angry. Yet Scripture tells us that God was with him and gave him favor. God’s favor didn’t erase the pain, but it was evident in Joseph’s life. Though Joseph endured confusion, hurt, disappointment, isolation, and injustice, God was still directing his steps.
Like Joseph, we are all born with a purpose. Part of Joseph’s purpose was to save his family during a seven-year famine. God didn’t let Joseph’s emotional pain derail His plan. Instead, He had already planted vision in Joseph through a dream, giving him something to hold onto as he trusted God.
God’s purposes for our lives often come with testing and circumstances that seem unfair. When those unexpected shifts happen, we may feel abandoned, but God is preparing us. The challenge is not to let our emotions rule us. That’s why it’s so important to seek God and lay everything at His throne. When we release our plans to Him, we begin to see through our spiritual eyes His hand at work, even if we don’t fully understand the process or outcome.
Joseph’s path even led him to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Yet Scripture says: “The Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” God’s plans aren’t always easy, but He never leaves us nor forsakes us.
Even Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). When life brings us a sudden and painful change, we must remember the same truth: God doesn’t move according to our will, but so that His will may be done.
I pray that when sudden changes come in our lives, we embrace the comfort, love, and support God provides as we surrender our will to Him.
Key Takeaways
Our plans are not the priority—God’s are.
The plan was established before the beginning of time.
Humility requires surrender to His purpose.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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The Peace of God
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 (KJ21)
In prayer, I was seeking clarity from God about the things I felt needed to be completed. As I sat with Him, I found myself struggling with the urge to rush through my prayer so I could move on to my tasks. In that moment, I said to myself, Nope—you are going to sit right here and listen to God without rushing.
I then prayed, Lord, I don’t want to rush. I don’t even want to feel this way while sitting with You. Please help me. Immediately, the words “the peace of God shall guard your heart” came rushing into my spirit. I felt His presence so strongly that I knew I needed to write it down.
It does not matter what we are facing or what tries to compete for our time with God—He must always come first. When we choose to give Him praise and glory regardless of our circumstances, He reminds us that His peace will take care of us and everything around us.
In the passage above, Paul reminded the church in Philippi that they did not need to worry about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, they were to make their requests known to God. In return, His peace would guard their hearts and minds. This peace carries a power that goes beyond all human understanding.
As I continued sitting outside, I listened to His peace and felt the gentle breeze around me. Without even speaking a word, everything had been laid at His throne. His peace adjusted my soul, removing all worry, concern, and fear. Although I have always known that we are to seek Him first, I was reminded with renewed confidence that time with Him truly brings everything we will ever need.
Key Takeaways:
The peace of God has power beyond our understanding.
God’s peace settles all concerns, doubts, and fears.
We must receive and rest in the power of His peace.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Nothing Is Too Hard
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
— Matthew 6:33, ESV
These words kept ringing in my ears: “Nothing is too hard for Me.” I could hear God pouring that truth into my spirit. Early in the morning, I sat quietly before Him, simply listening. Over and over, He impressed on my heart: “Tell the people I am their God, and nothing they are going through is too hard for Me.”
At the time, I was staying in an Airbnb because our home was undergoing some much-needed work. Earlier in the year, we had painted the outside of the house. My husband had mentioned several times that we also needed to paint the inside and replace the carpet. He would say, “We’ll have to move all the furniture out and stay somewhere else while they work on the inside and the floors.”
I agreed with him outwardly, but inside I thought, That sounds wonderful… but how would we ever afford that? It would be so expensive.
But then God moved.
He didn’t just make it happen — He exceeded our expectations. Every piece of furniture was moved out. The whole house was cleaned. Every wall inside — and even the garage — was painted. New floors were installed. And we stayed in Airbnbs the entire time.
We paid a $250 deductible to our insurance company and a small amount to upgrade the flooring. God took care of the rest.
We could never have foreseen the strategic, detailed way God’s hand would move — fulfilling, down to the letter, what my husband had said months earlier. I believe that when God plants something impossible in our spirit, He has already planned the way to accomplish it. He just needs us to agree with Him and seek His face for direction.
When God says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” He means it! Looking back, I realize God literally placed over $100,000 worth of work into our hands to accomplish what He had placed in my husband’s heart.
So listen — whatever God has placed in your spirit, whatever situation you are facing that seems impossible, you are right: it is impossible… for you. But it is never impossible for Him. As Jesus said:
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
— Matthew 19:26, ESV
Key Takeaways
The impossible in your life is not for you to carry — it’s for God.
Nothing is too hard when you seek God’s face first.
Every answer you need is found at the throne of God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Answered
"Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear." — Isaiah 65:24
What confidence and assurance believers can walk in when we know the Word! God says that before we call, He has already answered. This means that when faith stirs in our hearts to bring a request before Him—one that aligns with His will—God has already answered. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our words before we speak them. Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve.
While writing this devotional, my parents came to mind—especially concerns about my father’s health and their financial situation. I would love to have the means to care for all their needs and desires, just as they cared for me when I was a child. But in that moment, God reminded me of His words: "Seek first the kingdom of God and My righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." He gently impressed on my heart: I am faithful. I am the only one able to handle your concerns. I already know all about the situation.
It’s in those seasons when we don’t see change that we can grow discouraged. Our hearts feel heavy. We wonder if God really heard us, if we prayed correctly, or if He is waiting for us to do something to make things happen. But I believe it’s in the waiting that our faith is refined. If we surrender control to God, we grow into mature Christians.
Spiritual waiting is not passive—it is active faith, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that He is working behind the scenes. His Word is truth, and it will never return empty. Hallelujah! Even in the waiting, He gives us confidence through His promises:
"And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him." — 1 John 5:14–15 (ESV)
When we know His will and pray according to His will, we can rest in His will—confident that our prayers have already been answered.
Key Takeaways:
Receive the answered prayer.
God sees and knows your heart.
Waiting is a testing season that grows your faith.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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God’s Voice
“And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” — 1 Kings 19:12
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear His voice…’” — Hebrews 3:7
I was sitting, listening to God as He was giving me instructions. In that moment, I thought, God’s voice is like rubbing your fingers together—a subtle, still, quiet sound that speaks directly to your soul.
I have never audibly heard God’s voice, yet His instructions are always clear and direct. It’s as though He is continually speaking in the background. I may hear the sounds of everything happening around me, but there is always this gentle voice prompting me to act or speak.
It feels as though the Holy Spirit opens the gateway for me to hear God’s voice. He is always giving direction, but in the past, I didn’t always recognize Him. His voice can be so quiet that you must still your spirit to hear Him. I’ve learned that when I am in a hurry and moving too fast, I often miss His voice. Sometimes I’ll hear Him say, Do this, and I’ll respond, Okay, but then get distracted with what I was already doing—only to realize that His voice is gone and I no longer hear the instructions.
Time has taught me to move when He says move. God is always at work, and if we think He will simply wait for us, we misunderstand how His Kingdom operates. We were created for Him and for the assignment He has given us. Often, His answer is wait.
In Psalm 40:1, David wrote: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.” Spiritual waiting is active faith—trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that He is moving behind the scenes. Just because we do not see or hear His plan unfolding does not mean nothing is happening.
The woman with the issue of blood waited twelve years to be healed, but God had already heard her cry. The answer was “yes”—in His timing. David waited 20–25 years before becoming king. He heard the Lord’s voice and understood it, but that direction required waiting.
In my own life, I have not always heard God tell me to “wait,” but He has spoken promises over me that have yet to manifest. God’s words are true, and when He speaks, it is always to bring Him glory and will always align with Scripture. I used to wonder whether I was hearing from God or simply thinking my own thoughts, but He reminded me: if what I’m hearing doesn’t align with the Bible, it’s not from Him. God’s directions are clear and precise—never confusing. Satan is the author of confusion, not God.
Sometimes God tells us what He will do in our lives, and instead of waiting for His next instruction, we try to make it happen ourselves. When it fails, we run back to God confused. Consider Abraham and Sarah—God promised them a son, but impatience led them to act on their own. Yet God still fulfilled His promise in His way and His time.
We must learn to wait on the Lord and be of good courage, for what He says He will do will surely come to pass. He does not need our help—just our faith.
Key Takeaways
Hearing God’s voice comes from a relationship with Him.
His instructions often lead to a period of waiting.
When we try to implement His plan without Him, we create unnecessary trouble.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Able
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.
— Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)
I pray that when you wake, you take a moment to listen for the still, small voice of God. There’s often a lot of noise in our minds as soon as we open our eyes—usually a flood of thoughts about everything we have to get done. But if you listen closely, you can hear God speaking.
One early morning, God brought the song "Able" to me. I woke up with the chorus echoing faintly in the back of my mind. At first, I didn’t know the name of the song, but I sat quietly, listening. Slowly, the melody became clearer, and then a few words surfaced. I knew in that moment—God was speaking. When I finally recognized the song, I looked up the lyrics, and they deeply blessed me. They brought comfort and peace to my soul.
At the time, we had been dealing with a lot. God used that song to gently remind me of who He is—and to help me embrace the fullness of His peace.
God desires peace for us. As Romans 14:17 says:
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
He is always trying to get to us what we need; we simply have to make space to hear His still, small, quiet voice—and receive the gift He’s offering.
Below are the lyrics to the song Able. I pray they bless you as they blessed me.
Able
(Selected lyrics)
You're more than able
Ain’t no problem that’s too hard
For a strong and mighty God
Yes, You are able
You're more than able
Time and time again You prove
I can always count on You
You are faithful—more than faithful
A seed of love that never stops
It will finish what it starts
And when I don’t understand
I still leave it in Your hands
I am thankful—so very thankful
For Your never-ending grace
And Your brand-new mercies every day
I'm in awe of what You’ve done
So many victories You’ve won
You're more than able
Ain’t no problem too hard
Time and time again You prove
I can always count on You
Key Takeaways:
If we listen carefully, we can receive our daily bread.
He is always working to get us what we need.
Nothing is impossible with God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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The Good Work
I was on a prayer call with a group of women when the facilitator began teaching us about how we are chosen by Yeshua. While she was teaching, God began to whisper to my spirit: You were chosen, and the things you have to endure are to make you better.
He reminded me of my garden and the time I discovered aphids on my squash plant. I immediately reached for the neem oil spray to protect the plant. Aphids can cause extreme damage to a crop. Then God spoke to my heart: Those squash plants had no idea why you sprayed them with oil. They may not have liked it, but what you were doing was best for them. They had to endure the spraying because you were preventing them from experiencing something far worse.
Recently, we cared for our eighteen‑month‑old grandson for a little over a week. He’s at that stage where he wants to be independent, but many of the choices he makes could put him in danger. He has a strong and persistent personality, so when we tell him “no,” he makes it clear that he’s disappointed—sometimes even throwing a fit. Yet we don’t change our minds because we know the decisions we make are for his good.
I believe Yeshua does the exact same thing for us. When He allows us to go through tests, He knows exactly what those trials will produce in us. No matter how much we complain, He doesn’t change His mind—because He knows what is best. He is often working out something we cannot yet see or understand.
I want to clarify: there are many evil things that happen in this world because it is under the control of Satan. Those evil things do not come from God. Scripture says, “When you are tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full‑grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13‑15, NLT)
Jesus came to save humanity from sin and reconcile us to God. Yet Scripture also says we will be tested: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2‑4, ESV)
These tests do a good work in us—producing unwavering faith and spiritual maturity. Even when we face challenging situations, we can bring everything to God and seek His wisdom on how to walk through them. We can be confident that He is working all things together for our good. He is able, and He is faithful.
Key Takeaways
God is always at work in our lives.
Spiritual maturity is produced through the tests God allows us to experience.
The good work in us never ends. (Abraham was tested at 125 years old!)
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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His Spirit in Us
"In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." —John 14:20, ESV
That day is today!
Every believer who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior is living in the fulfillment of these words Jesus spoke to His disciples thousands of years ago. Today, Jesus is in the Father, and He is in us—and we are in Him! Hallelujah!
I can imagine that when Jesus first spoke these words, the disciples may have had little understanding of what He truly meant. But as a blood-bought believer, I am so grateful for the depth and power of these words. In this very moment, I sit with Jesus, and He lives within me—just as He is in the Father.
I cannot even write these words without the guidance of Yeshua, who continually gives me His wisdom and direction.
I love to sit with Him and simply listen.
I love to pray in His presence and wait quietly for His voice.
I love reading the Word and feeling His promptings—leading me from book to book, verse to verse, guiding me on a divine journey of discovery.
Ah, yes! Yeshua is alive and well, living inside each one of us!
My spirit is overwhelmed by His presence!
We have the unimaginable privilege of communing with the Most High God—the Creator of the entire universe—who exists beyond time and space, and yet chooses to dwell within us by His Holy Spirit. What an awesome God we serve!
I find myself getting more and more excited just writing this. The thought that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, that He is in the Father, and the Father is in Him—and yet His Spirit is in us, and we are in Him—all at the same time... it's a mystery too wonderful to fully comprehend.
And yet, because God said it—it is so.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus is in the Father, and His Spirit lives in us.
We are in Jesus, and Jesus sits at the right hand of God.
God exists beyond this world, yet He chooses to dwell within us.
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are brought into this divine union.
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Purpose
"and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."
— 2 Chronicles 7:14, CSB
I was once again sitting outside in our backyard writing when I heard the neighbor playing loud music. The words to the song were very disturbing, and I was tempted to go inside and continue writing there. But I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to stay where I was and keep writing. Eventually, God blocked the music from my ears so that I couldn’t hear it, and before I knew it, the music had stopped.
Maybe an hour later, those same neighbors were inside their home, and I could hear them yelling and screaming at each other. It was so loud and disruptive that I couldn’t continue writing, so I stopped. As I listened, I could sense their conversation escalating, and I began to pray. As I prayed, the Holy Spirit took over, giving me the words to speak. Before I could even finish the prayer, the arguing had stopped, and I could hear a calm, quiet conversation taking place. I marveled at how purposeful our God is. He would not allow me to go inside until I had prayed for that family.
I remember our Bishop once saying in one of his messages, “If the believers don’t pray, then who is praying? Sinners cannot pray for themselves.” We can become so caught up in our own plans and focus that we miss opportunities for God to use us. Every time God places us in an uncomfortable situation, we should pause and check in with Him before moving on, to ensure that this discomfort isn’t actually an assignment He has given us in that moment.
We are His ambassadors, and if we do not make ourselves available, how can we expect change to happen in the earth? Scripture tells us that the healing of the land comes through believers praying. It has nothing to do with the government, but everything to do with believers standing on the wall, fulfilling their assignments.
Key Takeaways
This land is in disarray because believers are not doing their job.
God promised to heal our land when we follow His instructions.
Pointing fingers at others has never resolved the problem.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Sun Stand Still
On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the Lord in the presence of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance on its enemies.
— Joshua 10:12–13, CSB
I love reading the Word and seeing how God works through His people. We are mere human beings, yet God gives us authority through Yeshua to speak even to the sun and the moon—and they obey. This passage reminds me of Jesus' words: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26
Because we are His people—the sheep of His pasture—we can witness unimaginable things unfold in our lives.
In this passage, Israel is in the midst of battle, fighting to take possession of the land God promised them. Joshua wants to ensure their enemies are not able to escape back to their fortified cities before being defeated. Knowing that darkness would give the enemy an advantage, Joshua boldly prays and commands the sun and moon to stand still. And Scripture says they did just that.
Can you comprehend the power Yeshua has given us? When we are in alignment with Him and walking in obedience, even the elements fall under the authority He has entrusted to us.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” — Matthew 28:18, ESV
Just as Joshua spoke to the sun and the moon, we too can speak to the mountains in our lives and see them move by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? — Numbers 23:19, ESV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. — Hebrews 13:8, ESV
If what you're facing seems impossible, it may be the very place where God is about to show Himself strong.
Key Takeaways
If you believe it's impossible, then that is what you'll receive. But if you believe in God, nothing is impossible.
Opposition often brings the opportunity to witness jaw-dropping, mind-blowing miracles.
Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. — Matthew 7:7
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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The Peace of God
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
—Isaiah 26:3, ESV
I was sitting in the backyard writing, simply enjoying the beautiful presence of God, and my heart was filled with peace. The wind gently blew, squirrels climbed the trees, and everything around me was green and vibrant. As I sat in that still moment, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, "The peace of God." In that instant, I had not a single worry in my heart—no anxiety, fear, doubt, or sorrow—just complete and overwhelming joy.
The Holy Spirit said, “With Me, this is what every believer should experience every day, all day.” I knew He was telling me that although our circumstances may not always feel peaceful, we can still have peace in our soul when we remain in His presence.
My thoughts turned to my sister-in-law, whose mother was in hospice. They were doing all they could to keep her comfortable as she prepared to transition to be with the Lord. I wondered if peace filled her heart in such a difficult moment. Then God reminded me of something I had seen during a visit. There was a table covered in puzzles that my sister-in-law and her sisters were working on. Despite the heaviness of the moment, there was joy in their spirit and peace in their soul. They were resting in His presence.
Around that same time, another friend shared with me the agonizing process of her own mother’s passing. My heart ached as I thought, How can she carry the spirit of peace while watching her mother suffer so much? Then God gently reminded me: if we focus only on what we see or how we feel, we will miss the peace of His presence in the midst of the pain. He is Jehovah Shalom, the Prince of Peace, and if we choose to embrace Him—no matter what we are going through—we will have peace.
There may still be tears and difficulty, but His peace is available to us. He reminded me of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, when an angel came and strengthened Him so He could move forward in the power and peace of God. Then I thought of Jesus facing the Pharisees and scribes—how He responded to their attacks with boldness and calm, still clothed in peace.
The enemy seeks to steal our peace, because when we are distracted or distressed, we struggle to hear or see God’s direction. But Yeshua sent us the Holy Spirit—our Comforter and Guide. When we rely on the Holy Spirit instead of our own strength, we can experience the peace of God in situations that surpass our understanding.
Key Takeaways:
The peace of God is a gift.
In difficult times, we must pursue Jehovah Shalom’s peace through prayer.
The gift of peace awaits your embrace.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Testimony Time
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26
I’ve been going to the same hairdresser for about four years. I met her through another one of her clients whose hair I really admired. I’m particular about who puts their hands in my hair, so I always ask if I can pray over them and their hands. I just want to make sure we’re aligned with God when someone is working on my head. She was very gracious and said yes.
Later, we had a conversation about God and Jesus. She made it clear that she believed in God—but on her own terms. I could tell she was setting some boundaries when it came to discussions about faith. Still, every time I came to her home for an appointment, I would ask if I could pray over her, and she always agreed. Eventually, she came to expect it.
About two years ago, she had a baby girl. Her two-bedroom home was suddenly too small for her boyfriend, his daughter, her son, and their new baby. So, for about a year, we began praying together—asking God to make room for them to find a new home.
This week, when I showed up for my appointment, everything in her life had shifted. She was now engaged to her boyfriend of eight years, and they were planning to get married at the courthouse in a few months. God had blessed her with a new car, and her soon-to-be in-laws were given the opportunity to purchase a five-acre compound with multiple houses on it. They asked her and her fiancé if they wanted to live in the big house on the property.
The big house had four to five bedrooms, more than three bathrooms, and came fully furnished. The property included an orchard, chickens, ATVs, a pond, and so much more! They would be living there alongside his parents, who had their own home on the compound, and his sister and her husband, who also had their own space.
As she told me all of this, she was overwhelmed with emotion. She said, “I know this is the answer to our prayers—just God!” We both celebrated, rejoiced, and praised God together.
What amazed me most was how God worked behind the scenes. Her soon-to-be in-laws were friends with the owner of the compound. He had moved out of state, bought another home, and had no plans to return. He never even put the property on the market. He simply asked his friends if they wanted to buy it. After confirming that their children and their families were willing to live on the compound together, they moved forward and purchased it—furnished and all.
As I listened to her testimony, I couldn’t help but think of what Moses said to the Israelites:
“When the Lord your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give you: a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
— Deuteronomy 6:10–12
Our God is faithful.
I told her that going forward, we needed to pray over her entire family—because Satan would be looking for an opportunity to come against what God had blessed. She smiled and said, “My fiancé’s family is just like you—sold out for Jesus Christ! They bless and cover everything!” At that moment, I understood why such a heavy blessing rested on their lives. I knew they were going to be just fine.
Key Takeaways
When we love people regardless of their walk, God will show Himself faithful to them.
God keeps His promises.
Engage the impossible—because with God, all things are possible.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
He Has Gone Before You
Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan.” — Joshua 2:8–10, CSB
Israel was preparing to enter and take possession of the Promised Land, just as God had declared. Joshua sent two spies ahead to scout out the city of Jericho and report back. When they entered the city, they came to the house of Rahab. She hid them on her rooftop when the king of Jericho sent men to search for them. The passage above records the conversation Rahab had with the spies before they went to sleep.
More than forty years earlier, God had delivered Israel from Pharaoh’s hand through Moses. He had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. When they first arrived at the edge of that land, Moses sent twelve spies to explore it. He instructed them:
"Go up this way to the Negev, then go up into the hill country. See what the land is like, and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. Is the land they live in good or bad? Are the cities they live in encampments or fortifications? Is the land fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous. Bring back some fruit from the land."
— Numbers 13:17–20, CSB
Unfortunately, ten of the spies brought back a negative report that spread fear and panic among the people. Although Caleb and Joshua encouraged the people with a faithful and hopeful message, the Israelites refused to listen. They grumbled against God.
Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the entire Israelite assembly. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire community: “The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us into this land—a land flowing with milk and honey—and give it to us. Only don’t rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!”
Yet the entire community threatened to stone them. Because of their unbelief and disobedience, God declared that none of those aged twenty and older would enter the Promised Land. They wandered in the wilderness for forty years until that entire generation passed away—except for Joshua and Caleb.
Now, over forty years later, the promise was being fulfilled. Rahab testified that the entire city was filled with fear because of what they had heard—the drying up of the Red Sea and Israel's victories over Sihon and Og. God had indeed gone before them.
Scripture reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God. When He tells us that He has made a way, we must believe Him—regardless of what we see. The generation that left Egypt and witnessed God's miracles did not enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief.
As Scripture says:
"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV
And:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9, ESV
Yeshua has not only gone before us and made every way perfect, but He also promises that He will never leave us. So, move with boldness in everything God has called you to do!
Key Takeaways
Take God at His Word and trust Him.
Do not be moved by what you see.
Goliath will always show up to intimidate—but God made Goliath.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Obeying the Guiding Light
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22, ESV
I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to declare Psalm 27 over my life. The Holy Spirit is always guiding us toward Yeshua and giving us what we need to fulfill the call God has placed on our lives. There were times when I felt prompted to read several Psalms, but one particular morning, He stopped me at Psalm 27. He led me to look up the meanings of the words to gain deeper understanding. I remember rewriting the Psalm based on the definitions I had discovered.
Psalm 27 begins with, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" After studying the key terms, I wrote: "The Lord is the All-Existing One, my Illuminator, my Revealer—who or what should I be afraid of?" I did the same with many of the verses and began reading them daily. When Yeshua sees that you are obedient to what He has asked you to do, He increases your revelation!
One day, as I was searching for worship music on YouTube, a video appeared on my screen titled, "Starting Your Day with Psalm 27." I knew immediately I was supposed to listen to it—I recognized the Holy Spirit's guidance.
As I listened, the speaker said, "When we read 'The Lord is my light,' we are making a declaration that God is our divine light. We are proclaiming that God gives us clarity. We won’t walk into the day in confusion but guided by God, able to see clearly. We don’t trust in what we can see—we trust the One who sees it all." Those words deeply lifted my soul. I hadn’t fully grasped that revelation when I was reading the Psalm daily, but because I obeyed God’s initial prompting, He brought deeper insight. When we are faithful with the little, God increases us with more.
Key Takeaways
Be obedient in the small things, and God will bring increase.
Starting your day in the Word brings clarity.
God is guiding you, even in the smallest details.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Battle is Won
…a people great and many, and tall as the Anakim; but the Lord destroyed them before the Ammonites, and they dispossessed them and settled in their place, as he did for the people of Esau, who live in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites before them and they dispossessed them and settled in their place even to this day. — Deuteronomy 2:21–22 (ESV)
I have been reading through the Bible with the podcast @jasiriouslyspeaking, it has been such a blessing. While studying Deuteronomy, this passage reminded me of how God is continually at work in our lives. In this scripture, Moses is recounting the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. He shares this because those who left Egypt with him—those 20 years and older—had died due to their disobedience. As a result, God declared that they would not enter the Promised Land.
Now Moses is speaking to the children and grandchildren of those who perished, as they are preparing to enter the Promised Land. What encouraged me so deeply is the part of the passage where the Ammonites (descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew) were at a disadvantage. They never would have been able to defeat the Anakim on their own, but the scripture says that the Lord destroyed the Anakim before the Ammonites. God did the same for the descendants of Esau (Jacob’s brother) by destroying the Horites.
This word was such a beautiful reminder and confirmation that God keeps His promises. Abraham had long since passed, yet God was still taking care of his descendants.
As believers, we can rest assured that no matter what comes against us, the battle is already won. God keeps His word! He says, "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent" (Exodus 14:14). He also reminds us not to take revenge into our own hands: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19, ESV).
What’s most encouraging is that both armies God fought against were much larger than the people He was protecting. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how big the challenge or obstacle ahead, nothing is bigger than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
Key Takeaways:
The size of the battle is not a problem for Yeshua.
We are not called to fight the battle—God said He would do that for us.
Our role is to put on the whole armor of God and to stand.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Life is a Mist
Two things are guaranteed in this life: taxes and death.
One of my dear cousins recently passed away. Technically, she was my second cousin, but I grew up with her feeling more like an aunt. She was always so funny and full of life, and every memory I have of her is a good one. She was the sweetest foster caregiver and even adopted several of the children who had been placed in her care.
Sitting in her memorial service reminded me that we are only here for a season. God determines when we arrive and when we depart—unless we choose to end our own life sooner. I believe these earthly bodies are designed to function for a specific time, and when that time is up, they are programmed to shut down. From the moment we are born until the moment we leave, we have assignments to complete here on earth.
I am reminded of King Hezekiah, who prayed and asked God to heal him so he could live a little longer. His body was preparing to shut down, but God granted him an additional fifteen years. God didn't just heal him; He told him exactly how many more years he would live. When it was time for Moses to leave this earth, God told him to go up on Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land. Afterward, he would be gathered to his people.
Scripture tells us, "Common people are only a vapor; important people an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor." (Psalm 62:9) Our time here truly is like a mist, and it is so important not to get caught up in the chaos Satan sends our way. If we're not careful, we may find ourselves aligned with the enemy rather than with Jesus Christ.
When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He replied:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40, ESV)
While it's important to stay informed and understand what's happening in the world around us, completing our God-given assignments should remain our main focus. My cousin understood her assignment. Everyone who came to celebrate her life spoke of her deep love for her community. Although God had blessed her with a beautiful home and a loving family, she didn’t chase after the material things of this world. Instead, she chased after loving everyone God placed in her path.
Key Takeaways:
This world is not your permanent home.
The clock of your life is ticking; make sure you are aligned correctly.
Live in such a way that you can live again—eternally with Jesus Christ.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Pay Attention
"And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth." — Proverbs 7:24, ESV
I am a writer, and I love to write. It is a gift God has given to me, and I love doing it. I have writing tablets, sticky notes, and journals everywhere. Many times when God gives me a thought, I struggle to figure out which journal to write it in so that I’ll know where to find it later. I was starting to get frustrated with being so disorganized, so I asked God to help me get organized. I said, *“Lord, I want to know where to put all these notes and thoughts so I can easily find them when I need them.” *We have to pay close attention and listen to God when He is speaking. Sometimes He sends answers in the least expected ways, and if we aren’t careful, we can miss Him.
We took a trip to Greece in September 2022. We booked our trip through Costco Travel, which offers a few extra incentives compared to booking on our own. Our trip included visits to three different locations in Greece: Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. One of the benefits of booking through Costco Travel was that they handled all our transportation to and from the hotels and between destinations. When we arrived in Athens and later headed to Santorini, they had drivers who picked us up from the airport and took us to our next location. It was wonderful.
On one of those rides — I can’t remember which one — we met a wonderful couple. We were sitting and talking about where we were staying when the woman pulled out this amazing tablet. I asked her, “What is that?” She said it was a Remarkable2 and began explaining how organized it kept her. I was so impressed that I took a picture of it so I wouldn’t forget.
Three years later, in 2025, I was still asking God to help me get better organized. This time, I was sitting with a dear friend, and we were sharing some of the things we were dealing with and how we could pray for one another. Of course, one of my prayer requests was to get better organized. While we were talking, she pulled out the Remarkable2. When I saw it again, I knew God was giving me my answer for the second time.
The first time God showed me the Remarkable2, I was excited about it, but I didn’t buy it because it was expensive. I didn’t think it was the answer to my prayer. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but that wasn’t it.
Today, I have the Remarkable, and I’m learning more about how to use it every day. Every time I’m about to write, I pull out that tablet. I’ve created folders for every topic I write about, and now everything is neatly filed in one place. I used to rubber band a journal next to each book I read so I’d know where to find my notes. Now, I just open the folder on the Remarkable, and all my notes for that book are right there. I can even organize the notes in the folder by chapter or topic — whatever I choose. It’s working well.
God had answered my request three years earlier, but I missed Him. I distinctly remember the lady in Greece showing me how it worked and telling me how organized it made her. But I didn’t realize it was God giving me the answer to my prayer. I could have just prayed and asked Him, “Lord, is this for me?” — but I didn’t. Instead, I continued in my disorganized way until I became fully frustrated and asked God again. In His graciousness, He brought me back to the same answer He had already given me.
Key Takeaways:
When we pray, God hears and answers — sometimes we miss the answer.
If you are still waiting for an answer from God, ask Him if you have missed it.
This is a reminder of what God says about our prayers: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” — Isaiah 65:24, NIV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
GPS 4—Take the Path
I thought I was finished writing about GPS until God took me on this experience. I was on my way to our daughter’s home to help out with our grandson. She lives about two hours away, so I always use the GPS. This particular morning, I left the house at 4:00 a.m., hoping to get there around 6:00 a.m. She needed to leave for work by 6:30 a.m., so I wanted to ensure I had enough time in case of any slowdowns.
As I was driving, I was listening to a message, and in between the speaker, my GPS would chime in with directions. The GPS had given me the usual route, so I was only half listening. About thirty minutes into the drive, the GPS told me to take a different exit. I had taken this exit once before and remembered that I did not like it. Suddenly, I felt like I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Are you going to trust me?" So, I took the exit.
As I followed the GPS, I sensed that something was up. I felt like God was trying to teach me something, even though I was reluctant. I drove with purpose and intent, paying close attention because I did not know where I was going. It was dark, with no streetlights, and I was navigating a two-lane road with water on both sides. The pressure was intense. After about 45 minutes on this unfamiliar path, I realized I was lost. I had turned too soon onto one of the roads and was now in the middle of nowhere. I had been praying, but now I was intense in my conversation to God. When I got the opportunity to pull over, I stopped and called my husband.
We share our location with each other, so when he answered the phone, I was a bit panicked. I said, "I’m lost, and I don’t know where I am. Look at my location and tell me where to go." This, of course, made him really nervous. There were now two intense people on the phone—one scared and the other trying to help in a panic. My husband found my location and told me I was headed back home. I was shocked. He said, "Just put in the GPS for home and then start over when you reach the highway you're familiar with." I agreed but, upon seeing those directions, I realized they led to even darker roads. So I said, "No, just help me figure out how to get to our daughter’s house." I reset my GPS and continued down these back roads, which felt as if they hadn’t been paved in twenty years.
As I drove, I noticed the moon shining brightly, and the GPS continued giving me directions. What caught my attention was a road named "Poverty." That I had to turn onto to get to the next road. I said, "God, are you for real?" I knew this was a lesson, but I was nervous and a bit scared because it was dark, unfamiliar, and deserted.
Finally, I made it back onto the highway and into familiar territory, and the Holy Spirit began to speak. He said, "You could have stayed on the highway you knew—that would have been easier—but you wouldn’t have grown. Many people, when I call them to unfamiliar paths, refuse to come. You hesitated because familiarity is easy." He then reminded me how the moon was always there with me, just like His presence.
I asked Him, "Why did I have to drive down a road called Poverty?" He said, "Because that is a road everyone will travel at some point in their life—whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The path is part of the process. But if you keep moving forward with Me, that road will eventually come to an end." He then reminded me that, just as I could always see the moon, His presence was always with me, even on Poverty Road.
I thought about how I had called my husband instead of depending solely on God. I asked, "Did I fail when I called my husband?" He said, "Nope. You can always ask for help, but the journey is yours alone. Your husband wasn’t much help except to let you release some of your anxiety and fear. He couldn’t take the journey for you—you had to walk that path yourself." Every single person has a path that they have to walk on their own.
To my surprise, I arrived at my daughter’s house right at 6:30 a.m. I thought, "How did that happen with all the mistakes I made?" The Holy Spirit gently said, "I had already accounted for those mistakes. Just like in your journey of fulfilling your purpose, I have already considered your missteps. So do not give up—you will reach your divine fulfillment if you do not quit. It is guaranteed, and you will be right on time."
Key points:
Your journey requires courage, and you must be willing to embrace the unfamiliar.
God will always be with you, even when you feel fear—false evidence appearing real.
Stay the course, and you will reap the rewards if you do not give up.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon – Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks