JEHOVAH Nissi - The Lord Is My Banner
Moses built an altar and called it,The Lord is my Banner. Exodus 17:15, ESV
While the Israelites were moving through the desert and headed to the promised land, the Amalekites came and attacked them at Rephidim. They were a strong and massive army. Moses told Joshua to take some men to fight them.
Moses went up on a mountain and stood where the Israelites could see him while he held up the staff of God. This was the same staff that Moses had performed miracles with, so the Israelites knew it had power. Scripture says that as long as Moses held up the rod, the Israelites were winning. But when his hand grew tired and he let it down, they would lose. So Aaron and Hur held his arms up so that Joshua and the Israelites had victory over the Amalekites.
Moses built an altar unto God and called it, The Lord is my Banner because Lord was the banner under which they fought; the banner that gave them victory.
Whenever America’s armed forces go to war, they fight under the power of the USA. You will never see them fight without the appropriate weaponry, flying the flag of their country as they march into battle.
It is the same for us when we pray. We are not praying under our own power or authority because nothing would get accomplished. We come under the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ for any situation we might encounter. Our Lord is our banner! That is why we have the power to overcome any demonic spirit that tries to take up residence in us. Our God resides inside of us and when we invoke His power, we have victory. We must remember when we pray, we are not praying alone, but with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
We can rejoice in prayer because we already have the victory! Just like the Israelites and Joshua had to fight, we have to do our part in war and fight under the banner of JEHOVAH NISSI!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Limiting God
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:19, ESV
I sit daily with God at 5:00 pm. Some years ago, I don’t remember how long it has been, I was studying the Bible when God said, “I want to meet with you daily at 5:00.” I said “Okay,” and so here I am. I was thinking about how when I would first come in to meet with Him I would pray for an hour. It never occurred to me to do anything different or ask God what He wanted. Then a few years later He prompted me to ask Him what He wanted me to do.
To my surprise, what He wanted was quite different. Sometimes He would invite me to the backyard to sit with Him. Other times I would take a walk with Him or go sit by the lake. Sometimes it was listening to music or giving someone a call and encouraging them. At times He would prompt me to stop by a coffee shop and have one of those indulging drinks. But this evening He told me to pull out my laptop and type. I told Him that I would rather sit and listen to Him, but writing was what I heard from Him today. I always want to be obedient, so here I am, writing this devotional. How about you? How are you spending your time with God? Do you sit with Him? Do you talk to Him in your car on the way to work? How do you hear Him speaking to you? He wants to have a relationship with you! He wants you to know more about Him. He wants to tell you how to access all of those wonderful spiritual blessings He has placed inside of you!
I had often thought that my prayer time and meeting time with God should always look the same everyday: Bible study and serious conversations about God. But God showed me that if I did the exact same thing with my husband everyday, we would get bored and sick of each other. He said, “You should know I like different things, look around. Can you name all the different flowers?” God has been making my time with Him more exciting, exhilarating and fun, simply because I said yes. And He wants to do the same with you!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
In the Room
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
My husband and I were given the opportunity to be in a meeting with a First Vice President Financial Advisor for wealth management. The meeting was to take place at 10:00 am but the client who we were joining did not arrive until 11:00. Because my husband and I were there at 10:00, we had the opportunity to sit with this Financial Advisor and talk about wealth management for one hour. We were so enlightened during that conversation and continued to grow as we sat in the room for the three-hour meeting with the client.
When the meeting was over, the Financial Advisor gave his client a book. I got the opportunity to see the title and read the book. My husband and I were not in the position to be clients of this advisor at that time. But God put us in the room so that we could gain valuable information. We could have both thought that the meeting was just for his client and not taken advantage of the opportunity. But we both understood that God put us in the room for His own purpose.
We must never forget that when God puts us in the room He has a plan for our good. This meeting was never scheduled for us nor could we have arranged this for ourselves. But God arranged through another client for us to receive the invaluable information, He wanted us to have for our next assignment. God does not want us to waste anything. When He puts us in the room He has information that He wants us to get. God put Joseph in prison so he could be in position to be second in command of Egypt and save his people.
God always has a plan that will prosper us. We don’t know the plan, so it may not look like we should be in the room. But know that if you are in the room, God has ordained for you to be there. You should gather all the information you can, because God is educating you for your next assignment.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Giving Birth
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5, ESV
On special occasions like Christmas and birthdays my sister-in-law gives out soaps and candles as gifts. My husband and I really liked one of the soap scents she gave us from Jo Malone and we made a purchase of some of the products ourselves. While making the purchase I was invited by the manager who sells Jo Malone to attend a showing of their new fragrances. I gladly accepted the invitation.
At the event I learned that Jo Malone was originally a facial therapist who had a love for fragrance. We were told that she developed some scented products in her kitchen as gifts for her clients. The giving of those gifts led to many open doors and you can now purchase her products all over the world!
I share this story with you because it just reminds me of what an awesome God we serve! I have never met Jo Malone but I love her journey of discovery of what was on the inside of her. God has given each one of us a dream (like an unborn baby) that’s inside of us. We are to give birth to that dream, which is always bigger than ourselves. Jo Malone’s love for fragrance moved her to create scented products by hand in her own kitchen!
I know that it can appear like we are just living day to day, walking around doing the same old thing. But I want to encourage you as I encourage myself that God has greater things for us to do. What God has called us to do is always bigger than what we can think of. Jo Malone was a facial therapist but she did not let her career dictate her future. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). God has laid everything out for us, all we have to do is walk in it.
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain (Psalm, 139:1-6, NIV).
In 1999, Jo Malone sold her business to Estée Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until she left in 2006. She is now a motivational speaker and has written her autobiography Jo Malone: My Story. You can find more about Jo Malone at https://www.joloves.com/about
Father,
Thank you that you have created and designed each of us with a special purpose for your glory that will enrich the lives of others. It is our deepest desire to fulfill all that you have called us to. We surrender our will to you so that the gifts you put inside of us will be birthed. Our deepest desire is to walk hand in hand with you as we take this journey to manifest what you have already ordained for us to do. To you Father be the glory! Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Forgiveness is not a Feeling
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34, ESV
Forgiveness does not start with feelings. Forgiveness starts with the words, “I forgive you.” If we try and wait until we feel like forgiving the person we may never forgive anyone because of our emotions. When we speak out of our mouth, “I forgive you,” forgiveness happens. We may still have the same feelings in our heart, but as soon as we speak the words, forgiveness happens. Remember, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:3). The word says that when He spoke the word “light”, light happened. Many times, we are trying to feel forgiveness in our heart before we actually say the words. Scripture teaches us that we have to speak the words in order for what we want to manifest.
Our words are containers of power. The word teaches us that “...death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21, ESV). Scripture also says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11, ESV). Did you see how much power is inside of the spoken word? What we speak will accomplish whatever is spoken! But he answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).
Our words are so powerful that they affect the direction of our lives! The objective of Satan is to keep us speaking how angry we feel so that we never produce the forgiveness that is inside us. According to the dictionary, our feelings are an emotional state or reaction. Our feelings can be fickle and can cause us to respond emotionally. If we continually sulk in unforgiveness we can live on an emotional rollercoaster and never get off.
Forgiveness is so important because if we don’t forgive, we lose everything. The word says, “...but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15, ESV). There is no discussion; we have to forgive. Even when the disciples had a disagreement, Peter went to Jesus and asked how often am I to forgive my brother. Jesus responded, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:12). Basically, Jesus was saying as many times as necessary. Jesus did not tell Peter that he would feel forgiveness, he commanded him to forgive.
How do we forgive? We first ask God for help, then speak the words out of our mouth. Jesus gave us the best example when He was on the cross and said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do…” (Luke 23:34).
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Stirring
Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. Daniel 3:8
When I prepare cookies I use a large mixer to get all the ingredients combined together. This allows for an easier and faster way to get the product prepared for my customers and give them an irresistible batch of cookies. As I was reading the above scripture God showed me how He is always stirring things up in the background to combine the ingredients to bring about the best product.
In the third chapter of the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar has set up a golden image for everyone in his providence to bow down and worship whenever certain musical instruments are played. He specifically gathers those he has appointed to high positions (the satraps, the prefects, the governors, the counselors, the treasurer, the justices, the magistrates, and all of the officials of the provinces) to the dedication of the image. He gives them instructions to give proclamations to everyone in all the land that when they hear these musical instruments played they are to bow down. If you did not bow down to the golden image you would be thrown into the fiery furnace. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were a part of the king’s administration did not bow down to this image. They had committed their lives to God as they were Jewish and God’s chosen people. They know that they were only to bow and worship God alone.
Somehow these Chaldeans find out that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not bowing down to the golden image and according to the scripture above they went and told King Nebuchadnezzar. When our enemies are working against us, we don't always understand that God is actually using them for his perfect plan. He is actually stirring up the ingredients for a perfect promotional position for his servants.
We must remember when things seem to be going all wrong in our lives and all kinds of situations are working against us, God’s hand is in it and He is doing work in the background. We don’t usually see our enemies coming and many times it can knock us off track if we are not prayed up. It is just like with my cookies: my customers never see me mixing the ingredients together and doing all the work behind the scenes but they can never have an irresistible batch unless the stirring in the background happens. It is the same way with our lives. God is always in control and doing the behind the scene work to give us the abundant life He promised!
So the next time your enemies come for you, take a pause and understand God is doing something behind the scene and your promotion is right after this! Now remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to go through the fiery furnace but God was with them. I encourage you to read all of Daniel chapter three so you will understand how God works. The fire always brings in the promotion!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
Faithful God
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23, ESV
God is so faithful. I was sitting in my office studying scripture and just listening to the Holy Spirit when God dropped in my spirit a friend who I had not spoken to in years. She had come up in my mind a few days earlier and I felt like I should call her, but I did not move. I just let the feeling pass.
I felt the desire to call her again, only this time I asked God what He wanted me to do. I said, “This is the second time you have placed her in my spirit.” He said to call her and I said, “Right now? I am in the middle of studying.” However, I heard Him clearly say, “Now!” I picked up the phone and called her. At first she did not recognize who I was, but she remembered when I gave her my maiden name.
We chatted about how our families were doing and how they were holding up during the Shelter In Place orders. Then she had another call and I was put on hold. While on hold I asked God what He wanted me to say to her. He said to tell her exactly why you are calling. So when we got back on the call I told her what God said and then I asked her again how she was doing. She said everyone was fine.
God said “Tell her that you called because God wants you to pray for her about something.” I told her exactly what God said and she then shared that she was going through some things that she did not want to get into. I was so happy that there was something I needed to pray about for her. I did not need to know what it was, I was just excited that I was in alignment with God. I said, “Okay let’s pray.” I prayed for her and when we finished she said she felt like a weight had been lifted.
When I hung up the phone I was so grateful that God is so faithful. I immediately fell on my knees and began to thank God for His faithfulness. We are so blessed that we serve a faithful God. He is so faithful! He was faithful to my friend and He was faithful to me. She received a deliverance and I received confidence that I hear God and am following His instructions. We never have to worry or fear because our God is faithful. The question is are we faithful to Him?
Father,
Thank you for your faithfulness and for teaching us how to be faithful to you. It does not mean that we don’t make mistakes, or miss it sometimes, but our hearts are totally after you. Thank you so much for your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Judgment
“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.” Matthew 7:1-2, CSB
I had prayed and I was just listening to God. He told me to be quiet. When I quieted down I heard Him say to me, “The same judgment you give, that is how I will judge you. Do not judge!” He then reminded me of when David had sinned against God when he had taken a census of all the fighting men in Israel. God sent Gad, David’s seer, to give David three options to choose from as punishment for his sin. The choices were three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of his enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of the Lord brings devastation throughout the land of Israel.
David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.” God said to me that He has great mercy when He punishes but when we judge you do not show mercy. So if we judge, there will be no mercy like God’s mercy that will return to us. Then God reminded me that I had made a comment/opinion in my spirit about the way I felt our Bishop had presented something at the church. I never said what I was thinking out loud or to anyone, it was just in my private thoughts. God said to me that even our private thoughts are accountable unto Him.
He reminded me that He looks at the heart. What was in my heart came out in my thoughts. Scripture says “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
Father, please help us to guard and protect our heart, keeping us humble before you. We are so quick to give our opinion which is a form of judgment and many times we don’t even realize we are judging others. Your word says that we will be judged with the same measure we give out. Let your mercy fill our soul so that our hearts are full of You and only your words come forth out of our mouth. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
God’s Word
Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 ESV
I was watering my garden when I felt the Holy Spirit move upon my heart to just sit with Him. It is so funny, when I felt that nudge I ran upstairs and got my laptop and some other things to add to my study. Now the Holy Spirit did not say get anything. He just nudged me to sit with Him.
I was looking forward to this long engaged study time with the Lord but instead it was maybe 15 minutes and I did not use any of the things I brought out. I sat with my legs crossed still in my garden, boots sitting on the ground next to me. As I was sitting, I literally saw my heart pumping. Because I had my legs crossed, the pumping of my heart and the blood running down my legs caused my feet to move up and down ever so slightly with every beat. I sat and just embraced that moment. It was so amazing because God said to me, just like I keep your heart pumping….I will keep every promise that I made to you. When you get in doubt just come back and check and watch your leg move with your heart!
This is just a word of encouragement - God keeps his promises! Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Display
Do not be conformed to this world,[c] 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
Display: make a prominent exhibition of (something) in a place where it can be easily seen; to exhibit ostentatiously (in a pretentious or showy way designed to impress); an eye-catching arrangement by which something is exhibited; a pattern of behavior exhibited especially by male birds in the breeding season
Everyday we put ourselves on display. It may not be our intention but because we are always in a place where we can easily be seen, we are on display. Some may make a bigger splash than others to be noticed but we are all making ourselves seen. As soon as we leave the comfort of our homes we have displayed ourselves openly.
As we were preparing for our trip to Italy, I went shopping for clothes to wear that would look nice on me and in some ways, to put my best on display. I wanted to not only be comfortable but to look my best at the same time. As individuals, when we leave our home most of us want to look our best. We want to present ourselves in a way that conveys who we are in the best way possible.
Our church had a women's conference that I attended and one of the speakers said that putting ourselves on display is unhealthy. She said the best way to be healthy was to put God on display. Those words landed in my spirit so heavily. I have always said that I wanted God to be seen in my life, that I want to be consumed by Him. However, that statement made me wonder, who truly was I displaying?
I knew that the speaker was really addressing our heart because no matter how we dress up the outside of our bodies the inside of our heart is what really matters. The goal should be to focus more on displaying who we are on the inside rather than dressing up the outside. This then takes us to what the scripture says: to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:1). The only way we can display the characters of God is by renewing our mind with the word of God. If we truly want to display God, we have to dress up our mind with the word of God with as much detail as we do for our bodies.
Think about it. We clean our bodies, put on fresh, clean clothes, comb our hair, brush our teeth, wash our face. Some put on make-up, get our nails done, shave, and the list goes on. The point is that we spend a lot of time preparing our bodies to be displayed for others to see. God is asking how much time will we give to him so that He can be displayed through us. What we say, how we choose to behave are all signs of who is truly on display. So the question for you today is, who are you displaying?
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Attacks
“…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
I believe God wants us to understand that attacks are a part of our spiritual warfare and we have to learn how to work through them while completing the task before us. The attacks will not stop because they come with our assignment. We have to learn how to encourage ourselves through the attacks. I picked up my bible and started to read.
Deliverance! I started reading in Romans and landed on chapter eight. I have read this passage many times but today the Word opened up to me in a new way. The whole chapter is amazing but the words “nothing can separate us from God’s love,” nailed itself in my soul! It does not matter what lies Satan uses or what truths he may bring up about us from our past or present sin…. all have been conquered at the cross! YES! When we seek forgiveness, it is given immediately!
Scripture says those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior, live in accordance with the Spirit and we have set our minds on what the Spirit desires. This does not mean we will not make mistakes but that our desire has changed to please God rather than ourselves. Satan attacks our mistakes, not the desires of our heart which are after God. He constantly reminds us of what we were in the flesh. Of course, we are a mess in the flesh! That is why we accept Christ Jesus. For we did not receive a spirit that makes us a slave again to fear, but we received the Spirit of sonship. In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:15, 26, NIV
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present not the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39, NIV
Our spirits can get downcast, Satan can remind us of how bad we were, but nothing can separate us from God’s love. We have the power of the word of God to refute anything Satan throws in our spirit. There is nothing that will give us the power to overcome the devil like the word. The word is our sword. Romans 10:17 says, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The attacks of the enemy will never go away but we can overcome every attack through the word of God.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; Psalm 149:6, NIV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
It’s Contagious 2
“A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the friends he chooses.”Proverbs 27:19 TLB
The kind of person you are is reflected in the friends you pick. So if your life is unproductive and stagnant, look at the people you’ve surround yourself with. Friendships, good and bad, indicate the direction you’re going. “Whoever walks with wise people will be wise, but whoever associates with fools will suffer” (Proverbs 13:20, GWT). Misery loves company, so steer clear of negative thinkers. It’s better to travel alone than spend your life listening to people who drag you down. When you come into agreement with the right people, you “can accomplish more than twice as much” (Ecc. 4:9, TLB). Author John Mason writes: “The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. The right friends and associations bring out the original in you. You know the kind of people I’m talking about. After you’ve been with them you find yourself less critical, full of faith, and with a vision for the future. The Devil doesn’t [generally] use strangers to deter or stop you…your friends will either stretch your vision or choke your dream. As you grow in God, your associations will change. Some friends won’t want you to go on; they’ll want you to stay where they are. But as Edwin Lois Cole observed, “When you let someone else create your world for you…they always make it too small.” Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. Respect those whom God has connected to you to help you. God cares for people through people…and wise is the person who fortifies their life with the right friendships.”
Source: The Word For You Today
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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He IsWorking
Even when we don’t see or feel that God is working, He never stops working. He is moving right here in our midst. He is here working in this place. Our Father God is always moving and woking in our midst. He is here touching and healing every heart. He always makes a way, keeps His promise, works miracles and He is our light in the darkness.
God works in ways that we cannot see; which is called the supernatural. I love that He speaks to each one of us individually. He speaks to us privately about our behaviors that He wants us to change. He is not a God that will embarrass us; unless we don’t listen after many of His warnings. Unfortunately, I have experienced the exposed discipline because of my own stubbornness to not change my behavior.
Many times we don’t see God’s miraculous hand working because God’s way is not our way. However, He never stops working. He brings us into situations that puts pressure on us to change so that we become more like Him. Although our flesh fights hard at times against the fire of God inside of us, God does not give up. Praise God that He never stops working! That is the God that we serve! The fire inside of us never stops working! My God, He never stops working on us! Amen
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Having Joy
Some years back our church did a series of messages on Joy. As I was going back through the messages, I came across one explaining how we can truly have the joy of the Lord as our daily strength. I love the clarity I received! The world gives us “common joy,” which is based on what is happening in our lives. The joy we receive from the world is ever changing and is based on the circumstances that we deal with at any given time.
Biblical joy is based on the unchanging nature and character of God who is everlasting, accessible, and powerful.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete John 15:5-11, NIV.
For I am the Lord, I change not… Malachi 3:6, KJV We can have and live in this “uncommon joy” through abiding in Christ. With all the ever-changing things happening in our world today, it is good to know that the joy of the Lord never changes!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Let You Go
I’ve been listening to this song that has truly blessed me. I love songs when the words speak to the depth of your soul; especially those that cause us to reflect and meditate for a while. This song is called Let You Go, by United Pursuit, Will Reagan. The whole song is wonderful, but these specific words have just resonated with me:
“Help me let You go Help me give up control Of the God I have made you
When my fear has contained you”
I just had to wrap my brain around this verse, asking God to help me give up control of the God I made Him through my fear! I thought wow!!! We contain God in a box through our fear. Did you get that? Our God is the creator of the world, the all powerful God and there is no other God greater than Him. Yet, we can limit what He can do in our lives through our fears!
Fear: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Did you see that fear is an emotion (a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others)? It’s a feeling that causes us to doubt our belief in God’s ability. This doubt or fear hinders God’s miracles in our life because we are required to have faith. Jesus told the woman that was sick for 12 years with blood issues that her faith is what made her whole. The word says that without faith it is impossible to please God.
Satan’s job is to steal our faith so we lose hope in our all mighty God!
Father,
We pray that you will help us to give up control of the God we have made you through our fears. We had no idea that our fears contained you! But we praise you that our faith releases all of your miracles in our life. Help us to walk deeper in the faith you have given each of us! God to you be glory and praise!
https://unitedpursuit.com/blog/video-let-you-go
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Burning Bush
I was checking my JCCMinistries blog site and I noticed that I had been writing blogs for seven years! When I first setup the blog site I had no idea what I was doing. If I am truthful, I still don’t really know much about blog sites! Actually, I did not even setup my first site; my daughter did. I mentioned to her that I wanted to share my thoughts to friends and family. As we were reading the Jesus Calling Devotional she suggested that I develop a blog site.
Now here it is! Some seven years later I am writing what God gives me instead of my own thoughts! Like Moses, the Jesus Calling Devotional was my burning bush. It was what God put in front of me to cause me to turn aside and check out what was in my heart. I love that God told Moses to go and I will teach you. Moses did not know anything about being a leader, but as he went out God taught him all he needed to know.
I did not know that God was leading me to write devotionals! I am so glad He did not tell me His plans. I probably would have been so intimidated that I would not have moved. When I started writing I did not have an office, laptop, or an editor. I actually started writing on my iPad. However, as I continued to follow God in this writing journey, He provided the things I needed.
I know that God has put something in your heart for you to do, or you would not be reading this post. You don’t need anything right now; except what is in your hands. Move with what He has already given you! Remember how Moses started, he had a staff. But because he moved, God used him to deliver a nation!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Do You Have A Difficult Boss?
“Serve wholeheartedly” mph 6:7, NIV
If you think your boss is hard to get along with, imagine working for David’s boss, King Saul. The more David tried to help him, the more Saul tried to kill him. So what did Davi do? Every time his boss flew into a jealous rage and threw spears at him, David ducked and kept on serving him. Why? (1) Because David knew God had called him to be king, and what better place to learn the ropes than right there in Saul’s palace? The truth is, sometimes you can learn more from mistakes and failures than from the achievements of success. So David kept his head down and kept on learning and growing. (2) David recognized that because Saul had been called by God to the position he held it was God’s job to remove him. Was that hard to do? Yes. But David understood that how you treat others when they’re in trouble determines how God treats you when you’re in trouble. And before his life was over, David got into lots of trouble and needed God’s mercy big-time! Paul writes, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” Instead of murmuring and complaining, work to excel on the job and pray for favor. Remember: “The king’s wishes” (Pr 21:1, NKHV). Because David acted with grace and integrity while serving under a boss who was a nightmare, God made him the boss! And when you honor God on the job, He can do the same with you.
Source: The Word For You Today
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Follow God’s Plan
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
I was doing some research for an upcoming Bible Study that I would be attending. I had read the chapter we were going to be covering and then I went to my concordance to get a better understanding of the reading. I wrote down some questions I had and begin to search for the answers.
About mid-way through my study I felt like I could not get anything else out of my head. I was beginning to get a little frazzled because it seemed like I had hit a road block in my study. Our God has this really funny way of putting us back on track. In the midst of this scenario I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Why are you beating yourself up if that is all that I have given you for now?” I can’t begin to tell you how the clarity of those words pressed in my spirit. I said, “Okay!”
Sometimes we try to be so perfect and attempt to figure things out for ourselves when God is trying to direct our paths. In the midst of my study God was giving me guidance and I was trying to beat down His door. We must remember that when we surrender to God and give all things over to Him, even in our study time He has a plan. The Bible says that man makes His plan, but God directs his path. I can attest to you that I would rather have God’s plan, than mine; for His yoke is easy and His burdens are light. I was beginning to lay a heavy burden on myself which was supposed to be a wonderful time of studying with God!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Meditation is from God
But his delight is in the law of the Lord And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
Mediation is from God and meditating on the word of God is not a suggestion, it is a command. I believe because we know that God is so loving, we take his instructions as something we should do, but not that we have to do it. In truth, his instructions are also commandments that He is directing us to follow. He is our Holy King and a loving Father and we must follow his direction and know how to meditate on the word.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippines 4:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
But his delight is in the law of the Lord And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
Meditation is focusing on something for a long period of time. Some people use meditation to quiet their spirit so they can direct their thoughts. When we meditate on the word of God it draws all that we are searching for to us. The book of James says that we are to think over, dwell on, let it fester in our being until all is revealed. As we meditate on the word it will all come to us. One scripture can linger with us for days, weeks or even months as God will continue to reveal to us as we dwell on a subject. Do not rush the thoughts, just let your body and soul rest in it!
When we are deliberate about meditating it requires a quiet place with the purpose of hearing from God. Meditation in the word is personal intimate time with God. It is developing a relationship with our Father. Meditation on the word usually requires reading the scripture over several times, looking up definition of words and then being still to hear God speak to our heart. God’s desire and request is that we meditate on the word so we have clear understanding of who He is, what His instructions are to us, and the blessings He has laid out for us. When we are meditating on the word we are in God’s presence, listening to Him speak to our soul. What a blessing it is!
God, your word is amazing, we do not just want to read the word, we want understand what is being said to us. We love having appointed times with you, help us to take more time to meditate on what you are telling us and to apply what you have revealed in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Positioning
I was riding in the car with my husband having a wonderful conversation when we came upon the subject of my parents. We started chatting about their home and that’s when I realized that they were “positioned” by God.
My parents had come over to see the new home we had purchased. My father really liked the neighborhood so we decided to take a walk. My father noticed a house down the street from where I lived and commented on how much he liked that home. He said, “I really like the porch!” The house was not up for sale so we just kept walking. Further down the street we noticed a home with a sign in the yard that said, “For Sale By Owner.” My dad and I decided to inquire about the house.
We went to the door and to our surprise the owners invited us in to tour their home! The home was very nice and was almost the same style as the first house my father looked at that he liked. My dad was really excited and fell in love with the home. He told the owner that he wanted to buy the home and would have his realtor get in touch with them. My parents went through all the loan preparation, selling their home and putting in an offer for the house. The owners accepted the offer and then months later changed their minds about selling the house. My parents were very disappointed. They had gone back and forth with this owner for months. They had prayed over this home and was sure that this was what God had wanted for them; but it was not.
Several weeks later I was taking a walk in my neighborhood and noticed that the home my father had first said he really liked was up for sale. I immediately called my parents and told them to have their realtor check it out for them. Three days later they were touring the home with six other couples. It was exactly what they wanted! My father said that he did not want to be in a bidding war, so he offered them the asking price.
Although my parents submitted their offer, it was not accepted because someone else put in a higher bid. However, two days later they received a call asking if they were still interested in the house. It turns out that the individuals who offered the higher price were not qualified for the loan. My parents had their loan and all finances in place because they had prepared months in advance during the time they submitted an offer on the previous house. It was not until much later that we realized that God had positioned them for this home! He had them fall in love with the other house so that they would be “ready” for the home my dad had first picked out! God knew that they were going to need to be ready because of the bidding wars. So, He prepared them ahead of time.
When God shut down the first house that my parents submitted an offer on, it did not look like God was working things out in their favor, but He was. God already knows what we cannot see! He knew that their would be a bidding war on the house He had for them. He knew exactly how ready my parents would need to be in order to receive the house they really wanted. God loves us so much that He will not let our emotions and broken heart move Him. As a result, He can give us the best thing He has for us! Amen
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss