Holy, Holy, Holy
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come’ Revelation 4:8, ESV.
I was quoting the last line of this Scripture over and over while praying and giving reverence to God when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Look up the word Holy.” I did not want to stop in my prayer but because I felt it pressing upon my heart, I pulled out my iPad and looked up the word. The definition of the word in the Webster Dictionary said the following:
Holy: 1) exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness
2) divine: for the Lord our God is holy
3) devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity: holy temple
4) having a divine quality: holy love, venerate as or as if sacred: holy scripture, holy relic
Greek: 1) hagios sacred; separated from sin and consecrated to God, Sacred, pure, blameless,
Hebrew: 1) kodesh, means holiness; holy thing
Many times, we get so used to using a word that we truly forget the depth of its meaning. Holy describes who our God is (one perfect in goodness, righteousness and holiness) and how we should honor Him (exalted or worthy of complete devotion). I thought I knew what “holy” meant but as I referenced the definition, I found that this word is for God alone.
Although I never thought to use this word in any other way it never occurred to me that this word “holy” can only be used to describe our God. There is no one or nothing perfect in this world except our living God! We can say, “Holy Ghost,” “Holy Spirit,” and “Holy Bible.” All those terms describe our God. If we used this word in any other way, we have taken it out of context. In Scripture it says, “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy” (Psalm 99:9, NIV).
As believers, He has made us holy through Jesus Christ, but we should be just like the four living creatures in Revelation who continue day and night saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” What an awesome way to worship and give our God praise!
Father,
What an honor and a privilege that we have been hand-picked by you to give you glory and praise! Lord, how we love you! We say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 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
God Speaks
If you truly want to hear God speak to you, keep praying and reading His word. Every time I am in prayer I hear the Holy Spirit speaking to me. I have now learned to listen when I hear Him speaking in my spirit. I don’t know why I am surprised when He speaks right in the middle of worship because scripture teaches God inhabits the praise of His people.
The other morning, I was praying about all the things I had to do on Sunday when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “The dry bones that I showed Ezekiel are all the dead, dry things in your life”. I went “Wait, hold on, what!!!” He said, “Do what I told Ezekiel to do and speak to the dryness in your life. Everyone has a valley of dry bones. All they need to do is speak to it with the authority and power I have given them.”
Yes, that is exactly what the Holy Spirit does. He brings you words of comfort and direction when you least expect it. I love that, because it points straight back to His word. “Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV). As I acknowledged God, He gave me direction on my path. Before I started praying, the song “Anthem” by Todd Delaney rang in my spirit and I began to sing it as best I could. God reminded me of what that song was truly saying.
He has paid our debt. He was raised from the dead. He is alive. He has all power. We are free, His blood covers our sin and He is in charge. Ask for whatever you want according to His will and speak with His authority in the name of Jesus and it is done.
I encourage you to read Ezekiel 37:1-14 which I have included below. Ask God to teach you how to speak to the dry bones in your life. Right them down and pray over them as He instructs and watch what appears to be dead around you come to life. Amen!
The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:1-14, NIV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
For My Good
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28, KJV
In Romans 8, Apostle Paul was writing to the church in Rome and was describing the difference between a person living a life in selfishness (after the flesh) and a life lived in accordance with God. For a long time, it would really bother me to hear someone quote the scripture above. I’ve always thought that with all the evil going on in the world, how could God say that He was working everything out for the good of those who love the Lord and are called to His purpose?
Over the years, God has taught me that it is truly Him who is keeping us. Through the study of His word He has shown me that evil is not His will but man’s choice. His grace covers and watches over those who believe in Him. Just like a shepherd leads his sheep, God is our shepherd, and He leads us. A shepherd may come into bad situations but he is always watching to make things well for his sheep. God has already done that same thing for us. He knows what is up ahead. While He does not change man’s choices, He still protects his sheep!
In my finite mind, I always thought that God should just get rid of the bad stuff so we wouldn’t have to go through all these painful things. Then I was reminded of Jesus and his journey to the cross. He asked God to take away the bitter cup, but He exclaimed “...not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, ESV). Jesus had the power to come down off the cross but He did not. He knew that God had a purpose for His pain that would ultimately work out for the good of all people.
The example Jesus left us should encourage our hearts and give us some clarity. Like a shepherd leading sheep - even though the shepherd sees trouble ahead, he still needs to carry his sheep through to the other side. For the other side has wonders that the sheep know nothing about. If the shepherd does not keep moving, the sheep could literally die where there are, missing the blessings waiting for them up ahead.
Jesus had the power to get off that cross, but He chose not to because He knew the father’s desire. We may have the power to move away from a difficult or hard situation but that does not necessarily mean it is the right thing to do. In every situation we need to do what Jesus did: pray and ask God for His will, not our own, and move according to the answer He gives us.
Be encouraged. God has not forgotten the promises He has made to you. Although things may not look good or be good, our Father has worked them out for our good.
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
GOD WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN
The Bible says, “Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’” (Luke 1:34-35 NLT). Has God been telling you things He wants to do through you, but you’re looking at yourself and thinking, “How can this happen?” You’re saying, “I don’t have the training, the resources, the skill, or the connections. And I certainly don’t have the strength to accomplish it alone.” If you’re wondering how God will bring it all to pass, remember that He will accomplish it! No one else will get the credit. How will it happen? “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v. 35 NLT). The Holy Spirit can impregnate you with a vision, inspire you with creative ideas, introduce you to the right people, and empower you to do the job. God had a unique plan for Mary, and He has one for you too. You aren't privileged to see the future and you don’t know all that God has in store for you—but He has a plan. After the angel spoke to Mary, notice what she said: “Be it unto to me according to thy word” (v. 38). Not according to your social status, or your job resume, or your finances, or what you deserve. No, “Be it unto me according to thy word!” Was that easy to say or believe? No, she was taking an extreme risk. To be pregnant and unmarried brought dire consequences in those days. Yet she gave herself willingly to God—and the results were miraculous. And God can do the same for you.
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 JCC Ministriestv:
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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
Graciousness
I love the scripture Jeremiah 29:11: 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. In this verse the prophet Jeremiah is prophesying to the people of Judah what God is going to do for them when they come out of captivity. The people of Judah were in captivity because of their disobedience to God. This is what the Lord says: Look, an army is coming from the land of the North, a great nation is being stirred up from the ends of the earth Jeremiah 6:22. …I will hand all Judah over to the king of Babylon…Jeremiah 20:4.
The people of Judah had been given multiple opportunities to repent from their sins and change their behavior but they refused. They were held in bondage for 70 years because of their disobedience. God is so gracious that even in His punishment, He tells them that He will continue to bless and prosper them. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” Jeremiah 29:4-7, NIV.
Our God sees us wherever we are. He knows what situations we may find ourselves in because of our disobedience to Him. God will always give us opportunities to change our behavior. But if we persist in our own ways, He will discipline us for our disobedience. It is just like any parent who gives their children warnings to change their behavior. After a while, the parent says “Okay, you would not listen so here is your punishment”.
Even though our parents punish us for our wrong behavior it never stops the wonderful desire and plans they have for us in the future. They are still making a way for us to get the best education and to have the best life possible. How much more does our God do that for us! That is exactly what Jeremiah 29:11 is all about. God is reminding His people that He still has awesome plans for them and will make their way prosperous.
Family, at times we may feel so down and disappointed in ourselves, thinking that God could not possibly want to bless us. But that is so far from the truth. We have a loving God who has only great plans for our lives. Be encouraged that no matter what situation you are experiencing right now, God has great things ahead for your life! Keep your head up high and be encouraged as you journey out of where you are to where He is taking you!
Father,
Thank you for your graciousness, that even when you discipline us for our disobedience, you still have great plans for us when we repent from our sins and receive your forgiveness. Thank you for putting us back on the road to the wonderful plans that you have for our lives. We thank you in Jesus name, we pray, Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
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 she came 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 I 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 JCC Ministriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
God Has Called You!
I attended the Declare conference in Dallas Texas which was very informative. This conference was for Christians woman who were called to the social media platform.
I met so many awesome woman who have been called to this public world. They were all at different levels some were just beginning to blog or write books others had just published their first book and some had over 20 books published! There were those who were doing all kinds of social media such as podcast, Facebook and YouTube live, Twitter and there were public speakers who had speaking engagements all over the world. I was inspired and honored to be apart of this faith filled group of women who were stepping out of their comfort zones to follow God.
The teachings and messages were informative and powerful! The conference reminded me that God has something for every one of us to do. He has given every one of us assignments in our hand although we may not recognize them, they are there. It was clear as I had the opportunity to speak with other women that we all experience the same thing while on the journey of walking out our assignment. Everyone spoke about their feelings of being nervous, afraid, and even not sure if they were going in the right direction but they were not letting that freeze them. We have to keep moving and watch God direct our path. We are here on earth at this time in this moment because God has ordained something for each of us to do. He has called you!
I leave you with these instructions Apostle Paul gave Timothy…I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.. 2 Timothy 4:2-5, ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
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
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
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:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published book Life’s Journey is now available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VYJKJ9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6Z95ANB487AMDF3VTDP9
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:
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
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:
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
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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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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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:
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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