Step by step
…O you of little faith… Matthew 6:30, ESV
I was sitting at my desk, it was late January and I needed to finish writing devotional messages for March. I did not have an editor on staff and I could feel all this anxiousness in my spirit. I needed these messages completed right away and needed an editor on staff before February to give them time to edit the messages and get them back to me so I could have them ready to publish for the month of March. I remember praying to the Holy Spirit asking Him for some help and I heard these words in my spirit …therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will put on…Matthew 6:25, ESV I thought okay, but I still need these things.
Later, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “You are concerned about an editor and you do not have everything ready to give to them. First, finish what is in front of you and then the provision will be provided.” I thought about Abraham and how he took his son to be sacrificed. While he was moving, the provision was moving toward him. When he reached the top of the mountain and prepared to make the sacrifice, a ram was waiting in the thicket Genesis 22. Many times we get ourselves worked up by focusing on things in the future when all we need to do is focus on what God has put in front of us.
I did exactly what the Holy Spirit said, and I began to finish up the writings. He told me to light a candle, relax and enjoy the moment of writing with Him. It was an amazing time! He just kept pouring into me what to write and bringing revelation as I looked up the scriptures. My time was full of joy, peace and exuberant praise! When we surrender and let go of what we think we have control over, his presence moves forward and leads us like the shepherd leading his sheep! Amen. Hallelujah! Let go of what you think you need right now and focus on what he has put in front of you. That is all he wants you to do. He will give you direction on what is next when it is time!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Illusion
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as a apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, ESV
Illusion: perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misrepresentation of its actual nature.
It was Friday night and I was in my office working when my husband walked in and said, “Let’s go out!” I was in the middle of writing and I looked at him and said, “Where?” He was like, “I don’t know, but it is Friday night and we need to go out!” The excitement in his voice and the way he stared at me told me that he was not leaving until I moved.
We ended up at this really nice restaurant downtown for dinner. I was actually surprised we got in without reservations; as the place was really packed. He said that he prayed and God opened the way for us. I was happy that the hostess was able to find us a nice spot. While having dinner I noticed the candle light on our table. There was a little lamp shade over this light. When I glanced over the lamp shade to see how it was lit there was a tea light. I thought it was interesting that it was not burning the shade so I took a second look. This time I noticed that it was a fake tea light. It gave the illusion of a tea light, but it was not the real thing.
Early the next morning I went into my prayer room and I noticed that I had left a candle lit all night. It was a blessing that the wick was down so low that the flame was contained inside the glass. When I sat down, the Holy Spirit said that the candle was not an illusion, but the real thing. It gives off a beautiful essence of its own. I sat for a few moments and watched it. Because it was dark outside, I went to turn on my light switch so that I could read, but the Holy Spirit said, “No.”
He began to minister to me that I had to be aware of what was counterfeit. He said that it would present itself as being real and give the illusion that it was the real thing, but it would be fake. The focus was totally on the candle, but I knew he was speaking about false teachers. He said the counterfeit candle appeared to be real and seemed to do everything that the real one could, but it could never transform itself. When a real candle is lit by fire it takes on a transformation. The wax melts and if lit for a long time, everything will become liquid. He said that this is what happened to you as you absorbed the Word; a transformation occurred from the inside out. A fake candle could never take on real fire, or transform itself into the real thing.
He reminded me that the truth in me will always bring transformation to myself and those around me. You can tell the real light by its source. The illusion will pretend to focus on kingdom building, but the ultimate goal is for selfish gain. As I was listening, I thought about when I turn my light switch on, it outshines my candle. He reminded me not to be concerned that the “illusion” seemed to outshine the “truth.” False doctrines will be exposed for what they are and brought to justice. He said that we must stay the course because those who follow the illusion, will be broken and they will need the real thing to guide them to the truth.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
God
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1, ESV
I had been meditating on some scriptures from our Bible Study on the Holy Spirit. In doing so I wanted to read and sit with the scripture that said, “…and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” When I started reading that scripture I heard the Holy Spirit say to me, “Are you so focused on what you want to research that you overlooked the first verse? Do you want to spend some time with me while I tell you about this setting?”
Immediately, I remembered what He had spoken to me some time earlier that month. He said, “You missed what I was saying in scripture because you move too fast; focusing on what you want to get out of the scriptures instead of letting me speak to you.” I stopped and said, “Okay Holy Spirit I am listening.” He took me to Genesis 1:1 and he said, “Look up the phrase, “In the beginning God created…”
As I looked up that phrase the Holy Spirit began to lay his words upon my heart. God! I thought I understood those words, but he brought so much more clarity to the meaning of each word. The word “in” used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits, to or towards the inside. He shared that when he says in, he means within, the location of what I am about to tell you. The beginning, the point in which something begins, so within this point that this started there was GOD, ELOHIM, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. He said that I was so focused on what the scripture said that I missed the most important part!
Before the beginning, before God spoke creation into existence, He was here! No one else, but him! The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit they have no beginning and no end. God exists outside of space and time. He has always been here. I knew that, but there was some revelations moving in my head. I sat and just let him speak.
Overwhelmed, I looked up the word created and the Hebrew word for created is bara (baw raw) which means to create, to make creation out of nothing, from previous non-existence material. He began to show me that in man’s mind nothing is non-existent, but in him everything exists because it is within God. Did you get that? He is everything so creation was made from something, it was made from within him!
As I let those thoughts flow in my mind, he said, “Everything that you have need of is in existence because God is here.” The need that you have is waiting for you. It has always been there!
His Glory
“Have you commanded the mornings since your days began, and caused the dawn to know it place.” Job 38:12, ESV
I went to a meeting to make a presentation about partnering with a company to sell my cookies. I thought I had it all together and that I was ready for the presentation. I found that I was totally unprepared and did not realize it until everything was over. When I started to analyze what I had done, a feeling of heaviness set in and somehow the situation played over and over in my head. I found myself trying to get out of that rabbit hole.
I started praying, but I was consumed with what I had done and it didn’t seem like my prayers were going anywhere. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Get your Bible and read it!” I love how God brings us into focus. I had no idea what to read, but he said, “Open the Bible and I will direct you on what to read.” My Bible fell open to Job 38 and I began to read. When I got down to the twelfth verse, I stopped and just listened to God. He began to speak to my soul. I read that verse over and over again.
“Have you commanded the mornings since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place.” Job 38:12, ESV As I sat and meditated on that scripture I felt all the pressure leave me. I felt all the worry leave me. I felt complete peace. My situation had not changed, but I realized that he knew what had happened and he had already fixed my problems. This meeting was to teach me what I still needed to do and where I was lacking. How could I have known if I had not gone through the exercise? I was being taught by God. It was a training course so that I would be prepared for what was to come.
God reminded me that in everything the I AM is there! He is in the midst and in every situation, he knows the outcome. This year God has me writing about his glory and this message once again directs us to the place of magnifying his glory! Amen! To God be the glory!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
Hand in hand
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27, ESV
We were all created as a complete package with greatness within us. When we were conceived in our mother’s womb there was nothing lacking for us to do the impossible with God. Just like when you put a seed in the ground, it is complete. There is nothing lacking for the seed to produce it’s fruit; except from working with the elements God has placed in the earth to assist the plant. We cannot add anything to the plant to bring forth its fruit. The fruit is within the seed.
God said that he made man in his own image. When we look up the word image we find that in the Hebrew it means the essential nature. God created man in His own image reflecting some of His own perfections: perfect in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, and with dominion over the creatures (Strongs Concordance). We all have what we need to succeed with Christ. While meditating on the first chapter in the book of Genesis, the Holy Spirit showed me that just like He pulled everything from within himself and brought it forth to the earth, we all have that same ability within us.
When we think of some of the great people in the Bible such as, King David, Daniel, Samuel, Queen Esther, Noah, Mary, Ruth, Elizabeth, Abraham, Sarah we find that they all tapped into the greatness within themselves. King David as a shepherd boy walked hand in hand with God, but kingship was already complete within him. Mary the mother of Jesus was ready to be a bride to Joseph, but before marriage she was already a mother to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was conceived with the motherhood of Jesus within her. All of these individuals came to the earth the same way we did, with the same kinds of obstacles we face in our own spirit. Yet, they walked on their body of water that God had called them to.
Just like Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water, each of us has our own body of water to walk on. The assignment that God has put in your heart may appear to be impossible and you will fail if you try to do it by yourself. Peter showed us what happened when he took his eyes off Jesus. Matthew 14:30—33 David could have never made himself king, Esther could not have become queen on her own, Abraham could not have become the father of many nations without God’s hand working within him. If you are not being stretched, or not saying, “The only way I am doing this is because of God,” then you are not walking on your body of water. You haven’t stepped out of the boat. So what am I saying? It is time for you to get out of the boat and walk on the body of water God has already placed inside of you. He is waiting for us to take up our position. The reason that we are here is to produce the fruit that is within us.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27, ESV
Great Jehovah!,
Thank you for moving upon my heart. Thank you for placing your greatness within me. I repent and ask for forgiveness for choosing to not trust you and walk in fear. I don’t want that life anymore. Please help me. I ask you to do whatever is necessary so that I will jump off the bridge into the water hand in hand with you. I want to do all you have planted inside of me. 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 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
Search Me God and Know Me
This is one of my favorite Psalms written by King David:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Amen. Psalm 139, 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 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
Who Am I?
So many people struggle with these common questions: Who am I? What am I supposed to do? What is my purpose? We have become so obsessed with these concerns that our market places are saturated with self-help books, leading people in every direction, looking for fulfillment. If you truly want to know who you are there is one person to ask and one book to read - Jesus Christ is the person and the Bible is the book.
The Bible says God created the world and we are created in His image. I know that seems like a very generic answer that gives little context to the amazing brain that you have and being that you are. But God in His complexity gives simple answers to get us started in knowing who He is. And knowing who He is helps us learn who we are. If you can think back to when you were a child, you might remember always asking questions like, “Where did this come from? Where did that come from?” All those questions were prompted from the spirit inside you, to guide you back to God so He could teach you who you are. Unfortunately, many of us were led in other directions, rather than back to Christ.
So now that we are older, how do we know who we are? 1) The Bible says you came from God and you were created in His image (Genesis 1:27). 2) You have a spirit, a soul, and a body. God does not have a body. He is a spirit and He put His spirit in us when He gave us the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Our spirit lives inside our body so we can live on earth and do the work of God. 3) God gave us our own soul which includes our mind, personality, will, and emotions. He gave us individuality so we could choose what we wanted to do. Each of us have our own souls that are apart of God, like a unique expression of God living inside of us.
In the Bible we learn of David whose occupation was a shepherd boy until God appointed him king. Mary was a young virgin who was engaged to be married to Joseph until the Holy Spirit impregnated her with Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector who was hated by the Jews until Jesus came and made him a disciple. Saul took Christian’s to be murdered until Jesus called him into being an Apostle for Christ. Moses was Pharaoh’s son until God moved him into being the leader of his people. What am I saying? Wherever you are and whatever occupation you are doing, be content in that space. Love and embrace who God made you. Don’t spend so much time trying to figure out all the things that He has already taken care of. When God is ready, He will bring all that to you.
When you spend time trying to figure all that information out, you become more confused, depressed, and unhappy. Live in the moment that God has given you and let Him show you how to enjoy the blessings He has put right in front of you in this season. Don’t be so anxious to move out, get married, get the career - just take every day one step at a time and I promise if you live like that, everything else will come to you. The Holy Spirit will prompt you when to move. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
The Battle Is Not Yours
The battle spread over the face of all the country, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword. 2 Samuel 18:8, ESV
The scripture above is about the battle between King David and his son Absalom. Absalom had decided that he wanted to be king and so he conspired against his father, deceived the people who his father ruled, and stole their hearts over to him. Once Absalom felt he had won the people’s favor, he eventually took over his father’s kingdom. Now because King David had no idea that his son was doing these things, when word came to him that Absalom had declared himself king and the hearts of the people had turned toward him, David, his servants, and his army left Jerusalem. His son was coming with his army, planning to kill his father.
Over the course of time Absalom’s army took up war against King David. King David’s army was outnumbered by Absalom’s, but God gave them victory. The battle was fought in the field of Ephraim. Scripture says that the loss was great that day for Absalom’s army, in which twenty thousand men fell in battle. Whenever you are standing for God, He will fight your battle. The scripture says that the forest devoured more people that day than the sword (1 Samuel 18:8). I don’t know how a forest can devour, but I do know who owns the forest and He will cause everything to work in your favor when you are on the Lord’s side.
When our children were young, we wanted to put them into a nice private school in our area. We had to fill out paperwork and put their names on a list. At this school, if you were a member of the perish your name would normally go above those who were not. And because we were not members, we fell to the very bottom. My husband and I prayed and asked God to open the door if this is where He wanted our children to attend.
A week after we put our names on the list, we received a phone call telling us there was space open for our daughter and inviting us to have our children test for the appropriate classes. Both children passed the test and because our daughter was now a student in the school, our son moved up on the list and was placed within weeks of her acceptance.
I love how God will let you know that He worked out a miracle for you. What we learned later was that two of the students that attend the public school our children previously attended had their names on the list at this same private school. They had been on the list for years and were members of the perish. The mother asked me how my children were accepted in the school when our daughters were in the same grade. I told her I had no idea; we just received a call that they were accepted. Later I learned that a new principal had started at the school. When we came to apply, we applied with the new principal. The original list of people waiting to get into the school had fallen behind on her desk, so when we went in to apply, our children’s names were first on her list. God had provided a miraculous way for our children to attend this school. He is always fighting our battles and making a way for His people!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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The Simple Love and Care of Jehovah
…I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3, ESV
Over my life I have witnessed God do so many miraculous things that I know it was no one but God! We have the opportunity to read the testimonies in the Bible of the amazing miracles Jesus did for so many, but I love when God does the simple, little miracles just for you, showing you His love and confirming your faith in Him.
My sister lives in Texas and she was having surgery. She had asked if I could come and help her as she recovered. I said yes and off I went on a flight to Texas. When I am on the airplane, I love the window seat. I just look out and talk to God. Now my husband always tells me that if I am going to take a window seat, I should not drink too much hot tea when I get on the plane because I will have to go to the restroom. The flight to Texas left at 7:00am so I made sure to have very little to drink before I loaded the plane. I even took a visit to the lady’s room before boarding.
I, of course, had my perfect cozy window seat and I begin to nod off. When I woke up, I had to go to the lady’s room. I was sitting in a row with two other men who were sleeping, and I did now want to bother them. So I started praying and asked God to just give me the strength to hold this until I can get off the plane. By the time I finished my prayer the gentlemen in the aisle seat clicked his seatbelt, got up, and headed to the restroom. Then the gentlemen in the middle seat looked at me and said, “This is a good time for me too”, and he headed to the restroom. I was like, “God did you just do that for me?” The whole row was empty and I got up and walked across my row and down the aisle and to a vacant restroom. When I returned to my seat the row was still clear!
I asked God for help so that I would not disturb anyone, and He did something greater for me. He poured out His love though His power and opened a door I would have never imagined. I did not have to say one word to the passengers next to me. The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son to die for us so that we could have eternal life. God not only cares about our eternal life but our every day, every moment life! His love is so precious that He would clear a row for His daughter! That is the dearest love that a father has for His daughter. When the Bible tells us that God will take care of His children, He does just that when we ask Him for help. Every day we can rest in the love of Jehovah.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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Stand in Love
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7, ESV
“Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him…” (Deuteronomy 30:20)
“…God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7)
“…if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12)
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us, God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16)
We have all been concerned about the war in the Gaza Strip. We hear all the news reports and read about all the devastation happening in that area. We see images of the war and we listen to commentators give their points of view - who is right and who is wrong, and what should be done. We see all kinds of protests happening regarding this war. And depending on whom you are listening to will determine which side you believe is right.
However, there is only one side that a believer in Jesus Christ should be standing on and that is God’s side. Scripture teaches that God is not the author of confusion and if you are confused it is because you are listening to another voice. War in the Gaza Strip and anywhere else in the world is not a surprise to God. It is not our job to try and figure out who is right and who is wrong, because we are all wrong according to God. We were given instructions to love.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7). In other words, if there is anything else inside of you except love, it is not from God. Listen, loving is the minority not the majority. Jesus was a minority. As soon as He started preaching and teaching love, He was a marked man and the leaders of the church sought to kill Him.
The greatest command God has given us is to love. “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).
When Jesus gave the sermon on the Mount, He specifically told us how we are to treat our enemies: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:43-45).
God consistently demonstrates to us how He loves His enemies; all we have to do is look back at our own life. We were born His enemy and yet God sent His son Christ Jesus who died for every one of our wrong doings before we were even conceived! Hallelujah! Our position during this season and forevermore is to stand in love.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss
What Can You Purchase for $35.00?
Nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37, ESV
Over the years, I have been blessed to know so many wonderful people. One of those dear friends is Paula Bryant-Ellis, a very powerful women of God. Every time she speaks the Holy Spirit just pours out of her in such profound ways. If you get the opportunity to hear her speak, don’t miss it because you will be blessed! One of the things I have heard her say many times is that you don’t need to ask God for material things. He already has everything you need handled. I was reminded of that when I wrote the title of this message.
Another dear friend of mine Elder Shelia, another powerful woman of God, who will slay you with the Word, shared with me one of her testimonies:
She was divorced and living in California. The tenants in the lower level of her apartment complex smoked weed and the fumes would rise to her place. She was concerned for her health and for the health of her grandchildren when they would come to visit. She prayed and asked God for help. She told God that she would like a house fully furnished in a safe neighborhood for her and her grandchildren to live in.
She has a cousin who is a prayer warrior that lives in Texas. She called and told him what she was experiencing, and they prayed together. They always ask God to answer their prayer in three days - they believe if God raised Jesus from the grave in three days, they could expect an answer in three days. After the prayer, her cousin started looking on the internet for houses that would be in a good neighborhood for her. He found a place the next day and told her to go look. She was hesitant but went to see the model homes anyway.
When she arrived, the salescerk was busy and told her to go ahead and take a look. Elder Shelia did as the sales lady said and when she returned to the office, she was told they were sold out of the model she wanted. The salesclerk was busy and told her to take her time looking at the model home because it would be up for sale.
Elder Sheila went into that model home and loved it. She prayed to God and said, “If this house is for me, give me time to anoint it and bless it right now.” She had so much time that she not only anointed the whole house, she fell asleep on the couch. When the salesclerk returned she asked Elder Shelia if she was ready to purchase the home. She said yes!
When she sat with the salesclerk, she noticed a referral incentive card. If someone referred you to the home and you made the purchase, you could fill out the card and they would send a reward to the one who referred you. As they started the paperwork the salesclerk told Elder Sheila she would need to put down $5,000.00, which she did not have. The salesclerk said okay, to take this house off the market they’d at least need a check for $35.00 and would worry about everything else later. Elder Shelia gave her a check for $35.00 and the sales clerk started processing the paperwork.
That evening Elder Sheila called her cousin to tell him how things had worked out and about the $5,000.00 down payment for the home. He insisted on wiring her the money that evening. She received the money and took it down to the sales office for her home. She also turned in the referral incentive card since her cousin had referred her to these homes. She was later told that the incentive reward for her cousin was $5,000.00.
When everything was completed, Elder Shelia had a fully furnished model home that she paid $35.00 as a down payment for. The incentive had paid her cousin back and she walked into her new home carrying a set of sheets for her new bed!
God is not concerned about your credit score or how much money you have in the bank. He already has a plan for everything you need. You just have to trust Him and remember that nothing is impossible with God.
Everything made by Him, came through Him, and is for Him Colossians 1:16-17.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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A Heart After God
Scripture says that David had a heart after God, (Acts 13:22) however, scripture also says we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity (Psalm 51:5). What was so different about David that God would tell the Prophet Samuel to go and anoint the son of Jesse “…for I have found in him a man after my own heart and who will obey his will” (1 Samuel 13:14)? We know that David was a shepherd, and we learn through reading 1 Samuel that David faced all kinds of tribulations.
In the story of David, we learn that David’s father Jesse sent him to the Valley of Elah where the men of Israel were fighting with the Philistines. He wanted David to get an update on the war. While David was there, Goliath was challenging the men of Israel and cursing their God. David became offended at the challenge Goliath made and he volunteers to fight Goliath. When King Saul questioned him about his ability, David said,
“Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:34-36).
Just in this conversation we learn that David had a genuine heart for God’s creation, he had to fight his attackers, he saw God’s hand give him victory, and he developed a deep reverence for God. He knew Jehovah personally. As we read further in scripture, we learn that the more challenges and difficulties David had in his life the deeper his relationship grew with Jehovah.
David’s life experiences are what germinated his growth and personal relationship with Jehovah to produce the exceptional fruit that we read about. The Holy Spirit showed me that when we ask to walk in greater love, to be humbler, to love our enemies and to have a heart after God, we do not realize that this does not fall out of the sky - it comes with experiences.
See, when we give a request to God, we are asking for experiences that will generate that fruit. Now the seed has to go through a germination process before it can break through the soil to even start the journey of producing fruit. Our prayer request for change is the seed, the answer is the germination process, which are the experiences we go through in life. Just like the seed has everything it needs when it is planted in the ground to break the soil, we have everything we need as well. The Holy Spirit would not prompt you to ask for something until He has made you ready for the experience. Your experiences develop the fruit of reverence that you have towards God. If you just take a moment and look back over your life, you will see that every challenge, the good and the bad, produced in you something you did not have before you went through it. There is purpose in everything. ELOHIM uses it all for the good of those who love Him and are called unto His purpose. God knew David had a heart after Him because David had shown Him through his experiences. Every day, all day long we are being tested and it reveals to God and to ourselves our heart posture towards Him. Everything that comes to us has a purpose and its goal is to transform our hearts after Christ.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Facing Fear
Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land. Exodus 1:10, ESV
Fear will always prove to be a snare. In the scripture above Egypt was the most powerful region in the land, yet they feared the Israelites. They feared being overtaken by another nation. The Israelites had lived among the Egyptians in their land for years and they had never done anything according to the Bible to provoke fear in the Egyptians, yet the king of Egypt feared them because of their large number.
The promised covenant that God had made with Abraham was now coming to fruition. He was making Abraham’s seed into a nation. In all the years prior Pharaoh never thought to put the Israelites under any kind of oppression but now that God’s blessings were manifesting in them, Satan settled in with the attacks.
When God is moving us into the promised blessing there will always be some kind of pushback. Satan is not standing around cheering us on, he is always strategically planning a way to bring us down. He does not care who he uses, he is just looking for the opportunity to break the cycle.
Many times, Satan uses the individuals closest to us to bring hardship. The Egyptians were the closest to the Israelites at the time and Pharaoh lead by fear was the vehicle Satan used. Fear, coupled with pride and arrogance, removed any humility from Pharaoh’s heart. And his hardened heart is what caused his nation to crumble.
Scripture says that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Anytime we are operating in fear, defeat is not too far behind because fear is not from God. We overcome fear by studying the Word of God, knowing who our God is and believing the truth about who we are in Him. Scripture says “…for we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]” (Ephesians 2:10).
Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Because God did not give us a spirit of fear, we can walk in full confidence not matter what we face. Adonai our Lord and Master has already worked everything out.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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The Plan Has Been Implemented
According to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Luke 1:9, ESV
When our daughter got engaged, all kinds of plans were implemented. We had the engagement party, the bridal shower, and of course the wedding. We had planned about a year in advance for the celebration. When the date finally came, we were all excited and ready to implement everything that had been prepared. It was time for a party!
When the priest Zechariah was chosen to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense, he had no idea it was time for the next part of God’s plan for his life to be implemented. When Queen Vashti refused to go before the king and his guest, Ester had no idea a plan had been implemented for her to save her people. When Mary became engaged to Joseph, she had no idea that she had been hand-selected to be the mother of Jesus.
God’s plans rarely ever look like ours. He lets us go on doing our daily activities believing we are in control but in truth, day by day he is moving us closer to the next thing He has waiting for us. I love that His plan is always waiting for us. Oh, how good is that! He even tells us in scripture that he knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). But the best part is that the plan for our life has already been implemented because we are here!
Scientists say they believe through all their study that the earth is over 4 billion years old. If that is the case, then earth has been waiting over 4 billion years for our season of life. We are here because it was in God’s plan. We were specifically chosen to walk this earth after Jesus came. In this season of celebration, I pray that we will enjoy every moment and be the light that He has already ordained for us years ago.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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How Great Are Your Works
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; but you, O Lord, are on high forever.
For behold, your enemies, O Lord, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil.
My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psalm 92, ESV)
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Grace Upon Grace
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16, ESV
One morning my husband and I were awakened by a phone call from my parents saying there was a man sleeping on their porch. My parents are in their eighties and live down the street from us, so it was easy for us to go and check on them. My mother said that she had gotten up to open the blinds and before she got them completely open, she saw a man on one of the benches on their porch.
My husband and I immediately headed down to their house. On our way down, I asked my husband what we were going to do, but he didn’t say much - he just kept walking. Sure enough, as we walked up to the front of my parents’ home, there was the man, pacing around on the porch.
My husband approached him and asked what he was doing. The gentleman mumbled some words that we could not understand. My husband asked what he was looking for, and if he was lost. He began to tell us that he lived there, and it was clear that he was confused. We told him this was not his home and asked if he wanted us to contact someone for him. He said no, and that he just needed to go, pointing down the street. We said okay, but we asked if we could pray for him first. He said yes, and we prayed.
There were so many other houses this man could have gone to before he got to my parent’s home. But God led him to a home where he would receive kindness, prayer, and the grace of God. Things could have turned out so differently depending on where he went. But God, in His love for us, even when we are not in our right thinking, is still showing His grace and care to each of us. We must always remember to give the grace we so graciously receive. Amen!
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, ESV).
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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God Will Make It Happen
“How can this happen?” Luke 1:34, NIV
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’” (vv. 34-35NLT). 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 your 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; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Repentance brings Restoration
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19, ESV
I heard a speaker read the verse above in a message and it just caught my attention. King Balak of Moab saw the large number of Israelites that had come from Egypt across from his land. He sent for the prophet Balaam to bring a curse on the Israelites who were his enemies. When the prophet went before God to see if he could curse the Israelites, he was told he couldn’t curse them because they were a blessed people. Balaam reported this back to the King but he did not like the message and was persistent in having Balaam come to curse them.
After several request, Balaam finally went with the king’s men to the location of where the Israelites were. He told King Balak and his officials to offer sacrifices to God and he went before God on behalf of the king. When Balaam returned, the only message God gave was a blessing over the Israelites. King Balak was upset and chose another spot for Balaam to curse the Israelites. But when Balaam went before the Lord again, God respond with the verse above. God basically said, “I will not change my mind. What I have spoken I will do, so do not ask me again.”
I was so excited about this verse because a few days earlier I had asked God to restore the years lost from some mistakes my husband and I had made. God prompted in my spirit to pray the verse from Joel 2:25-26 which says, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” I wanted to make sure I understood the verse and that I was not taking it out of context, so I went back and read several chapters in the book of Joel.
The children of Israel had disobeyed God and as a result, He brought punishment to them. The prophet Joel was sent to explain to them why they were receiving this punishment. In speaking to the people, he says what the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten. “Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster” (Joel 2:12-13).
“Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?” (Joel 2:14). Scriptures says that the people obeyed Joel and God restored everything to them and more.
Those same promises are for us today. We all have made mistakes that cause us to lose out on the blessings that were there for us. But God is saying if we repent, turn from our wicked ways, and obey Him, He will restore back to us what we have lost! Wow. I encourage you to read the book of Joel and Numbers 22-23. Your heart will indeed be lifted because our God watches over every word He has spoken, and He will perform it. Take Him at His word because He does what He says He will do.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Control
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34, ESV
In Matthew 5th through the 7th chapter, Jesus is teaching the people about how they are to behave as believers. This is called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus sat down on the mountain side and began to teach.
I was sitting in a doctor’s office waiting to hear the results of an exam. I had completed two different tests so the doctors could be sure of their analysis before they gave me the results. As I sat there thinking about the results, my mind went to the worst possible situation that could happen. I started to feel anxious and I just wanted to know the outcome. I prayed and sought Jehovah Shalom for peace in my mind so that I would calm down.
Reflecting on that behavior, I realized my anxiety came from not having control. I wanted to know the results so that I could take control over the next steps. I did not like the uncertainty. Scripture tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and to not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Jesus even told the people you cannot make your hair turn white or black. I had absolutely no control over the results; they were all in God’s hands, yet I was fretting in my spirit.
ELOHIM, the creator of this world has been taking me on a deeper journey with Him. And He reminded me of who He is and how easy it should be for us to release all and trust Him, and no matter what we are going through. Here’s a little bit of what He’s been teaching me:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Our earth sits on the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy and is 26,000 light years from the center. A light year is 6 trillion miles. Our galaxy stretches 80 billion trillion miles, and it is estimated that there are two trillion galaxies in the universe. The earth that we live on travels 67,000 miles per second around the sun. It takes 365 days, 6 hours, and 9 minutes to orbit the earth. While the earth is orbiting around the sun it sits on its axis and wobbles around. It wobbles in a circle and takes 26,000 years for it to complete the circle. It is believed that the earth is 4.543 billion years old (you can find this information at NASA Solar System Exploration). The Holy Spirit said, “If I did this in the beginning before I put man in the earth, why should you be anxious about anything if you trust me? I have prepared for every second of life.”
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matthew 6:25).
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Amen!
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Angel
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” Luke 1:13, ESV
The angel was given specific instructions by God to go to Zechariah and tell him that his prayer had been heard. God had set up a specific appointment so that Zechariah would be by himself when the angel spoke to him. The angel brought great news to Zechariah, for his wife was barren and they had no children. Although they were now passed the age of childbearing, God was proclaiming that He was going to give them a miracle.
Just like the angel was sent from heaven with God’s message to Zechariah, God is doing the same thing in the earth today. He is sending His message through His servants to tell of the good news He has for each of us. I am reminded of a time when God had a Prophetess call to give me specific instructions on what God was calling me to do. The Prophetess gave me detailed instructions, just like the angel did with Zechariah. The word that I received from her was confirming what God had put in my spirit long ago, something I thought was not going to happen.
I later shared the message with one of my dear friends and she told me that God had told her the same thing. She said she asked God when she was to tell me, and He told her that she would know when it was time. My friend wrote the message on a sticky note and put it in one of her journals. Would you believe she was able to find the note with the date God told her what He was doing in me? God had sent the word through the Prophetess, but He also had confirmation waiting for me so that I would know for sure this is what He had called me to do.
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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