The Parable of the Prodigal Son
One morning as I was praying scriptures over those who are lost and the parable of the prodigal son came into my spirit. As I prayed I began to think about how much God loves us. In the book of Luke Jesus tells us a parable about a lost son. The reason Jesus tells this story is because the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling about Jesus spending time with tax collectors Luke 15.
A little background about the tax collectors. Rome had captured and occupied the territory of the Jews. The Jews were living in their own country, but they had no control over it. Rome required all citizens to pay taxes to Cesar. So they hired Jews from that region to collect the taxes. The tax collectors would collect tolls, tariffs and customs, but they were notoriously dishonest and despised by their own people. They would collect more than what was necessary so they could add to their own pockets. Therefore, no one had anything to do with them and the Pharisees and the Scribes considered them the sinners of all sinners. So when they saw Jesus hanging out with the tax collectors they grumbled and complained.
Jesus hearing their grumbles gave several parables of why he was there with the tax collectors. One of those parables was about the prodigal son (the lost son). This son lived with his father, who was wealthy, but when the son grew up he wanted his share of the inheritance and he wanted to leave.
The father relinquished to the son his request and the son left. While the son was out in the world having a great time, he spent all of his inheritance. So much so that when hard times came, he had no where to go. He found a place to hire himself out to feed the pigs and he was so desperate and hungry that he was tempted to eat the pigs’ food. Now to the Jews, pigs are an unclean animal and they are not even supposed to touch a pig.(Leviticus 11:7) And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8 You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.
This son was so desperate that he was at a point of eating food of an unclean animal; which would make him unclean. Sometimes we do things that we would never do when we are not in our right mind.
Many times pride can get in the way of us seeing what is truly available to us. God has everything for us, but we can be blinded and stubborn in our own ways. I remember a friend whose family told her not to marry a particular man, but she loved him and did so anyway. They moved several hundred miles from her parents and they had two children. Her husband ended up being just like her family said and they spilt up. She was so determined to prove to everybody that they were wrong that she would not ask for any help and lived out of her car for months with her two children all because of pride. But her parents had everything that she needed.
When the prodigal son came to himself and realized that he could go to his father with a humble heart, ask for forgiveness and hopefully be hired as a servant, he left that job! But when his father saw him coming, he ran to his son with open arms and his father put a robe on him, threw a party and celebrated that his son was home!
The whole parable was not only about the tax collectors, but about all of us who are lost. The tax collectors had left their family and turned their backs on everyone. They knew they had done wrong, but they had no place to go to for hope and forgiveness. But when Jesus came and they heard the message they eagerly accepted him. They knew freedom was in him. We all know when we have been doing wrong, and when the truth comes it speaks to our hearts. All of us get off track, but that is why Jesus died and rose from the grave. When he rose he gave us all the opportunity to choose life. We were guaranteed death, but life has come! Scripture says, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19, ESV
Do not let you past hinder you from your future. Jesus died for every sin and he is inviting you to join with him in eternal life!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Prepare and Wait
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8, ESV
I asked the Holy Spirit for help with my writings and the cookie business that he gave me. I had some specific things that I wanted to happen. I had written them down in my on my vision board. I prayed over the vision and I trusted God for those things to manifest. We are not halfway through the year and many of those things I asked God for have come to pass.
However, they have come completely differently than what I expected. They have come with a lot of sacrifice and hard work. I used to read the passage above and the understanding that I thought I had was way off. As I read that passage over again today, in this season I realize that my asking has been very different. My asking God has been with a consistent prayer time with him. My knocking has been sitting and listening to what He tells me to do. And my seeking has been following the instructions he has given me. In other words doing the work!
If you are asking God for something be prepared to work, to wait and to go through a journey with him. Abraham wanted a son, so he asked God and he kept on asking. God told Abraham he would give him a son and he would be the father of many nations. But Abraham had to listen and follow the instructions God gave him before he received his son Isaac. Abraham worked with and waited on God for twenty-five years before God granted him the promised son.
The asking, the seeking and the knocking are all about how we spend time getting to know God. I believe our asking is always from God to grow us into a new level of relationship with him. Scripture says, that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, he will give us the desires of our heart. I believe as we give over to God, he gives us his desires which are to draw us into a deeper relationship with him. Because what parent does not want a closer relationship with their own children? I believe that every move is designed for us to know our father Jehovah more and to spend that ordained time with him that he had designed for us before the beginning of time. To God be the glory! Amen
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Request Granted
…what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” Genesis 18:28
In my study of the word, I came across the scripture above. I felt in my spirit that God wanted me to write about it. In this scenario, three men came to visit Abraham, one of them being the Lord. During their conservation the Lord reminded Abraham that he was going to make him into a great nation. He also told him that Sarah his wife will give birth to a son within a year. As they were about to depart, the Lord told Abraham that he was going to destroy cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Abraham started to bargain with the Lord. He was concerned about his nephew Lot who was living in Sodom. So he asked God if he would destroy the whole city if there were righteous people living there. He started asking if fifty righteous people were found there would it be destroyed, then all the way down to if ten righteous people were found. God said that he would not destroy the cities if there are were 10 righteous people found.
There were not ten righteous people to be found, but God in his kindness and love removed Abraham’s nephew Lot and his family from the city before he destroyed it. Lot showed kindness to the angels when they came to the city and invited them into his home. When it came time to destroy the city, the angel told Lot that he must take his family and leave to the hills. When Lot lingered the angels grabbed the hands of his family and took them out of the city.
When the angel told Lot to escape to the hills, Lot requested that his family be allowed to escape to a specific nearby town because he was afraid they would not make it to the hills in time. The angels granted his request.
Our God is so gracious that when he told Abraham about his decision, he made adjustments and granted Abraham’s request. He then went beyond what Abraham requested and saved his family. Although Lot was receiving grace to escape destruction, he made a request from the angels and his request was granted. The God we serve is so loving and gracious that in every moment of our lives he hears our hearts and is ready to grant our requests. Let us not lose heart, God is not lacking in anything and we do not need to hold back our requests from him! Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Problem Solver
We all have problems that we try to solve on our own. Sometimes we do a great job and things work out just find. Other times we have no idea how to solve our problems. But Scripture teaches us that Jesus is a problem solver and he will solve every one of our problems; if we ask him.
I am reminded of the story of the Israelites when they were slaves in Egypt. Their slave masters had become so ruthless that they called out to God for help. I don’t believe that I have ever heard of anyone in the world calling out to their God (besides the Israelites) and they were delivered from their hardships. But scripture teaches us that God heard the Israelites’ prayers and he answered them.
I don’t think that the Israelites were expecting God to answer their prayers in the way they received it. Moses showed up with his brother Aaron, carrying a staff and telling them that God had sent him to deliver them. Interestingly enough God gave Moses signs to show the Israelites why they should believe that God sent Moses. However, when things did not happen as quickly as they wanted, the people became angry with Moses.
At times when we ask God for help with our problems, we have to be willing to let him do it in his way and in his timing. His timing is always perfect. He is glorified so others know that he is God alone and that they can trust him. God also resolves our problems in ways that we could never begin to imagine.
When God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians through Moses, everyone knew about it. The Pharaoh of Egypt was the most powerful ruler at that time, but God showed the world that there was none greater than himself. I remember a time when I was working for a company and my boss and his boss had both said, “no” to a promotion for me. I was very upset because the workload I received had been doubled and others in that position with the same workload were all at a level twice higher than the position I was in.
I could not solve that problem, but when I took it to God, he moved my little unit out of that branch and into another branch and promoted me to the higher classification. Then later he moved my unit back into the same branch that would not promote me! Look at God! I encourage you, let him solve your problems!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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The Miracle
This year I asked God to let me see a miracle every day. Now, I understand that we have miracles in our daily lives, but I wanted to see more than I could ever think of, or imagine. On this particular morning I went to an appointment with my sister-in-law for her scheduled cancer healing treatments. While we were there I took a break, went to the ladies room and then headed back to where my sister was sitting. On my way back there were patients sitting in chairs receiving their cancer treatments. My eyes were drawn to this one beautiful older lady. She said, “Hello!” to me and I asked her how she was doing. She said, “Fine!”, but I could tell she wanted to talk. She was there by herself so I bent down beside her to have a conversation with her.
We began to talk and she shared with me about her family. She had two daughters who had extreme challenges, so much so that she raised her grandchildren by herself. Her grandchildren are now doing extremely well and are very successful. She also had two great grandchildren and she was so proud of them, but her heart hurt for her daughters. They were still having very difficult lives. I told her that we would pray and cast the demonic spirits out of her daughters. However, as I begin to pray she said I need to tell you that I died three times. I was confused and asked her what she meant. She repeated that she had died three times and said that it was nothing like they tell you.
I asked her if she would not mind sharing her experience with me. She told me how the presence of God meets you in the transition and you are very aware of the decisions you are making. She said there was so much peace and all this love comes towards you! But she knew that she could not leave. She said that she knew God wanted her here in this world to take care of her family; so she stayed. She said most of her life she had been ill and her ex-husband asked her how can she serve a God that allows her to always be sick. She told him that we do not get to choose the journey God has given us and she was grateful that she was chosen to serve this way.
She then told me about a man who called her from another state. She said that she did not know him, but he told her that he was going to die in a few days and he had heard of her testimonies. He told her that he had to speak to her before he died. He wanted to know what she looked like so he could be there to welcome her when she died. I asked her what her name was and she said Mary. I told her that she was appropriately named and afterwards we prayed. When I finished our prayer, her medication tube started to beep. The nurse came and told her that she was finished! She looked at me and said you were divinely sent to me for this moment! I said, “God bless you!” and I left.
God showed me how miraculously he orchestras time and seasons for us all to be encouraged! To God be all the glory! Amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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His Power
In my prayer time, a gentleman that I had prayed for at church the previous Sunday came into my spirit. I could see him standing at the alter in pain and crying as we prayed for him. I remember how the Holy Spirit took over. You could hear gratefulness and thankfulness come over him as he released his pain to Jesus. When he left the church you could see the peace that was released in his soul.
As God replayed that whole scenario in my mind, I became overwhelmed and I thanked my almighty God that we had a place to take this young man! We knew that the one and only true God who had made him and knew all about his situation was the only one we could take him to. We were never depending on ourselves. We were depending on the risen King to come in and take control.
I realized at that moment how blessed I was to know Jesus! I know that Jesus is the living Word of God and he is God and whatever I ask in accordance to his will, he hears and answers me. We all have this amazing access to the one who knows everything. We get to bring every single situation to him. He invites us to come to him! He says, “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, ESV. This is what happened to that young man. He came to Jesus and received rest for his soul.
Every believer has been given the authority to take anyone to the throne of God. Every believer has access to the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Every believer has an open invitation to sit with Jehovah at any time. As believers we do not have to be in the same place with the person to take them to the throne of God! Why? Because we go in our spirit we can be across the world praying and our spirits are at the throne of Jesus together and he hears and sees us! He has told us that we worship him in spirit and in truth. We cannot get to God through our flesh. It is through our spirit that we fellowship with him. So when we pray, we pray from our spirit! Hallelujah! We must never be concerned about how our prayers sound; they just need to be sincere from our hearts. Jesus takes care of making them perfect before our heavenly Father. Scripture says, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:34, ESV. I don’t know about you, but I get so overwhelmed by how amazing our God is and all that He has done for us! Amen!
Let us pray: Father, you have given me more than I can imagine. Thank you, I just praise you from my soul. Thank you for your generosity and love for me. I am so grateful, words don’t seem to be enough to express my gratitude towards you. But I praise you that you can hear my heart. Thank you! In Jesus’ name amen!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Ascribe to the Lord
Praise the Lord, you angels in heaven. Praise the Lord for his glory and strength. Praise the Lord for the glory that belongs to him. Worship the Lord because of his beauty and holiness. The voice of the Lord is heard over the waters. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees. The Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon into pieces. He makes the mountains of Lebanon leap like a calf. He makes Mount Hermon jump like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert. The Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oak trees. It strips the forests bare. And in his temple everyone cries out, “Glory!” The Lord on his throne rules over the flood. The Lord rules from his throne as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people. The Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29, ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Faith is a Shield
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one… Ephesians 6:16, ESV
As I read the verse above and was meditating on it, my thoughts went back to a vision I had seen some time ago. I was sitting in the dark and fiery darts were coming at me. Now at the time I did not realize they were darts because all I could see in the vision was little fiery lights. I would move myself close to them, but they seemed to move back. I could not understand why I could not embrace those fiery lights coming at me. I saw them consistently coming but they did not touch me. They were close, but I never felt them.
While meditating on that scripture, the word shield stood out and the Holy Spirit said, “Those darts could not hit you because your faith was a shield!” I was like, what!! And then the Holy Spirit showed me how in the times when I doubted God, I had lowered my shield, and the darts would hit. The first hit that would land on me would always be fear. It was such a revelation - fear got in because I had lowered my shield of faith!
How did I lower my shield? The Holy Spirit said I had stopped hearing and feeding myself the Word of God. Now as much as I did not want to believe that the scripture does not lie. “…faith comes by hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). And it also says that there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love (1 John 4:18).
The more time we spend hearing and studying the Word of God, the more we are being perfected in love and our faith is strengthen. This happens because God is love, and as we study the Word, He reveals more of Himself to us. Listen, the more time I spent with my husband when we were dating, the more my faith was built up in our relationship. So when he told me he loved me and asked to marry me, I believed him based on the relationship we had developed. Now if he was sporadic in our relationship, I would have doubts about his love for me and less faith in our relationship moving forward.
How much more is God saying the same thing to us? Our faith shield is kept up by spending more time with Him and in His Word, which is Him speaking to us. And at the same time our love grows and is perfected in a way that we will never doubt that He loves us and will do exactly what He says. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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All In with God
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. Genesis 12:1-5, ESV
The story of Abram should cause you to move immediately when God drops something in your spirit. When God spoke to Abram, he moved. Abram did not know where he was going, but he moved. Abram was 75 years old. He was not wealthy, he had no children, and he had none of what God had promised him, but he moved. He was leaving all that he was comfortable with, all of his friends and family, and walking alone with God.
Why do we procrastinate on completing the instructions God has laid in our heart? Every concern that we have, Abram had it too. He was just starting a relationship with God, but he did not let that stop him. God chose Abram. He handpicked him for the task ahead and Abram obeyed.
God has handpicked you too. He has a task for you to do that He has equipped you for and it is waiting on you. You cannot see all the treasures God has placed in you, but He wants you to trust him. You currently have the privilege of reading the story of Abram becoming Abraham and all that God did through him, but at those moments, Abram walked in pure faith and trust - hand in hand with God.
Our journey begins and ends with faith. Inheriting the promise is the outcome of faith and depends entirely on faith in order that it might be given as an act of grace, which is God’s unmerited favor (Romans 4:16). It is not our works that will get us to the manifestation of what God has put in our spirit, but our faith. How do we keep our faith strong? By consistently renewing our mind with what the Word says: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
God is always going to tell you to do something that is way outside of your ability. Scripture teaches us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways, declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8-9). You cannot begin to comprehend what God has for you to do. There was no way for Abram to make himself a great nation and have everyone honor his name. But he kept his eyes on God. He listened and obeyed what God said and in the midst of doing those things, his faith grew stronger. Abram did not waver from what God had said and did not get distracted from the purpose.
Just like Abram’s faith was given to him for his purpose, God has given you the faith you need to also move in all that He has placed in you. Do not just sit in the boat where it is safe, get out and walk on the water with God. When God told Peter to come and walk on water, Peter started out faithful, but took his eyes off Jesus and was frightened by the distractions around him. Peter cried out to God and He saved him, and he still walked on water! Don’t let the waves around you keep you from moving with God or you will miss the amazing journey God has for you. Be all in with Him!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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While Waiting
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25, ESV
I was in the doctor’s office waiting for the results from a test I had taken. During an earlier exam my gynecologist had felt a lump in my right breast and wanted me to have further testing. While I was sitting there waiting for the results my mind started to just wander into the most negative places possible. I heard myself say “Stop!” and began to pray, “God, I trust you. My answer to whatever the outcome is yes. I will walk whatever journey you put in front of me hand in hand with you.” I then started to pray under my breath in my prayer language.
I started to think about all those who do not have God as their source. My mind wondered to everyone who was just sitting, waiting for some kind of result, hoping for the best. I thought about their anxious feelings and what the enemy might be doing to their minds, and I continued to pray. The ultrasound technician walked in a few minutes later and said the doctor wanted me to take another test. She asked if I was okay with that, I said yes. I was moved to another room to wait for more imaging to be done. The Holy Spirit said to me, “I told you that you do not have cancer and there is no problem. Rest in me.” I responded, “Okay, God, then you must have me here for something. Who do you want me to encourage?” No sooner than I said that a lady walked in and sat not too far from me. She was not in the best mood and was having a difficult time. I just said “Hello”, and we joked with each other until it was her turn to be tested. After about 20 minutes I went in for the final imagining. When it was all completed, I was told that there was nothing to worry about. They just wanted to make sure that what they saw was nothing.
That journey of waiting was not easy, and prayer was hard because the enemy was working overtime to get my mind into the worst place. I love that in the midst of those moments if we let him God redirects our mind off of ourself and onto others. When my mind was off me, peace came to my heart. In your waiting season I invite you to thank God for where He has you and to seek His face for others in your situation. As you do this, He will free you with His perfect peace. Scripture says “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Overcoming Fear
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13, ESV
There have been times in the past when I’ve dreaded having to do a certain task or deal with a certain person. I was afraid of the push back or conflict I might have to face. It’s interesting - while writing this post and reflecting back, I’m realizing that many of the times when I faced the thing I feared, it was not as bad as I had anticipated. I know that was because I sought the Lord before moving. Now, sometimes the situation would end just the way I had feared but I still had to move and take care of the issue at hand, and God always gave me what I needed to get through it.
In the book of Esther, we read where her cousin Mordecai tells her she must go before the king to seek his favor and plead for the life of her people. Esther was afraid because she had not been summoned by the king for a month. The rule was that if any man or woman goes to the king in the inner court without being summoned, he would be put to death, unless the king held out the golden scepter to him. Esther sought the Lord through a 3-day fast with the Jewish people before she went before the king, and God gave her favor.
When the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites came up against Jehoshaphat, he was afraid. He decided to ask the Lord for advice and told all the people of Judah to go without eating. The people came together to ask the Lord for help. In fact, they came from every town in Judah to pray to God. Then Jehoshaphat prayed to God the promises that God had already said He would bring to pass for His people. After the prayer, a word came to Jehoshaphat through Jahaziel. God told him not to be afraid, and that He would fight their battle for them. Jehoshaphat still had to go down to the battle ground, but when they got to the battle ground there were only dead bodies lying around. God not only fought their battle for them, but He also gave them all the wealth of those who lay dead!
No matter what you are facing remember this – “the Lord your God, holds your right hand; it is God who says to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you’” (Isaiah 41:13). Take every situation to the Lord in prayer and He will deliver you!
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
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His Word Works
…for I am alert and active, watching over my word to perform it. Jeremiah 1:12, AMP
I don’t know about anyone else's god, but my God, ELOHIM, says that He is watching over His word to perform it! The one whom by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17). He is the one who says that He is watching over every word written in the Bible, every promise, to ensure it happens!
He says He has gone before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. He tells us not be afraid or discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8) and says that He is our God who goes with us to fight against our enemies and give us the victory (Deuteronomy 20:4)! Hallelujah!
A dear friend shared with me that when she was in prayer with God, she was seeking answers and God said, “You are looking for answers, but I am the answer!” Did you get that? ELOHIM is the answer. He is the beginning and the end, and all things are held together by Him! In this human flesh, we can get so caught up in our emotions and forget all the promises that we have in Christ. The other day I prayed about something that was really bothering my spirit. I did not want to have it in my heart, but I just could not seem to let it go. As I was meditating, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Start writing all the things you are grateful for”, and as I started to write, my heart was lifted and my spirit was filled. Instant healing took place in my soul and there was a complete peace that came over me.
His Word has been tested, tried, and proven true! He told the Israelites in Malachi 3 who had been robbing God by not bringing in their tithes and offerings, “Put me to the test, and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” God says, “Test me!” Listen family, His Word works! If you have doubts or concerns, talk to Him. He promises that He hears and answers all prayers. What a mighty God we serve! 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:
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You Were Chosen
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16, ESV
The scripture above makes it clear for believers who we are and why we are here. At that time Jesus was getting ready to depart the earth and he was speaking to His disciples and giving them instructions. He uses this analogy of the branch and the vine, telling them that He is the vinedresser, and they are the branches. As long as they stay connected to the vine, they will produce much fruit. He later ends the teaching reminding them that they did not choose Him, but He appointed them to their assignment. What amazing encouragement they received! All doubts were canceled about their identity and their assignment was precise.
We, just like the disciples, were all hand selected by God to be on the earth at this specific time. Can you imagine our God has a timetable set up and He specifically selected you for this season on the earth? Wow! That alone should cause you to pause and give Him praise. Listen, each one of us are so special to God that He waited for centuries to brings us to the earth.
Everyone here has a purpose and that is to reach the lost. God knew before Adam and Eve sinned that this world would be full of lost souls. He is concerned about every soul because every soul belongs to Him. His desire is for them to be saved. While He has assigned each of us different occupations, our focus should always be to make sure our light is on wherever we go. This world is so full of darkness that it is vital we make sure we are filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, who helps us complete all that we were chosen to accomplish.
Jesus left these specific instructions for our assignment: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:12-14).
Father, thank you for choosing me. Thank you for the seasons that I am in. At times I can get confused about my assignment, but I thank you for specific instructions. Lord, you command that I love others as you have loved me. I must confess that I struggle with this, especially with those who miss treated me. I seek your guidance and help so that I can follow your will completely. This I pray In Jesus’s 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
Harvest is Plentiful
The other day I was shopping at the grocery store with my husband. Once we finished, he went to the counter to pay, and I went outside to wait for him and finish a phone call I was on.
As I was encouraging the individual on the phone, I noticed a woman limping to her car. I was watching her move when I heard God say, “Get off the phone”. We were just about finished but He said to get off the phone now. When I got off the phone, He told me to go pray for the women who was limping.
I got up, went over to her car, and asked her if I could pray for her. She looked at me a little strange and I said, “I noticed that you were limping, and I would like to pray for your healing.” She said, “Oh yes, please.” After telling her my name, the Holy Spirit said “Bend down to where she shows you the pain. Lay your hand there and pray for her.” When I finished praying, there were tears in her eyes. She said that no one had ever done that for her. She thanked me and explained what had caused her illness. I told her when she sees her healing manifest, she will know that it was God.
We have to be prepared to move when God says go because we never know where the fruit is that God is going to wants us to harvest. 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
The Lord’s Day
For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:7, NIV
When we think of the Lord’s day, we usually refer to a time of worship on either Saturday or Sunday, depending on our personal beliefs. I was doing some research for a message when I came across the scripture above. I wanted to share the passage with you because it gives clarity to the Day of the Lord. Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonica, saying they had already understood the meaning of the day of Lord, so they had no reason to fear:
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11, NIV)
Our focus as believers must be on doing the work of the kingdom because Christ is returning soon. As scripture says, “…what kind of people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness [displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God], [while you earnestly] look for and await the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:3-12).
Paul explains that the day of the Lord is when Christ returns. As believers, we will not be surprised. Scripture has already given us insight about what to expect in this world when the appointed time comes. Make sure you are in the word!
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
Right Now
At this moment, we are exactly where we are supposed to be. God is with us directing our steps and nothing in this moment is more precious than acknowledging Him. This instant is not an accident. Everything in this moment has been orchestrated for us. Many times we look at our situation and get discouraged by what we see or are experiencing, but God wanted to remind us the He is in the midst of this moment with us. Take a moment and reflect right now that you are in perfect alignment with Him!
When we are in perfect alignment with Him we find gratitude comes easy from our heart. We must seek to develop the habit of thanking God for the right “now.” Our situation may not be as we would like, and we may not understand everything arounds us, but when we have gratitude for the gift of “now” it brings much peace to our heart!
Now: at the present time or moment.
Breathe deep and exhale, rest in the moment. You have just experienced the breath of your Creator. Now give Him every situation in your heart. Receive that your request has been answered and give thanks. That is the power of a right now moment with Him!
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
I Am Supernatural
…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10, ESV
I posted this message back in 2019 and God brought it back to my attention a few days ago. He was reminding me of the steps He had me take to look with expectation that my prayer was being answered. I literally took the scriptures of God’s promises and prayed them, expecting Him to make a way for me to attend a conference. I remember feeling this sense of peace after praying the scriptures. The scriptures recounting what God had done in the past gave me the confidence I needed to keep believing in the midst of all odds. See below:
I paid for a ticket to attend the I Am Supernatural Summit in Dallas, Texas. My girlfriend and I fasted and prayed scriptures for what we were believing would take place at the summit for our lives.
The day finally came for the summit, and you can imagine how excited I was to attend. I had so many expectations and I knew God was already answering our prayers. The day before the trip my husband wanted to take me to lunch since I would be away for three days. While there, I remembered that I had not checked into the airlines for my ticket.
I pulled up the airline, punched in my confirmation number, and I received a message that read CANCELED! You can only imagine my shock. I did what everyone else would do and put the number in again thinking I must have put it in wrong, but the same message came up. I immediately called the airline to find out what was wrong. I was told that I had inadvertently gone through a second party and that they had canceled the ticket.
I asked the individual who was helping me if there were tickets available on the same flight and she said they were, but they were $1,100.00 - $1,700.00 for a round trip ticket from Sacramento, California to Dallas, Texas. I had paid a little over $300.00 for my ticket. My husband said that the price is way too high, and he suggested that I check other airlines. I can’t even begin to tell you all the emotions that ran through my spirit at one time. Trying to trust God that He was making a way and hearing all the negative garbage from Satan. I texted my girlfriend who was attending the conference with me and asked her to pray.
I went back to work somewhat in shock and while there started looking for a ticket. After a while, I decided God wanted me to do my work and to wait until I got home. Then He would show me what to do. On my way home, my daughter called to see how I was doing, and I began to share with her my situation. Of course, she immediately went into work mode, searching for flights on different airlines. She found a roundtrip ticket for $550 from an airline that was 2.5 hours away from my home. The plane departed at 6:00 a.m., and I knew in my spirit that was not from God.
When I got home my husband suggested that I gift the registration that I had paid to attend the summit and plan to go next year. I did not feel that in my spirit either and wanted to be obedient to God’s direction. So, I went into my prayer room at 5:00 p.m. and asked God what to do. At 6:00 p.m. I heard the Lord say, “Pray the ticket price down and go pack your bag.” I went and packed my bag and I pulled up my computer with my credit card sitting next to it and I began to pray like Elijah did when he prayed for rain. I prayed the promises of Hannah when she prayed for a son. I prayed the promises of King Hezekiah when he prayed for more years to live. All the promises of God and His answers to prayers kept swarming in my head and I kept praying them. At 7:49 p.m. God gave me a ticket for $150.00 round trip! I was on the original flight that I had first booked and left at 6:00 a.m. from Sacramento the next morning. From that moment on I was forever changed; the I Am Supernatural Summit had already changed my life forever.
God wants us to remember that the way to keep our focus on His promises is to stay in His word. We cannot just plant the seed and walk away expecting it to produce fruit. We must keep it watered and that is done through prayer, scripture reading and worship. When we water our faith with the word of God, it keeps our eyes and expectations on Him. It also gives us the strength we need to fight off the negative thoughts the enemy sends our way.
Father, thank you that you have equipped us with the word of God. Thank you that the word comforts us and reminds us that no matter what we are facing, we are to keep our eyes on you. You are our source there is no other help but you! We give you glory and praise 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
Forgiveness is not a Feeling
“...death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21, 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 object of Satan is to keep us speaking how angry we feel so that we never produce the forgiveness that is inside of 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
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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
Harvesting
When I would hear the word “harvest”, I would get so excited because I knew what that word meant: an abundance was coming!
The thing is, I thought I completely understood the word but I did not realize what was actually involved in harvest. We are never in the same season for very long. We are either planting, growing, resting, or harvesting. Several weeks ago, I asked God what season I was in and He said harvest! I did it get excited. I guess I thought a harvest was going to rain down in my life. But to my surprise, God began to unveil to me what harvest really looked like.
I was listening to the Bible when I came across the story about Joseph. God told me that when Joseph was sold by his brothers for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, he had entered his season of harvest. Isn’t that something? Joseph was stripped of his beautiful robe and sold away from his family by his brothers yet God said he had entered into his season of harvest.
Perhaps we should understand the word harvest a little more. Harvest is defined as ”...the season for gathering in agricultural crops; the act or process of gathering a crop.” God revealed to me that He sent Joseph to Egypt so he could get prepared to become second in command there. Joseph was sent ahead of his family to literally gather a harvest for them. The way in which God ordained Joseph's path for harvest did not feel like a harvest to Joseph.
Many of us could not imagine a harvest as something negative and devastating. Joseph was stripped of everything he knew in order to receive the greater harvest God had for him. Many of us are in a season of harvest but we are unaware of it because things can be so detrimental. Our focus is so much on our current situation and usually we are asking God to change it that we cannot see what He is doing. When in essence our problems have positioned us right in the place we need to be for the greatest harvest to happen in our lives.
Joseph could have never imagined seeing his parents again, although I’m sure he dreamed of it. Just because it may seem that God strips us of the things we love does not mean it will be that way forever. God knows what is best for us, for whatever season he has us in. We just have to trust Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path! Proverbs 3:5-6
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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Expectantly
I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1, KJV
I have read this scripture above many times. Only this time when I was reading it, I heard the Holy Spirit ask me, “What does ‘patiently’ mean?” I said “Not being in a rush, being patient and understanding.” He then told me to look up the word, not only in the dictionary but also in Strong’s Concordance.
Patiently: in a way that shows tolerance of delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. (Dictionary)
Patiently: gavh (kaw’vaw) means to bind together—wait, look, wait for, to look for, gathered. This word stresses the straining of the mind in a certain direction with an expectant attitude…a forward look with assurance. (Strong’s Concordance)
When I looked up the word “patiently” in the concordance I looked for the definition that was specific to the scripture. I was surprised to find that “patiently” meant focusing or looking with an attitude of expectancy. In this specific scripture the psalmist is saying that he waited with an expectation that God would hear his request and answer him.
The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the way I wait with expectation when I go to a restaurant. I put in my order and I wait with expectation that they are going to bring me the food I ordered. I don’t just wait. I wait with my mind in a certain direction for what I am expecting. I heard God say, “Do you wait for me that way? When you ask me for something are you expecting me to answer? Are you straining your mind to see the answer come?” I was embarrassed to answer that I am not always looking with expectancy. The Holy Spirit then brought back to my attention that the psalmist received his answer because he was expecting to receive from God!
When we pray we must remember to have an attitude of expectation. Just like we expect to wake up every morning and we plan for the day ahead; how much more should we look to God with expectancy that He will answer our prayers.
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