The Messenger
“…I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” So he proceeded to do what the Lord commanded. Elijah left and lived at the Wadi Cherith where it enters the Jordan. The ravens kept bringing him bread and meat in the morning and in the evening, and he would drink from the wadi.
—1 Kings 17:4-6, CSB
In the passage above, God gave Elijah specific instructions on how he would be fed during the drought in the land. He commanded birds—specifically ravens—to bring Elijah food throughout the day.
I was sitting in my backyard writing when I noticed a blue jay repeatedly flying past me. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But when I looked up, I saw the bird had a blueberry in its mouth.
We have two blueberry bushes growing in pots in our backyard. I knew they had fruit on them, but from what I could see, the berries hadn’t ripened yet. I wondered why the bird would pick sour fruit from the bush. Still, I kept writing, only half-paying attention—until the third time the bird flew past, this time with a small branch of fruit in its beak.
That’s when I thought, Let me go check this bush. When I walked over, I was shocked to find ripe fruit hidden among the inner branches. I had only been paying attention to the outer branches. I quickly picked the ripe berries before the bird could eat them all and then returned to writing.
But just a few moments later, the bird returned—this time to the second bush—and began picking fruit from that one as well. I thought, What? Let me check this bush too. Sure enough, the inner branches of that bush were also full of ripe berries.
Looking back now, it’s funny to realize that both bushes were abundantly full of fruit, yet I had begun to think they were no longer producing. I hadn't taken the time to look closely. Meanwhile, the birds were enjoying the fruit of my labor.
God used that moment to remind me: when I’m in a rush and not paying attention to His quiet nudges, I can miss the blessings He’s trying to reveal. That bird had to fly past me three, maybe four times before I finally noticed what God was showing me.
The presence of our God is beautiful and often speaks with a quiet spirit that touches our soul—when we’re paying attention. He uses everything, even a blue jay, to bring us His message.
Key Takeaways
Stay alert—God is always guiding us.
He often speaks in ways that are not obvious or expected.
If you miss His voice, you may miss the blessing He’s trying to give.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Jaw-Dropping, Mind-Blowing Jesus
“…that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
—1 Corinthians 15:4, ESV
I was listening to a song on YouTube when the artist sang the words: “My jaw-dropping Jesus, my mind-blowing Jesus.” As soon as I heard that phrase, my spirit stirred. I began to reflect on the jaw-dropping moments Jesus had brought into my life. Had I truly been expecting Him to do the miraculous things He is known for—those awe-inspiring, mind-blowing miracles He constantly performs for those who believe?
I sat quietly and remembered one powerful moment from over forty-two years ago when I was in church. I had prayed and asked God, “If You want me to be married, You’ll have to bring me a husband, because I’m not looking and I’m not dating anyone.” Immediately after finishing that prayer, a man walked into our church—someone I had never met before, and someone who had never visited our church until that day. God said to me, “There is your husband.” And He was.
That was just one of those awe-struck miracles—but Jesus continues to do incredible things in my life, and I am deeply grateful. Prior to hearing that song, I had been praying again—this time, asking God to let me live in the supernatural, abundant life. I want to experience the jaw-dropping, mind-blowing Jesus I know Him to be.
Let me be clear: I am full of gratitude for all God has done for me and for those I love. But I’ve also come to realize something important—when people look at our lives, they often attribute our blessings to our own efforts: good jobs, pensions, or wise planning. I asked God to make our life a testimony so unmistakably miraculous that when people see or hear about it, they’ll know without a doubt: “That it had to be God.”
When Israel crossed the Red Sea, everyone knew it was God. When they went to battle for the Promised Land, their enemies were terrified—so much so that the Gibeonites devised a cunning plan to deceive Israel just so they could survive (Joshua 9). The hand of God was undeniable.
When we live with the expectation of our jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, miracle-working, chain-breaking, yoke-destroying Jesus, the world takes notice—and many are drawn to serve Him.
How about you?
When was the last time you experienced your own jaw-dropping, mind-blowing moment with God? Maybe now is the time to bring that deep, impossible-seeming request before Him—the one hidden in the belly of your soul. He’s tugging at your heart, nudging you to ask and believe. And if belief feels hard, ask Him to help your unbelief. Step into the extraordinary journey He has already prepared for you and your family.
Key Takeaways
Jaw-dropping: Esther, a Jewish woman, became Queen of Persia.
Mind-blowing: David, the youngest of his brothers, defeated Goliath.
Yoke-destroying: Egypt’s mighty army drowned in the Red Sea.
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Releasing Control
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
—Luke 22:42, KJV
Control: To exercise restraining or directing influence over; to have power over; to rule.
In the passage above, Jesus is praying to the Father, asking if the cup of wrath—the suffering He was about to endure—could be removed. Yet before God responds, Jesus adds a powerful declaration: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Though Jesus had full authority and the power to come down from the cross, He surrendered His will to YHWH.
There’s a song by William McDowell called I Give Myself Away. One of the lines says, “I give myself away so You can use me.” Another says, “Lord, my life is in Your hands.” I used to sing that song often, and I meant every word. But over the years, I’ve realized that while it’s easy to say those words, truly releasing my will is harder than I expected. We can be sincere in what we say, but when the opportunity comes to actually submit our will, it often comes with a challenge.
Some time ago, my husband and I were navigating an insurance claim for one of our homes. I thought I had released control and was letting him handle it—until one day, while we were in the car, he received a call from the insurance adjuster. The call was on speaker because he was driving, and as I listened, I felt myself getting increasingly upset. I didn’t understand the decision he had made or how it would affect our claim. As soon as he hung up, I jumped in with my frustration.
In that moment, I could feel the Holy Spirit gently reminding me that I had released control. But my emotions were so strong that I couldn’t stop myself. My husband calmly said something like, “I prayed about this, and I believe this is what God is leading me to do.” His words made me pause and reflect on my behavior.
Satan is always looking for opportunities to trip us up. He’s strategic. Until that moment, I thought I had let go of control—but the situation revealed otherwise. That’s why Scripture tells us to pray about everything: because we truly can’t do this on our own. Jesus told the disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
Even with good intentions, our flesh is weak. Without prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, we will fall back into what we thought we had surrendered.
Key Takeaways:
Good intentions do not always lead to right actions.
Releasing our will to control only happens through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is the power source for releasing control.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Long Life
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length of days, long life, and peace to you.”— Proverbs 3:1–2, AMP
In today’s world, there is an overwhelming amount of information on how to live a long and healthy life. The focus is usually on what to eat, how much water to drink, how often to exercise, and how many hours of sleep to get. While all of these things are important and impact how our bodies function during our time on earth, many of these messages leave out the most essential key—the one Scripture guarantees will bring long life, peace, and goodness.
That key is keeping God’s commandments. We must obey His instructions.
It reminds me of my childhood. As long as I followed my parents’ instructions, things went well. But when I chose to disobey and do my own thing, I usually ended up in trouble. It didn’t matter how healthy my habits were—if I disobeyed their guidance, life didn’t go well for me.
When God appointed Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, He said to him:
"This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:8–9, ESV
Joshua obeyed the Lord’s commands and lived a long, prosperous life. Scripture tells us he died at the age of 110.
God is the Creator of all things, and everything exists for His purpose—including us. He brought each one of us into the world with intention and design. So, it only makes sense that we would listen to what He says and follow His commands if we want to truly enjoy this life.
I remember a line from an old television show where a father was speaking to his disobedient son and said, “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.” It’s a humorous line—but it also echoes a sobering truth. YHWH brought us into this world, and if we live in disobedience, we shouldn’t be surprised if our choices lead to consequences.
Long life is found in Christ Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
A long, healthy life is found in the Word of God.
Our Creator has given us specific guidance for how to live well.
The world’s suggestions will never satisfy what your soul truly desires.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
I Am Loved
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— Romans 8:38–39, ESV
Every morning and evening, I make a declaration: I am loved. I quote the verse above as a powerful reminder of God’s unfailing love. It strengthens my spirit and counters the lies the enemy tries to whisper. No matter what comes our way, nothing can separate us from God’s love.
As I meditated on this truth, I went for a walk. Everywhere I looked, I saw expressions of God’s love. The trees, shrubs, grass, sky, birds—even the very air I breathed—spoke of His care and creativity. Then I noticed something unexpected: the weeds. Some were so intricate, detailed, and oddly beautiful. I paused and thought, Lord, there is so much of You we have yet to understand.
If sin had never entered the world, we would have never known weeds. Scripture tells us that because Adam disobeyed, God issued a consequence:
"And He said to the man, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, “Do not eat from it”: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.'"
— Genesis 3:17–18, CSB
Thorns, thistles, and weeds were never part of God's original design for the earth. Yet even in His discipline, God didn’t remove beauty from the landscape. His love was still visible—woven into creation. That’s how deeply He loves us.
During prayer, I was reflecting on the depth of His love, and I felt the Holy Spirit gently prompt me with this thought: “If I knew from the beginning that you would need a Savior—and I prepared a body for that purpose—how could you doubt that I also know and will provide for your daily needs?” I sat quietly, letting that truth settle in.
Then I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11:
"For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
You are so deeply, eternally loved. Receive that love. Rest in it. Let it be your foundation every day.
Key Takeaways
You are loved.
Nothing can separate you from His love.
The more you understand His love, the more you can rest in it.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
You Never Stop Working
“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’” – John 5:17 (ESV)
While browsing YouTube for some music to listen to, a video popped up that deeply disturbed my spirit. As I played worship music in the background, I began to pray. Even after the first song ended, I continued pouring out my concerns to God about what I had seen.
Then, the song Way Maker began to play. I wasn’t fully tuned in at first—until I heard the lyrics:
“Even when I don’t see that You’re working, even when I don’t feel that You’re working, You never stop, You never stop working.”
In that moment, I knew God was answering my prayers. The enemy had tried to drag my mind into a spiral of sorrow, but the Lord interrupted it with a reminder of His constant presence and power.
I couldn’t help but thank God! Things might look bleak or feel overwhelming, but appearances don’t define reality. Time and time again in Scripture, whenever Israel found itself in a desperate situation and cried out to God, He was already at work behind the scenes, orchestrating their deliverance.
I’m convinced that as I was praying, God was saying, “I hear you, and I’ve already taken care of it.”
I’m reminded of the Jews living in Persia when Haman—second in command to the king—issued a decree sealed with the king’s signet ring to annihilate them. The news caused great mourning. They put on sackcloth and ashes and cried out to God with loud, bitter wailing.
But here’s the powerful truth: God already had the answer prepared before the problem ever surfaced. He positioned Esther for such a time as that—to bring about their deliverance.
The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He never changes. Just as He cared for His people then, He still moves on behalf of those He has called today.
He is always working—even when we can’t see it or feel it.
Hallelujah! He is our King! He is the Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness—and so much more.
Key Takeaways
Don’t let what you see discourage you.
God has already worked out your problem.
What you can’t see is greater than what you can see.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Honor the King
"And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords." — Revelation 19:16
I recently had the opportunity to lead a Bible study teaching from the book The Power of Jesus’ Names by Tony Evans. The chapter I spoke from was focused on the title "King," emphasizing how we are to reverence and serve Jesus as our King. One of the insights the Holy Spirit revealed is that because the United States is not a monarchy, many of us struggle to fully grasp our role under a king.
A monarchy is a system of government in which a single person—usually a king or queen—reigns as head of state, often through hereditary succession. In contrast, we live in a democracy, but it's important to note that this country was built on rebellion. One example is the Boston Tea Party, a pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution. It symbolized colonial defiance against British rule and taxation, ultimately becoming a landmark of the fight for liberty and independence. From the beginning, Americans have resisted ruling authority.
When we are called to truly honor Jesus as King, as the book describes, it demands responses like obedience, dependence, honor, respect, and self-sacrifice—all of which run counter to the values our culture often promotes.
In doing some additional research, I found an article that explained how the subconscious mind is largely formed between birth and around age 7 or 8. By that age, most of us have been conditioned to believe that our government works for us, not the other way around. So when we hear that Jesus is our King and that we are to serve and honor Him, our flesh often resists—reacting to what has been ingrained in our subconscious.
After the Bible study, the Holy Spirit prompted me to research how many countries are democracies. When I reached the United States, I discovered it is classified as a "flawed democracy." As I continued reading, I found statistics showing that in our country, there is a birth every 8.6 seconds and a death every 10.2 seconds. That revelation led me to declare: whether or not we choose to acknowledge Jesus as our King, He is King and Ruler of the universe.
I began looking into birth and death rates in other countries and found that each nation’s data was tracked down to the precise second. It was a powerful reminder that we do not choose the moment we are born, and unless we make the tragic decision to end our own lives, we do not choose when we die. Our lifespan has already been ordained. That decision was made by Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, before we were ever born.
If we desire to live eternally, we must surrender ourselves to Yeshua and walk in obedience to the commands of King Jesus.
Command: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" — Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
Key Takeaways:
Jesus is King.
Although we were shaped by a spirit of rebellion, through Jesus Christ we are made new.
We are obligated to honor Jesus as King—and that begins with obedience.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Jehovah Tsaba—Warrior
“The Lord your God is with you, a mighty warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you with his love. He will delight in you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (CSB)
In this passage, Zephaniah speaks of God’s deliverance for those who are obedient to Him. Earlier in the chapter, he warns of the punishment that will fall on the disobedient. Yet here we are reminded of God’s enduring mercy: when we repent, His anger subsides, forgiveness is granted, and His blessings rain down upon us.
I love that God is described as our Warrior—Jehovah Tsaba. The Hebrew term tsaba means strong, mighty, and brave. We see this name in action when David confronts Goliath. Israel’s army was paralyzed by fear of the giant, but David recognized that Goliath lacked God’s covering. Relying on Jehovah Tsaba, David went out to battle and emerged victorious.
We, too, have access to that same power and victory in every battle we face. Remember when Peter walked on water? As long as his eyes remained fixed on Jesus, he stayed above the storm. But when he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink—and could only be saved by calling out to Christ. Jesus promises never to leave us nor forsake us; it is our responsibility to proclaim His power over every circumstance.
As David declared:
“You come against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel—whom you have defied. Today the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and remove your head, and I will give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the earth, so that the whole world may know that there is a God in Israel. And this entire assembly will know that the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45–47 (CSB)
Yeshua is our Warrior, and we do not have to fight alone. The risen Jesus declares: “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:18 (CSB) Because Jesus holds the keys of death, He has authority over it. He grants life to all who receive the gift of salvation. Satan can no longer accuse believers of sin, for we have received the righteousness of Christ through our Warrior, Jehovah Tsaba.
Key Takeaways
Every battle has already been won, for Jehovah Tsaba has gone before us.
We must rely on the power of Jesus Christ for victory in every circumstance.
When we focus on the storm instead of on Jesus, defeat becomes almost inevitable.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Timeline
"The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years." — Exodus 12:40 (ESV)
I could have chosen any scripture in the Bible to talk about timelines, but when I opened an app that provides verses based on topics and typed in the word “timeline,” the scripture above appeared. I thought, That’s interesting, because the 430 years that Israel lived in Egypt were specifically ordained by God. In fact, He told Abraham, "Know positively that your descendants will be strangers dwelling as temporary residents in a land that is not theirs [Egypt], and they will be slaves there and will be afflicted and oppressed for 400 years." (Genesis 15:13, AMP). That promise was fulfilled in Exodus 12:40.
I had been in prayer—though I’m not sure if I was praying or complaining—about things I was seeing in the news and on social media. That’s when God responded: I was upset about a mere speck on His timeline. Let me tell you—God knows how to get your attention.
When I worked for the State of California as an Examination Analyst, I was responsible for conducting exams for those seeking employment with the state. Part of my role involved creating a timeline for each exam, listing every stage from start to finish. At times, I managed anywhere from five to seven exams at once. Having a timeline was essential so that both I and my supervisors could track the status of each exam at any given moment. Nothing caught us off guard. I was never anxious about what was happening because I had already planned what was coming. Each stage was scheduled with the end goal in mind.
So when the Holy Spirit said I was worried about a speck on His timeline, I understood: God has everything under control. My complaints, in that moment, weren’t necessary. When we think about timelines, we must remember that this is just one phase in a greater process. Nothing surprises God. He knows exactly what’s happening and what is to come. Our role is simple—to keep our eyes on Him and trust Him in everything we see and do.
Takeaways:
Yeshua has the master plan—He knows exactly what is happening.
Like Peter walking on water, our responsibility is to keep our eyes on Yeshua.
In our prayers, we are not informing God of anything He doesn’t already know.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Jesus Is The Answer
There is a song by Andrae Crouch called "Jesus Is the Answer." As I sat quietly, writing and reflecting, that song suddenly came into my spirit. I heard just one line: "Jesus is the answer for the world today; above Him there is no other, Jesus is the way." In that moment, I knew God was speaking directly to my heart. I sat still, letting the words linger and settle in my mind. Soon after, I decided to look up the full lyrics.
As I read through the song, one portion stood out to me:
"I know you got mountains that you think you cannot climb, I know that your skies have been dark, you think the sun won't shine. In case you don't know, I'm here to tell you that the Word of God is true, And everything that He promised, I tell you, He will do it for you."
I was so encouraged by those words.
So often, we become overwhelmed by the weight of what we're facing and forget that we were never meant to carry our burdens alone. Jesus is the answer. He has promised to take care of us. I am reminded that Jesus is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Sheep don't carry anything in their hands or on their backs; they simply follow the Shepherd, relaxed and enjoying the journey. I believe that is exactly how Jesus wants us to live—trusting, resting, and leaning on Him.
Trusting God with our problems is not just an option; it's what we are called to do. Why serve an almighty God, yet walk in worry and fear? Jesus said:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble 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)
While writing this devotional, I let go of everything I was carrying. I simply said, "Here, God," and instantly I felt the pressure lift from my neck and back.
No matter what we see or hear happening in the world today, the truth remains: Jesus is the answer. He is all we need.
Key Takeaways:
Do not carry more than what you see a sheep carry.
Release everything to Yeshua and rest.
Jesus is your answer.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
His Gift
"For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: 'And He was numbered with the transgressors.' For what is written about Me has its fulfillment."
Luke 22:37 (ESV)
In the verse above, Yeshua is preparing to go to the cross. He has just shared the Last Supper with His disciples, and they are now making their way to the Mount of Olives. As He speaks, He references the prophecy found in Isaiah:
"Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the many, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore the sin of many and makes intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:12 (ESV)
Yeshua, who was without sin, died a sinner’s death. Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death. Because we were all born into sin, the only way we could be freed from this sinful nature was through the sacrifice of someone righteous.
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world. They were the blueprint for all humanity, and as a result, each of us carries their fallen nature. It’s as though we inherit the nature of the one from whom we came. That’s why we needed a Savior—because Adam and Eve’s disobedience introduced eternal death, separating us from the relationship God intended.
God created us for an everlasting relationship with Him, but our sin separates us from His presence. Yet God, in His infinite love, made a way. He sent His only begotten Son to die for us, so that we would have the opportunity to choose life through Him. This is the heart of why we celebrate Resurrection Sunday.
If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, I invite you to do so today. He has already made everything perfect for you. Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." That’s it, my friend! The moment you believe, Jesus enters your heart and begins a personal, transformative relationship with you.
Welcome to the family!
As you begin your journey of faith, I encourage you to join a community of believers. Until God leads you to a church home, I invite you to join us online at Center of Praise Ministries in Sacramento, California:
https://cop.online.church/
Key Takeaways:
God's love for us is greater than we could ever begin to think or imagine.
There is a special, personal relationship that God desires to have with you.
Resurrection Sunday is a celebration of the precious gift Yeshua offers to us all—eternal life.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Service Unto Our King
"Which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords."
1 Timothy 6:15, ESV
Many times, when I begin to write, the Holy Spirit gives me a scripture or a thought, and I move forward from there. This time, He gave me the word King. Immediately, I thought of the scripture King of kings and Lord of lords, found in Revelation 19:16. At the time, I wasn’t sure where the scripture was located, so I typed those words into a search engine, and the passage above came up. I thought, Hmm, that isn’t the one I was planning to use, but I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to write it down.
To be called a king, one must have a kingdom. Jesus Christ’s kingdom is in heaven, and He has given us the earth as our domain. "The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of men." (Psalm 115:16). We were created to occupy and govern the earth according to God’s instructions. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve surrendered our authority to Satan, but when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, our kingdom reign is restored.
In the passage above, the Apostle Paul discusses how we are to live as rulers in this kingdom. We are instructed to fight the good fight of faith and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness rather than worldly riches. By doing so, we take hold of eternal life. Paul wanted the saints to understand that Jesus Christ is the King and that everything belongs to Him.
When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we become citizens of heaven, called to obey His commands. We are given the responsibility of being His witnesses and shining His light. We are called to keep the commandments of God "unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will display at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords." (1 Timothy 6:14-15)
Jesus Christ is the King, and one day, we will all stand before Him to give an account of how we served and obeyed Him on earth. We want our works to testify on our behalf so that we may hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23). Our focus should not be like that of the world; rather, we are to model Jesus and serve as faithful stewards in His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
Our first priority is to serve our King.
Service to our King is not about accumulating earthly riches.
We desire to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Call
So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” Exodus 3:1-3
In the passage above, Moses is tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law. While caring for the flock, he notices a bush on fire that is not being consumed. Intrigued, Moses decides to investigate why this is happening.
No matter where we are in the world, when God wants to get our attention and call us to His purpose, He knows exactly how to reach us. When Michael Jackson was only five years old, he entered a school talent show, setting him on the path to becoming a world-renowned singer. God knew what would stir his heart. Similarly, Joseph had a dream as a young boy that his family would one day bow before him. Each of us has been called to fulfill a unique assignment on this earth. Our very existence is tied to the purposes God has for us.
The beauty of God's call is that He does not make a grand announcement; He simply moves in the heart of the individual. I was listening to the podcast @jasiriouslyspeaking, and she mentioned that we often have no idea of the magnitude of what God is calling us to. It may seem insignificant at the moment, but its impact could last for generations. That thought stayed with me. I considered how the Apostles likely had no idea that the letters they were writing would be included in the Bible and read by millions of believers over 2,000 years later.
Whatever assignment God calls us to, we must respond. We must remain vigilant to His call because He has chosen us specifically for the purpose He has placed in our hearts. God sees the bigger picture and knows how valuable our contributions are to His plan. Remember, Moses did not feel qualified for his mission, but God knew how He had created Moses and what He had placed inside of him. Likewise, we may not fully grasp how well-equipped we are for our calling. This is why Scripture tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must trust Him, for He is our Creator and knows us better than we know ourselves. If we were inadequate, He would have never brought us here in the first place. So move forward with confidence in your calling.
Key Takeaways:
You have been hand-selected for the purpose that is in your heart.
God draws us intimately into His master plan.
Your impact on the world is more valuable than you think—do not hesitate to walk in all that God has called you to do.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Communion
"And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, 'Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'" Luke 22:17-20, ESV
The gift of salvation, the removal of all sin, and the opportunity for eternal life were completed by Jesus Christ on the cross. He introduced this gift through the first communion with His disciples. He declared that the bread was His body and the wine was His blood. As Scripture says, "… he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:25-28, ESV)
Yeshua gave us His body as the perfect sacrifice, and when we accept Him as our personal Savior, we literally take on His body. The Bible says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV) "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, ESV) Hallelujah! We needed payment for our sin, and Yeshua was the perfect sacrifice. For Scripture says, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV) Yeshua shared the Last Supper with His disciples in remembrance of what He was about to accomplish for all. "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Key Takeaways:
Thank God for Jesus Christ, His love, and His plan for us!
Forgiveness of sin and eternal life await anyone who chooses to receive the gift.
The Resurrection is a celebration that we cannot live without.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Gift
"And he said to them, 'I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.'" Luke 22:15-16, ESV
There is so much depth in this passage, but for now, we will focus on one aspect. The disciples had celebrated many Passovers with Jesus, but at this particular one, He expressed His deep, passionate desire to partake in it with them. I’m not sure the disciples fully understood what was coming—that this would be their final physical meal with Yeshua on earth.
Yeshua earnestly desired to celebrate this Passover with them because:
It represented the founding of the nation of Israel when they were delivered from Egypt.
He was about to become the true Passover Lamb, sacrificed for the sins of the world.
The meal symbolized the giving of His body and blood, providing the path to salvation.
It pointed forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven.
All their lives, the disciples had read and studied about the coming of the Lord. From childhood, they had been taught what to expect. And now, they were handpicked to be part of the new covenant—the beautiful gift of eternal life. For approximately three years, they had been students under His teaching, and now, their graduation ceremony had arrived. They had no idea what was about to unfold, nor could they fully grasp the significance of what they would witness. Yeshua was about to give the world the greatest gift it could ever receive. Every life was about to change, and they were firsthand witnesses. What an honor and a precious gift for them!
But praise God, there is more to come! As believers, we eagerly anticipate the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven. We have all received this precious gift—Hallelujah! Like the disciples, we may not fully grasp what this glorious celebration will be like, but that is why we continue to celebrate Resurrection Sunday—because we trust in the promise of what is to come!
Key Takeaways:
Celebrate with joy, for Yeshua has given us the most precious gift.
Each one of us has been ordained for the marriage supper with Yeshua.
Keep your eyes fixed on the coming wedding feast!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Yeshua
I was listening to a song on YouTube, and I happened to look down at the comments, which I rarely do. But this comment caught my attention, and I had to copy it and share it with you. I don’t know who wrote it, but through the song, they saw a perspective of Christ that resonated with them:
"The greatest man in history had no servants, yet they called Him Master. He had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. He had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today."
As believers, we know that this and much more is true about Yeshua. The way He lived His life on earth inspired this description of Him. It is incredible that Yeshua modeled how believers are to live in the world. When we follow in His footsteps, everything just works out. Yeshua never forced His way in, made grand announcements about His whereabouts, or sought to glorify Himself. His goal was to lead Israel to know YHWH. He continually urged them to repent, for the Kingdom of God had come. He wanted them to understand that He is the Father’s Son and that the Father was working through Him. He said, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father." His message was always about YHWH and how we could enter His Kingdom and be saved.
Scripture says, "But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)?" As believers, we are His messengers, and we are to demonstrate the same behavior as Yeshua did. When we do, the world will see Christ.
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them. They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover" (Mark 16:17-18).
We must live in such a way that others will be drawn to the power working through us and seek to know our Father, the King.
Key Takeaways:
When we model Yeshua, the world will come to know Him.
When we love as Yeshua did, we will see changes in the world.
Jesus revealed the Father wherever He was, and the world came to Him. We must do the same.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Thirst Fulfilled
“…and whoever trusts in me will never be thirsty.” — John 6:35, ESV
When I read the verse above, I immediately thought of Jesus at the well in Samaria. Jesus and His disciples had gone to Samaria, and while the disciples went to get food, Jesus rested at the well.
While sitting at the well, Jesus met a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water. Jesus asked her for a drink of water. She responded, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” She never offered Him a drink of water — but during their conversation, Jesus offered her water. He knew she was thirsty.
Jesus had come to the well specifically to meet her there. In the scripture above, Jesus offers every person the same drink of water. The verse says, “Whoever trusts in me will never go thirsty.” To trust in God requires placing our complete faith in Yeshua — believing that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.
In this passage, Jesus is not speaking of physical thirst but of spiritual thirst. Earlier, He had fed over 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread. Now, that same crowd was coming to Him again to have their physical needs met once more. But Jesus was trying to tell them that when you put your complete trust in Him and dwell in the presence of God, He becomes your source of true refreshment.
The people were seeking physical nourishment, but Jesus was trying to get them to understand that their true need was spiritual nourishment. Complete fulfillment comes only from Him.
We often get so distracted trying to satisfy our physical needs, yet we never feel fully content because true fulfillment comes from within. Satan is the ruler of this world, but he can never offer us what we need for true replenishment and contentment. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life — and if we want to be completely fulfilled, we have to put our complete trust in Him. I love that He doesn’t make the requirement difficult — just believe in Him!
Key Takeaways
The depth of our soul can only be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
The thirst for physical things will never satisfy the inner longing.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life — He is the only way to God, our Father.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Are You Hungry?
"Yeshua answered, 'I am the bread of life! Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever trusts in me will never be thirsty.'” — John 6:35
I have the verse above as one of my affirmations, and lately, every time I read it, Yeshua starts a conversation with me. This time, He said, “What does it mean to come?”
Without even answering with my own thoughts, I went to my Strong’s Concordance and the dictionary to look up the word come. The definition is below:
Come: to enter, to accompany, move or travel toward, move closer, draw near
After reading the definition, I said, “Oh wow — to accompany? To enter in and draw near to You?”
He then began to tell me that when the verse says come, it does not mean to come and leave — it means to stay. When I first read that verse, I thought, But I have come to You — and yet sometimes I still feel spiritually hungry. But after studying the definition of the word come, I began to understand that I was coming — but not staying.
When I am inconsistent with my study and get off schedule, I’m not staying close to Yeshua. He showed me how I entered into this covenant relationship with Him. No matter what I do or where I go, I am always in this covenant with Him. However, I can sabotage the relationship when I neglect to sit in His presence and engage with His Word. If I’m not aligned with Him, He cannot communicate with me at the level I need — and I can end up spiritually hungry.
All the food is sitting at the table, but if we don’t take and eat, we will remain hungry. Yeshua is saying come — which means to remain. When we stay with Him and abide in His Word, He will fill us, and we will never go hungry.
Key Takeaways
Come means to enter in and remain.
Yeshua will fill you to overflow.
“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!” — Psalm 22:6, ESV
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Sustaining Power
"Yeshua answered, 'I am the bread of life! Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever trusts in me will never be thirsty.'” — John 6:35
I wrote down the verse above because I wanted it to be part of my daily affirmations. One morning, as I was reading the verse, the Holy Spirit started speaking to me. He asked, “What does it mean when I used the word bread?”
I knew that bread was being used as a metaphor — just as bread sustains my physical body, Jesus is the bread that sustains my spiritual body and gives me eternal life. So I said, “You are my spiritual bread. You are my source of energy and life for my spirit. If I don’t have this spiritual bread, my spirit will die.”
I began to think about how often I feed my physical body. Just while sitting and working, I’ll have a piece of toast with tea for breakfast, a snack, lunch, dinner, and maybe another snack along with a hot cup of tea. Then I started thinking — how often do I feed my spiritual body? I realized that my spiritual body is more important than my physical one, yet I put more effort into feeding this temporary body than I do into nourishing my eternal spirit. No wonder, when an attack comes my way, I sometimes feel down in my spirit and struggle in prayer.
I stopped and prayed, asking God to give me practical ways to feed and strengthen my spirit throughout the day. God never fails to answer. He said, “Every time you put something in your mouth, read a scripture. Listen to music with the Word in it. Say hello to Me when you’re about to have a snack, and listen for what I will tell you. When you work out, take a walk, or drive home, listen to the Word or play the Bible.”
We spend so much time deciding what to eat — downloading recipes, shopping for special organic items, and carefully considering what we put into our bodies, which are here today and gone tomorrow. While it’s good to care for our physical bodies, our spiritual life is far more important. Jesus died so that our spiritual life could be whole and nourished. It is essential that we feed our spirit because life and death depend on how well we care for our spiritual health.
Key Takeaways
Nourish your spirit every time you nourish your physical body.
Yeshua is the bread that sustains your spirit.
Have a scripture with every meal.
Say hello to Yeshua with every bite — and listen for His response.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Perspective Change
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28, CSB
I was attending Bible Study on Saturday morning through Zoom. During the presentation, the speaker said, “We must see everything through the eyes of God’s perspective. What is true on earth is not necessarily the truth in heaven. What we see on earth is not the right perspective. We have to seek Yeshua to gain the right perspective.”
When I heard those words, I immediately understood what she meant. The facts may be true based on how things appear here on earth, but the way God sees what we’re experiencing is completely different. If we could see with God’s vision, we would be at peace.
The Bible Study was so powerful that I kept reading my notes throughout the day, letting the message saturate my spirit. Then, early Sunday morning — the very next day — I received a text from our daughter. She told me that our grandson was very sick. He had started vomiting and couldn’t stop — it was happening consistently, almost every hour. They were supposed to be coming down for his Christening at our church that day, and suddenly, this happened. We both felt it wasn’t a coincidence, so we prayed against the hand of Satan. But as the morning progressed, things only seemed to get worse.
In the middle of one of my many prayers, the Holy Spirit said, “This is not about your grandson. Do you trust Me? Didn’t you already place him in My hands?”
At that moment, I began to praise God. I knew our grandson was going to be fine! God said, “This is about those around your grandson — you, your husband, his mom, and his dad.” He reminded me that I was seeing things through an earthly lens and not through His eyes.
Yeshua was doing something in us, but we couldn’t see it because we were focused on the immediate situation in front of us. We had already prayed and entrusted our grandson to God. Now, our faith was being tested. This was my opportunity to walk in the very lesson I had learned the day before!
As I sat there, I praised God for peace in the storm. I realized that God was using this situation to develop a deeper relationship and dependence on Him. Our faith was being stretched — God was calling us to come up higher. This was how He was getting all of our attention at the same time. I prayed for the rest of my family to be strengthened and thanked God for the work He was doing in us. I can’t even describe the peace that settled over my soul and the joy that filled my heart.
Key Takeaways:
Ask God to open the eyes of your heart to see from His perspective.
God is not punitive; He is just, loving, and kind.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks