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
Seek His Face
I was listening to the song Show Me Your Face by Bethel Music, and all I could think about was the scripture: Lord, I will seek Your face. Do not hide Your face from me. David was telling God that all he wanted was to be in His presence and surrender to His will. He longed for a deeper relationship with God. I felt so grateful to realize that as I sat seeking His will, I was truly seeking His face. I was resting in His presence, surrendering my will, and telling God that nothing else mattered but His will and being close to Him.
When we reach a place where we stop telling God what we want and simply seek His face, we develop an incredible relationship with Him. Doors open everywhere, and He does more for us than we can imagine. We already know He knows everything and that all things come from Him. He is the all-existing One, and everything in this universe exists because of Him. Scripture tells us that before we even call out to God, He answers. He knows what we will say before we speak a word. He knows all of our needs because we exist from Him — and He takes care of Himself.
God sent His Son because He wanted a relationship with us. We were created in His image as His children to know Him. Listen — the King of kings, the Lord of all lords, created us to seek His face and rest in His presence. Did you get that? He didn’t even have to create us — He chose to. He chose to give us free will. He could have made us like robots, but He didn’t. He wanted us to understand love, emotion, and fellowship — with Him and with each other. He wanted us to experience His love and to know all of who He is. He desires a genuine relationship with His children.
Key Takeaways:
To seek God’s face is an honor that we have been given.
He wants a relationship with you because you are so special to Him.
YHWH chose you.
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
Powerful Words
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. — Proverbs 18:21, KJV
I was complaining about not having enough time to study the Word of God when He reminded me how powerful my words were. Many years ago, my husband and I went through a very difficult time in our marriage. I was angry and certainly did not feel any love for him. I wanted things to change and was looking for a way out. I remember praying and telling God, "I am done with this. I am out. I am tired and I do not want to do this anymore."
I will never forget how God responded. He led me to a book to read and said, "Say, 'I love my husband.'" I resisted, saying, "Nope, I don’t feel that." He replied, "I did not ask how you felt. Say it: 'I love my husband.'" With great resistance, I obeyed. Every time I got angry or thought about our relationship, the Holy Spirit prompted me to declare, "I love my husband." At first, it was difficult, but as I continued speaking those words, love for my husband grew in my heart. I don’t even remember when the change took place, but those words transformed me. That was about twenty-five years ago, and now, after over forty-two years of marriage, I love my husband dearly. Our marriage isn’t perfect, but God has taught me the power of my words.
For a while, I had been saying, "I want more time to study the Word of God." I felt overwhelmed, believing I didn’t have time to study and complete all the vision assignments He had given me. One morning in prayer, God told me, "Write this down: 'I have completed all the visions God has given me with a spirit of excellence. I study the Word of God.'" At first, writing those words felt strange because they had not yet come to pass. But then, God reminded me of when I didn’t feel love for my husband and how my words changed that reality. He said, "Your words bring life. They bring manifestation."
As I started declaring, "I have completed all the visions God has given me," I felt completion in my soul. Joy filled me as I envisioned finishing each assignment and contending for what He had given me. I felt confident that all the study time I needed was available and that I had accomplished all He called me to do. He instructed me to declare this daily. Now, before beginning an assignment, I affirm, "I have completed all the visions God has given me with a spirit of excellence." I know that everything I need is already available for me to study and complete the assignment.
Many times, we focus on what we lack or cannot accomplish, and that becomes our reality because we speak it into existence. Our words shape our lives, and when we align our speech with God’s truth, transformation occurs. I can’t recall exactly what actions I took to improve my marriage or what my husband did. What I do know is that as I spoke those words, God did the necessary work in me. Romans 12 says we are transformed by the renewal of our minds. When we speak God’s Word over our lives, we shift our thoughts into alignment with His truth.
We should never speak what we do not want in our lives, no matter what the facts before us may be. I once heard a speaker say, "Whatever you speak out of your mouth, at the end of that statement, say, 'And that is exactly the way I want it.'" Doing this changes the trajectory of our words and, ultimately, our lives. Your words have power!
Key Takeaways:
Change in our lives is always possible.
Contend for your thoughts, and your words will give you a new life.
Always end your statement with, "And that is exactly the way I want it."
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
Foreshadowing
I had often heard the word "foreshadowing" used by teachers, preachers, bishops, and pastors when they explained parts of the Bible. I believed I understood its meaning and the messages they conveyed. However, it was not until the Holy Spirit woke me up one morning and began to explain it to me in a profoundly simple way that I truly grasped its depth.
While searching the web, I came across a definition of foreshadowing that resonated with me: "Foreshadowing is a narrative device in which a storyteller gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story." This definition was perfect.
One morning, as I sat in prayer, trying to prepare myself to communicate with God, I closed my eyes, attempting to get my heart and mind in the right place. I wanted to be focused and spiritually aligned. In the midst of this, I heard the Holy Spirit ask, "What are you doing?" I responded, "I’m trying to get myself together to come before You." I love how God gets straight to the point, gently yet directly addressing the heart of the matter.
Then, He showed me an image of our little grandson, who was just about a year old. God asked, "How do you want your grandson to come to you?" Without hesitation, I answered, "Just as he is." God then said, "You do not have to fix yourself for Me. I want you to come as you are. As you spend time with Me, change will happen. Just as you spend time with your grandson, transformation occurs naturally."
At that moment, I had a vision of myself with my arms stretched out wide, reaching for our grandson as he stood around the corner, smiling joyfully as he ran toward me. My soul filled with overwhelming joy. God spoke to me again, saying, "This is how I welcome you. This is how happy I am when you come to Me. Your desire is to give your grandson whatever he needs, to have him sit with you while you read him stories, and to hear him talk about everything happening in his life. He can ask you anything, and you will do your best to provide an answer for him."
As the Holy Spirit spoke, I saw this vision play out vividly before me. Then God said, "Your relationship with your grandson is a foreshadowing of My relationship with you. I gave you children and grandchildren so you could begin to understand My love for you. Everything you did to create a good life for your children, and what you now do for your grandchildren, is merely a foreshadowing of the love, the relationship, and the plans I have already prepared for you. This relationship serves as a glimpse into the immense love I have poured upon you."
I sat in reflection, overwhelmed by this revelation. Everything God does is to show us how deeply He loves us. He knows that life will bring troubles that may attempt to blind us from His love. Yet, every day, He has a special plan to reveal His unconditional love to us. Foreshadowing is just one of the many ways God helps us to know Him intimately.
Key Takeaways:
Everything in life has a purpose.
Come to God as you are.
God’s arms are always open wide for you.
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
Arms Stretched Out Wide
We were attending our grandson’s first birthday. He had mastered crawling but had not yet started walking. During the party, our nephew reached out his arms, encouraging our grandson to walk to him. Since our grandson was already standing, he wobbled on his feet and took several steps. Although he fell before reaching our nephew, everyone cheered him on. Encouraged, he got back up and finished his walk!
In the weeks following the event, the Holy Spirit spoke to me: "What you witnessed with your grandson taking his steps is exactly how I am with My children. When you take steps of faith and it feels like I am not there, My arms are stretched out wide, saying, ‘Come to Me, I’ve got you!’ Your grandson will never learn to walk on his own if someone is always holding him. He must go through this process to reach the next phase of his life.
In the same way, I cannot hold you as I have in the past if you are to grow and fulfill what is ahead of you. It may feel uncomfortable, and at times, it may seem like I am not there, but My arms are stretched out wide. I will not let you return to where you were because you have outgrown that space. You must move forward, and I will not hinder you! It is okay if you wobble and fall. Mistakes are expected! I am not looking for perfection. I am calling you forward in My love because you must grow. Just as it is crucial for your grandson to walk, your next phase of growth is just as important.
Even if you cry and complain, I will not remove you from this space—it must happen! You know that if you continue to carry your grandson, you will hinder him. How much more do I, your God, care for you? I will never hinder your growth, and I will never leave you!
Key Points:
Everything God is doing in your life is purposeful.
You may feel alone, but God is doing a greater work to move you to a higher level in Him.
Keep your eyes on Him—His arms are stretched out wide for you.
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
Life-Giving Spirit
"So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, because if you are living according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." —Romans 8:12-13, CSB
In the above passage, the Apostle Paul was writing to the believers in Rome, explaining the life-giving Spirit. In essence, he was saying that when you give your life to Christ, the body is dead because of sin, but your spirit is alive because Christ lives in you.
I once fell asleep while listening to scriptures from the book of Acts. When I woke up, the reading had moved to Romans 8. As I listened to this chapter, I couldn’t help but feel that there is no way for us as believers to walk in righteousness without meditating on the Word of God.
Our position, once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, is no longer that of a sinner but of righteousness. However, at the same time, we battle the desires of our flesh, which constantly seek their own way. I thank God for the Holy Spirit, who guides and prompts us to live righteously. There have been times when I’ve heard the Holy Spirit tell me not to say something, yet somehow the words still fell out of my mouth (lol). Of course, I was then left to deal with the consequences of what I had said.
The more we meditate on the Word of God, the less likely we are to allow our flesh to control us. Meditating on the Word empowers us to put to death the deeds of the body and to obey Christ.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your amazing love. Thank You for giving us new life. Thank You for the Spirit of God, who helps us put to death our sinful deeds and guides us to live in righteousness with You. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My 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 Word Heals
My yoke is easy and my burdens are light Matthew 11:30, ESV
There are many mornings that I wake up full of life and excited about what is next. But then there are those morning that I have to fight to get my heart in a good space. This particular morning I was laying in the bed, just quietly going over every thing that was before me. It was so much that I found myself sinking. I could literally feel my spirit and my body sinking. I was praying quietly in my spirit not wanting to wake my husband, but I was having a hard time.
Just as I was about get out of the bed and go layout before the Lord my husband who I thought was sleep said, “what is wrong?” I said I’m just going to go and pray about my thoughts. He said tell me what is on your heart. As I told him everything he laid in the bed quietly never saying a word just listening. When I stopped talking he said are you finished, I said, “yes’” by now I am in tears. He then said, “the Bible says, my yoke is easy and my burdens are light.” As soon as he said those words, I felt life come back into my heart. My body was full of life and joy resonate in my soul. Those words healed me! I just began to rejoice in the depth of my soul and to give God praise! His words healed me!
As I reflected later, the Holy Spirit said, “The word of God will always heal you because you are speaking the my truth! You instantly felt healing because those words were the medicine that your spirit needed to be healed!” The word is the medicine. There was nothing physically in this world that could have healed my soul. Our soul is invisible and there is nothing tangible that can heal the invisible. The words of God are invisible in that we cannot see them work, but we can feel the effects of the word. We cannot see the invisible transformation that takes place in our soul, spirit and mind, but we can feel his power moving in us.
Transformed: in the Greek the word is metamorphoo meaning metamorphose to change into another form.
transformed: in the dictionary is make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of
Scripture says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Our mind is changed by the word of God. As we put the word in our mind it does the work of transforming and healing us. I am reminded of what the Lord told Joshua: “The book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” We saw Moses take on a complete transformation by obeying God. The Lord then told Joshua, “The same God that was with Moses is also with him, but he must keep this book on his lips.”
If we just stay in the word and meditate on the word; transformation, success and prosperity will be our life. This does not mean that we will not have trails.The first thing that happened to Jesus after he was baptized was forty days in the wilderness. And his greatest testimony was dying on the cross for our sins. We will have struggles, but the word will heal us and bring us through.
Key points:
Life comes with problems.
The answers to our problems are found in the word of God.
The Word transforms and heals us.
Nothing tangible can heal the invisible.
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 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 Obstacles of Life
…and lean not on your own understanding;…Proverbs 3:5, ESV
I have been traveling back and forth to my daughter’s home to help take care of our grandson. He was about seven months old, and they were in the midst of trying to hire a nanny. Our daughter lives anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours away from us, depending on traffic. On this particular occasion, I was leaving her home at a time when traffic was expected to be a little heavy, so I entered the directions into my GPS to find the best possible route home.
The GPS took me down a path I had never been before, so I paid close attention to where I was going. The system kept updating, saying, “There is a quicker path that will save you ten minutes.” I accepted the instructions for the shorter path. After a couple of times accepting the quicker route, I realized I had driven in a circle and ended up right back where I had started. I was so mad! I had wasted almost thirty minutes following the system, only to end up on the same route I would have taken in the first place without the GPS instructions.
I’ve been walking with God long enough to know that when something like this happens, He is teaching me a lesson. I said, “Okay, God, what is the lesson? What are You trying to tell me?” God didn’t answer me right away. He waited until I got home. By then, I was frustrated and a bit upset. He said, “You made it to your destination, right?” I replied, “Yes.” Then He said, “Sometimes this is what it will be like on the journey with Me. You just have to trust that I know what I am doing. You had no idea what was ahead or what I was keeping you from while you were going in circles.”
Our journey with God is never a simple, straight line. There will always be valleys and mountains to climb. These twists and turns prepare us for our destination and for what we will face when we get there. Remember, the Israelites had to fight for their Promised Land. Their journey prepared them for the battle. God never told them what was up ahead but He is always preparing us for what lies in our future.
Key points:
The twist and turns of life are purposeful.
Lean into God when he allows these obstacles to come otherwise you may find yourself fighting with Him and that is a fight you will never win.
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 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
Provision is in the Light
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12, ESV
It was early morning, still dark outside, and I was looking for my phone. I wanted to put it on the charger so it would be ready for the day ahead. I didn’t want to turn on the bedroom light because my husband was still sleeping. But he heard me moving around and said, “Turn on the light.”I replied, “No, I don’t want to disturb you.”
Instead, I grabbed my Apple Watch and used its button to ping my phone. The phone rang right in front of me, but I still couldn’t see it. So, I shined the tiny light from my watch onto my nightstand to locate it.
Instantly, I heard the Holy Spirit say, Provision is in the light. If you come to the light, you will have all the provision you need. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Provision was right there in front of me, waiting for me to access it. The lamp in my room was within reach, but I refused to turn it on. I had already disturbed my husband, but I was determined to do things my way.
The Holy Spirit revealed a lesson to me: when we live our lives “with the light off,” we are not in the Word—we are walking and working in darkness. We can become so self-reliant that we refuse the light. Just like I refused to turn on the lamp because I thought I could find my phone on my own, we often try to navigate life without fully depending on God’s Word. Instead, I used the tiny light from my watch to locate my phone, but it wasn’t sufficient. The Holy Spirit said, That behavior is like getting a word once a month and trying to survive on that small bit of light. The Bible says, “Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
We cannot expect to thrive on sporadic glimpses of God’s Word. Jesus told His disciples to pray for their daily bread—not weekly or monthly bread. We cannot live off day-old, stale bread. Every day, we must seek the Father for direction, and that guidance comes through His Word, which is our daily sustenance. If you’re not getting your daily bread, you are not prepared or sustainable for the tasks He has ordained for you that day.
Key points:
Daily bread is imperative.
Without the light, you will struggle.
There is a word for you daily.
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 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 Gift Is Waiting For You
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34, ESV
You are forgiven—whether you believe it or not, whether you receive it or not, and whether you walk in it or not. When Jesus asked the Father to forgive us, it happened immediately. When I heard those words in a message, I was blown away because I had never thought of God’s gift in that way.
What came to mind was how, in the past, I’ve purchased a gift for someone but was never able to give it to them. Eventually, I gave the gift to someone else. But Jesus is not like that. His gift remains, waiting for each of us to receive it. He is consistently working on every individual’s heart, gently urging them to accept His gift.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, the gift of forgiveness is still waiting for you. That gift grants you eternal life. Hallelujah!
Key points:
There is a free gift for you.
This gift gives you peace, righteousness and eternal life!
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 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