Not My Will
"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." — Luke 22:42, ESV
I love how detailed Luke is in his writing. He gives us a clear, step-by-step account of what unfolded as Jesus journeyed toward the cross. In the passage above, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying. He knows exactly what lies ahead, and through His words, we see His honest and human desire to avoid the suffering that was coming. He asks God to remove the cup—but He doesn’t pause to wait for an answer. Instead, He immediately surrenders: "Not my will, but Yours be done."
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He said, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done..." (Matthew 6:9-10). There are times in life when we find ourselves in such deep torment, desperation, or hopelessness that all we want is for our own will to be done. In those moments, it can be hard to surrender. But I am so grateful that Jesus was fully human as well as fully divine, and that He understands the emotional and spiritual weight behind the prayers we offer.
Even though we know YHWH only desires the best for us—and that He will withhold no good thing—there are seasons when the journey is simply hard. But Scripture offers us hope: right after Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but Yours be done," an angel appeared from heaven and strengthened Him (Luke 22:43).
Jesus also prepared His disciples for the hard moments ahead. He told them that the hour was coming when they would scatter to their own homes and leave Him alone—but He declared, "Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me." (John 16:32). And we, too, have that same guarantee. Scripture reminds us: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me..." (Galatians 2:20, ESV). We are never alone.
We have access to the same power source—the strength of the living God—to endure whatever lies ahead. Yeshua reminded His disciples that in Him, they would have peace. In this world, we will face tribulation, but He urges us to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He has already conquered death, sin, and every force of evil. No matter what Satan throws our way, Yeshua has secured the victory.
So, even in the most difficult moments, we can pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done," knowing that the victory is already ours—because the Conqueror lives within us.
Key Takeaways:
We are never alone when we walk in His will.
Yeshua understands our desire to give up and will provide what we need to endure.
We must remember to trust God and rest in His peace, even when our situation remains unchanged.
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
Assurance
"So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, 'Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.' They said to him, 'Where will you have us prepare it?' He said to them, 'Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, "The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.' And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover." — Luke 22:8-13 (ESV)
I love how Luke gives us such a detailed description of what unfolds during this final Passover. Earlier in the chapter, we read about the scribes and priests plotting to kill Jesus, while Judas seeks an opportunity to betray Him. Together, they devise what they believe is the perfect plan to capture Jesus. What amazes me is that the scribes, priests, and Judas think Jesus is unaware of their schemes—yet He knows exactly what is happening.
In the passage above, even though Yeshua is fully aware of those plotting against Him, His focus remains on fulfilling the mission God has called Him to. Let me pause here and encourage you: we need to stop allowing the chaos and distractions of this world to consume us. Instead, we must focus on the assignments Christ has placed before us. He knows every detail of what is happening in the earth—nothing catches Him by surprise. Our part is to stay focused, walk in obedience, and trust Him. Follow the example Yeshua demonstrates so beautifully in this passage.
When Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover, they asked where they should go, knowing the Passover could only be celebrated within the city limits of Jerusalem. Yeshua gave them clear and specific instructions on where to go and whom they would meet. The level of detail in this passage should set our hearts free from worry and concern. Yeshua knew the exact moment Peter and John would enter the city and had already arranged for someone to be waiting for them.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Peter and John didn’t question Yeshua’s instructions because they had spent so much time with the Word Himself that they had no reason to doubt. They simply obeyed and moved in faith. When we find ourselves burdened with worry and doubt, it’s often a sign that we haven’t spent enough time in the Word. Immersing ourselves in His presence can free us from fear and equip us to move with the same confidence and faith the disciples displayed. Amen.
Key Takeaways:
Our Omnipresent God is in charge and knows everything.
The all-existent One has you fully covered.
Fear, worry, and doubt are often signs that we need to fill ourselves with the Word.
Flesh
"A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest." — Luke 22:24, ESV
When I first read the passage above, I felt a little irritated with the disciples. Here was Yeshua, sharing His last meal on earth with them. He was being betrayed by someone in His inner circle, and He was preparing to endure a horrific death. Yet, in this profound moment, His closest companions were arguing over their positions and status. How often do we become so blinded by our own selfish, fleshly desires that we miss what is truly happening around us?
God showed me that we are all just like the disciples. We strive for recognition and titles because we want to feel important. Even though the disciples were hand-selected by Yeshua and lived in the very presence of God, the desires of the flesh still rose within them. Yeshua reminded them that the greatest among them was to be a servant. His kingdom does not operate like the world’s, where people chase after status and self-gratification. Instead, in His kingdom, true greatness is found in serving others.
Our sinful nature desires recognition, but when we stay in the Word, it crucifies our flesh and reminds us that love is the key to servanthood. Obeying the greatest commandment—“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”—and loving our neighbor as ourselves keeps us aligned with God’s will. In doing so, we serve in the perfect image of God.
Key Takeaways
Do not be discouraged—God has given grace for our fleshly struggles.
The greatest in God’s kingdom is the one who serves.
Love is the foundation of fulfilling all that Yeshua requires of us.
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
Fade Away
I was listening to a song, and there was a phrase that said, “Let all the other things fade away, Jesus, take Your place.” As the song played, I let those words linger in my spirit: Let all the other things fade away, Jesus, take Your place. I began to reflect on what in my life might be occupying the space that belongs to Jesus.
I sat there, telling God that I wanted anything and everything blocking what He had for me to be removed. I love that the song says fade away. When you think of the definition of fade, it means to gradually grow faint and disappear. Hallelujah! Anything standing in the way of where Jesus should be in my life would simply disappear. When we invite Jesus in and make room for Him, He comes right in!
I distinctly remember a specific time when Jesus entered an area of my life regarding my relationship with my husband. Yeshua spoke to my heart, saying, “I don’t want you to have the last word in conversations with your husband.” As I sit here writing this devotional, I realize how true that was—this behavior needed to fade away. But it did not happen easily. Yeshua was dealing with my flesh.
I knew exactly what He meant. In the past, whenever I disagreed with my husband, I always made sure to have the last word, ensuring he understood why things should be done my way. Yeshua was teaching me to rely on Him instead. I had unknowingly taken a position in my heart of defending myself, when Yeshua had already said, “I will fight your battles.” I had moved into His place, and He was reclaiming it.
I would hear Yeshua say, “Be quiet. I know there is a faster, more efficient way to get to your destination, but I need you to be quiet.” I did not realize that I was carrying my role as a manager at work into my home, trying to manage my husband in all that he did.
When we open our hearts and sincerely desire change, Yeshua will move in. But we must be ready to surrender our will so He can take His rightful place. Surrendering our will means being obedient to His instructions, even when we feel we are right. He is not concerned with whether we are correct in a situation—He is focused on transforming our hearts to align with His will. The other things in our lives can only fade away when we choose to submit to God's commands.
Key Takeaways
When we sincerely speak the Word over our lives, transformation happens.
Jesus will impress upon our hearts the need to move toward His will.
We must be willing to surrender and follow His commands.
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
Encourage Yourself
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4
I was sitting at my desk, struggling to hear what Yeshua wanted me to write. I felt like I just couldn’t get it together. I had prayed, but nothing seemed to be coming together. While sitting there, I was prompted to type the word "struggling" into a search engine that provides scriptures based on topics. Several verses appeared, but the passage above spoke directly to me.
As I read the passage, I paused and thought, "Hold on, I have forgotten who is within me." I immediately began to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to remove whatever was blocking my mind and to silence the noise in my heart so that I could hear Him clearly. I chose to rely on the power within me. Instantly, words started flowing into my spirit. Then, Isaiah 65:24 came to mind: "Before they call, I answer; and while they are yet speaking, I hear them." I was so excited that I began to thank God.
Many times, we get so overwhelmed by our responsibilities and frustrations that we forget who we belong to and whose we are. We must remind ourselves of our identity in Christ and what we have through Him. When we do, His power begins to flow back into our lives! I became so excited that I started thanking God for the ocean of writing He has placed inside of me. I thanked Him for everything He has spoken over my life. I recited my affirmations and declared, "There is no good thing that the Lord withholds from me!"
When we align our words with God’s truth, He brings to mind scriptures we may have forgotten, uplifting our souls. If you are struggling with something right now, start speaking His word over your life and encourage yourself in the Lord!
Key Takeaways:
Struggles are a part of life, but we do not have to be consumed by them.
The Word of God uplifts every spirit, no matter the situation.
Encourage yourself with the Word of God!
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
Good Luck
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." — James 1:17
My husband has a small jazz band, and he was headed out to one of his gigs. As he walked out the door, he turned to me and said, “Wish me luck.”
I knew what he meant, but I replied, “You don’t need luck — you have God!”
I thought to myself, Why would you say 'wish me luck' when you have the all-existing, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient God? I sat there for a moment, thinking about that, and then I was prompted to look up the definition of luck. Here’s what I found:
Luck: Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.
As I reflected on the definition, the Holy Spirit prompted me to search for scriptures about luck. I came across the verse in James, and I thought, This is perfect!
When someone wishes you luck, they are hoping or wishing — by some chance — that things will go well for you. But as believers, we don’t need to rely on luck. We have the guarantee that every good thing that happens comes from above. We can simply ask our Father for what we are hoping for because everything exists through Him. Scripture says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” — Psalm 84:11
As believers in Christ Jesus, we never have to worry about having “good luck” because scripture says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”— Proverbs 16:33, ESV We can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is watching over us and that as we walk according to His will, He will make us abundantly prosperous in all the work of our hands.
Key Takeaways
Good luck is not a blessing from the Lord.
God’s promises are yes and amen.
All good and perfect gifts come from the Lord.
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
What Do You Deserve?
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to call my mother and give her a message. After I finished telling her what the Holy Spirit had given me, I said a prayer. In the midst of the prayer, God said, “Do not ask for what you think you deserve because your thoughts are limiting your ask.” Those words hit me like a ton of bricks!
The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God — and that the cost of sin is death. I had to meditate on those words: Do not ask for what you think you deserve because your thoughts are limiting your ask. I deserve death, but because of God’s grace and His love for me, I can choose eternal life. In choosing Him, I receive all of His benefits — not because I deserve them, but because of His mercy. So why is my ask so small?
I started reflecting on a time when I wanted to purchase a really nice purse with lots of compartments. However, I didn’t want to pay the price because it felt unreasonable, considering all of our other expenses. My husband kept encouraging me to buy it, but I wouldn't do it. I had even prayed and talked to God about it, but I felt I should use the money more wisely.
Then one day, a dear friend called me. In the middle of our conversation, she said that she had bought a purse for herself but felt like God wanted her to give it to me. She had no idea I had been looking for a purse, so when she said this, I was in shock. When she gave it to me, it was the exact brand I had been eyeing — in its original designer bag — and it had all the compartments I had wanted.
I was so overwhelmed by God’s kindness that I was nervous about using it. I let it sit in my closet for a while. Ladies, you know the kind of purse I’m talking about — the one that comes with its own dust bag! But then one day, the Holy Spirit asked me, “Why are you so surprised that I would send you this purse? If you would take the limitations off of Me, I could give you so much more.”
I realized that I didn’t think I deserved that blessing from God. I felt like we hadn’t managed our money well enough for Him to give me something so extravagant. I had put limitations on my faith, basing what I asked God for on what I thought I deserved. God reminded me that He already knew about all of our mess-ups — past, present, and future. He died for them before we were even born. He’s not counting our sins against us — that’s something we put on ourselves. I remember hearing Joyce Meyer say, “It’s better to ask God for all the things you want and get half of them than to ask for nothing and get all of it.”
Scripture says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). In Hebrew, the word delight is anag, which means to be soft and pliable. If you have submitted your ways to the Lord, then the desires deep in your soul — the ones you can’t afford and don’t feel you deserve — are the very gifts the Father wants to give you.
James 4:2 tells us, “You do not have because you do not ask.” Asking God for the deepest desires of your soul has nothing to do with your ability — it has everything to do with God’s grace. He tells us to ask, and we shall receive. If we haven’t received, James reminds us that it’s because we ask with the wrong motives.
When we come to God, we should ask boldly, without basing our requests on our circumstances or feelings of unworthiness. God will never give you more than you can handle, and He will prepare you to manage the gifts He places in your hands. Receiving the blessing requires being responsible for it — and that’s part of the process.
Father, when we have a desire deep in our soul, we ask that You reveal to us whether it is from You or from our flesh. Cleanse our hearts so that when we pray, we have the right motive. If this desire is not from You, please remove it from the depth of our soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Key Takeaways:
Ask for big things that sit deep in your soul.
God’s blessings are not based on what we deserve.
Stop putting limitations on the blessings God has 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
Welcome to February
What a year it has already been, and we're only in the second month! I took the month of January off as God instructed, to listen and be in His presence. It has been a time of revelation, joy, peace, restoration, refreshing, fulfillment, and so much more. I'm still overwhelmed by the experience, as there was so much God shared with me—so much, in fact, that I’m not sure I can share it all with you in a year.
Solitude with God is a precious gift that each of us is invited to receive. We need to understand that our God is One—yet Three: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All God, but three distinct persons. God the Son is Jehovah, the part of God who chose to come in the flesh, to carry His name to us. He came so that we could truly know Him and have a relationship with Him. God the Son, Yeshua, came to reveal God Himself to us.
This reminds me of our relationship with our grandson. When he was born, we made the two-hour trip every week—sometimes even three or four times a week—just to be with him. Why did we make these sacrifices in our schedule? Because we love him, and we wanted to build a relationship with him. At first, he didn’t know us. But we kept coming. We kept holding him, bringing him whatever he needed, so that he would come to recognize us. We knew that, eventually, he would. And it was such a blessing the first time he smiled when he saw us. Our hearts melted with joy. When he reaches out his hands for us to hold him, those moments are incredibly special.
He is now beginning to understand that we are part of his tribe, and that we love him.
How much more does God do even greater things for us? He loves us so dearly that He wants to make sure we know Him. He desires a bond with us so tight that nothing can break it. He wants us to know He is our Father, and that He loves us deeply. So, He pours out all of Himself to us. He gives us whatever we ask, according to His will—and our requests are always answered. It’s just like with our grandson: anything he asks of us, within our will and ability, he can have. We’re simply interested in the relationship, and in him understanding how much we love him.
Can you see the foreshadowing of how our Father is trying to help us understand His love? He has done everything possible for us to grasp how much He cares. He continues every day to take care of us and draw us closer to Him (John 5:17). God's Holy Spirit keeps coming to us, inviting us into this intimate relationship with Him. He longs for us to receive all of His gifts, and to enter into deep fellowship with Him.
Listen, all that you ask, according to His will, is already done for you (1 John 5:14-15). He wants to move you beyond worrying about what you need and bring you into the intimacy of a relationship with Him.
Key Points:
God, through Yeshua, deeply desires to have a personal relationship with you.
There is so much God wants to reveal to you and open up in your life.
Just like a parent who wants the best possible relationship with their child, that’s exactly why Jesus died—to give us the opportunity to have an intimate, fulfilling relationship with Him!
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
Guilt
"I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake."
—1 John 2:12, ESV
Guilt: The fact of having committed a specified or implied offense or crime.
I love to write letters to God. One afternoon, while sitting quietly and listening to the Holy Spirit, He directed me to read a letter I had written in one of my journals. In the letter, I had confessed to God that I felt guilty and heavy in heart. Below that entry, God had directed me to the scripture above, and I had written it down. Beneath the scripture, God had me write, *"I am forgiven."
Scripture says, "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."
—Revelation 3:19, ESV
My guilt at that time was because God had brought to my attention some things He had instructed me to do but I had not yet done. Though I had repented, I still felt heavy in my heart. Satan is the only one who wants us to walk in condemnation and guilt. God convicts our hearts to bring us back to righteousness, and then we are to walk in freedom. We are already forgiven. The scripture below brings such clarity:
"I write this, dear children, to guide you out of sin. But if anyone does sin, we have a Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus Christ, righteous Jesus. When He served as a sacrifice for our sins, He solved the sin problem for good—not only ours but the whole world’s. Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep His commandments."
—1 John 2:1-2, MSG
When we get out of alignment, our gracious God guides us back to obedience and righteousness. He will never lead us into condemnation. When we cary the burden of commendation, we cannot fulfill the assignment God has given us because we are conflicted in our minds. Praise God for his forgiveness of our sins!
Key Points:
Jesus gave us freedom from sin before we were born.
God disciplines those He loves, directing us back to righteousness.
Condemnation is a trick of the enemy. Do not succumb to it.
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
A Day Closer
"It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, since that is the end of all mankind, and the living should take it to heart." – Ecclesiastes 7:2 (CSB)
My husband was hired to play at a celebration of life service. The event was held on a Sunday, so we had to leave immediately after our own church service to make it on time. The celebration was about an hour away.
When we arrived, people were bustling about, putting together final touches for the gathering. The event took place at a Moose Lodge, so I found my way to the bar area and began watching the football game on the television to stay out of the way.
To my surprise, the host of the event invited me to join in and fellowship with them and their guests. I later learned the host was the wife of the individual whose life was being celebrated. She explained that his family had wanted a traditional church funeral, which was held in Whittier, California, but this gathering was her way of honoring what he had wanted.
As I sat and listened to everyone share stories about him, I noticed a common theme in their recollections: his personality and how deeply he would be missed.
When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand why the Bible says it is better to be in a house of mourning than a house of feasting. But in that moment, revelation began to flow. It became clear to me that such moments remind us of life’s fleeting nature and how we treat others is what truly matters.
Even now, as I write this devotional, my husband is asking me to spend time with him. I have no idea what the next moment holds, so I’m choosing to take him up on his offer.
It’s heartbreaking that so many of us fail to grasp how precious life on earth truly is. As the celebration drew to a close, someone sang Frank Sinatra’s My Way. The song made me reflect on how often people choose to live life their way, failing to acknowledge that our time here is temporary.
Jesus reminds us in Revelation:
“Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy. Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” – Revelation 22:11–13 (ESV)
Key Points
Everything you do on earth matters.
Life is just a mist.
This season on earth is temporary.
Your decisions here determine where you will spend eternity.
Prayer
Father,
With a heavy heart, I praise and thank You. I pray that every person’s heart will be open to hear Your voice as You draw them to Yourself. I ask that Satan’s voice be silenced so that they may hear You clearly in the moment and receive You into their soul. Thank You, God, that it is Your desire for everyone to be saved and that You are always working to draw people to You. Hallelujah! To You be the glory and praise! 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
Training Ground
In the military, a training field is an outdoor facility used to train soldiers and recruits. As believers, our training ground is in our minds. Scripture says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” —Ephesians 6:12
Usually, early in the morning when I head down to my prayer room, God puts a song in my heart or gives me something specific to pray about. But for a season, as soon as I crossed the threshold into my prayer room, an all-out war would begin in my mind whenever I tried to pray. All kinds of thoughts would come to distract me from prayer. Satan would attack from every direction. I became so frustrated that I asked God, “What is going on in my head?” I understood that the battlefield was in the mind, but I felt like I couldn’t break through. Every prayer time became a struggle. At times, I would just sit with God in silence, but even that felt like a battle. This went on for weeks, and then one day, I said to God, “I am not leaving this room until something shifts.”
I finally reached a place of quiet and peace. I could hear the silence. I knew I had entered a new dimension. I sat and listened, wanting to hear everything God was saying to me. Then He said, “The warfare was to make you strong.” I immediately understood what He was telling me. He had never left me; I was on the training ground. He wanted me to know that no matter what attacked my mind, our relationship remained unchanged, and He was still hearing my prayers.
I had become so worked up and confused, thinking my prayers weren’t getting through. But God was teaching me not to rely on what I felt but on what I knew. I knew that according to Romans 8:34 Jesus intercedes for us. I knew 1 John 5:14-15, when I pray according to God’s will, He hears and answers. I knew that Luke 11:9 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” God was teaching me how to be completely at peace, regardless of what I felt or thought, for He is not the author of confusion. I had allowed myself to get entangled in the battle with Satan instead of simply saying, “God, I trust You!”
We must understand that God will allow us to face the training ground. How else will we be prepared for the real battle? Just as the military trains soldiers for combat, how much more will God train and prepare those He loves?
Key Points:
God trains and prepares those He loves.
Training is not easy, but it is beneficial.
Don’t let your mind get caught up in how you feel; instead, stand on what you know from the Word.
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
Shift
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7, NLT
From August through September, my husband and I were assigned nanny duties in the Bay Area. Our daughter and her husband had welcomed their first child, our grandson. They were fortunate to have about five months off work to bond with their little one. However, just a week before they were due to return to their jobs, the nanny they had hired declined the position, leaving them without childcare.
To help them out, we worked out a schedule with our daughter’s mother-in-law, who lives 20 minutes away from them. We lived about two hours away. The plan was for us to cover two days a week, while her mother-in-law would handle the other three days, giving them time to search for a new nanny. The schedule worked well for about two weeks, but then her mother-in-law fell and sprained her ankle.
I was taken aback by how quickly God had shifted my plans. I was already adjusting to our two-day-a-week commitment while juggling writing, taping, and cookie-making all at once. Suddenly, they needed me to step in for the entire week. While I was excited to spend more time with my grandson, I felt annoyed and overwhelmed trying to figure out how to make everything fit into my already full schedule. As the week passed, I found myself surrendering to God. The harder I tried to make things work my way, the more frustrated I became. I realized I was fighting against God’s plans—and that’s a battle I was never going to win.
At first, I didn’t understand that I needed to release everything on my schedule and surrender to His. God was orchestrating a shift in my life, and I needed to be fully present in that moment. Once I let go, an incredible joy lifted my spirit. I stopped trying to control everything, and as a result, I had the most wonderful time with my grandson and husband.
God revealed to me that my presence in their home was part of His plan. I needed to be there—to pray over and anoint our grandson when he went to sleep. It was a vital assignment that I would have missed if I had clung stubbornly to my own agenda.
God has such a sense of humor. As soon as I let go and started enjoying my time, He showed me a place to tape my videos. I had walked past this room every day without realizing it was perfect for what I needed. It was only after I surrendered and aligned myself with His plans that I could see the opportunity He had provided. When I released everything to Him, the doors opened.
Key points:
Surrender to God’s plan.
An unexpected shift is God’s plan
If you lack peace and joy perhaps you have not surrendered to God.
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
Moving
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Joshua 29:11, ESV
The passage above is encouraging because it reminds us that we don't have to figure life out on our own. Many times, especially with social media, we can become distracted and disheartened by what others are doing, feeling a sense of failure in our own journey. But their journey is not ours, and what is happening in their lives is not meant for us. God says He knows exactly what He has planned for each of us. He created us, brought us here, and we are His responsibility. He tells us that He is our shepherd, so we must let Him lead and keep our eyes on Him.
The other day, I went for a run and was excited to be out running. I had planned to go a set distance, but when I turned a corner, the Holy Spirit prompted me, “Stop at this coffee shop and get yourself a tea.” At first, I felt myself resisting, thinking, No, I’m going to finish my run. But I followed the Holy Spirit's prompting.
As I walked home, the Holy Spirit spoke to me: “Whether you’re walking or running, you’re still moving with Him and making progress.” He reminded me not to get discouraged if things seem to be taking a long time. He reminded me of my garden—how it takes time for a seed to sprout. When it does sprout, it doesn’t immediately produce fruit. The plant has to grow and become strong enough to support the fruit it will bear. When the fruit appears, it starts out small and takes time to mature before it’s ready to be harvested. He showed me that this process is the same with us.
The world often tells us we should have everything right now, but that’s a lie. I believe God began humanity in a garden so we could learn the process of life. Everything God created on this earth has a teaching purpose for us. While sin has distorted many of these lessons, if we sit patiently with God, He will bring us revelations we could never have imagined.
Key points:
Keep moving in what God has put inside of you.
If you stop moving you will never reach destiny
Everything is designed to teach us something about him and to bring us revelation.
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
Enjoy the Present
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11, ESV
I was up early praying when I felt the Holy Spirit say, “Go work in your garden.” At first, I thought, Work in my garden? But then I remembered that I started the garden to hear Him speak to me. So, I went outside and spent time pruning, re-staking, and organizing. The whole time, I could hear the Holy Spirit guiding me. Just when I thought I was done, He said, “Now, go take your run.”
I went inside, put on my running clothes, and headed out. My husband was leaving for an appointment, and he said he’d call when he was finished. Just as I was wrapping up my run and stopping at a coffee shop for hot tea, he called. He wasn’t far, so he came over to grab a coffee and pick me up.
When we got in the car, he moved it to a shady spot, rolled down the windows, and just sat there. In my mind, I was thinking, I have a lot of work to do. Why are we sitting here? We’re only five minutes from home. Why don’t we just go? As if he could hear my thoughts, he said, “I just wanted to sit here with you and chat about what’s going on in your life. I wanted us to enjoy this moment together.” It reminded me of how God often says He is in the present and wants us to enjoy the moment. I realized I was so focused on my to-do list that I wasn’t savoring the day God had given me.
We sat for about fifteen minutes, and it was wonderful. I was grateful for how the Holy Spirit had moved in his heart! Later, I reflected on that moment and told him how much I appreciated what he did at the coffee shop. He said, “I just want us to remember to enjoy each other. When we get home, we get into our routines and can miss these precious moments.”
Every day, God gives us a gift. The Giver wants us to enjoy it. Amid all we have going on, God provides time each day to enjoy His presence. As the passage says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, ESV) Every time we make room for His presence in our day, we experience the fullness of joy. I want to encourage you—don’t miss out on your joy today!
Key points:
Take time to enjoy the gift
This day has been designed for you to enjoy.
If you are missing joy, you are missing Him.
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
Divisiveness
It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. Jude 1:19, ESV
One morning, I woke up with the word divisiveness in my spirit. I sensed that the Holy Spirit was leading me to pray against this spirit, as I could see it taking hold of our country, and it is not of the Lord.
Divisiveness: a tendency to cause disagreement or hostility between people; a tendency to provoke dissension or discord.
In the passage below, Jude—the author of the book and the brother of James and Jesus—writes to believers about the discord happening in his time. He says, "I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ, our only Sovereign and Lord." (Jude 1:3-4, NIV)
There was so much deception at that time that Jude went on to explain further how to recognize those causing divisiveness: "These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, 'In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.' These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit." (Jude 1:16-19, NIV)
God never leaves us without a solution for handling problems and strengthening ourselves. Jude concludes with this encouragement: "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." (Jude 1:20-23, NIV)
Our role as believers is to intercede with love for our brothers and sisters. Jesus made it clear that in the last days we would face deceptions, but we are called to love others, pray for them, stand for righteousness and guide them back to Him in love.
Key points:
Pray for your brothers and sisters as discord, divisiveness, deception, hostility are all apart of Satan tactics. We are not to be distracted by them.
Equip oneself with pray at all times and meditating on the word of God will provide all we need to discern the truth.
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
Trim
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2, ESV
My husband was saying that it seemed like he had just trimmed the bushes in our yard a few weeks ago, yet now they needed trimming again. It's amazing how God brings certain thoughts to mind when someone is speaking! I immediately thought about people and wondered, how often does God have to trim us back?
In the passage above, it says that even if we are bearing fruit and doing well, God still prunes. Often it has nothing to do with us doing something wrong. We may be growing in the right direction, but the trimming helps us produce more fruit. In essence, pruning brings us closer to the image of Christ and allows us to produce more fruit.
We have a tangerine tree in a pot on our backyard patio. The tree is growing well, but the branches are getting too tall and stretching in all the wrong directions. We need to prune the tree before the branches get too thick and hard to cut. The tree is doing exactly what it’s supposed to, growing and producing fruit, but we have to keep it trimmed so that it will be strong enough to produce a greater harvest of fruit.
I remember when I was working for a company that had a program that allowed employees to attend college for free while working, to further their education. I was selected for the program, and I was so excited to start attending night classes. But my husband began complaining that I was always away from him and the kids. Even though I thought I was doing this to benefit our family, he didn’t feel the same way. I was upset, so I went to God and asked him if attending this program was really for me. I was shocked when God said, “No, this is not what I have for you.” I responded, “But God, this is my job—what am I supposed to tell them, that I can't continue the program?” I don’t remember if God gave me a direct answer, but a month or two later, the program was canceled. I had been growing, but God was giving me a pruning. I don’t know why he changed my course, but that branch needed to be cut off. When God trims us, it may involve something good that just isn’t meant for us. We must trust him in all things, knowing that every day he is working things out for our good; even when the pruning doesn't feel good.
Key points:
Pruning does not feel good, but it is necessary.
Pruning does not mean you have done something wrong.
A great thing is not always the right thing for you. Submit to God’s direction.
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
Testimony at the Hospital #2
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; Matthew 9:37, ESW
My niece and I had been sent by God to the hospital to pray for individuals. When we got to the hospital we thought that our assignment was to go into the hospital, but we learned that our assignment was on the outside of the hospital. God said, “Go to the hospital,” but he never told us to go inside. There were four people standing outside the hospital next to signs that looked like union workers who were protesting against something concerning the hospital. They had at least four of these five foot signs that spoke to their issue. There was a person standing next to each sign so a total of four people.
God lead us to speak to all four of those individuals. I have written about the testimony of the first person we spoke to in a previous post. After we finished speaking with him and praying we walked about eight feet and there was a woman who was standing holding the next sign. We asked her if there was anything we could pray with her about. She was apprehensive about us and we just stood and let her ask all of her questions. She wanted to know who we were praying to and we said to her, “That was a great question,” and it seemed to lighten her heart.
I love how God is always in the midst when he sends us on an assignment. He knows who you will meet and he has prepared you for what you need to say. The young lady told us how she would like us to pray for her. She did not want any anointing oil. She did not want us to hold her hand, and she told us that she was working so she had very little time. We honored everything she said and we prayed the request that she had given us. Even though we did not get to minister to her the way we would have liked, God gave her what she needed. We were there for him and he knew what she was in need of. Our short time with her reminded me that we do not need to add anything to what God is doing. We just need to follow his lead. When Peter went into Cornelius, the centurion’s home he had no idea why God had sent him there, but he just followed how the Holy Spirit directed him and a whole family was saved. Acts 10.
When God calls us to be the laborers in the field he already knows how to harvest his fruit. Our job is to let him lead and obey the promptings he gives us.
Key points:
Every soul is harvested differently.
Sometimes you will not be allowed to quote a scripture, but you are the written word.
Do not be discouraged by the way individuals respond. God is dealing with their heart.
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
Testimony at the Hospital #3
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; Matthew 9:37, ESW
This is the last testimony of the four individuals we ran into at the hospital. The Holy Spirit had prompted my niece and I to go pray at the hospital. When we got to the hospital there were four people standing outside of the hospital next to signs that looked like union workers who were protesting against something concerning the hospital. They had at least four of these five foot signs that spoke to their issue. There was a person standing next to each sign, so a total of four people.
In a previous post I spoke about our interactions with the first two individuals that we encountered. When we got to the third person, he was a young man that looked to be in his mid-thirties. We told him that the Lord had lead us to the hospital to pray, but we felt that we were supposed to ask him if he would like us to pray for him. We asked if he had any prayer requests.
He was so excited he said, Yes!” He said, “I want prayer for everything!” We told him that we had some anointing oil and we asked if he was okay with us using it. He said, “I want it all! Everything you have to offer me, I want it!” He was so ready to receive all that God was offering him! My niece and I were so excited we could hardly believe it! It was such an honor to be used by God and to be in there at that moment with him. We prayed for every aspect of his life and he received every bit of it! It was such a joyous time! We then went over to the last person holding the last sign and when we asked him if we could pray for him he said, “No.” He was very kind, but he did not want prayer, or any part of it. As we walked away I whispered a prayer for him. I asked God to open his heart so that someday he would be open to knowing him.
We knew that after encountering him our time was over. The Holy Spirit confirmed in our souls that we were never meant to go into the hospital; the harvest was standing on the outside!
Key points:
Keep moving until you find the ripe harvest.
The harvest is plentiful.
Many have been deceived by Satan, but your words never return void.
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