Trusting
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:5–6, CSB
I thought I truly trusted God. I believed His Word, and whenever He told me to do something, I would move in obedience. Yet not too long ago, He began to show me that my faith was lacking. When God starts taking you through a lesson, it can be a hard truth to face.
He began opening doors for me to speak at different events. Whenever I prepared a message, I felt it was crucial to have every word carefully written down. I would script every detail of what I planned to say because I wanted it to be perfect. But then, He started giving me more speaking opportunities—this time with very little time to prepare. I would hear Him tell me to accept the invitation and simply say, “Thank you.”
That’s when He began to show me that He was calling me to release control and trust Him completely. Trusting Him meant I couldn’t be afraid to be vulnerable in front of people. And let me tell you—that was hard. I hadn’t realized how deeply rooted my insecurities were. But where there are insecurities, pride is often hiding in the background—and pride must be exposed. Pride will always lead to a fall, and it can disguise itself in ways we don’t even recognize. But God sees it all, and He knows exactly how to bring it to the surface.
Then He sent a beautiful young woman into my life—she hosts a podcast called Jasiriously Speaking with Jasiri (@jasiriouslyspeaking on YouTube). She’s been reading through the Bible in chronological order, verse by verse, and explaining each chapter in detail. I was surprised when she invited me to join her for the Book of Joshua. I told her I needed to pray about it and check in with the Holy Spirit—but deep down, I already knew He had told me to do it.
That’s when all the insecurities God wanted to deal with came rushing back in, and I tried—with everything in me—to conquer them in my own strength. But God shut it down. He reminded me to trust in Him with all my heart, and not to lean on my own understanding. He told me to acknowledge Him in all my ways, and He would direct my path.
Little by little, God has been transforming me—teaching me to release control, to let go, and to trust Him fully.
Key Takeaways:
You cannot partly trust and partly doubt God. You’re either all in—or you’re not.
Seeking perfection in your own strength leaves no room for God to move.
True perfection only comes by fully relying on Him.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Nothing is Impossible
"For nothing will be impossible with God." — Luke 1:37, ESV
Yeshua tells us to ask, and it will be given to us. He says we have not because we ask not. God wants us to come to Him with our needs and desires. He tells us He is our Shepherd who cares for His sheep. He is our Father, and He desires for His children to ask Him for what they need. I’m excited to share a simple example of how deeply God cares for and loves His children.
I really enjoy a good-smelling perfume—there’s something special about having your own signature scent. Maybe that’s why there are so many perfumes and colognes to choose from. For years, I wore one specific scent that I absolutely loved. I wore it consistently and never changed. But as I matured, that fragrance no longer seemed to suit me.
So, I started searching for a new perfume. When I was younger, I couldn’t afford designer fragrances, but now that I could, I began buying different high-end brands in hopes of finding the perfect scent. Nothing seemed to work. I remember walking into a department store with two of my nieces, and we spent time smelling all kinds of perfumes. Eventually, I became overwhelmed and gave up.
I had already prayed and asked God to help me find a new signature scent. So I simply said, “God, You’ll show me the perfume that’s meant for me.” One day, while shopping with my husband—without even thinking about perfume—we came across a group of ladies promoting a fragrance line. They had several scents from one brand I had never heard of and couldn’t even pronounce. One of the ladies invited me to try them. I almost said no, but I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit. I picked up one bottle, sprayed it on myself, and was ecstatic.
God had answered my prayer.
I hadn’t been looking for perfume that day, but I had already asked and left it in God’s hands. He cares about every little detail of our lives. All we need to do is ask and surrender it to Him.
Remember Gideon? While he was complaining about his circumstances and asking where the wondrous works of God had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared. God shows up when we least expect it. When we ask, He hears—and He answers.
Now, every time I put on that perfume, I feel joy and praise rise up in my spirit, because I’m reminded that nothing is too small to bring before God.
There is such peace and assurance in knowing that the All-Existing One—the Creator of all things—cares enough to help me find a simple perfume. How much more does He care about the bigger things we face in life? All things are possible with God. (Matthew 19:26)
Key Takeaways:
God cares about the things you think are insignificant.
God wants you to ask; He isn’t expecting you to do everything on your own.
God knows exactly how to get to you what you’re hoping for.
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
Keep Moving
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." —Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
My husband has a logo on his car that says, "Keep Moving." While writing this devotional, that phrase dropped into my spirit. We can get so mixed up when we don’t feel the flow of the Holy Spirit. There’s a certain rhythm that comes with being in alignment with Him. When that flow seems to be missing, doubt often finds its way into our minds. We begin to ask God, "Am I on the right track?"
Listen, I love writing—it just flows like the ocean. Sometimes someone will say a word in passing, and it stirs my spirit to begin writing. But there have been times when that ocean feels completely dry. Instead of flowing, it’s like a slow drip, and I feel like I’m squeezing out every drop. I start crying out to God, trying to figure out why I feel off. There have even been times when I’ve stopped writing altogether.
When things get rough or we feel out of rhythm, we are not called to stop. I’ve learned that if you seek God and He doesn’t tell you to stop, then you must keep moving. I believe that in these moments, God is teaching us to lean more deeply into the faith He has given us—even when He feels distant. It reminds me of Job, Joseph, Esther, Naomi, David, Sarah, and so many others in the Bible. They kept moving even when they couldn’t sense God’s presence. He taught them to rely on the faith He placed within them, not on their feelings.
I remember reading about Beethoven and how he began to lose his hearing—yet during that time, he produced his greatest work! You’d think hearing loss would make him give up, but the strength and vision within kept him moving toward his purpose.
I’m also reminded of how David cried out to God in Psalm 27. He declared that no matter what came against him, his heart would not fear—because he knew God had already written his story, and nothing could stop God's plan. David moved in faith even when he felt no flow and couldn’t see God's hand.
We must be just as determined. No matter what happens, our feelings and emotions do not dictate how we move with our Savior. We move based on what we know God has deposited in our soul. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV). Keep moving in all that God has placed in your spirit!
Key Takeaways
When your flow is off, check in with God—and then keep moving unless He says stop.
God is consistently preparing us for the next chapter.
Feelings and emotions do not dictate our actions; faith is our divine light.
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
Daily Bread
"Give us this day our daily bread." —Matthew 6:11, KJV
Our Bishop has been teaching a year-long series on prayer, titled The House of Prayer. Throughout this study, all sorts of random questions would stir in my spirit. At first, I wondered, Why are these questions coming to mind? But then the Holy Spirit gently whispered, "When I prompt you with a question, it’s an invitation to engage in deeper conversation with God." He was opening doors to richer dialogue and drawing me into greater intimacy with Him.
During one of the sessions, as one of our pastors was teaching on the phrase, "Give us this day our daily bread," I found myself wondering, Why do we have to pray this every day? If we are already spiritually nourished and consistently studying God’s Word, why is there a need to continually ask for daily bread?
The Holy Spirit wasted no time in answering. He responded through a series of His own questions:
How do you know your daily need?
How do you know what is going to happen in your day?
Do you know My plan?
Did you write out the timeline of your life?
Did you establish the day you are entering?
How do you know what you will need?
In that moment, God began to show me a vivid picture of how deeply dependent we are meant to be on Him. Yes, He’s given us wisdom and knowledge—but they are not meant to be operated apart from Him. We often think we’re capable of managing on our own, but the truth is we know so little. Obedience, therefore, is essential.
Yeshua (Jesus) was teaching His disciples how to pray to the Father. He had known His Father longer than anyone else ever could, so He knew exactly how we ought to approach God. Many of us may be delaying the manifestation of what we’ve prayed for—simply because we fail to obey and ask for our daily bread.
God knows everything that will happen in our lives. Remember when He told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years, but that they would be delivered? He also told Abraham the specific time when Sarah would conceive and give birth. If God knows the exact date and time of everything in our lives, why wouldn’t we ask Him daily for what we need?
We must not assume we know what our day will hold. Instead, we are to seek God each day and humbly ask Him to provide what we truly need.
Key Takeaways:
Assumption can cause you to miss your blessing.
God has a purpose for everything He instructs us to do.
Obedience is imperative.
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
And It Came to Pass
"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." —Psalm 30:5, ESV
Many times in life, when we’re going through a difficult season, it feels like the hardship will never end. I remember a time when everything at work felt hard and unpleasant. It was a clear season of struggle. People would say to me, “Joy comes in the morning,” but it seemed like morning after morning things only got worse.
Then one day, after prayer—possibly during a Bible study—the teacher read a scripture that began with the words, “And it came to pass.” Those were the only words I truly heard. The Holy Spirit whispered to me, “And this will come to pass.” Immediately, I felt a wave of relief wash over my soul.
Looking back, I realize I wasn’t enduring the trial well because I was so focused on getting through it quickly. That striving only made the situation harder. Every time I tried to move into a new role, something would block the opportunity. It became clear that God wasn’t going to let me run from the situation. But when I heard those simple words—“and it came to pass”—I found peace. I understood that the trial wouldn’t last forever.
Sometimes we are so consumed by what we’re facing that we forget it will eventually pass.
I’m reminded of the story of Joseph—specifically the time he spent in prison. He interpreted dreams for two of Pharaoh’s servants and asked one of them to remember him when he returned to Pharaoh’s service. But the servant forgot. Two whole years passed before he remembered Joseph and mentioned him to Pharaoh.
Despite the delay, Joseph remained humble and faithful. We see his unwavering trust in God when he responded to Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Genesis 41:16) Joseph consistently gave glory to God. He never wavered in his faith.
Even in prison, Joseph experienced God's favor. Scripture tells us:
"But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph's charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed." —Genesis 39:21–23, ESV
Even in the midst of difficulty, God was at work. That’s why it’s so important that we stay anchored in Jesus Christ during challenging times—because doing so keeps us aligned with the blessing and purpose waiting for us on the other side.
Takeaways:
Everything will come to pass; the key is to stay aligned during the journey.
Jesus Christ is always working behind the scenes.
God’s plan and timing are perfect; our role is to surrender and trust Him.
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
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