Releasing Control
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”—Luke 22:42, KJV
Control: To exercise restraining or directing influence over; to have power over; to rule.
In the passage above, Jesus is praying to the Father, asking if the cup of wrath—the suffering He was about to endure—could be removed. Yet before God responds, Jesus adds a powerful declaration: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Though Jesus had full authority and the power to come down from the cross, He surrendered His will to YHWH.
There’s a song by William McDowell called I Give Myself Away. One of the lines says, “I give myself away so You can use me.” Another says, “Lord, my life is in Your hands.” I used to sing that song often, and I meant every word. But over the years, I’ve realized that while it’s easy to say those words, truly releasing my will is harder than I expected. We can be sincere in what we say, but when the opportunity comes to actually submit our will, it often comes with a challenge.
Some time ago, my husband and I were navigating an insurance claim for one of our homes. I thought I had released control and was letting him handle it—until one day, while we were in the car, he received a call from the insurance adjuster. The call was on speaker because he was driving, and as I listened, I felt myself getting increasingly upset. I didn’t understand the decision he had made or how it would affect our claim. As soon as he hung up, I jumped in with my frustration.
In that moment, I could feel the Holy Spirit gently reminding me that I had released control. But my emotions were so strong that I couldn’t stop myself. My husband calmly said something like, “I prayed about this, and I believe this is what God is leading me to do.” His words made me pause and reflect on my behavior.
Satan is always looking for opportunities to trip us up. He’s strategic. Until that moment, I thought I had let go of control—but the situation revealed otherwise. That’s why Scripture tells us to pray about everything: because we truly can’t do this on our own. Jesus told the disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
Even with good intentions, our flesh is weak. Without prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, we will fall back into what we thought we had surrendered.
Key Takeaways:
Good intentions do not always lead to right actions.
Releasing our will to control only happens through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is the power source for releasing control.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
🔔 Follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
📘 My Books Are Available Now: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Consequences
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22, ESV
Some time ago, I made changes to my computer setup without realizing the impact it would have on my body. Unknowingly, I had altered the ergonomic position of my workstation. It took about six months before I began experiencing pain throughout my body. For a while, I couldn’t understand what was causing the discomfort. But during a doctor’s visit, we discussed any recent changes I had made—and that’s when we discovered the culprit: the adjustments to my workstation.
My doctor referred me to physical therapy, where I received specific exercises to help correct the issue. I also had to readjust my setup to support a healthier posture.
During that time, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart:
“When you adjusted your workstation, you didn’t realize the consequences that would come with that adjustment. Your intentions were good, but good intentions still brought you pain.”
He continued:
“It’s the same in the world. When individuals go against My will—even with good intentions—they still suffer the consequences of their actions. People often wonder why a good God would allow suffering. But many hardships result not from a lack of My love or care, but from the choices people make.”
God expressed this to Israel in Hosea 4:6:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
When we ignore God’s commands or fail to seek understanding, we open ourselves up to consequences we never intended. I’m reminded of the story of Jephthah in the Bible. He made a vow to the Lord, saying:
“If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” — Judges 11:30–31, ESV
When Jephthah returned home, his only child—a daughter—came out to greet him. Scripture doesn’t clearly state whether he fulfilled the vow through an actual sacrifice, which would have gone against God’s law. Still, his impulsive promise brought heartbreaking consequences.
A personal example also comes to mind. When my husband and I were younger, we purchased a duplex. We lived in one unit and rented out the other. Later, we decided to sell the property and buy a house. What we didn’t realize was that, because part of the property had been used as a rental, we were required to pay capital gains tax—a costly mistake we hadn’t anticipated. Although we were faithfully serving God, we failed to seek wise counsel before making that decision, and we paid the price.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22, ESV
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” — James 1:5, ESV
God promises to instruct and guide those who trust in Him. When we seek first the kingdom of God, lean not on our own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5–6). He is our Shepherd, and as we submit to Him, He will faithfully lead His sheep.
Our God is so gracious that even in the midst of costly mistakes, when we repent and turn to Him, He will restore what we have lost.
Key Takeaways
Disobedience leads to costly consequences.
God will lead us to wise advisers when we seek His help.
Be cautious when making vows—they can carry significant consequences.
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
Yes
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” — Jeremiah 17:10, ESV
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” — James 5:12, ESV
Yes is such a powerful word. The dictionary defines yes as an affirmative answer or decision, especially in a vote. But when you think about the yes Jesus gave for your sins—who else truly deserves your yes?
Yeshua (Jesus) is the only one worthy of our full and unwavering yes.
Some time ago, a reader responded to my devotional titled Surrender. She mentioned how deeply the song Only Jesus by Kirby Kaple, Chandler Moore, and DOE had moved her—especially the line: “You’re worthy of my yes.” I went back and listened to it again, and wow—there truly is no one else more deserving.
When we say yes, it is a decision to move forward with what we’ve committed to. Yet how often do we say yes, only to back out later because of how we feel, the weather, fear, or other circumstances?
But when Yeshua said yes to the cross, He meant it—completely and without hesitation. He chose to suffer. He chose to be crucified. And He never turned back. His yes came at the highest cost.
So here’s the question: Have you made an affirmed yes to Yeshua?
Many people say they believe in Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as their personal Savior, but their lives show little evidence of obedience. A yes isn’t just spoken with the mouth—it’s lived through the will. It’s the posture of a heart fully surrendered to God, no matter what may come.
Scripture reminds us:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and in Your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’” — Matthew 7:21–23, NIV
So, what does your yes look like?
Key Takeaways
Straddling the fence is not a yes.
Saying yes has nothing to do with how you feel or what consequences may follow.
Yeshua is the only one worthy of your unwavering yes.
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
Beautiful
"Behold, you are beautiful." — Song of Solomon 4:1, ESV
On Mother’s Day, I received a set of prayer cards as a gift from my dear sister. One of the cards had the verse above written on it. I was so grateful for those uplifting words and thanked God for placing me on someone else’s heart.
As I reflected on the words, “Behold, you are beautiful,” I found myself asking, “Lord, how am I to pray this?” God reminded me of a message I once heard: when He calls us beautiful, His focus isn't always on our outer appearance. He’s looking at our hearts.
We see this confirmed in Scripture:
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30, ESV
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being beautiful or taking care of your appearance. But what God values most is the posture of our hearts. He wants our focus to be on obedience to His Word and love for others—actions that reflect the kind of beauty that pleases Him.
Scripture says:
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” — 1 Peter 3:3–4, ESV
I’m reminded of the woman of noble character in Scripture—her faithfulness to her husband, her family, and to God earned her praise at the city gates. When we look to the world for definitions of beauty, we can become distracted. We must remember that Satan is the ruler of this world, influencing its standards and values—including what it calls beautiful.
But the Lord said to Samuel:
“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7, ESV
We were created in the image of God, and our deepest desire should be to please Him. He teaches us that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. The beauty God seeks in all His saints is the kind that flows from a heart that reverently fears Him and obeys His commands.
Key Takeaways
Outer beauty is wonderful to admire, but it adds nothing to a person’s character.
A person’s spirit will shine far beyond their physical appearance.
Redirect the time and energy spent on your outer appearance toward nurturing the condition of your soul.
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
Shut Your Mouth!
“So why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” The Lord’s anger burned against them, and He left. As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, resembling snow.
—Numbers 12:8–10, CSB
In the passage above, Miriam and Aaron—Moses’ siblings—spoke out against him. God heard their words, and His anger burned against them. He reminded them that Moses was His chosen servant, and He asked, “Why were you not afraid to speak against what I have done?”
While in prayer, the Holy Spirit clearly spoke: “Tell the people to shut their mouths when speaking against My anointed ones.”
He reminded me of King David and his relationship with King Saul. No matter how many times Saul tried to kill David—or how often God delivered Saul into David’s hands—David refused to harm him. Even though Saul had turned from the Lord, David would not touch the one God had anointed.
God said to tell the people two things:
First: How dare you sit under your pastor, receive the Word of God, and then go behind their back criticizing what you didn’t like or what you think they should have done differently?
Do not expect to receive the blessings your pastor pours out through the Word when your own words curse what was meant to bless you. You cancel your own breakthrough. Keep your mouth shut and take your concerns to God in prayer—not to others.
Second: Stop speaking against those whom I have appointed—even when they have gone astray.
The media may expose them. Others may gossip about them. But they are not your children; they belong to God. He chose them, and as Scripture says, “The Lord disciplines those He loves” (Hebrews 12:6). Your responsibility is not to criticize but to pray. If you continue to speak against them, the very words you release may come back on you.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your loving correction. I repent for anything I’ve said against those You have anointed to teach and lead Your people. My opinions and preferences do not matter when they stand in opposition to Your will. Please forgive me for any reckless or careless words I’ve spoken.
Your Word says that on the day of judgment, I will give an account for every idle word. Help me, Lord, to keep a guard over my mouth so that my speech always aligns with Your heart and Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
🔔 Follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
📘 My Books Are Available Now: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Consequences
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22, ESV
Some time ago, I made changes to my computer setup without realizing the impact it would have on my body. Unknowingly, I altered the ergonomic position of my workstation, and it took about six months before I began feeling pain throughout my body. For a while, I couldn’t understand what was causing the discomfort. But during a visit to my doctor, we discussed any recent changes I had made—and that’s when we discovered the culprit: my workstation adjustments.
My doctor referred me to physical therapy, where I was given specific exercises to help correct the problem. I also had to readjust my setup to support a healthier posture.
During that time, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: “When you adjusted your workstation, you didn’t realize the consequences that would come with that adjustment. Your intentions were good, but good intentions still brought you pain.”
He continued: “It’s the same in the world. When individuals go against My will—even with good intentions—they still suffer the consequences of their actions. People often wonder why a good God would allow suffering. But many of these hardships result not from a lack of God’s love or care, but from the choices people make.”
God expressed this to Israel in Hosea 4:6:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
When we ignore God’s commands or fail to seek understanding, we open ourselves up to consequences. I’m reminded of the story of Jephthah in the Bible. He made a vow to the Lord, saying:
“If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”
—Judges 11:30–31, ESV
When Jephthah returned home, his only child—a daughter—came out to greet him. Scripture is unclear whether he fulfilled his vow through an actual sacrifice, which would have contradicted God’s law. Still, his impulsive promise brought unimaginable consequences.
A personal example also comes to mind. When my husband and I were younger, we bought a duplex. We lived in one unit and rented out the other. Later, we decided to sell the property and buy a house. What we didn’t realize was that because part of the property had been used as a rental, we were required to pay capital gains tax—a costly mistake we hadn’t anticipated. Although we were faithfully serving God, we failed to seek wise counsel before making that decision, and we paid the price.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” —Proverbs 15:22, ESV
And also:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” —James 1:5, ESV
God promises to instruct and guide those who trust in Him. When we seek first the kingdom of God, lean not on our own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5–6). He is our Shepherd, and as we submit to Him, He will faithfully guide His sheep.
Key Takeaways:
It is imperative to obey God and seek His counsel.
God will lead us to wise advisers when we ask for His help.
Be cautious when making vows—they can carry significant consequences.
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
Surrender
“And going a little farther, He fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.'"
— Mark 14:35–36, ESV
I was listening to the song "Only Jesus" featuring Kirby Kaple, Chandler Moore, and DOE. As the song built toward the end, it took me into a deeper place of worship and prayer. The lyrics said:
“My posture for life is surrender, my posture for life is ‘yes,’
My posture for life is hands wide open,
My posture for life is a song of surrender.
I say, ‘Yes, yes.’
As long as it takes for me to get to the place of surrender,
I’m gonna stay right here. Hey, I’m gonna stay right here.”
I kept playing it on repeat. Then it hit me—I wasn’t just singing words. I was crying out for a complete overhaul of my heart. I was asking for the same surrendered posture Jesus had as He approached the cross.
In that moment of worship, I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to look up the words posture and surrender.
Posture: The physical position of the body, and more importantly, the attitude of the heart and spirit toward God.
Surrender: To cease resistance; to give up or abandon oneself entirely to someone or something else.
To truly walk in the fullness of God’s calling, we must assume a posture of total surrender. In the Scripture above, Jesus is facing the reality of the cross. He prays so intensely that His sweat falls like drops of blood. He knows what lies ahead: the 40 lashes, the crown of thorns, the nails in His hands and feet, the spear in His side, and the mocking from the very ones He came to save. But worst of all—He knows He will be forsaken by the Father as He takes on the weight of our sin.
Yet Jesus doesn’t pray to avoid pain. He doesn’t ask for an easier path. Instead, He says, “Not what I will, but what You will.” That is surrender.
The only way to reach this kind of heart posture is to stay at the feet of YHWH in prayer. When I prayed this kind of surrender, the Lord reminded me: “This stance means that no matter how others treat you, you stay the course. Your response must always be, ‘I trust You, God.’” He reminded me that Yeshua never asked to escape the pain—He endured it, fully committed to completing His assignment, no matter the cost.
True surrender often brings hardship. It may even feel like abandonment. But you are not alone. Think of Joseph, Moses, and Esther. Esther said, “If I perish, I perish.” She had given everything to God. And because of their obedience, countless lives were saved—lives they never could have imagined impacting.
Prayer
Father, I praise You, my Lord and King. You are my help and my answer.
I ask for Your strength—I cannot bring my heart to total surrender without You.
Have Your way in me until every part of me is surrendered fully to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
Total surrender means you will not always be treated fairly—it is part of the assignment.
The only way to fulfill your calling completely is with a fully surrendered heart.
Let your posture for life be a song of surrender.
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
Help With a New Assignment
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
Matthew 4:1–2, ESV
In the passage above, Jesus is entering a new season of His life. He had just been baptized by John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness for a time of prayer and fasting. Often, when we are on the brink of something new, we forget that we have a powerful tool that can guide us to assured success.
Fasting is not optional; it is an expected part of our walk with God. Yeshua said:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
When we fast with the right heart, it leads to powerful rewards from our Father.
Fasting is the act of turning away from things that constantly demand our attention. Many people give up food, but without submission, prayer, and focus, they risk missing the true purpose of the fast—and the valuable insight that Jesus longs to give. Fasting means setting aside time free from daily distractions to seek God. It is a humble act of drawing closer to Him—a tool for spiritual clarity, repentance, and breakthrough.
Scripture shows that fasting is expected, even when no immediate crisis is present. Consider Anna: the Bible says she never left the temple but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
This gift of fasting is always available to us. Scripture tells us that when Jesus entered His fast, He was full of the Holy Spirit—but when He emerged, He was full of the power of the Holy Spirit. It was His obedience in prayer and fasting that caused Him to step forward in divine power. During those forty days in the wilderness, Christ overcame every temptation—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. When we surrender ourselves to God through fasting, we will also witness His power working in our lives.
Key Takeaways
Fasting is not optional; it is a requirement that brings direction and power.
Every time you step into something new, it is imperative to seek God through fasting.
Fasting releases the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
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
You Have an Enemy
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. — John 10:10 (ESV)
In the passage above, Jesus is speaking with the Jews and Pharisees, who did not believe He was the Son of God or that He had healed the blind man. In response, Jesus declares that He is the way, and that all others who came before Him were thieves and robbers. He goes on to explain that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
We must understand that when someone seeks to kill and destroy us, it is because of hatred—there is no goodness in their heart. Satan is that enemy. He is out to take your life and will use whatever means necessary to do so. In Greek, the word "hate" means to pursue with hatred; to detest. Satan is strategic, and he is after you.
In the natural, when we know someone is out to harm us, we take extreme measures to protect ourselves. We might contact law enforcement, file a report, or even hire private security to keep our families safe. How much more important is it to protect our spiritual lives, which are eternal? Yeshua tells us that we have an enemy who has been active for generations. If Satan cannot take your life, he will try to make it as difficult and miserable as possible.
But we are not defenseless. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have power and authority. Scripture urges us: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:13–18). These are the spiritual tools we must actively use to stay protected. Obedience to His commands is essential. If law enforcement or security experts gave us specific instructions for our safety, we would follow them without hesitation. How much more should we obey Yeshua—who created Satan and sees every scheme of the enemy before it is even formed?
Yeshua is omnipresent and omniscient. He has given us clear instructions for our protection: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11, ESV). To combat the enemy, we must put on the armor of God daily.
Key Takeaways:
Satan has a plan to take you down.
God has a divine plan to keep you safe.
Follow God's plan and live the abundant life.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
My Way
Jesus said to him, "I am the way..." — John 14:6, ESV
I had sat down to do some writing I wanted to finish when the Holy Spirit nudged me to read something else first. I felt a bit irritated because I believed what I was working on was more important—and that I could come back to what the Holy Spirit was prompting me to read later.
As I reluctantly began reading, the Holy Spirit asked me, "Did you pray this morning about getting that other assignment completed?"
"Yes," I replied.
He continued, "Did you pray for My will to be done?"
Again, I answered, "Yes."
Then He asked, "Do you believe what you prayed for will be answered?"
"Yes," I said.
He responded, "Then why are you upset and trying to do things your way? If it is My will for the writings to be completed, they will be done. If it is not, they won’t."
That moment stopped me in my tracks. I had prayed for God’s will to be done, but I was still trying to make things happen my own way. God was showing me: that's not how answered prayer works. You can’t place something in His hands and then snatch it back, trying to control the outcome.
He knows all things. He has a timeline for everything we are supposed to do. Our role is to surrender our plans and allow Yeshua to lead. The truth is, we have no real control—time and everything else belongs to Him. When we resist His direction, we risk missing the blessings He has already predestined for us.
So I obeyed the prompting and read what He had placed on my heart. I was deeply blessed—so much so that I couldn’t stop thanking God! While reading, He brought me to a place in His presence I had never experienced before. Here I was, determined to complete my own task, and God was simply trying to get a blessing to me.
We must let go of our own way, our own plan, and our own schedule, and truly surrender to God. Every time the Holy Spirit prompts our spirit, we must move—immediately. I believe if I had chosen to wait and read later, I would have missed the special blessing He had for me in that moment.
God’s way is always the best way.
Key Takeaways:
Our way is not God’s way.
When the Holy Spirit prompts you, move immediately.
Release your will to 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
He Is Speaking To You
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
—Psalm 119:105, ESV
I was having lunch with a dear friend when we began discussing how we can remain in the presence of God in our everyday lives. As soon as she posed the question, God provided the answer.
She shared a simple story. While shopping for a few items, she walked down an aisle and passed the mustard section. She paused for a moment, looked at the mustard, and thought to herself, "We don’t need mustard," so she kept walking.
When she got home, she checked her mustard jar and saw it was nearly empty. In that moment, God revealed something important: He had been speaking to her. She realized that what she thought was just a passing thought was actually the gentle prompting of God. Without knowing it, she had dismissed His voice and, in essence, told God He was wrong.
But God is so kind. He wanted her to understand that He was speaking to her. By prompting her to check the mustard jar, He used this small moment to teach her how to recognize His voice. The next time she hears that still, small voice, she will remember that it isn’t her own subconscious—it’s her Shepherd guiding her, even in the smallest situations.
This simple story is a powerful reminder: if we don’t learn to recognize God’s voice in the little things, we might miss it when it truly matters.
I remember a time from my own life. I was driving home from church when I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Move into the other lane." I hesitated, but then heard again, more urgently, "Move now!" I quickly switched lanes. Just then, the car in front of me suddenly shifted into reverse and backed up quickly—without looking. If I hadn’t recognized the Holy Spirit’s voice and obeyed, I might not be here today.
Often, we assume it’s just our own thoughts, but as Scripture says:
"For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it."
—Job 33:14, ESV
God isn’t only speaking when we’re in church. He is constantly guiding us in our daily lives. Scripture says we are His sheep, and the Shepherd never abandons His flock. He doesn’t place us in the pasture and walk away. No, He watches over us, leads us, and cares for us. This is why we’re told to meditate on His Word—because the Word is one of the ways He speaks to us. As Psalm 119:105 reminds us, His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Key Takeaways:
God is always directing you with a still, small voice.
Don’t mistake God’s voice for your own conscience.
You will better recognize God’s voice when you regularly meditate on His Word.
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
#1 Choice
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."
I was on a prayer call with a dear friend, and after we prayed, we began to chat. In the midst of our conversation, she started sharing how God chose us before the beginning of time. She mentioned that a female has six to eight million eggs while still a fetus. This means that because a woman is born with all her eggs, those eggs were once inside her mother—and her grandmother.
After I got off the call, I let that truth settle in my spirit. Immediately, the verse above came to mind.
I began to reflect on what it means to be chosen. When we choose someone for anything, we usually look for the best—the student with the highest GPA for college admission, the top athlete for a championship team, the most qualified applicant for a competitive job. Agents scour the country looking for that number one person.
As I meditated on these thoughts, I felt the Lord say, "You were chosen out of eight million. I chose you because you were the best of the best, and I knew you could handle the assignment. I nurtured and protected you through the birthing process and brought you into the world. I have never taken my eyes off you."
The thought of being chosen out of eight million people is mind-blowing. Most of us on earth have no idea how powerful we truly are. The Creator of the universe hand-selected each one of us because we were the best! Everyone here is the best of the best for the specific calling God has placed on their life.
Unfortunately, many believe the lies that have been spoken over them. But the truth is—we have been equipped with everything we need to succeed. We received power when we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. And beyond that, He sent the Holy Spirit, our most trusted Advisor, who constantly watches over us and takes care of us.
We need to receive this truth: we are God's number one pick! You were chosen out of millions. Whatever you're going through right now, let that truth anchor you. No one else is better equipped to walk through your current situation. You have the capacity and the tenacity to accomplish what God has placed in your heart. No one can do it better. You were the number one pick, and no devil can rewrite the story God has already written for your life.
Key Takeaways:
You are God’s number one choice.
There is nothing you lack.
He chose you because you were the best out of millions.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Life is a Mist
Two things are guaranteed in this life: taxes and death.
One of my dear cousins recently passed away. Technically, she was my second cousin, but I grew up with her feeling more like an aunt. She was always so funny and full of life, and every memory I have of her is a good one. She was the sweetest foster caregiver and even adopted several of the children who had been placed in her care.
Sitting in her memorial service reminded me that we are only here for a season. God determines when we arrive and when we depart—unless we choose to end our own life sooner. I believe these earthly bodies are designed to function for a specific time, and when that time is up, they are programmed to shut down. From the moment we are born until the moment we leave, we have assignments to complete here on earth.
I am reminded of King Hezekiah, who prayed and asked God to heal him so he could live a little longer. His body was preparing to shut down, but God granted him an additional fifteen years. God didn't just heal him; He told him exactly how many more years he would live. When it was time for Moses to leave this earth, God told him to go up on Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land. Afterward, he would be gathered to his people.
Scripture tells us, "Common people are only a vapor; important people an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor." (Psalm 62:9) Our time here truly is like a mist, and it is so important not to get caught up in the chaos Satan sends our way. If we're not careful, we may find ourselves aligned with the enemy rather than with Jesus Christ.
When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He replied:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40, ESV)
While it's important to stay informed and understand what's happening in the world around us, completing our God-given assignments should remain our main focus. My cousin understood her assignment. Everyone who came to celebrate her life spoke of her deep love for her community. Although God had blessed her with a beautiful home and a loving family, she didn’t chase after the material things of this world. Instead, she chased after loving everyone God placed in her path.
Key Takeaways:
This world is not your permanent home.
The clock of your life is ticking; make sure you are aligned correctly.
Live in such a way that you can live again—eternally with Jesus Christ.
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
Transitioning
"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 21:4, ESV
In the passage above, John was exiled on the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel. While on the island, he had a vision, and in that vision, he heard a voice declare that death shall be no more.
Recently, one of my dear cousins passed away. As I sat reflecting on her life and how deeply I would miss her, the Holy Spirit gently spoke to my heart: "Death is not the end; it is a new beginning." He reminded me that I was viewing her passing from an earthly perspective. But if I would shift my focus to see things as our Heavenly Father designed them, I would find joy instead of sorrow. He helped me understand that my auntie was simply transitioning to a new place. Her service on earth was complete, and a new journey awaited her.
The Holy Spirit reminded me that during her celebration of life service, her soul had already departed; it was only her earthly body that had stopped working. I was led to reflect on Psalm 139, which reminds us that God has designed each of us for a specific season. He determines the moment we arrive and has already established the moment we will depart.
I thought of the story of Lazarus, Martha's brother. When he died, Jesus told those mourning, "He is only sleeping." Jesus said this because He knew Lazarus's spirit was not gone but had only left the body temporarily. We have been assigned to this earth to serve Yeshua, our King, and to share His love with all people.
I also remembered the story of King Hezekiah. When he was terminally ill, the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from the Lord: "Set your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover." (2 Kings 20:1, CSB) Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed, pleading with God to remember his faithfulness. He wept bitterly. Before Isaiah had even left the inner courtyard, the word of the Lord came to him again, saying:
"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the Lord God of your ancestor David says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the Lord’s temple. I will add fifteen years to your life.'" (2 Kings 20, CSB)
There is one guarantee God has made clear to us all: no matter who we are or what we have done, the time for our departure from this world will surely come. But Jesus has given us the road map through His Word to ensure we are prepared.
Key Takeaways:
Death is simply a transition to a new destination.
We can rejoice, knowing our loved ones are still alive—just no longer in the earthly realm.
Jesus has full control over our lives and knows the exact moment we are to depart.
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
Deception
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put Him to death, for they feared the people. — Luke 22:1, ESV
In the passage above, Jesus had been preaching and ministering for about three years, and the time was drawing near for Him to be sacrificed. The religious leaders were now plotting how to put Him to death. This is astonishing, especially considering they were in the midst of celebrating Passover—one of the most sacred times of the year—a celebration commemorating when God sent the death angel to Egypt but passed over the homes of Israel, sparing them.
God had delivered their ancestors from death so they could stand alive in that very moment, yet they were determined to put Jesus to death. They were blinded by deception. Satan had convinced them that what they were doing was right. Scripture clearly warns us: "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." — John 8:44, ESV
We must keep our eyes fixed on the Lord so that we are not deceived by Satan. God calls us to walk in love, and if our actions are not rooted in love, we have unknowingly aligned ourselves with the enemy. These religious leaders were going against the very commandments they had studied and taught. Scripture reminds us:
"Do not harbor hatred against your brother. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself." — Leviticus 19:17-18, CSB
And in Deuteronomy, God commands: "You shall not murder."
In truth, these leaders were the ones guilty of sin.
We must be especially careful when we set out to correct a brother or sister in Christ. Scripture instructs us to first remove the plank from our own eye so we can see clearly to remove the speck from someone else’s eye. Our constant prayer should be for God to search our hearts, reveal anything that is not like Him, and remove it—so that we may walk uprightly and remain aligned with His will.
Key Takeaways
Self-righteousness can cause you to be deceived.
Take time to ensure you aren’t following the crowd and missing our Savior.
If you are not moving in love, you are moving with Satan.
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
Your Opportunity
Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers about how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd.
Luke 22:3-6 (ESV)
This passage highlights the tragic choice Judas made to betray Jesus. Judas had walked with Jesus throughout most of His earthly ministry. He witnessed countless miracles, heard every message, and was even part of Jesus' inner circle. Yet, as I reflect on this, I’m reminded of an important truth: not everyone who is with you is truly for you.
What’s even more striking is that Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray Him. Judas had every opportunity to choose a different path, but he remained a thief and ultimately aligned himself with Satan. Scripture confirms this in John 12:6: "He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money bag and would steal part of what was put in it." (CSB)
Judas’s story also brings to mind the sobering words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23: _"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'"
Family, we only have this one life here on earth to get it right. We must be anchored in Christ. This season is our opportunity to live according to His commands. Don’t let a title, a position, or even your works deceive you into thinking they guarantee your place in heaven. Yeshua completed the work for us at the cross. Salvation is not about empty declarations; it’s about a surrendered heart.
I’ve heard our Bishop say many times, "Not everyone sitting in the sanctuary will make it into heaven." Scripture is clear: only those who do the will of the Father will enter His Kingdom. His two greatest commands are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself. And your neighbor isn’t just the person next door — your neighbor is the world.
Listen, Satan is the great deceiver and the father of lies. If you are not fully surrendered to Yeshua, you could be heading in the wrong direction, even if you don’t realize it.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of eternal life. We acknowledge that if we are not fully surrendered to You, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Right here, right now, we repent. If there is anything in us that does not reflect You, we ask You to remove it. Fix our hearts so that our focus remains on You alone. We surrender ourselves completely and invite You to have Your way in us. All we want is You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
Jesus sees every action and knows your heart.
Now is the time to surrender everything to Yeshua.
Jesus stands at the door, waiting for you to invite Him in.
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
Gabriel
"The angel answered him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.'" — Luke 1:19
Gabriel is a special messenger, sent by God on multiple occasions to deliver divine messages to individuals on earth about what was to come. Every time I read about the angel Gabriel, I am in awe of our God. It is almost impossible to fully comprehend the One we serve and His majestic power. We understand that we are spiritual beings living in a physical body, but the thought of an angel coming from heaven—a place we have never been and cannot reach on our own—blows my mind.
Consider this: the angel came from a realm beyond our understanding, transcending time because God exists outside of time. Gabriel entered our world to deliver a message to Zechariah. In the passage above, Gabriel tells Zechariah that God was about to perform a miraculous work in his life—his wife would conceive a son in her old age. However, Zechariah struggled to believe the angel’s words, and only then did Gabriel introduce himself.
Gabriel did not initially state his identity. It was only after Zechariah doubted that the angel declared who he was and where he had come from. He made it clear that he was not of this world, that he stood in the presence of God, and that he had been sent specifically to deliver God’s message.
I love how God orchestrated this divine encounter. Both Gabriel and Zechariah were chosen by God for a specific purpose. Each had an assignment to fulfill. Gabriel completed his task, delivered the message, and returned to heaven. As I meditated on this, I was reminded of the line in the Lord’s Prayer: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." If only we could be more like Gabriel.
Throughout all of his earthly visits, Gabriel never sought to glorify himself. He came solely to fulfill God’s mission and then departed. Jesus did the same—He entered the world, followed His Father’s instructions, and then returned to heaven. This is a prime example of how we are called to live. May we not become distracted by the cares of this world but instead remain focused on the divine assignments God has given us. May we seek daily to do only His will.
Key Takeaways
Gabriel was chosen by God for a specific assignment, just as we have been.
Gabriel obeyed God's instructions without hesitation, and we should do the same.
Gabriel never sought to bring attention to himself—his mission was solely to glorify 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
Obedience is Imperative
"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust me to demonstrate my holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.’"
—Numbers 20:12 (CSB)
I started listening to the podcast @jasiriouslyspeaking on YouTube, where she was teaching from the book of Numbers. We were covering Numbers 24, and her teaching was so good that I wanted to go back and read a few chapters to prepare for the following day’s lesson. (By the way, if you want to read the Bible and receive great insight, I highly recommend this podcast.) I started with Numbers 20, and you know how Yeshua is—He will speak to you right in the middle of your reading. It’s like you open the door by reading His word, and He says, "Come on in, let me teach you about Me." I love it!
While reading, I came to the part where Moses and Aaron were punished for their disobedience. God had hand-selected Moses and Aaron to lead His people. He appointed Aaron as the high priest over the temple and worship. Yet when they disobeyed God, His discipline was severe—even unto death.
Because of their disobedience, God told them they would not enter the Promised Land. Scripture says,
"Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and die there.”—Numbers 20:25-26 (CSB) "So Moses did as the Lord commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. After Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. When the whole community saw that Aaron had passed away, the entire house of Israel mourned for him for thirty days." --Numbers 20:27-30, CSB).
Aaron was replaced by his son Eleazar, and Moses was eventually replaced by Joshua. It doesn’t matter how we feel about God’s decisions—His message is clear: disobedience will cost you. It doesn’t matter who you are or what position God has placed you in—if you don’t obey Him, Scripture says, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves... "—Hebrews 12:6 (CSB) Scripture also says, "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"
—Luke 6:46 (CSB)
Those who love God follow His word and keep His commandments. He says, "If you love Me, you will obey My commands." We cannot live life on our own terms and expect God to be okay with it. Just as a parent expects their child to follow instructions, God expects us to obey Him. He is our Father.
Let’s Pray:
Father, we know that You are kind and gracious, and that we receive new mercies and grace every day. We also know that You discipline those You love. We surrender ourselves to You and seek forgiveness for the times we have failed to follow Your instructions. Thank You for the examples of Moses and Aaron, reminding us to stay obedient to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways:
God expects us to obey Him.
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
In God’s kingdom, disobedience is not an option.
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
Called to Wait
"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation..."Micah 7:7 (ESV)
Many times when we visit the doctor’s office, after checking in, we are directed to a waiting room to wait for our name to be called. We wait with expectation, knowing that at any moment our name will be called. Sometimes, it may take a little longer, but the one thing we know for certain is that our name will be called. When we were in Italy, we traveled by train to many different cities, and at each station, we had to wait in line. While waiting, we always kept an eye on the monitor, knowing that our train would eventually appear.
Throughout life, we are taught how to wait with patience. I believe that waiting teaches us not only how to wait but also how to look for the Lord. Scripture says, "Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."—Matthew 24:44 (ESV).
In the examples I shared, we didn’t know exactly when the doctor would call our name or when the train would arrive, but we waited with the expectation that it was coming. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is returning soon, and we must be ready.
We must not let the distractions of this world take our focus off of what God has called us to do: to love one another as Christ has loved us. The Scripture says, "Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."—Revelation 22:12-13 (CSB)
Waiting is a part of this life’s journey. Just as we wait for things to happen in our daily lives—whether it's for a red light to turn green or for our name to be called—we must remember to wait with the same expectation for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is coming soon!
Key Takeaways:
We are called to wait on the Lord with anticipation of His return.
While waiting, we are to serve the world in love.
Jesus is coming back soon! Hallelujah!
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
Failure
"There is no risk of failure with God. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken." — Psalm 62:6, ESV
The Holy Spirit had given me an assignment. Although I was excited about it, I was also nervous because I had been given a similar timeline in the past — and I had failed. I couldn’t seem to complete things within the set time frame.
As I sat with God, I told Him how excited I was about the plans and the timeline, but I was anxious because I had failed so many times before. That’s when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Look up the word fail.”
Fail: to be unsuccessful in achieving one’s goal; to neglect to do something.
After reading the definition, the Holy Spirit began placing scriptures in my spirit. He reminded me, “There is no risk of failure with God.” He said that I was seeing things from an earthly perspective instead of His. What looked like failure to me was actually success to Him because He was working out something greater within me.
He brought several more scriptures to mind:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get back up again.” — Proverbs 24:16
As I sat quietly, listening to the Holy Spirit, He reminded me of Thomas Edison. Edison failed 1,000 times while trying to invent the light bulb — but he kept going. God said, “The world sees my guiding of Thomas Edison as failure, but I was actually directing him toward success. Every step he took, I already knew what was going to happen. Each step was purposeful in leading him to discover the treasure of the light bulb within him.”
Every time the world tells you that you’ve failed, remind yourself that God is directing your path — and there is no failure in Him.
Key Takeaways
When we see things from God’s perspective, we will never see failure.
Every step we take with God is purposeful, whether we understand it or not.
A thousand different attempts are not failures — they are steps toward success.
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