In His Presence
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 116:11, AMP
There are so many messages one can receive when sitting in the presence of God. Noah received detailed instructions on how to build the ark, and in the same way, we too can receive clear direction for what God has planned for us.
One morning, as I sat quietly, the Holy Spirit began to take me back through Scripture, reminding me of those who met with God face to face. He impressed upon my heart that every encounter was different because each person had a unique personality and calling. What you receive while sitting in God’s presence will be completely different from what someone else receives—and that is by design.
He reminded me of Moses and how God called him up the mountain. Moses literally climbed the mountain to meet with God, taking nothing with him except his staff, which he used to help him along the way. Moses had no idea that the very staff he carried would later become the instrument God used to perform mighty miracles through him. Interestingly, Moses already had everything he needed.
Moses’ meetings with God were powerful and full of instruction. Each time he sat in God’s presence, he received guidance on how to lead and govern God’s people. God established an entire nation through Moses. He gave him exact details for building the tabernacle—how every piece was to be constructed, assembled, and handled. We serve the same God today. When we intentionally take time to be in His presence, we build that same intimate relationship and receive His guidance and direction for our lives.
And then there is Enoch. Scripture tells us that he walked with God so closely that he was no more. How incredible is that?
As you come to the end of this year, if you have not already done so, I pray that you will make time to meet with God and develop a personal, intimate relationship with Him. He is waiting for you to show up.
Key Takeaways
God speaks uniquely to each person according to their calling and purpose.
Time spent in God’s presence brings clarity, instruction, and direction.
Like Moses, we often already have what God intends to use—He simply reveals it in His presence.
Intimacy with God grows when we intentionally meet with Him.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Sit Quietly
“Be still, and know that I am God…” — Psalm 46:10
The Lord had been calling me to sit still before Him. He instructed me to go into my quiet space and not bring anything with me. He said, You do not need your Bible or your writing tablet—just yourself.
At first, I was really excited to sit before the Lord, but I did not realize how uncomfortable I would feel sitting in silence. I found it difficult to sit quietly and not say anything. It was as if I wanted to talk constantly. I remember at one point I said, “God, can I just praise You?” He responded, “No—just sit quietly.”
I could not believe how much my body wanted to move and how my mind kept wandering to so many different things.
I asked God, “What am I supposed to do with all these thoughts that come into my mind?” He said to say thank you and offer them up to Him. So every time my mind wandered off course, the Holy Spirit would gently bring me back, and I would say, “Lord, I thank You for what came to mind, and I offer it up to You.”
I did not always like what surfaced, but our God is so gracious. He said, “I am cleaning out your mind so that you can focus on hearing Me.” Those experiences truly helped me grow closer to the Lord and know Him more deeply as my Father and my King.
During those times, once my spirit and mind settled, I could hear the silence. Silence has a sound—you can actually hear it. This space is so peaceful, and suddenly you may be overcome with emotion. Tears may begin to fall, and you can feel God’s presence.
Many times He would not speak, but I would simply know He was there. We would have these amazing conversations without words—spirit to spirit. This is the space where revelation is revealed and where God desires all of us to meet Him.
Before the year ends, I invite you to take some time to simply go and sit with God. He is your Father, and He loves you very deeply. He has all the time in the world for you, and you do not need to make an appointment.
In the verse above, it says, “Be still and know that I am God.” We come to truly know Him as God when we come before Him quietly, letting everything else go. It is time for just you and Him. What a beautiful way to start the New Year—knowing your God.
Key Takeaways
Quiet time before God is a gift He offers to each of us.
Sitting still before Him may be difficult at first, so give yourself grace.
God is waiting for you to join Him.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Make A Name for Yourself
I heard this song during worship at a Bible study, and there was a chorus that grabbed my soul. The words were, “Would You make a name for Yourself with my life?” Y’all, that has become my prayer for the rest of my life.
The song goes on to say, “With every breath I take and every move I make, make a name for Yourself with my life.” Can you imagine what the world would be like if every believer prayed that prayer and then truly lived it out—moving in all that God has called them to do so that all the world sees our Father? Lives would be truly changed, souls would be saved, bodies healed and Satan stopped.
Our lives are not our own. We were brought to this earth for Him. Scripture tells us: “For by Him all things were created, that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
—Colossians 1:16–17
So I leave you with this song and I pray it minsters to you the way it did me. (https://youtu.be/-TDtB9MS5Q8?si=cJDCC2_tinHIhBaj)
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Big Ask
All year long, our church has been studying prayer. One thing that has truly penetrated my heart is the confidence we can have in our asking. When we know who we are in Jesus Christ and understand the benefits we have in Him, we can ask for big things—things we might otherwise believe we do not deserve.
As I am writing this devotional, a story came to mind. My brother and sister-in-love always took their children on amazing vacations when they were young. At the time, we couldn’t afford trips like that, but they would always share pictures and stories that made you feel like you were right there with them. In one particular story, I believe they were somewhere in the Caribbean. My brother-in-law shared that his daughter, who was about eight at the time, looked out across the large body of water, saw an island, and said, “Daddy, can you buy me that island?” We all laughed when he told the story, but that is exactly what our Father wants us to do.
You see, because she knew it was her daddy, she believed there were no limits to what she could ask. It is the same way for us with YHWH. He is our Father. He tells us to pray, “Our Father,” and He says, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened.”
I have found many times in the past that my hang-ups with asking were rooted in believing I didn’t deserve it, or I couldn’t afford it, or maybe I felt I wasn’t a good manager of my resources—so why should I ask God for that?
God did not say we must get everything in order before we ask. He did not tell us to ask only for what we think we deserve, because truthfully, we deserve nothing. Scripture tells us that all our righteousness is as filthy rags. We get to come to Him and ask simply because He is our Father. When we ask, we are often asking for things we do not have the ability to obtain on our own—whether because of our mistakes or not. When we repent and walk in obedience, there is nothing we cannot ask for.
My niece couldn’t buy the island, so she asked her dad. Scripture says, “You have not because you ask not.” She took nothing into consideration except this: I have a daddy, and I can ask him. God tells us to come as little children and ask. We need to let Him be the judge of what He wants to pour out on us.
Key Takeaways
God places desires in our hearts, and He invites us to ask.
Ask for the impossible, because all things are possible with God.
Don’t let your circumstances stop you from asking for the big thing.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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The Oil in the Bottle
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14, ESV
I love how God is always speaking to us. Many times, we do not even recognize that it is Him.
Every morning before I begin prayer, I take communion and anoint myself with oil. One particular morning, as I shook the bottle to get the oil out, nothing came. I kept tapping the bottle against my fingers, but I didn’t see anything. When I lifted the bottle up to the light, I could clearly see there was still oil inside. So I tapped my fingers a little harder, and finally, some oil came out.
Immediately after the oil flowed, I heard the Holy Spirit say something to the effect that some people are just like the oil in the bottle. He said, “You had to tap the bottle several times to get the oil out. I have placed different gifts in each of you, and I have laid desires on your hearts. But for some, I must keep sending motivation—and sometimes place you in uncomfortable situations—to get the precious oil out.”
As I reflected on what He had placed in my spirit, the half-written books on my computer came to mind. God had put several books in my heart to write. I had started them, but I had not finished. Not too long ago, I was having a conversation with a dear friend, and in the middle of our discussion she said, “I think God wants you to write a book about prayer for this season.” I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit confirming her words.
That simple act of trying to get oil out of a bottle was God speaking to me about unfinished projects He had entrusted to me. I am paying attention now, and I will be taking time away from writing devotionals to finish the books God has so graciously placed in my spirit.
God is always speaking—we must listen closely and pay attention. I knew God had told me to write these books, but other things kept taking priority. We must be careful that when we say yes to God, we follow His instructions to completion. Remember Esther: she was afraid to go before the king on behalf of her people, and her cousin Mordecai told her:
“Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14, ESV
Everything God calls us to do is extremely important, and it is imperative that we follow His instructions. When I told my grandson not to walk into the street, it was a matter of life and death—even though he did not understand the danger. It was still imperative that he obey my instructions.
In the same way, we do not always understand God’s plans or what is coming next, but we have been called to walk by faith and not by sight. Every time God gives us an assignment, we must move forward in obedience, because partial obedience is disobedience.
I recognized that I was out of alignment and walking in disobedience, so I repented. I also asked God for permission to complete the books and get them published. That request was graciously granted, and in the coming year my focus will be on finishing and releasing the books God has placed in my spirit.
I want to encourage you: if there is something lingering in your heart that you have not started—or have not yet finished—take it to God. Repent, and ask Him for help to get back into alignment and move forward in your assignment.
Key Takeaways
God is always speaking—pay attention.
Your assignment is vital to the plan of God; complete it.
Partial obedience is disobedience.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Hearing God in the Days of Distraction
“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.” —Genesis 6:5–6 (ESV)
This passage reveals the condition of the human heart in the days of Noah. As I was sitting and talking with God, Noah suddenly came to mind. I began to see a vision of the world around him—people going about their daily routines with no regard for the Lord. I saw others who believed they were walking with God, yet their hearts were far from Him. They went through the motions, but their intentions were not aligned with His will.
As I sat there, I started to pray, asking God to help me with the posture of my own heart. I didn’t want to be like the people in Noah’s time. I thought about how we often get up in the morning and say our prayers to God, but how many of us actually sit still long enough to hear Him speak back? A heaviness settled over me, and as I shared these thoughts with my husband, I asked God, “How can we be sure we are not as deceived as those in Noah’s day?”
I heard Him answer with one simple word: love.
When you move in unconditional love, you will always be aligned with Me.
I thought for a moment and said, “God, unconditional love is hard.” He reminded me that it is hard when I try to do it in my own strength. But when I release control, when I surrender to Him, He walks me through it—and in that place of surrender, I can consistently move in alignment with His heart.
There is so much in this world competing for our attention, and we cannot overcome it on our own. The Scriptures tell us that our battle is not against flesh and blood, even though that’s what it looks like at times. We are engaged in spiritual warfare, and the only way to win is by walking in the Spirit with our Father.
My prayer for you today is that you slow down long enough to hear God’s direction. I pray you will not be deceived by the cares of this world, but that—just like Noah—you will hear God’s voice and walk with Him step by step. Father, even when their time is limited—whether they are caring for children, supporting a loved one, or navigating a heavy load—I pray that You will show my sisters and brothers where and how they can meet with You. Thank You, Lord, that it is not the quantity of time but the quality of our hearts that gives us strength and keeps us aligned with You. Thank You for answering this prayer and for reminding us to keep our focus on You. To You be glory and praise, amen.
Key Takeaways
Seek God first before you start your day.
God is not concerned with the quantity of time but with the quality of your heart in the time you give Him.
Moving in unconditional love keeps us aligned with God—because we cannot walk in that love on our own.
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
Victory in Prayer
“In Christ, He chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be His holy people—people who could stand before Him without any fault.”
Before the world ever existed, before God spoke light into the darkness, He chose you. He chose you in love. He designed you with intention, purpose, and destiny. That truth alone gives us confidence when we pray. When we truly know who we are in Christ—and whose we are—we can pray with assurance and boldness.
The passage above reminds us that we are God’s chosen people. Long before time began, God planned for each one of us. I love that. Before God formed the earth, He already had us in mind. He chose to create you and place you in His beautiful plan.
God knew there would be struggles and sin. He knew humanity would fall and be separated from Him. So even before the fall, He prepared a pathway back—a relationship restored through Jesus Christ. His love was working for us long before we ever took our first breath. He opened the door for His chosen ones to come home.
When we carry this knowledge in our hearts—of who we are and whose we are—we can go to God with confidence and power. We are not strangers approaching a distant deity. We are beloved children coming to a Father who delights in hearing us. Jesus told His disciples, “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, He will give it to you… Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
Our Father is waiting for us. He has unlocked every door, removed every barrier, and invites us to simply come and ask. James tells us, “You do not have because you do not ask.” We are called to ask—and believe that we will receive.
Every time we go before God in faith and pray according to His will, He hears and answers. James also warns that sometimes our prayers go unanswered because we ask with the wrong motives, seeking only our own desires. But when a believer prays in faith, aligned with God’s will, the answer will come. It may not always look like we expect. King Solomon prayed for wisdom, and wisdom didn’t fall from the sky—it showed up through a situation that required divine insight.
Sometimes the very prayer we pray leads us into a moment where God reveals the answer through experience. I remember my grandmother telling me, “Be careful what you pray for.” I didn’t understand it back then—but now, after some years walking with the Lord, I do. God answers my prayers, but He often answers them in ways I never imagined. Yet His answers are always exactly what I need.
Key Takeaways
God answers prayer.
Your answer may show up in a situation that reveals what you prayed for.
Faith is the key that unlocks God’s answers.
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
Sitting in God’s Presence
I love when I get the opportunity to simply sit in God’s presence. But there was a season when things were really hard, and even sitting before Him felt like a struggle. I remember the Holy Spirit telling me, “Come and sit—and don’t say a word.” I would try to sit there in silence, yet my mind would fill with everything imaginable. I’d think about shopping, friends, ice cream—then suddenly memories of painful situations from my past would start rolling through my mind.
I became frustrated because I was trying so hard to focus on God. I wanted to lay these thoughts on the altar, but my mind seemed to fight me every step of the way. I was in a battle, and it left me exhausted.
I would ask God, “Can I play some worship music? Can I pray in my spiritual language?” And He would simply say, “No.”
One particular time during those sessions, after sitting for a while, I finally told Him how overwhelmed I felt by all those racing thoughts. As I sat with Him, He gave me a vision. I saw spirits coming toward me—literally rushing at my mind. Then He said, “Every time you try to remove a thought, you are battling those spirits. But when you release control to Me, they cannot touch you.”
Y’all… God let me see those spirits looking at me. And I saw clearly that when I let go and surrendered control, they could not come near because I was walking in step with Him.
I asked God, “Why am I experiencing all of this?” And He said, “I am removing what is blocking you from reaching what is coming.”
In that moment, the words of Dr. Juanita Bynum came to mind: “What we go through now is for the future.” Everything God was taking me through in that season was preparation for something ahead—something I needed to be ready for.
Over the years, I’ve learned that sitting in God’s presence is difficult whenever we try to stay in control of any part of the moment. Isn’t that wild? Sitting with YHWH—yet trying to control my own thoughts. Sitting with ELOHIM—who already knows what I’m thinking and what I’m going to say before I even say it.
All He asks of us in His presence is surrender. When we release control, He guides our spirits into a place of deep peace and holy reverence. In those moments, you find rest for your spirit and joy for your soul.
Key Takeaways
Sitting in God’s presence requires surrender of the mind, will, and emotions.
We are taught to control our thoughts, but God invites us to release them to Him.
When we surrender everything to God, that is the place where He meets 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
Your Yes is Enough
Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. Matthew 5:37, ESV
In a previous devotional, I shared how God brought confirmation to my sister-in-love that we were to record a taping about her journey through cancer. As I was sitting recently, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “I want you to write more about the confirmation of the word for your sister-in-love.” I thought, I don’t know what else to say, but I began to write and waited for Him to give me direction.
Many times, we think we have to know every detail before we move on what God has spoken to our spirit. Most of the time, God is simply waiting for us not only to say yes, but to take action with whatever we have in front of us. I literally had my keyboard in front of me with nothing but a blank screen. I am reminded of Moses when Israel left Egypt and God led them to the Red Sea. Moses could not see any way for them to cross. Yet he trusted God—while all of Israel was in fear because the Egyptian army was on their heels, ready to capture and destroy them.
Scripture says Moses cried out to God, and the Lord replied, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” (Exodus 14)
Even though Moses had faith, he still did not realize he already had everything he needed to move. In the same way, my sister-in-love didn’t feel ready or fully equipped for the taping—yet God was telling her to use what she had. He had already prepared her, and He would do the rest.
Many times, we feel we must make everything perfect. But God does not need our perfection—He looks for our yes, and for us to move in a spirit of excellence while allowing Him to lead. Remember Gideon: God sent an angel to call him to lead Israel to victory. Gideon had no experience in leading an army, yet he gave God his yes, and Israel defeated an enemy as countless as the sand on the seashore—with only three hundred men! When God calls us to an assignment, we don’t need the qualifications. He qualifies us. Hallelujah!
Key Takeaways
God qualifies the unqualified.
God is simply looking for our yes and for us to offer our very best.
Depending on God means walking by faith and not by sight.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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It Is Not About Me
I had the opportunity to attend a banquet honoring Sacramento’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Leaders. I was there to pay honor and tribute to our Bishop. But to be honest, I felt a bit insecure being around so many influential people. So I prayed and asked God to help me feel comfortable and to surround me with kind people I could enjoy the evening with. I did not want to deal with all the mingling, networking, and other expectations that come with events like this.
My husband couldn’t attend because of a prior engagement, so my sister came with me. When we arrived, we ran into one of the pastors from our church, and the three of us sat together. We had an amazing time—chatting, laughing, and celebrating our Bishop.
The next morning, during prayer, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me about the night before. He said, “I want you at these types of events because you are My ambassador. I want you to minister to those in the room. Do you know if everyone there was saved?” He reminded me that wherever He sends me, it is not about my comfort—it is about souls being saved and lives being transformed.
After hearing that, I immediately repented. We can become so focused on how we feel and what we want that we miss the purpose God has for us. Scripture says:
“And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’ For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 5:19–21 (ESV)
We have been saved, chosen, delivered, and set free to spread the message of the Kingdom of God to the world. We must remember that we are here on assignment, and God has equipped us with everything we need to complete the task before us. Yes, He will stretch us and place us in uncomfortable situations—not to harm us, but to grow our faith as we walk out the calling on our lives. Amen!
Key Takeaways
It is never about us.
The assignment God has given you will challenge you to grow and trust Him.
Every opportunity God opens is a door for someone else to be saved—don’t shut that door because of insecurity.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Standing Strong When the World Hates You
Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, ‘We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.’” —Acts 6:11 (CSB)
Stephen was a disciple of Christ—a young man full of grace and power—who was performing great wonders and signs among the people. He was faithfully fulfilling the assignment God had given him. In the midst of his obedience, there were those who became jealous and sought to bring him down. They could not argue with him or stand against him because the Holy Spirit was working through him.
In the passage above, we see that these haters deceitfully convinced others to lie about Stephen in order to destroy him. This is why it is imperative that we keep our bishop, pastors, and leaders in prayer. They will always be targets. Satan goes after those who are making a difference for the Kingdom of God. When Stephen was brought before the leaders of the church, he didn’t try to defend himself against the accusations. Instead, he used the moment as an opportunity to continue preaching the Word of God. Stephen did not let the threat of death stop him from doing what God had called him to.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus, who told us the world would hate us:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.”
—John 15:18–21
This passage reminds us not to be surprised by how the world treats us. I must admit, there have been times in the past when I was shocked by people’s behavior. But as this Scripture comes to mind, I pray that God will give us the grace and strength to stand like Stephen and continue proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways
The world is not supposed to like you.
Standing as an ambassador for Christ will cause others to lie on you.
We must keep all our Christian leaders covered in prayer.
Prayer
Father, Thank You for the example of Stephen, who stood firm even when lies and accusations rose against him. Strengthen us with that same courage and fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we will not shrink back when the world opposes us. Help us to respond not with fear, anger, or defensiveness, but with faith, grace, and unwavering commitment to Your truth. In Jesus name amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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Awakened to Pray
I set my alarm for 2:00 a.m. because I wanted to get up early, work on some projects, and spend time with the Lord. I went to bed at 8:00 p.m., fully prepared for that early morning, but at 10:30 p.m., the Holy Spirit woke me up. And when He woke me, I was up. Wide awake.
I didn’t want to be awake at that time, but I knew it was Him—so I made my way to my prayer room.
As I began to pray and seek God, sleepiness washed over me. I grabbed a pillow, laid my head down, and was just about to fall asleep. I said to the Lord, “I know You woke me up, but my flesh is tired. I want to hear You, but I can’t keep myself awake. I need Your help.”
And instantly, the Holy Spirit nudged me: Pray in your spiritual language.
So I started praying in tongues. As I did, I remembered what the Word says—praying in the Spirit is communicating directly with God. It brings edification, clarity, and strength. And that’s exactly what happened. The sleepiness lifted. Strength came. Focus came. Before I knew it, the Lord was leading me to do the work I had planned for later in the day.
“For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God… he utters mysteries in the Spirit.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:2
“He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself…”
— 1 Corinthians 14:4 (AMPC)
This gift has become such a treasure to me. Whenever I’m unsure of what to do, write, or even feel, I start praying in my spiritual language. I may not know what I’m saying, but I know Who I’m speaking to—and He always answers. Paul said he prayed in the Spirit often, and I understand why. It strengthens you from the inside out.
This gift wasn’t meant to be a public show unless there’s interpretation. It’s meant to build us up, guide us, strengthen us, and help us when we don’t even know what to pray.
And if you haven’t experienced this gift yet, I invite you to ask the Father. This is something He wants you to have. It’s in alignment with His will, and He delights in giving good gifts to His children.
There are moments when I have no idea how to pray, or when my emotions feel tangled and unclear. In those moments, I pray in the Spirit— and God steps in. He fills me with what I need to walk through my day with power, clarity, and strength.
Reflection
Is God waking you up—literally or spiritually—to spend time with Him?
When you feel weak or unsure, do you reach for the gift He’s already given you?
Have you asked the Father for the gift of praying in the Spirit?
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Strengthener, and Guide. Stir our hearts to pray in the Spirit, to seek You, and to receive the gifts You generously offer. Strengthen us when we are weak, and lead us into deeper fellowship with You. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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A New Foundation
Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:4–6 (ESV)
God said, “My Spirit is the foundation upon which everything else in you strives. You cannot be anything other than what your foundation is. Your spirit is the guide to the root of why you think, speak, and act the way you do. Your spirit is your core—it is where your mind, will, and emotions draw their thoughts and motivations.”
In the passage above, Nicodemus visits Jesus at night, seeking to understand His teachings. During their conversation, Jesus tells him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” When Jesus came, He revealed that we need a new spirit. We were born into sin and shaped by iniquity. The spirit we are born with leads us toward eternal death—but Jesus offers us a new spirit, one that brings eternal life.
Our spiritual foundation determines how we live and move. It is the source of all our actions and desires. Even when we try to live righteously on our own, our efforts are as filthy rags before the Lord, because our source—our old spirit—is corrupted by sin. We need a new spirit in order to stand before God. This is the only way to have eternal life and a genuine relationship with Him.
The spirit we are born with brings death because it is filled with sin and darkness. Our Creator, who is holy, cannot look upon sin without judgment.
But Jesus came to earth because we were powerless to change our spiritual foundation. God loved us so deeply that He gave His Son, Jesus, who lived without sin and died to pay the debt we owed. We could never pay that debt ourselves. No amount of good works or moral effort could make us righteous before God.
Without Jesus, death would have been our only outcome. But through His blood and His righteousness, our sins are covered. The darkness we once carried no longer exists after we accept Jesus Christ, because our spiritual foundation is transformed into righteousness. Our hearts and actions begin to flow from the foundation of light, not darkness.
When Nicodemus asked about being “born again,” he did not realize that Jesus was speaking of a spiritual rebirth—our spirit must be made new.
Reflection
Have you invited the Holy Spirit into your life?
How do you know He lives in you?
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of being born again by Your Spirit. I pray that everyone who reads this devotional would open their hearts to You and ensure they have a personal relationship with You. Move in their hearts, Lord, and let them experience the new birth that comes through Jesus Christ.
In His name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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“Setting Your Face Like Flint”
“But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment.”
— Isaiah 50:7–9 (ESV)
As I was praying for a friend recently, part of this Scripture came quietly to my spirit. I paused and looked it up, curious to understand why God was bringing it to mind. In that moment, the Lord reminded me of something simple but powerful — whenever we read His Word, we should ask: Who is speaking? What is being said? When and why was it spoken? And how does it apply to me today?
So I began to study Isaiah. He was both a prophet and a priest, appointed by God through a vision to speak truth to the people of Judah about their spiritual condition.
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’ And he said, ‘Go…’”
— Isaiah 6:8–9 (ESV)
Isaiah lived in Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, and served from about 740–700 BC. His message was clear: God was faithful to His covenant. He would bless His people for obedience, but He would also correct them for persistent sin.
“The LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other.”
— Deuteronomy 28:64
(Source: The Complete Guide to the Bible, Stephen M. Miller)
In Isaiah 50, we meet the “Servant of the Lord” — one who suffers unjustly yet remains faithful. Though opposed and mistreated, the servant does not try to defend himself. Instead, he sets his face like flint, an image of steadfast courage. Flint is a hard stone, unyielding and unmoved. The servant’s resolve comes from his confidence that God will help and vindicate him.
This passage is a powerful reminder that when we walk in obedience, we can stand firm even in the face of accusation or adversity. God’s help is our strength, and His vindication is our assurance.
When we face trials, misunderstandings, or moments of rejection, we too can “set our face like flint,” trusting that the same God who strengthened Isaiah’s servant will strengthen us. We don’t have to fight for our own justification — God Himself will defend and sustain us.
Reflection
Is there an area in your life where you need to “set your face like flint” and trust God to defend you?
How can you respond with faith instead of fear when you face opposition or misunderstanding?
Prayer
Lord God, thank You for being my help and my vindicator. Teach me to stand firm in faith when I face difficulty. Help me to trust Your timing, Your justice, and Your love. Give me the strength to set my face like flint, knowing You are with me and I will not be put to shame. Amen.
Key Truths
Whatever God calls you to, He will equip and stand with you.
God disciplines those He loves, not to punish but to restore.
True strength comes from trusting in God’s help, not in our own defense.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Connected to the True Vine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” — John 15:1, ESV
I was sitting with God in prayer when He said, Read John 15 again.
A few days earlier, I had been driving home from the Bay Area—a two-hour trip depending on traffic—when the Holy Spirit said, Listen to John 15 on your way home. So I played that chapter repeatedly for most of the drive.
When the Holy Spirit told me to read it again, I knew there was something I had missed that He wanted to reveal to me. I didn’t even finish reading the first verse before He said, Stop.
He began to explain through the vision of my garden that He is the vinedresser of all His gardens. He said,
“Jesus told you in this passage that He is the vine, and because Jesus and I are one, I am also the vine. Therefore, I know everything that is going on with my branches and what kind of fruit they are producing.”
He went on to explain that in my garden I am the gardener, but I am not connected to the vine of the plants. Therefore, I oversee them, but I can never feel what they are feeling or understand what they need to produce the fruit because I am not connected to them. I can only tell what is wrong based on what I see happening to them. They give me a sign.
Jesus, on the other hand, does not need a sign from us because He is connected to us. He knows before we know what is happening and what is going on in our life. We are consistently being pruned by the vinedresser so we can produce the right fruit. The things that we go through are shaping us to produce the fruit of the vine that we are connected to.
As long as we are connected to the vine, He will not let us be consumed by any pest or disease. He will keep us protected and nourished with all we need so that the fruit we produce comes out tasting like Him.
Key Takeaways
God is well aware of what you are going through, and He has already addressed your issue.
The vinedresser consistently prunes you so that you can produce more fruit.
When you stay connected to the vine, the fruit you produce will taste just like Jesus.
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 Fruit Are You Producing?
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”— John 15:1–2 (ESV)
As Jesus prepared for the cross, He comforted His disciples with words of hope and connection. Though He would soon leave them physically, He reminded them that they remained united to Him—the true vine. In that relationship, they would continue to bear fruit that reflected His Spirit and character.
When I read this passage, I can’t help but think of my own garden. Each plant I’ve planted has its own vine, and each vine produces fruit according to its kind. The branches that remain connected to the vine grow strong and fruitful; those that do not, wither. In the same way, our lives produce fruit based on what—or who—we are connected to.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Scripture tells us that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Because we are spiritual beings, the fruit we produce flows from our spirit. Galatians 5 describes this fruit:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These are the moral qualities—they are evidence of the life of Christ within us. Wherever we go and in whatever we face, we are meant to display this kind of fruit because we are connected to Him, the true Vine. Sometimes we think of “fruit” as the things we do for God—our callings, ministries, or accomplishments. But while those are important, God is ultimately looking at the heart behind what we do.
The Heart That Produces Fruit
When the prophet Samuel told King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice, he was reminding Saul that God values the posture of our heart more than our outward acts. Saul’s desire to please himself instead of following God’s command revealed fruit that was not born of the Spirit.
Likewise, Jesus said of the Pharisees that they honored Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. Outwardly, they appeared righteous—but inwardly, their fruit was empty.
Our true fruit—the fruit that pleases God—is produced in the soil of surrender, obedience, and love.
The Fruit That Remains
Jesus said, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away.” This fruit is not about performance or ministry success—it’s about the spiritual evidence of Christ formed in us. Many people may do great works in His name, but God looks deeper. He searches for hearts that reflect His Spirit.
“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.”
— Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
Key Takeaways
It is not the outward act that secures our place in Him, but the inward fruit of our relationship with the true Vine.
Daily communication in prayer, and worship and study of the word keeps are hearts aligned with 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
“What Are You Standing In?”
As I was listening to the book of Ephesians, one word kept echoing in my spirit — “stand.”
When I reached chapter six, the repetition caught my attention.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11
“Therefore, stand…” — Ephesians 6:14
I paused for a moment, and I heard the Holy Spirit whisper a question to my heart:
“What are you standing in?”
That question stirred something deep within me. I began to search the Word for other places where God calls us to stand, and what I discovered is that Scripture gives us many foundations to stand upon. We are not left to stand in our own strength — we stand in the power and provision of God.
In Romans 5:2, Paul writes:
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
We stand in grace — not in guilt, fear, or striving. Grace holds us steady when life feels uncertain. It reminds us that we are already accepted and loved through Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 15:1, Paul declares:
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand.”
We stand in the gospel — the good news of Jesus Christ. It is our firm foundation, unshaken by circumstance or culture. When everything else around us shifts, the gospel remains our anchor.
In 1 Corinthians 16:13, we are told:
“ Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong..”
We stand in courage and strength. Not our own, but the strength that comes from knowing who God is and who we are in Him.
In 2 Corinthians 1:24, Paul reminds us:
“For by faith ye stand.”
Faith becomes the ground beneath our feet — the assurance that even when we cannot see, we trust the One who leads us.
In Galatians 5:1, Paul writes:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.”
We stand in liberty, free from the bondage of sin and fear, free to live as children of God.
And finally, in Philippians 1:27, Paul encourages:
“Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
We stand in unity — not divided, but joined together by the Spirit of God, working toward one purpose.
Each of these scriptures reveals something powerful: we have many spiritual resources that enable us to stand firm. God has already equipped us with everything we need to remain steadfast, no matter what comes against us. Over the next few devotionals, we’ll explore what it truly means to stand in each of these — grace, the gospel, faith, liberty, unity, courage, and strength.
Key Takeaways
Standing begins with awareness. You can’t stand firm if you don’t know what foundation you’re standing on.
God equips us to stand. Through grace, faith, the gospel, and unity, we have all we need to remain steadfast.
Standing is an active choice. Each day, we decide whether to stand in our strength or in God’s strength.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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“The Posture of the Heart”
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” — Psalm 36:7
I love the way David writes and speaks to the Lord. He had an amazing relationship with God and truly knew His love. It is believed that David wrote this psalm while he was king of Israel. Looking back on the journey that led him there, we can understand why he had such a deep revelation and understanding of the Lord. Through every trial and season, David learned that God was his refuge, that he was God’s child, and that God would always protect him.
From the moment we first learn about David, God says, “I have found a man after my own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14). This didn’t mean that David was perfect or without sin, but that his heart was oriented toward the Lord rather than himself.
The only way to build a genuine relationship with anyone—including God—is through the posture of your heart. You can always tell how someone truly feels about you by the way they treat you. A person can say wonderful things, but if their actions don’t align with their words, deep down you know their heart isn’t really for you.
God is always looking at our hearts. He told the Pharisees and scribes that they “honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8). When we act out of tradition or seek approval from others, God still sees the thoughts and motives behind our actions.
Remember the poor widow who gave two copper coins as an offering? Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. For they all gave out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3–4).
In everything we do, God is watching the position of our hearts. When our hearts are in the right place, we too can experience the same closeness David had with the Lord. All God asks is that we come to Him with a pure heart. It doesn’t matter what’s in that heart—if we bring ourselves to Him sincerely, He will transform us from within. That’s why He invites us to come just as we are.
But as our bishop often reminds us, “God loves us too much to leave us as we are.” When we humbly submit to Him, He begins a beautiful work of transformation in our hearts—and from that place, a new and amazing relationship with Him begins.
Key Takeaways
When we come to God just as we are, He transforms our hearts from within.
True spiritual growth begins with humble submission and a willing heart.
God values the posture of our hearts more than our words or outward actions.
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 CrooksKey Takeaways
The Stance
“So take up every piece of war equipment God provides, so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing.”
— Ephesians 6:16, NLT
The evil day comes to every believer’s life. We know this to be true because Scripture tells us that Satan is the god of this world. Before we accepted Jesus Christ, we were all blinded by him. Anyone who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior is still ruled by Satan.
One day, I was sitting outside quietly, listening for God to speak to my heart. I wanted to have a deep conversation with Him. But instead, what I heard Him say was, “Go and spray your garden right now.”
The previous day, my son and I had planted our winter vegetables. As I got up to spray, I wondered, What does this have to do with what I’m supposed to learn today?
As soon as I started spraying the garden, God began to speak:
“You are doing preventative maintenance. You are protecting your garden from attack. You know the attack will come, so why wait for signs that it’s already here? You know the enemy will attack—so protect them now. Build up their defenses so they are able to stand when the attack comes.”
In the passage above, Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, instructing believers to prepare for the evil days. He tells them that those days are coming and that they need to be ready. When you are prepared, you can resist the evil one and still be standing when the battle is won.
Did you notice that Paul said “when the battle is won”—not if? That means there is a guarantee of victory. We just need to prepare ourselves so we are standing with YHWH when the battle is over.
Paul reminds us to use all the armor and weaponry that God provides so that we are able to stand. I looked up the word stand to understand exactly what Paul meant. It means “to cause or make to stand, to place, put, or set; to make firm, fix, establish.” God gives us exactly what we need to stand firm in faith during spiritual warfare. Remember, every attack we face is a spiritual one—even if we experience it in the flesh. We are fighting against principalities and powers, not people.
When Scripture tells us to stand, it’s referring to what we are standing in to combat the enemy. My plants are standing in the preventative solution I sprayed on them. Likewise, we stand in the power of God, knowing that He is our Deliverer. We stand trusting and believing God’s Word—that no matter what weapon is formed against us, it will not prosper.
The weapons will form, and the attacks will come, but we must stand on the promises of God. We will all face trouble, but when we stand in faith and in the power of God, He will provide everything we need to make it through the battle.
Key Takeaways
We are in a war, and we are called to stand.
We stand in faith, knowing we can only see one part of the battlefield.
We stand knowing that God has the panoramic view—and He fights our battles.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Plan
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.
While meditating on this passage, several people and their journeys came to mind.
Joseph’s Journey
Joseph had a dream that his family would one day bow down to him. Sometime after he shared this dream, his brothers threw him into a cistern and later sold him to slave traders headed to Egypt. Nowhere in Scripture do we read that Joseph planned to go to Egypt—but shortly after God gave him the dream, God’s plan for Joseph’s life began to unfold. (Genesis 37)
Naomi and Ruth’s Journey
When Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons left Judah, she had no idea that she would one day return to Bethlehem with only her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Her husband and sons had died, and Ruth—a Moabite—was the only one who came back with her. This was never Naomi or Ruth’s plan. (Ruth 1)
Mary’s Journey
When Mary was engaged to Joseph, she and her family were preparing for a wedding. But God interrupted her plans—He visited her through the angel Gabriel and revealed that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. I’m sure Mary had looked forward to having children, but after marriage, not before. (Matthew 1)
Esther’s Journey
When Esther was simply living her life and obeying her cousin Mordecai, who had raised her, she was taken to the palace of Persia without her consent. Becoming queen and marrying the King of Persia was never part of her plan. (Esther 2)
Moses’ Journey
When Moses was eighty years old, he was married, had two sons, and had no plans to return to Egypt. Yet that was exactly where God sent him. (Exodus 4)
As I reflected on these stories, I tried to find one that followed a plan a person might make for their own life—but I couldn’t find a single example. Even David’s anointing as king was not part of his own plan. Every time God chose someone to fulfill His will, it was in a way they could have never imagined.
I believe the lesson here is that we shouldn’t become anxious when life doesn’t go according to our plans. More often than not, it’s the Lord directing our steps.
Key Takeaways
God’s ordered steps rarely look like anything we would plan.
Keeping our hearts focused on God helps us surrender and trust His plan.
The path God chooses to lead us to our purpose often includes character-building seasons that may feel lonely—but we are never truly alone. Immanuel, “God with us,” is always with 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