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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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 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
Be Careful What You Ask For
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, ‘Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.’ But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us.’”
—1 Samuel 8:4–6, ESV
In the passage above, Samuel had served as a judge and prophet for the people of Israel. But as he grew older, and since his sons were corrupt, the people asked him to appoint a king. What they requested, however, went against God’s design.
When Samuel took the matter to God, the Lord said, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”
—1 Samuel 8:7–9, ESV
Here we see God’s deep disappointment—perhaps even His anger—yet He still extended mercy. He instructed Samuel to warn Israel about the consequences of having a king. The people thought life would be better under a king, like the other nations around them, but they failed to recognize how blessed they already were and how much the surrounding nations feared their God.
In the same way, we can become so focused on moving to the “next level”—praying and asking God for opportunities—that we miss the reality: God may actually be protecting us from harm we cannot see.
When Samuel warned the people, they seemed unwilling to listen. He told them:
“The king will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen and to run before his chariots. And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants. He will take the tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants. He will take your male servants and female servants and the best of your young men and your donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves.”
—1 Samuel 8:11–17, ESV
In other words, the king would enslave them. Whenever we turn away from YHWH, we become deceived and make decisions that bring destruction upon ourselves and our families. Israel had rejected God, and in doing so, they allowed Satan to lead them into choices with devastating consequences. As the Lord declared:
“And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”
—1 Samuel 8:18, ESV
I remember when I was younger, my grandmother often told me, “Be careful what you pray for.” At the time, I didn’t understand. In my mind, I was only asking God for good things. But over the years, I’ve learned that many of those prayers were selfish, self-centered, and completely out of alignment with God’s will. For example, I once prayed earnestly for a man I thought should be my husband. Today, I thank God He did not answer that prayer the way I wanted. Instead, He made me wait for the man He had chosen for me—the right one. God always knows what is best.
Key Takeaways
Do not put the Lord your God to the test; He may allow you to have what you ask for, even if it brings sorrow.
It is never greener on the other side. Trust God—He knows what is best for you.
Satan is the father of lies; don’t be deceived by temporary temptations and empty promises.
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 Least of Us
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
—1 Samuel 16:11 (ESV)
I’ve found that when you simply let Scripture play, God often drops passages into your soul to meditate on. The verse above is one of those that settled on my heart.
At this point in Israel’s history, Saul was king. But because of his disobedience, the Lord told Samuel that He had rejected Saul as king. God then instructed Samuel to go to Jesse’s house, for He had chosen a new king for Himself from among Jesse’s sons.
When Samuel arrived, Jesse presented all of his sons to the prophet—except David. He didn’t even invite David to the sacrifice. After Samuel went through each of Jesse’s seven sons and God had not chosen any of them, Samuel asked Jesse, “Do you have another son?” Jesse replied, “Yes, the youngest, but he’s out keeping the sheep.”
This passage is such a beautiful reminder that God has everything handled for us.
Scripture doesn’t explain why Jesse excluded David, even though the prophet had asked to see all of his sons. Some scholars note that the youngest son was often considered less significant, which may explain Jesse’s decision. But regardless of the reason, God’s plan wasn’t hindered by Jesse’s oversight. In fact, Jesse’s choice only set the stage for a more powerful entrance for David. As the text records:
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
David had no idea that the prophet was at his home or that one of Jesse’s sons was about to be anointed king of Israel. He was simply where he was supposed to be—faithfully tending the sheep. Yet, even in his obscurity, he did not miss the calling God had placed on his life.
This passage encourages us and fills us with confidence: we don’t need to worry. What God has ordained for each of us, He Himself will bring to completion.
Key Takeaways:
It does not matter what others think of you—God has already anointed you for His plan.
Do not be distracted by what is happening around you; stay focused on the assignment God has placed in front of you.
Remember, you will never be “qualified” by human standards for what God has anointed you to do—but His anointing is all you need.
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 Test of Knowing Him
“He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
—1 John 2:10–11
I was meditating on the reality that when a person is deceived, they don’t realize it—so how can they get better? But God knows our thoughts! While I was looking up something else in the Bible, I came across this passage under the title above. I thought, Okay, here we go…
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
—1 John 2:3–6 (ESV)
John was writing to believers in a time when false teaching and deception were spreading—much like today. As I continued reading, I was encouraged, because this passage reminds us of the assurance we have when we truly listen to the Holy Spirit within us. He warns us when we are being deceived, and He speaks truth. The challenge is making sure we are listening.
Over the years, I have learned that Yeshua always gives me the answer—but almost immediately, Satan comes with a counter, a question, or an idea that seems more appealing.
For example, I might ask, “Lord, what should I wear today?” The Spirit leads me to an outfit, but the moment I step into my closet, I notice something else and start reaching for it instead. Time and again, the Holy Spirit has graciously reminded me of how Satan works to distract and mislead.
But here is our assurance:
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.”
—1 John 2:20–21 (ESV)
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.—1 John 2:26-27 (ESV)
Every believer knows the truth because Yeshua has placed it within us. It is up to each of us to know and listen to the voice of God.
Key Takeaways
Believers are not deceived—they know the truth.
The truth gives warnings; it is up to us to respond.
Following the flesh will always lead to a fall.
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
Deceived
Deceived: To be misled, tricked, or led astray from the truth—often into believing something false or engaging in wrongful actions. To be deliberately misled is to be caused to believe something that is not true, especially for another’s personal gain.
I have family members and friends who probably believe I am deceived in my faith in some way—and if I’m honest, I sometimes feel the same about them in certain areas. My heart is heavy for our Christian community and the divisions we face. I found myself asking, “God, how can anyone know they are deceived if, by nature, they don’t realize it?” Then I heard the Holy Spirit whisper: “Ask Me, and I will answer you. Then compare all you believe with what My Word says.”
This year, our Bishop has been teaching on prayer, which feels so timely. In a season marked by division, God has been reminding us to slow down and truly listen to Him. One of our pastors recently shared how, when we do all the talking in prayer, we can become like those friends who never pause for breath—they go on and on, but never stop to listen. We must be careful not to let our relationship with God look like that.
He also gave the example of Samuel. Samuel was dedicated to the Lord at birth, and when he was weaned, his mother brought him to the priest. He grew up serving in the temple and surrounded by spiritual activity, yet he did not recognize God’s voice when He called. Samuel was even lying in the temple where the ark of God was kept, but still, he did not know the voice of the Lord until he was taught to listen.
That is a warning for us. We must not become so busy doing and speaking that we miss the voice of God. Scripture tells us that God is not the author of confusion. This division we see in the Body of Christ is not from Him—it is from the enemy. We need to recognize it, resist it, and run to the altar not merely to speak, but to listen.
I’m reminded of the sobering words of Jesus:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
Key Takeaways
God is speaking—are you listening?
Nothing in the human heart is hidden from the Lord.
Satan is the author of deception.
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
Ego
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." — Proverbs 16:18, ESV
I was having a conversation with my sister-in-love, and in the midst of it she said, “Ego stands for edging God out.” I thought, Wow! That took me all the way back to the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve bought into the lie Satan offered because they were focused on their own ego.
Scripture says: “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” — Genesis 3:5, ESV. Adam and Eve wanted to be like God, not realizing that they already came from Him and carried His likeness within them.
When we think of ego, it generally refers to an exaggerated sense of self-importance. If those thoughts are not kept in check, they can easily lead us to destruction.
Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus continually depending on the Father. He never acted on His own but always pointed us to the Father through Him:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” — John 5:19
“…I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.” — John 8:28
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” — John 6:38, ESV
Scripture also teaches us that pride is something God does not tolerate. For example, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, and God called them out. After His correction, Miriam was struck with leprosy, white as snow. Though Moses immediately interceded for her, God made it clear that her prideful attitude would not be overlooked:
“If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” — Numbers 12:14, ESV
So Miriam was shut out of the camp for seven days, and the people did not continue their journey until she was brought back. Her prideful whispers against her brother became a public lesson for all of Israel.
The spirit of pride can only be overcome by consistently dwelling in God’s presence and seeking His face. Moses himself was a great example of this—Scripture says he was the most humble man on the face of the earth.
Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding us that we cannot control the spirit of pride on our own, for it only leads to destruction. We surrender to You completely, and we ask that as we walk daily with You, transformation will take place. Let the spirit of humility rise within us and crush every trace of pride. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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