Jacqueline Crooks 3/4/25 Jacqueline Crooks 3/4/25

The Call to Action

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8, ESV

In the passage above, the Apostle Peter addresses Christians enduring suffering. He reminds them that love is not defined by feelings but by the willingness to sacrifice for others. In the United States, there is a noticeable divide within the Christian faith. My husband has shared that he no longer refers to himself as a Christian because the term has been distorted by falsehoods. Instead, he identifies as a believer, a knower of Jesus Christ.

The truth is that Satan has always sought to divide those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us: Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
1 Peter 5:8, CSB.
He does not concern himself with those who are unsaved, as he already has them. His primary focus is on those whose hearts are righteous before God. His strategy is to turn individuals against one another because division is the easiest way to conquer. This is why racism has persisted for decades—it is an effective tool of division.

The passage reminds us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ earnestly. Earlier in the chapter, it states that since Christ suffered in the flesh, we must also arm ourselves with the same understanding. Suffering in the flesh is inevitable for those who follow Christ. It is heartbreaking to witness the divisions within the household of faith. Families turn against each other due to deceptive tactics and the inability to discern truth from lies. This brings to mind the story of Job. When he suffered, his friends initially came to console him, but their words ultimately condemned him. In the end, God corrected Job’s friends and instructed them to ask Job to pray for them so He would not deal with them as their folly deserved. Despite his immense suffering—the loss of his children, wealth, and health—Job still loved his friends and prayed for them.

Regardless of how our brothers and sisters in Christ behave, and even if we suffer because of their actions, God has called us to continue loving and praying for one another.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for being our Lord and King. You understand each of us and see our hearts. You know that it is not easy to love and pray for a fellow brother or sister when we suffer at their hands—especially when we suffer simply because of the way You created us. We know that You will not place more on us than we can bear, so we ask for strength, discernment, and wisdom to pray and love as You have commanded. 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

Jacqueline Crooks 2/23/25 Jacqueline Crooks 2/23/25

Presence

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10, NIV

We often hear this scripture quoted, reminding us that God is always with us and will never leave nor forsake us. Since childhood, I had been told these words, and I believed them. However, it was not until recently that God revealed a new depth to this passage.

I was visiting our daughter’s home to celebrate our grandson’s first birthday. Naturally, we were all excited! At one point, I was watching him by myself. At this age, he had mastered crawling and was practicing taking a few steps here and there. Because of his curiosity and mobility, I had to keep a close eye on him.

As I sat on the floor watching him, he played with his toys, occasionally bringing them over to me. Other times, he would dart toward something he knew he wasn’t supposed to touch. I would call his name, urging him to stop. Sometimes he would pause; other times, he would hurry toward his goal, fully aware of my presence but not always acknowledging me or showing interest in what I was trying to teach him.

When my husband entered the room to take over, I stepped away to the restroom. I had not left my grandson alone; I ensured someone was watching him. In that moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to me:

“This is what the scripture means when it says, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' Although your grandson did not always acknowledge you, you were always there, watching over him. Your presence never left him, even when he was not paying attention to you.

It is the same with Me. You may not always acknowledge Me, but I am always with you, watching over you. I desire you to engage with Me, just as you would love to have your grandson sit in your lap, listen to you read, talk with you, or play games with you. When he chooses to engage with you, he receives extra love and cuddles. You do not force your way upon him; instead, you consistently watch over him, looking for opportunities to bless him. That is exactly how I feel about My people.”

As I reflected on what God had shown me, I realized that while His presence is always with me, I must actively engage with Him to experience the fullness of His blessings. He is always there, but it is my choice to seek Him, to go deeper in His presence, and to truly know Him. I can look back over my life and see the difference in my relationship with God when I have chosen to engage with Him versus when I have not.

God’s presence is always available, but the depth of our experience with Him depends on our willingness to seek Him.

Key Takeaways:

God’s presence is always with you.
He never leaves you nor forsakes you.
You must engage with Him to experience the fullness of His presence and blessings.

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

Jacqueline Crooks 2/23/25 Jacqueline Crooks 2/23/25

Close the Door to Negative Thoughts

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8, KJV

The passage above instructs us on how to control our minds. Our minds are under our will, and we have the complete ability to govern them. God has given us full authority over our thoughts, and this is where Satan wages his battle. If he can infiltrate our minds, he gains access to our thoughts, which eventually become words spoken from our mouths—shaping our lives.

What we focus on in life is what we manifest. When I was younger, I would sometimes have random thoughts about how I was going to die. I could vividly imagine different scenarios playing out in my life. However, before the thought could fully develop, I would catch myself and ask, "Where did that come from?" and stop the process. At that time, I didn’t realize the importance of monitoring my thoughts and shutting down anything negative. Satan is constantly working to bring us down because he understands the power of the mind. If he can control our thoughts—filling them with fear, intimidation, death, jealousy, pride, hatred, evil, or sickness—he knows we will eventually manifest those things, leading to his victory. Therefore, we must shut the door to all negativity and focus on the things we want to bring into our lives.

When I hear people recounting negative situations and experiences, I become quiet and discern what they are saying. If it is a negative report, I immediately focus on rejecting it. I recall when my children were young, older adults who had already raised their children would tell me to "enjoy them now because the teenage years will be terrible." I instantly rejected that notion in my heart. That may have been their experience, but it did not have to be mine. I prayed for a wonderful relationship with my children during their teenage years, and while they were not perfect, we thoroughly enjoyed that stage of their lives. We had fun! I would relive those years in a heartbeat. I refused to accept a negative report over our family because it was up to me whether I received it or not.

We must be mindful of what we allow into our minds. While advice on preventing harmful situations is beneficial, we cannot let negative opinions and other people’s fears take root in our spirits. We need to firmly shut the door to random negative thoughts that try to occupy our minds. The best way to keep that door closed is by focusing on what Scripture teaches—things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. This may require us to reduce our time on social media and limit our exposure to negative news. While staying informed is important, constantly consuming and repeating negativity fills our minds and creates an environment where negativity manifests in our lives. You may think this is extreme, but consider this—when a murderer takes someone’s life, they first harbored the intention to harm. Their thoughts led to actions. What we focus on determines what we bring into our lives. We must bolt the door tight against anything negative attempting to enter.

The way to secure our minds is by immersing ourselves in God’s Word. Scripture instructs us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. When we do this, we block Satan’s attempts to insert deceptive thoughts. If any negative thoughts manage to slip through, we will recognize them quickly and shut them down because we have placed a spiritual guard over our minds through the power of Scripture.

Key Points:

The Word of God prevents the negative thoughts of Satan.
Satan will try to distract you from reading the Word because he knows it is his greatest enemy.
Meditating on the Word of God builds the defense you need when an attack on the mind comes.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the incredible gift of my mind, will, and emotions. I surrender them all back to You. I desire to be in alignment with Your will for my life. Holy Spirit, I ask You to correct my mind when I am headed in the wrong direction. Grant me increased study time, and I rebuke any demonic spirit that attempts to hinder my time with You. Help me to bolt the door to Satan and surrender everything to You. 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

Jacqueline Crooks 2/17/25 Jacqueline Crooks 2/17/25

Do Not Fear!

"And the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians." – Isaiah 37:36, ESV

I was driving back from the Bay Area and decided to listen to my Bible app. I had spent most of the day watching our grandson, who lives about two hours away, and I hadn’t had the opportunity to truly fill my soul with the Word.

I asked God what I should listen to, but when I opened my app, it was already in the book of Isaiah. I remembered that I had started listening the night before, so I continued from where I had left off. I must admit, as I was driving, I struggled to understand some of what I was hearing. I got lost in the battles—who was fighting whom and why. I told the Holy Spirit, "I’m listening, but I don’t understand. I trust You to bring clarity."

I felt the Holy Spirit say, "Just keep listening." God always has something for us if we just wait. When the reader reached the thirty-sixth and thirty-seventh chapters, I was drawn in. I was blown away by the attack that came against Judah for their disobedience to God. The King of Assyria had captured them and had become arrogant and full of pride because God had given him victory over the fortified cities of Judah. They were not honoring God or obeying His teachings. Scripture says this was part of God’s plan from the beginning (Isaiah 37:23-29).

Because God had given Assyria so much victory, the king thought he could conquer Jerusalem. He sent a royal spokesman, Rabshakeh, to tell the people of Jerusalem to surrender to Assyria because they would not be able to defeat them. He warned the people of Jerusalem, saying, "Beware that Hezekiah does not mislead you by saying, ‘The Lord will rescue us.’ Has any one of the gods of the nations rescued his land from the power of the king of Assyria?" The people of Jerusalem did not answer him. But King Hezekiah, in sackcloth and ashes, turned to the Lord and sent word to the prophet Isaiah regarding what Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, had said.

Isaiah sought the Lord on behalf of Jerusalem, and God said, "The Lord says this: Do not be afraid because of the words you have heard, with which the king of Assyria’s attendants have blasphemed Me. I am about to put a spirit in him, and he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword." – Isaiah 37:6-7, CSB

God did exactly what He said. But even after this, King Sennacherib sent a letter to Hezekiah, saying, "Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the King of Assyria." What? This man was crazy! But I love that Hezekiah went straight back to God in sackcloth and ashes and laid the letter on the altar as he prayed.

Scripture says Isaiah sent word to Hezekiah, telling him what the Lord had said: "They will not have to fight this battle. The King of Assyria will not come into this city or shoot an arrow there or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David." The very next verse says, "The angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians." – Isaiah 37. Did you see that?! The angel of the Lord took care of their enemy!

Do not fear! No matter what you see, hear, or feel, take it to the Lord, and He will take care of you!

Key Points:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore." – Hebrews 13:8, ESV
"Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." – Joshua 21:45, ESV
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways, know Him, and He will direct your path." – Proverbs 3:5-6, CSB

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

Jacqueline Crooks 12/27/24 Jacqueline Crooks 12/27/24

Alignment

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
—Romans 12:2, ESV

Every time I walk in my backyard, the Holy Spirit begins to speak. I’ve come to expect His voice during these moments. One afternoon, as I sat down in my chair, the Holy Spirit said, “Do you see how that plant is struggling? It has some green on it, but you can tell it’s very airy. It should be just as dense as the plants to the right of it.”

The struggling plant was once completely full and thriving. It was planted in front of some trees. When it was first planted, the trees were small, and the sun shone directly on the plant, giving it everything it needed to grow. But now, the trees have grown tall and cast shade over the plant, preventing it from operating at its full potential. The plant is no longer in the right position to prosper.

The Holy Spirit revealed that the struggling bush was an example of people who are out of alignment. The bush had been doing so well in its position that no one realized it was time to move it. Similarly, we can thrive in a certain place for a time, but when God says it’s time to move, we often resist. By staying in a place longer than we should, we hinder ourselves and miss out on the amazing blessings God has prepared for us.

The other plants around the struggling bush were thriving because they were shade plants. Sometimes, we see others thriving around us and wonder why it’s not happening for us. The solution is to check in with God and ensure we are aligned with His will. Perhaps He has been trying to promote us to another place. We must not let the fear or intimidation of something new keep us from receiving God’s best. Amen.

Key Points:

Bloom where you are planted, but be ready to move when God says so.
You will prosper when you are in the right soil.
Posture yourself to always hear what God is saying.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 12/27/24 Jacqueline Crooks 12/27/24

Holes

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour…1 Peter 5:8

I love Bok Choy; it is one of my favorite vegetables, so I planted some in my garden. I usually go out every morning and do a quick pass by the garden to ensure everything is doing well and nothing has happened overnight. But because we had been traveling weekly, I got out of the habit of checking every morning. One morning, I went out to check on things and noticed holes in my Bok Choy leaves.

I was not happy, but I knew it meant I needed to spray because pests had started their attack.

Since it was early in the morning, I knew I couldn’t spray until that evening. Unfortunately, I forgot to spray that evening, and the next time I checked, some of the leaves had been completely chewed off. I was so upset, but I heard the Holy Spirit say, “This is what happens when you miss your time with Me.” I was like, What did You just say?

Listen, when we stop feeding ourselves with the Word, we may not notice anything at the beginning. The holes are so small that they don’t seem to impact us. A few days might go by without us realizing what is happening. But in the background, Satan is setting us up for a fall! He is constantly trying to keep us distracted so he can take us down. When we get out of our routine of study, we open the door for Satan. He is a strategist—always plotting and looking for someone to devour.

It is imperative that you have a daily quiet time with God! I don’t care if it’s just fifteen minutes—get it! You may say, “I don’t have time.” When you eat lunch, instead of working or talking to others, spend your lunch break with God. Or during your drive to work, play a Word that ministers to you. If you go to the gym, listen to the Word while you’re working out. Ask God, and He will show you the best time for you to spend with Him. You have an enemy who is always working to take you out, and you must consistently get into God’s presence to defeat him!

Key Points:

Being consistent with your time with God is invaluable.
There is an enemy you cannot see who is constantly plotting against you.
Time with God provides the armor you need to conquer your enemy.

Affirmations:
Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 12/9/24 Jacqueline Crooks 12/9/24

Turn on The Light

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

One morning, I was reading a book, and the passage quoted the scripture above. I immediately heard the Holy Spirit say, “Turn on the light.” If we are not reading and meditating on the Word daily, we are walking in darkness. Can you imagine having the righteous nature of God, yet walking in darkness because you don’t “turn on the light”? If you continue in darkness, you will eventually stop seeing the light. The darkness will become light to you.

I remember walking into a dark room and having to wait for my eyes to adjust before I could move and see where I was going. Did you catch that? I had to adjust my eyes from the light to see in the darkness. If we keep adjusting our eyes to darkness, eventually it will begin to look like light, and we will miss everything God has for us. The darkness will lead us to death.

The Word of God guides us moment by moment. Unfortunately, because we wake up every morning with the sun shining, we think we are already in the light and can see clearly. What a deception! Satan is the ruler of this world. Scripture says, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). It goes on to teach us that “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).

Scripture reminds us that we are in this world but not of it (John 17:16). As long as we are on this earth, we cannot escape Satan or his evil devices. He is “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). However, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Our victory comes only by walking in the light. Every day, we must wake up, read the Word, and meditate on it. When we do, we will have direction for our day!

Key points:

No Word, no light.

Jesus is the light!

Keep your eyes adjusted to the light!

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 12/3/24 Jacqueline Crooks 12/3/24

Rushing

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything…Philippians 4:5, ESV

rushing: moving with urgent haste

When I hear the word rushing, so many things come to mind. But one morning, as I lay in bed, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me about rushing. I heard Him say, Rushing can move you out of alignment with Me, and it can cause you to take on the emotions of Satan. Think about it—when you’re rushing, emotions like anxiety, frustration, and confusion start to overwhelm you. Peace disappears, and fear is usually not far behind.

I decided to look up the definition of rushing, and it included the word haste. The Holy Spirit then prompted me to research the word haste and find scriptures that mention it. Below, I’ve listed a few of the verses I discovered:

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Proverbs 19:2, ESV

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs, 21:5, ESV

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20, ESV

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs, 29:20, ESV

In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord's Passover. Exodus 12:11, ESV

We learn based on scripture that if we are not being directed by God to move quickly we can easily bring disaster on ourselves. Rushing is not apart of God’s plan.

My husband was sharing with me how he lost some items while packing up after a gig. He’s in a band, and after they had finished their set, he was eager to get home. As he hurried back and forth, loading his car in the dark, an item fell out of his pocket. He didn’t see it, and it was lost. While he was describing what happened, the Holy Spirit said, “He was rushing.”

As my husband told his story, my mind reflected on a time when I was working downtown. During breaks, I would take walks around Capitol Park. I used to walk really fast to fit in as many laps as I could before my break ended. One day, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, saying, “Slow down.” I slowed my pace, but then I heard Him say it again, “Slow down.” So, I slowed even more. Then He said it a third time. I finally asked, “God, how slow do You want me to walk?” He replied, “Slow enough so that you are walking with Me.” He reminded me of a time I saw sheep grazing in the grass not far from where we live. He asked, “Did you see any of the sheep rushing around? Did you ever see the shepherd rushing around?” Of course, the answer was no.

He said, “I am your Shepherd, and you are My sheep. The sheep follow the Shepherd. If I do not tell you to make haste, the pushing is from the enemy.” Then He reminded me of the story of Pharaoh’s army chasing Israel into the Red Sea. The Bible says that Israel walked on dry ground (Exodus 14:29). They didn’t run! Bible says Israel walked on dry ground. Exodus 14:29 They did not run!

Scripture teaches us that if we are not directed by God to move quickly, we can easily bring disaster upon ourselves. Rushing is not a part of God’s plan.

Key points:

Slow down and walk hand in hand with God.

God is never in a rush.

Pause, and seek God first when you feel the need to rush.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 12/2/24 Jacqueline Crooks 12/2/24

Great Work Is Happening Within You

It was a little after midnight, and I couldn’t sleep, so I started working. While working, I was listening to music and heard these words: “I know what it looks like, but I choose to go against that. I am speaking something different, I am claiming something different, I am believing something different.”

Immediately, my spirit was uplifted. I had been feeling down without realizing that I was speaking based on what I could see instead of what God had told me. I had stopped focusing on the destination and started complaining about the journey. It was as if I had mistaken the side of the road for the destination. Satan’s deceptive words are always lies, designed to get us off course and make us believe that God isn’t keeping His promises. But the truth is, we simply haven’t reached the destination yet.

Every plant that continues to grow in the right soil will produce fruit and fulfill its purpose. And we are so much greater than plants! Everything God creates has a purpose, and when it aligns with Him, it will produce fruit. Just as God works supernaturally through plants, He is doing a great work in each of us. We just have to keep going. Remember, Scripture says, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion!” Hallelujah! God is doing a great work in each of us.

God showed me an illustration: when we go to the store and grab a package of vegetables or fruit, each one looks different. It’s the same with us. It doesn’t matter how we think we look or what experiences we’ve had—God has already placed a great harvest inside each of us. Often, we fail to see the potential because we’re focused on the seed. But if we stop fixating on what the seed is doing and focus instead on what God says, the harvest is guaranteed to be abundant.

Listen, God already knows what’s in the seed and how it will produce fruit. All we need to do is keep our eyes on Jesus and follow His instructions. Amen!

Key points:

The side of the road is not the destination.

The seed never looks like its potential

Keep going, the Creator will complete the work in you

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/30/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/30/24

Directions

The Lord answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. Habakuk 2:2, ESV

I’ve shared with you in previous posts that the Holy Spirit spoke to me about creating a vision book. At first, I thought it would be a lot of fun, but the process quickly became daunting. However, the Holy Spirit was gracious and guided me step by step through it. This wasn’t just a haphazardly assembled book—everything was broken down in detail. Even now, there are times when He prompts me to make adjustments to it.

It had been about two weeks since I last looked at my vision book. Life had been busy, and I kept setting it aside after my prayer time. One day, while driving to a location I had never been to before, I relied on my GPS for directions. As I often do, I glanced at it periodically to ensure I was on the right path. In that moment, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “How are you going to reach the end of your vision if you’re not looking at the directions? You don’t know how to get to your destination, yet you’re not paying attention to the directions.”

God has this incredible way of capturing our attention when we least expect it. He continued, “You glance at the GPS every few minutes, even though it tells you where to go. You give more attention to this man-made device to guide you than you do to the vision book I’ve given you. That vision book is your direction—it’s your map to the end result of where I’ve told you to go. Just like you set the destination point in your GPS, the vision is your destination point.”

He went on to explain, “So many of My people get caught up in wondering how they will reach the end of their vision. But if they follow Me—just like you follow the GPS—they will get there. Scripture says, ‘Write the vision and make it plain.’ If you don’t have a vision book or board, you have no destination point, and you won’t make it to where the Holy Spirit is directing you. The vision board or book is your compass to a destination you’ve never been to before. It’s like traveling to a foreign country where you don’t know the language—you need something to translate and guide you.”

If you’re reading this and you don’t have a vision, or you haven’t looked at your vision board or book in a long time, I encourage you to revisit it. Take some time to sit with God and let Him guide you into what He’s placed in your spirit. You already have everything you need inside of you to fulfill what the Lord has ordained for your life. He has instructed us to write the vision down and make it crystal clear.

Key points:

The vision for survival is imperative.

The vision written down is necessary.

The vision is your direction to your destiny.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/30/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/30/24

Change

…I am going away to make ready a place for you. John 14:2, ESV

In the passage above, Jesus tells the disciples that He is leaving, and they cannot go with Him to where He is going. The disciples had given up everything—their families, their businesses—to follow Jesus. Now, Jesus was telling them He would no longer be with them physically. The disciples were shocked, saddened, and uncertain about what they would do next. Change was upon them, and they didn’t feel prepared for what lay ahead.

I remember when our daughter had our first grandson. We were all so excited, but I had no idea how much his arrival would change our lives. I thought we would simply enjoy all the fun and wonderful moments with him, but I didn’t expect my schedule to change so dramatically. To my surprise, I found myself traveling up to four hours, three times a week, to help babysit our grandson.

When the nanny our daughter and son-in-law had hired decided to take another job at the last minute, they were left in a bind. My husband and I, along with her mother-in-law, stepped in to help as temporary nannies. I was grateful that we were self-employed and had the flexibility to adjust our schedules, but it was definitely a significant change.

There are times when we can anticipate change and prepare our hearts for it. But there are also times when God unexpectedly redirects our lives without warning. I was reminded of King David when his son Absalom took over his kingdom. David had no warning and had to leave his kingdom immediately. What stood out to me most was David’s heart in the situation. When the Ark of God was about to be carried out with him, David said:

“Take the Ark of God back into the city. If ·the Lord is pleased with me [I find favor in the Lord’s sight/eyes], he will bring me back and will let me see both it and·Jerusalem [ its dwelling place/tent/Tabernacle] again. But if the Lord says ·he is not pleased with me [ “I take no delight in you”], ·I am ready [here I am]. He can do ·what he wants with me [to me what is good in his sight/eyes].”’ 2 Samuel 15:25-26, EXB

When we understand who we belong to and who is ultimately in control of our lives, we can surrender to whatever circumstances come our way. I learned this during the many hours I spent driving (when my husband couldn’t join me) to my daughter’s home. In that time, God drew me closer to Him. I cherished the discussions we had, the Bible teachings I absorbed, and the prayers that rose up in my spirit. God placed me in a personal classroom with no distractions, just the two of us. The time I spent with my grandson was also incredibly special. I shared scriptures with him, read stories, prayed prayers, sat in the park, took stroller walks, and did so many things I never imagined I would get to do. Those memories are treasures forever etched in my heart.

God brought about a change in our lives that, at first, felt inconvenient and disruptive. But it turned out to be a tremendous blessing—one we would gladly repeat if He directed us to do so. Change can be uncomfortable, but when we approach it with a surrendered heart, we can receive all that God has for us.

Key points:

Change is necessary.

God is always in control

Do not fight the change but trust the one who is in control.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/30/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/30/24

A Living Epistle

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, CSB

In the passage above, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He tells them that they are the Bible people will read, with God’s word written on their hearts. When God says, “Go make disciples of all men,” He is speaking to how we live our lives every day. People will read our lives as though they had opened the Bible and studied it. We are to be His testimony to the world. We are the living word because Christ lives within us.

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit instantly came to live inside us, transforming our old man from sin to righteousness. This doesn’t mean we are perfect—it means that while we were born into sin, our spirit changed to righteousness through our new birth in Christ. Our behavior, however, is a work in progress. As we mature in the Word, the Holy Spirit within us guides us into righteous actions.

Apostle Paul reminded the church that by letting Christ shine through them, others would see Jesus. This doesn’t mean we have to carry a Bible everywhere we go or have a cross tattooed on our arms. While there’s nothing wrong with a tattoo, Paul is speaking to how we treat others in our daily lives and how we share the gospel.

I remember one day my husband and I went for a walk around a lake in our neighborhood. Houses lined the lake, and a young woman, probably in her twenties, saw us walking and waved. We waved back and said hello. As we got closer, she said to me, “What do you have on the inside of you? I want that!” I was just walking with my husband, wearing shorts and a tank top, but the Holy Spirit was shining through. That’s the message Paul was conveying to the Corinthians and to us, as Christ’s representatives on Earth. We must spend time in the Word so that when we are out in public, people see Jesus through us.

Key points:

You are God’s representative in the earth. Everyday you are being read by someone. The more you spend time with the Holy Spirit, the more he will transcend through you.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/19/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/19/24

You are Enough

And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” Judges 6:15, ESV

Israel found itself oppressed by Midian because they had disobeyed God and done evil in His sight. As a result, God handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and the people of the East, would come against them. They would encamp around Israel, devouring the land’s produce as far as Gaza, leaving no sustenance in Israel and no sheep, ox, or donkey. They would arrive with their livestock and tents, swarming like locusts in number—so numerous with their camels that they couldn’t be counted—laying waste to the land as they came. Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the people cried out to the Lord for help (Judges 6).

In response, God sent an angel to Gideon, who greeted him, saying, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Gideon began to voice his frustrations, questioning why God had forsaken them and allowed them to fall into Midian’s hands. The angel replied, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from Midian; do I not send you?” Gideon responded, “Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” But the Lord assured him, “I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”

When we apply for a position, the hiring agency examines our resume for our education, skills, and abilities—they are always looking for the most qualified. But that is not how God works! He often chooses those with the least qualifications to fulfill His purposes. We see this in the story of Gideon, who recognized his limitations and tried to explain them to God, as if God were unaware. When God calls us to an assignment, it is always something so big that it requires Him to accomplish it. We are simply the vessels He has chosen to use to fulfill His purposes on Earth.

When God calls us, He has already qualified us for the task. Before the angel came to Gideon, he was already complaining to God about their situation, expressing his desire for change. Similarly, I remember when I began feeling a burden for our church’s prayer team. I would ask the pastor and others about prayer meetings and the state of the prayer ministry. I didn’t realize that God had placed that concern in my heart, slowly leading me toward my next assignment. When I finally had the opportunity to discuss the prayer team with the church leaders, I was asked to take the lead. That was not my intention! God has a way of dropping assignments right into our laps. I felt completely unqualified and unprepared to lead the prayer team, but I said yes and immediately turned to God for help.

My conversation with Him sounded a lot like Gideon’s: “God, I am not qualified, and I don’t know how to do this!” Now I understand—that’s precisely why He called me. He knew I would depend solely on Him.

Key points:

God is not interested in our skills and abilities

God has already vetted you for the position.

Keep your eyes on God and you will succeed.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/19/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/19/24

Unseen

…but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Psalm 34:9-10, ESV

When I read the passage above I was remind of how the Spirit of God that was working through Jesus when he was here on earth is the same Holy Spirit that lives in us. Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. John 14:10

I believe that, like Philip, many believers can easily forget that the same power working in Jesus is also at work within each of us. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26, ESV). Often, when we don’t see how things will work out or we lack the resources we think we need, we can start to think like Philip. The Holy Spirit has been teaching me that just because I can’t see the resources doesn’t mean they aren’t there. He is the answer, and He is right here with me.

He reminded me of this while I was working in my garden. I thought I had cleared all the plants and harvested every squash. The next day, the Holy Spirit prompted me to record a message about my squash plant and its abundance of resources. Before I started recording, He said, “Go back into the garden and take another look.” To my surprise, I found two squashes that I hadn’t even noticed previously—they were larger than the ones I had harvested the day before. As I reflected on this, the Holy Spirit said, “Just because something is unseen doesn’t mean it isn’t there.” I can’t see the Holy Spirit with my physical eyes, but He is always with me. Philip only saw Jesus and didn’t realize that the Father was there too. But Jesus told him, in everything you hear me say and do, know that the Father is with me!

Listen, we can’t see our mind, our will, or our emotions, yet we know they are there. God has provided for our every need and has given us the desires of our hearts. If it seems like you’re lacking something, call on the Holy Spirit and take another look—everything you need is with you now. If there’s something you think you need and God hasn’t revealed it, it means you don’t need it at this moment. There is no lack in God. Scripture says, “Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:9-10, ESV). The unseen is more real than the seen, because everything comes from the unseen.

Key Points:

Unseen does not mean it is not there.

All you need is within you.

Everything comes from the unseen.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/19/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/19/24

There is Time!

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV

I almost missed it! I woke up a little late but still early enough to get my run in. My husband mentioned he had an appointment, but he could pick me up at the coffee shop by a certain time and drop me back home. So, I jumped up and took off.

I was probably in the second mile of my run when I overheard two guys talking. They looked to be in their twenties and were walking toward the sidewalk where I was running. As I passed them, I felt this sudden pause. I kept running, focused on getting my miles in before the time cut-off. I never heard God say a word, but I knew I had to turn around.

See God was teaching me to feel his pulse. He was teaching me when he pauses I need to pause. It was the slightest pause I felt but I knew it was him. I turned around and headed back towards them not having any idea what I was going to say. The words that came out of my mouth were are you saved? Do you know Jesus Christ? The words came out so strong and so forceful that I knew it was God! On of the young men said yea I know him but I was not convinced. But the second one looked in my eyes with deep hunger and said I think, I’m not sure. He was ready, he was the harvest! God gave me a few more words to say to them and then I left. As I took off running again I was upset with myself that I did not lead them to the plan of salvation.

God was teaching me to sense His promptings. He was teaching me that when He pauses, I need to pause. It was the slightest feeling, but I knew it was Him. I turned around and headed back toward the two men, not knowing what I was going to say. The words that came out were, “Are you saved? Do you know Jesus Christ?” The words came out so strong and certain—I knew it was God speaking! One of the young men replied, “Yeah, I know Him,” but I wasn’t convinced. The other looked into my eyes with a deep hunger and said, “I think... I’m not sure.” He was ready; he was the harvest! God gave me a few more words to say to them, and then I left. As I ran on, I felt frustrated that I hadn’t led them through the plan of salvation. I felt like I was too focused on meeting my time crunch.

When I talked with the Holy Spirit about that moment, He said, “That wasn’t your purpose. He is now ready for the one I’m going to send next. You needed to prepare the soil for what’s coming.” I felt so grateful for God’s grace and mercy, realizing that I had almost passed them by because I was on my own schedule!

What a mighty, kind, and gracious God we serve. He brought us here for His purpose, yet somehow we think our plans are more important. God has time for every purpose under the sun! Don’t let your schedule make you miss the purpose for which you are here.

Key points:

Just stop when you feel the pulse and say yes.

God has given you enough time for everything.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/13/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/13/24

The Garden Lesson

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 1 Peter 5:8, NIV

I remember when I first started my garden. I was so eager to spend time with God and hear Him speak to me. I loved going out, sitting by my garden boxes, and waiting to hear from Him. As a new gardener with little experience, I wasn’t aware of all the work involved in gardening. Gently, God began to guide me, showing me what I needed to do to ensure the plants produced the fruit I was hoping for.

Now, I have to tell you, I dislike bugs very much—but there are all kinds of bugs in a garden. Some are beneficial, while others can destroy it completely. One day, as I was sitting by my garden boxes, waiting to hear from God, I noticed some large leaves on one of my plants. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Turn that leaf over and look at it; it has some holes in it.” I turned the leaf over and saw tiny white specks. I didn’t know they were bugs or even that they could harm the plant.

Wearing gloves, I brushed them off as prompted. Then I inspected the other leaves and saw more of the same white stuff. I took out my phone and looked it up on Google—my first introduction to aphids!

Definition of aphids: a tiny bug that feeds by sucking sap from plants. It reproduces rapidly, often producing live young without mating, and can live in large colonies that cause extensive damage to crops. I have come to really dislike aphids!

The aphids had shown up without notice and would have destroyed my garden if God hadn’t guided me to pay attention. I immediately sprayed the plant and cut off some of the leaves to give it a fresh start. I’ve since learned that when I see ants in my garden, it’s a sign to look out for aphids!

Satan operates in much the same way—he never announces himself. Instead, he comes undercover. For example, I love working in the church and was happily serving in various roles. Serving and helping others made me feel fulfilled. But one day, God stopped me. He said, “I don’t want you to serve in any capacity at the church.” I was shocked. But He said, “No,” and sat me down.

During that season, He began to show me that I was covered with “aphids” that were about to take me out. He revealed that I was finding gratification and approval from others, and this was feeding my ego. Pride was creeping in. The Bible says, “Pride comes before destruction.” I had no idea! Although I was serving at the church, I was, in fact, serving myself. Satan had taken something good and turned it into self-destruction for me.

God showed me that I was on a path to destruction without even realizing it. Although that time was difficult, I am so grateful for the lessons I received. He opened my heart and eyes to truly see Him. He taught me that if my service is not for an audience of One—Him—I could be destroyed and not even know it. That’s exactly how the aphids work in my garden. They suck the life out of the plant.

Now, I practice preventative care in my garden. I spray before I see signs of aphids. I also do preventive maintenance in my service, checking in with God before I say yes to any activity. He keeps my heart aligned, and I seek His direction in my serving.

Key points:

Satan is always lurking especially in the good things.

Seek first the Kingdom of God in all things.

Check your flesh, it's always seeking some kind of self-gratification.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/11/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/11/24

The Garden Lesson 2

The aphids had shown up without notice and would have destroyed my garden if God hadn’t guided me to pay attention. I immediately sprayed the plant and cut off some of the leaves to give it a fresh start. I’ve since learned that when I see ants or holes on the leaves in my garden, it’s a sign to look out for aphids!

Key points:

Satan is always lurking especially in the good things.

Seek first the Kingdom of God in all things.

Check your flesh, it's always seeking some kind of self-gratification.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/11/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/11/24

No Nutrients

One of the elders at our church shared with me that during her quiet prayer time with God, He said the church was unrecognizable. I knew exactly what she meant. The behavior of God’s people has gotten so troubling that no one can tell believers from nonbelievers. Her words moved me deeply, and I understood what God was conveying. Although many believers have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and now have a righteous nature, their actions do not reflect Him, making it hard for unbelievers to see Christ in them.

As I meditated on this, it reminded me of a moment I had while running. The Holy Spirit prompted me to stop and ask two gentlemen if they were saved. The first one answered, "Yes, I’m saved," but his behavior and mannerisms did not reflect Christ. The second individual said, “I think I know God, but I’m not sure about being saved.” He had a spirit of humility, and his demeanor reflected Christ more than the one who claimed to be saved.

This experience reminded me of the soil in my garden. At the end of each season, I have to fertilize the garden again. Since all my boxes are above ground, the water washes the nutrients out through the bottom and onto the cement. If I don’t tend to my garden, it becomes unrecognizable, and weeds are the only things that grow there.

It’s the same for us as believers. If we aren’t spending time in the Word, continuously pouring into ourselves and revitalizing our souls with its nourishment, we can become unrecognizable. Our soil can become so dry and lifeless that we are no longer useful for the Kingdom. I am constantly renewing and enriching my soil to ensure that, when it’s time to plant seeds, they have everything needed to bear fruit. Time in the Word, prayer, and worship provide all the nutrients we need to produce fruit that reflects our Father.

Heavenly Father,
Glory and praise to Your holy name! I give You thanks for Your generosity, mercy, and kindness! You bring revelation to Your people so that we may pray and seek Your face in repentance. You told Solomon that if Your people, who are called by Your name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek Your face, and turn from their wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. Praise be to You, God, for Your unconditional love is far greater than we could ever imagine. I pray for a heart of conviction among all believers, that it leads to sincere repentance. Lord, show us the plank in our own eyes before we attempt to remove the speck from our neighbor's eye. I pray for healing in our souls so that we may serve You with all our hearts and be a light to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key points:

Contamination happens in our foundation when there is no nutrients.

Study of the word, worship, prayer and fellowship with other believers are imperative.

Pay attention to your behavior, and those you hang around, it will inform you of who you are reflecting.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/4/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/4/24

The Garden Lesson

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15, ESV

I never really liked farming. My parents grew up on a farm and used to talk about it all the time. My father even considered buying a farm as a young man and raising his family there. Whenever he tells that story, I always say, “I’m so glad things didn’t work out and God led you to the city.” But in 2020, God placed it on my heart to start a garden. A dear friend of mine had started one, and every time she talked about her garden, she would tell me how God would speak to her there.

As I listened to her share what she learned from her time in the garden, I would say to God, “I want that experience. I want to hear You like that!” God responded, “Start a garden!” I had no interest in gardening, but her testimony stirred something within me. There was so much He wanted to teach me, and the garden would be my classroom. Adam and Eve recognized the sound of God before they heard Him speak in the garden. Scripture says, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…” (Genesis 3:8, ESV). God wanted to teach me to recognize Him before He even spoke.

The garden is a reflection of the world—a place that holds lessons about everything in life. We often don’t fully understand what we see or what’s happening until the Holy Spirit reveals it. God uses the garden to bring clarity to His word, and it becomes a tool to help us learn more about ourselves and Him.

One morning while I was praying, the Holy Spirit brought my garden to mind. He showed me my squash plant and said, “There is a reservoir of squash inside that plant. It will continue to produce squash until its season is over.” Then He said, “The same is true for you. There is a reservoir of everything I’ve placed in you, waiting to be brought forth.”

He told me that the desires He placed within me are ready to emerge. Everything He declared about who I am and what I am to do is already there, sitting in my reservoir—it is who I am. The seed of the squash plant is squash, even when it’s still a seed. It just waits for someone to plant it in the ground so it can become all it’s meant to be.

When my squash plant starts to grow, all kinds of things try to attack it to prevent it from fulfilling its purpose. Aphids, weeds, bugs, ants, spiders, and worms can invade and completely destroy the garden if I’m not vigilant with preventive maintenance. This is just like life. Satan sends obstacles to try to destroy us before we can produce the fruit within us.

That’s why we must maintain preventive care in our lives. God has given us the keys to success. He told Joshua, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8, ESV).

The Word of God is the wall that protects us from anything that comes against us. It is our assurance of success. Start walking in everything God has placed inside of you!

Key points:

Everything is in the garden.

You are not trying to become anything

You are already who God has said you are!

There is a reservoir inside of you.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss

Jacqueline Crooks 11/4/24 Jacqueline Crooks 11/4/24

The Speaking Vision

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

I called this devotional “The Speaking Vision” because, while I was sleeping, I could feel God speaking to me. I could literally see what He was saying—His words were creating a vision in my mind as He spoke. Many would call this a dream, but it felt completely different; His words were transforming into visions as He spoke.

He was talking to me about trust, reminding me of the scripture, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I instantly saw an image of Olympians running for the gold. He said to me, “They are running with all they have. Every Olympian gives everything within them to win gold. That’s how I want you to trust Me.”

He also said, “You don’t have to settle when you ask Me for something.” He reminded me, “I have called you kings and queens, so don’t settle for what you think you can afford when you’ve already asked Me to provide! If you wait and trust with all your heart that I’ve answered your prayer, don’t move.”

In my office, I had an old chair I’d used for years. The seat and arms were worn out, so my husband took me to look for a new one. We searched several stores, but I couldn’t find anything I loved. I didn’t want to order one online and risk having to return it if it didn’t work.

In one store, I found a chair that felt comfortable, but it wasn’t stylish or elegant. It looked like a plain executive chair without any character. As I sat in it, I kept thinking I didn’t want it in my office. My husband and the salesman were encouraging me, saying, “It’s comfortable, and you can get it today.” I was tempted to say yes because I felt like I had no other options. But then the Holy Spirit said, “Is that a queen’s chair?” I immediately realized He was telling me not to settle.

That prompting from the Holy Spirit reminded me I wasn’t walking in the full measure of faith He had given me—I wasn’t truly trusting Him with all my heart. Later, as I reflected on that moment, I realized I hadn’t been specific with God about the kind of chair I wanted. So, I became more descriptive in my prayers about what I was looking for, and now I’m on the lookout for the right chair.

Key points:

Don’t settle for less than what you have asked God for.

God does not need our help to provide for us.

Cling to God like running for the gold in trusting Him.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11

You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos

My published books are now available at:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss