Stay Focused
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” **He said, “Come.” —Matthew 14:28-29, CSB
When Peter stepped out onto the water, chaos surrounded him. There was noise and countless distractions trying to pull him off course. Yet, he was walking on water—doing something he had never done before. The wind blew heavily, and fear gripped him and the disciples as they saw Jesus walking toward them. They thought he was a ghost. But in the midst of the storm, there was an opportunity. Peter seized that opportunity. Although all of them were in the boat and had the same chance, only Peter asked. Perhaps the chaos stopped them. Perhaps they were too afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Every opportunity requires courage.
Yeshua did not call Peter out onto the water; Peter recognized an opportunity and asked for it. Yeshua responded, “Come.” Peter’s eyes were laser-focused on Yeshua, the only one who could guide him through the process. He didn’t need a life jacket or swimming skills; no qualifications were necessary—only faith and obedience to come directly to Yeshua.
When our Father gives us visions, we often don’t meet the qualifications. We are never fully equipped in our own strength, nor do we have the wisdom or knowledge to handle what has been placed in our souls. Our focus must remain on the one who assigned us the task. Later, we see that Peter got distracted by the chaos around him. The moment he took his eyes off Yeshua, he began to sink. He lost his position, returning to where he started—unqualified and unable to stand on the water. Did you notice that God never quieted the storm? He simply walked over it.
In today’s world, opposition and turmoil are everywhere, making distraction easy. But miracles happen in the mayhem, and opportunities arise in opposition. We should ask God to shift our focus away from the chaos so we can walk with Him in the opportunity. While the world focuses on the opposition, we must fix our eyes on what lies ahead. Just as Yeshua didn’t calm the storm but walked over it, so should we. I believe that God allows mayhem and opposition so the enemy cannot foresee the blessings being handed down to us.
Consider King David—he never lost focus or tried to force things to happen. He kept his eyes on Yeshua, and the mayhem he endured led to his greatest victory. We must not be distracted; we must stay the course.
Key Takeaways:
Distractions are a part of the process.
Our eyes must stay on the giver of the assignment.
If we keep focus on the mayhem, it will drown us.
Ask Yeshua to reveal the opportunity within the opposition.
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
Love is…
Love is patient and kind… — 1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV
Learning patience and kindness, even in difficult situations, is a journey. Both of my parents are in their eighties, living on their own and doing well. They live just down the street from us, so if anything happens, we are readily available to assist them.
When I was younger, I always looked up to my dad. He seemed to do all the right things and took care of his family. As I grew older, I began to develop my own way of thinking, and we didn’t always see eye to eye. Now, in his eighties and determined to do things his way, it can be challenging to walk out this aspect of love with kindness and patience.
Let me explain. Our grandson had his first birthday at his home, and all the family came to celebrate his special day. My daughter’s home has a staircase that goes straight up, so we were all concerned for my dad, who sometimes uses a cane to walk. Everyone made sure he got up and down the stairs safely. However, at one point in the day, without anyone noticing, my dad decided to go up the stairs on his own. He made it to the top but then fell. Thankfully, we have two nurses in our family who immediately checked him out and gave him some suggestions on what should be done until we could get him to the emergency room the next day.
At the time, we didn’t know he had broken his shoulder and knee. I told my father that I would pick him up the following morning to take him to the hospital. When I arrived at their house the next day, I found my dad in his car, trying to back out of the garage. I thought, God, You have got to be kidding me! I immediately pulled my car up behind his so he couldn’t move. Frustrated and confused, I asked myself, What is he doing?
At that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to be patient and kind. It was difficult not to go off on him because I was scared for his safety. But God reminded me that He was watching over them. This situation was never just about my parents—it was about Yeshua working in me, teaching me a new level of love and kindness. Before they got in my car, I prayed for myself because I could feel fear settling in. Fear wanted to make me ignore love, justifying my reaction as caring for my parents. But I knew my response had to align with God’s will. The Bible tells us, Let all that you do be done in love.
I was reminded of when the angel, sent by God to speak with Zechariah, told him that his wife would conceive a child. Zechariah did not believe, and the angel could have been harsh in response. Instead, he spoke with love. The angel represented God the Father and responded accordingly. God is teaching us that no matter our authority or how right we feel, love is always the response He requires from us.
Key Takeaways:
Kindness will come with challenges.
Patience is a journey, not a destination.
In every situation, we must remember that we represent our Father and are called to behave like Him.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Assignment
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. — 1 John 4:8, ESV
I had been reading and listening to various posts on social media about the direction of our government. Everyone has their own opinions on what is right and wrong. As I sat down with the Holy Spirit, preparing to write, I heard Him say, "This week is all about love." In my mind, I questioned it: "Are You sure You want me to write about love? Shouldn’t I be addressing what is happening around us?" It felt like I was ignoring the reality of our circumstances and merely sugarcoating it with love.
It doesn’t take Yeshua long to set us straight! I heard Him respond, "Okay, what do you want to write about?" I hesitated and said, "I don’t know—something to encourage people, words that tell them what to do." He gently but firmly replied, "Love is the instruction. That is why I am calling every believer to action. I am calling them back to their first assignment. I am calling them back to what I give them every single day. This is the season, more than ever, to walk in love. This is what the apostles spoke about in the Word. They taught you how to believe in Me, who I am, and how to move in love. I am not asking you to fight like the world does. Satan wants you to engage in his demonic ways. I have called you to first walk in love, and when you are equipped in giving love, I can send you out to speak to the world."
I sat in silence, reflecting on what Yeshua had placed in my spirit. My thoughts turned to the many individuals who came before me—those who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we have today. They gave everything because they loved. They were willing to lay down their lives so that we could have a better one. Yeshua reminded me that love costs—it is not free.
For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. — John 3:16, AMP
Key Takeaways:
The instruction is to love.
Love will cost you something.
You have been equipped for the assignment.
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
A Call to Action 2
For the one who wants to love life and to see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, and let him turn away from evil and do what is good. Let him seek peace and pursue it, because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil. — 1 Peter 3:10-12
In the passage above, we see that living the good life God has promises that come with responsibility. He has laid out specific instructions for those who believe. The Bible teaches that a person’s behavior reveals their true character. Prior to this passage, the Apostle Peter says, "All of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult, but on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing."
We cannot receive God’s blessings if we are spreading hate and passing judgment, as if God has appointed us to do His work for Him. He has commanded us to be a blessing to others, to pray for one another, and to love as He loves us. I am reminded of how Joseph loved his brothers despite their betrayal. He told them that it was not his place to judge them for their wrongdoing because God had a plan, and He turned their actions for good. Joseph responded with love toward those who had mistreated him, and God rewarded him greatly.
A recurring theme throughout the Bible is that God often uses the most oppressed individuals for His glory. These are the people He chooses to deliver His blessings and lead His people. He gives them the strength to walk in love, even in the face of adversity. Cling to our Father in prayer as He guides you on this journey of love. He is with you every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
The good life is available to every believer, but it comes at a cost.
The good life requires denying the flesh.
What we give is what we receive; we can only harvest the seeds we have sown.
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
A Call to Action
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:36-39, ESV
I regularly post daily tapings on my social media accounts. Occasionally, I review each platform to respond to comments. One particular day, I found myself scrolling through posts from others, and before I knew it, thirty minutes had passed. I was so disappointed! My spirit felt heavy from all the negativity I had absorbed, and I regretted wasting the valuable gift of time that God had given me on something unproductive.
As I sat there with an empty feeling inside, I began to call on Yeshua. I simply said, "Yeshua, Yeshua, I need your help." I knew I needed to write, but I didn’t feel like I was in the right space. As I called on Yeshua, I heard Him say, "Write about love." I hesitated. "After everything I just listened to, You want me to write about love? I'm not sure I even feel love right now." Then, He shared with me the scripture above and told me to title the devotional "A Call to Action." Immediately, I understood. Most people see love as a feeling, but that is not what Jesus meant when He commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves.
The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
We are not called to love based on our feelings because, if we’re honest, we don’t always feel like being patient and kind—even with our family members, let alone those who mistreat us. Our feelings have little to do with the assignment Yeshua gave us. He demonstrated love even while we did everything possible to go against Him. He died on the cross for our sins, giving us the opportunity to choose life.
The times we are living in make it especially challenging to love others. However, we must remember that the command to love was never something we were meant to do alone. Yeshua sent the Holy Spirit to help us fulfill this assignment. He never sends us where we have not been equipped. I know that when you hear or read certain news stories that rattle your spirit, love is often not the first feeling that arises. But Yeshua demonstrated that the love He calls us to is a love that always shows up—a love that moves us into action.
Following the second greatest commandment—to love our neighbor as ourselves—requires us to ask the Holy Spirit to help us move beyond our emotions and walk in the love the world so desperately needs today. This journey of love with Him is an opportunity for great growth and intimacy. The more we depend on Him, the greater the reward in this walk of love.
Key Takeaways:
Love is a call to action.
The call will require sacrifice and sometimes pain.
Love is not dependent on how the receiver chooses to respond but on how you choose to serve God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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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
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