The Creator of the Universe, My Friend

…Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God.  James 2:23 (NKJV)

How can it be that the Creator of the universe would want to meet with me each morning for TEA?  Every once in a while, I ponder this while gazing out my morning window at His creation, the flowers blooming in our garden and the snow-capped mountains on the horizon.  Yet then I resolve to simply believe, to believe that a mortal human can be friends with the one true God.

But this isn’t just for me, it is true for you, too, my TEA CUPP friend.  Jesus has invited us to a banquet and wants you there (Song of Solomon 2:4)!  He is knocking at the door of your heart and longs for you to open and let Him in (Revelation 3:20).  The Lord doesn’t want anyone left out to perish (2 Peter 3:9). He is patiently waiting while beckoning, “Come.” (Isaiah 55:1)

Let’s look at a Bible character as an example.  Abraham was a friend of God.  When the Lord came by in Genesis 18, Abraham insisted on inviting the Lord and His companions to stay for tea (a real English tea with dinner!).  Following Abraham’s hospitality, the Lord gave him a blessing, the promise of a baby.  But it didn’t stop there.  The Lord stayed to visit with Abraham and tell him His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.  Since Abraham’s nephew Lot lived there, Abraham didn’t just accept this information, he asked questions so that Lot could be spared from destruction.

Can we do the same as Abraham?

  • Invite Jesus to TEA
  • Let the Lord give us a blessing
  • Ask God questions

But that was in the Old Testament and Abraham was an old man, you say?  How about a New Testament lady having TEA with Jesus?!  Let’s look at just one more Bible character, the Samaritan Woman at the Well.  This story is recorded in John 4.  Once again we see the Lord showing up at tea time.  Jesus asked the woman for some water to drink and she peppered Him with questions.  Jesus gave her the blessing of His Living Water and proceeded to tell her story, everything she’d ever done.  And the woman went and told all the people in town!

Today’s TEA CUPP: These were everyday people having TEA with Jesus. If they can meet with Jesus, so can we.  Read Genesis 18 and John 4 over the next few days.  Claim the Lord as your TEA time friend.  Let God give you a blessing and ask Him lots of questions!

Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 2 Chronicles 20:7 (NKJV)

 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15 (NKJV)

 …Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 (NKJV)

So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend… Exodus 33:11 (NKJV)

 Jesus is all the world to me, I want not better friend; I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when Life’s fleeting days shall end. Beautiful life with such a Friend; Beautiful life that has no end; Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my Friend. (Will L. Thompson, 1904)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982

The Cup TEA CUPP

j0155If you’ve been following My TEA CUPP Prayers for awhile, you know I enjoy finding a theme for Bible verses. In my first book, My TEA CUPP Prayers, I gave a week of verses to use as conversation starters when praying with Jesus.  I hope to include these themed collections in my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers. And what better theme for our TEA CUPP prayers, than a group of verses about cups!  Please enjoy these verses as you have tea with Jesus today!

T for Thanksgiving: 

Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. Mark 14:23 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
Psalm 16:5 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. Matthew 23:26 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the Lord.
Psalm 116:13 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our story:

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)

…Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me? John 18:11 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Mark 9:42 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Pull out your favorite cup for this special TEA CUPP Prayer time!  Let these verses about cups be conversation starters as you pour out your heart to Jesus.  You can use one verse each day of the week, or pray them all every day. Here’s a sobering verse: Look up Psalm 75:8. It’s a good reminder to pray for the lost. Be blessed in your cup time with Jesus, my friend!

And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”  Mark 14:36

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

When Mary had TEA with Jesus

mary and marthaBut one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 (NKJV)

Do you remember the time Mary had TEA with Jesus? Mary, Martha and Lazarus were all siblings and good friends of Jesus.  One day Jesus came to their house for a visit.  Mary was content to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to all He had to say, soaking up His every Word.  But Martha was busy trying to get their tea, distracted by much serving.  In fact, though Martha had a dear servant’s heart, she was grumpy that Mary wasn’t helping her.  I know how she felt, because that’s happened to me before.

Let’s look at the whole story:

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: We can learn from both sisters. Mary was sipping the very Word of the Lord, while Martha was preparing their earthly tea.  We spend time with Jesus so we are ready to serve. Let’s be Mary early every morning, so we can be Martha the rest of the day. Choose the good part that won’t be taken away from you!

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

TEA CUPP in Song

musicMake a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2 (NKJV)

The other day I was driving a half hour to a doctor appointment for my son. Finding myself a little overwhelmed and not sure how to pray, I started singing songs in the order of My TEA CUPP Prayers. As I poured out my heart to Jesus in song, He comforted my soul, and my son’s doctor appointment went well. Did you know even Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn before He was betrayed and sent to the cross? God uses music to touch our souls. Here are a few of my favorites:

T is for Thanksgiving
Once Again I Thank You

E is for Exalting
Every Knee will Bow before the Lion and the Lamb

A is for Admitting
Amazing Love

C is for Calling
Here I Am, Lord

U is for Understanding
In Christ Alone

P is for Promises
On Eagles Wings

P is for Petitions
The Lord’s Prayer

Today’s TEA CUPP: You can do this, too! Collect your favorite praise songs and put them in order for your own TEA CUPP time in song. Load them on your iPod or smartphone to play at such times as driving in the car, exercising, or doing household chores. Come before His presence with singing!

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26 (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

My Joy TEA

joy Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them JOYful in My house of prayer… Isaiah 56:7 (NKJV)

Dear TEA CUPP friend, What we need today is a CUPP of JOY! Perhaps you have a happiness to celebrate with Jesus, or you have a sadness you need Him to carry. Go to the kitchen, fill your kettle with water and turn on the stove. While the water heats, look in the cupboard for your favorite mug and TEA bags. Find the TEA that’s labeled, “JOY.” That’s the one you want today! Hmmm, you don’t have that exact flavor in your cupboard? Well, just pour the hot water and let Jesus bring the TEA. Here are some JOY verses to use as conversation starters for your prayer time together today:

T for Thanksgiving: 

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout JOYfully to Him with psalms.
Psalm 95:2 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding JOY;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.
Psalm 43:4 (NKJV)

Shout JOYfully to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Psalm 98:4 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

I say to you that likewise there will be more JOY in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 (NKJV)

Restore to me the JOY of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for JOY, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:11 (NKJV)

Let the saints be JOYful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds. Psalm 149:5 (NKJV)

Be JOYful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

U is for Understanding our story:

Weeping may endure for a night,
But JOY comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of JOY for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your JOY no one will take from you. John 16:22 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of JOY;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in JOY. Psalm 126:5 (NKJV)

For you shall go out with JOY,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for JOY and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your JOY may be full. John 16:24 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Enjoy your CUPP of JOY TEA with Jesus, today!

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 (NKJV)

 

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,

And Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011

The Impossible Call

WebTherefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Mathew 5:48 (NKJV)

There it is in my Bible, God’s Word, the book of Matthew, the fifth chapter, the 48th verse… Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.  I underlined it.  I wrote the letter “C” for Call next to it.  I prayed about it.  And then I asked God, “How?!”

From writing to cleaning to even fixing my hair, I just can’t ever be perfect.  When the first copies of my book, My TEA CUPP Prayers, were released, I was dismayed to find typos, including a missing word on the very first page!  This was after several rounds of corrections before printing.  Truly just wanting to cry at falling short, I realized God was keeping me humble with my imperfect book.

Another day I was cleaning a Montana guest cabin for guests soon to arrive.  There wasn’t much time between groups, so I had to hurry to clean the guest house.  I noticed there were crumbs under the sofa cushions, so I propped them up as a reminder to myself to vacuum there.  Before I had put the finishing touches on the kitchen, the new people arrived with groceries to unpack to the fridge.  I hurried to get out of their way, laying out dish towels just so and loading my rag bag to go home.  As I drove away, suddenly the picture of those sofa cushions with exposed crumbs came to my mind.  Argh!  Once again, I wasn’t perfect.

And then there is the matter of my hair.  No amount of combing, fixing, or pulling back with clips can keep my auburn tresses in place in the blustery Montana winds.  I have a feeling that my hair won’t stay in place in any state, but I like blaming it on our mountainous gales. Whatever the cause, it is true, I’m not perfect.

If you could take a look under those messy red locks at the person inside,  you would find yet more imperfection.  As I struggle to obey all God’s commands:

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

So daily, I come before Jesus for TEA and prayer, asking His forgiveness and help with His call.  And I know that one day I will finally fulfill His call to be perfect. That is the day He calls me home.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear Jesus, I’m having trouble with Your call to be perfect. Every day I fall short in one way or another.  Please forgive me and wash me clean and fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to be like You.  Thank you, Jesus.  I claim your promise to make me new.  Amen.

“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16  (NKJV)

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

 

Tea with Timothy

My TEA CUPP PrayersAll Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

Today I invite you to tea with Jesus, using words from the books of 1 & 2 Timothy in the New Testament.  These verses are the inspired words of God given to the Apostle Paul.  Paul wrote these to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy.  Paul’s letters are also for us and we may pray them as we spend time with Jesus today.

T is for Thanksgiving
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. 1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day.  2 Timothy 1:3 (NKJV)


E is for Exalting
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17 (NKJV)

 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

…He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15-16 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV)

Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV)

 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NKJV)

C is for Calling
Let them do good, that they be rich in good https://www.fertileheart.com/clomid-clomiphene-infertility-treatment/ works, ready to give, willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18 (NKJV)

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  1 Timothy 6:11-12(NKJV)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding
This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.
If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NKJV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)

P is for Promises (claiming God’s)
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8(NKJV)

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! 2 Timothy 4:18 (NKJV)

P is for Petitions (Pouring out my heart)
  …Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:2 (NKJV)

The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:22 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  As you spend time in prayer today, let God have the first Word as you read passages from 1 & 2 Timothy.  Then use these verses as conversation starters as you pour out your heart to Jesus in prayer. Join Jesus with Timothy for TEA!

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Overturning Tables

jesus-overturn-tablesSo they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. Mark 11:15 (NKJV)

Our Pastor was focusing on Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. The lesson came from Mark 11.   In this passage, Jesus was just welcomed into Jerusalem by cheering crowds crying out, “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus then went to the temple and, for the first time, appeared angry. Since we know Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God who never sinned, His anger surprises us.  Why was He angry? Because people have turned His Father’s House from a house of prayer into a den of thieves!  Instead of people coming with humble hearts to pray, money-changers were getting rich, selling offerings to the people.

And so Jesus turned over their tables! Can you imagine the chaos?  Doves, coins, and random trinkets crashing to the floor, wings flapping and birds escaping into the sky.  Venders hollering, “Hey, Man, what are you doing?!”  Jesus boldly cleared them from the temple, proclaiming, “My house shall be a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Then our pastor asked the key question that would apply this to our own lives, “What tables in your life do you need Jesus to overturn?” Oh, no, this story was getting personal.  It was much easier when we pointed fingers at the money-changers.  Our smug looks are turned to sorrow like children whose siblings have just gotten into trouble, and now we realize it’s our turn.

We all have tables in our lives where we put idols of pride, jealousy, grumbling, gossiping, greed, anger…and the list goes on.  Our pastor was asking us to turn these over to Jesus.  Let Him cleanse the temple of our souls, so His Holy Spirit can live inside of us.  And His house will be a house of prayer once again.

Today’s TEA CUPP:  What tables in your life do you need Jesus to overturn?  Give them to Jesus.  Ask Him to forgive you and help you make a new start. Claim His promise of salvation today.

 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:48 (NKJV)

 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

…My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations…  Mark 11:17 (NKJV)

Thank you to ChristArt.com for the beautiful clip art!

Thank you to Pastor Michael Stambaugh for his awesome sermon on February 14, 2016!

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Rock Tower

rock tower2

…Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan… Joshua 4:3

Finding new ways to praise Jesus always brings me joy, and I hope it brings Him joy, too.  Since I like to journal my prayers, I write my verses for exalting and praising the Lord right in my journal. One day I read the story of God parting the Jordan River so Joshua could lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Before the waters returned to the Jordan, Joshua had the leaders of each of the twelve tribes bring a rock from the riverbed to create a tower as a reminder of their miraculous crossing.  Joshua actually made two towers, one at Gilgal, their first campsite in the Promised Land, and one in the very midst of the Jordan River where the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant (Joshua 4).

Other Old Testament saints also used rocks to worship Yehovah God, the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When Jacob was running from his brother Esau, he laid down to rest on a stone and dreamed of a ladder going up to heaven.  Upon waking, Jacob set up a stone pillar and poured his oil of praise on it…

 Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel… Genesis 28:18-19

 Later, when the Ark of the Covenant was in jeopardy, the Prophet Samuel set up a stone and called it Ebenezer, declaring, “Thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12).  It’s interesting to note that Samuel’s ministry took him through both Bethel and Gilgal (1 Sam. 7:16) where I wonder if he could still see Joshua’s and Jacob’s rock towers?

One day, after reading these stories, I drew a simple rock tower in my prayer journal with twelve rocks. Then I chose these prayer verses from the Psalms, underlining the words that describe God:

 I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Each of the underlined words I wrote on the twelve rocks in my prayer journal sketch, raising my own Ebenezer of praise and remembrance to Jesus.  We don’t worship the rocks, but we worship the One who is the Rock, who has brought us thus far. We can trust Him to guard and guide us forever.

As I exalted my Jesus, He also showed me I had nothing to fear as I faced the tasks of the day. With such a Rock tower as my Friend, I could hide in Him and be safe.  He would be my shield and fortress and strength through another busy day. My praise to Him became a promise from God for me.

 For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?  Psalm 18:31

 You may like to read about the miraculous day the Israelites entered the Promised Land in Joshua 3-4.  Notice how they followed the Ark into the river bed. We must always follow God’s Word, too. And since we are talking about exalting, notice how in Joshua 3:7 the Lord promises to exalt Joshua in the eyes of the people, and in the following verse, Joshua exalts the Lord (Joshua 3:10, 13).  Joshua proclaims, “…the Living God…the Lord of all the earth…”

 Today’s TEA CUPP: Try drawing your own rock tower in your prayer journal today.  Draw 12 stones in a pile.  On each stone write a word describing God or giving Him praise.  Read 1 Peter 2:4-8 for a very special Stone and 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 for more words of praise for your rock tower. Claim God’s promise to be your Rock throughout the day.

The Lord lives, Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.  Psalm 18:46

  •  My hope is built on nothing less
  • than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
  • I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
  • But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
  • On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
  • All other ground is sinking sand,
  • All other ground is sinking sand.
  • (Edward Mote, 1834)

(See also 1 Samuel 2:2, 1 Chronicles 29:11, 2 Chronicles 20:6, Psalm 34:1-3, Psalm 61:2, Daniel 2:35, Matthew 21:42, Luke 19:40, 1 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Peter 2:6)

 Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson

Promises Outside My Window

My Tea Cupp PrayersFor since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.  Romans 1:20 (NKJV)

I am spoiled.  I live in South Central Montana where the scenery never ceases to be beautiful, where God’s creation forever proclaims His glory.  And I get to see it all outside my morning window.

As I sit on the sofa for TEA with Jesus each morning, I read my Bible, glancing out the window as I ponder His Word.  There in the early morning light are God’s promises, echoing what I’ve read in His Word.

The last star of the night is still shining above our old barn.  God declares:

  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)

Two deer wander through the late-winter field, looking for some early spring plants to nibble.  I tell God:

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
 Psalm 42:1 (NKJV)

The mountains on the horizon beyond the fields catch the first rays of dawn.  And I lift up my eyes and pray:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

Patches of snow still frame our yard, having drifted under the eaves of the barn.  God promises:

Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
  Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

Brave lily plants already poke through the bare ground, promising spring is on the way.  And God says:

While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
Cold and heat,
Winter and summer,
And day and night
Shall not cease. G
enesis 8:22 (NKJV)

The big blue morning sky stretches from East to West, as far as I can see.  And I rejoice as God proclaims:

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
 Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Head outside for a nature walk today, looking for glimpses of God and praying as you walk. Oh, Jesus, You gave us this beautiful world to enjoy and to teach us about You.  Thank You for Your wonderful promises in Your creation and in Your Word.  I love You, Jesus!

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

 Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011