Category Archives: About My TEA CUPP Prayers

Psalm 55:17 Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.

Exalting like the Alabaster Lady

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This week, I continue sharing keynote chapters from my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers (Thank you for your prayers for me to finish it!). Each weekly devotion is focused on a Bible lady to draw you into your prayer time with Jesus.  I pray these are a blessing for you!

You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.  Psalm 118:28

She wasn’t even invited, but she boldly went to the dinner.  It wasn’t just any dinner for it was hosted by a Pharisee, one of the prestigious religious leaders.  She washed His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair, though the host gave Him no water for His feet.  This woman kissed His feet all during dinner, though the host had given Him no kiss of greeting. She poured her costly alabaster flask of fragrant oil upon His feet, though the host did not anoint His head with oil (Luke 7:44-46).  She knew He was worthy of all her adoration, while the host had unknowingly invited the Son of God!

What an unusual dinner it must have been!  When Luke described this meal, he did not give the lady a name, so we will just call her the Alabaster Lady. The other guest, of course, was Jesus.  John MacArthur, in his study Bible, says this is not the same event where another lady poured oil on Jesus (Mary, sister to Martha, of Bethany in John 12:3). Today we’ll just meet the Alabaster Lady in Luke.  

She was a sinner (Luke 7:37) and somehow she felt Jesus was the only One who could save her.  Jesus knew exactly what she needed.  After teaching the Pharisee about love, Jesus turned to this dear lady and said the words we all want to hear, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:48, 50) 

Wow.  Imagine being the Alabaster Lady.  You come boldly.  You exalt Jesus with your tears. And then, He forgives you.  You can go in peace, yet you want to stay, praising and exalting Him even more!

“But I don’t have an alabaster flask of costly perfume,” you say?  Why, my dear, you do!  Your flask is the Treasure Chest of God’s Word.  Open it and pour out Bible verses of exaltation on Jesus’ feet, praising Him for who He is. The most precious gift you can pour on Jesus is your heart and His Word.  

O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens! Psalm 8:1 (NKJV)

Oh, how we want to be like this Alabaster lady, pouring our tears of adoration on His feet, for He saved us from our sins by His death on the cross. He rose to new life so He can prepare a place for us in heaven.  All we have to do is believe.  From the wells of our hearts springs forth the praise due His name.  Pour it out on Jesus’ feet today!

Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.  Psalm 29:2 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Read the whole story of the Alabaster Lady in Luke 8:36-50.  How can you exalt Jesus like this precious forgiven woman did? Here are some verses to get you started…

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9:1-2 (NKJV)

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

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength!
We will sing and praise Your power.  Psalm 21:13 (NKJV)

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

MacArthur, J. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc. (p. 1527-1528)

Thankful Bible Ladies

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To kick off the new year, I’m sharing keynote chapters from my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers (Thank you for your prayers for me to finish it!). Each weekly devotion is focused on a Bible lady to draw you into your prayer time with Jesus.  I pray these are a blessing for you!

I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.  Psalm 119:162

You’ve cracked open the Treasure Chest, your Bible.  You’ve peered into its pages.  You’ve marveled at all there is to absorb and learn.  You wonder where to start.  Let’s begin as God calls us to in Psalm 100:4, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” 

I imagine many ladies of the Bible gave thanks to God during their journey on earth.  We read how Hannah and Mary both praised Him at the birth of their famous babies (Samuel in 1 Samuel 2:1, and Jesus in Luke 1:46).  How might other Bible ladies have given God thanks? 

  • Did the Alabaster Lady thank the Lord for forgiving all her sins? (Luke 7:36-50)
  • Did Mary Magdalene thank the Lord for freeing her from seven demons? (Luke 8:2)
  • Did Esther thank the Lord for saving her people, the Jews? (Esther 4:14)
  • Did Rahab thank the Lord for sparing her and her family when Joshua’s army conquered Jericho? (Joshua 2 and 6:22-23)
  • Did the Canaanite woman thank Jesus for promising to heal her daughter?  (Matthew 15:21-28)
  • Did the Persistent Widow thank the Lord when her petition was finally answered? (Luke 18:1-8)

Did other Bible ladies thank Jesus, too?  Like Lydia, for bringing Paul to her home (Acts 16:13-15)? And Dorcas, after Peter raised her from the dead (Acts 9:36-43)?  You may find your story in one of these ladies’ stories, and you will have reason to give thanks to the Lord, too.  

Over the next several weeks, we will meet many of these ladies and hear their stories and what they can teach us about prayer.  Until then, let’s thank God for our Bibles, this treasury of His Word, that includes these wonderful histories and truths, all we need to know in this life and the life to come.  

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Thank God for your Bible!  Thank Him for the godly examples of Bible ladies. Choose one lady above to read about in your Bible today.  Thank Jesus for loving ladies so much they were even included in His inner circle when He walked this earth. What else are you thankful for today? Thanks be to God!

...And the twelve were with Him, and certain women… Luke 8:1-2 (NKJV)

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.  Proverbs 2:4-5 (NKJV)

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

He Comes with Presents!

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 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!  2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:27 (NKJV)

What is the same about Christmas and when Jesus takes us home?  They both involve presents!  Every year, people around the world celebrate Christ’s birth by giving each other gifts.  When Jesus was born, wise men came from the East bearing gold, frankincense and mrryh (Matthew 2:11).  And did you know, that when Jesus comes for us, He will also have presents?

Last summer I was writing a running series but stopped just short of the best part of the race…when we finish!  Some day we will all cross that finish line, whether runners, walkers, or coach potatoes!  And when we who believe in Jesus cross that line, Jesus will have gifts for us!

I love the races where everyone gets a prize.  I first saw this when helping with Special Olympics.  Every runner was given a hug and a medal when he or she crossed the finish line.  Then a local fun run, the Cowpoke Stampede, awarded us all with cow ear tags!  And when I finished my first and only marathon last year, I was delighted to have the volunteers place a “finisher” medal around my neck before I collapsed into the arms of my family.

Immensely far better than those earthly rewards will be the presents Jesus brings when He comes for us, whether now or at His second return.  What kind of gifts will He give us? Some I found in God’s Word include… crowns, a new body with a white robe, white stones with our names, hidden manna, an inheritance, a mansion,  and eternal life!  Wow!  All this in addition to the forgiveness, salvation (saving us from our sins), redemption (dying in our place on the cross), grace, mercy, peace, joy and hope He already has showered upon us here. No gift on earth, no tinsel, no lights can ever compare with what God has prepared for those who love Him!

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.  1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)

Just like every finisher at the marathon gets a medal, all believers get a crown.  And what will we do with our crowns? Cast them at the feet of Jesus in praise and glory to Him, our Savior and King! We will kneel before Him, just like the wise men did beside His little bed so long ago, and present our gifts which He provides for us, for we owe Him our eternal thanks and praise.  Wow!

The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne… Revelation 4:10 (NKJV)

Let’s look at those seven gifts again:

  1. Crowns: 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 when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.  1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV)
  2. A new body with a white robe: For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  2 Corinthians 5:1 (NKJV) Then a white robe was given to each of them… Revelation 6:11 (NKJV)
  3. A white stone with your name: …And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it. Revelation 2:17 (NKJV)
  4. Hidden manna: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat…Revelation 2:17 (NKJV)
  5. An inheritance: To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.1 Peter 1:4 (NKJV)
  6. A mansion: In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 (NKJV)
  7. Eternal life: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

Some dear church friends have recently gone to heaven to receive these final rewards.  I see Randy, Orlando, Gale, Wally, Chuck, Kari, Don and others, wearing their white robes, and laying their crowns at the feet of Jesus.  They are sitting around the fellowship halls in their mansions, with white name stones to mark their places, enjoying the hidden manna and chatting like old friends do, waiting for the rest of us to show up. 

And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Revelation 22:12 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear friend, I want YOU at that fellowship time in heaven.  Please ask Jesus into your heart today and welcome all the gifts He has for you!  Two weeks ago, I wrote that Jesus is coming soon.  One week ago, I shared about waiting and waiting.  In just a few days we will celebrate Christmas, and for many children the waiting will be over.  But for those of us who are longing for Jesus’ second return, we may still be waiting awhile longer. So be faithful, my friend. Jesus is coming with presents!

…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (NKJV)

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NKJV)

…I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.  Genesis 15:1 (NKJV)

…each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8 (NKJV)

So that men will say,
“Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely He is God who judges in the earth.”  Psalm 58:11 (NKJV)

Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
For You render to each one according to his work.  Psalm 62:12 (NKJV)

Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.  2 John 8 (NKJV)

We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned…
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great… Revelation 11:17-18 (NKJV)

(See also 2 Samuel 22:21, Isaiah 62:2,  Isaiah 62:11, Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 32:19)

P.S. Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers.  If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to check out my other Christmas devotions and my most favorite one, My Heart Inn.

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

Waiting and Waiting

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But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength… Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

…wait on your God continually. Hosea 12:6 (NKJV)

Waiting.  Waiting. Waiting can be hard.  Families wait for Daddy (and sometimes Mommy) to come home from work.  Children wait for Christmas and Santa. Grandparents wait for grandchildren to visit. All of us wait for our prayers to be answered.  We wonder what the delay could be. Why aren’t we getting our answers right NOW?!

I remember how as a child I met my Daddy at the bus stop every afternoon.  I would trudge up Fillmore Avenue a quarter of a mile and sit myself on a big rock, watching the traffic along 24th Street.  Many cars, trucks, and buses would go by but not stop. Finally, the bus would come with my Daddy and I would hold his hand all the way home.  One day, I looked at the clock wrong and went an hour early, waiting and waiting until I tearfully trudged home alone.  When my Daddy finally arrived home, he wondered where I was that day, and I told him the sad story of my waiting. I didn’t meet him so often after that.  

I wonder, do we do the same thing with our prayers?  Are we at the bus stop expecting answers too soon? Then, when the answers don’t come in our timing, we don’t meet with Jesus so often anymore?  

In the book of Daniel, we get a glimpse into what is happening while we are waiting on God.  We might think the prayer-mail delivery service is slow this time of year, that FedEx is having a tough time keeping up with the prayer packages delivered to Heaven’s Throne room, often out late at night delivering prayers. 

But we can be assured that our prayers are not delayed! For the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).  And God hears our every prayer (John 9:31).  So what is the delay?  In Daniel 10 we read how angels were dispatched to help Daniel the moment he started praying. But the enemy’s angels prevented help from arriving for three weeks! Up in the heavens, where we can’t even see, angels are fighting battles for us that we don’t even know, all because of our prayers (Ephesians 6:12).  

…“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me… Daniel 10:12-13 (NKJV)

What are you waiting for today? Today, I wait for healing for our nation and an end to Covid19 and cancer, for healing for church friends, for dear ones to give their hearts to Jesus,  and especially for Jesus to come again!

You know who else is waiting? God!  You remember the story of the prodigal son?  Just as the father waited expectantly for the prodigal son to return, God waits expectantly for us.  Jesus can’t come until the last person written in His Book of Life believes in Him.  Perhaps you are the one to tell that person!

Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18 (NKJV)

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  Titus 2:13 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Read the amazing story of Daniel’s prayers in Daniel 10.  Keep praying and waiting, my friends.  God is sending answers!  And as Christmas approaches, remember the Answer He sent to a stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.  

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.  1 John 4:14 (NKJV)

And it will be said in that day:
“Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord;
We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”  Isaiah 25:9 (NKJV)

Therefore I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
My God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (NKJV)

 Wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.  Psalm 130:5-6 (NKJV)

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”  Luke 12:40 (NKJV)

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  James 5:7-8 (NKJV)

Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord,
For He is coming to judge the earth.  1 Chronicles 16:33 (NKJV)

...that there should be delay no longer… Revelation 10:6 (NKJV)

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

Jesus is Coming Soon!

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…“Where is the promise of His coming? 2 Peter 3:4 (NKJV)

“Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!”  the children cry!

“Are you ready for Christmas?” the friendly neighbors inquire.

“Only 16 more shopping days!” the store windows (and Facebook ads) proclaim.

Everywhere we see reminders that Christmas is just around the corner and we must hurry to be ready. But even more important than the arrival of Christmas is the return of this holiday’s namesake, Jesus the Christ is coming back to earth! 

For over 400 years, God’s people waited for the first arrival of their promised Savior, Jesus Christ. When He came as a baby in a manger bed, only a few special people recognized Him for who He was, after waiting so long…Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wisemen, Simeon, and Anna.  Will we recognize Jesus when He comes the second time?  

You probably know the story very well…A Baby was born that first Christmas to a virgin whose name was Mary.  He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, coming humbly, not to a palace but to a stable.  This same Baby Jesus grew up without sin, helping His earthly dad Joseph as a carpenter.  But when He turned 30, His ministry began…healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the hungry, teaching the people about His Father, God.  Then just three years later, this same Jesus gave His life for us on the cross.  He could have called down legions of angels to rescue Him, but He did not, because He loved us and wanted to die for our sins.  Then on the third day, He arose from the grave, conquering sin and death forever for all who believe in His Name.  Forty days later He ascended to heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father and will come again to judge the living and the dead.  When He comes the second time, it won’t be as a baby in a manger seen only by a few, it will be as a Mighty King on a white horse, coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him and every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!  (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:31-35, Luke 2:7, Matthew 13:55, Luke 3:23, Luke 7:22-23, Matthew 26:53, John 3:16-17, Luke 24:1-7, Luke 24:50-53, Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 19:11).  

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)

So, this time of year and all year round, instead of children crying, “Christmas is coming,” we should be hearing…

“Jesus is coming!  Jesus is coming!  Hosanna!” the children cry!

“Is your heart ready for Jesus?” the caring neighbors inquire.

“We don’t know the day nor the hour, so be ready!” the church windows proclaim.

…For He is coming to judge the earth.
With righteousness He shall judge the world,
And the peoples with equity. Psalm 98:9 (NKJV)

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Oh, precious one, beloved of God, prepare your heart for His coming, for He is coming soon.  Ask Jesus to be your Savior today. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.  1 John 2:28 (NKJV) He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  Titus 2:13 (NKJV)

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord.  Zechariah 2:10 (NKJV)

I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed.  Daniel 7:13-14 (NKJV)

And it will be said in that day:
“Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord;
We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”  Isaiah 25:9 (NKJV)

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,

One day the skies with His glory will shine;

Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;

Glorious Savor, this Jesus is mine!  

Living, He loved me;

Dying, He saved me;

Buried, He carried my sins far away;

Rising, He justified freely forever:

One day He’s coming — O, glorious day!

(J. Wilber Chapman, 1910). 

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!  Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)

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

 

Standing in the Breach with Psalm 106

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…Had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach… Psalm 106:23 (NKJV)

When I was a little girl, my parents took my siblings and me to the Grand Canyon.  I remember my mom holding our shirt collars as we looked over the edge into the great abyss. Then I grew up to be a mom and did the same thing for our children. Any time we went to a National Park with deep gorges, I held shirt collars to prevent my children from plummeting into the canyon depths. 

Friends, our country needs moms to hold shirt collars again! We need you to pray like never before for your children and for this great nation. Don’t let go! Don’t let us fall into the depths! Don’t lose the faith!  Believe with all your heart that God will save this great land.  Hold those shirt collars!

Did you know Moses did the same thing for God’s children, the Israelites?  While Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the people were down below making a golden calf.  God wanted to wipe them all out and make a new people from Moses.  But Moses stood in the breach and pleaded with the Lord on their behalf.  And God heard their prayers!  God will hear your prayers, too, dear friend.  Here are some verses you can pray from Psalm 106 today…  

T for Thanksgiving:

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.  Psalm 106:1 (NKJV)

…To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise. Psalm 106:47 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord! Psalm 106:48 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

We have sinned with our fathers,
We have committed iniquity,
We have done wickedly.  Psalm 106:6 (NKJV)

Because they rebelled against His Spirit,
So that he spoke rashly with his lips.  Psalm 106:33 (NKJV)

They even sacrificed their sons
And their daughters to demons,
And shed innocent blood…  Psalm 106:37-38 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

Blessed are those who keep justice,
And he who does righteousness at all times!  Psalm 106:3 (NKJV)

U for Understanding:

Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds,
And the plague broke out among them.
Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
And the plague was stopped.  Psalm 106:29-30 (NKJV)

P for Promises:

Nevertheless He regarded their affliction,
When He heard their cry;
And for their sake He remembered His covenant,
And relented according to the multitude of His mercies.  Psalm 106:44-45 (NKJV)

P for Petitions:

Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people.
Oh, visit me with Your salvation. Psalm 106:4 (NKJV)

Save us, O Lord our God,
And gather us from among the Gentiles… Psalm 106:47 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Dear TEA Friend, You have such an important job to do! Just as Moses stood in the breach to save the children of Israel, we must stand in the breach to save the United States of America.  Keep praying for our nation, dear prayer warriors. Keep interceding on behalf of babies, our President, and anything else the Holy Spirit puts upon your heart.  

And an extra prayer for the USA:

That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones,
That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation,
That I may glory with Your inheritance.  Psalm 106:5 (NKJV)

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

My Lamentations TEA

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You have covered Yourself with a cloud,
That prayer should not pass through. Lamentations 3:44 (NKJV)

Some of us are sad today.  Some of us are weeping for the babies who will not get to live if abortion continues across our land.  Some of us are not happy with the media’s report of the outcome of the recent election.  If you are one of those “someones,” I invite you to share a CUPP of Lamentations TEA with me.

Today we lift up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Jesus who is able to save babies everywhere from death.  Did you know that TEN times more babies have been aborted since Roe vs. Wade than Jews died during the Holocaust of WW II?  61 million babies who could have blessed this world in some way, were taken straight to the arms of Jesus.  When a pastor shared these statistics on the radio, I wept with vehement cries and tears to Jesus. Please join me in raising prayers to the throne of heaven for those babies, that the election will be recounted and the USA can continue on the path to saving babies’ lives (as well as freedom to worship God and hundreds of other things!).

The prophet Jeremiah shared similar woes.  He prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and then saw it happen with his own eyes.  What he penned in Lamentations are his heart cries to the Lord as he witnessed the destruction and wept for the daughters of his people.  Let us join Jeremiah and cry out to God with these same verses…

T for Thanksgiving:

Let us lift our hearts and hands
To God in heaven. Lamentations 3:41 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

You, O Lord, remain forever;
Your throne from generation to generation.  Lamentations 5:19 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

Even when I cry and shout,
He shuts out my prayer. Lamentations 3:8 (NKJV)

Let us search out and examine our ways,
And turn back to the Lord.  Lamentations 3:40 (NKJV)

We have transgressed and rebelled;
You have not pardoned. Lamentations 3:42 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.  Lamentations 3:26 (NKJV)

U for Understanding:

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”  Lamentations 3:24 (NKJV)

My eyes overflow with rivers of water
For the destruction of the daughter of my people. Lamentations 3:48 (NKJV)

You drew near on the day I called on You, and said, “Do not fear!” O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul;You have redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:57-58 (NKJV)

P for Promises:

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.  Lamentations 3:25 (NKJV)

P for Petitions:

I called on Your name, O Lord,
From the lowest pit.
You have heard my voice:
“Do not hide Your ear
From my sighing, from my cry for help.” Lamentations 3:55-56 (NKJV)

Why do You forget us forever,
And forsake us for so long a time?
Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will be restored;
Renew our days as of old. Lamentations 5:20-21 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read and pray Lamentations today. Pray especially Lamentations 3:59-66 for our President and the USA elections.  If we all search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord, we will break through the cloud and reach the throne room of heaven where Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.  Keep praying for miracles and all those babies, dear prayer friends!

Another prayer for our President:

O Lord, You have seen how I am wronged;
Judge my case.
You have seen all their vengeance,
All their schemes against me.

You have heard their reproach, O Lord,
All their schemes against me,
The lips of my enemies
And their whispering against me all the day.
Look at their sitting down and their rising up;
I am their taunting song.

Repay them, O Lord,
According to the work of their hands.
Give them a veiled heart;
Your curse be upon them!
In Your anger,
Pursue and destroy them
From under the heavens of the Lord. Lamentations 3:59-66 (NKJV)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers.  If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to read Praying for Babies Again, Stripes Across Our Nation, and USA, Arise, Come Forth!

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

My Night Tea

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When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches. Psalm 63:6(NKJV)

Dear TEA Friends, 

If you’ve been reading My TEA CUPP Prayers devotions for awhile, you know my passion is for reading and praying God’s Word. Every day before sunrise, I fill my favorite morning mug and sit down with Jesus, letting Him speak first through His Word, the Bible.  I underline my favorite verses (or the tough verses He shows me), and use those as conversation starters as I pour my heart out to Jesus in prayer. 

Why do I use the God’s Word in prayer?   For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12). 

A while back I shared a list of verses that fit with Tea in the Morning.  A friend who owns a tea company told how she often has a cup of tea in the night when she can’t sleep.  That caused me to search for verses for A Night Tea.  Perhaps you are going through a “dark night of the soul” right now or would like Bible verses for when you are awake in the night.  Here are some night verses for you…

T for Thanksgiving:

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgments. Psalm 119:62 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. Psalm 16:7 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” Mark 14:30 (NKJV)

But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. John 11:10 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NKJV)

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him… Psalm 37:7 (NKJV)

U for Understanding:

…My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. Psalm 16:7 (NKJV)

After this I awoke and looked around, and my sleep was sweet to me.  Jeremiah 31:26 (NKJV)

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 1Thessalonians 5:5 (NKJV)

P for Promises:

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  Matthew 14:35 (NKJV)

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.  Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 (NKJV)

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. Hebrews 4:9 (NKJV)

P for Petitioning:

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Tuck theses verses and your Bible by your bed tonight.  If you have trouble sleeping, have some “TEA” with Jesus in the middle of the night. Claim God’s promise to come to you “in the fourth watch.” God bless you, dear TEA friend!

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  Romans 13:12 (NKJV)

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘Come unto Me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon My breast.’
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place,
and He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘Behold, I freely give
the Living Water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live.’
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘I am this dark world’s light;
look unto me, thy morn shall rise,
and all thy day be bright.’
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in Him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till trav’lling days are done.  (Horatius Bonar, 1846)

I remember Your name in the night, O Lord,
And I keep Your law.  Psalm 119:55 (NKJV)

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

USA, Arise! Come Forth!

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For the Lord is our Judge,
The Lord is our Lawgiver,
The Lord is our King;
He will save us. Isaiah 33:22 (NKJV)

Calling all prayer warriors to pray John 11 over the USA today!  In John 11 we read the amazing account of Jesus raising His friend Lazarus from the grave.  As you read this passage today, replace Lazarus’ name with the USA.  We can say to the Lord with John 11:3, “Lord, behold, the USA who You love is sick.” 

We have been very sick this year, haven’t we?  First there were impeachment trials, then COVID19 and shut-downs hit our land, followed by rioting, wildfires, and each month brought some new shame.  The truth is we are sick like Lazarus and dead in our sins.  We are lost in a dark cave with only Jesus to save us.  But God shines His light in the dark places of our hearts (Prov. 20:27) and nation, showing us our sins and providing a way out (Isaiah 35:8, John 14:6). 

Jesus reassures us with John 11:4 that the USA’s sickness is not unto death, “but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  And we can claim Jesus’ promise in John 11:23, the USA “will rise again.”

When Jesus speaks to Martha in John 11:25-26, “…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” we can answer with a resounding, “YES, JESUS! WE BELIEVE IN YOU!”

Those of us who have been praying all year for our nation, probably feel like Martha and Mary do in John 11:21 & 32, “Lord, if you had been here, the USA would not have died.”

As Jesus weeps with us over the USA in John 11:35, we weep, too.  

We stand amazed as Jesus tells us in John 11:40, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” and we await the miracles He will do for our country.

Let us give thanks even before the miracles, following Jesus’ example in John 11:41, “Father, we thank You that You have heard us.”

Then, with a commanding cry, and loud voice, we proclaim along with Jesus in John 11:43, “USA, Come forth!” And the USA will come out of it’s grave to new life in Jesus!  Halleluja!

Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
And the fruitful field is counted as a forest.  Isaiah 32:15 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Oh Jesus, You did this! You sent Your Holy Spirit at Pentecost. You turned the wilderness of the USA into a fruitful field, “the bread basket of the world.”  Oh Jesus, the true Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Savior of humankind, I claim Your promise to do it again.  Call us out of that grave! Pour out Your Holy Spirit on the USA! Send a revival!  Turn every heart to You! USA, arise! Come forth! Come, Holy Spirit, flood this land with Your presence.  Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done. In Your Holy and Mighty Name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Arise, O God, plead Your own cause;
Remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily.  Psalm 74:22 (NKJV)

You called my name
And I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day. (Glorious Day by Passion)

 

Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Jason Ingram / Kristian Stanfill / Sean Curran
Glorious Day lyrics © Worshiptogether.com Songs, Sixsteps Music, Worship Together Music, Sixsteps Songs, Sounds Of Jericho
 

P.S. Please keep praying for THE GREAT REVIVAL, the last great revival before Jesus’ return, where many new hearts are brought into His Kingdom to welcome His coming.  Will you join me in fasting every Tuesday, though the USA election on November 3, 2020?  Our country needs your prayers!

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers. If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to read Battling the enemy with the Word of God,  and Of Course, There’s a Plague, and My Lazarus TEA.

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

 

 

Battling the enemy with the Word of God

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But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

Much fighting has been stirring our country lately, and I’m not referring to riots in the big cities.  This fighting has been taking place behind closed doors in war rooms across our nation.  Battles are being fought by prayer warriors who are taking COVID19, riots, racism, babies’ lives and the election to the foot of the cross, to Jesus.  These dedicated soldiers have put on the whole armor of God, that (they) may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11).  For they know we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12).

These prayer warriors are following the example of Jesus who often went by Himself to pray. In Matthew 4, we read how Jesus fought Satan in the desert with the Word of God.  Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and nights.  His earthly body was hungry, so the devil came to tempt Him (the enemy finds us at our weakest moments, but when we are weak, Jesus is strong! 2 Cor. 12:10).  Even the enemy knew how to use God’s Word, quoting Psalm 91:11, “He shall give His angels charge over you.”  Jesus could see the devil’s plot, so Jesus countered with Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”  And with the final temptation, Jesus declared…

…“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”  Matthew 4:10 (NKJV)

Because Jesus fought with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, the Satan fled from Him.  The Bible promises us in James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

When Jesus went to the cross, the devil thought he had finally won, but Jesus could have called legions of angels to rescue Him (Matt. 26:53).  Jesus went to the cross because it was God’s plan all along to rescue His children from sin.  After He died and was buried, on the third day, Jesus rose again in victory!  Jesus conquered sin, death and the devil!  

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)

My friends, when you hold your Bible, you have in your hands the most powerful weapon. For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).  Don’t neglect this mighty gift God has given us — use His Word to fight the enemy.

So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Dear TEA Friends, our country needs your prayers!  Read Matthew 4:1-11 to see how Jesus fought Satan. Can you follow His example, putting on the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17)? 

Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me;
Fight against those who fight against me. Psalm 35:1 (NKJV)

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV)

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)

P.S. Please keep praying for THE GREAT REVIVAL, the last great revival before Jesus’ return, where many new hearts are brought into His Kingdom to welcome His coming.  Will you join me in fasting every Tuesday, though the USA election on November 3, 2020?  Our country needs our prayers now as much as ever. 

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