Bold Ladies

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Jennifer Grace

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:12 (NKJV)

They were bold ladies. Their names were Achsah and Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tizrah. In a time where men led and fought and had their names recorded in God’s Word, it is a pleasant surprise for us to see women mentioned and rewarded for their efforts. In just a few chapters of Joshua (which might lose the reader with the descriptions of property division in the Promised Land), we see ladies being bold and asking for their family property.

Give me a blessing

First, in Joshua 15:16-19, we read about Caleb’s daughter Achsah dismounting her donkey and saying to her father, “Give me a blessing,” asking for springs of water to go with her land. And Caleb granted her request. This story is told again in Judges 1:15. Of course, her father had just given her away in marriage as a prize for the soldier who conquered Kirjath Sepher, Caleb’s land. Seems like his daughter had it in her favor to ask for a blessing!

Give us a possession

Then in Joshua 17:3-6, we read the story already told in Numbers 27 about the daughters of Zelophehad of the tribe of Manasseh. Zelophehad had no sons, so his daughters felt he was still entitled to land. The five sisters boldly came forward and asked Moses, Eleazar the Priest, and Joshua for land. Moses took their request before the Lord, and God said, “You shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers” (Numbers 27:7). These ladies received their request, all because they came forward boldly.

Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among our father’s brothers.” Numbers 27:4 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Is God calling you to be bold in anything? So often I focus on verses like Philippians 4:6 to be gentle, that I forget there are other virtues to attain. So, I go boldly to the throne of grace, asking Jesus to help me be gentle, yet bold for Him. Dear TEA CUPP friend, I encourage you to be bold for Jesus, too!

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)

Be One of the Faithful

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 14:14 (NKJV)

Sometimes the books of the Old Testament prophets can be long and difficult to read, with much prophecy and destruction, because God’s people kept turning away from Him. But there are still good verses tucked in there to exhort and encourage us in our walk with God.

The verse above from Ezekiel 14:14 was one of these that caught my eye. When we read, “Noah, Daniel and Job,” we feel connected, since most of us have heard their stories: Noah’s Ark, Daniel and the Lions, The Patience of Job. The following verses remind us of each one.

…Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9 (NKJV)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:1 (NKJV)

A just man who walked with God, a man of prayer, a blameless and upright man…These are all great Bible heroes, strong in their faith. So, what does Ezekiel 14:14 tell us? It says that even if those three faithful men were there, they would only save themselves and no one else from God’s impending destruction.

What does this mean for us? John McCarthur says in his notes on Ezekiel 14:14, “one man’s righteousness is no protection for another.” (MacArthur, 1997) We can’t take comfort that we live in a country founded under God, or that our neighbor attends church, or that our grandmother prayed for us. We must make the decision for ourselves, confess Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raise Him from the dead, and we will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Even if we hangout with our pastor’s family or Bible study leader, though these are very good things to do, we won’t be delivered. We must “hang out” with the King of kings, the Savior of our souls, God’s only Son who gave His life for our sins on the Cross, pouring out His blood to wash us clean. We must be friends with Jesus.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Be friends with Jesus. Have TEA with Him each day, reading His Word, the Bible, pouring out your heart to Him in prayer. As you begin this new year, ask God to help you walk with Him each day as did Noah, Daniel, Job, Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Ruth, and so many others Bible heroes.

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:23-24 (NKJV)

MacArthur, J. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc. (p. 1168)

Many thanks to my Discipleland Sunday school curriculum for the Bible hero pictures I enjoy each week in our classroom!

Seven Things Job’s Friends Did Right

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Listen to this, O Job;
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. Job 37:14 (NKJV)

Do you know the story of Job, how he lost everything? He lost his children, his animals and riches, and his health, all because God had a conversation with Satan. Then some friends came to visit Job to cheer him up but failed miserably with all their talking. We often focus on how those friends messed up, but today I want to share what they did right, a great lesson for us all.

When you begin reading the book of Job, the friends enter in the second chapter. This first paragraph of their visit tells all the things they did right:

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him. And when they raised their eyes from afar and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very https://viagragen.com great. Job 2:11-13 (NKJV)

Did you notice the seven things Job’s friends did right?:

They came.
They mourned.
They comforted.
They wept.
They tore their robes.
They sat down.
No one spoke for 7 days and nights.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Can we learn from this when we have friends who are grieving or hurting? Yes, we can! Let’s start with the first thing they did and simply come. Sit down and listen to your friend, then cry together. Our friends will always remember how we were there and they will be comforted. I know when I had my first miscarriage and lost our long-awaited baby, it was the friends who came and cried with me that comforted me the most. Even my parents drove all the way across the country, just to sit in lawn chairs with me while I recovered. Then when a friend of mine lost a baby, I knew what to do. I came and cried with her. My friend, just come.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®

One Story, Two Calls

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15 (NKJV)

With the “C” part of My TEA CUPP Prayers being about God’s CALL, I’m always on the look-out for examples of God calling people. From Moses being called by God at the burning bush to Mary being called by God’s angel as the Mother of Jesus, there are many stories of God’s callings.

Today we read a Bible story with TWO callings. If one of the people hadn’t obeyed, the other wouldn’t have fulfilled his call either. In Acts 9:1-19 is the famous story of Saul’s call on the Road to Damascus. Saul was a persecutor of the early Christians. He was headed to Damascus to arrest more Christians. But on the way, a bright light came from heaven. Saul was blinded and fell to the ground as he heard Jesus say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

Jesus told Saul to go into town and wait at a certain house. Saul’s friends led their blind companion into Damascus. At the same time, God told a man named Ananias to go to Saul. Ananias didn’t want to go because Saul might hurt him, but God assured Ananias of His call with the words, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine.” So Ananias followed God’s call and went to see Saul. There Ananias healed Saul’s eyes and told him the Good News of Jesus. Saul was baptized and became Paul. From there Paul went on to share Jesus with uncountable others, writing much of the New Testament of our Bible.

What if Ananias hadn’t listened to God’s call? Paul would not have heard the Good News! What if Saul hadn’t obeyed and gone into town? He’d still be blind on the road and many of us would never hear about Jesus! One story, two calls. It is so important that we listen and obey when God calls us. What is God calling you to do today?

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read this amazing story in Acts 9:1-19. Ask as Paul did, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Say as Ananias did, “Here I am, Lord.” You are God’s chosen vessel. Pray for the courage and strength and resources to carry out God’s call. Then GO!

The Impossible Call

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Therefore 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)

Tea in the Morning

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up. Psalm 5:3 (NKJV)

My dear Tea Cupp friends, today I want to encourage you to have TEA with Jesus first thing in the morning, as the sun is rising. I know days get hectic, and some mornings the baby wakes up sick, and all kinds of other events clutter the morning hours. But we are better armed for the battle, if most days we start by meeting Jesus for a quiet cup of tea.

Can you set the alarm a half hour early? Don’t check your smart phone or the the news. Just heat the tea kettle, pour yourself a hot drink, and curl up on the sofa with your Bible and mug. Here you will find the Word you need for the day. Here you will find strength for whatever you face. Here you will find grace and mercy and joy and peace and wisdom and power and…….we find it all at the foot of Jesus’ cross, in God’s Word, the Bible, in the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.

There are so many benefits to having a quiet time with Jesus at the beginning of each day. Here are a few…

Jesus is First! We always want our priorities to match our lives and vice versa. If we really want Jesus to be first in our lives and hearts, we have to put Him first each day. Give your Best Friend the start of your day!
Before the chaos. We know how the unexpected can happen every day. The phone rings with bad news, or maybe it is good https://onhealthy.net/product/lexapro/ news that takes time to relate. The washing machine overflows. There is a knock at the door. So many things can happen as the day goes on. Meet with Jesus early before the chaos of the day.
A fresh start. If you’re like me, there is always something from yesterday that needs forgiving, a wrong thought, a wrong word, impatience, etc. Ask Jesus for forgiveness and strength for the new day. Maybe this day will go better!
Marching orders for today. It’s sure good to get directions for the day, before it begins. If Jesus has a special calling for you, you’d like to know so you can be ready. Sometimes He reminds me to text a friend or pray for a family member. Other times there is a bigger call. Keep a notebook handy to jot down any messages.
Leave your worries with Jesus. Perhaps you couldn’t sleep last night because you were worried. Don’t let those worries ruin your day. Pour out your heart to Jesus and leave those worries with Him. Petition the Lord for all on your prayer list. Know that God has you covered today.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Come, come sit at His feet this morning. Pour a cup of tea. Start your day with Jesus.

In the Morning When I Rise Give Me Jesus

Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters… Isaiah 55:1 (NKJV)

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38 (NKJV)

Afraid to Tell

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

afraid to tell So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:8 (NKJV)

It happens every spring when I read the Easter story from the book of Mark. I’m taken back to a time when I said nothing to anyone, because I was afraid. Perhaps you have a similar story.

We were at a church camp conference in Georgia with the theme, “This is My Story.” Whenever there was a lull between events, the crowd would launch into a lively rendition of the old hymn. “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long…” The song still rings in my heart almost two decades later.

Between singing and game workshops, maintenance manuals, recipe exchanges and all the other information you need to run a church camp, there was a delightful morning Bible study. I wish I could remember the name of the speaker who led this, an energetic, Asian-American dynamo. She ran us through the life of Jesus in the book of Mark, because that is Mark’s pace. She explained to us how most scholars believe the last twelve verses were tacked on later, so Mark 16:8 is really the final verse. And what does this verse tell us?

So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:8 (NKJV)

Who were these people? Mark 16:1 tells us they were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome who brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body. They didn’t know how they would move the big stone that blocked the tomb. So when they arrived, they were so surprised to see the stone already rolled away. An angel in the tomb told them, “He is risen!”

Isn’t that the best news of all! Would you run tell all your friends? Well, according to Mark, these women were afraid and didn’t tell anyone at first. I wonder how many of us are like that. Do we know the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection, but are too scared to tell others?

The Bible study speaker challenged me to not be afraid to tell my story. That very day I wrote my story in my journal. The next Christmas I sent it out with our Christmas cards. Today I continue to look for ways to tell others about the love of Jesus, how He saved me by dying on the cross, and that He is risen. Many days, I’m still afraid, but the Holy Spirit nudges me to share more and more. Are you being nudged, too?

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Mark 16 today. Celebrate the Good News that Jesus is Risen! Then find someone to tell the Good News of how Jesus has helped you.

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” Mark 16:6 (NKJV)

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

Kisses from Katie

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.‘ Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)

We are forever changed. All whose lives have been touched by Katie Davis in Uganda, and all who read her book here in the USA, will never be the same. We can’t return to our “normal” lives, without realizing how much more God has for us. I invite you to be changed forever, too, as you read Katie’s incredible story.

This blessing came to me at my Wednesday Bible study where the women are passing around a book entitled Kisses from Katie. The ladies say they can’t put it down. It’s finally my turn to read it, and they are right. As I keep telling myself, “just one more chapter,” Katie is adopting “just one more child,” sharing the love of Jesus with the people of Uganda.

Katie, an American teenager from Nashville, Tennessee, president of her senior class and homecoming queen, gives up everything to follow Jesus’ call to care for the orphans. Over and over, Katie relates how she is just a normal person, who says “Yes” to God’s call. Completely honest and transparent, Katie shares the joys and trials of her new found ministry.

Learning to be a mother and run a non-profit at the age of 19 has quite the learning curve, as Katie shares her experiences. From rats and cockroaches, to HIV and scabies, to caring for the worst poverty, one might think that God gave Katie super-human powers. But as Katie relates (p. 135)…

“I believe that God totally, absolutely, intentionally gives us more than we can handle. Because this is when we surrender to Him and He takes over, proving Himself by doing the impossible in our lives.”

Along with her engaging narrative, Katie shares Bible heroes from David to Jonah to Paul. She writes how God met their needs, and He is caring for her and her adorable children, too. Katie has a thorough grasp of scriptures and the truth, which is also the name of her ministry, Amazima. Above all, Katie lives out the truth of the Gospel every minute of every day, pouring out God’s love, exhausted or not, (“with a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus”).

Everyone should read this book — moms, dads, teenagers, homeschoolers, college students, Bible scholars, youth leaders, grandparents, the average Joe. Your heart will be broken for these dear people in Uganda and around the world, who need the unconditional love of Jesus. Kisses from Katie will inspire, challenge and encourage us all to do more for God’s kingdom, more than we ever imagined. Yes, we are forever changed.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)

For more information on Katie’s ministry, check out her website: http://katiedavis.amazima.org/

Davis, K. (2011). Kisses from Katie. Nashville: Howard Books.

Tea Cupp Measuring Spoons

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Jennifer Grace

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

My dear friend Jodi gave me these measuring spoons a few years ago. Aren’t they neat decorated with tea cups? I use them often for measuring and baking.

The other day I was looking at these spoons again and recalled a devotion I heard at Awana a long time ago.

Awana is a children’s Bible program that meets weekly to bring boys and girls to Christ. It’s name comes from 2 Timothy 2:15 – Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. The children play games, memorized Bible verses, and have a council time each week. (To find an Awana near you, check their website: http://www.awana.org/

Once when our older children were still in Awana, I came early to pick them up and heard the council time devotion. The pastor had several spoons and shovels and a bag of M&Ms. I can’t remember exactly how he worded it, but the point was, which size spoon or shovel would you like to be given M&Ms? THE BIGGEST ONE, of course!

Well, that is the size shovel we should be using to give to others, also. We shouldn’t give because we expect blessings in return. But we should give because we are so full of God’s love we want to share it with others. AND we should use the BIGGEST shovel we have!

Bakers know that when you measure flour, you scoop it gently and level it with a knife, never pressing it down. But when you measure brown sugar, you pack it into the measuring cup, pressing firmly to get as much sugar as possible. That is how this verse from Luke tells us to measure what we give others — pack it down and give as much as we can! AND God promises we will be blessed!

Today’s TEA CUPP: What size spoon are you using to share with others? Let’s all try to use a bigger spoon today!

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)

Living for Today

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Jennifer Grace

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,”…Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

Have you ever pondered why God put you in this particular place and time in history? I’ve often thought of my location in the U.S. and wondered what if He had put me in a tribe in Africa. How would my life be different? Since God placed me in this rich country, what is He calling me to do?

I’ve also considered living today with Jesus. When I read the Old Testament, I’m sorry they don’t have God’s Son. People had so many laws to follow and sacrifices to make. I’m happy to live in the here and now with Jesus, His forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to guide me. We New Testament people got the better deal!

Yet, one day when Jesus comes again to rule on earth (that will be an awesome day!), people will look back and say they are sure glad to be living at that time with Jesus, rather than now. As people walk about with Jesus, they will be confident they have the best deal!

Three big chunks of history tell our story: 1)Waiting for Jesus, the Old Testament prophets pointed to a Savior, 2) Now, Waiting for Jesus’ Second Coming, and 3) With Jesus, after His Second Coming when He reigns on earth.

Each part of history has its joys…like walking with God through the Red Sea in the Old Testament, walking with Jesus and seeing Him heal the sick in the early New Testament, and walking forever with Jesus when He reigns on earth. Let’s claim the joys of this present time and do all He calls us to do until He comes again.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Jesus, You put me here on earth for TODAY. Help me live the call I have from you right now. Amen.

“…Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

Praying God's Word … Inviting Ladies to TEA with the King of kings!

Category Archives: Calling