My Joy TEA

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

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

Tea with Timothy

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

All 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!

Blessed Easter!

Posted on April 16, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)

Overturning Tables

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

So 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!

Rock Tower

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

…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)

TEA with the Romans

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

You just received an invitation to TEA with the Romans!

Who: You

When: Tomorrow morning

Where: Your house

What: TEA with Jesus and the Romans

Come as you are!

But you just aren’t sure, do you really want to have TEA with these ancient dudes in white sheets? The Romans are the ones the Apostle Paul was writing to when he penned the New Testament Book of Romans. All the words in this book are God’s Word, read first by the Roman Christians. What a blessing for us to share in these inspired verses, using them as conversation starters as we have TEA and prayer with Jesus. Won’t you join in?

T is for Thanksgiving
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8 (NKJV)

I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!… Romans 7:25 (NKJV)

E is for Exalting
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Romans 11:33 (NKJV)

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 (NKJV)

To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. Romans 16:27 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23(NKJV)

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14(NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

C is for Call
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 (NKJV)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NKJV)

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, Romans 1:9 (NKJV)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

P is for Promises
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 (NKJV)

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV)

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

P is for Petitions
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

…The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Wrap up in a white sheet if you like! Sit down with Jesus and the Romans for TEA today!

My TEA CUPP Prayers: The Book

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

book cover

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers: The Book!

Dear TEA CUPP Friends,

I’m so happy to announce My TEA CUPP Prayers Book is finally here and has won the devotional category of the Christian Author Awards! So many years and so many prayers went into this book. All praise and glory to Jesus!

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Psalm 103:1 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers is available in print from the publisher Xulon and from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You may view your ebook right now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Apple users may find it on iBooks. Thank you for all who are interested! I’ve listed a few more ways to get my book at the end of this article, including how to recieve an autographed copy :-).

These 77 Devotions were compiled over the past 15 years as I prayed and raised my children. The book invites you to a daily TEA time with Jesus. Each week I share with you a different part of the TEA CUPP acronym, helping you pray by using God’s Word. Every message includes a “Today’s TEA CUPP,” encouraging you in your prayer life. I pray this book brings you closer to Jesus as you meet with Him each day for TEA.

A peek at the back of the book jacket:

Who: You
When: Today
What: TEA with Jesus
Where: Your house
Why: Because Jesus longs to hear from you
How: Just open your BIBLE and your heart

Dear Friend,
YOU are invited to TEA with Jesus TODAY!!! “Come to Me,” Jesus calls in Matthew 11:28. Please accept! Allow God to draw you into a daily TEA time with Jesus through this 77-day devotional.

My TEA CUPP Prayers is an invitation to women everywhere to sit down daily with Jesus for a cup of tea. The TEA CUPP acronym provides the parts of prayers, as we use the BIBLE to talk with our Lord. Here new Christians discover a way to draw nearer to Jesus and old Christians taste a new flavor for their prayers. Women will dig deeper into God’s Word, come closer to Jesus by meeting with Him each day, and unleash the power of the Holy Spirit through their prayers.

T = Thanksgiving
E = Exalting His Name
A = Admitting my sins
C = Calling for my life
U = Understanding my story
P = Promises (Claiming God’s)
P = Petitions (Pouring out my heart)

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

What’s next? Now I am compiling Mom’s TEA CUPP Prayers as a second devotional book, with more recent writings. I also have dreams of other projects as God allows. I’m available to come speak to your ladies’ group and invite them to TEA with the King of kings. Thank you for praying for me!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Remember, if you feel unworthy of an invitation to TEA with our Lord, Jesus shared water with a scandalous Samaritan woman when Jews did not associate with Samaritans, and men did not speak to the women. Jesus certainly is ready to meet with you. Behold, He stands at the door and knocks. My friend, please say, “Come in, Lord Jesus, come in.”

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

p.s. A few more ways to get a copy of my book: In Big Timber, Montana, it is available at The Coffee Stop, Touch of Sunshine, The Fort and Tumblewood Teas for $15. If you’d like me to mail you a copy, please send a check for $20 (for postage) to my address on the contact page and I will mail you one. It will include an autograph and bookmark. May God bless you!

Promises Outside My Window

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

For 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. Genesis 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!

Sharing Your Heart

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:4 (NKJV)

It’s okay to share your heart with God. When things are going wrong, do you ever feel like you can’t complain or tell the Lord how you really feel? You can. The Bible gives us clear examples of God’s people sharing their hearts with Him.

Let’s look at Moses. In Exodus 32, Moses spent 40 days fasting on the mountain with God. When he came back down to the people, Moses found them in all kinds of trouble. God wanted to blot the Israelites off the planet. But Moses pleaded with God…

Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people. Exodus 32:11-14 (NKJV)

First Moses asked God, why? Then he reminded Him of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And guess what? God relented from the harm He had planned! Isn’t that amazing?! All because Moses prayed and shared His heart with God.

Let’s look at another example from the New Testament. Jesus was so busy healing and teaching God’s people, that He didn’t have much extra time. Then into His tiring schedule came a Gentile woman, begging for healing for her daughter.

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”

But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Matthew 15:21-28

This was a Gentile woman, not even one of the Israelites, who believed that Jesus had the power to save her daughter. She was not discouraged by the disciples. She was not discouraged when Jesus said He was sent for Israel. Instead, she worshiped Jesus and begged for His help. And when Jesus still questioned her, the woman had a ready reply, that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. What awesome faith!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Share your heart with Jesus. As you have your tea time today, read God’s Word and let Him speak first, then use a Psalm or the words of this Gentile lady, to plead your case with the Lord. And may Jesus say to you, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”

Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2 (NKJV)

I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble. Psalm 142:2 (NKJV)

Sipping your TEA

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

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Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP friends,

Some of you might just be getting started with prayer, or perhaps you want a fresh way to communicate with God. So today I want to share a few more ways you can use the TEA CUPP.

The basic idea is to meet each day with Jesus, the King of kings, for TEA. As you share your TEA CUPP with Jesus, you use His Word as conversation starters and the TEA CUPP acronym to remind you of things to talk about:

T = Thanksgiving
E = Exalting
A = Admitting
C = Calling
U = Understanding my story
P = Promises (Claiming God’s)
P = Petitions (Pouring out my heart to the Lord)

At various times I’ve sipped my TEA with Jesus in different ways. My favorite method is to do it all every morning before my family wakes up. There is always something to be thankful for, praise Jesus for, some sin needing forgiveness, etc.

After the birth of a child, or during a long illness, when time was short or I just didn’t feel well, I prayed one part for each day of the week (Sunday – Thanks, Monday – Exalt, Tuesday – Admit, etc.). Then I would still pray my petitions each day, too.

Another way to sip the TEA CUPP might work well for busy moms and working ladies. This method is to sandwich your day in prayer. Try having TEA in the morning when you first wake up and the CUPP at night right before you go to bed. Soon, you will be talking to Jesus throughout the whole day!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Remember, there is no “magic” method for prayer. This is just a way that works for me, and God put it on my heart to share it with you. Jesus is knocking, will you invite Him in for TEA?