Prince of Peace Tea

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (NKJV)

Last summer, in our family’s efforts to give up carbonated beverages with high-fructose corn syrup, we found this delicious beverage at our local store, Peace Tea. Though the artwork on the cans is expressive of the 60’s with peace symbols and “V” fingers, the name gave me an idea.

I quickly fetched two cans from our recycling bin and snapped a photo for my website. What could be a better flavor for My Tea Cupp Prayers than Peace Tea? Wasn’t Jesus the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)? What can we learn by drinking Peace Tea?

My lovely Wednesday morning Bible study ladies teach me so much! Our current study is on the book of Romans, and we just completed Chapter 5. We learned how we, like the first man Adam, would have inherited God’s wrath because of our sins. BUT, because of our faith in Jesus, instead we inherit PEACE and eternal life.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV)

As soon as we ask God for forgiveness, we have peace with Him. Even if we don’t feel at peace, we have peace because of Jesus. And nothing can snatch us from His hands! Nothing!

For I am persuaded that neither https://tramadolmain.com death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things http://ambienbuy.net 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 8:38-39 (NKJV)

So why might we still not feel peaceful, even though we have peace with God? It’s this fallen world we live in! As long as we live in this world of sin, we will have troubles, the Bible promises that:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. Matthew 10:34 (NKJV)

So, what are we to do? Keep praying! Keep having TEA with Jesus each day. Pour out our hearts to Him and let Him take our troubles, filling our cups to overflowing with the Prince of Peace Tea.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Sip a Prince of Peace Tea CUPP today. Ask God for forgiveness and the gift of His peace. Let Jesus take your worries. May the Holy Spirit fill your cup to overflowing!

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)

Most Women Said “Prayer”

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1

At a weekly Bible study I attended, the question was posed, “In what area is God calling you to a deeper level of obedience?” As we went around the table of 20 plus women, the majority mentioned prayer. The women had hearts for obediently following Jesus’ example to pray, but some wondered how to proceed. If you are reading this book, perhaps God is calling you in this area, too? How should you press on?

Let’s review: The place to begin is the Bible. God’s Word has all we need. When we don’t know what to say, God does. There are fantastic verses from Genesis to Revelations, but a great place to explore are the Psalms. Here we read the heart cries of other believers that we may also pray to the Lord.

To THANK the Lord, we may pray,

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1 (NKJV)

To EXALT (praise) our God, we may pray,

I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth. Psalm 57:9-11 (NKJV)

To ADMIT our sins and ask for forgiveness, we may pray,

Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2 (NKJV)

To seek God’s CALLING for our lives, we may pray,

Teach me Your way, O Lord;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11 (NKJV)

To UNDERSTAND and talk with Jesus about our story, we may pray,

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off. Psalm 139:1-2 (NKJV)

To claim one of God’s PROMISES for our lives, we may pray,

You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 (NKJV)

To pour out our hearts and PETITION the Lord, we may pray,

Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:21-22 (NKJV)

And when we come to our final request, we will have had an intimate time of prayer with Jesus. My friend, encounter the Lord today in prayer. He is most certainly calling us all.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Continue to meet with Jesus for prayer and a cup of tea each day. Bring your Bible, open to the book of Psalms, and let God’s Word begin your conversation.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You. Psalm 33:22 (NKJV)

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8 (NKJV)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)

Seven-Three-One

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

“Seven verses that changed history.
Seven verses that changed the world forever.
Seven verses that change us forever,” my pastor preached the Sunday before Christmas. What were those seven verses? Luke 2:1-7, the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 (NKJV)

Can you imagine history without these verses? No Joseph, no Mary, no census, no birth of our Savior, no hope for mankind. Even the counting of our years (we’re on 2016 now), is based on the birth of Christ. Thank the Lord that Luke 2:1-7 really happened!

I went home with my pastor’s message on my heart, pondering what other verses change history? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 came to mind. These three verses describe Jesus’ return to take all believers home to heaven.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV)

Can you picture the headlines after that great day, when all believers are taken to heaven? Hopefully, none will be here to write the news, for we will be in heaven with Jesus. However, those who don’t believe will be left to discover the Truth. History will yet again be changed!

Still wondering about significant verses, I considered what one verse changes history and the future for us all. Perhaps that verse is John 3:16.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

God loves us so much that He willingly sent His only Son as a baby to our sinful world. That baby grew to be a perfect man, Jesus, who taught us about God, healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted and forgave the sinners. Then in accordance with the law which required a spotless lamb to die, Jesus died for my sins, your sins, and the sins of all the world. But He didn’t stay dead. On the third day, Jesus rose again, conquering death forever. That is good news!

Today’s TEA CUPP: 7-3-1, so many Bible verses today! My friend, what we do with these verses determines our eternity. John 3:16 says “whoever believes in Him” will have everlasting life. This is my prayer for you…believe in the the Lord Jesus, the Savior of your soul. He is coming again to take all believers to heaven. Instead of coming as a baby in a manger, He will come mightily. History will be changed forever in the blink of an eye.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NKJV)

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16 (NKJV)

TEA CUPP Book Mark

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Merry Christmas!

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7 (NKJV)

Merry Christmas, dear friends! I have a gift for you! Just message me and I will send one of My TEA CUPP Prayers book marks to you.

Would you like some help getting your new year off to a good start with an organized prayer time? My TEA CUPP Prayers book mark has space for you to list your daily prayers, and other special prayer needs for each day of the week. It also reminds you of the parts of prayer with the TEA CUPP acronym.

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)

Keep your prayer book mark in your Bible, or by your phone or email. Then as you learn of more prayer needs, just add them to your list. Each morning during your TEA time with Jesus, start by reading your Bible to give Him the first Word. Then pull out your book mark and pour out your heart to Jesus for all the dear people on your list. I make a new book mark for myself every few months as the prayer needs change. May this be a blessing to you.

Love and prayers,

Jennifer Grace

New King James Version (NKJV)

Your Ticket to Heaven

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Cover art But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NKJV)

God gave me this Bible verse the morning after I finished Don Piper’s book 90 Minutes in Heaven. Somehow I missed reading this book in the decade since it was published, but I’m thankful to finally have been immersed in Pastor Piper’s story.

1 Peter 5:10-11 describes Piper’s experience well…

First, he was called to eternal glory in heaven, following a terrible car accident.

Second, he was sent back to earth to suffer quite a while!

Third, through all his healing and continuing in ministry, God has perfected, established, strengthened and settled Don Piper. To God be the glory forever and ever!

This is a true story you won’t want to miss reading. It has also recently been made into a movie, but I vote for the book to avoid the gruesome scenes from the accident and medical world.

What impresses this reader most is Pastor Piper’s emphasis on prayer. The book’s dedication to his prayer warriors says, “You prayed. I’m here,” the same four words he spoke his first day back at church. It was the prayers of a passing minister who climbed into his crushed automobile to pray for a dead man that brought him back to earth. It was the prayers of his family, friends, congregation and complete strangers who pulled him through the worst pain and healing of his life. And it is prayer today that helps him continue in ministry, reaching out to others who are hurting. Certainly, this is an inspiration for all to keep praying!

Another blessing from 90 Minutes in Heaven are the beautiful descriptions of heaven. These word illustrations cause us to understand why Piper wanted to go back, and burn in us a desire to be there, as well. The first people who greeted him in heaven were his grandfather and a childhood friend who had led him to Jesus. The people kept coming; Piper describes it as “the greatest family reunion of all.” Then there was the music, the singing of thousands and millions of angels, harmonizing both old and new hymns. And just as Piper was enjoying this amazing chorus, he was called back to earth, singing “What a Friend we have in Jesus” with the praying pastor in his mangled vehicle. That’s when they realized he was still alive.

I especially value how each chapter of 90 Minutes from Heaven begins with a Bible verse, making God’s Word the focus. God’s Word is where we find our story and healing and hope for the future. The Bible is also where we find the truth about heaven and how to get there. If I could add one chapter to Piper’s book, it would be entitled, “Your ticket to heaven,” describing for readers how to make sure they also will be in heaven. And so, dear friend, I offer you a ticket to heaven today:

Today’s TEA CUPP: If you want a glimpse of heaven and the power of prayer, I highly recommend Don Piper’s book, 90 Minutes in Heaven. If you desire more than a glimpse and want to spend eternity in heaven (Yes, you do! You don’t want the alternative!), please read these Bible verses and pray to Jesus today. Welcome to heaven, my friend!

Jesus is the Ticket:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV)

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31 (NKJV)

Acknowledge your sin:

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

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

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)

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

Keep reading your Bible and seeking Jesus each day:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)

Celebrate the promise of heaven!:

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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 (NKJV)

…rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Luke 20:20 (NKJV)

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,“Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:3-5 (NKJV)

30 Years Ago Today My Life Changed Forever

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

This Saturday I will run in the Cowpoke Stampede in Melville, Montana in honor of my Savior Jesus and the lives He took 30 years ago, so that I could live. I share again my testimony in tribute to these dear souls: Coach Ron Renko, Coach Pat Moynihan, Runners Sheryl Maahs, Julie Rose, Sue Baker, Trainer Stephanie Streit, and their Pilot Burt Watkins. I can’t wait to see you all in heaven!

I run in the path of Your commands,
for You have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

My life changed forever 30 years ago today.

November 25, 1985 was a day of victory, ice and death.

This is my running story.

I was not always a runner. I was the one with the side ache walking at the tail end of the grade school PE class. I was the one who could never hope to qualify for the presidential fitness award. I was so slow! But something happened in late junior high. I discovered I had something that was needed to be a long distance runner…perseverance. And so I left the sprinters to their fast legs and joined the distance runners. Slowly, slowly the side aches went away and I learned how to run. In high school, my coach, my team and my workout became the centerpiece of my life. I was dedicated to a fault, always running my complete workout, never cutting corners, such perfection was my religion.

When I headed to college, I wanted to continue running so I walked-on as a cross country runner at Iowa State University. Twice a day I met with my coaches and team for workouts, running dozens of miles a week. I was the slowest one. When the team did 1000 meter repeats, I would finish my 1000 meters just when they were leaving for their next 1000 meters. I would run up and down the hills crying at the end of the line, but I kept running. And the miles paid off by spring of my freshman year when I ran a 38 minute 10K! I kept on running for my coaches and my team, they were like a family to me, they were my church, until that November day of my sophomore year…

The sidewalks in Ames, Iowa were glazed with ice as my teammates and I ran our afternoon workout. We were on our own this day because our coaches and faster teammates were at the National meet in Wisconsin. We thought of them as we jogged along, mostly in the grass because the walks were so slick. After running together as a team twice a day for months, we felt a strong connection to our teammates at the National meet, even though we weren’t there. As we dutifully completed our workout in the fading light of this November afternoon, we hoped to hear news of their victory at Nationals.

Instead, what interrupted the TV shows that evening was news of a tragedy. I lived at home with my family still, and was watching TV in our basement with my brother, before diving into another evening of homework. Part way through our favorite show, newscasters broke in with a special news announcement:

“A plane has plummeted from the icy skies and crashed in a yard in Des Moines, Iowa. It was one of three planes returning with the ISU athletes after a second place finish at the National Cross Country meet.”

I ran screaming up the stairs, unable to believe such awful news. I called my teammates at the dormitory who had just heard the news also. We decided to meet at the Student Union chapel for prayer, an amazing act for a public university team. We met and cried and prayed, not knowing who was on the plane that had crashed, and me not truly understanding the ONE to whom we prayed.

The next day we were called together for a meeting with the athletic department. There we embraced our teammates who remained, and there we heard the news of who was lost. That single accident took the lives of seven dear people, and changed the lives of all those who knew them: My two coaches, three teammates, athletic trainer, and pilot were taken from this world.

The grief was heart-wrenching for their families, and for those of us who lived like a family on the cross country team.

Classes were cancelled at the University for a day when a memorial service was held for the athletes. Our team marched in our gold uniforms and sat together in misery in the ISU Coliseum. One girl on our team named Dawn gave the memorial for her friend Sheryl. Before the thousands gathered there, Dawn spoke of how Sheryl was a Christian and is in heaven now, and that if Sheryl had the choice she wouldn’t come back to earth, even if she could. As I listened with tears spilling from my eyes, I just didn’t understand such faith. Why wouldn’t Sheryl want to come back?

In the days that followed I tried to continue my running workouts along the streets of Ames, Iowa, but could barely lift my legs. How could I go on without my coach and teammates? I questioned, “Why, God? Why?”

Since God allowed my coaches and teammates to be taken away from me, I ran from Him, in search of peace elsewhere, in food, in poor relationships. Yet those gave no comfort.

By the fall two years after the accident, I had wrecked both my parent’s cars, my bike was stolen, my life was a mess. One morning on my way to class, I stopped by the chapel of the church where I grew up. I got down on my knees and poured out my heart to God, asking Him to help me through the mess I had made of my life. For half an hour I prayed and prayed in that empty church. When I left the chapel, my heart was lighter, even though I did not know what God was going to do.

Soon after this prayerful episode, my roommate was invited to attend the Baptist Student Union and she brought me along. It was in the weekly testimonies and singing, that I got to know the Savior of my soul, and my forever friend, Jesus Christ. My quest was over – I learned…

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

This was truly a miracle from God. Jesus gave me the peace and comfort for which I’d been searching. He washed away all my sins and mistakes. He took my broken soul and healed me.

I traded…

My stop watch for the cross of Christ,

My will for God’s will,

My earthly coaches for a heavenly Father who will never leave me nor forsake me,

My workouts for daily devotions in God’s Word,

And so God’s Word has become my life…

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

And, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…the task of testifying the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Everyone has a story to tell. Your story is just as interesting and important as my story. The “U” part of My TEA CUPP Prayers helps us understand our stories, so we can better share them with others. In the sharing of our stories, we are a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness. I encourage you to share your story with a friend today.

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!

Psalm 66:16-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Great Delete

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

At the end of August, our bank updated its website to a new server. In the process, our business records for the year disappeared. Yes, the bank sent letters and emails in advance to announce their new website, but we didn’t realize they were discontinuing their bookkeeping program.

Alas, eight months of business income and expense reports were washed away. Slowly, week by week, we are recreating those records with new software, hoping we can have it completed error-free by the end of the year for tax purposes. What a lot of extra work the computer age brings us!

A similar delete happened to the prophet Jeremiah, millenniums before modern technology. In Jeremiah 36 we read how at God’s command, a scribe named Baruch recorded on a scroll all the words God had given to Jeremiah. This included words back to when Josiah was king. Now Josiah’s son Jehoiakim reigned.

Jeremiah and Baruch were called to the palace to read the scroll to the king. As it was winter, a fire was burning nearby. So, the king threw every piece of the scroll into the fire as it was read. He did not wish to heed the Word of the Lord! Jeremiah and Baruch had to write a new scroll with even more words than the first! (Jeremiah 36)

Our bank headaches and Jeremiah’s scroll troubles remind me of the greatest delete of all. There is a joke that says, “Why does Jesus always beat Satan at computer games?” The answer…”Jesus saves.”

That, my friend, is the truth. The greatest delete in history happened the day Jesus died on the cross. On that day, my sins, your sins, and the sins of all believers were washed away, never to be rewritten. Jesus deleted our sins for all time. He saved us.

Today’s TEA CUPP: How will you respond to such a loving gift? Will you invite Jesus to save you? My friend, confess your sins to Jesus today, and join with those of us who rejoice over the greatest delete of all!

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:12-17 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

When God says, “No”

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)

When God says, “No,” it hurts. I know, because He has said, “No” to me. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience, whether it was losing a baby to miscarriage, losing a loved one to cancer, losing a job or home or family member. All these parts of life hurt, especially if you’ve prayed about them and trusted these situations to God. Every corner of our souls cry in pain when God says, “No.”

But, my friend, there is hope. Did you know God also said, “No” to David, Paul, and Jesus? David was the man after God’s own heart from whose seed our Savior came. When his first baby with Bathsheba was sick, David prayed and fasted and wept (2 Samuel 12:16). But God took that baby. Bathsheba’s next baby, Solomon, became the heir to David’s throne and the wisest king of Israel.

Paul was God’s chosen vessel to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, authoring many books of the New Testament. Yet at one point Paul had a thorn in his flesh. Three times he asked God to remove the thorn, but God said, “No.” God proclaimed, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,“ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul had to be content with God’s grace to endure.

Jesus, God’s only Son, was on His way to the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins. He knew the pain before Him and the grief it would bring to His followers, yet He also https://www.wnymedical.com/cialis/ understood it was the only path to save us. Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will,” (Mark 14:36). And God in His silence said, “No,” for Jesus was then led to the cross.

One day when reading these verses from my Bible, I was grieving over a recent “No” from God. I realized that if God said, “No” to David, Paul and Jesus (some of the greatest men in history), I certainly shouldn’t feel so awful when He says, “No” to me. I need to follow their example and say, “Thy will be done,” claiming God’s grace to see me through each day.

I can’t promise that God’s “No’s” will get any easier, but perhaps with this outlook we can all make it through another day. Remember, when God said, “No” to Jesus, He said “Yes” to all humanity, providing the perfect sacrifice for our sins. God’s “No” was a gift of love.

Today’s TEA CUPP: God knows what’s best, so I’ll accept God’s “No’s,” and keep on praying.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

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

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Runner’s Stance

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Way back in junior high, my P.E. coaches were Ms. Newby and Mrs. Knutson. They led us in many exercises and drills to prepare us for track season. Most memorable to me, out of all their wisdom, is the runner’s stance.

The runner needs to look relaxed while running around the track, even at full speed or while exhausted. Arms are to be at greater than 90 degree angles, shoulders down, and hands open loosely. Ms. Newby described it as holding a tea cup! She told us to lightly pinch our thumbs and first fingers together and poke out our pinky fingers, just as if we were having tea with the queen. By holding our hands just so, we didn’t clench our fists and were, therefore, more relaxed.

As I went running one day recently, the Lord reminded me of that junior high tea cup. I wondered how the runner’s stance compares with the Christian’s stance. As the runner leans forward, pressing on to the finish line, the Christian looks up to Jesus, pressing on to eternal life (Philippians 3:13-14). While the runner wears out her shoes in the race, the Christian wears out his knees in prayer. Yet both raise their arms in victory to the Lord.

There are all kinds of stances for prayer, but my favorite is curled up in the corner of our sofa. There, wrapped in a blanket and hugging a mug of hot water, I share my TEA CUPP time with Jesus. First I read His Word, the Bible, letting Him speak to me. I underline special verses as I read. Then I choose a favorite verse to pray back to Jesus, beginning my conversation with the Lord. From thanks to petitions, I pour out my heart to Him. Instead of having tea with the queen, I’m sharing TEA with the King of kings.

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. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear friend and athlete, I invite you to hold the TEA CUPP. Along with “holding a tea cup” while running, meet each day with Jesus for a CUPP of TEA. Let His Word encourage you, giving you all you need for today.

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:16 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

Tag Archives: christian prayer

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The Runner’s Stance