What’s in your mug?

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

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

What are you sipping in your morning mug? Tea, coffee, espresso, orange juice, water, Gatorade? We all have a favorite beverage. I have a teacher friend who used to walk around school with a coffee mug filled with Mountain Dew because it was okay for teachers to drink coffee, but not soda pop, and she was the PE teacher! I love her sense of humor! Now she is a principal; that Mountain Dew must have worked!

My favorite morning beverage has changed over the years as my health has changed. I used to just hold a mug of hot water in the mornings until I found out the benefits of various teas. I also enjoyed a hot cocoa every day, but that doesn’t agree with my tummy anymore. This summer green tea and Hammer sports drinks are my favorites as I train for a marathon, but that could all change by winter!

The important point today is not what’s in your morning mug…coffee, tea, etc…but what you are doing with your first hour of the day. Fill up your cup and sit down with your Bible and Jesus. You can have coffee time with Jesus while saying your TEA CUPP Prayers, it’s okay! The TEA CUPP is just an acronym for things you can talk about while you are together. Using God’s Word we can pray: Thanking, Exalting, Admitting, Calling, Understanding, claiming God’s Promises, and Petitioning.

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)

As you sip your favorite drink, emptying your mug, let Jesus refill your cup with His Word, joy, peace, and love. Jesus is all we ever need. He is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Him. Let Jesus fill your heart and life and cup today and every day!!!

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)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Fill your cup with Jesus! Plan to start every day in His Word. Set your alarm early, pour your favorite beverage, and sit down with your Bible (before even checking your phone for messages). Let Jesus speak to you and fill you with His Word. The chorus of a hymn by Richard Blanchard says:

Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up, Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

Let this be our prayer today. Enjoy this precious version by Hope Montana.

Off to College

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

Today we send our third child, Kevin, off to college at Montana State University. He follows the footsteps of his big sister and big brother while creating his own unique path. It doesn’t get any easier with the third child!

When we first took Kevin’s big sister to college eleven years ago, I visited Coldstone Creamery for a big chocolate indulgence dessert EVERY time we dropped her off just to drown my tears. That was before I was dairy-free.

When Kevin’s big brother left for college six years ago, I couldn’t imagine the day would come for Kevin to go. And now, here it is! And so I pray for Jesus to hear all the prayers from all the years that I have prayed for him. I pray all these verses for Kevin. I pray for Jesus’ angels to guard over Kevin and for him to follow God’s straight and narrow path.

We love you, Kevin! We’re proud of you! Go do amazing things for Jesus at MSU!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Someone you know is headed to college. Pray these verses for him/her. Write a verse on a card and send it to him/her in the mail, and even to his/her mom! Save these verses for future graduation and college students. Forward these verses to all your mom friends with college students. Let’s pray for our college students and turn our campuses around for Jesus, one TEA CUPP at a time!

Hiding in Jesus

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)

Shine for Jesus

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 (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)

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)

My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9 (NKJV)

Blessings

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments. Psalm 112:1 (NKJV)

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways. Psalm 128:1 (NKJV)

Protection from the enemy

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV)

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 (NKJV)

Let them be like chaff before the wind,
And let the angel of the Lord chase them. Psalm 35:5 (NKJV)

There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to help you,
And in His excellency on the clouds.
The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;
He will thrust out the enemy from before you,
And will say, ‘Destroy!’ Deuteronomy 33:26-27 (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)

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

And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him. Psalm 37:40 (NKJV)

Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. Psalm 50:15 (NKJV)

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 (NKJV)

Thanksgiving

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NKJV)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 4 (NKJV)

Wisdom from God

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NKJV)

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord,
And teach out of Your law. Psalm 94:12 (NKJV)

My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble. Proverbs 3:21-23 (NKJV)

Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV)

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall keep it to the end. Psalm 119:33 (NKJV)

Victory in Jesus

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

Through God we will do valiantly,
For it is He who shall tread down our enemies. Psalm 60:12 (NKJV)

Encouraging Promises

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)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 (NKJV)

He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 (NKJV)

I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:11-12 (NKJV)

…No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5 (NKJV)

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28 (NKJV)

Petitions for Student

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 17:8 (NKJV)

May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose. Psalm 20:4 (NKJV)

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 (NKJV)

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV)

Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You. Psalm 25:20-21 (NKJV)

Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart. Psalm 36:10 (NKJV)

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)

For You are my rock and my fortress;
Therefore, for Your name’s sake,
Lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3 (NKJV)

Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)

O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me! Psalm 71:12 (NKJV)

Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:135 (NKJV)

Staying on God’s Path

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)

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Uphold my steps in Your paths,
That my footsteps may not slip. Psalm 17:5 (NKJV)

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (NKJV)

The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV)

There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)

A man’s steps are of the Lord;
How then can a man understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV)

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV)

Righteousness will go before Him,
And shall make His footsteps our pathway. Psalm 85:13 (NKJV)

For this is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide
Even to death. Psalm 48:14 (NKJV)

If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. Psalm 94:18 (NKJV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

Go to Church!

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1 (NKJV)

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle. Psalm 43:3 (NKJV)

As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10 (NKJV)

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God. Psalm 92:13 (NKJV)

Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications! Psalm 28:6 (NKJV)

Out of Prison

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

…he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison… Acts 12:17 (NKJV)

The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. Psalm 146:7 (NKJV)

The cell was cold. The walls were gray. The paint was peeling. The treatment was harsh. The privacy was nonexistent. The despair was real. It was a prison.

How many of us find ourselves in such a place? For some, it is a real prison from our wrong choices. For others, it is a real prison from persecution. Yet for most of us, it is a prison with imaginary bars that trap us from the outside world, bound by fears, addictions, unforgiveness… What is the name of your prison?

My friend, today we’re going to lead you out of that prison into the marvelous light of Jesus. There is an amazing story in the Book of Acts about Peter escaping from prison. It is so amazing that even Peter didn’t believe it was happening to him. Peter was one of those in a real prison because of persecution. King Herod had just beheaded his friend James and now he was preparing to do the same for Peter. Herod put Peter in prison with FOUR squads of soldiers. While Peter was there the church was praying constantly (Acts 12:1–5).

Now here, dear sisters, is where you must remember the power of prayer. Those prayers of the early church were heard by God and He sent His Angel to rescue Peter! This was no sweet angel singing anthems. This Angel of the Lord flooded Peter’s jail cell with bright light and struck Peter on the side. Then He pulled Peter up, saying, “Arise quickly!” The Angel even instructed Peter to get dressed with his sandals and garment.And off they went, past the first and second guard posts, past the iron gates, and out into the city. Finally, the Angel disappeared and Peter found himself at the home of his friend John Mark (Acts 12:6–12).

And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me.. . .” Acts 12:11 (NKJV)

At John Mark’s home, the church had been praying so hard for Peter. But when Peter showed up at the gate, they didn’t believe it! How is that for not believing God can answer our prayers? Isn’t He amazing? God answers all our prayers! Jesus rescues us from our prisons! The Holy Spirit carries us forth in victory!

He declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. Acts 12:17 (NKJV)

I know, because I’ve been in various “prisons” over the years. One was in college before Jesus saved me. I was in such grief over losing my cross-country team and coaches in a plane crash that I turned to food for comfort. This became an eating disorder called bulimia. There seemed to be no cure. One time I went to a gathering to help people with eating disorders and discovered four of my surviving teammates were also there. We had all dealt with the tragedy the same way. Some addictions you can choose to avoid, like smoking or drinking, but with an eating disorder, you have to keep eating. The only One who can rescue you from this prison is Jesus Christ. And He did. When I gave my life to Him, the eating binges disappeared and I was free! Some bad habits take longer to lose, even after we accept Jesus, but He gives us grace for the battle each day.

Bring my soul out of prison,
That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,
For You shall deal bountifully with me. Psalm 142:7 (NKJV)

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Psalm 86:5 (NKJV)

Remember Jacob’s son Joseph in the Old Testament? Besides being sold into slavery by his brothers, he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. But God was with him even in prison, giving him a leadership position. This assignment put Joseph in the right place to hear two dreams which eventually led to his release. Joseph later told his brothers, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” which fits with God’s promise recorded by Paul, “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” (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Can we claim that promise even in the midst of our prison? And would you also consider that Joseph’s imprisonment was a foreshadowing of his family’s enslavement in Egypt, which was a foreshadowing of our own imprisonment and enslavement to sin?

He sent a man before them—
Joseph—who was sold as a slave.
They hurt his feet with fetters,
He was laid in irons.
Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the Lord tested him.
The king sent and released him,
The ruler of the people let him go free. Psalm 105:17–20 (NKJV)

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces. Psalm 107:14 (NKJV)

He brought out His people with joy,
His chosen ones with gladness Psalm 105:43 (NKJV)

Years ago, people were put in “Debtors’ Prison” for not paying their debts. This never quite made sense to me, for how could they earn money to pay their debts if they were stuck in prison? Family or friends had to pay the debt for them. My sisters, until we have Jesus, we are all in Debtor’s Prison. Our debt is to God for the sins we have committed. There is no way for us to work to pay off this debt. Our only hope is to let our Friend and Savior Jesus Christ pay for us. That’s the Good News: God has taken away His cup of wrath from us through Jesus’ blood on the cross. By believing in His death and resurrection, and asking Him to be Lord of our lives, the gates of our prison will be thrown open and we are set free(Deuteronomy 24:16; Isaiah 51:22; Jeremiah 31:30; Romans 8:12; Ephesians 1:7)!

And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (NKJV)

Forthe Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. Matthew 18:11 (NKJV)

He paid a debt He did not owe,
I owed a debt I could not pay,
I needed Someone to wash my sins away;
And now I sing a brand new song,
Amazing grace all day long,
Christ Jesus paid a debt
That I could never pay. (Old Gospel Song, Author unknown)

In another prison story in Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in jail for their faith. They were singing Psalms and hymns at midnight with the other prisoners listening, when suddenly there was a great earthquake and the prison doors were thrown open. The guard thought all the prisoners had escaped and was ready to kill himself when he heard Paul call to him. The guard was so astonished that he asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And Paul replied, “Believe in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:16–40). That very hour the guard and all his family believed and were baptized, and they washed and fed the prisoners.

And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved. Acts 2:21 (NKJV)

A newer version of the hymn Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin has the chorus, “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.” That’s how it is when Jesus leads us out of the prison into His marvelous light. The enemy wants to keep us behind bars, but Jesus has the victory. You are not alone; many famous Bible characters spent time in prison.. . . Joseph, Jeremiah, Paul, and who can forget Daniel in the lions’ den? Come, my friend, let the Angel of the Lord escort you out of your prison today. Believe in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31).

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Colossians 1:13 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: My dear TEA friend, whatever you are facing today, in whatever prison you find yourself, turn to Jesus. Read the miraculous story of Peter’s prison escape in Acts 12:1–19. Imagine the Angel of the Lord shining His bright light upon you and saying, “Arise quickly.” And the Angel leads you out of your prison, past all the guards to the home of praying friends. And you are free! For another great prison escape, read Acts 5:17–42. And for those of us not currently in prison, we must heed Hebrews 13:3 which says, “Remember the prisoners . . . ” Who can you pull out of the mire today?

He also brought them out with silver and gold. Psalm 105:37

He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean. His blood availed for me. (Wesley, 1739)

(See also: Psalm 34:4,79:11,102:18–22, 118:21,124:7; Proverbs 28:13;Isaiah 41:10, 42:7,49:9,55:12; Jeremiah 10:23–24, 37:21, 38:13; Jonah 2:6; Zechariah 9:11–12;Matthew 18:21–35; Luke 1:37; John 3:3, 3:16–17, 3:36, 11:40; Acts 2:37–39; 1Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 4:13; 1John 4:4)

How to Get Started with your Jesus TEA

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

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)

So you’ve been wanting to get started with a TEA time with Jesus, but aren’t quite sure how to do it? Today’s devotion is for you!

First of all, let’s praise the Lord! You have heard God’s call and accepted His invitation to come! That is fantastic!

The best way to make it happen is to organize your TEA time ahead of time so that the enemy doesn’t slip in and distract you.

So, TODAY, pick your Jesus spot. This is the place in your house where you will have TEA with Jesus each day. Set it up with your Bible, a journal or notebook, and some pens. I also have a devotional book, prayer shawl, calendar, and an old hymnal. But you will find out what you need and add it as you pray over the years. Be sure to tell your family, “This is my Jesus spot! When you see me sitting here, I’m having TEA with Jesus. So please wait until I’m finished to talk to me.”

Also, TODAY, set your alarm for an hour early for tomorrow morning. Leave it set an hour early every day!

TOMORROW, when your alarm goes off, jump out of bed, greet the day and say, “Good morning, Jesus, let’s have TEA!” Don’t check your phone or computer or TV or let anything distract you. Heat your tea kettle, pour yourself a steaming cup, and sit down in your Jesus spot.

Open your Bible and let Jesus speak to you first through His Word. I like to pray a little prayer before reading, such as Psalm 119:18…Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. If you aren’t sure where to read in your Bible, begin with the book of John, reading a few chapters each day. Then read the Psalms and then Genesis. Or you might try a Bible reading plan to help you read the whole Bible in a year. I follow the plan found in Our Daily Bread.

As you are reading your Bible, have your pen handy to underline favorite verses that God shows you. These verses you can use later as conversation starters for prayer, to write in a card to encourage a friend, or to put on a note card on your bathroom mirror to memorize!

When you finish your Bible reading time, pull out your prayer journal or notebook and write down one of the verses that really spoke to you. Then pray and/or write your prayers to Jesus about that verse. Let your prayers flow from your heart to the throne of God!

The beautiful part of the TEA CUPP invitation is that it is more than just an invitation to sit down and have TEA with Jesus, it’s also an acronym for things you can talk about when you pray. The “T” is for THANKSGIVING where we thank God for His many blessings. The “E” is for EXALTING where we lift up and praise the name of Jesus. The “A” is for ADMITTING where we admit our sins and ask Jesus’ forgiveness. The “C” is for God’s CALLING where we talk to God about what He is calling us to do today or with our lives. The “U” is for UNDERSTANDING our stories so we can share our testimonies with others. The first “P” is for PROMISES where we claim a promise to carry us through the day. And the last “P” is for PETITIONS where we pour our hearts out to Jesus for everyone on our prayer lists.

Over the years the Lord showed me how I could use the different verses I have underlined for different parts of prayer. So in my Bible, I have put the letters “T-E-A-C-U-P-Pet” next to many of the underlined verses. When I want to tell God thank you, I just find a “T” verse and get started praying.

Another neat thing about the TEA CUPP acronym is that there are seven parts, just as there are seven days in a week. So, you could do one part each day of the week, or you could do them all in one day, or you could just pray as God gives you verses each day.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Follow today’s devotion to set up your Jesus spot and get started in prayer. After your TEA time with Jesus, arrange your Jesus spot again so it is ready for tomorrow. Welcome, dear friend, to the best TEA party of all!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

Bible Mom: Hannah’s Petition

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

“…I…have poured out my soul before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:15 (NKJV)

This is the last in our series of Bible Moms…Hannah’s Petition.

Do you know the story of the Prophet Samuel? He has two books named after him in the Old Testament. The story of how he came to serve the Lord and be a prophet is really quite remarkable…and it all began with the prayers of his mom Hannah.

Poor Hannah was one of the two wives of a man named Elkanah. His other wife, Peninnah, had children, but Hannah had no children. This made Hannah very sad. Every year they would go to Shiloh to worship the Lord, but Hannah was too sad even to eat. In fact, her soul was so bitter that she prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Hannah even promised the Lord, that if He gave her a son, she would give him to the Lord all the days of his life.

Finally, the Lord remembered Hannah and blessed her with a son. She named him Samuel, because she had asked for him from the Lord. For three years Hannah nursed and cared for her precious baby. Then, because of her vow, she brought Samuel to the priest Eli in Shiloh and gave her boy to him to serve the Lord all his days.

Hannah told Eli, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:26-27 (NKJV)

Each year, Hannah brought Samuel a new robe to wear. The priest Eli blessed her because of her gift of her son. And the Lord visited Hannah and gave her three more sons and two daughters, while Samuel grew to be a great prophet for Israel.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the amazing story of Hannah and Samuel in 1 Samuel 1-3 today. I love how God used the prayers of this Bible Mom to turn His people back to Him. Never underestimate the power of your prayers. Use your prayer time today to pour your heart out to the Lord as Hannah did so long ago. This is what the “P” for Petitions is all about.

“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:17 (NKJV)

Bible Mom: Understanding with Ruth

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10 (NKJV)

She was the great-grandmother of King David, the grandmother of Jesse, the mother of Obed, the wife of Boaz, the daughter-in-law of Naomi, a Moabite, a God-seeker, and the only Bible mom to have a book of the Bible named for her. Who was this great lady? Ruth.

I can’t think of anyone more worthy to highlight the “U” part of our TEA CUPP than this marvelous Bible mom. “U” is for “Understanding our stories,” and here is Ruth’s amazing story in these four short Old Testament chapters. When we understand our stories, how God is at work in our lives, how Jesus saved us, we can share this testimony with others. And that’s what our Bibles let us do with Ruth, giving us a glimpse into the life of a godly mom.

How did Ruth end up in Bethlehem? It all happened in the days of the Judges when God’s people kept turning away from Him. God sent a famine on the land, so a man named Elimelech and his wife Naomi and his two sons moved to Moab. The two sons married Moabite women, one of whom was Ruth. Well, Elimelech died and his two sons died, so Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. She told her daughters-in-law that they should stay in Moab with their families and remarry. But Ruth wouldn’t hear of it. She proclaimed:

“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17 (NKJV)

Back in Bethlehem, Naomi was very sad for she had gone away “full” with a husband and two sons, and had returned “empty.” But she actually wasn’t empty, for she had a wonderful daughter-in-law, Ruth, who was willing to work hard in the fields and do whatever Naomi said. A relative named Boaz noticed Ruth’s dedication, blessing her with these words:

The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge. Ruth 2:12 (NKJV)

You will have to read for yourself the courtship and traditions that allowed Ruth to become the wife of this gentleman Boaz. And once they were married, the Lord blessed them with a son…

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Ruth 4:13 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the amazing story of Ruth is Ruth 1-4 today. My friend, your story is found in scripture, too! Whether you have many children like Leah, prayed long for children like Rachel, or are barren like Elizabeth until she was old, you can find a mom like you in scripture. Your salvation story is here, too, whether you learned early to sit at the feet of Jesus, as did Martha’s sister Mary, or if you had five husbands like the Samaritan woman, you will find a kindred soul, and you will find out how much Jesus loves you! What lady from the Bible do you relate to today? Talk to Jesus about her in your prayers. With whom can you share your story?

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NKJV)

Bible Mom: Admitting with Eve

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

…she took of its fruit and ate… Genesis 3:6

And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Genesis 3:20

Oh, Eve, why did you do it?

Oh, Eve, why did you listen to the serpent?

Oh, Eve, why did you even talk to that rascal the devil?

Oh, Eve, why did you look at the tree and then stretch out your hand?

Oh, Eve, why did you pluck the fruit and take a bite?

Oh, Eve, why did you give some to Adam? And Adam, why didn’t you throw that fruit on the ground and be a strong spiritual leader for your family, asking God to forgive Eve?

Oh, Eve, why did you hide from God in the garden, didn’t you know He always see you?

Oh, Eve, why did you blame the serpent instead of admitting your sin?

Oh, Eve, how did you feel when God told you that in pain you would bring forth children? Do you know a lot of moms would like to talk to you about that!

Oh, Eve, were your first clothes scratchy and heavy? Weren’t you sad that God killed some of your animal friends to make those clothes? That was the very first time blood was shed for sins.

Oh, Eve, did you hear in God’s curse on the serpent a promise? (Genesis 3:15) From your Seed God will send a Savior to bruise the serpent Satan’s head!

Oh, Eve, how did you feel when God kicked you and Adam out of His beautiful garden and put cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the gate?

Of Eve, do you know how much all your daughters are just like you? We all need the Savior from your Seed, Jesus, who shed His blood once for all and crushed the serpent’s head.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the whole story of Eve and the serpent in Genesis 3. What forbidden fruit have you been eating? What sin do you need to cast off? This is what the “A” part of the TEA CUPP is all about, admitting our sins to Jesus and asking for His forgiveness. By using God’s Word to admit our sins, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness.

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. Matthew 5:30

Bible Mom: Exalting with Mary

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.Luke 1:46-67

We all love Mary. You know, Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus from your Christmas nativity scene? Yes, there are many Marys in the Bible, but none is as special as this young lady whom God chose to be the mother of His Son Jesus. Mary was so obedient when the angel came with the news, that she replied, “Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

After receiving the angel’s announcement, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also miraculously pregnant in her old age with the special baby John the Baptist. When Mary walked in the door, the baby John leapt inside Elizabeth’s womb for joy that his Savior had come. What better story is there than this for life beginning in the womb!

And it was there in Elizabeth’s house that Mary shared her praise to God. Known as Mary’s song, she sang…

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s Song inspires me to pray…

O Jesus, Your dear mother Mary had words to praise You when You were just a tiny baby in her womb.

She magnified You and rejoiced in You.

She knew You were God and Savior.

She Knew You were the One who does great things and sends us all blessings.

She knew You are holy and merciful and we should come to You in fear and respect.

And she knew You are forever, from generation to generation.

Mary proclaimed all this and EXALTED You with her cousin Elizabeth as they were both expecting miraculous babies.

May all the world magnify You, Jesus, as did Mary!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the wonderful story of Mary in Luke 1:26-56. Isn’t it amazing how she praised the Lord so beautifully with this little life inside of her? Can we do the same? Can we lift up and EXALT the name of Jesus each day as moms? That’s what the “E” part of the TEA CUPP is all about, EXALTING the Lord. This week as you read your Bible, be on the lookout for verses to praise Jesus. Another Bible mom, Hannah, the mother of Samuel prayed this one…

My heart rejoices in the Lord;
My horn is exalted in the Lord.
I smile at my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is holy like the Lord,
For there is none besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.1 Samuel 2:1-2

Stripes Across Our Nation

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

In honor of the National Day of Prayer, I share again this post from 2011. May all turn to Jesus in prayer and repentance for our nation.

…Men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1 (NKJV)

The sign on our Montana highway warns,
“Road Closed: Flooding Ahead!”
The internet news reports,
“Tragic tornadoes rip through Missouri and Oklahoma.”
Our email camping network shares sad tidings,
“Wildfires sweep across Texas, claiming one Methodist camp.”

How much more disaster news will there be?

With flooding in Montana and the Midwest,
Tornadoes across the central states,
Wildfires in New Mexico and Texas,
Earthquakes on the West coast, and
Hurricanes on the East coast,

It’s like having stripes across our nation,
Not the red and white of our beloved flag,
But the painful stripes of punishment
Undeserved by slaves in times not long past.

Yet these stripes are…
Stripes for us,
Stripes for our nation,
Stripes for our sin.

Who can understand our suffering?
There is One,
The perfect One who bore the sins
Of all the world,
Jesus Christ.

“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

Jesus understands our suffering.
He endured stripes He did not deserve for us,
He died on a cross at Calvary for us,
He rose again to eternal life for us.

Jesus is here to comfort and help our nation.

Living in Montana, we have experienced multiple forest fires,
And now we have flooding.
My heart goes out to all who are currently suffering.
He brought us through fire and water,
He will bring you through these trials, too.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 (NKJV)

What is God calling us to do?
He wants us to…
*Turn to Him (Acts 3:19)
*Help and pray for our neighbors (Matthew 22:39)
*Be prepared for His return (Matthew 24)

And after the wind, water, and fire
We will hear His still small, yet mighty, voice. (1 Kings 19:12)

Jesus is coming.
Are you ready?

May these painful stripes
Be a wake-up call to our nation:
*Turn to Jesus,
*Help your neighbor,
*Prepare your heart for Jesus’ return.

Oh, Jesus,
Help our country,
Forgive our sins,
Help me do my part. Amen.

My Testimony

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24 (NIV)

Dear TEA Friends,

This month I share with you video clips from an interview my pastor did with me last year. Today I share my testimony of how God saved me through His Son Jesus. To view more of my interview please see my Hello from Jennifer Grace post. If you’d like to read the entire story, please visit My Running Story. Or, if you’d like to read it in my book, My TEA CUPP Prayers, please click here. Or, if you’d like me to come speak for your next ladies’ gathering or retreat, please contact me here.

Thank you for visiting My TEA CUPP Prayers and praying for my ministry to invite ladies everywhere to have TEA each day with Jesus, the King of kings.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Video Credits: Sam Fossum and Pastor Bryan Baker, 2018

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

Tag Archives: devotions for moms