God is Love and so much more!

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:8-9 (NKJV)

O Father, You are love. And I love You, but my love is so small compared to Your huge, huge love. Even if my heart is filled to overflowing with love, my heart is tiny and Your heart is as big as the universe, bursting with love for all humanity, sending us Your One and Only Son Jesus to die for us, and filling us with Your Holy Spirit. Blessed Trinity be glorified today!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear Friends, today I share tidbits from the EXALTING section of my prayer journal, as examples of how you can use God’s Word to praise Him. Pray these prayers as your own, find more EXALTING verses in your Bible and write them in your prayer journal. Share your heart with Jesus, it doesn’t need to be fancy, just tell Him you love Him. Make EXALTING Jesus a part of your daily TEA time together. He will love to hear your praises!

Who does great things, and unsearchable,
Marvelous things without number. Job 5:9 (NKJV)

O Father, O Jesus, this is You! You do great things that we don’t even know and ones we do know, like rain and rainbows and salvation and forgiveness and heaven and peace and comfort and strength and protection and guidance. You do it all!!! O Jesus, be glorified and magnified today, especially in my prayers for…

Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?
And what profit do we have if we pray to Him? Job 21:15 (NKJV)

O Jesus, I know You! You are the Christ the Son, God the Father, Creator of the universe, Judge who is coming soon, King of kings, Lord of lords, Emmanuel, my Savior, my Friend, my Comforter, my Joy, my Crown, my Life, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Stronghold, my Protector, my Hiding Place, my Redeemer, my all in all! I love and praise You, Jesus!

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head. Psalm 3:3 (NKJV)

O Jesus, You are my Shield, You protect me from the enemy and send me helpers. You are my Glory, and one day You will come again in glory! You are the One who lifts up my head when I’m discouraged. I love and praise You! Be glorified today!

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory.
Psalm 24:7-10 (NKJV)

O Jesus, I imagine You returning and the gates and doors that open to let You out of heaven, even those gates and doors bow before you and then lift their heads in honor of the King of kings who reigns for all eternity. O Jesus, be glorified! I love You! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

…then they bowed their heads and worshiped. Exodus 4:31 (NKJV)

Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33 (NKJV)

O Jesus, they worshiped You! Here are the Israelites in Egypt who haven’t heard from You in 400 years and they know how to worship. Here are the disciples who also haven’t heard from the prophets in 400 years, since the Old Testament times. They are in the boat with You and they worship You! They believe in you! They bow! They exalt and praise and worship! O Jesus, may I do this too with all my heart. I love you!

The Lord is King forever and ever;
The nations have perished out of His land. Psalm 10:16 (NKJV)

O Jesus, You are King forever and ever. Some people don’t realize it (oh, touch their hearts!), that You are King of heaven and earth and You are coming again. That is exciting! And every knee will bow and tongue confess that You are Lord to the glory of God the Father. O Jesus, be glorified this very day!

Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness…The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, And the Lord sits as King forever. Psalm 29:1-2,10 (NKJV)

O Jesus, You are King forever! You are Glory and Strength! You sit on the throne. Oh, sit on the throne of my life and be glorified!

Then I will go to the alter of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God. Psalm 43:4 (NKJV)

O Jesus, O Father, I come to Your alter, to Your throne, to Your footstool. I can’t quite look up and see You because of Your radiance and glory. I bow down instead and worship You. You are my exceeding joy. I sing songs of praise to You, O God, my God. And then, I get brave and climb the footstool and crawl up into Your lap and let You hold me under Your wing as my heart continues to praise You. I love You, dearest Jesus!

In God we boast all day long, And praise Your Name forever. Psalm 44:8 (NKJV)

O Jesus, I love and praise You! It’s Your right hand that saves me. It’s Your right hand that holds me close. It’s Your light that lights my darkness. May I boast all day about You. I praise Your Name forever and ever. You are the High Priest who entered the Holy of holies for us and tore the curtain so we can come in, too. You are the Lamb of God and the Shepherd of the sheep. You are the Only Way to heaven. You are the Bread of Life, all the food I’ll ever need. You are the Living Water, quenching my thirsty soul. You are everything to me. Be glorified, my Jesus! (Psalm 44:3, Psalm 44:8, Hebrews 6:18, Hebrews 6:20).

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen. Psalm 72:18-19 (NKJV)

Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord… 1 Samuel 1:19 (NKJV)

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.

Holding His Feet

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

…cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days… Deuteronomy 30:20

Does it seem like you are always going through something? Whether it is an illness, cancer diagnosis, death of loved one, family troubles, money problems, car repairs…there is always a trial that makes us worried, anxious, sad, struggling, depressed…Who can help us? Who is always there for us? Who can we hold onto in the storm?

Jesus! Yes, Jesus is always the answer! And today I have two Bible stories for you where women really did hold onto Jesus, they held onto His feet! Just as a toddler will wrap his arms around Mommy’s legs, these women gripped Jesus’s feet with all their strength and did not let go.

The first example was before Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus was dining at the home of a Pharisee when a woman entered with an alabaster flask filled with fragrant oil. This woman was certainly struggling for the Bible calls her a sinner, and she was weeping as she stood behind Jesus. Then she did the boldest thing, she washed Jesus’s feet with her tears and dried them with her hair, and finally anointed His feet with the fragrant oil. After the Pharisee complained, Jesus told the dear woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48) and “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

… (She) stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Luke 7:38 (NKJV)

The second story comes after Jesus died on the cross, after He was buried, and after He rose from the grave. It was that very Sunday when Jesus rose that these two Marys went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’s body. But when they arrived, there was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled the stone away from the tomb entrance, sitting on the stone. The guards were so scared they fainted, but the women watched amazed as the angel said, “Do not be afraid.” ( Matthew 28:5). The angel invited them to see where Jesus had lain. As the two Marys were leaving to tell the disciples, Who did they meet? Jesus! “So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 28:9)

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:9 (NKJV)

We also can hold Jesus’s feet! Whether we’ve made some terrible mistakes and come to Him as sinners, like the first woman, or we are lost in grief like the two Marys, we can come to Jesus and cling to His feet. And He will comfort us with His Word, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

But you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. Joshua 23:8 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Hold fast (1 Corinthians 15:2), my friend. Read these Bible stories today in Luke 7:36-50 and Matthew 28:1-10. Then cling to Jesus’s feet, telling Him everything that is on your heart. Perhaps you’ll also enjoy this song entitled, “The Alabaster Flask.”

Abba Father, Yeshua Messiah, I come to your footstool and hold Your feet and bow and worship and love and exalt You! You are the Hope of Israel and my Hope. You are the Savior of the world and my Savior. You are my Risen Lord, the Prince of Life! Be glorified today in all the earth!

…“I will not let You go unless You bless me!” Genesis 32:26 (NKJV)

You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. Deuteronomy 10:20 (NKJV)

For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the Lord, ‘that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.’ Jeremiah 13:11 (NKJV)

Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do. Ruth 3:4 (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)

Now when she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by the feet. . . 2 Kings 4:27 (NKJV)

Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10 (NKJV)

For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, Hebrews 3:14 (NKJV)

But hold fast what you have till I come. Revelation 2:25 (NKJV)

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: Samson’s Mom’s Calling

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

…but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV)

God calls us to do so many things as moms. We are called to respect our husbands. We are called to bring up our children in the training and admonition of the Lord. We are called to take care of our homes. But I don’t know if any of us have had a calling quite like Samson’s mom.

First let’s look up these callings for us all:

…and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33 (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)
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 (NKJV)

Next let’s discover the story of Samson’s mom in Judges 13. An Angel of the Lord visited a lady from the tribe of Dan and declared to her:

“…Please be careful not to drink wine or similar drink, and not to eat anything unclean. For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” Judges 13:4-5

Did you catch that bonus list for Samson’s mom?

Don’t drink wine or similar drink.
Don’t eat anything unclean.
Don’t cut his hair.

Numbers 6 gives even more details of what it means to be a Nazirite, set apart to God. He also could eat no grapes or raisins, nor touch a dead body. Samson was to be kept holy for the Lord.

Well, if you read the entire story of Samson through Judges 16, you find out Samson did not keep himself holy, but his mom had done her part in bringing him up as the Angel instructed her.

Can you imagine having such an instruction list? Some moms do have a list given to them by doctors. Kids these days may have allergies to milk, eggs, soy, nuts, etc. Moms teach their kids with allergies to avoid those foods. How all the more do we need to heed God’s Word when He calls us to do something!

That’s what the “C” part of MY TEA CUPP Prayers is all about, talking to God about our CALLING. It may be what He is calling us to do today, such as visit a neighbor or teach our kids a Bible verse. Or it may be what He is calling us to do with our lives, whether that is to be a godly wife and mom or build cities like Sheerah, the daughter of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:24)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the fascinating true story of Samson and his mom in Judges 13-16. Recall the instructions the Angel gave to Samson’s mom. What instructions has God given you as you raise your kids? Write what He’s calling you to do in your prayer journal and ask Jesus to help you. Go get ’em, Bible mom!

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (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

TEA Event Planner

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Jennifer Grace

So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

Hello, dear TEA Friends! Thank you for inviting me to your next ladies’ gathering. To make your event a success, I put together this short event planner to help you. I’m praying for you as you plan for your special day!

3-6 months in advance of your TEA:

Pray!
Pick a date and book the date with Jennifer Grace (be sure to check for other community events, weddings, etc. happening that day in your town. Pick a date that works for most people).
Recruit your committee. Be sure to include the chairperson (keeps everyone moving forward on their tasks, plans schedule, stays in touch with Jennifer Grace), prayer coordinator (encourages congregation to pray for the event), music (plans and coordinates music for event), decorations (plans a happy tea party atmosphere, one idea is to have different ladies each host a table with their fancy china), refreshments (plans menu, perhaps a potluck or simple tea and cookies), publicity (newspaper, facebook, posters, invitations to other churches, etc.), facilities/sound (set-up of gathering area, along with sound system/AV).

2-4 months before your TEA:

Pray!
Confirm your date with Jennifer Grace.
Meet with committee to see how they are progressing on their projects (prayer coordinator, music, decorations, refreshments, publicity, facilities) . Who needs help?

1-2 months before your TEA:

Pray!
Meet with the committee. Finalize all details (prayer coordinator, music, decorations, refreshments, publicity, facilities) and tasks for each person. Make sure they each have a good team to help them.
Check in with Jennifer Grace to let her know how you are doing.

1 week before your TEA:

Pray!
Meet with your committee. Check all the details (prayer coordinator, music, decorations, refreshments, publicity, facilities). Encourage ladies to bring friends.

Day of the TEA:

Pray! Glorify Jesus for this special day!

Sample Schedules from other TEAS:

Evening TEA:

5:00 Worship Music in Sanctuary
5:15 Guest Speaker: Jennifer Grace
6:00 Potluck in Fellowship Hall on fancy tables

Afternoon TEA:

2:00 Tea welcome and etiquette
2:10 Tea games
2:25 Tea party with door prizes and conversation starters
3:20 Guest speaker: Jennifer Grace
3:50 Wrap-up and Prayer

Morning TEA:

10:00 Gathering and welcome
10:15 Tea and cookies
10:30 Guest speaker: Jennifer Grace
11:30 Prayers and good-byes

MOPS Tea Party:

9:00 Brunch and fellowship and announcements
9:30 Guest Speaker: Jennifer Grace
10:15 Craft: Modge Podge Prayer Journals
11:00 Closing Prayer and Good-byes

As we pray for this special TEA event, here are some of my prayers…

For Jesus to be glorified!
For God to send the exact ladies He wants there.
For Jesus to strengthen and guide the event chairperson.
For the Lord to give me (Jennifer Grace) the words He wants me to share.
For the Holy Spirit to fill your church or gathering area.
For lives to be transformed by Jesus and His Word with ladies spending time with Him each day in prayer.
For God’s hand of protection over the entire event.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

Tag Archives: I love quiet time with Jesus