Bold Ladies

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Jennifer Grace

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

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

Give me a blessing

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

Give us a possession

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

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

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

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

The Greatest Prayer

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Jennifer Grace

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3 (NKJV)

There are so many wonderful prayers in God’s Word, the Bible, but perhaps one of the most moving is the one by Jesus in John 17. This prayer comes from the depths of our Savior’s heart and soul. Jesus pours out his heart to His Father as He prepares Himself for His coming crucifixion. John 17 has three parts: 1) Jesus prays for Himself, 2) Jesus prays for His disciples, and 3) Jesus prays for all believers (you and me!). Jesus shows His love for His Father, His disciples, and for all of us yet to come.

How can we share in Jesus’ prayer in John 17? Start by reading the chapter and underlining verses God shows you. Which ones speak to you the most? Are any verses calling you to action? Copy these verses in your prayer journal and pray over them with Jesus, asking for His direction.

As you soak up John 17, you will notice there are many elements of prayer, we should follow from Jesus:

First, that the Father is glorified (John 17:1,5).
Second, that we finish the work God has sent us to do (John 17:4).
Third, that we pray for our loved ones, as Jesus prayed for His (John 17:15).
Fourth, that believers may be one and filled with God’s love (John 17:21, 26).
And fifth, that we go into the world that the world may know Jesus (John 17:18, 23).

Today’s TEA CUPP: How can we accomplish all this? How about one step at a time? In the days leading up to Palm Sunday, pray that the Father and Son are glorified. Pray the very Words from John 17:1. Then as you go through the Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter, ask God what work He has for you to finish (John 17:4). On Easter, pray for your loved ones as Jesus prayed for His (John 17:15). Continue to pray over John 17 in the weeks following Easter, lifting up your heart to Jesus. You never know where God will lead you. My Bible study friend Carol, a regular gal whom God has uniquely prepared, is leaving Montana, USA for a Jesus Film prayer walk in East Africa. Wow! That’s what prayer can do!

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” John 17:1 (NKJV)

Moan Noisily

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Attend to me, and hear me;
I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily. Psalm 55:2 (NKJV)

We’ve all heard the child moaning noisily, from the line at the grocery store to our own kitchen. Waaaaaaaaaah-wooooooooo-weeeeee-waaaaaah! Kids are experts at the art of moaning, whether it is warranted or not.

Did you know it’s okay for us to moan noisily, too? Sure thing! Doesn’t Jesus tell us to come to the Father as a child?

Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. Luke 18:17 (NKJV)

So we come to Him as a child, crying and bawling and whining and moaning, ever so noisily. And He doesn’t turn us away. He opens His arms and holds us close and hears our complaint and assures us of His perfect plan.

The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms… Deuteronomy 33:27 (NKJV)

Did you know Jesus Himself, when He walked this earth, moaned noisily? When His good friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept and groaned within Himself, before raising Lazarus from the dead…

Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. John 11:38 (NKJV)

Today when we don’t have the words to say, but all we can do is cry out in anguish, moaning noisily, God has sent His Holy Spirit to pray for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered. Even the Holy Spirit groans…

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

Not only do Jesus and the Holy Spirit moan, the whole earth has been moaning! Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were kicked out of the garden, all creation has been crying out to be delivered from its bondage of corruption…

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22 (NKJV)

If Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all creation are groaning, we can groan, too. Yes, my friend, it is okay to moan noisily and let God hear your complaint.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Moan noisily. I’m serious. If you’ve been holding back at your TEA time with Jesus, just sharing small talk and not really pouring out your heart, today is the day. Give Jesus all your hurts and sadness. Tell Him you don’t like what’s going on in your world. Unload your burdens on Jesus and let Him carry them today.

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (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)

Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:23 (NKJV)

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NKJV)

TEA with the Romans

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

You just received an invitation to TEA with the Romans!

Who: You

When: Tomorrow morning

Where: Your house

What: TEA with Jesus and the Romans

Come as you are!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharing Your Heart

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tea with My Best Friend

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 (NKJV)

My favorite time of the day is the first hour of the morning when I have TEA with my Best Friend. We sit together on the sofa, I read His Word in the Bible, and then I use His Word for a conversation starter, as I talk with Jesus. This is my quiet time. This is my prayer time. This is my tea time with my Best Friend.

Jesus tells us in the book of John that we are His friends. In John 15:15 He says, “I have called you friends.” Isn’t that great news! Doesn’t that touch your heart? The Creator of the universe and Savior of your soul is your Friend. Jesus is always beside us, just waiting for us to chat with Him.

How might your conversation with Jesus go? There are so many stories in the Gospels you can use, from Peter to the woman at the well. Or, perhaps you would like this dialogue Jesus had with a blind man…

Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” Luke 18:39-42 (NKJV)

One morning I shared the blind man’s request with Jesus. I said, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”

And Jesus replied, “Jenny, what do you want me to do for you?”

I answered, “Lord, may I receive Your healing, and publish My Tea Cupp Prayers, and fulfill Your call. And may all on my prayer list love You.”

And Jesus answered, “Receive your good health, Your faith has made you well.”

Today’s TEA CUPP: Have TEA with your Best Friend today! Call to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Hear Jesus ask you, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And pour out your heart to Him.

But to You I have cried out, O Lord,
And in the morning my prayer comes before You. Psalm 88:13 (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 Empty Plate

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

“But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:35 (NKJV)

An empty plate. An empty tea cupp. What is happening here? It must be time for fasting, giving up food and beverages while praying.

Sometimes God calls us to fast. I’m reminded of this every year when I read the book of Esther. In this great history, we see how God allowed Esther to become queen to save her people, the Jews, from annihilation. When Esther realized this was her duty, she asked her maids and others to pray and fast with her (Esther 4:16). For three days and nights they had no food or water. The end result was God saved the Jews.

One might wonder what to do during a three day fast. Should we pour out our hearts to Jesus on day one? What about days two and three? While there is no right way to pray and fast, we can find a good plan in 2 Chronicles 20. In this this history, King Jehoshaphat learns of an impending battle with his enemies. He declares a fast for all Judah. During the fast, there are three parts to his prayers:

1) Exalt: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NKJV)

2) Claim God’s Promises: …You will hear and save….the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:9,15 (NKJV)

3) Petition: O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV)

What if we use this formula for a three-day fast? The first day we exalt Jesus, praising Him for being our Savior. The second day, we claim God’s promises, underlining and repeating them from our Bibles. And the third day, we pour out our hearts to Jesus, asking for help with whatever trouble we are facing. Even Queen Esther went to see the king on the third day of fasting. She found favor in his sight as he asked, “What is your petition?” (Esther 5:1-7)

On the evening of the third day, we must open our ears and listen, for God will give us our call: ... Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord… 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Is God calling you to fast for a time? Is there something big in your life that needs more than a little prayer? I encourage you to try this three day fast and let God do His amazing miracles. Then you can go forth singing.

So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayers. Ezra 8:23 (NKJV)

Holding Up My Heart

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Sometimes I do not pray in words-
I take my heart in my two hands
And hold it up before the Lord-
I am so glad He understands.
– by Nicholson, Our Daily Bread, September 23, 2014

Do you ever find yourself too busy or overwhelmed for prayer? The prayer list is too long, the time is too short, your heart is sorrowful, you don’t have the words? My friend, this is the time when you will truly find Jesus, when He will meet you right where you are.

My dear friend Jill in Ohio shared with me so long ago how she handles a busy morning. Some days she just holds up her prayer list to the Lord and says, “Take this Jesus, You know what’s on it.” I thought, “Really, can we do that? Is that okay?”

Then came the days that I ran out of time for my prayers…sick kids, sick me, new baby…so I tried Jill’s advice. I lifted up my prayer list to Jesus, asking Him to take it, and He did! Now occasionally in my prayer journal, instead of writing out sentences of prayers, I’ll draw a picture of me lifting all these people up to God. It is so good to put them all in His hands and leave them there!

Today’s TEA CUPP: My friend, won’t you lift your heart to Jesus today? You may call out names and concerns one by one, or just give it all to the Lord at once. God promises to hear all our prayers.

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

7-7-7 Prayer

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Jennifer Grace

“But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:35 (NKJV)

Anna Graham Lotz is sharing God’s call to pray for our nation and world this July. As the Israelites marched around Jericho 7 days, we are to pray the first 7 days of July. Then on July 7th, we are to fast and pray 7 hours, sounding the trumpet for Jesus. If you’d like to read more about it, please click to see Anna’s website. Please join us in praying and fasting for our country this Monday, July 7th.
www.annegrahamlotz.com/events/urgent-call-to-prayer/urgent-call-prayer-day-three”/

“Save us, O God our Savior;
gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to Your holy Name,
that we may glory in Your praise.” 1 Chronicles 16:35 (NIV) & Psalm 106:47 (NIV)

Give ear, O God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name.” Daniel 9:18-18 (NIV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

Tag Archives: Petitions

Bold Ladies

The Greatest Prayer

Moan Noisily

TEA with the Romans

Who: You

When: Tomorrow morning

Where: Your house

What: TEA with Jesus and the Romans

Come as you are!

Sharing Your Heart

Tea with My Best Friend

When God says, “No”

The Empty Plate

Holding Up My Heart

7-7-7 Prayer