She Did What She Could

She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Mark 14:8 (NKJV)

My neighbor Marie stopped by for tea the other day. She was telling me about a mutual friend who had taught at a country school before she was married. Our friend had to be very careful not to share her faith openly with the students during the school year. But when summer came, the school board amazingly gave her permission to hold a Vacation Bible School at the country schoolhouse. Marie commented, “She did what she could.”

The week before Jesus went to the cross, He was at a supper in Bethany hosted by Simon the Leper. While Jesus was sitting at the table, Mary (the sister of Martha) took an alabaster flask of very costly oil and poured it on Jesus’ head (John 12:3). Some criticized Mary for this “waste” of the precious oil, yet Jesus praised her, saying, “She did what she could…” The Father Himself must have put this upon Mary’s heart to anoint Her Lord and Savior for His death and burial, thus selecting the Passover Lamb. Mary did what she could for Jesus.

My friend Kathy and her husband stopped by this summer for a visit. What fun it was to host old friends from the Midwest in our mountainous region of the country. While visiting, Kathy shared all the things she would be doing when she returned home. One task was to drive an hour to pick up a friend at the airport and then drive that friend two more hours to her family. Kathy says, “because that’s what friends do.” Jesus would say, “She did what she could.”

A few days later, with Kathy’s example still fresh in my mind, a homeschool mom asked if I could drive her to the next city for a day of appointments because she had broken her wrist. We always have a hundred things we could be doing, but I knew that was where God wanted me that day, so I said, “Yes,” and was so blessed to spend the day with my long-time mom-friend.

A month later, I had a call from an old college teammate I hadn’t seen in over 20 years. She wanted to buy me a plane ticket to help her deliver a car for her college daughter. She had it planned beautifully from the flights to the motel stops. My tummy and back had been bothering me and I had a doctor appointment coming up so it didn’t seem feasible, but what did God tell me in His Word that very day? Arise and go! So, with the prayers of many uplifting me, I arose and went and was so blessed to catch up on 20 years of stories with my sweet college teammate as we traveled 700 plus miles together, handing out my testimony to hotel clerks, gas station attendants, motor cycle riders and others along the way. I hope Jesus will say, “She did what she could.”

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Mary’s story in Mark 14:3-9 and John 12:1-8. What can you do for Jesus today that would cause Him to say, “She did what she could”? Perhaps it’s as simple and powerful as saying a prayer or taking soup to a neighbor. While I was away, a troop of local missionaries was serving our community, painting, gardening, and helping their neighbors. There are so many ways you can be a blessing! Be on the lookout for “what she could” opportunities this week! God bless you, dear sister!

Not to us, Lord, not to us
    but to your name be the glory,
    because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1 (NKJV)

Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words. Jeremiah 18:2 (NKJV)

…Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning… Ruth 3:10 (NKJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

...Well done, good and faithful servant… Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

...As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson

Just Do It for Jesus!

    His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”   John 2:5 (NKJV)

For many years, a famous brand of athletic gear has had the slogan, “Just Do It!” encouraging the athletes who wear their products to get out and do their sports.  Today I also want to encourage you, if God is calling you to a task, just do it for Jesus, and the Lord will be with you.  Let me tell you my story…

…Be of good courage, and do it.”  Ezra 10:4 (NKJV)

For months I’d been disturbed about the harm from the vaccine craze in our country and world.  I prayed, I wrote blog articles, I wrote to my newspaper, I emailed friends… but I couldn’t see that I was making a dent in the problem.  Then one day, the Holy Spirit put the idea in my head to visit our county health nurse and ask her to quit giving the shots.  I had to ponder this for awhile.  I shared the idea with Shannon, one of my prayer partners.  

Is God calling you to a task? Shannon said that to know if the calling is from God, there should be two or three witnesses telling me to do it (Deut. 19:15, Matt. 18:16, John 8:17-18).  If I was told in two or three ways to go see the county health nurse, it must be from the Lord. For example, the Holy Spirit tells you to do something, you read it in God’s Word, and then a friend tells you or you read it in another place in God’s Word.  Shannon also said I can ask, “Would my flesh think of doing this and want to do it?” “No!” “Is this something the enemy wants me to do?” “No!” “Would Jesus want me to do this?” “Yes!”  “Is this something that will please the Lord?” “Yes!”

…whatever God has said to you, do it. Genesis 31:16 (NKJV)

So after reading several Bible verses that encouraged me, I finally set the date to go visit the nurse. The day before my mission I spent in fasting and prayer. The Lord gave me more verses to encourage me, like 2 Chronicles 18:13…As the Lord lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak. And John 6:20…But He said to them, ‘It is I, do not be afraid.’ And John 6:38…For I have come not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me. The day arrived and it was snowing hard.  I decided to wait until afternoon, that meant fasting another half day.  Finally, I went in to her office and she was out for the day!  I came home and finally ate, knowing I would still have to go back the next day. 

Strengthened by that meal and more of God’s Word, I returned the following day. Jesus gave me more verses to sustain me: 2 Chronicles 19:9…Thus you shall act in fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart. And 2 Chronicles 19:11… Behave courageously, and the Lord will be with the good. And 2 Chronicles 20:17…position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you…do not fear or be dismayed. And Zechariah 4:6...not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts.  As I drove there, I prayed more Scripture, “Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand… May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer…” (Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 19:14). 

When I arrived, someone was in the nurse’s office receiving a shot. Another person was standing in the hallway awaiting her turn.  As I waited for an opening, I prayed.  Finally, just before three o’clock, I slipped into her office and asked if she had a minute.  She looked at her calendar and at the clock and said that was about all she had before the next patient.  So with just two minutes allowed, I jumped right into my mission.  I said, “God sent me to pray for you.”  I thanked her for all the times she helped my boys to go on mission trips by researching the necessary vaccines for those countries. I said, but I’ve heard some bad things about this current covid vaccine, and I asked her to quit giving it, especially to babies and children.  She replied that you have to check your sources and that if parents want to give it to their kids, they can do that.  Knowing that my time was almost over, I offered to pray.  I thanked Jesus for her hard work during these trying times the past two years, I asked the Holy Spirit to stir in her heart if she heard anything questionable about the vaccines, and I prayed God’s blessings upon her family.  Then it was the next person’s turn.  I drove home wondering if I had done any good, yet thankful I had been obedient to God’s calling.

The next day I went to see a friend I’d been wanting to visit for a long time. She told me she and her husband had been vaccinated. My heart broke.  The following day I had a really hard day.  Always, like Elijah after his Mt. Caramel victory, I break down at the threats of Jezebel.  My prayer friend Shannon explained to me later that when we are in battle mode, the dragon cannot get us. But after the battle, we let down our guard and the dragon hits us with his tail. That’s just how it was!  But on the evening of that hard day, only wanting to stay home, but being urged by my husband, we went out to attend a Christmas concert.  There, a neighbor came up to me and said, “I hear you’re praying for the county health nurse. That’s great! We all should be praying.”  Thank you, dearest Jesus, for confirming my call.  And now we keep praying for her and for others like her across this nation to just stop the shot.  For if they stop it, we won’t have it anymore. All glory to God!

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Is God calling you to a task?  Has He told you in two or three ways? (Yes!) Does this calling line up with Scripture? (Yes!) Would my flesh think of doing this and want to do it? (No!) Is this something the enemy would want me to do? (No!) Would Jesus want me to do this? (Yes!)  Is this something that will please the Lord? (Yes!) Pray hard, ask others to pray, and then, just do it for Jesus! And may the Lord be with you this new year, dear sister!

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  James 1:22 (NKJV)

Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care and do it2 Chronicles 19:7 (NKJV)

…and see that you do it quickly. 2 Chronicles 24:5 (NKJV)

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:17 (NKJV)

do it according to the will of your God. Ezra 7:18 (NKJV)

…and if I perish, I perish! Ester 4:16 (NKJV)

 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”  John 8:17-18 (NKJV)

…by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 (NKJV)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers, if you are motivated by today’s devotion, you might also like to read: Esther’s Great Calling and  Steadfast and Stout-hearted.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982

Be a TEA Diffuser

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)

My friend Riza owns a tea company in the mountain West.  On the wall of her office, a collection of tea infusers is artfully displayed.  From America to the Far East, from present day to decades ago, and all shapes and sizes, her collection captures the hearts of all who enjoy an aromatic cup of tea.  

Being new to the art of loose-leaf tea drinking, I checked out Riza’s company website to discover what makes using these tea infusers so precious.  Some important tips I learned include:

  • Allow your tea leaves enough room to fully open and the water to infuse through them properly. They should not be “stuffed” into a small confining holder.
  • The only time you would use something such as a “teaball” or closed teaspoon is when you are brewing a small particle tea such a rooibos or herbals.
  • The openings of the infuser should be small enough to keep pieces from getting into your cup.

…a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.  Philippians 4:18 (NKJV)

As I read my Bible while sipping my loose-leaf tea each morning, I come across words like “diffuse” and “fragrance” and “sweet-smelling” and “aroma,” and I know there must be a lesson in all of this for us.  Just as the tea is infused into the hot water, so God’s Word is infused in me, as I drink from His fountain of Living Water.  And just as the leaves should be given room too open, we too must allow our hearts to be fully open to God’s word and guidance.  And just as the tea’s aroma brings me joy, my prayers bring joy to the heart of God.  If a friend or family member were to walk by while I sipped my tea, they might say, “Mmm, that smells delicious, what flavor are you having today?”  And as I go out into the world to run errands and do all God calls me to do, perhaps others will smell the sweet fragrance of His Word shining out of me, asking, “What makes your life such a pleasant aroma?” 

May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord Psalm 104:34 (NKJV)

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV)

Most of all, we must look to Jesus, our example for all we do.  Ephesians 5:2 tells us to walk in love like Jesus.  For when He gave His life for our sins on the Cross, it was the sweetest fragrant offering God the Father would ever receive.  Remember, in the Old Testament, God’s children were required to bring animal sacrifices to the temple to atone for their sins (Leviticus 1).  Even before that, Noah offered animal sacrifices to the Lord as soon as they got off the ark, and it was a soothing aroma to Him (Genesis 8:21).  Yet we, the Church, children of the New Testament, do not offer the animal sacrifices, because Jesus already paid the price for our sins on the Cross. All we have to do is accept His sweet offering, and we also will have His beautiful fragrance.

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Be a TEA Infuser! Start your day with Jesus by reading His Word, your Bible.  Let your prayers come before Him as a sweet incense.  Then go out and infuse the world with His love!!! Tell them, Jesus is coming soon!  (If you missed last week’s post, you will want to exhort them to Get on the Ark!).  

Let my prayer be set before You as incense,
The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.  Psalm 141:2 (NKJV)

…and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  Revelation 5:8 (NKJV)

I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles.  Ezekiel 20:41 (NKJV)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers! If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to read A Sweet Aroma and Filling the Bowls.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 

News Flash: Hypocrisy Update!

Blessed are those who keep justice,
And he who does righteousness at all times!  Psalm 106:3 (NKJV)

Dear Ones, If you read my post last week entitled Without Hypocrisy, please click on the link below to visit Life Site News and watch the John Henry Weston’s video or read his article.  Life Site News did an awesome job of researching all those medicines and learned that many of them were made before 1973 so they were not tested on aborted babies in their origin.  I think you will be very glad to hear this news and I thank Life Site News for their excellent investigative reporting.  I’m so sorry to have worried you, though perhaps you enjoyed cleaning out your cupboards (such a feeling of accomplishment when the world is spinning out of our control, but not out of God’s!).

https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/ivermectin-hcq-abortion-covid-vaccine/

I encourage you to sign up to receive the daily news from Lifesitenews.com.  They bring you up-to-date information on many life issues, as well as current world events, all from a Christian perspective.  God bless you, dear ladies. Be strong and steadfast! Jesus is coming soon!

…so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.  1 Thessalonians 3:13 (NKJV)

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and BODY be PRESERVED BLAMELESS at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Thessalonians 5:23-24

Scripture taken the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982

Without Hypocrisy

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 (NKJV)

For those of us who have been boycotting the covid vaccine, we now have a much longer list to boycott. For many, including me, one problem with the vaccine is its connection to aborted babies. My daughter did me the favor of sending a link to dozens of products that also use aborted fetal tissue in testing, some even for artificial flavorings, she is helping me to not be a hypocrite. And so I want to pass these lists on to you, dear sisters, who strive for holiness and righteousness.

Check out these links for abortion-tainted products. One article, while providing some very useful lists, defends the use of vaccines and all products, because if we give up one, we would have to quit them all.  I say, “Amen, let’s give them all up for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom and His righteousness!”  My dad always use to say, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Therefore, one hundred wrongs do not make a right either! You’ll be surprised to find many common products from Tylenol to Gatorade (which I am now removing from my house) listed here…

http://HEK 293: what are you eating?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/throughcatholiclenses/2021/01/if-any-drug-tested-on-hek-293-is-immoral-goodbye-modern-medicine/

https://cogforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/fetalproductsall.pdf

https://killuminatisoldiersoftruth.wordpress.com/2021/03/29/abortedbabies/

I equate this issue to the meat sacrificed to idols in the New Testament. The “weaker” believers did not want to eat meat sacrificed to idols, because they knew from whence it came. The “stronger” believers did not feel it was a problem, since the idols were not really gods. But for the sake of the weak or sensitive believers, everyone was to avoid the idol meat. And so it should be with these products, for the sake of all of us who are greatly troubled by these abortion-tainted foods, medicines, and cosmetics, we should avoid them all!

But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake… 1 Corinthians 10:28 (NKJV)

If your pastor is not speaking out about this issue, dear sister, you can be the one to spread the word in your Bible study and prayer group. Ezekiel tells us that the job of the priests is to “teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean” (Ezekiel 44:23). Refuse to participate in the abortion industry and its products. May God be the glory and victory!

How do we get that victory, through Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:57). As you read over the lists and are appalled and filled with sorrow as I am, wondering how people could even think of using aborted babies for their products, and how we have enabled them with the use of these products, give it all to Jesus. Let us ask His forgiveness, tell Him how sorry we are, ask Him to wash us clean and help us not to ever bring shame to His Name. Then accept His forgiveness, for there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Dear Sisters, God calls us to love without hypocrisy, to abhor what is evil. I abhor abortion and the evil practice of killing babies and using their little bodies for research. I cling to all that is good: Jesus, life, and babies.

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
Psalm 119:1-2 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Keep His commandments, dear sister. Now that we know the list, we can ask for Jesus’ forgiveness, share it with others, and strive to live holy lives in Christ Jesus without these products. Let us not be deceived. Here are more verses to encourage you today…

A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.
Matthew 2:18 (NKJV)

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 (NKJV)

… it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV)

In You, O Lord, I put my trust;
Let me never be put to shame.
Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape;
Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
Be my strong refuge,
To which I may resort continually;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.
Psalm 71:1-3 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. John 16:1-4 (NKJV)

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  Ephesians 4:17-19 (NKJV)

You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the souls of His saints;
He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.  Psalm 97:10 (NKJV)

If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally by doing something against any of the commandments of the Lord in anything which ought not to be done, and is guilty,  Leviticus 4:27 (NKJV)

Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.  Psalm 19:12 (NKJV)

 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.  Colossians 2:13-15 (NKJV)

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 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 2:14-16 (NKJV)

You answered them, O Lord our God;
You were to them God-Who-Forgives,
Though You took vengeance on their deeds.  Psalm 99:8 (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)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers. If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to check out Steadfast and Stout-hearted and The Only Antidote.

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson

So Many Calls

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

The “C” Part of My TEA CUPP Prayers is all about what God is calling us to do with our lives. As we read our Bibles, we come across verses where the Holy Spirit nudges us, “this is something I want you to do.” So, we underline that verse and ask the Lord to help us carry out His calling.

Some selections of scripture have so many calls for us, it is almost overwhelming. Romans 12 is such a passage. If you read this today and try to do it all at once, you could collapse on your own strength. But if we read it prayerfully and ask God where He wants us to begin, He will show us, and each day or week or month or year, we can work on another part of what He is calling us to be. And someday, when He takes us home to be with Him, we will have attained them all.

Let’s look at the many callings from God in Romans 12:

 *Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God

*Do not be conformed to this world

*Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

*Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly

*Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them

*Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good

*Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another

*Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord 

* Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer

*Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality

*Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse

*Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep 

*Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble

*Do not be wise in your own opinion

*Repay no one evil for evil

*Have regard for good things in the sight of all men

*If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men

*Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord 

*Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head”

*Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good Romans 12 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear one, what is God calling you to do today? Sit down for TEA with your Bible and Jesus and ask Him about your calling. Read His word, perhaps starting with Romans 12. Underline verses He shows you. Pray for His strength to carry out this calling. Let Him pick you up when you stumble and set you back on your feet. Keep pressing on toward the goal! God’s got this, dear sister in Christ!

God is my strength and power,
And He makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33 (NKJV)

My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26 (NKJV)

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

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)

p.s. Could you please pray for me and my calling? God has given me a vision to take Jesus and My TEA CUPP Prayers invitation to ladies across the USA, traveling in an RV with my family. So many things must come together for this to happen, but with God all things are possible. Thank you for praying for my calling. I pray right now that God will strengthen you to carry out His calling, too! Jesus loves you, dear sister!

And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel.  Ephesians 6:19 (NKJV)

That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord,
Are the Most High over all the earth.
Psalm 83:18 (NKJV)

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17(NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson

Remember the Sabbath

For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. Matthew 12:8 (NKJV)

How are you doing on your Jesus journey, my friend?  As I look around our world and hear the news, I pray for a revival and for God to heal our land. But the only way for a revival is for hearts to turn to Him in repentance. And so, instead of pointing fingers, I look into my own heart for places I need to repent (Matthew 7:5).  One place sure hit me be surprise!

I loved Sundays, I loved going to church, I loved worshiping Jesus there and singing and seeing friends, and coming home for a Sunday afternoon nap or scrapbooking.  I thought I was keeping the Sabbath.  And then suddenly, after all those years, God showed me and others that no, I wasn’t celebrating HIS Sabbath, for His Sabbath is on the 7th day of the week. 

It’s right there in the Genesis story…and on the seventh day He rested (Genesis 2:2).  It’s right there in the Ten Commandments…remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy (Exodus 20:8).  It’s right there in the prophets Jeremiah …nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath Day (Jeremiah 17:21-22) and Ezekiel… Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me… (Ezekiel 20:12-13).  It is right there in the Gospels, when Jesus asked, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good?” and when the women waited until the Sabbath was ended to buy spices to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 3:4, Mark 16:1). It is right in the book of Acts alongside when they started worshiping on the first day of the week, the day Jesus rose from the grave…it says, they went a Sabbath’s Day journey (Acts. 1:12, Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2).  How could I miss that after reading my Bible daily for over a quarter of a century?

For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.” Hebrews 4:4 (NKJV)

The longer we practice keeping the Sabbath, the more I realize what a gift it is from the Father. Just as He sent us His only Son to give us eternal life, He sent us the Sabbath to give us rest for our weary souls. It is a blessing for us and a sign to others that we love the Father so much we want to please Him. Consider this: Sabbath = Gift = Rest. The Sabbath is most certainly a delight! (Psalm 23:3, John 3:16, Romans 8:32, Ezekiel 20:12, Isaiah 58:13)

 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 (NKJV)

The prophet Jeremiah declared, Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Let us instead say, “We will walk in the old paths!”  We aren’t putting new wine into old wine skins, but rather, we are new wine skins full of His Holy Spirit, walking the old paths with faith in Jesus Christ! Peter tells us, “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”  I believe that in His forbearance God had passed over the sins of the saints until now, allowing Christians to be different from His chosen people Israel. Yet now He is calling us to return to His ways. Paul also tells us we are without excuse for all creation points to our Creator God who rested on the seventh day.  Our old pastor used to say, Christians don’t look any different from the rest of the world.  Today, let’s be different and be a sign to all as we celebrate His Sabbaths. I’m praying for the Holy Spirit to give widespread revelation of this calling across our land! (Jeremiah 6:16, 2Corinthians 5:17, Mark 2:22, 1Peter 4:17, Acts 17:30, Romans 3:25-26, Romans 1:20, Ezekiel 20:12, 1Samuel3:1)

Now we know we are not saved by following the Law (Romans 3:20, Galatians 5:4), yet it is our guide to live a holy life in Christ Jesus (Romans 7:12). And so, I come before the throne of grace and ask Jesus’ forgiveness for messing with His Sabbaths all these years. Our family started a home church on Saturday mornings. The country lane where we lived was called Dry Creek Road, so we called our home church, Dry Creek Bible Fellowship, where Jesus’ Living Water was poured out freely to quench the thirsty.  Our youngest son played piano while we sang a few hymns.  We confessed our sins and read a Psalm.  We prayed for others God put upon our hearts. We read God’s Word, an Old Testament and a New Testament chapter each week.  And we shared what God had taught us in His Word that week. Lastly, we gave each other the Bread and Cup, remembering Jesus’ body and blood and sacrificial death on the cross, His resurrection and ascension until He comes to take us home. We have continued our home church as we’ve moved from our Dry Creek home to guest houses to campers, pouring out His Living Water and Holy Spirit in new places.

Here is the patience of the saints; Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.  Revelation 14:12 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Read Nehemiah 13:15-22 for more about the Sabbath. Dear one, we must all search the Scriptures to see if this is so (Psalm 1:2, Acts 17:11).  What is it that God is calling you to do?  What area of your life doesn’t match up completely with His Word? Turn to Jesus in repentance and ask His help to walk His straight and narrow path.

But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”  Luke 11:28 (NKJV)

And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. Luke 23:56 (NKJV)

 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. Ecclesiastes 12:13

(See also Exodus 16:23-30, Exodus 23:10-12, Exodus 31:12-18, Exodus 34:21, Exodus 35:1-3, Leviticus 19:3, Leviticus 19:30, Leviticus 20:8, Leviticus 23:3, Leviticus 26:2, Numbers 15:40, Deuteronomy 10:12, Deuteronomy 13:14, Joshua 23:6, Nehemiah 9:14, Nehemiah 10:31, Nehemiah 13:17, Nehemiah 13:22, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 111:10, Psalm 119:35, Psalm 119:47, Proverbs 6:23, Proverbs 7:2, Isaiah 48:18, Isaiah 49:10, Isaiah 56:1-8, Isaiah 58:13-14, Jeremiah 6:19, Jeremiah 17:19-27, Jeremiah 31:33-34, Jeremiah 44:10, Ezekiel 20:12-13, Ezekiel 20:24, Ezekiel 22:26, Malachi 4:4, Matthew 5:17-20, Matthew 19:17, Mark 2:27-28, Mark 7:6-13, Mark 10:3, Mark 12:29-31, Luke 6:5, Luke 6:9, Luke 13:24, John 13:34, John 15:10, Acts 13:14-15, Acts 18:4, Acts 28:23, Romans 14:5-6, Colossians 2:16-17, Hebrews 4:3, 1Peter 4:17, 1John 2:3, 1John 5:2-3, Revelation 22:14)

 I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8 (NKJV)

 The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver. 
Psalm 119:72 (NKJV)

 Therefore I love Your commandments
More than gold, yes, than fine gold! 
Psalm 119:127 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking Care of the Temple

For you are the temple of the living God… 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NKJV)

Ever since last summer when I wrote a series of devotions for runners, I’ve wanted to add another devotion called “Taking Care of the Temple.” This devotion is so needed today, with everyone’s mind on health and staying healthy through the pandemic. I join you in seeking to take care of this temple God has given me to use for this short time we have on earth…

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)

Did you know you are running around inside a temple? God’s Word calls our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit. Other verses refer to our bodies as “tents” or “earthly shells.” These bodies of flesh are really just temporary homes for our spirits and the Holy Spirit. Some of us who are getting old are thankful that God is making new bodies for us in heaven! Our aching backs tell us that this model is wearing out!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV)

When I was a cross-country runner in college, my coach was really big on “no sugar.” That was one of his main rules for taking care of our bodies. He also told us to get plenty of sleep. If we had a bad night sleep, he said we could expect to get sick or injured three days later. More often than not, he was right on this point.

I followed my coach’s guidelines religiously, not eating sugar the whole time he was my coach. Even after my teammates and coaches died in a plane crash the fall of my sophomore year, I continued the “no sugar” diet. But by the following spring, still wallowing in grief, I gave in and ate some Easter M & Ms. Those M & Ms led to more M & Ms which led to an eating disorder called bulimia. I was not taking care of the temple any more. I understand completely when I hear of others who have turned to alcohol or substances to hide their hurts, only harming themselves more, for that’s what I did with food.

But the day I gave my life to Jesus, He washed away that eating disorder! Not all my bad habits were washed away that day, but the eating disorder was. Jesus took the grief of losing my cross country team and gave me His peace and comfort. And He helped me eat right again. I pray He will do this for any of you who are struggling today, too.

An even more urgent need in our country right now is for God’s wisdom with the current Covid “vaccine.” This is something you do NOT want to put into God’s temple, your body. Being a pro-life advocate, I researched this treatment heavily and found out shocking news. Some of the shots are made from aborted babies and some are tested on aborted babies. They aren’t just using an old baby from the 1970’s. Each new batch of shots has to be tested again. There is no way God can bless a treatment with such horrible origins. That was enough for me to say “No” to these “vaccines.”

If that is not bad enough, there is an even more evil agenda out there to use these abortion-tainted drugs to euthanize people. I fear only a remnant will remain when this dreadful deed is done. That is why the shots were offered first to the elderly, handicapped and people of color. And now they are trying to get everyone else, especially people who will bear children. The shots contain spike proteins that cause blood clots, leading to seizures, strokes, and many other deadly ailments. You do not want this in your temple!

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God… 1 Corinthians 3:16-19 (NKJV)

Dear One, trust me on this. Trust God’s Word on this. When He said “Thou Shalt Not Murder” in the Ten Commandments, He meant it. He never said it would be okay to kill a baby to make a “vaccine” to de-populate the planet! But He did say, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28).

If you have already gotten the vaccine, or if you feel like your temple is nearing its final miles, remember this most precious promise…

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. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear Runner, please study the verses in this devotion and pray hard for God to help you take care of this temple, your body. Eat right, drink lots of water, get your rest, read your Bible, and please don’t get the vaccine. We need you to carry the baton to the finish line! Hold fast to Jesus until the end.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:21-22 (NKJV)

And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NKJV)

But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Hebrews 3:6 (NKJV)

You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 (NKJV)

My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26 (NKJV)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers. If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to read Sheep to the Slaughter which has links to even more articles about the “vaccine.”

My 2021 Motto: Know Jesus. NO vaccine.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. …so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. Romans 6:12-19 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Esther’s Great Calling

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  Have those words been ringing in your ears, as they have in mine, while watching history unfold this year?  As I hear the news that more babies are marked for abortion, while our elderly are being “vaccinated” with cells derived from or tested on such babies, my heart breaks, for I know that the Author of Life can in no way bless such an atrocious endeavor (Romans 1:18). Our cradles and homes for the elderly will be empty (see links below). Perhaps you’ve prayed the prayer, “May my heart be broken by what breaks the heart of God.” That’s what is happening to me right now…my heart is broken by the imminent deaths of innocents.  There should be great mourning, fasting, weeping and wailing at such tragic news (Esther 4:3).

There was a lady back in Old Testament times with the same crisis.  Her people, the Jews, were marked for extermination.  She was the one God called to save them.  What can we learn from Esther that will help us through this time in history?  Let us walk through Esther’s story today.  The book of Esther began with King Ahasuerus having a big party.  When his wife, Queen Vashti, refused to come when he called her, she was dethroned, as an example to all ladies to honor their husbands, both great and small (Esther 1:20).

After his anger cooled, the king wished to have a queen again.  A questionable beauty pageant was arranged where he chose his next queen.  Esther pleased the king and won the contest, not telling anyone that she was a Jew.  At the same time, the second leader in the nation, Haman, was miffed with a fellow named Mordecai (who happened to be Esther’s uncle), because Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to him as he passed by.  Haman tricked the king into signing a destructive decree saying, 

“There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people’s, and they do not keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain.” (Esther 3:8, NKJV)

When Mordecai heard the decrees, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes.  Esther sent him new clothes to wear, but he refused, sending Esther a message of the impending destruction.  This is when Mordecai cried his famous line, “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther and her maids fasted and prayed for three days before Esther went to the king (Esther 4:16).  That’s when the miracle happened…

While Esther and her maids were fasting, the king couldn’t sleep. King Ahasuerus commanded the history books to be read before him. And what happened? Past information was brought to the spotlight, how Mordecai had saved the king’s life.  The next day Haman was forced to honor Mordecai for his service to the king. You must read the entire book of Esther to hear its exciting conclusion of how Esther saved her people, the Jews. 

My friends, this same happy ending is what I want for babies, the elderly, and all Christians today. We are the Jews, for our hearts have been circumcised with the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:29).   It is our children and grandparents whose lives have been considered disposable.  We must be like Esther and cry out for these beloved.  Protect those near and dear to you.  And I pray that the true history of this present time will also be brought to the spotlight.

Dear Sister in Christ, we have been called for such a time as this: 1) To be godly wives for our husbands, 2) To raise up godly children who love the Lord Jesus, 3) To pray for our grandchildren and point them to Jesus, 4) To love our neighbors and shine His light on them, 5) To care for the sick, the widow, the orphan, 6) To pray for our leaders and for God to raise up leaders after His own heart, 7) and to stand in the gap, praying and speaking for those who have no voice… You will find even more callings as you read God’s Word.  

Let us write the history book for 2021 with courageous acts.  Let the truth be revealed. May God send a revival across this land such has never been seen before.  Hearts everywhere will be open to Him. Knees will bow, mouths will confess, souls will repent.  You won’t have to say “know the Lord,” for everyone will will know Him (Hebrews 8:11).  There will be celebrating, giving of gifts, feasting, fasting, and praying before the Lord (Esther 9:19, 22). The Prince of Peace and Truth shall reign (Esther 9:30).  And we will tell the story of God’s miraculous salvation to our children’s children’s children forever (Esther 9:28).

“What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request… Esther 5:6 (NKJV)

Dear Jesus, If I have found favor in Your sight, and if it pleases the King, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, our babies and grandparents, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated… (Esther 7:3-4). We pray for our nation to repent and turn to You.  We pray for hearts everywhere to cry out to You in confession. We claim the forgiveness You bought us on the Cross. We pray for hearts to be opened across our nation and world, and for You to pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us. We pray for precious lives…innocent babies….the elderly…and all those in between.  Do Your miracles, Jesus!  May Your Name be magnified! May the Word of the Lord grow mightily and prevail. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Read the entire book of Esther and be inspired by this riveting piece of history.  Read Romans 8:31-39 for encouragement as you follow God’s calling in such a time as this. Be in God’s Word, for He always has just what you need.   Ask the Lord how He wants you to serve your family and neighbors and nation.  Dear One, God has brought you to the kingdom for such a time as this!  

Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.’  Acts 22:14 (NKJV)

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:34-35 (NKJV)

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”  Acts 18:9-10 (NKJV)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Roman 8:18 (NKJV)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers! If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to read Let’s Talk about Calling and My Mission and One Life to Spend.

p.s.  Don’t get the vaccine.  For you are the temple of the Living God (2 Cor. 6:16).  Jesus is the cure for America. He tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” If you would like to research the current shots being offered to the public and other life news, here are a few links…

https://www.lifesitenews.com/tags/tag/coronavirus+vaccine

https://www.brighteon.com/4071ef0b-1c11-44d2-9a5b-6496baf00d0a

https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/vaers-covid-vaccine-injury-reports-increase/?itm_term=home

https://lozierinstitute.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine/

https://rtl.org/educational-materials/vaccines-abortion/

https://thetruthaboutvaccines.com/deaths-reported-following-covid-vaccine/

https://vaccinedeaths.com/

https://vaccinedeaths.com/2021-02-02-aborted-fetal-tissue-coronavirus-vaccines-spike-proteins.html

https://cogforlife.org/guidance/

https://www.40daysforlife.com/

https://aclj.org/pro-life/president-biden-starting-plan-to-reverse-trump-administrations-title-x-defunding-of-planned-parenthood

https://aclj.org/pro-life/president-biden-will-force-you-to-pay-for-international-abortions

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson

10 Years Under The Water

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22

We’ve been under The Water for 10 years now. This weekend marks ten years since our believer’s baptism in Christ Jesus.  Ten years under His cover and forgiveness.  Ten years under His mercy and grace. Ten years under His unfailing love.

What a joy that was to be baptized with my family, just like Lydia in Acts 16:15.  Our son Jacob took his faith to college, serving in Campus Crusade for Christ as a missionary.  Our son Kevin is now studying at Bible College. My husband Kent and I are raising up our gift from God who came exactly nine months after our baptism.  We still pray for how we can be bright lights for Jesus in this world that needs Him so much.

Today we are even closer to Jesus’s return than we were a decade ago (Romans 13:11). Oh, how I pray that all you dear ladies may be under His Water and care, too. I share again the devotion I wrote ten years ago (many of you have read this in my first book, My TEA CUPP Prayers).

God CALLS us to do many things.  Reading my Bible each morning, I slowly hear what He’s telling me to do.  Every year I read the story of Jesus’ baptism, I’d wonder, “Why did Jesus need to be baptized?  He was perfect and without sin?” Then God showed me that Jesus did this to be a model for us and to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).

And so we followed Jesus’ example… on a very cold January Sunday in Montana, I was blessed to be baptized with my family.  This was a CALL a long time coming.  We had all been baptized as infants and grew up in church.  But this day we proclaimed, “We believe in YOU Jesus, we belong to YOU, please wash away our old selves and make us new creations.”

I claimed John 12:24 as my baptism verse…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. We were the wheat being buried in the ground in baptism.  I prayed that I could be like that grain of wheat and produce much fruit for Jesus.

On this day God’s baptismal CALL for me was fulfilled. I was dunked in my TEA CUPP.  All my thanking, exalting, admitting, calling, understanding, promising, petitioning…all my prayers were there that day.  He washed me in His Word, as I gave my life again to JESUS, because He first gave His life for me.  Oh Jesus, help us bear fruit for you!

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16 (NKJV)

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 (NKJV)

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14 (NKJV)

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 (NKJV)

...for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.