Thank You Psalms

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8 (NKJV)

When spring finally comes to Montana after a very long winter, our hearts overflow in thanksgiving to Jesus. The bright blue skies promise an end to snow storms. Drifts melt into puddles, making way for green fields.  The daffodils and tulips raise colors in praise to their Creator.  And my heart sings for joy that winter is over!

This is the perfect time to read a Psalm of thanks, remembering all the blessings Jesus has sent us.  Psalms 107 or 136 are great places to begin.  I love the rhythm of these Psalms, how they repeat and we may add our own lines of thanks…

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
    For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
    For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
    For His mercy endures forever:

To Him who alone does great wonders,
    For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
    For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
    For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who made great lights,
    For His mercy endures forever— Psalm 136:1-7 (NKJV)

When I go running on a beautiful spring morning, my heart is bursting with thanks for the mountains, the blue skies, the green fields, the bright sunshine…I like to sing a song in my head as my feet pound out the rhythm…

Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.
Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.
Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son.
Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for us.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for us.
Thank You, Spirit, for living in me.
Thank You, Spirit, for living in me.
Thank You, Father, for loving us so much.
Thank You, Father, for loving us so much.
Thank You, Jesus, You are my King.
Thank You, Jesus, You are my Lord.
Thank You, Spirit, for delivering our prayers.
Thank You, Spirit, for delivering our prayers.
Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.
Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.

Today’s TEA CUPP:  What song of thanksgiving has God put in your heart? Begin today by reading Psalm 107, 136 or another Psalm.  Select a favorite verse to write in your prayer journal and pray to Jesus.  Let this verse be your conversation starter as you thank the Lord for the many blessings He has given you.  Perhaps you’d like to write your own “Thank You Psalm” to God.

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

Four Verses for TEA

I love finding all the parts of my TEA CUPP in just one section of the Bible. It’s a refreshing way to pray, using these few verses to pour out my heart to Jesus.  Today’s verses come from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the fourth chapter, verses 4-7.  Many of you are familiar with these famous words:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)

T for Thanksgiving

…but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving…  Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

Be anxious for nothing… Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

 C for Calling:

Let your gentleness be known to all men… Philippians 4:5 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our story:

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

...The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5 (NKJV)

…will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

…let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: My Bible study leader, Terry, says we should chew on God’s Word as a cow chews her cud, over and over again. This week, chew on Philippians 4:4-7, praying in order of the verses, or in order of the TEA CUPP for variety.  By the end of the week, you may have it memorized and can pray it anywhere!  Be blessed in Philippians, my friend!

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

My Lazarus Tea

My Tea Cupp Prayers

John 11 tells the miraculous story of Jesus raising His friend Lazarus from the grave. Lazarus had been dead for four days.  Before his death Lazarus was sick, but Jesus didn’t come.  Why did Jesus wait to visit? — So that God would be glorified!  In this amazing account, John describes how Jesus was moved to tears, yet continued His ministry, comforted the sisters, and raised Lazarus to life.  So many good verses are found in this passage that we can use in our prayers.  I call this, “My Lazarus Tea.”

T for Thanksgiving
And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” John 11:41(NKJV)

E for Exalting:

When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. John 11:10 (NKJV)

 C for Calling:

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”  John 11:40 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our story:

She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:27 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11:23 (NKJV)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

“Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11:3 (NKJV)

“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” John 11:21-22 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read John 11 and the miraculous story of Jesus raising His friend Lazarus from the grave. Underline your favorite verses and use them as conversation starters as you pray with Jesus today.  You might use one of the verses above, or perhaps the Bible’s shortest verse, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Then tell Jesus about something that’s making you very sad right now.  Let Him comfort you with His promises.

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

More Good Books

Calling all readers! Winter isn’t over yet and you still have some long evenings by the fireplace to fill. Often it’s hard to find just the right title to uplift, inspire and encourage you in your walk with the Lord. I always appreciate a book recommended by a friend.  So today I share with you some more good books to pass those dark nights.  Pull up a chair, a good book, a cup of tea or cocoa, and be blessed.

In His Steps

This was likely the fifth time I read In His Steps.  There is something compelling about a story that makes one return to it again and again for inspiration.  Written in the late 1800s as a sermon series, this provoking novel about a church in Kansas, gave birth to the popular expressions, WWJD?, What Would Jesus Do?  A small group from the church heeded the pastor’s call to ask this question before embarking on any endeavor.   You will find yourself wrapped up in the lives of a railroad tycoon, a singer, a newspaper editor and others who are seeking God’s path. The results were amazing and spread all the way to Chicago and the world.  You will want this to be the next book on your “to read” list.

 

Rebel With A Cause

How this book ended up on my bookshelf is a story in itself.  A few years back we decided to remove ourselves from all junk mail and email lists, sending companies unsubscribe notices.  In response to my departure from the Samaritan’s Purse list, Franklin Graham sent me a free copy of his book, Rebel With A Cause.  Such a nice hardback book I couldn’t just toss, so I put it on my bookshelf.  Five years later, when searching for something to read, I pulled it down and read the first page. I was instantly wrapped up in the life of the eldest son of the great http://your-pharmacies.com evangelist Billy Graham, his salvation story,  and how he came to lead the godly relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse.  You will be inspired to live out God’s call for your life as you read how Jesus helped Franklin Graham.

Just As I Am

Having enjoyed Franklin Graham’s autobiography so much, I searched for more titles at my local library.  I was delighted to find a copy of Just As I Am by Billy Graham.  This book is a bit weightier than the other two titles, literally and figuratively.  The 760 page autobiography is a heavy one to put in your airline carry-on bag, but the tales of Rev. Graham’s crusades from Los Angeles to Australia to Russia (behind the Iron Curtain) to the ends of the earth, will encourage you to follow whatever God’s call is for your life. From his roots as a dairy farmer in North Carolina to his role as pastor to presidents, no one can deny that Rev. Graham lived a life worthy of the calling with which he was called.  And as I write this short review, I believe the dear pastor is ninety-nine years old and still talking with Jesus from North Carolina.

Finally, book-lovers, if these are not enough titles for you, I recommend a social media book group, Goodreads.com, where you can share and find more Christian books to inspire.  My TEA CUPP Prayers is also on there, so if you are a Goodreads member, I appreciate you dropping by to give me a review.  Many thanks and God bless your cozy evenings!

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

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

TEA with Hebrews 13

The goal of My TEA CUPP Prayers is to get you reading your Bible, listening to God, underlining verses that speak to you, and using those verses as conversation starters as you pray and have TEA with Jesus each day.  Eventually, all you will need is your Bible and you can share My TEA CUPP Prayers with a friend to get her started.  Inviting ladies to TEA with the King of kings…that’s our mission.  You are invited, my dear TEA CUPP friend.  Here are some verses from Hebrews 13 to get you started today…

T for Thanksgiving
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

…the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have…Hebrews 13:5a (NKJV)

 C for Calling:

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our story:

So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5b (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

Grace be with you all. Amen. Hebrews 13:25 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Soak yourself in Hebrews 13 today.  Read the chapter.  Underline your favorite verses.  Use these verses to pray with Jesus, pouring out your heart to Him. Keep this routine every day as you read your Bible and find more verses that God shows you.  May God bless you, dear friend!

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

My Thanks TEA

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18  (NKJV)

The Apostle Paul tells us to give thanks in everything.  God’s man who was ship-wrecked, beaten, stoned and imprisoned for Jesus, found ways to always be thankful. So this Thanksgiving, I’m challenged to give thanks in all parts of my TEA CUPP Prayers.  Here is a blend of Thanksgiving verses put together especially for you, my TEA CUPP friend.  May God bless your Thanksgiving prayers!

T for Thanksgiving:

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
Psalm 95:2 (NKJV)

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!
For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. Psalm 75:1 (NKJV)

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV)

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm 30:4 (NKJV)

I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 (NKJV)

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.  Psalm 92:1 (NKJV)

Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen. Revelation 7:12 (NKJV)

We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.  Revelation 11:17 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

Save us, O God of our salvation;
Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise. 1 Chronicles 16:35 (NKJV)

 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:3-4 (NKJV)


Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 (NKJV)

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:17 (NKJV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)

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

U is for Understanding our story:

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalm 30:12 (NKJV)

So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture,
Will give You thanks forever;
We will show forth Your praise to all generations. Psalm 79:13 (NKJV)

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)

P is for Promises:

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name;
The upright shall dwell in Your presence.
Psalm 140:13 (NKJV)

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

P is for Petitioning:

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Colossians 1:3 (NKJV)

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: We can find so many thanksgiving verses in our Bibles.  Jesus must want to hear our thanks!  Underline these verses and other favorites God shows you.  Use these scriptures to pray and be thankful all year long.

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

My Morning TEA

 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)

My favorite time for TEA with Jesus is first thing in the morning. Before the concerns of a new day hit, we need to sit down with Jesus, letting Him fill our CUPPS with His Word.  So today’s verses all have a morning theme.  When we pray at the dawn of the day, we follow in the steps of Jesus:

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35 (NKJV)

T for Thanksgiving:

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

Therefore glorify the Lord in the dawning light,
The name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea. Isaiah 24:15 (NKJV)

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble. Psalm 59:16 (NKJV)

For behold,
He who forms mountains,
And creates the wind,
Who declares to man what his thought is,
And makes the morning darkness,
Who treads the high places of the earth—
The Lord God of hosts is His name. Amos 4:13 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

Lord, be gracious to us;
    we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
    our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2 (NIV)

 C for Calling:

To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night.  Psalm 92:2 (NKJV)

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8 (NKJV)

If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday. Isaiah 58:10 (NKJV)

 U is for Understanding our story:

I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word. Psalm 119:47 (NKJV)

My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning. Psalm 130:6 (NKJV)

He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear
To hear as the learned. Isaiah 50:4 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:9-10 (NKJV)

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

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

Today’s TEA CUPP:  The old song, “In the Morning When I Rise, Give me Jesus” fills my head as I pray these morning verses.  May you be blessed, My TEA CUPP friend, as you spend time with Jesus this morning and every morning.

Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.  Psalm 55:7 (NKJV)

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011.

TEA with 2 Thessalonians

Good morning, TEA CUPP Friends!

This CUPP of TEA you can sip in one hour, and then savor the rest of the day.  First read the book of 2 Thessalonians from the New Testament in your Bible.  2 Thessalonians is only three chapters and won’t take long to read. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians, a group of early Christians.  Use your pen to underline your favorite verses.  Now with your verses begin a conversation with Jesus, praying and talking with Him. Below I have listed the verses that jumped out at me and how I might use them in prayer…

T for Thanksgiving:

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.  2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NKJV)

Dear Jesus, thank You for these special people in my life…

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.  2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)

Dear Jesus, thank You for saving…

E for Exalting:

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

O Jesus, O Father, be glorified in my life and in the lives of…

A for Admitting:

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (NKJV)

O Lord, forgive me for being a busybody…

 C for Calling:

Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions https://onhealthy.net/product/valtrex/ which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV)

 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NKJV)

Dear Jesus, please help me stand fast and not grow weary while doing good…

U is for Understanding our story:

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NKJV)

O Jesus, You have given me everlasting consulation and good hope by grace…

P is for Promises:

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV)

Lord, I claim Your promise to guard me from the evil one…

P is for Petitioning:

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJV)

O Lord, give peace to all on my prayer list as I lift up each name to You…

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Extra petitions for my missionary son and for you to pray for the missionaries on your prayer list…Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power… 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NKJV)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,  and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (NKJV)

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

My TEA CUPP Prayers: The Book

book cover

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

My TEA CUPP Prayers: The Book!

Dear TEA CUPP Friends,

I’m so happy to announce My TEA CUPP Prayers Book is finally here and has won the devotional category of the Christian Author Awards!  So many years and so many prayers went into this book. All praise and glory to Jesus!

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Psalm 103:1 (NKJV)

 My TEA CUPP Prayers is available in print from the publisher Xulon and from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You may view your ebook right now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  Apple users may find it on iBooks. Thank you for all who are interested!  I’ve listed a few more ways to get my book at the end of this article, including how to recieve an autographed copy :-).

These 77 Devotions were compiled over the past 15 years as I prayed and raised my children.  The book invites you to a daily TEA time with Jesus.  Each week I share with you a different part of the TEA CUPP acronym, helping you pray by using God’s Word. Every message includes a “Today’s TEA CUPP,” encouraging you in your prayer life.  I pray this book brings you closer to Jesus as you meet with Him each day for TEA.

A peek at the back of the book jacket:

Who: You
When: Today
What:  TEA with Jesus
Where:  Your house
Why:  Because Jesus longs to hear from you
How:  Just open your BIBLE and your heart

Dear Friend, 
YOU are invited to TEA with Jesus TODAY!!!  “Come to Me,” Jesus calls in Matthew 11:28.  Please accept!  Allow God to draw you into a daily TEA time with Jesus through this 77-day devotional.

My TEA CUPP Prayers is an invitation to women everywhere to sit down daily with Jesus for a cup of tea.  The TEA CUPP acronym provides the parts of prayers, as we use the BIBLE to talk with our Lord.  Here new Christians discover a way to draw nearer to Jesus and old Christians taste a new flavor for their prayers. Women will dig deeper into God’s Word, come closer to Jesus by meeting with Him each day, and unleash the power of the Holy Spirit through their prayers.

T = Thanksgiving
E = Exalting His Name
A = Admitting my sins
C = Calling for my life
U = Understanding my story
P = Promises (Claiming God’s)
P = Petitions (Pouring out my heart)

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

What’s next? Now I am compiling Mom’s TEA CUPP Prayers as a second devotional book, with more recent writings. I also have dreams of other projects as God allows. I’m available to come speak to your ladies’ group and invite them to TEA with the King of kings. Thank you for praying for me!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Remember, if you feel unworthy of an invitation to TEA with our Lord, Jesus shared water with a scandalous Samaritan woman when Jews did not associate with Samaritans, and men did not speak to the women.  Jesus certainly is ready to meet with you.  Behold, He stands at the door and knocks.  My friend, please say, “Come in, Lord Jesus, come in.”

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)

p.s.  A few more ways to get a copy of my book:  In Big Timber, Montana, it is available at The Coffee Stop, Touch of Sunshine, The Fort and Tumblewood Teas for $15.  If you’d like me to mail you a copy, please send a check for $20 (for postage) to my address on the contact page and I will mail you one. It will include an autograph and bookmark.  May God bless you!

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

Promises Outside My Window

My Tea Cupp PrayersFor since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.  Romans 1:20 (NKJV)

I am spoiled.  I live in South Central Montana where the scenery never ceases to be beautiful, where God’s creation forever proclaims His glory.  And I get to see it all outside my morning window.

As I sit on the sofa for TEA with Jesus each morning, I read my Bible, glancing out the window as I ponder His Word.  There in the early morning light are God’s promises, echoing what I’ve read in His Word.

The last star of the night is still shining above our old barn.  God declares:

  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)

Two deer wander through the late-winter field, looking for some early spring plants to nibble.  I tell God:

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
 Psalm 42:1 (NKJV)

The mountains on the horizon beyond the fields catch the first rays of dawn.  And I lift up my eyes and pray:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

Patches of snow still frame our yard, having drifted under the eaves of the barn.  God promises:

Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
  Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

Brave lily plants already poke through the bare ground, promising spring is on the way.  And God says:

While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
Cold and heat,
Winter and summer,
And day and night
Shall not cease. G
enesis 8:22 (NKJV)

The big blue morning sky stretches from East to West, as far as I can see.  And I rejoice as God proclaims:

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
 Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Head outside for a nature walk today, looking for glimpses of God and praying as you walk. Oh, Jesus, You gave us this beautiful world to enjoy and to teach us about You.  Thank You for Your wonderful promises in Your creation and in Your Word.  I love You, Jesus!

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

 Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011