USA, Arise! Come Forth!

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

For the Lord is our Judge,
The Lord is our Lawgiver,
The Lord is our King;
He will save us. Isaiah 33:22 (NKJV)

Calling all prayer warriors to pray John 11 over the USA today! In John 11 we read the amazing account of Jesus raising His friend Lazarus from the grave. As you read this passage today, replace Lazarus’ name with the USA. We can say to the Lord with John 11:3, “Lord, behold, the USA who You love is sick.”

We have been very sick this year, haven’t we? First there were impeachment trials, then COVID19 and shut-downs hit our land, followed by rioting, wildfires, and each month brought some new shame. The truth is we are sick like Lazarus and dead in our sins. We are lost in a dark cave with only Jesus to save us. But God shines His light in the dark places of our hearts (Prov. 20:27) and nation, showing us our sins and providing a way out (Isaiah 35:8, John 14:6).

Jesus reassures us with John 11:4 that the USA’s sickness is not unto death, “but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” And we can claim Jesus’ promise in John 11:23, the USA “will rise again.”

When Jesus speaks to Martha in John 11:25-26, “…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” we can answer with a resounding, “YES, JESUS! WE BELIEVE IN YOU!”

Those of us who have been praying all year for our nation, probably feel like Martha and Mary do in John 11:21 & 32, “Lord, if you had been here, the USA would not have died.”

As Jesus weeps with us over the USA in John 11:35, we weep, too.

We stand amazed as Jesus tells us in John 11:40, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” and we await the miracles He will do for our country.

Let us give thanks even before the miracles, following Jesus’ example in John 11:41, “Father, we thank You that You have heard us.”

Then, with a commanding cry, and loud voice, we proclaim along with Jesus in John 11:43, “USA, Come forth!” And the USA will come out of it’s grave to new life in Jesus! Halleluja!

Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
And the fruitful field is counted as a forest. Isaiah 32:15 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Oh Jesus, You did this! You sent Your Holy Spirit at Pentecost. You turned the wilderness of the USA into a fruitful field, “the bread basket of the world.” Oh Jesus, the true Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Savior of humankind, I claim Your promise to do it again. Call us out of that grave! Pour out Your Holy Spirit on the USA! Send a revival! Turn every heart to You! USA, arise! Come forth! Come, Holy Spirit, flood this land with Your presence. Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done. In Your Holy and Mighty Name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Arise, O God, plead Your own cause;
Remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. Psalm 74:22 (NKJV)

You called my name
And I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day. (Glorious Day by Passion)

Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Jason Ingram / Kristian Stanfill / Sean Curran

Glorious Day lyrics © Worshiptogether.com Songs, Sixsteps Music, Worship Together Music, Sixsteps Songs, Sounds Of Jericho

P.S. Please keep praying for THE GREAT REVIVAL, the last great revival before Jesus’ return, where many new hearts are brought into His Kingdom to welcome His coming. Will you join me in fasting every Tuesday, though the USA election on November 3, 2020? Our country needs your prayers!

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers. If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you might also like to read Battling the enemy with the Word of God, and Of Course, There’s a Plague, and My Lazarus TEA.

Battling the enemy with the Word of God

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

Much fighting has been stirring our country lately, and I’m not referring to riots in the big cities. This fighting has been taking place behind closed doors in war rooms across our nation. Battles are being fought by prayer warriors who are taking COVID19, riots, racism, babies’ lives and the election to the foot of the cross, to Jesus. These dedicated soldiers have put on the whole armor of God, that (they) may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11). For they know we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12).

These prayer warriors are following the example of Jesus who often went by Himself to pray. In Matthew 4, we read how Jesus fought Satan in the desert with the Word of God. Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and nights. His earthly body was hungry, so the devil came to tempt Him (the enemy finds us at our weakest moments, but when we are weak, Jesus is strong! 2 Cor. 12:10). Even the enemy knew how to use God’s Word, quoting Psalm 91:11, “He shall give His angels charge over you.” Jesus could see the devil’s plot, so Jesus countered with Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” And with the final temptation, Jesus declared…

…“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Matthew 4:10 (NKJV)

Because Jesus fought with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, the Satan fled from Him. The Bible promises us in James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

When Jesus went to the cross, the devil thought he had finally won, but Jesus could have called legions of angels to rescue Him (Matt. 26:53). Jesus went to the cross because it was God’s plan all along to rescue His children from sin. After He died and was buried, on the third day, Jesus rose again in victory! Jesus conquered sin, death and the devil!

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

My friends, when you hold your Bible, you have in your hands the most powerful weapon. For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12). Don’t neglect this mighty gift God has given us — use His Word to fight the enemy.

So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear TEA Friends, our country needs your prayers! Read Matthew 4:1-11 to see how Jesus fought Satan. Can you follow His example, putting on the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17)?

Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me;
Fight against those who fight against me. Psalm 35:1 (NKJV)

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV)

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17 (NKJV)

More COVID Prayers

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NKJV)

Recently I was checking My TEA CUPP Prayers listing on Goodreads.com and discovered my daughter had left a comment! She said, “There could be another line in Ecclesiastes 3, ‘a verse for every purpose under heaven.’ Many good verses for any situation and encouragement in prayer. And my mom wrote it, so… :D”

So, of course, I had to return her compliment with Proverbs 31:29, “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”

Truly there is a Bible verse for every situation, even for COVID19! I’m sure many of you have found such verses as you’ve endured this year and read your Bibles. Here are just a few I found..

No hugging…

…A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing. Ecclesiastes 3:5 (NKJV)

Those stuck in quarantine…

You have put away my acquaintances far from me;
You have made me an abomination to them;
I am shut up, and I cannot get out;
My eye wastes away because of affliction…Psalm 88:8-9 (NKJV)

The reason for the plague…

Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds,
And the plague broke out among them. Psalm 106:29 (NKJV)

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:30 (NKJV)

God promises us…

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence. Psalm 91:3 (NKJV)

No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. Psalm 91:10 (NKJV)

Let this be our petition and our story…

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses. Psalm 107:19 (NKJV)

He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:20-21 (NKJV)

Our prayer for the USA after healing…

That they may know that this is Your hand—
That You, Lord, have done it! Psalm 109:27 (NKJV)

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: What other verses can you find to help you through this COVID19 election year? Underline them in your Bible. Share them with a friend. Share them on Facebook. Most of all, use them as conversation starters as you share a TEA CUPP with Jesus.

The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 (NKJV)

Dear Jesus, We ask that you shine Your light on our nation. We’ve been in the shadow of death this year with COVID19. We’ve been in the dark, wandering around in our sins. Forgive us, Jesus. Wash away our sins and hurts. Heal our land. Shine Your light into our hearts and clean out every corner. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us shine for You, so others will see Your light. Please keep healing our President and his wife and every person who needs Your healing. Today I pray especially for________________. In Jesus’s precious Name we pray. Amen.

The Intercessor

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

…by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19 (NKJV)

My TEA friends, you must read this book! My pastor mentioned Rees Howells Intercessor, The Story of a Life Lived for God by Norman Grubb in a sermon over a year ago. I put it on my birthday list and my daughter gave it to me for my birthday last year (Thank you, Kallie!!!). Then it sat beside my bed in the stack of books I hoped to read. Finally, this year I started reading it and couldn’t put it down for the work of God in this man’s life. You want to read this book NOW. You want to join in this amazing work of prayer witnessed in Rees Howells’ life.

Where many books climax in the middle and you “get the idea,” Intercessor climaxes in the final chapters as Mr. Howells and his praying colleagues intercede for battle upon battle of World War II and the downfall of Nazi Germany. You will be on the edge of your seat as you read, or on your face in praise and tears to God, Who alone could bring about such great victories.

What makes Intercessor so relevant now is our need for prayer in this fallen world. This year with COVID19, forest fires, hurricanes, derecho winds, and riots, God is sending us a message. God is shouting, “Turn to Me!” And in Intercessor, that’s what Rees Howells did time and again.

One hundred years ago there was an outbreak much like COVID19. Following World War I, there was a great influenza epidemic which spread over the world, causing millions of deaths. At the time, Mr. Howells and his wife were serving as missionaries in southern Africa. The Holy Spirit had led Mr. Howells to challenge death many times before, and God called him to do it again. After many of the natives died, the chief came to Mr. Howells and asked if any had died on the mission station. “No. Not one will die on the mission station,” the Holy Spirit told him to reply, “The witch doctors have failed and the ancestral spirits have failed — but our God has not failed.” (Grubb, p. 212). So the tribe members came to the mission station. Though many were sick and Mr. Howells turned the chapel into a hospital and cared for them for months, God healed them all and no one died! God had the victory!

While reading Intercessor, I’ve witnessed how the Holy Spirit is not a mailman delivering my prayers to the God. Mr. Howells shows us it’s the other way around. The Holy Spirit says the prayers and we are the vessels to deliver them to the Father. Knowing our prayers are God’s will, direct from the Holy Spirit, we don’t let the enemy cause us to doubt, for then we are like a wave tossed on the sea (James 1:6). The Holy Spirit tells us for whom to intercede, and in obedience we lift these prayers to the Lord until victory is won.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Find a copy of Rees Howells Intercessor today. Use his model of prayer in your own life. Let the Holy Spirit show you how to pray and win every battle on your knees. We can do this because both the Spirit (Romans 8:26) and Jesus (Romans 8:24) are making intercession for us. Our country needs your prayers, dear friend. Keep praying for the USA.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7 (NKJV)

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 (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)

Grubb, Norman (1952). Rees Howells Intercessor, The Story of a Life Lived for God. Fort Washington, PA: CLC Publications.

Return to Jesus

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NKJV)

Dear Friends, God has put something heavy upon my heart to share with you. As Christians, we are called to be His ambassadors, taking the Good News of His salvation to the lost. I plead with you, I implore you, be reconciled to God through the saving work of His Son Jesus who died for your sins.

“…Return to Me, and I will return to you,”
Says the Lord of hosts… Malachi 3:7 (NKJV)

We live in a broken world, the evidence is all around us…aborting babies, riots, evil being called good, good being called evil, plagues, hurricanes, forest fires… the list goes on. When God first created the world it was good, but then satan the snake tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Eve shared it with Adam and our world hasn’t been the same since. God had to kick Adam and Eve out of His perfect garden and lock the gate because of their sin.

But God made a way to make things right again. As the prophets foretold, He sent His only Son Jesus, who never sinned, to take on the sin of all the world. Jesus died a very painful death, bearing all those sins because He loves us. But that’s not the end of the story. On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, conquering sin and death forever and opening to all who believe in Him the gates of heaven and eternal life. My friends, this is a free gift that we must accept NOW. Now is the acceptable time, today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).

Return to Jesus with all your heart and soul and might. Ask for His forgiveness. Accept His free gift of salvation. Fill your heart with His Holy Spirit and Word by reading your Bible every day. Tell others about Jesus, being an ambassador for Him.

There is a movement called The Return which I want you to check out. Dedicated Christians have been planning this event for months. Though it may be smaller because of the COVID19 restrictions, our prayers can be BIGGER because we serve an awesome God who can do amazingly more than all we ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). The event runs September 18-28, with September 26 being the big day, but our prayers can continue 40 days to the election and even beyond. Please check out the link above and invite others to join us in prayer for our nation.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Hosea 14. If you haven’t prayed the sinners prayer, please pray with me right now…Dear Jesus, I want to be in your family. I want to be Your child and be washed clean from all the bad things I’ve done in my life, all the times I didn’t listen to You, all the times I went my own way. Please scrub away all my selfishness and pride and everything else I’ve done that is not of You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and be with me each day. Help me walk on Your straight and narrow path. I believe You are my Savior who died for my sins. I believe You rose again and are preparing a place for me in heaven. I believe You are the only Way, the only Lord, the only God. Please help me live as Your daughter from this moment forward. Thank you for loving me and dying for me and letting me be in Your family. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

…Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)

…for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. 2 Chronicles 30:9 (NKJV)

If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up;
You will remove iniquity far from your tents. Job 22:23 (NKJV)

…Yet when they returned and cried out to You,
You heard from heaven;
And many times You delivered them according to Your mercies. Nehemiah 9:28 (NKJV)

So you, by the help of your God, return;
Observe mercy and justice,
And wait on your God continually. Hosea 12:6 (NKJV)

So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm. Joel 2:13 (NKJV)

Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 1:3 (NKJV)

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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)

P.S. Please keep praying for THE GREAT REVIVAL, the last great revival before Jesus’ return, where many new hearts are brought into His Kingdom to welcome His coming.

Of Course, There’s a Plague!

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

We have sinned with our fathers,
We have committed iniquity,
We have done wickedly. Psalm 106:6 (NKJV)

Oh, what a year! People will always remember 2020 as the year of COVID19, the coronavirus, quarantines, masks, closures… although we won’t want to remember it because of all the deaths, fear, loneliness, rules, and missed events. We all wonder why this had to happen. Yet, when we search God’s Word we find so many relevant verses.

Psalm 106 is one that speaks to our current situation, summing up our nation and world’s troubles, “We have sinned…we have committed iniquity…” (Ps. 106:6). Psalm 106 goes on to list all those sins from so long ago. Can we see all these in our country today?…

We did not understand God’s wonders (Ps. 106:7)
We did not remember the multitude of God’s mercies (Ps. 106:7)
We rebelled (Ps. 106:7)
We forgot His works (Ps. 106:13)
We did not wait for His counsel (Ps. 106:13)
We lusted (Ps. 106:14)
We tested God (Ps. 106:14)
We envied our leaders (Ps. 106:16)
We made idols and worshiped them (Ps. 106:19)
We forgot God our Savior (Ps. 106:21)
We despised the pleasant land (Ps. 106:24)
We did not believe God’s Word (Ps. 106:24)
We joined ourselves to the devil (Ps. 106:28)
We rebelled against His Spirit (Ps. 106:33)
We did not destroy God’s enemies (Ps. 106:34)
We followed the way of unbelievers (Ps. 106:35)
We served our idols (Ps. 106:36)
We sacrificed our children (Ps. 106:37)
We shed innocent blood (Ps. 106:38)
We defiled ourselves and played the harlot (Ps. 106:39)

Is it no wonder the plague broke out among us? (Ps. 106:29). What can we do? We can intervene like Phinehas (Ps. 106:30) and stand in the breach like Moses (Ps. 106:23) so God’s wrath is turned away. We must pray for our country, for our neighbors, for our families. Pray for God to send a revival across this land.

Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV)

There is HOPE, my dear friends. We have the HOPE found in Jesus Christ. Because of His saving work on the cross, all who believe in Him are rescued from this crazy world (John 3:16). Jesus died for every sin listed above and for all the others, too. Let’s pray for our nation to turn to Jesus! And God will hear our cries (Ps. 106:44)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read and pray Psalm 106. Repent, turn to God. Ask His forgiveness through Jesus Christ for yourself and for our country. Turn over a new leaf this fall. Let’s give everyone something NEW to remember about 2020…the year of REVIVAL! Pray for our nation daily. Forgive us, O Lord.

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)

May this be THE GREAT REVIVAL, the last great revival before Jesus’ return, where many new hearts are brought into His Kingdom to welcome His coming. Will you join me in fasting for the next 7 Tuesdays, though the USA election on November 3, 2020? Our country needs our prayers now as much as ever. Check out this event happening in the coming days… https://thereturn.org/

Save us, O Lord our God,
And gather us from among the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!” Psalm 106:47-48 (NKJV)

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1 (NKJV)

A Dead Heat

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

Today I continue my series of running devotions for My TEA CUPP for Athletes & Runners Book & Journal. I pray these will be a blessing to you and you will be encouraged to PRESS ON! Hope you are inspired as you exercise your faith!

But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:30 (NKJV)

Have you heard of a dead heat? In the sports world, it’s when two or more athletes cross the finish line at exactly the same time, making determining the winner a challenging task.

There have been many famous dead heats over the years, from high school sports to the Olympics Games. Just Google “Dead Heat finishes in track and field” and you will find a proliferation of examples. One cool finish I found was of the 100 m final race at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. If you’d like to watch it, check this out…A Dead Heat.

But why do I bring this up today? Because recently I was reading Jesus’ Parable of the Laborers in Matthew 20. Jesus told the story of a landowner who goes out early one morning to hire workers for his field. They agree on a wage for the day and get to work. At 9 a.m. the landowner goes out to hire more workers for the day for the same wages. At noon and 3 p.m. he again hires workers for the same wages. And at 5 p.m. he hires the last group. When evening comes, all the workers come for their pay and receive exactly the same wage, one denarius.

Of course, the workers who began early in the day grumble about this. Author John MacArthur in his study Bible explains this amazing story, how the landowner choose to be generous, just as God is compassionate and merciful on His people. In response to verse 20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first last…” MacArthur explains, “In other words, everyone finishes in a dead heat.” As Christians, we will all finish in a dead heat when we get to heaven, the thief on the cross, Rev. Billy Graham, the baby born yesterday and you!

The crowds (angels) in the stadium will cheer and glorify God as crowns are awarded to every finisher. And if it’s anything like the one time I ran a marathon, we will collapse into the arms of Jesus in thanksgiving.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV)

The Runner’s TEA CUPP: Read the Parable of the Laborers in Matthew 20:1-16. Celebrate that we will all cross the finish line together in a dead heat. Who can you tell about Jesus today, so they can join you in crossing the finish line?

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:11 (NKJV)

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27 (NKJV)

Passing the Baton

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:16 (NKJV)

Perhaps the most crucial point in a relay race is the passing of the baton. Athletes practice for weeks, carefully timing the perfect hand-off. Coaches hold their eyes on the baton, willing it to stay in the hands of the runners. Parents watch from the bleachers, holding their collective breaths until the baton is securely in the hand of the next runner. Then the crowd erupts in cheers for the runner until the next passing of the baton. A relay race can be both nerve-wracking and beautiful, depending upon the success of the baton passers.

Dear running friend, you’ve been given a baton to pass, too. You have this faith in Jesus which has been growing every day as you’ve read your Bible. The Holy Spirit has taught you so many truths about God. And now He is calling You to share your faith with others. We are called to pass the baton of faith in Christ Jesus to our friends, and strangers, and the next generation.

We will not hide them from their children,
Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,
And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. Psalm 78:4 (NKJV)

Just as Ananias passed the baton to Paul (Acts 9) who passed it to Timothy (1 Timothy) and all the churches of the New Testament, just as Peter passed the baton to 3000 people at Pentecost (Acts 2), just as my friends Dawn, Paulette, and others pointed me to Jesus so I could pass Him on to my children and to you…Jesus is calling you to do the same. He says, “teach them to your children and your grandchildren,” (Deut. 4:9) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 29:19) and “you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

I imagine the angels are watching from their heavenly bleachers, cheering us on as we carry our batons. We practice for weeks at Bible study, praying for the right words to say. The angels keep their eyes on the baton as we pass it to our friends and family. Sometimes we fumble it and the angels sigh. But we are given another chance and they let out a cheer when we succeed, for there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7).

Today’s TEA CUPP: Ask the Lord to lay someone upon your heart, someone with whom you can share Jesus, passing your baton of faith. Go, dear runner, you can do it! The Lord is with you!

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NKJV)

Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Psalm 34:11 (NKJV)

More than a Running Buddy

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

…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)

It’s great to have a Running Buddy. As I plod along the highway at the break of dawn, one foot after another, sometimes on pavement, sometimes on the gravel or grassy shoulder, I am not alone. If you drive by me, I may smile and wave a hand if I’m paying attention, yet often I’m lost in thought, lost in prayer with my Best Friend.

We were up together long before the sunrise, as we shared a CUPP of TEA and several Bible verses together. He spoke through His Word and I tried really hard to listen. I shared what I heard back to Him and poured out my heart for loved ones. Then we both looked at the clock and realized it was time to strap on the running shoes and continue our talk outside.

My run began much like my prayer time with singing a song in my head of THANKSGIVING to my Best Friend. Then I sang another song of praising and EXALTING, because HE is such an awesome Friend. But now as my feet hit the road, I think about how wonderful my Friend is, I realize how far I fall short, how I mess up and sin. So, I sing a song for ADMITTING my sins to Him and He forgives me and washes me clean.

Continuing down the highway, I sing songs about my CALLING, and UNDERSTANDING my story, and claiming His PROMISES. Finally, I finish my PETITIONS with The Lord’s Prayer, the best prayer of all. I’m so thankful for our Lord Jesus. He is way more than a Running Buddy, He is the Savior of my soul, my Redeemer, the One who paid my debt on the cross, my Comforter, my Guide, my Life.

Long ago two camp friends went for a walk together. They told us how an onlooker saw three people walking along the road, yet it was just the two of them. They knew the third person was Jesus, because they were praying at the time. Perhaps when I am running, you will see my Running Buddy with me, but that’s okay if you don’t, for I know He is always there.

…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age… Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)

The Runner’s TEA CUPP: Won’t you bring a Friend with you on your run today? Invite Jesus to be your Running Buddy for life. Let your morning Bible time flow right into your morning exercises as you continue your prayers on the run.

Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5 (NKJV)

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

P.S. Here are some of my favorite running songs…

T: Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever… (Tomlin)

E: O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You… (Strasser)

A: Amazing Grace/My chains are gone, I’ve been set free… (Newton & Tomlin)

C: Make me a servant, humble and meek… (Willard)

U: I believe in God the Father… (Travis Ryan)

P: He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it… (Steve Green)

P: I will cast all my cares upon you… (Willard)

Disqualified!

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Jennifer Grace

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)

I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was my first big indoor track meet of my junior year of high school. It was the first time I had qualified to run the Drake Indoor meet in Des Moines, Iowa. I was so excited to run the race, though running distance runs on an indoor track can be tedious as you go around and around multiple times.

It must have been a two mile race, because that was the longest distance for girls at the time. The track was half the size of the outdoor track, making it 220 yards, or 200 meters. Instead or running 8 times around the outdoor track, we would be running 16 times around the indoor track to make two miles (doesn’t sound so far if you’ve run the 5K or 10K on a track!).

To make things easier on the judges, the race officials decided that if anyone was lapped, they would be knocked out of the race, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to monitor how many laps people had left to go. With only a 200 meter track, that meant many girls could be lapped before the winner finished her two miles.

The lead runner was so fast, it didn’t take her long to be 200 meters ahead of the pack. I was one of those girls who was lapped and disqualified from the race. In tears I left the track, so sad to be out of the race I truly wanted to finish. I was heartbroken, watching the other girls finish the race. The girl who lapped me was a star senior runner from Cedar Falls, Iowa, who only a few years later would become my friend and college teammate, pointing me to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Besides being lapped, there are many other ways an athlete may become disqualified… too many false starts, taking drugs, yelling at the line judges, etc. But while in athletics we can try again the next year to follow all the rules of competition, in our spiritual lives we never want to be disqualified.

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

What could disqualify us from receiving our crowns in heaven? Not believing in Jesus (John 3:18). Not allowing the Holy Spirit to do its perfect work in us (Mark 3:9, Luke 12:10). Falling into temptation and lust and pride without repenting, when God has called us to serve Him (1 Peter 1:16). Oh dear athlete, let us live our Christian lives even more carefully than we do as runners, that we may never be disqualified.

And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Romans 8:10 (NKJV)

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NKJV)

The Runner’s TEA CUPP: Have you been knocked out of the race? Dear athlete, let Jesus pick you up! He is coming again to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) Turn to Him for help while there is still time. Confess your sins, let Him wash you clean and put you back on your feet. Memorize 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Start running for Him again.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV)

Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects;
Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (NKJV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:11-12 (NKJV)

Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV)

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