Where was the Prodigal’s Mom?

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

Pray without ceasing.
I Thessalonians 5:17

In Luke 15:11-31 we read the story of the Prodigal Son. I know this parable is an illustration of our Heavenly Father welcoming home His lost children. However, if I consider it as just an earthly family, I often wonder, “Where was the Prodigal’s Mom?”

Where was the Prodigal Son’s Mom? Was she mending clothes when she first noticed this son’s rebelliousness as a youth? Did she sit by his bedside every night and pray for him as he grew up? Did she often go without meals as she fasted for her son, pleading with God for him to give up his rebelliousness?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when he asked his father for his share of the inheritance? Was she heartbroken, crying in the bedroom? Was she pleading with him not to go? Was she praying constantly for him to stay?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when he was squandering the money on wild living? Was she distressed by his friends who had led him astray? Was she begging God to watch over him? Was she longing to go and find her son?

Did people tell the Prodigal’s Mom not to worry, that her morals were too high, that all kids need to spread their wings? Did they make her feel like a failed mom for raising a rebellious son? Or, did they come to her and pray with her and claim God’s promises for her lost son?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when the son was feeding the pigs? As she fed her chickens, was she wondering what her son was doing? Was she praying and fasting again for her son to come home, day after day after day?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when his father saw him coming at a distance? Was she right beside Dad, running to hug her long lost son? Was she in her room, praising God for His answers to prayer? Was she in the kitchen helping to fix the fatted calf for the celebration?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom during the party? Did she sit beside her son with joy? Did she comfort her other son who had stayed to work? Did she thank God over and over again for the safe return of her son? Did she ask God to forgive her son and wash away the scars from his journey?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom?

Today’s TEA CUPP: My dear TEA Mom, as you complete your TEA CUPP journey, praying all the parts of prayer, meeting with Jesus each day for TEA, you may expect everything will go just right. But our children will still make their own choices. Our job is to keep praying for them. Please don’t give up. Be the Prodigal’s Mom. Keep praying, even if it takes decades until that child comes home to you and Jesus.

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Luke 15:10 (NKJV)

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

In Memory of Angelica May

Posted on November 6, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

Thus says the LORD:
“ A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15 (NKJV)

We have been with child, we have been in pain;
We have, as it were, brought forth wind…Isaiah 26:18 (NKJV)

What do you do when you come to such sad verses in your Bible? For those of us who have lost babies, these words can bring us to tears. Yet we know the God of the Universe understands our sorrow, for it’s right here in His Word. I underline the verses and write a “U” for “Understanding my story” next to them. This is my story right in God’s Word. Perhaps it is your story, too.

But I don’t need to stop there, for God also has words of comfort for me…

I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
And joy in My people;
The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her,
Nor the voice of crying.
“ No more shall an infant from there live but a few days… Isaiah 65:19-20 (NKJV)

He will swallow up death forever,
And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces… Isaiah 25:8 (NKJV)

I underline these verses and write a “P” for “Promises” next to them. I claim God’s promises that He will wipe away every tear, and that babies will always live in heaven. Jesus comforts me with His Word and promises, as we share our TEA CUPP time together. And that is how it is today, as I remember our dear Angelica May.

In Loving Memory of Our Babies…

Angelica May

November 6, 2009

Gabriella Hope

June 10, 2010

Gloria Anne

July 25, 2009

Dear Jesus, please hold our babies for me until you call me home.

The Narrow Gate

Posted on October 18, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Becausenarrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)

We live at a church camp way up in the mountains of south central Montana. Like most of the ranches in our area, we have a log rail fence to define the property. At one point in the fence, a small walk-way was installed so hikers can pass through without climbing over. This is handy if you are the right size. I found when we had little kids that I didn’t fit if I had the back-carrier or stroller or wagon. We could only fit through the narrow gate one at a time.

This narrow gate is such a symbol of God’s Word above. Most people would rather go through the main entrance because they can do it their own way, bringing the big vehicle, the family, the horse trailer, the RV…all their extra stuff. But God says, “Enter by the narrow gate.” We can’t bring our stuff or anyone else to heaven, only ourselves. We can’t even do good works or give big offerings to enter heaven. All we can do is believe in Jesus and point others to the narrow gate.

We can tell our family and friends that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through” Him. John 14:6 (NKJV) We can explain “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV). And we can urge them to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 (NKJV).

Looking at my photo of the narrow gate, you might suggest that a person could just climb over or through, or crawl under the log rails. That might just work to get to camp, but God does not allow that for getting to heaven.

I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. John 10:1 (NKJV)

We don’t want to be thieves and robbers. We want to enter the way God intended, through the narrow gate. How hard can that be? Jesus says, “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24 (NKJV) A camel wouldn’t even fit through our narrow camp gate, let alone the eye of a needle. How then is it possible that we can enter the kingdom of God?

Jesus responds, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NKJV) I pray this possible miracle for all my family and friends and even my enemies, that they will believe in Jesus, my Savior, the Narrow Gate, the only Way to heaven.

If you would like to bring your family or church to this beautiful church camp in Montana, I will be delighted to show you our narrow gate, and share a devotion with you. Please visit…

http://www.campontheboulder.org/

I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. John 10:9 (NIV)

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24 (NIV)

My TEA CUPP Trinity

Posted on October 14, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and Hesaw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)

When I sit down with Jesus for TEA each morning, I think of there being just the two of us, Jesus and me. But the other morning I realized there are really four of us, because God is “Three in One.” My TEA time is actually with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Wow! My sofa is crowded in the morning :-)!

This “Three in One” miracle of God is called the Trinity. Some might wonder how this can be? One of the best comparisons I’ve heard is to water. H2O comes in three forms — ice, water, and steam, yet all are still H2O, two atoms of Hydrogen and one atom of Oxygen in each molecule. God comes in three forms, also — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet all are God. We can’t live without water and we can’t live without God!

Another cool example from God’s creation is a banana. If you peel a banana and gently squeeze the edible center, it will break into three pieces. Once I wrote a short song for my preschoolers to help them remember the Trinity. The words are: “God is like a banana, God is like a banana, God is like a banana, for He comes in three pieces. One is God the Father, Two is Jesus Christ His Son, Three is the Holy Spirit who dwells in each of us…” Consider the Trinity the next time you eat a banana :-).

Remembering the Trinity as you enjoy your quiet time each day, will also point you to three important parts of My TEA CUPP Prayers:

1) Use God‘s Word in Prayer because His Word lasts forever…”The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)

2) Meet with Jesus every day, for He wants to be with you…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. Revelations 3:20 (NKJV)

3) Bring your petitions to the Lord with the help of the Holy Spirit…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) Keep a list to remind you for whom you want to pray, and the Holy Spirit will help you say those prayers.

Make room for “Three in One” during your next TEA CUPP Prayers!

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity! —Heber

Go thereforeand make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 18:19 (NKJV)

For further reading on the Trinity…

http://odb.org/2002/05/26/the-trinity/
http://odb.org/2003/03/23/one-godnot-three/
http://odb.org/2002/04/08/good-morning/

Tea for Two…Jesus and You!

Posted on October 10, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

Saturday Verses

Posted on October 9, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

A week’s worth of conversation starters as you join Jesus for your TEA CUPP time this week…use one verse each day or all the verses in one day…discover more verses in your Bible that are special to you and underline them…pray God’s Word back to Him…and keep on praying…enjoy your TEA CUPP Prayers with Jesus this week!

T for Thanks: We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because You have taken Your great power
and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17 (NIV)

E for Exalt: You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things,
and by Your will they were created
and have their being. Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

A for Admit: …God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Luke 18:13 (NIV)

C for Call: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)

P for Promises: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

P for Petitions: Jesus, Master, have pity on us! Luke 17:13 (NIV)

Friday Verses

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

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

E for Exalt: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

A for Admit: Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation. Luke 11:4 (NIV)

C for Call: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32 (NKJV)

P for Promises: I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

P for Petitions: Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2 (NIV)

Thursday Verses

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

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

E for Exalt: LORD, I have heard of Your fame;
I stand in awe of Your deeds, O LORD… Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)

A for Admit: If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared. Psalm 130:3-4 (NIV)

C for Call: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s https://xanaxcost.com people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:12-13 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4 (NKJV)

P for Promises: Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

P for Petitions: Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping. Psalm 39:12 (NIV)

Wednesday Verses

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

T for Thanks: I will give You thanks, for You answered me;
You have become my salvation. Psalm 118:21 (NIV)

E for Exalt: Ah, Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

A for Admit: Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV)

C for Call: Therefore, my dear https://onhealthy.net/product/synthroid/ brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling.
I will walk before the LORD
In the land of the living. Psalm 116:8-9 (NKJV)

P for Promises: For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. John 16:27 (NKJV)

P for Petitions: I call on You, O God, for You will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:6 (NIV)

Tuesday Verses

Posted on October 5, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

T for Thanks: Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 1o7:1 (NKJV)

E for Exalt: No one is like You, O LORD; You are great,
and Your name is mighty in power. Jeremiah 10:6 (NIV)

A for Admit: Help us, O God our Savior,
for the glory of Your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
for Your name’s sake. Psalm 79:9 (NIV)

C for Call: And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

U for Understanding my story: Better is one day in Your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10 (NIV)

P for Promises: But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him,
and His righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17 (NIV)

P for Petitions: Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O LORD. Psalm 4:6 (NIV)