Filled to the Brim

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. John 2:7 (NKJV)

Have you heard the story of Jesus’ first miracle? It was almost like a tea party. He was at a wedding at Cana when they ran out of wine. His mother Mary came to Jesus and said, “They have no wine.” Now, why did Mary tell Jesus that? Did she know He could do something about it? Perhaps all those things she pondered in her heart so many years led to this moment.

Mary was pretty sure of herself, simply telling the servants to do whatever Jesus said. That’s good advice for all of us! Well, Jesus told the servants to fill six stone waterpots to the brim with water. After they had done that, He told them to scoop it up and take it to the master. It was the best wine he had ever tasted. What a miracle!

But I noticed a few things about this story. First, Jesus told the servants to fill the pots to the brim. Do you think that message is also for us? Should we fill our TEA CUPPs to the brim each day with God’s Word so His miracles can happen? I think so! Don’t drink just a half cup, fill your heart to the brim!

Another point I noticed was there were only six waterpots. Often in Bible stories, the number seven is used to show perfection. Where was the seventh waterpot? Jesus is the seventh water pot! Or, rather, the first to make seven. Jesus is the Living Water who gives us eternal life.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Jesus’ first miracle in John 2:1-12. Fill your TEA CUPP to the brim with God’s Word and pour out your heart to Him in prayer. Be prepared for a miracle (though sometimes miracles take time)!

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 (NKJV)

Jacob’s Best Broccoli Salad

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Every summer I enjoy finding a new favorite salad recipe. And this summer my son Jacob gets the prize for the best salad of summer! Here is Jacob’s version of broccoli salad, packed full of healthy ingredients AND it’s so yummy. Sometimes we even have a bowl for dessert or a late evening snack. Ready for some delicious nutrition? Here we go…

Ingredients

3 heads broccoli (or as much as you can get, Jacob says), chopped, including tender stems
1/2 cup almond butter
1 cup olive oil
2 cups raisins
1 cup chopped pecans
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a big salad bowl. It’s ready to eat, or you can refrigerate it and eat it all week. Enjoy!

Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Daniel 1:12 (NKJV)

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” Genesis 1:29 (NKJV)

p.s. My son Jacob is about to serve a one-year mission with Campus Crusade for Christ, planting CRU groups at colleges around Europe. If you would like to learn more about his mission, please contact me.

Jesus loves Peter, Jesus loves me

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

What am I thinking about as I have my TEA today? I’m so thankful for Peter. Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who often messed up. Yet Jesus always loved and forgave him. Before Jesus went to the cross, Peter declared he would never desert Him:

Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all said likewise. Mark 14:29-31 (NKJV)

If we continue reading Mark 14, we see how Peter denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion. How many times have I told Jesus I would shine for Him, yet then been too shy to be His witness?

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” Mark 16:6-7 (NKJV)

After Jesus rose from the dead, He specifically said to tell Peter to meet Him in Galilee. Jesus keeps calling me each day, even though I mess up, too. He gives me second and third and hundredth chances to show I love Him.

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” John 21:17 (NKJV)

When Peter saw Jesus on the shore after His resurrection he dove into the water and swam to Him. Jesus told Peter three times, feed my lambs, saying “I forgive you” for the three times Peter denied Him. Jesus says “I forgive you” each day to me, too.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear Jesus, thank you for Peter! Because of Peter, I know you love me, even when I mess up. Even when I lose faith and start to sink as Peter did. You love me. Help me always remember. Thank you, my Jesus.

Tea by the Temple

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

It was an exciting time in the history of God’s people. King David and then his son King Solomon were on the throne. King David had collected all the materials for building the Temple for the Lord. King Solomon was the one to oversee the building of this magnificent worship center. We can barely imagine such a structure covered with gold and decorated with cherubim. King David’s prayers before construction and King Solomon’s prayers at the dedication of the Temple are beautiful words we too can pray, and may the glory of the Lord fill our prayer time.

T is for Thanksgiving
Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13 (NKJV)

E is for Exalting
Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.1 Kings 8:23 (NKJV)

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NKJV)

That all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other. 1 Kings 8:60 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting
Then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men). 1Kings 8:39 (NKJV)

C is for Calling
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NKJV)

…That You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance. 1 Kings 8:36 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:12 (NKJV)

P is for Promises (claiming God’s)
Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses.1 Kings 8:56 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning (pouring out my heart)
Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You today. 1 Kings 8:28 (NKJV)

Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 6:40 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: You are God’s special princess today. Have TEA by the Temple with the King of kings, using these verses from King David and King Solomon as conversations starters.

One Story, Two Calls

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15 (NKJV)

With the “C” part of My TEA CUPP Prayers being about God’s CALL, I’m always on the look-out for examples of God calling people. From Moses being called by God at the burning bush to Mary being called by God’s angel as the Mother of Jesus, there are many stories of God’s callings.

Today we read a Bible story with TWO callings. If one of the people hadn’t obeyed, the other wouldn’t have fulfilled his call either. In Acts 9:1-19 is the famous story of Saul’s call on the Road to Damascus. Saul was a persecutor of the early Christians. He was headed to Damascus to arrest more Christians. But on the way, a bright light came from heaven. Saul was blinded and fell to the ground as he heard Jesus say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

Jesus told Saul to go into town and wait at a certain house. Saul’s friends led their blind companion into Damascus. At the same time, God told a man named Ananias to go to Saul. Ananias didn’t want to go because Saul might hurt him, but God assured Ananias of His call with the words, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine.” So Ananias followed God’s call and went to see Saul. There Ananias healed Saul’s eyes and told him the Good News of Jesus. Saul was baptized and became Paul. From there Paul went on to share Jesus with uncountable others, writing much of the New Testament of our Bible.

What if Ananias hadn’t listened to God’s call? Paul would not have heard the Good News! What if Saul hadn’t obeyed and gone into town? He’d still be blind on the road and many of us would never hear about Jesus! One story, two calls. It is so important that we listen and obey when God calls us. What is God calling you to do today?

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read this amazing story in Acts 9:1-19. Ask as Paul did, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Say as Ananias did, “Here I am, Lord.” You are God’s chosen vessel. Pray for the courage and strength and resources to carry out God’s call. Then GO!

The Creator of the Universe, My Friend

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

…Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. James 2:23 (NKJV)

How can it be that the Creator of the universe would want to meet with me each morning for TEA? Every once in a while, I ponder this while gazing out my morning window at His creation, the flowers blooming in our garden and the snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Yet then I resolve to simply believe, to believe that a mortal human can be friends with the one true God.

But this isn’t just for me, it is true for you, too, my TEA CUPP friend. Jesus has invited us to a banquet and wants you there (Song of Solomon 2:4)! He is knocking at the door of your heart and longs for you to open and let Him in (Revelation 3:20). The Lord doesn’t want anyone left out to perish (2 Peter 3:9). He is patiently waiting while beckoning, “Come.” (Isaiah 55:1)

Let’s look at a Bible character as an example. Abraham was a friend of God. When the Lord came by in Genesis 18, Abraham insisted on inviting the Lord and His companions to stay for tea (a real English tea with dinner!). Following Abraham’s hospitality, the Lord gave him a blessing, the promise of a baby. But it didn’t stop there. The Lord stayed to visit with Abraham and tell him His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Since Abraham’s nephew Lot lived there, Abraham didn’t just accept this information, he asked questions so that Lot could be spared from destruction.

Can we do the same as Abraham?

Invite Jesus to TEA
Let the Lord give us a blessing
Ask God questions

But that was in the Old Testament and Abraham was an old man, you say? How about a New Testament lady having TEA with Jesus?! Let’s look at just one more Bible character, the Samaritan Woman at the Well. This story is recorded in John 4. Once again we see the Lord showing up at tea time. Jesus asked the woman for some water to drink and she peppered Him with questions. Jesus gave her the blessing of His Living Water and proceeded to tell her story, everything she’d ever done. And the woman went and told all the people in town!

Today’s TEA CUPP: These were everyday people having TEA with Jesus. If they can meet with Jesus, so can we. Read Genesis 18 and John 4 over the next few days. Claim the Lord as your TEA time friend. Let God give you a blessing and ask Him lots of questions!

Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 2 Chronicles 20:7 (NKJV)

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15 (NKJV)

…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 (NKJV)

So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend… Exodus 33:11 (NKJV)

Jesus is all the world to me, I want not better friend; I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when Life’s fleeting days shall end. Beautiful life with such a Friend; Beautiful life that has no end; Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my Friend. (Will L. Thompson, 1904)

The Cup TEA CUPP

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

If you’ve been following My TEA CUPP Prayers for awhile, you know I enjoy finding a theme for Bible verses. In my first book, My TEA CUPP Prayers, I gave a week of verses to use as conversation starters when praying with Jesus. I hope to include these themed collections in my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers. And what better theme for our TEA CUPP prayers, than a group of verses about cups! Please enjoy these verses as you have tea with Jesus today!

T for Thanksgiving:

Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. Mark 14:23 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
Psalm 16:5 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

…first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. Matthew 23:26 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:13 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our story:

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)

…Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me? John 18:11 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Mark 9:42 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Pull out your favorite cup for this special TEA CUPP Prayer time! Let these verses about cups be conversation starters as you pour out your heart to Jesus. You can use one verse each day of the week, or pray them all every day. Here’s a sobering verse: Look up Psalm 75:8. It’s a good reminder to pray for the lost. Be blessed in your cup time with Jesus, my friend!

And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:36

When Mary had TEA with Jesus

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 (NKJV)

Do you remember the time Mary had TEA with Jesus? Mary, Martha and Lazarus were all siblings and good friends of Jesus. One day Jesus came to their house for a visit. Mary was content to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to all He had to say, soaking up His every Word. But Martha was busy trying to get their tea, distracted by much serving. In fact, though Martha had a dear servant’s heart, she was grumpy that Mary wasn’t helping her. I know how she felt, because that’s happened to me before.

Let’s look at the whole story:

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: We can learn from both sisters. Mary was sipping the very Word of the Lord, while Martha was preparing their earthly tea. We spend time with Jesus so we are ready to serve. Let’s be Mary early every morning, so we can be Martha the rest of the day. Choose the good part that won’t be taken away from you!

TEA CUPP in Song

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2 (NKJV)

The other day I was driving a half hour to a doctor appointment for my son. Finding myself a little overwhelmed and not sure how to pray, I started singing songs in the order of My TEA CUPP Prayers. As I poured out my heart to Jesus in song, He comforted my soul, and my son’s doctor appointment went well. Did you know even Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn before He was betrayed and sent to the cross? God uses music to touch our souls. Here are a few of my favorites:

T is for Thanksgiving
Once Again I Thank You

E is for Exalting
Every Knee will Bow before the Lion and the Lamb

A is for Admitting
Amazing Love

C is for Calling
Here I Am, Lord

U is for Understanding
In Christ Alone

P is for Promises
On Eagles Wings

P is for Petitions
The Lord’s Prayer

Today’s TEA CUPP: You can do this, too! Collect your favorite praise songs and put them in order for your own TEA CUPP time in song. Load them on your iPod or smartphone to play at such times as driving in the car, exercising, or doing household chores. Come before His presence with singing!

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26 (NKJV)

My Joy TEA

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them JOYful in My house of prayer… Isaiah 56:7 (NKJV)

Dear TEA CUPP friend, What we need today is a CUPP of JOY! Perhaps you have a happiness to celebrate with Jesus, or you have a sadness you need Him to carry. Go to the kitchen, fill your kettle with water and turn on the stove. While the water heats, look in the cupboard for your favorite mug and TEA bags. Find the TEA that’s labeled, “JOY.” That’s the one you want today! Hmmm, you don’t have that exact flavor in your cupboard? Well, just pour the hot water and let Jesus bring the TEA. Here are some JOY verses to use as conversation starters for your prayer time together today:

T for Thanksgiving:

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;

Let us shout JOYfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:
Then I will go to the altar of God,

To God my exceeding JOY;

And on the harp I will praise You,

O God, my God. Psalm 43:4 (NKJV)
Shout JOYfully to the Lord, all the earth;

Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Psalm 98:4 (NKJV)
A for Admitting:
I say to you that likewise there will be more JOY in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 (NKJV)

Restore to me the JOY of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12 (NKJV)
C for Calling:
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;

And shout for JOY, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:11 (NKJV)
Let the saints be JOYful in glory;

Let them sing aloud on their beds. Psalm 149:5 (NKJV)

Be JOYful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

U is for Understanding our story:
Weeping may endure for a night,

But JOY comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)
To console those who mourn in Zion,

To give them beauty for ashes,

The oil of JOY for mourning,

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your JOY no one will take from you. John 16:22 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:
You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of JOY;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
Those who sow in tears

Shall reap in JOY. Psalm 126:5 (NKJV)
For you shall go out with JOY,

And be led out with peace;

The mountains and the hills

Shall break forth into singing before you,

And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 (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)
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your JOY may be full. John 16:24 (NKJV)
Today’s TEA CUPP:  Enjoy your CUPP of JOY TEA with Jesus, today!
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 (NKJV)
 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
And Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011