Tag Archives: devotions for mothers

Praying God’s Word Again

Posted on by
2

Bible…God’s Word

The words of the Lord are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times. Psalm 12:6 (NKJV)

Again and again I want to share with you how you can use Bible verses, God’s Word, to pray to Him. That’s what My TEA CUPP Prayers is all about, sitting down with Jesus for a CUPP of TEA every day, reading His Word to let Him speak first, underlining your favorite verses, then using those verses as conversation starters as you pour out your heart to the Lord.  All you need is a Bible.  You don’t need my book or this website or anything else, just God’s Word.

So, please sit down with Jesus right now and open your Bible.  Here are some verses to get you excited about reading His Word:

1) The Bible, God’s Word, comes from God and is meant for us to study and learn:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

2) God’s Word is so powerful!  It’s alive!  It’s sharper than any knife or sword, digging into the deep parts of our hearts and souls:

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. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

3) God’s Word is forever and ever and never changes:

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matthew 5:18 (NKJV)

…The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
But the word of the Lord endures forever. 1 Peter 1:24-25 (NKJV)

4) God promises to put His Word in your mind and write it on your heart and you will be His!

…I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Hebrews 8:10 (NKJV)

5) We should learn and memorize as many verses as we can.  Then we won’t wander off God’s path into bad situations.

Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)

6) If we keep God’s Word in our hearts, we will know God’s will, and can ask anything in His Name:

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)

7) And when we have verses saved up in our hearts, we can start a conversation with Jesus from anywhere, pouring out our hearts, petitioning for our loved ones.  We can even use a verse like Psalm 28:9 to give us creative ways to pray for family members, instead of just saying, “bless.”

Save Your people,
And bless Your inheritance;
Shepherd them also,
And bear them up forever. Psalm 28:9 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Hide God’s Word in your heart today!  Write a verse in your prayer journal to remember each week.  Use these verses to pray.  For example, using Psalm 28:9, I could pray, “Save my loved ones (list by name), bless our children (list by name), shepherd them also (in these specific situations), and bear with me (and all my faults) forever!” Give it a try with your own favorite verses and keep putting God’s Word in your heart!

...Your word is truth. John 17:17 (NKJV)

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

More Good Books

Posted on by
Reply

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. (see Job 26:2-4, 1 Peter 2:21).

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.

My Two Daddies in Heaven

Posted on by
2

One month ago today my Daddy went to be with Jesus.  I’ve been wanting to write them both a letter…

Dear Daddy and Daddy,

You are both in heaven now.

My Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy Name. You’ve always been there from the beginning of time, creating this world, knitting us together, watching over us, saving us through the precious blood of Your Son Jesus, guiding us with your Holy Spirit, and covering us with Your wing.  You gave me the best earthly Daddy and planned that now was a good time to take him to be with You. And, of course, I wrestle with Your plans as Jacob wrestled the Angel so long ago.  Did you really need my earthly Daddy right away?  Yet I’m so very thankful he is with You!

You are both in heaven together, Father God and Daddy Jon.  How’s it going up there?  I imagine the Creator of the Universe and the professor are having some good scientific discussions.  Are there more than seven colors in the rainbow?  Are you doing any experiments with quartz crystals and refracted light?  Can you look at the stars through a telescope or are they right beside you? Is Father God explaining how He made all this cool stuff out of tiny particles, or does it not really matter anymore?  Are you enjoying friends and family, Daddy?  I imagine you have no more pain in your hip or knee, and you are so strong, carrying our babies on your shoulders.

I’m so thankful you are both together now.  Thank you, Father God, for giving me time with my Daddy in his last days here.  Of course, I’d still like one more visit, one more chat around the kitchen table, one more hike in the forest, one more story with Grandpa on the sofa, one more chess game with Jacob.  But those last days were special when I asked Daddy if he loved You and he squeezed my hand.  Oh, Jesus, thank You for letting Him be Yours!

Oh, Daddy, I keep thinking you are taking a nap or have run an errand, that soon you will come down the stairs for your 10 O’clock coffee and work on the crossword puzzle.  I want to send you an email about everyone who came to see you and how Mommy held up beautifully, but maybe you already know this.  Karen was with you every day, researching your condition and talking to nurses.  Reid and Scott flew all the way from opposite coasts to be with you, then flew back to their wives, Carmen and Cheryl, who drove with them to your service.  George came for the longest time and took care of Mommy and the home-front as you knew he would, and surprised us all by singing “Swing Low” at your burial.

All your grandkids came for the service, even Bess made it from Russia and Jacob flew in from Cyprus.  And your great-granddaughter Kennedy Grace brought everyone joy with her smiles and running around the sanctuary. Nathan and Jacob shared wonderful memories at your service and Kevin played a moving Pachelbel’s Canon in D and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.  Kevin also collaborated with family members to present a Grandpa slide show.  Kallie, Emily, Joel, Lennie, Kent, Wendy and Jenny Anne and many friends, neighbors and people from your department also braved the weather to cheer up Mommy and remember you. Father God kept us all well and safe through the worst snow and roads and even when it was zero degrees and the snow was falling at the cemetery, He was there with us.

Oh, Jesus, thank You that Daddy was 85 when You took him to heaven, just like Caleb was 85 when he entered the Promised Land. Thank You that Daddy used to play “Them Bones” on the banjo, and now You are breathing new life into his bones.  Thank You for preparing this place for Daddy in heaven and now he is there with You.  And thank You that goodness and mercy followed Daddy all the days of his life, and now he dwells in Your House forever.

I love you both!  I miss you, Daddy!  Father God, please take good care of Daddy until you call the rest of us home and we have that great big family reunion.

Love, Jenny Grace

 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.” Ezekiel 37:5 (NKJV)

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3 (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. John 3:16 (NKJV)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever. Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)

Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”  Luke 23:43 (NKJV)

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

TEA with Hebrews 13

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Be One of the Faithful

Posted on by
Reply

 Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 14:14 (NKJV)

Sometimes the books of the Old Testament prophets can be long and difficult to read, with much prophecy and destruction, because God’s people kept turning away from Him.  But there are still good verses tucked in there to exhort and encourage us in our walk with God.

The verse above from Ezekiel 14:14 was one of these that caught my eye.  When we read, “Noah, Daniel and Job,”  we feel connected, since most of us have heard their stories: Noah’s Ark, Daniel and the Lions, The Patience of Job.  The following verses remind us of each one.

…Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9 (NKJV)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:1 (NKJV)

A just man who walked with God, a man of prayer, a blameless and upright man…These are all great Bible heroes, strong in their faith.  So, what does Ezekiel 14:14 tell us?  It says that even if those three faithful men were there, they would only save themselves and no one else from God’s impending destruction.

What does this mean for us?  John McCarthur says in his notes on Ezekiel 14:14, “one man’s righteousness is no protection for another.” (MacArthur, 1997) We can’t take comfort that we live in a country founded under God, or that our neighbor attends church, or that our grandmother prayed for us.  We must make the decision for ourselves, confess Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raise Him from the dead, and we will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Even if we hangout with our pastor’s family or Bible study leader, though these are very good things to do, we won’t be delivered.  We must “hang out” with the King of kings, the Savior of our souls, God’s only Son who gave His life for our sins on the Cross, pouring out His blood to wash us clean.  We must be friends with Jesus.

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Be friends with Jesus.  Have TEA with Him each day, reading His Word, the Bible, pouring out your heart to Him in prayer.  As you begin this new year, ask God to help you walk with Him each day as did Noah, Daniel, Job, Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Ruth, and so many others Bible heroes.

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:23-24 (NKJV)

MacArthur, J. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc. (p. 1168)

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

Many thanks to my Discipleland Sunday school curriculum for the Bible hero pictures I enjoy each week in our classroom!

My Light TEA

Posted on by
1

 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 (NJKV)

The Season of Light is upon us!  Christmas lights sparkle from homes as we drive through town.  Candles bring cheer inside as the sun disappears at 4:30 p.m.  During this time of Advent, we prepare our hearts for Jesus coming as the Light of the world.  And so a CUPP of Light TEA is in order.  Bask in the Light of Christ as you sip this Light TEA during the month of December.

T for Thanksgiving:

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. Colossians 1:12 (NKJV)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. Psalm 112:4 (NKJV)

Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all you stars of light! Psalm 148:3 (NKJV)

He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:22 (NKJV)

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel. Luke 2:32 (NKJV)

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:4-5 (NKJV)

Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:16 (NJKV)

A for Admitting:

There are those who rebel against the light;
They do not know its ways
Nor abide in its paths. Job 24:13 (NKJV)

You have set our iniquities before You,
Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. Psalm 90:8 (NKJV)

But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:23 (NKJV)

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12 (NKJV)

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (NKJV)

 C for Calling:

O house of Jacob, come and let us walk
In the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5 (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)

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

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NKJV)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.  Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our story:

For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have You not kept my feet from falling,
That I may walk before God
In the light of the living? Psalm 56:13 (NKJV)

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)

P is for Promises:

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John 8:12 (NKJV)

For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28 (NKJV)

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:6 (NKJV)

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. Psalm 89:15 (NKJV)

You will make your prayer to Him,
He will hear you,
And you will pay your vows.
You will also declare a thing,
And it will be established for you;
So light will shine on your ways. Job 22:27-28 (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:

There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. Psalm 4:6 (NKJV)

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle. Psalm 43:3 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. Join the Savior of your soul, Jesus, for TEA each day. Underline your favorite verses in your Bible. Use these Light verses as conversation starters as you pray and pour out your heart to the Lord.  Merry Advent!

There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5 (NKJV)

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

Moan Noisily

Posted on by
Reply

Attend to me, and hear me;
I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily.  Psalm 55:2 (NKJV)

We’ve all heard the child moaning noisily, from the line at the grocery store to our own kitchen. Waaaaaaaaaah-wooooooooo-weeeeee-waaaaaah!  Kids are experts at the art of moaning, whether it is warranted or not.

Did you know it’s okay for us to moan noisily, too?  Sure thing! Doesn’t Jesus tell us to come to the Father as a child?

Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. Luke 18:17 (NKJV)

So we come to Him as a child, crying and bawling and whining and moaning, ever so noisily.  And He doesn’t turn us away.  He opens His arms and holds us close and hears our complaint and assures us of His perfect plan.

The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms… Deuteronomy 33:27 (NKJV)

Did you know Jesus Himself, when He walked this earth, moaned noisily? When His good friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept and groaned within Himself, before raising Lazarus from the dead…

Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. John 11:38 (NKJV)

Today when we don’t have the words to say, but all we can do is cry out in anguish, moaning noisily, God has sent His Holy Spirit to pray for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered.  Even the Holy Spirit groans…

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)

Not only do Jesus and the Holy Spirit moan, the whole earth has been moaning! Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were kicked out of the garden, all creation has been crying out to be delivered from its bondage of corruption…

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22 (NKJV)

If Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all creation are groaning, we can groan, too. Yes, my friend, it is okay to moan noisily and let God hear your complaint.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Moan noisily.  I’m serious.  If you’ve been holding back at your TEA time with Jesus, just sharing small talk and not really pouring out your heart, today is the day.  Give Jesus all your hurts and sadness.  Tell Him you don’t like what’s going on in your world.  Unload your burdens on Jesus and let Him carry them today. 

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.  Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)

Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:23 (NKJV)

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NKJV)

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

My Thanks TEA

Posted on by
2

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

Redeeming the Time

Posted on by
Reply

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV)

How do you spend your extra hour each year? As I write this devotion, it is the night before we set back our clocks to standard time in the United States.  Most of you must follow this same ritual, springing clocks forward an hour each spring and falling back an hour again in the fall.

It’s a challenge to reset every clock in the house, car and even my Sunday school room.  We amazingly have a VCR with a clock that still works.  It was cleverly programmed at the factory to reset itself each fall and spring.  However, that was before a new law was passed, extending daylight savings time a few weeks at both ends of the season.  So, our VCR clock is always off for a few weeks this time of year.

What do you do with that extra hour you have every fall?  Do you sleep in?  Do you finally make it to church on time?  Do you spend time with your kids or husband?  Do you have an extra-long CUPP of TEA with Jesus? Do you treat yourself to time on a favorite hobby? There are certainly numerous ways we could spend that hour, as well as every hour of every day.  My prayer is that we use ALL our time for His glory and in His will, whether it is an extra hour or a regular hour in a 24-hour day.

God’s Word helps us pray to number our days aright, that we may gain hearts of wisdom.  I believe this also applies to every hour of the day.  May they all be used in ways that honor Him!

So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

Of course, we’ve all wasted time, whether it was a day, a week, a month, or even years.  Wrong choices can fill us with regrets, wishing for a chance to redeem that lost time.  My friend, I have Good News!  God, the GREAT REDEEMER, can redeem the lost time for you.  In the book of Joel He promised His people He would restore the years that the locusts had eaten.

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you. Joel 2:25 (NKJV)

My friend, you are not alone. We all have years we want to trade in on new ones.  Jesus can redeem the time.  He will give you the years the locusts have eaten plus eternity in heaven.  Jesus took on Himself, all our sins, all our regrets, all our hurts, and all our pains, when He died on the cross. When we confess our sins to Jesus, He forgives us, already having paid the price for those sins so long ago.  After Jesus died, He rose again, conquering sin and death, and giving all who believe the promise of New Life. Isn’t that Good News?!! Believe our Great Redeemer!

Today’s TEA CUPP:  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)

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.  Psalm 107:2 (NKJV)

O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul;
You have redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:58 (NKJV)

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

My Morning TEA

Posted on by
1

 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.