My Resurrection TEA

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10 (NKJV)

Many of the churches are celebrating Resurrection Sunday this weekend. It is an interesting year because Passover isn’t until April 23rd. So, those of us celebrating Passover and Yeshua (Jesus) as our Passover Lamb, won’t be celebrating His resurrection until Sunday, April 28th. But truly, we should remember Jesus’ death and resurrection every day of our lives, because it is His life and death and rising that give us life and forgiveness and hope of eternal life with Him in heaven. A dear friend of mine even takes communion every morning, thanking Yeshua for what He did on the cross. A few times she’s invited me to join her over the phone. That was special! As you celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this spring, I give you a Resurrection Tea based on Luke 24 to sip and pray. God bless you, dear sister in Christ. Jesus truly is risen indeed!

T is for Thanksgiving

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

E is for Exalting

…Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people… Luke 24:19 (NKJV)

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. Luke 24:52-53 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25 (NKJV)

And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Luke 24:38 (NKJV)

C is for Calling

He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee. Luke 24:6 (NKJV)

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:47-48 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our Stories

Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:31 (NKJV)

And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NKJV)

P is for Promises

Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” Luke 24:36 (NKJV)

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:28-29 (NKJV)

This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:39-40 (NKJV)

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

P is for Petitioning

But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Luke 24:29 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: I love that Abba Father commanded Jesus to rise and He did! (John 10:18, 14:31). Read Luke 24 and 1Corinthians15:12-26 for an even greater picture of the resurrection. Use all these verses this week as you have TEA with Jesus: Thanking Him for salvation; exalting Him for His glory; admitting your sins and asking to be washed clean by the blood He shed for you on the cross; listening for your part in His calling; understanding your story a little more; taking comfort in claiming His promises; and finally, inviting Jesus to abide with you and your family always. Blessed Resurrection Day, dear sister in Christ!

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 1Corinthians 15:3-4 (NKJV)

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1Corinthians 15:20 (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)

Wake Up, Jesus!

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38 (NKJV)

I was awake since 1 a.m., up since 3 a.m., reading my Bible, praying all my prayers, yet it was still dark. I cried out, “I watch for you, Jesus, more than watchmen wait for the morning. When will You come to answer my prayers? How long until soon?”

Remembering the missionary pastor who visited our church, I cried “Wake-up, Jesus!” Pastor Samuel said we need to wake up Jesus in our churches. He is sleeping in the stern of the boat. “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” I cried again (Mark 4:38).

Do You not care my pains are extra sharp this morning? Do You not care we are still homeless over a year after leaving our moldy home? Do You not care that we spend all this time in Your Word and prayer and seek You with all our hearts and live for You each day? Wake up, Jesus!

Don’t you care what is going on in our nation and world? They are fighting your dear land of Israel! Evil people are trying to end our elections in America. They are still trying to kill people with vaccines. “Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not cast us off forever” (Psalm 44:23).

…Awake to help me, and behold!
You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations;
Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors… Psalm 59:4-5 (NKJV)

Babies are still dying everyday from abortion, families are falling apart, schools are teaching evil subjects. Innocent people are being trafficked. Churches are going against Your Word. Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! (Psalm 83:1)

I cry again, “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth! (Psalm 80:1) Awake, awake, put on strength,
O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days,In the generations of old. Are You not the arm that cut Rahab apart, And wounded the serpent? (Isaiah 51:9)

Then I decree, it will be like in Isaiah 33 and Psalm 78: Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, Like a mighty man who shouts because of wine (Psalm 78:65). “Now I will rise,” says the Lord; “Now I will be exalted, Now I will lift Myself up (Isaiah 33:10).

Amen and Amen! Let it be so! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Wake up Jesus with your prayers! Read the story of Jesus asleep on the boat in Mark 4:35-41 and Psalm 107:23-32. Claim God’s promise in Psalm 121:4 that He will never sleep again.

Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4 (NKJV)

P.S. Dear one, God who created the sea can calm any storm on it. And God who created you and me can calm any storm in our lives, too.

The Lord on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea. Psalm 93:4 (NKJV)

The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:5 (NKJV)

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness. Psalm 96:11 (NKJV)

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 (NKJV)

Another Pot of Precious Promises

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. John 16:1 (NKJV)

God’s blessings to you on your new year, dear sister in Christ! I hope your year is off to a good start. Perhaps like me you woke up with a terrible cold on January 1 and thought all the new year’s hopes and resolutions had gone out the window! But Jesus is merciful and healed my cold and gave me strength to press on and send my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers, back to the publisher for the third time. HalleluYAH! All glory to Jesus!!! How I pray that it can be ready for you by Resurrection Sunday!

Ten years ago, I wrote a short devotion called Pouring a Pot of Precious Promises, written on a day I came across several promises in my daily Bible reading. As I was reading the book of John again in December, John 16 surprised me with many promises from Jesus, too. I thought, “we will have to pour another pot of precious promises for the ladies!”

I hope you’ll read John 16 for yourself and discover perhaps even more words that touch your heart. John 16 came at a sad time for Jesus. He knew He would soon go to the cross to die for our sins. (John 17 contains His last prayers for us all before He was betrayed). Jesus knew His disciples would need the promises recorded in John 16. If the disciples needed them then, I believe we also need these promises for 2024.

First, lets look at some of the not-happy promises…

The enemy will try to make us stumble (16:1).
The enemy will put us out of the churches (16:2).
The enemy will try to harm us (16:2).
We will have sorrow (16:20).
In the world we will have tribulation (16:33).
Somethings we can’t bear to hear now (16:12).

Do you find most of those promises are hard to hear? Me, too! Let’s keep reading, because Jesus gives us His comforting promises:

He will send us a Helper, the Holy Spirit (16:7).
The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement — sounds like a great revival! (16:8).
The Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth (16:13).
The Holy Spirit will tell us things to come (16:13).
The Holy Spirit will glorify God’s Son Jesus (16:14) — that way we’ll know it’s the Holy Spirit!
In a little while we will see Jesus (16:16) — Oh, what a glorious Day!
Our sorrow shall be turned to JOY! (16:20, 16:22).
Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus’ Name, He will give us (16:23).
The Father Himself loves us because we believe in His Son Jesus (16:27).
Jesus is our peace (16:33).
Be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the world! (16:33).

Dear one, please be of good cheer, Jesus truly has overcome the world. He already conquered death and the devil when God the Father raised Him from the grave on the third day. He opened the door of heaven for all who believe in His Name. We can trust Him completely for He has a good, good plan.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Pour a pot of these precious promises in your teacup today, dear sister. You will need them this coming year. Read John 16 in your favorite Bible version. Then, write the most precious promises from your Bible in your prayer journal or on notecards on your bathroom mirror. Keep reading His Word and holding onto Jesus’ promises every day!

p.s. If you want to begin a new Bible reading plan this year, I’d like to recommend the M’Cheyne Daily Bible Reading Plan. I made some special bookmarks to use in this well-loved plan.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9 (NKJV)

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14 (NKJV)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 (NKJV)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Waiting and Waiting Again

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

This time of year, my heart turns to my Daddy who passed from this life to heaven 6 years ago on this very day. And so, in honor of my Daddy, I re-run this Christmas devotion from a few years ago. This devotion and many others will be coming out Spring 2024 (God-willing!) in my next book, More Tea Cupp Prayers…

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting can be hard. Families wait for Daddy (and sometimes Mommy) to come home from work. Children wait for birthdays and Christmas. Grandparents wait for grandchildren to visit. All of us wait for our prayers to be answered. We wonder what the delay could be. Why aren’t we getting our answers right NOW?!

Wait on your God continually. Hosea 12:6 (NKJV)

I remember how as a child I met my Daddy at the bus stop almost every afternoon. I would trudge up Fillmore Avenue a quarter of a mile and sit myself on a big rock, watching the traffic along 24th Street. Many cars, trucks, and buses would go by but not stop. Finally, the bus would come with my Daddy and I would hold his hand all the way home. One day, I looked at the clock wrong and went an hour early, waiting and waiting until I tearfully trudged home alone. When my Daddy finally arrived home, he wondered where I was that day, I told him the tearful story of my waiting. Sadly, I didn’t meet him so often after that.

I wonder, do we do the same thing with our prayers? Are we at the bus stop expecting answers too soon? Then, when the answers don’t come in our timing, we don’t meet with Jesus so often anymore?

I have waited for your salvation, O Lord! Genesis 49:18 (NKJV)

Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1 (NKJV)

In the book of Daniel, we get a glimpse into what is happening while we are waiting on God. We might think the prayer-mail delivery service is slow this time of year, that FedEx is having a tough time keeping up with the prayer packages delivered to Heaven’s Throne room, often out late at night delivering prayers.

But we can be assured that our prayers are not delayed! For the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). And God hears our every prayer (John 9:31). So, what is the delay? In Daniel 10 we read how angels were dispatched to help Daniel the moment he started praying. But the enemy’s angels prevented help from arriving for three weeks! Up in the heavens, where we can’t even see, angels are fighting battles for us that we don’t even know, all because of our prayers (Ephesians 6:12).

Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. Daniel 10:12–13 (NKJV)

What are you waiting for today? Our family is currently waiting for healing and a home. It’s been over a year since mold was discovered in my body and in our rental house. I’ve cried out to the Lord every day for healing and a home (I wait for You, YHVH Rapha, YHVH Jireh). And I keep pressing on to fulfill His calling, even in my tears and pains.

I am weary with my crying;
My throat is dry;
My eyes fail while I wait for my God. Psalm 69:3 (NKJV)

Today, I also wait for healing for our nation and an end to plagues and cancer, for healing for church friends, for dear ones to give their hearts to Jesus, and especially for Jesus to come again!

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 (NKJV)

You know who else is waiting? God! You remember the story of the prodigal son? Just as the father waited expectantly for the prodigal son to return, God waits expectantly for us. Jesus can’t come until the last person written in His Book of Life believes in Him. Perhaps you are the one to tell that person!

Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the amazing story of Daniel’s prayers in Daniel 10. Keep praying and waiting, my friends. God is sending answers! Especially remember the Answer He sent to a stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV)

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)

And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV)

(See also Psalm 25:5, 33:20–21, 37:7, 37:34, 39:7, 40:1, 59:9, 62:5, 130:5–6; Isaiah 25:9, 26:8; Lamentations 3:25–26; Micah 7:7; Luke 2:25, 12:40; 1Corinthians 1:7; Hebrews 11:10; James 5:7–8; Revelation 10:6)

Listening for His Voice

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 11:15 (NKJV)

It’s been a long time since I wrote a post. Dear sisters in Christ, I haven’t forgotten you! I’ve been praying for you, working on the edits of my third book, More Tea Cupp Prayers, moving into our temporary winter home, cooking for my hungry boys, homeschooling our youngest son, visiting my mom and grandchildren, reading God’s Word and listening for His voice. LISTENING is what I want to share with you today.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 13:9 (NKJV)

When we sit down for TEA with Jesus, the first thing we should do is open His Word, our Bibles, letting our Lord speak while we LISTEN. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “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.” And so, we pick up our Bibles, open and read, letting that two-edged sword slice through our thoughts as we LISTEN.

Do you remember what happened in Genesis when Adam and Eve did not listen to God’s instructions, eating the forbidden fruit? They were kicked out of God’s beautiful garden forever. Do you remember what happened when King Saul did not listen, performing the sacrifices before Samuel arrived? He was removed as king of Israel. Do you remember what happened to the rich young ruler who did not listen to Jesus? He went away sorrowfully (see Genesis 3, 1 Samuel 13, Matthew 19:16-22).

Our attitude for listening should be like that of the boy Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. Four times God called to Samuel as he was falling asleep. The first three times, Samuel thought it was Eli the priest calling him. But finally, Eli realized it was the Lord, instructing Samuel what to do. Read this beautiful children’s story and come to Yeshua like a child, saying, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (See 1 Samuel 3:9-10).

Another Old Testament Bible story comes to mind about listening. In Kings 19, the prophet Elijah was in crisis. He had just triumphed over the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, but now Jezebel was seeking to kill him. While Elijah hid in a cave on a mountain, the voice of the Lord came to him. As Elijah looked out, a great windstorm blew past the cave entrance, but God was not in the wind. Next, an earthquake shook the mountain, but God was not in the earthquake. Lastly, a fire like the forest fires of Montana roared past the cave, but God was not in the fire. Finally, there was a still small voice. Knowing this was the Lord God, Elijah wrapped himself in his mantle and went out to listen for God’s directions.

Who else was a good listener? Esther listened to Mordecai and spoke up for her nation. Naaman listened to Elisha and his assistants, washing seven times in the Jordan to be healed. Peter listened to his brother Andrew and came to meet Jesus. And who can forget Martha’s sister Mary who sat at Jesus feet listening and listening and listening (2 Kings 5, Esther 7, John 1:40-41, Luke 10:38-42).

My friend, God still calls us to listen today. Listening comes in many ways. We listen as we read God’s Word. We listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit to guide us. We listen to trusted pastors and friends to point us to the Scriptures. All the while, we are praying for discernment, we test the spirits, comparing the message to other Bible verses to see if this message is truly from God (2 Timothy 3:16, , 2 Peter 1:19, 1 John 4:1-3). Listening for God’s voice is so important today with all sorts of false prophecies and fake news going around. Compare everything you hear to God’s Word and make certain it is from the Lord.

What has God been teaching me recently as I seek Him in His Word and listen to His voice? He tells me to honor the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. He’s saying to live by faith and not by sight as we wait for healing and a home. He’s called me to finish what I began over a year ago and press on toward the goal of the upward cause of God in Christ Jesus (Acts 20:24, 2 Corinthians 8:11, Philippians 3:14). And, He’s shown me how to pray the names of God and rebuke the enemy in His name! (i.e. “In the Name of Yehovah Rapha, I rebuke the pain in my tummy, and claim Jesus’ healing, none of the diseases that were upon the Egyptians shall fall upon me or my family. We are covered by the blood of Yeshua Messiah! In the Name of Yehovah Jireh, I rebuke the destroyer who took our home and belongings a year ago! I claim our inheritance in heaven, and also, God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Yeshua Messiah!!! (See Exodus 15:26, Romans 5:9, Philippians 4:19, 1 Peter 1:4).

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read 1 Kings 19 for Elijah’s listening story. Choose three more listening verses to look up in your Bible. As you go through your week, reading God’s Word and praying, write what the Lord is telling you in your prayer journal. Perhaps He is calling you to a task. Perhaps He has a promise for you to claim. Keep listening for that still small voice of Jesus, dear one!

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Luke 9:35 (NKJV)

Then it shall come to pass, because you listen to these judgments, and keep and do them, that the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the mercy which He swore to your fathers. Deuteronomy 7:12 (NKJV)

Give ear, O my people, to my law;
Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. Psalm 78:1 (NKJV)

I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
For He will speak peace
To His people and to His saints;
But let them not turn back to folly. Psalm 85:8 (NKJV)

For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord,
And has perceived and heard His word?
Who has marked His word and heard it? Jeremiah 23:18 (NKJV)

Hear, all you peoples!
Listen, O earth, and all that is in it!
Let the Lord God be a witness against you,
The Lord from His holy temple. Micah 1:2 (NKJV)

But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:16-17 (NKJV)

Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 13:43 (NKJV)

But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28 (NKJV)

…And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8 (NKJV)

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness.” Hebrews 3:7-8 (NKJV)

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19 (NKJV)

(See also Numbers 9:8, Deuteronomy 4:1, Deuteronomy 5:1, Deuteronomy 6:3-4, Deuteronomy 9:1, Deuteronomy 18:15, Deuteronomy 18:18-19, 1 Samuel 3:10, Psalm 45:10, Psalm 49:1, Psalm 50:7, Psalm 81:8, Psalm 81:13 , Psalm 85:8 , Isaiah 1:10, Isaiah 32:3, Isaiah 33:13, Isaiah 34:1, Isaiah 46:3, Isaiah 48:12, Isaiah 48:16, Isaiah 51:1, Isaiah 51:4, Isaiah 51:7, Isaiah 55:2-3, Isaiah 66:5, Jeremiah 6:17-19, Jeremiah 10:1, Jeremiah 19:3, Jeremiah 19:15, Jeremiah 25:8, Jeremiah 26:3, Jeremiah 29:20, Ezekiel 2:8, Ezekiel 3:7, Ezekiel 3:10, Ezekiel 3:27, Ezekiel 12:2, Ezekiel 25:3, Matthew 7:24, Matthew 17:5, Mark 4:3, 4:9, 4:12, 4:23, 4:33, 4:24, Mark 7:14-16, Mark 7:37, Mark 9:7, Mark 12:29, Mark 8:18, Luke 8:8, Luke 8:21, Luke 9:44, Luke 14:35, Acts 3:22-23, Hebrews 5:11, Hebrews 12:25, James 1:22, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:29, Revelation 3:6, Revelation 3:13, Revelation 3:22)

💝From Jenny’s Journal: Luke 19:48… for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.
O let all Your children truly hear you NOW, Lord Jesus, all Israel and the USA and all the world, not killing you a week later, but instead, dying to sin, welcoming you as Savior, Messiah, Christ, Lord, and King! In the Name of Yeshua Messiah, we say to all ears, Ephphatha! Be opened!!! Mark 7:34 Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”

O earth, earth, earth,
Hear the word of the Lord! Jeremiah 22:29 (NKJV)

Forgiven 4:7

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

Romans 4:7 Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. We are the blessed, dear one. We are the blessed because our Father in heaven forgives us all our sins with the covering of Jesus’ blood on the cross. He no longer sees us as the lost, messed up, broken, bad-choosing, prideful sinners we are — that is washed away by Jesus’ redeeming blood. He sees us as pure children, clothed now in clean robes of white, with hearts clean inside and out, all our thoughts and actions are of Him, we walk in His word and by His Holy Spirit. We are sheltered under the covering of His wings, like chicks around the mother hen. And any time we want, we can cuddle up safely in His nest, for even the sparrows have a place at His altar. But He does not make us stay there, He allows us to choose to come and go and grow and bring others into HIs family. And lest we wander too far from Him, He calls us back. Oh, dear one, bless the Lord for blessing you with His forgiveness and covering. Always remember the cross and how Jesus bled and died for you and rose again. And stay close in His Word and prayer always, sheltered under His wings. ❤️ Amen.

Leviticus 4:7 And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of meeting; and he shall pour the remaining blood of the bull at the base of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

Here we see the Gospel story of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. Leviticus 4 describes the sin offerings God ordained for His people Israel. This involved an animal without blemish (4:3) being sacrificed by the anointed priest at the tabernacle, for there was no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. When Adam and Eve first sinned, God had to shed the first animal blood when He made them coats. This is God’s Law, it’s how He ordained our purification, and yet still we could not sacrifice enough perfect animals for all our sins. So, God the Father sent His only Son Jesus to come into the world to die for our sins. He had to remain pure and spotless to be the perfect sacrifice. Jesus not only gave His life and shed His blood, He was also the anointed Priest who poured it out and interceded to the Father on our behalf. And, just as the blood was poured out by the Tabernacle door, Jesus is the Door, the only way to heaven, everyone must enter through Him by accepting His free gift of salvation. And thus, we will all be sheltered under our Father’s Tabernacle forever. Believe in Jesus, dear one, believe! Come Lord Jesus, come! Come Holy Spirit, come! Come, Emmanuel, come! ❤️ Amen.

And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)

(See also Psalm 17:8, Psalm 36:7, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 61:4, Psalm 84:3, Psalm 91:4, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 23:37, John 10:9, John 14:6, Romans 8:1, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Colossians 1:20, 1 Peter 1:18-20, Hebrews 9:22, 1 John 1:7, Revelation 1:5)

In summer 2022, the Lord called me to write 4:7 Petitions, Prayers, and Proclamations… I heard the Lord saying, “Pay attention to 4:7!” I started reading every 4:7 verse in the Bible. When there wasn’t a 4:7, I read the closest verse. I used these verses as Prayers, Petitions, and Proclamations to the throne room of Christ our Savior. Bit by bit, I’m sharing them with you, my TEA CUPP Sisters. Thank you for reading and praying 4:7!

4:7 I Thank My God

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

Today I continue my 4:7 Prayers, Petitions and Proclamations…

Philemon 4-7… I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother…. I thank my God for you, dear TEA CUPP Sisters, making mention of you always in my prayers. I’m so excited to hear how you sit down each morning with your Bible and a cup of tea to spend time in prayer with Jesus. And that your time in the Lord has been fruitful as you’ve prayed for family, friends and loved ones. You have refreshed their souls and mine and given me great joy. I thank Jesus again for you as I carry out the dream God put on my heart, to change this nation for Jesus, one TEA CUPP at a time. HalleluYAH! Amen! ❤️

Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 🎶Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within: Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin. 🎶 (Julia H. Johnston, 1911). Thank you, dearest Jesus, for Your grace which brought me to You. I remember the first time someone explained grace and mercy to me. They said grace is the Father giving us a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is You not giving us what we deserve. Like giving the little boy who hits his sister a lollipop (grace) instead of a spank and the time-out chair (mercy). When You died on the cross for us, Lord Jesus, that was ultimate mercy, taking the punishment for all our sins. Then You rose to eternal life and are giving us gifts, some prophecy, some teaching, some evangelism, some hospitality, and the best gift of all, eternal life (grace)! Thank You, Father, for sending us Your Son. Thank You, Jesus, for Your mercy and grace and good gifts. We thank and praise and love You forever and ever and ever! Amen! ❤️

Amos 4:7 I also withheld rain from you, When there were still three months to the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, And where it did not rain the part withered. Oh, Jesus, first I want to thank You for the rain and snow You’ve sent to Montana, the ranchers are all so glad. Yet it seems like it isn’t just You who is sending and withholding rain in recent years, but the devil himself is seeding clouds, blocking the sun’s rays, making the wind blow extra hard, and even controlling hurricanes. O Father, You are the Creator of all, even the weather… indeed the wind and sea obey You (Luke 8:25)… don’t let anyone mess with Your creation! Take back Your power over the weather! We would rather be under Your judgment with the weather than under the curse of the enemy. O Jesus, You died for this also! Come and rescue us and our weather. Make the land fertile again. Reign over us and rain down blessings upon us. Thank you, dearest Jesus! All our springs are in You (Psalm 87:7)! Amen! ❤️

He gives rain on the earth,
And sends waters on the fields. Job 5:10 (NKJV)

But we see Jesus

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9 (NKJV)

But we see Jesus... these four words from God’s Word have been filling my thoughts during the past few months. As we endured the hardships of a mold evacuation and relocation, we have seen Jesus at work in our lives. From my husband’s knee to two Gideon Bilbes to our milking goat, we have seen the miracles of Jesus.

…nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)

But we see Jesus… in my husband’s knee… In early November, my husband Kent’s knee started feeling funny at a Thursday Taekwondo workout with our youngest son Joel. By the next day, it was swollen to three times its normal size and he could barely walk. We attended our Friday fellowship that evening where they laid hands on his knee for over half an hour and prayed for him in Jesus’ Name. While they were praying, his knee visibly shrank, but still had a little swelling. The next day it was still sore and Kent thought one of the titanium screws from his 2002 surgery had pulled loose. We found his old brace and he started wearing that, continuing all his farm chores, snow shoveling and working. One day after about a week, my husband forgot to wear his brace to work and never put it on again! But the knee was still swollen in the evenings, so he kept his December doctor appointment where he had the surgery twenty years ago. The doctor took four X-rays and said, “It’s just arthritis! Keep doing what you’re doing, working, walking, hiking, doing Taekwondo and all. All the screws are in place! Staying active is the best thing.” And so, we praised Jesus for this amazing healing, especially at a time when we needed a little extra good news! 🙏🥰

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced. 1 Chronicles 16:11-12, Psalm 105:4-5 (NKJV)

But we see Jesus… in two Gideon Bibles… The morning after our final mold evacuation, we awoke at a guest house, so thankful for beds, mattresses, and quilts for a good night’s sleep. Yet now it was morning when I like to have my quiet time with Jesus. All of our books had been thrown away because of mold spores, but I could not let my Bible be tossed out with all the notes in the margins and prayers for family and friends. So my Bible was packed into one of the many boxes that went to storage. How could I have my morning tea time with Jesus? He had a plan!

Way back in 2011, when we first left church camp ministry to begin caring for guest houses, we had asked a friend who is a Gideon if he had some Bibles we could place in the houses for which we caretake. Our friend was glad to provide the Bibles and we placed them in two of the guest houses. Only the Lord knew that years later, we would be homeless and the owners would so graciously let us stay in one of these very guest houses. That morning after our evacuation, I went to the bedside table where I thought the Bibles might be, and sure enough, the two Gideon Bibles were still there! One for me and one for my husband! Kent said most of Ephesians and Galatians were missing from his, we hope a guest enjoyed those so much he wanted to take them home! And so, I never missed a morning of reading my Bible, because 11-1/2 years before we had placed Gideon Bibles in the very guest house that we would someday visit as “homeless” people on a cold winter day. And now a friend has given us new Bibles, too. God is so good!

I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure. Psalm 119:162 (NKJV)

But we see Jesus… in our milking goat… And here is one last story you will like… we first got the goats because Joel can’t digest cows’ milk. Our goats have been such a blessing with the mama Gloria producing enough milk for Joel and sharing with others. However, with everything going on in November, we thought we should dry-up our mama goat to make our move easier. Kent reduced the grain and started milking less, but she kept producing! Gloria would not dry-up, she kept giving milk! And so, Kent started giving her the usual amount of grain again and she is in full production, being milked twice a day. Joel has plenty of milk to drink and we have extra to share… it’s like the flour and oil that were never used up during the famine in 1 Kings 17! God is so very good! 💗🐐🥛

For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:16 (NIV)

But we see Jesus… in the love of brothers and sisters… thank you so much for all your care and prayers. My tears in God’s bottle are now tears of joy! We thank Jesus for you!

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. Philippians 1:3-4 (NIV)

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9 (NKJV). O Jesus, we see you… this is our story! We see You! For like Stephen, the clouds have parted, the heavens are open, You are sitting at the right hand of the Father, saying, “Hold on a little longer.”

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read 2 Chronicles 20 for an amazing prayer, story, and promises from God’s Word. Keep looking to HIM, Jesus loves you so much, dear sister! He sees you and cares about you. He knows exactly what’s going on in your life right now. Keep looking to Yehovah God, Yeshua Messiah, Our Lord and Savior!

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

If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save. 2 Chronicles 20:9 (NKJV)

…Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV)

You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you… 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NKJV)

...Praise the Lord,
For His mercy endures forever. 2 Chronicles 20:21 (NKJV)

But my eyes are upon You, O God the Lord;
In You I take refuge;
Do not leave my soul destitute. Psalm 141:8 (NKJV)

Therefore I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
My God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (NKJV)

Mold Overturned My Table

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Jennifer Grace

…and overturned the tables. John 2:15

How is everyone doing today? Has your life been overturned this past year by illness, or job changes, or death of a loved one? Are you feeling a lot like Job who had his life overturned in a single day? Please let me tell you my story…

It seems that my tea has spilled again. Almost three years ago my tea spilled when our granddaughter was diagnosed with cancer. We joyfully celebrated her survival last June. But now our lives have been spilled and overturned once again, knocking over not just my teacup but the whole table!

So, what happened? The most mysterious illness of all… mold! We are learning that the symptoms of mold mimic so many other conditions that doctors are slow to discover it. Once you finally know, you’ve been living in the mold situation so long that your health is even worse. The only action is to get out! The mold spores are what makes us sick.

Mold is a fire without flames, a hurricane without winds, an invisible plague that invades lungs, guts, joints and brain cells. Our home we anointed with hyssop and grape juice at Passover is now condemned. We have to throw away most of our belongings. Every book and pillow, every picture frame, lamp, sofa and bed… it all must go in a dumpster because of mold spores. I must say good-bye to my Daniel window, my Jesus spot, my Bible, my prayer journal and my hymnal. It will all be no more.

My son Joel and I were discussing how you can’t take anything to heaven. The Lord is just letting us experience that a little bit early. But usually you have the joy of being in heaven when that happens! Our hearts empathize with all those who have been through house fires (my in-laws), floods (my parents), hurricanes (the people of Florida), forest fires (my prayer friend Laurie), and many others! Oh, how these disasters bring us closer to the ONE who provides for us all.

This fall I was asked to write a bio for the back of my new book, More TEA CUPP Prayers (please pray it will still come out spring 2023!). I looked for ideas on the backs of my other two books, My TEA CUPP Prayers and Mom’s TEA CUPP Prayers. But then I realized how much God has pruned me these past few years.

My TEA CUPP Prayers explains, “Jennifer Grace is an author, speaker, blogger, homeschool mom and grandma, Sunday school teacher, tutor, but most of all, God’s child and prayer warrior. Mom’s TEA CUPP Prayers says, “Jennifer Grace is a wife, mom, grandma, runner, scrapbooker, prayer warrior, but most of all, God’s child.”

What has He pruned? Speaking engagements left when covid hit. Blogging slowed down with my health. The Lord called us to be Sabbath keepers, so we now worship on Saturday. He called us to home church, so I don’t teach the little kids anymore. He took away my health so I couldn’t run. And now He is even taking my scrapbooks. Yet, I am still a wife, mom, grandma, and author, and I will always and forever be a prayer warrior and a daughter of the King of kings.

And so we leave, not even with the clothes on our backs, for those also will be thrown away, showering and changing at a laundromat. We relocate to a safe guest house and pray for the Lord to provide and guide us in our next steps. Seems like this would be the time to take that trip around the country (especially to dry climates) in an RV and be witnesses for Jesus Christ. The Lord knows the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Could this be the open door that no one can shut through which we must walk? Please pray for us!

Please pray for…
Jesus to guide our next steps.
Healing for our bodies.
The provision of a home or RV.
Comfort for our children.
That Jesus is glorified even in this!

The words of Job 1:21 and Habakkuk 3:17-18 come to mind… The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord…. Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Will you please pray for me and my family this Christmas? Thank you, dear one! Your prayers are a blessing. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Love, Jennifer Grace

P.S. Matthew 6:25-34 is encouraging! Check it out!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 (NKJV)

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:18-20 (NKJV)

…Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NKVJ)

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Matthew 8:20 (NKJV)

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

A few mold resources: https://paradigmchange.me/stories/, https://momsaware.org/

We had to give away our dear Lucy Lamb, the first of many sad good-byes…

Jesus, Our Greatest Example

Posted on November 23, 2022 by Jennifer Grace

In celebration of Thanksgiving this year, I’m re-running this post from June 2021. This devotion and many others will be in my new book, More TEA CUPP Prayers, coming out in spring 2023. Thank you for praying for me and the publication process! Happy Blessed Thanksgiving to one and all! Thank you, dearest Jesus, for so many blessings!

…Give thanks to the Lord Almighty,
for the Lord is good;
His love endures forever… Jeremiah 33:11 (NIV)

Whether you are new to prayer, or this is a regular routine for you, it is always a blessing to be reminded how our Lord Jesus prayed when He walked this earth. Jesus is our example in all things, including THANKSGIVING to the Lord. Isn’t it a wonder that Jesus the Son gave thanks to the Father, showing us how to give thanks to the Father, when He and the Father are One?

We find so many times in the Gospels when Jesus gave thanks…

When the 70 disciples returned from their first mission trip (Luke 10:17-24):

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.” Luke 10:21

When Jesus fed the 5000 with five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14):

And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. John 6:11

When praying to the Father to raise His friend Lazarus (John 11:1-44):

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” John 11:41

At the Last Supper with His disciples (Luke 22:7-20):

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves.” Luke 22:17

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19

With these true stories in mind, I follow Jesus’ example, beginning my prayers with THANKSGIVING. Whether I’m welcoming my sons home from a mission trip, feeding my family, praying for healing for loved ones, or just having TEA with Jesus, I begin with thanks. Perhaps my biggest THANKS recently was attending my granddaughter Kennedy’s preschool graduation one year after she was diagnosed with cancer. You can turn to one of the last sections of this book to read how this Grandma’s heart was broken and cried desperate pleas to God the Father for over a year for healing for our granddaughter. She had no hair and couldn’t walk after the first rounds of chemo. I prayed and prayed, “Talitha, Cumi, Little One, arise,” and God raised her from her sofa bed to attend preschool and gymnastics! And Jesus let me witness her graduation while her new baby sister was being born. Oh, what double blessings all in one day! I thank you Lord Jesus, for you have heard my prayers and seen my tears and sent life to this family!

There is always something for which to be thankful, dear sisters. Even when the whole world is falling apart, we can thank Jesus that our names are written in heaven and that we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken. Hold onto these precious verses of THANKSGIVING this coming year…

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read one of the selections of Jesus giving thanks, noticing the miracles that came after His thanksgiving. Select one THANKSGIVING verse to write in your prayer journal, pouring out your thanks to the Lord. The Father will be so happy to hear from you!

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3

My TEA CUPP Prayers

Praying God's Word … Inviting Ladies to TEA with the King of kings!

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