Jesus Rode for You!

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Jennifer Grace

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 (NKJV)

Dear one,

I hope you are having a blessed Holy Week! As we began on Palm Sunday, waving palm branches, I pondered what to share with you today. The Gospels are packed with blessings and promises from this week of eternal significance.

Just one week before Jesus would rise from the grave, He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as the prophet Zechariah had foretold. The people laid down their coats and waved their palm branches, praising the Coming King. When Jesus majestically rode into Jerusalem that day, He looked down eternity and saw you. He rode for you, sister; He rode for you, brother; He rode for me (see Matthew 21:1–11).

Then Jesus went to the temple and overturned the tables of the money-changers. When Jesus cleansed the temple, He cleaned it for you, sister; He cleaned it for you, brother; He cleaned it for me. He knocks over our tables and prunes us for His glory and kingdom. What clutter and sin do we need overturned and washed away by our Savior today? (see Mark 11:15–19)

When Jesus sat at the Last Supper with His disciples, He took the Bread and Wine, saying, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” He meant that for His disciples; for all believers; for You, sister; for You, brother; for me. He wants us always to remember His sacrificial death and resurrection until He comes (see Luke 22:14–23, 1 Corinthians 11:26).

When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed to the Father, He prayed for His disciples, and He prayed for all who would one day believe in Him (John 17) – that’s you, sister; that’s you, brother; that’s me. Just think, when He prayed for us in the Garden, He was praying so hard that He sweat drops of blood – Yes, that drop was for you, sister; that drop was for you, brother; that drop was for me (see Luke 22:39–46).

When Jesus took the stripes, even though He was the Spotless Lamb who had never sinned, He bore those stripes for you, sister; He bore those stripes for you, brother; He bore those stripes for me. Each of the 39 lashes was a whip that should have been upon us. The scourge left raw wounds on Jesus’ back, and it is by Those Stripes we are healed (see John, 19:1–3, 1 Peter 2:24).

…He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV)

When Jesus went to the cross, He took those nail holes for you, sister; for you brother; for me. Those nails were for the sins, sickness, family troubles, government squabbles, and every evil in this world. He bore all our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sin, might live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24).

When Jesus cried, “I thirst,” from the cross, He was thirsting for you, sister; for you, brother; and for me (see John 19:28). He still thirsts today for all the world to be saved. Just as the Lord needed the donkey to ride, He needs us to take the Gospel and the message of His salvation to all the nations. The Lord needs you, sister; the Lord needs you, brother; the Lord needs me.

And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” Matthew 21:3 (NKJV)

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He had completed the work the Father had sent Him to do, the plan the Father had set in motion from before time began to save His children (see John 19:30). He paid our debt in full with HIs precious blood – your debt, sister; your debt, brother; my debt. Jesus purchased us with His blood (see Acts 20:28).

When Jesus rose on Sunday morning, He rose for you, sister! He rose for you, brother! He rose for me! Because He conquered sin, death, and the devil, we also have victory and the promise of eternal like through Jesus Christ. HalleluYAH! We will see our loved ones again!

He is not here, but is risen!… Luke 24:6 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: And still today Jesus calls us to “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you…” He’s calling you, sister, He’s calling you, brother, He’s calling me. Keep telling the story of Jesus, dear sister, dear brother. Read the Gospel story. Tell a friend or stranger that King Jesus is coming soon, this time not on a donkey, but on a horse. He is coming in victory for all who believe in HIm.

Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. Matthew 21:5 (NKJV)

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Revelation 1:18

From my prayer journal: John 19:1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him…O Lord Jesus, it always makes me sad to hear how they hurt You and mocked You before You went to the cross. I’m so very sorry. You bore it for me and all the world. You love us so much – You endured it to set us free from sin and open the door of heaven for us. O Lord Jesus, forgive me for my part in Your pain that day. Forgive all my sins, wash me clean by Your blood, fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Tear Song

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Jennifer Grace

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? John 20:15 (NKJV)

Dear one, in my last devotion I shared about how God’s Tears are Greater than our tears. I know our trials and pains feel great to each one of us, sometimes almost unbearable. But because God has experienced even more tears, He is able to comfort us. He knows how much things hurt and He is there with His loving arms to hold us and love us. I hope this Tear Song will bless you as it blessed me.

He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, Like showers that water the earth. Psalm 72:6 (NKJV)

The Tear Song

If I could have tea with my very Best Friend
I’d sit on the grass by that tree
He’d tell me how He created this world
And how He came to die for me.

He’d tell me how He made each star in the sky
Each plant and creature and flittering butterfly
He’d tell me how He longed for friends and family
And so He created you and me.

Now, the earth has rules like any good school
And laws God wrote we must obey.
But the deviled deceived, His friends had to leave,
And His family all went their own way.
And His tears poured down like the rain before the mowing.
And His tears washed all our sins away.
And His tears flowed out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the throne of God.

He chose Abraham’s children as the apple of His eye
And bore them up on eagle’s wings.
He brought them out of slavery,
He walked them through the sea,
And He gave Moses a song to sing.

But when Moses was on the mountain
Receiving God’s commands,
God’s children were down below
Building an idol in the sand.
“Get down and stop your people!”
The Lord cried out in pain,
And Moses ran as
God’s tears began to rain.
And His tears poured down like the rain before the mowing.
And His tears washed all our sins away.
And His tears flowed out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the throne of God.

He gave them manna, He gave them quail,
Water from the rock to no avail,
For still they went their own way.
He gave them judges, He gave them kings,
Milk and honey and everything,
Yet still they went their own way.
He gave them prophets one by one,
They beat, stoned, killed them ‘til they were done,
And still they went their own way.

BUT, when the time was right for Him to come,
God the Father sent His only begotten Son
To teach us and show us the Way!

And His grace poured down like the rain before the mowing.
And His grace washed all our sins away.
And His grace flowed out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the throne of God.

Jesus came to heal our broken hearts
And set the captives free
He came to open our deaf ears
And cause the blind to see.

Jesus came to love us
And show us His Father’s plan
And He came to die a sinner’s death
Though He was a sinless man.

And His love poured down like the rain before the mowing.
And His love washed all our sins away.
And His love flowed out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the throne of God.

Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to stay and watch and pray
On that night when Judas came with a kiss to betray.
But the devil deceived, His friends fell asleep,
And His disciples all ran far away.

And as Jesus hung there on that tree,
The Father pretended not to see,
He turned His face to hide His pain,
As once again His tears poured down like rain.

And His tears poured down like the rain before the mowing.
And His tears washed all our sins away.
And His tears flowed out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the throne of God.

And His blood poured down on the fields white for harvest.
And His blood washed all our sins away.
And His blood flowed out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the heart of God.

When Jesus cried out, “It is done,” (snap fingers)
The devil thought that he had won.
A rich man’s grave, a heavy rock,
A Roman seal, guards ‘round the clock,
Yes, the devil thought that he had won.

When Jesus cried out, “It is done,” (louder this time)
The devil thought that he had won.
A rich man’s grave, a heavy rock,
A Roman seal, guards ‘round the clock,
Yes, the devil thought that he had won.

BUT (drum roll), the grave could not hold
The Creator of the earth!
Death could not win over
The Author of New Birth!
After three days in the tomb,
Jesus rose on high
And He gave all who believe
Eternal life.

And His Spirit pours down like the rain before the mowing.
And His Spirit washes all our sins away.
And His Spirit flows out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the throne of God.

Now Jesus choses all believers as His Church and His Bride
And bears us up on eagle’s wings.
He brings us out of slavery,
He walks us through the sea,
And He gives us a new song to sing.

And when He’s standing on Zion’s mountain
And we’re lifting our hands in praise,
We’ll cry out, “Hallelujah!”
Let us stand before You unashamed.
Help us to obey Your Word
And love our neighbors true,
And we will join the great Wedding Feast with You.
And we will join the great Tea Party with You.
And we will spend Eternity with You.

And His joy pours down like the rain before the mowing.
And His joy washes all our sins away.
And His joy flows out like a river of living water,
Flowing from the throne of God.

He gives us bread, He gives us wine,
His body and blood for Yours and mine,
And says, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
He gives us water and a towel,
And His cleansing to make us whole,
And says, “Forgive and serve just like Me.”
He gives His promises and His power,
And His authority for the hour,
And says, “Go tell the world all about Me!”
AND, when the time is right for Him to come,
God the Father will send His risen Son
To reign in glory for now and always!

And the Son shines down on the fields white for harvest.
And the Son wipes all our tears away.
And the Son shines bright as the golden streets of heaven,
Leading to the throne of God.

When I have tea with my very Best Friend
We sit on the grass by that tree
He tells me how He created this world
And how He came to die for me.

By. Jennifer Grace with the help of Jesus, my Very Best Friend

The Story Behind the Song: I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Jesus loves you, dear one. He weeps with you. He rejoices with you. Our story is part of His story. Let’s ask Him to wash away our sins and wipe away our tears today. Pray for a Living-Water-Holy-Spirit-Pour-Down-Revival across this land!

Jesus wept. John 11:35 (NKJV)

I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:18 (NKJV)

For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring. Isaiah 44:3 (NKJV)

They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. Psalm 36:8-9 (NKJV)

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. Psalm 46:4 (NKJV)

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Revelation 22:1 (NKJV)

How Long, O Lord?

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Jennifer Grace

I’ve been wanting to write this devotion for a LONG time. One of my favorite petitions is, “How long, O Lord, how long?” I’ve been so slow to put pen to paper and fingers to the keypad that I felt the Lord asking me, “How long until you write this?!”

December was a sad and busy month for us. My father-in-law passed away. He was an old Methodist farmer. A few days before he died, while lying in his nursing home bed, he said to my husband that he needed help getting through a few gates. Kent told him to go through the Jesus Gate. And a few days later he died (and he did!). My husband’s cousin officiated the memorial service and gave a beautiful message on gates. He talked about how Grandpa first went through the gate of death and then went through heaven’s gate. Everyone who believes in Jesus can go through His gate. How we long for that day!

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)

Advent (the weeks leading up to Christmas) would have been a good time to share a “How long?” devotion. As we think of the children of Israel awaiting the first coming of their Messiah before He came as a baby. Four hundred years there was silence, with only the Law and the Prophets testifying of His coming. And so they waited, and asked, “How long?”

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)

Today believers also ask, “How long until you come again, O Lord?” As we look at the evil in this world, we cry out to Jesus to come and make things right. Someday He will come to claim His own and we shall all praise Him! Yet even now we praise Him as we wait.

Psalm 39:7 And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You… Lord Jesus, I long for You! I wait for You! My hope is in You! How long, O Lord, how long until You come on the clouds in glory and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father? HalleluYAH! I love You! Come in glory, Lord Jesus, my Hope, and the Hope of all humankind! Amen.

What else am I praying for? I’m crying “How long” for healing and a home. It’s been three long years since we lost our home and most of our belongings to mold. The mold is still in my body, causing much pain, and we are still looking for a healthy place to call home. We know God has a plan and we trust Him and thank Him for providing temporary places, yet still we ask, “How long?” I also cry “How long” until He saves loved ones and sends a Living-Water-River-of-Life-Holy-Spirit-Pour-Down-Revival across this land!

Last year I was asking the Lord, “How long until my third book is published? I am so grateful how He helped me overcome obstacles, for the gracious friends who helped, for the prayer warriors who prayed, and for Jesus’ strength. And I praise the Lord that it is finished! I hope you will read More TEA CUPP Prayers and be blessed!

Did you know God also asks, “How long?” He wonders how long until people turn to Him:

Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them? Numbers 14:11 (NKJV)

How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah Psalm 4:2

Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” Matthew 17:17 (NKJV)

(See also Exodus 10:3, 10:7, 16:28; Numbers 14:27; Joshua 18:3; 1 Kings 18:21; Jeremiah 31:22, Mark 9:19, Luke 9:41)

Here are some of my favorite How long prayers:

My soul also is greatly troubled;
But You, O Lord—how long? Psalm 6:3 (NKJV)

How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Psalm 13:1–2 (NKJV)

Lord, how long will You look on?
Rescue me from their destructions,
My precious life from the lions. Psalm 35:17 (NKJV)

O God, how long will the adversary reproach?
Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? Psalm 74:10 (NKJV)

How long, Lord?
Will You hide Yourself forever?
Will Your wrath burn like fire? Psalm 89:46 (NKJV)

Return, O Lord!
How long?
And have compassion on Your servants. Psalm 90:13 (NKJV)

Lord, how long will the wicked,
How long will the wicked triumph? Psalm 94:3 (NKJV)

(See and pray also: Job 7:19, 19:2; Psalm 40:1, 40:13, 40:17, 62:3, 79:5, 80:4, 82:2; Isaiah 6:11; Jeremiah 12:4; Daniel 12:6; Zechariah 1:12; Habakkuk 1:2)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Pray the Lord’s Prayer: “The Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” Read 2Peter 3. Claim all His promises as you cry out, “How long?” today.

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:10 (NKJV)

Enjoy this Song by the Skit Guys: Come Thou Long expected Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLcTLCCpI5A&list=RDVLcTLCCpI5A&start_radio=1

Exalting with Genesis

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Jennifer Grace

And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah… Genesis 29:35 (NKJV)

I love reading Genesis every January, This year the names of Jacob’s sons jumped out at me. I listed them in my prayer journal, along with their meanings that are noted in my Bible’s footnotes. When I looked at the list, I realized those words describe our Lord Jesus. And since Jacob’s fourth son, Judah, means praise, I decided to use all the names of Jacob’s sons to praise our Lord.

Now I will praise the Lord! O Lord Jesus, I praise You with the names of Jacob’s sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel.

You are the God-Who-Sees-Me and sent Your only begotten Son (Reuben: See, A Son).

You are my Lord who hears and answers prayers (Simeon: Heard).

You are Jesus the Messiah, and I’m attached to You. I love You! (Levi: Attached).

You are my Praise all the day. Be glorified, O Lord (Judah: Praise).

You are the Judge of the whole earth and Your harvest is coming soon (Dan: Judge).

You are my God with Whom I’ve wrestled, as did Jacob (Naphtali: My Wrestling).

You are coming again with a troop, ten thousands of Your saints (Gad: Troop).

You have created a beautiful place for us in heaven where we will be happy (Asher: Happy).

You paid our debt on the cross, pouring out Your blood for the sins of all the world (Issachar: Wages).

You are my dwelling place, I hide under the shadow of Your wings (Zebulun: Dwelling).

You are adding more believers daily to Your Kingdom and then You are coming again (Joseph: He will add).

You are the Son of God, sitting at the Right hand of the Father (Benjamin: Son of the Right hand).

Abba Father, dearest Lord Jesus, I love and praise You! Judah! Judah! Judah!

Today’s TEA CUPP: You can do this, too! Read Genesis 29 and 30 for the names of Jacob’s sons. Make a list in your prayer journal of the names and meanings. Now write your own prayer of exaltation to the Lord! What other chapters in Genesis cause you to exalt our God? How about Genesis 1?

This people I have formed for Myself;
They shall declare My praise. Isaiah 43:21 (NKJV)

Stand up and bless the LORD your God Forever and ever! Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise! Nehemiah 9:5 (NKJV)

You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You. Psalm 119:28 (NKJV)

Listen to this delightful family exalt our Lord Jesus, here is Sounds Like Reign:

(See also Genesis 16:13, John 3:16, Isaiah 30:19, Romans 11:19, 1 Corinthians 3:23, Psalm 71:8, Psalm 96:13, 2 Timothy 4:1, Genesis 32:24, Deuteronomy 33:2, Jude 14, John 14:2, Revelation 21:4, Matthew 6:12, 1 John 1:7, Psalm 90:1, Psalm 17:8, Acts 5:14, Acts 11:24, Genesis 35:18, Mark 16:19, Acts 5:31)

but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord— Numbers 14:21 (NKJV)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers. If you enjoyed today’s post, you might also like Exalting with the Christmas Story, or a copy of my new book More TEA CUPP Prayers.

40 Years Ago Today

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Jennifer Grace

I run in the path of Your commands,
for You have set my heart free.
Psalm 119:32 (NKJV)

My life changed forever 40 years ago.
November 25, 1985 was a day of victory, ice and death.
This is my running story.

I was not always a runner. I was the one with the side ache walking at the tail end of the grade school PE class. I was the one who could never hope to qualify for the presidential fitness award. I was so slow! But something happened in late junior high. I discovered I had something that was needed to be a long-distance runner… perseverance. And so I left the sprinters to their fast legs and joined the distance runners. Slowly, slowly the side aches went away and I learned how to run. In high school, my coach, my team and my workout became the centerpiece of my life. I was dedicated to a fault, always running my complete workout, never cutting corners, such perfection was my religion.

When I headed to college, I wanted to continue running so I walked-on as a cross country runner at Iowa State University. Twice a day I met with my coaches and team for workouts, running dozens of miles a week. I was the slowest one. When the team did 1000 meter repeats, I would finish my 1000 meters just when they were leaving for their next 1000 meters. I would run up and down the hills crying at the end of the line, but I kept running. And the miles paid off by spring of my freshman year when I ran a 38 minute 10K! I kept on running for my coaches and my team, they were like a family to me, they were my church, until that November day of my sophomore year…

The sidewalks in Ames, Iowa were glazed with ice as my teammates and I ran our afternoon workout. We were on our own this day because our coaches and faster teammates were at the National meet in Wisconsin. We thought of them as we jogged along, mostly in the grass because the walks were so slick. After running together as a team twice a day for months, we felt a strong connection to our teammates at the National meet, even though we weren’t there. As we dutifully completed our workout in the fading light of this November afternoon, we hoped to hear news of their victory at Nationals.

Instead, what interrupted the TV shows that evening was news of a tragedy. I lived at home with my family still, and was watching TV in our basement with my brother, before diving into another evening of homework. Part way through our favorite show, newscasters broke in with a special news announcement:

“A plane has plummeted from the icy skies and crashed in a yard in Des Moines, Iowa. It was one of three planes returning with the ISU athletes after a second place finish at the National Cross Country meet.”

I ran screaming up the stairs, unable to believe such awful news. I called my teammates at the dormitory who had just heard the news also. We decided to meet at the Student Union chapel for prayer, an amazing act for a public university team. We met and cried and prayed, not knowing who was on the plane that had crashed, and me not truly understanding the ONE to whom we prayed.

The next day we were called together for a meeting with the athletic department. There we embraced our teammates who remained, and there we heard the news of who was lost. That single accident took the lives of seven dear people, and changed the lives of all those who knew them: My two coaches, three teammates, athletic trainer, and pilot were taken from this world. The grief was heart-wrenching for their families, and for those of us who lived like a family on the cross country team.

Classes were cancelled at the University for a day when a memorial service was held for the athletes. Our team marched in our gold uniforms and sat together in misery in the ISU Coliseum. One girl on our team named Dawn gave the memorial for her friend Sheryl. Before the thousands gathered there, Dawn spoke of how Sheryl was a Christian and is in heaven now, and that if Sheryl had the choice she wouldn’t come back to earth, even if she could. As I listened with tears spilling from my eyes, I just didn’t understand such faith. Why wouldn’t Sheryl want to come back?

In the days that followed I tried to continue my running workouts along the streets of Ames, Iowa, but could barely lift my legs. How could I go on without my coach and teammates? I questioned, “Why, God? Why?” Since God allowed my coaches and teammates to be taken away from me, I ran away from Him, in search of peace elsewhere, in food, in poor relationships. Yet those gave no comfort.

By the fall two years after the accident, I had wrecked both my parents’ cars, my bike was stolen, my life was a mess. One morning on my way to class, I stopped by the chapel of the church where I grew up. I got down on my knees and poured out my heart to God, asking Him to help me through the mess I had made of my life. For half an hour I prayed and prayed in that empty church. When I left the chapel, my heart was lighter, even though I did not know what God was going to do.

Soon after this prayerful episode, my roommate was invited to attend the Baptist Student Union and she brought me along. It was in the weekly testimonies and singing, that I got to know the Savior of my soul, and my forever friend, Jesus Christ. My quest was over – I learned…

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

This was truly a miracle from God. Jesus gave me the peace and comfort for which I’d been searching. He washed away all my sins and mistakes. He took my broken soul and healed me.

I traded…
My stop watch for the cross of Christ,
My will for God’s will,
My earthly coaches for a heavenly Father who will never leave me nor forsake me,
My workouts for daily devotions in God’s Word,
And so God’s Word has become my life…

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

And, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…the task of testifying the gospel of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24

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

Perhaps you’d like to write out your testimony to share with others, too. I keep printed copies in my purse to give to people at the grocery store or doctor appointments. God bless you, dear one!

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

And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be saved…
Joel 2:32 (NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Three Times

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Jennifer Grace

And the third day He will rise again. Mark 10:34 (NKJV)

Three days. My college cross country coach repeatedly said that if we didn’t get enough sleep, or ate a bunch of junk food, or over-worked in some other way, three days later we would either come down with a cold, pull a muscle, or endure some other injury. Therefore, we were always to get a good night sleep, eat healthy, and follow his work-out plans—tough instructions for college students with piles of late-night homework, early morning and afternoon work-outs, and limited food choices in the 1980’s dorm cafeteria. But I always remember his caution, “three days.”

Three days or three times comes up quite often in the Bible, too. Perhaps the most memorable is Jesus’ three days and three nights in the tomb, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish. And on the third day, Jesus rose, conquering sin, death, and the power of the devil, opening the door for all of us to have eternal life. HalleluYAH!

One year as I was reading my Bible, I went on a treasure hunt to discover other examples of three days or three times. I thought you might enjoy hearing these examples as we near Resurrection Sunday (First Fruits). As you think of Jesus spending three days in the grave and descending into hell, after all He already went through on the cross for all the world, consider these other “threes” He wrote into His Word:

Three times Noah sent out the dove to see if the land was dry (Genesis 8).

Three three-year old livestock and two birds were used by God to affirm His covenant with Abrahm (Genesis 15:9).

Three days journey took Abraham and Isaac to Mount Moriah where Abraham offered to sacrifice his son, but the Lord provided a ram (Genesis 22).

Three days journey was put between the flocks of Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban (Genesis 30:36).

Three days passed before Laban was told that Jacob and his family had escaped (Genesis 31:22).

Three days after their dreams, Pharoah’s butler was restored to his position, while the baker was hung (Genesis 40).

Three days Joseph put his brothers in prison (Genesis 42:17).

Three months Moses’ mother hid him as a baby (Exodus 2:2, Acts 7:20).

Three days journey Moses requested Pharaoh allow the Israelites to take (Exodus 3:18, 5:3, 8:27).

Three days the Egyptians were in total darkness during the ninth plague (Exodus 10:22).

Three days the Israelites went without finding water after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:22).

Three days to prepare for the Lord coming down Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:11).

And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Exodus 19:11

Three specific times each year all Israel is to keep a feast to the Lord God (Exodus 23:14-17, 34:23).

Three branches and three bowls are on each side of the lamp stands (Exodus 25:32–33).

Three cubits was the height of the altar in the tabernacle (Exodus 27:1).

Three days was the Israelites first journey with the tabernacle after leaving the mountain of God (Numbers 10:23).

Three times Balaam struck his donkey for stopping, not knowing the Angel of the Lord blocked his path (Numbers 22:28, 22:32).

Three times Balaam blessed Israel, upsetting the king who had hired him to curse (Numbers 24:10).

Three days notice was what Joshua gave the Israelites before crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:11).

Three days the spies hid in the mountains from the King of Jericho at Rahab’s caution (Joshua 2:16, 2:22).

Three days the Israelites camped beside the Jordan before crossing over in a miracle as great as the Red Sea crossing (Joshua 3).

Three days after Joshua made the covenant with the Gibeonites, he heard they were their neighbors (Joshua 9:16).

Three days plague David chose as his punishment for the census; this plague led to the location of the Temple (2 Samuel 24).

Three times Elijah had the people pour four water pots on the altar before the Lord’s Mt. Carmel miracle (1 Kings 18:34).

Three days the sons of the prophets searched for Elijah after God took him to heaven in a whirlwind, even though Elisha didn’t want them to search (2 Kings 2:17).

Three years and they would have fruit (2 Kings 19:29).

This shall be a sign to you: ‘You shall eat this year such as grows of itself,
And in the second year what springs from the same;
Also in the third year sow and reap,
Plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them.’ 2 Kings 19:29 (NKJV)

Three days and Hezekiah would be healed and go up to the house of the Lord (2 Kings 20:5).

Three days Rehoboam asked the people to wait while he made a bad decision (2 Chronicles 10:5, 10:12).

Three days and nights Esther asked the Jews to fast with her before she made her petition to the king to save her people. (Esther 4:16)

Three times God works to bring a soul back from the Pit (Job 33:29-30).

Three years God’s servant Isaiah walked naked and barefoot as a sign and wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia (Isaiah 20:3).

Three weeks Daniel mourned and fasted (Daniel 10:2–3).

After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,
That we may live in His sight. Hosea 6:2 (NKJV)

Three days journey wide was Nineveh which God sent Jonah to warn. (Jonah 3:3)

Three months Mary stayed with Elizabeth when they were both expecting special babies (Luke 1:56).

Three days Joseph and Mary searched for Jesus when He was twelve years old (Luke 2:46).

Three times the devil unsuccessfully tempted Jesus, Who rebuked him with the Word of God (Matthew 4).

Three days and three nights, the sign of Jonah, was all the Lord Jesus would give the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 12:38–40).

For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)

Three days the 4000 had been with Jesus listening to His teaching but having nothing to eat until Jesus performed another loaves and fishes miracle (Matthew 15:32, Mark 8:2).

Three tabernacles Peter wanted to construct for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Matthew 17:4, Mark 9:5).

Three times Jesus found the disciples sleeping when He had asked them to watch and pray with Him before going to the cross (Matthew 26:44–45, Mark 14:41).

Three times Peter denied his Lord Jesus before the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:34, 26:75; Mark 14:72).

Three days and the Son of Man would be raised from the dead, Jesus told His disciples (Luke 9:22).

“Three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none,” said the man in Jesus’ parable (Luke 13:6-9).

Three measures of meal is where the woman hid her leaven (Luke 13:21).

“The third day I shall be perfected,” Jesus sent in a message to Herod (Luke 13:32).

Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” Luke 18:31-33 (NKJV)

Three times Pontius Pilate asked about Jesus, “Why, what evil has He done? (Luke 23:22).

Third hour Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:25).

Three hours the earth was dark in mid-day as Jesus hung on the cross (Luke 23:44).

Three days until the Son of Man rose again (Luke 24:7,24:21).

In three days, Jesus said He could raise up His temple if it was destroyed (John 2:19-22).

Three Marys stood by as Jesus hung on the cross (John 19:25).

Three times Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension (John 21:14).

Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:17).

Three thousand souls were added to the early Church on Pentecost at the third hour of the day (Acts 2:15,41).

Three days Paul was without sight and neither ate nor drank when He met the Lord Jesus (Acts 9:9).

Three times Peter had a dream and three men came to see him, opening the door for the gospel to go to the Gentiles (Acts 10:16,19).

Three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8).

Three times Paul visited the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:14, 13:1).

Three times the creatures around God’s throne cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” (Revelation 4:8)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Let’s consider again that day that Jesus died for us. Three people were hung on three crosses. The One in the center had never done anything wrong. The criminal on His right believed in Him and said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom.” There was darkness for three hours. Jesus was laid in the tomb and on the third day He rose from the grave, opening the door for all to enter heaven. Let’s be like the thief on His right who believed, hearing Jesus say, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

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, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NKJV)

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. 1 John 5:7–8 INKJV)

p.s. Thank you for stopping by My Tea Cupp Prayers! My new book is here! Praise Jesus! It’s entitled More Tea Cupp Prayers. I pray that many ladies will read it for a deeper walk with Jesus. Today’s devotion will be part of another book, The Runner’s Tea Cupp (God willing!). Thank you for praying for me! God bless you, dear ones! Jesus loves you!

Digging Ditches Across the USA

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

. . . Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches”. . .2 Kings 3:16 (NKJV)

Get your “shovels” ready, ladies! It’s time to start digging!

In 2 Kings 3 we read the story of three kings going to battle against the king of Moab. This trio included the king of Judah, the king of Israel, and the King of Edom who joined forces to commence the battle. Only there was a problem. The armies had marched for seven days and found no water. They called for the prophet Elisha who told them to dig ditches for “You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water” (2 Kings 3:17). Miraculously, the armies obeyed, God filled the ditches with water, and the armies quenched their thirst and that of their animals. In addition, the enemy saw the water as blood and came forth unprepared to battle the three armies. And Yehovah Nissi, our conquering King, won a great victory for Israel that day!

And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ 2 Kings 3:16-17 (NKJV)

When Elisha told the kings to dig ditches, it is possible he was remembering the time his predecessor Elijah dug ditches. Do you remember that Mt. Carmel victory? The prophets of Baal could not get their sacrifice to light, even with all their hooting and cutting. Then it was Elijah’s turn to pray for the Lord God to light his sacrifice. But first, Elijah had a huge trench dug around the altar. Then those trenches were filled with twelve water pots of water. When the Lord sent His fire, it consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust, and all the water in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:20-40). Amen! Come, Lord Jesus, our Rock, the Christ, the Living Water, do it again! Turn hearts of stone to Living Water. Pour out Your Holy Spirit and Living Water across this land!

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the God of Jacob,
Who turned the rock into a pool of water,
The flint into a fountain of waters. Psalm 114:7-8 (NJKV)

As we prepare our offering, our sacrifice of prayers, let’s dig ditches around them and ask the Lord Himself to fill our land with His Living Water. While you pray for Living Water to cover this nation, your thoughts may turn to the woman at the well in John 4. How did Jesus say to get His Living Water? Just by asking! James 4:2 reminds us, “you do not have because you do not ask.”  Can we dig ditches with our prayers and then ask the Lord Jesus to fill them with His Living Water?

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 (NKJV)

Where have I been digging ditches? I’ve been digging them everywhere the soul of my foot has touched. I’ve been digging ditches in Wisconsin where the Lord healed our granddaughter from cancer. I’ve been digging ditches in my state as I have tea with Jesus each morning. I’ve been digging ditches in Washington DC as I pray for the upcoming election. Yes, I’m digging ditches with my prayers!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Now it is your turn! Get your “shovel” and start digging ditches in your hometown for the Lord to fill with His Living Water. Help us, O Lord, to dig ditches with our prayers. And may You fill these ditches with Living Water to flood this nation! Come, Living Water, Come!

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

And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)

And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. Ezekiel 47:9 (NKJV)

p.s. A great resource for prayers for the USA: https://amillionwomen.org/

4:7 Petitions . . . For Whatever Reason

Posted on June 23, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

. . . for whatever reason we may call upon Him . . . Deuteronomy 4:7 (NKJV)

I love the New King James Version of Deuteronomy 4:7. It says that for whatever reason we may call upon the Lord. For whatever reason! You lost your car keys? Call upon the Lord; He knows where they are. You received a concerning report from the doctor? Call upon the Lord; He is Yehovah Rapha, our Healing God. Your children aren’t following Him? Call upon the Lord; He is their Creator who knit them together in your womb, the Author of their faith who wrote their stories. You are homeless? Call upon the Lord; He is Yehovah Jireh our Provider, the Lord Jesus who is going to prepare a place for us. Trouble with a friend? Call upon the Lord Jesus who knows what it’s like to be rejected. You lost a loved one? Call upon the Lord, our great Comforter. You don’t know where to turn? Call upon the Lord and He will make straight your path.

“For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?” Deuteronomy 4:7 (NKJV)

Those who have been following My TEA CUPP Prayers for awhile now know how much I love to use God’s Word in my prayers. To avoid vain repetitions, I will often take a verse from my daily Bible reading to use in prayer. The last P of the TEA CUPP is for Petitions where we pour our hearts out to Jesus. As you call upon the Lord for whatever reason, today I’d like to show you the many ways you might present those petitions to the Father using His Word. Though “please bless” and “I pray for” are wonderful ways to share your heart with the Lord, here are a sampling of other ways you might begin your prayers:

Arise for . . . (Psalm 10:12, 68:1) 
Awake to . . . (Psalm 59:4; Isaiah 51:9)
Carry . . . (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11)
Come to . . . (Psalm 101:2, 119:77)
Deal with . . . (Psalm 109:21, 119:124)
Defend . . . (Psalm 20:1, 59:1) 
Deliver . . . (Psalm 59:1, 60:5; 2 Peter 2:9) 
Do not forsake . . . (Psalm 38:21, 71:9) 
Do not pass on by . . . (Genesis 18:3)
Forgive . . . (Matthew 6:12-15; Luke 23:34)
Give . . . (Numbers 27:4; Psalm 2:8) 
Give ear . . . (Psalm 5:1, 80:1)
Grace be with . . . (Acts 4:33; Revelation 22:21)
Guide . . . (Psalm 32:8, 48:14)
Have mercy on . . . (Matthew 15:22, 20:31)
Hear and see . . . (Isaiah 37:17; Luke 10:24)
Help . . . (Psalm 60:11, 109:26)
Hold . . .  (Psalm 73:23, 94:18, 119:117, 139:10)
How long . . . (Psalm 80:4, 89:46)
I ask . . . (Matthew 7:7; 1 John 3:22; 1 John 5:14-15)
I beg You earnestly for . . . (Mark 5:23; Luke 7:4)
I call for . . . (Genesis 4:26; Psalm 91:15)
I cast . . . (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7) 
I come to You for . . . (Matthew 11:28, 24:3)
I cry for . . . (Psalm 61:1, 77:1, 88:1-2, 88:13, 107:28)  
I implore You to . . . (Psalm 116:4; Luke 9:38)
I petition for . . . (Esther 7:3; Psalm 20:5)
I pour . . . (Psalm 62:8; Isaiah 26:16)
I pray for . . . (Exodus 33:13; James 5:13) 
I request for . . . (Romans 1:10; Philippians 4:6)
I want You to . . . (Psalm 23:1; Matthew 20:32)
I will not let You go unless you bless . . . (Genesis 32:26; Psalm 67:1)
It is time for . . . (Psalm 119:126, Revelation 1:3)
Look upon . . . (2 Samuel 16:12, Psalm 119:132)
Make haste to . . . (Psalm 38:22, 40:13, 70:1) 
Preserve . . . (Psalm 16:1, 64:1) 
Remember . . . (Nehemiah 13:14; Psalm 106:4; Luke 23:42)
Restore . . . (Psalm 60:1, 80:3, 85:4) 
Return to . . . (Psalm 6:4, 90:13)
Save . . . (Psalm 106:47, 108:6; Matthew 8:25)
Shelter . . . (Psalm 61:3-4, 143:9)  
Shine on . . . (Psalm 67:1, 80:1, 94:1, 119:135) 
Strengthen . . . (Psalm 27:14, 68:28) 
Take this cup from . . . (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42)
Turn to . . . (Psalm 25:16, 86:16)
Whistle for . . . (Isaiah 5:26; Zechariah 10:8)

Today’s TEA CUPP: I know you will find many more ways to share your heart with the Lord Jesus in prayer. Try one of these petition-starters in your prayer journal today. We can conclude this list of petition prayer starters with another 4:7 verse:

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 1Peter 4:7 (NKJV)

Yes, Mandy, there really is a Hell

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Our first summer in camping ministry, we had a potpourri of counselors from various church backgrounds. One tall slim girl named Mandy grew up Lutheran and knew her Bible well. As Mandy spoke with her campers during Bible study one week, the topic of hell came up. Mandy shared what she had learned from God’s Word. When one of the campers went home, she told her parents, who told their pastor, who told the superintendent of camps at the head office, who called my husband to say our “counselors were not allowed to talk about hell since some churches don’t believe in it!”

…whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5:22 (NKJV)

We were astounded! Yet being new to camping ministry and young Christians ourselves, we encouraged the counselors to just keep the focus on Jesus in their Bible studies. But if there is no hell, why does anyone need Jesus who came to save us from our sins so that we won’t go to hell?!! Well, I can tell you, if we were in that situation again, we would pull out our Bibles and march down to the head office to show the leaders God’s Word. And so, to paraphrase the famous line from the 1897 New York Sun editorial by the aptly named Francis Church, I reply, “Yes, Mandy, there really is a hell! You were right all along! Here is the proof I’ve found in God’s Word which does not lie.” Oh head office, know the truth and the truth will set you free!

The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the nations that forget God. Psalm 9:17 (NKJV)

Perhaps the best Bible story depicting hell is found in Luke 16:19-31. Here we meet a very poor man named Lazarus (a different Lazarus than the one Jesus’ raised from the dead). This Lazarus suffered throughout his life. When he died, he went to Abraham’s bosom (a picture of being held in heaven in the arms of God). At the same time, a wicked wealthy man died and was sent to hell. From hell, this rich man could see across a large chasm into heaven, where Lazarus was being comforted on Abraham’s bosom. The rich man begged for Lazarus to bring him some water, but Abraham said, “No, you had the good things during your lifetime, and besides there is this big chasm that separates us.” The rich man begged for Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his family about hell, but Abraham replied, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.” And so the rich man was left in hell to suffer for all eternity (Luke 16:19-31). It is interesting that Jesus raises another Lazarus from the dead in John 11––were any persuaded by this miracle to repent?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. Psalm 139:8 (NKJV)

Oh, dear one, we don’t want this eternal torture for anyone, not our friends nor our family nor our worst enemies. We want to bring them the Good News of God’s salvation through His only Son Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ)! We want to show them through the scriptures how Moses pointed to a Savior. Jesus is the Seed to crush satan’s head Whom God promised Adam and Eve in Genesis. He is the Passover Lamb who died for our sins in Exodus. He is our High Priest and the Law fulfilled in Leviticus. He is the Prophet foretold in Deuteronomy. He is the Captan of our salvation in Joshua. He is the One the psalmist declared is poured out like water for all the world. He is the One wounded for our transgressions in Isaiah. He is the 4th person walking in the fire in Daniel. He is the ruler from Bethlehem as told by Micah. He is Jesus Christ, the baby born to the Virgin Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. He is Yeshua Messiah, who bore our sins on the cross that all who believe in Him will escape hell, have our sins washed into the depths of the sea, and live eternally in heaven, with Lazarus on Abraham’s bosom! (Genesis 3:15, Exodus 12:21, Leviticus 21:10, Deuteronomy 18:15, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:5, Daniel 3:25, Micah 5:2,Micah 7:19, Luke 2:7, Luke 2:12, 1Peter 2:24, Pastor Tim Sheets, “Knowing Him,” Oasis Church, November 26, 2023).

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Job 33:23-30 and Jude 24-25 and see there is HOPE! Jesus is our Mediator, the One who keeps us from the pit! Jesus’ blood He shed for us on the cross washes us clean so that we can be in heaven with Him for all eternity. Our citizenship is in heaven! Make your salvation certain today by calling on Jesus and confessing your sins. Rejoice in our great hope, dear one!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1Peter 1:3 (NKJV)

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

Hell and Destruction are before the Lord;
So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. Proverbs 15:11 (NKJV)

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Revelation 1:18 (NKJV)

If you’d like to learn more, you might enjoy reading We still need the Key and It is Finished and Leave no Doubt and My Dear Loved One.

…and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. John 20:28-29 (NKJV)

(See also Deuteronomy 4:24, 32:22, Job 21:30, Job 26:6, Psalm 11:6, Psalm 21:9, Psalm 73:18-19, Psalm 140:10, Proverbs 1:12, Proverbs 5:5, Proverbs 7:27, Proverbs 9:18, Proverbs 23:14, Proverbs 27:20, Proverbs 15:24, Proverbs 20:26, Isaiah 14:15, Isaiah 14:19, Daniel 12:2, Ezekiel 32:17–22, Matthew 5:29-30, Matthew 13:24-49, Matthew 18:8-9, Matthew 23:33, Matthew 24:29-51, Matthew 25:30-46, Mark 9:42-48, Luke 3:17, Luke 12:5, John 5:22-30, John 5:46-47, John 8:32, 2Thessalonians 1:8-9, 2Peter 2:4-11, 2Peter 2:17, James 3:6, Jude 23, Revelation 20:15)

“Thus says the Lord God: ‘In the day when it went down to hell, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it. I restrained its rivers, and the great waters were held back. I caused Lebanon to mourn for it, and all the trees of the field wilted because of it. I made the nations shake at the sound of its fall, when I cast it down to hell together with those who descend into the Pit; and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, were comforted in the depths of the earth. They also went down to hell with it, with those slain by the sword; and those who were its strong arm dwelt in its shadows among the nations. Ezekiel 31:15-17 (NKJV)

For great is Your mercy toward me,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. Psalm 86:13 (NKJV)

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)

…Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. John 18:37 (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)

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)

(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, Luke 16:31, 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)

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