Choose Your 5 Stones!

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 (NKJV)

Almost a year ago I wrote the devotion “Wrestling with Abba Father,” ironically published exactly one week before we left our home forever due to a mold outbreak, not knowing I’d do more wrestling in the coming year than ever before! I have to say that when you spend several hours a day on the mat wrestling for months on end, you learn more about fighting the good fight of faith!

I haven’t written much about spiritual warfare in My TEA CUPP devotions in the past, focusing more on other parts of prayer. But as our world continues its moral decline and trouble of all kinds abound for God’s children, it is important that we put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) and battle the enemy in prayer. Though Jacob wrestled with the Angel of God, our spiritual warfare is not against the Father, but rather in the name of Jesus we fight against evil forces of wickedness, Satan and his fallen angels with names like Leviathan, Legion, Baal and many others. Paul tells us, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

Our Lord Jesus knew all about spiritual warfare. Right after He was baptized, the Holy Spirit took Jesus into the wilderness where He fasted for 40 days. At the end of those 40 days, Satan came to tempt Jesus. But Jesus did not give in to the devil’s tactics. He fought back with the Word of God, using the Sword of the Spirit to defend Himself (read Matthew 4:1-11). When Satan showed up again in the doubts of Peter, Jesus proclaimed, “Get behind Me, Satan!” ordering the devil away with His words (Matthew 16:21-23).

As I was reading the familiar story of David and Goliath a few weeks ago, I saw how it is a perfect example of using spiritual warfare in our prayers (1 Samuel 17). You all know the story of how David gathered the five stones to fight the giant Goliath for mocking the God of Israel. With only one stone, David won the battle, perhaps because the battle had already been won in prayer. Let’s look at what steps we must to do to be victorious like David in his spiritual battle over God’s enemy:

We pray (Psalm 27)
We obey our Father (1 Samuel 17:17-20)
We practice on a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
We size up the situation and ask permission (1 Samuel 17:20-30)
We gather our stones (1 Samuel 17:40)
We fight with the Word of God (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
We claim the victory! (1 Samuel 17:48-51)

I feel like I’ve been practicing on the lion and the bear this past year as we battled in prayer for healing and a home. I’ve progressed to gathering my stones and fighting the enemy with the Word of God. What does this look like? When I was on the verge of completing my third book, More TEA CUPP Prayers, I gathered my five stones. I knew the enemy did not want me to finish this as he had used every tactic to try to knock me out, from sickness to despair. So, on my final afternoon of writing, I wrote five promises from God’s Word in my prayer journal. These were my five stones to throw at the enemy if he came along during my writing. I wrote that day, Dearest Jesus, be with me to press on and finish More TEA CUPP! I claim these five stones of promise against Goliath in Your Name, Yeshua!

No weapon formed against me shall prosper (see Isaiah 54:17).
He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world (see 1 John 4:4).
He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 1:6).
I shall not die but live to declare the works of the Lord (see Psalm 118:17).
He shall give His angels charge over me to keep me in all His ways (see Psalm 91:11).

I also rebuked, in the Name of Yeshua Messiah, the “prince of the power of the air” from messing with the internet and computer (Ephesians 2:2)! And I’m delighted to say that day was a victory for God’s side as More TEA CUPP Prayers is now at the publisher! HalleluYAH! God be praised!

As I continued reading 1 Samuel, I remembered again David and Goliath. I noticed that David didn’t assume his first victory would guarantee the next victory over the enemy. When he came to battle again, David first …inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.” (1 Samuel 23:2). That is a lesson for us, too: Keep asking the Father before battling the enemy, or we might become like the people in Acts who cast out demons in Jesus’ name and were attacked (see Acts 19).

Paul tell us, “for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). This reminds me of 2 Samuel 17:13 when Hushai gave advice to Absolom, saying they would use ropes to pull the city down into the river. That’s what we do with our prayers! Our prayers are like ropes, pulling the evil strongholds into the river! Dear one, you can do this! Stay in God’s Word, claim His promises, always keep on His armor as you pray and go through your days.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read 1 Samuel 17. Now it’s your turn. Pick your five Bible verse “stones” to have ready for the next spiritual battle. Put on the whole armor of God and stand! Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)!

…be valiant for me, and fight the Lord’s battles. 1 Samuel 18:17 (NKJV)

…the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s... 1 Samuel 17:47 (NKJV)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NKJV)

Tea in the Storm

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

I first published this devotion on October 9, 2019, before covid, before the riots, before the 2020 elections, before January 6… I heard another storm of tsunami proportions is coming, a shaking this fall (2023) to bring our nation to its knees. Dear one, I tell you to fear not! Be steadfast, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12). Keep trusting Jesus!

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2 (NKJV)

God has always been in the storms. Ever since He created the earth, His Spirit has hovered over the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2). Today with hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, blizzards, cancer, rushing children to hospitals, family difficulties, government corruption…we may wonder where God is. Yet He is right there, ready to carry us through the storm.

One Sunday our pastor gave a sermon on the passage from Mark 4:35-41 about Jesus calming the sea. He pointed out for us in Mark 4:36 where it says, “And other little boats were also with Him.” There are other little boats on the sea, too. We aren’t the only ones in this storm. Others need Jesus’ help and our example of faith. Let’s ask Jesus to calm the storm for everyone. Today I give you a special TEA CUPP with verses from this story.

T for Thanksgiving:

He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still…
…Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:29,31 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:41 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:40 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Mark 4:35 (NKJV)

U for Understanding:

Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. Mark 4:36-37 (NKJV)

P for Promises:

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 (NKJV)

P for Petitioning:

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)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the amazing story in Mark 4:35-41, The Sea is Stilled. Read Acts 27 or the book of Jonah for more storm stories. Use these verses as conversation starters in your prayer time with Jesus today, all week, or any time you or loved ones are going through a storm. You can claim God’s promise to still the waves. You can wake Jesus up and ask Him, “Don’t You care?” You can stand amazed at His miracles and proclaim, “Who is this, that even the wind and sea obey Him?”

…Awake to help me, and behold! Psalm 59:4 (NKJV)

The waters saw You, O God;
The waters saw You, they were afraid;
The depths also trembled. Psalm 77:16 (NKJV)

You rule the raging of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them. Psalm 89:9 (NKJV)

In His Courtroom

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Jennifer Grace

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4 (NKJV)

…Like a prince I would approach Him. Job 31:37 (NKJV)

We can enter because He has torn the curtain. We can enter because we are His children, bought with His blood on the cross. We can enter because He has made us pure and righteous by His same blood. We can enter because He wants to hear from us. And so, I enter to tell Him my troubles…

Good Morning, Lord Jesus…I peek around the gate and see You and Your Father on thrones… at first, I take timid steps, knowing I’m welcome because of Your work and blood You shed for me on the cross… but still I’m a little shy, perhaps You might be busy… like when my earthly Daddy was in his study preparing a lecture for his biophysics students… yet he was always glad to see me, and even more so are You… and so, I run boldly across the glimmering floor to Your throne of grace and jump into Your lap and say, “Father, I love You!… Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins and all the world’s… thank you for Your free gift of salvation… thank You for hope.. thank You my name is written in heaven… thank You for taking care of us each day… thank you for praying friends… thank you for food and clothing and a place to sleep this month… and we trust You beyond that… thank You, dearest Father/Jesus for all Your blessings… thank You for the home You are preparing for us and the healing You will do in our bodies… thank You for the little things, like a text from a friend who cares, a smile from our son, a prayer from my husband… thank You for Your Word… O Father, O Jesus, I praise and exalt You for You are the Most High over all the earth, God Almighty, Creator of the Universe… You are my Savior… You are YHVH Rapha, our Healer… You are YHVH Yireh, our Provider.. You are YHVH Nissi, our Victory… How can I complain to One so Awesome?… Forgive me, O Father, I’m not worthy… I don’t deserve Your death and resurrection… I don’t deserve Your grace and mercy… I don’t deserve Your love and life, yet You graciously give it all to me… Forgive me again for always falling short of Your glory… Wash me clean by Your precious blood… I admit my sins to You and ask Your forgiveness, make me new… Thank you, dearest Jesus, Yeshua, my Messiah… And now, please, may I pour out my troubles?… No? Wait? You have a calling for me? You want me to do something for You first? Is this just to distract me from my complaint?… What can I do for You, Father?… How can I glorify You and Your Son?… Who needs our help?… May I bear fruit for You, too?… Thank You for giving me this assignment… I will press on, I will persevere, I will do it with the strength You provide… please keep helping and guiding me… So, about my troubles… Oh, You want to tell me a story? I know, You always like parables, but this isn’t a parable? Oh! It’s about me? You want to teach me a little more about my story and why you are letting these trials come through my life?… You have a verse for me that describes it perfectly?… Thank You, Father, that’s just what I needed, to know… You understand and You have a plan and others have gone through this same trial before… You will see me through this, too… And You have promises for me?… Oh, thank You, what are they?… You are the God who sees me and knows me and loves me… You will work all things together for good… You who have begun a good work in me will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ… And, You ARE coming again! Those are wonderful promises! I’ll write them in my journal… Thank You, Lord Jesus… Now, what did I come in here to ask You about?… I wrote down this verse, I wanted to petition You and complain in Your courtroom and argue my case, but it doesn’t seem so important anymore… Perhaps someone else will need this verse and You will hear their complaint and I’ll encourage them for You…

Then Job answered and said: “Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments.” Job 23:1-4 (NKJV)

Present your case,” says the Lord.
“Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob. Isaiah 41:21 (NKJV)

Put Me in remembrance;
Let us contend together;
State your case, that you may be acquitted. Isaiah 43:26 (NKJV)

Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance for you…” Jeremiah 51:36 (NKJV)

O Lord, You have seen how I am wronged;
Judge my case. Lamentations 3:59 (NKJV)

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)

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!

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)

No Room in the Inn

Posted on December 22, 2022 by Jennifer Grace

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 (NKJV)

I’m having a “No Room in the Inn” Christmas. The place I’ve called home for 11-1/2 years no longer has room for me because it is full of mold. And so while most people are gathering to celebrate with family, we are moving in sub-zero temperatures to a temporary guest house (thank you, Jesus, for providing this for us!). Ironically, this guest house was once a barn, now converted into a lovely dwelling. We can pretend to be like Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus as we sleep in “the barn.”

And so this Christmas I share with you one of my favorite Christmas devotions from years ago. I never really attended this Christmas pageant, yet Jesus showed it to me one day as I sat in church…

“NO ROOM in the INN” the sign proclaims on the make-shift inn created by the Sunday schoolers for their Christmas pageant. The beautiful story of our Savior’s birth will soon be portrayed by the youngest members of our church family. As the students and teachers make the final preparations for this year’s production, my mind contemplates the words on the sign — “NO ROOM in the INN.”

The sign is taken right from the book of Luke, And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Why do these words from the Christmas story strike such a chord with me? Is it because God allowed me to share in Mary’s experience? Is it because He showed me “NO ROOM in the INN?”

Not once, not twice, but three times God let me be pregnant and then moved us to a new place! In each instance, during a span of 18 years, a home, a job, and our future were uncertain. Oh, how I wrestled with God each time! And just as He provided a stable for Mary and baby Jesus, God provided homes for us, from a rustic cabin in the mountains to a spacious home near town. But best of all, He gave us the babies.

The Sunday schoolers suspend my thoughts for the moment, now parading onto the stage in their costumes. Instead of the usual bathrobes and shepherds’ staffs, they are dressed in modern outfits. One holds a sign that reads, “Super 8, No Vacancy.” Another says, “Holiday Inn Express, No Vacancy.” Another proclaims, “Comfort Inn, No Vacancy.” I look down the line at all the children, each with another hotel sign, all claiming, “No Vacancy.”

The last little girl comes in a red velvet dress. She has a different sign. It reads, “My Heart Inn.”

“Oh, what can this be?” I wonder. We sing “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem” before the children commence with the play.

Mary and Joseph wander onto the modern Bethlehem stage, looking for a place to stay. First the Super 8 manager explains how he has no vacancy because of a cattlemen’s convention. He turns his sign so we can read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Cattlemen!” Next the Holiday Inn Express manager tells about the craft show people filling her motel. She turns her sign to read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Craft Fair!” The Comfort Inn manager is excited about the basketball tournaments in town and turns his sign to read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Basketball Players!” And on down the line it goes, with each motel manager giving reasons for no vacancy.

Finally we come to the little girl in the red velvet dress. This sweet little girl explains why her “My Heart Inn” has no vacancy. She turns her sign so we can read, “No Vacancy. Welcome American Girl dolls, video games, cell phones, ballet, new clothes, earrings…”

The congregation lets out a gasp. We are all so shocked, just sure the little girl was the one to welcome baby Jesus. We can’t believe it! How is it possible?! Such a sweet little girl with no room for Jesus. It causes us to think, “Are we making room in our hearts for Jesus? Is there room in ‘My Heart Inn?’”

And so Mary and Joseph continue outside into the cold. We see them standing outside the church window, shivering in the snow. There is an uncomfortable pause as we await whatever is next.

The little girl in the red velvet dress stands trembling in front of the congregation. Tears form in her eyes because she also sees Mary and Joseph outside. A sob escapes her as she cries, “Yes, baby Jesus, Yes! I do have room in my heart for You!”

The little girl tears up her “No Vacancy” sign and throws it into a nearby manger, sobbing uncontrollably on the alter steps. Tears spring from all eyes as we watch the little girl helplessly, not sure if we should go and comfort her. From out of the shadows appears an angel who reaches down and touches her, giving her a new sign.

Looking surprised, the girl in the red velvet dress stops crying to read, “My Heart Inn. Welcome Jesus.” She smiles, wiping away her tears, delighted with her new sign.

The pastor stops the production to point us to our church bulletins. Inside we find hearts like the “My Heart Inn – No Vacancy” sign. Pastor asks us what is filling our hearts, creating no room for Jesus? Is it money, things, toys, activities, computers, cars? He asks us to write it on the No Vacancy heart.

I consider my heart and the Christmas story. I didn’t really share in Mary’s ordeal. I don’t know what it is like to have a baby in a stable. I haven’t really shared in Jesus’ sufferings, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death. I ponder what to write on my heart, and then I know. I write down all my worries that keep me from trusting Jesus. I write down my busy projects I think I have to do for Him, when all He really wants is my heart.

Pastor invites us to come forward and leave our torn hearts in the manger, just like the little girl. There is not a dry eye as we file to the front of the sanctuary. I imagine the paper hearts contain all kinds of confessions from addictions to broken families. Each one laid in the manger is like nailing it to Jesus’ cross. Wise men and shepherds appear on the scene. They give each person who places a “No vacancy” heart in the manger a new heart ornament that reads, “My Heart Inn. Welcome Jesus.”

The children’s choir softly sings, “Jesus is knocking at the door of my heart.” Then the congregation sings “The First Noel” and other Christmas hymns until the manger is overflowing with our torn hearts, and everyone in the congregation holds a new one. As the piano music ends, the girl in the red velvet dress runs to open the door for Mary and Joseph. The couple walks in holding baby Jesus, Who Mary carefully places in His manger bed (we wonder if He was born in the snow, but we don’t ask).

Pastor leads us in a prayer, asking God to help us truly give up these things that have cluttered our hearts, and for Jesus to fill our hearts instead. The prayer ends and we look up to see…

The little girl in the red velvet dress, standing behind the manger. She begins to sing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart. Prepare Him room…” The children’s choir and the congregation all join her in singing this beautiful hymn.

Suddenly, with great joy, it is every holiday all mixed in one. There are red heart balloons with John 3:16 falling from the ceiling like Valentine’s Day. The Sunday School teachers bring in a cake for baby Jesus and we all sing “Happy Birthday to You!” The cross on the alter reminds us of Resurrection Sunday and Jesus’ reason for being born – to die for our sins. And outside the head elder sets off fireworks like the Fourth of July to celebrate our freedom from sin.

We gather our children in our arms and sing “We wish you a Merry Christmas” as we all share a piece of Jesus’ cake. And you know, I think it really will be a Merry Christmas this year. For this is the year Jesus found room at My Heart Inn.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read the Christmas story again in Luke 2 and Galatians 4:4-7 today. Ponder the love of God who came as a Baby to be our Savior. Give Him Your heart, invite Him in to stay forever.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Titus 2:11 (NKJV)

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 (NKJV)

Thank you for stopping by My TEA CUPP Prayers! If you enjoyed today’s post, you might also like to read: My TEA CUPP for Christmas.

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

4:7 Princess Proclamations

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Jennifer Grace

Galatians 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

“Do you like Halloween, Grandma?” asked my first-grade granddaughter Kennedy, while we visited the zoo on a beautiful October day. The zoo was covered from end to end with pumpkins and spooky decorations.

“”Why no, I don’t like Halloween! Why do you ask?” I replied to my observant granddaughter.

“Because you say skeletons are scary,” she answered. We went on to discuss our favorite holidays; Kennedy’s favorites are Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Later that evening I was playing a game with Kennedy while her mommy tucked in the little ones. I knew Kennedy had been invited to a costume party the next week. Not wanting her to go, but knowing she would be, I inquired, “What costume will you wear?”

“Maybe a ghost,” Kennedy replied, and then looked up at me, changing her mind. “I think I’ll be a princess, I like that best.”

“Oh, good,” I exclaimed, “I like princesses best, too. Do you know we all get to be princesses in heaven?”
“No, really?” Kennedy said, surprised.

“Yes, everyone who loves Jesus gets to be a prince or princess in His kingdom. Do you love Jesus?”

“I love Him when I go to church,” replied my honest granddaughter.

“Jesus wants us to love Him all the time because He died on the cross for our sins.”

“Why did He have to die on the cross for our sins?”

“Because we’re all sinners and do bad stuff sometimes. Instead of us dying for our sins, Jesus died for us.”

“Hmm.” Kennedy contemplated as she put the finishing touches on a picture.

O Jesus, may all my children, grandchildren and greats love You, believe in Your death and resurrection, accept Your salvation, and be princes and princesses in Your Kingdom! Amen

Galatians 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ….And for us ladies, Therefore you are no longer a slave but a daughter, and if a daughter, then an heir of God through Christ! And since He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, that makes us princesses in His kingdom!!! We are no longer slaves to sin; the iron ball of our guilt and iniquity is loosed from our feet; the darkness in our hearts has been filled with the light of Jesus and every cobweb of evil is washed away. We are filled anew with His Holy Spirit, given clean white robes and crowns. We are Christ’s daughters and princesses in His kingdom. Like Joseph, we have gone from prison to the palace. Like Esther, He chose us and brought us to His banqueting table. Hold on, dear one, the battle won’t be long. He will keep us safe under the shadow of His wings until that Day when He comes in glory. Come, Lord Jesus, Come; Come, Holy Spirit, Come; Come. Emmanuel, Come! Thy Kingdom Come! HalleluYAH! Amen!

That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:12

I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18

And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29-30

The 4:7 Prayers, Petitions, and Proclamations

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Jennifer Grace

You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. Psalm 4:7

Hello, dear sisters! I’m am back! The last few months I’ve been working hard to complete my third book, More TEA CUPP Prayers. I’m so excited that you should have it by springtime for a lovely Resurrection Day or Mother’s Day present. Please keep praying for the publication process which can be long and detailed. I thank the Lord for all of you and your prayers, may His Name be glorified! Jesus has also given me another task to do…

The numbers 4:7 keep returning to me. Last summer I was reading the Psalms and 4:7 jumped out at me as a beautiful verse describing my life with Jesus, You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I recalled how the Lord helped me run a marathon a few years ago in exactly 4 hours and 7 minutes (4:7). 2 Timothy 4:7 talks about finishing the race. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. The following spring, our long-awaited grandson was finally born on April 7 (4-7). We used to have an address with the number 47, and so 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.

I shared my 4:7 mission with a few family and friends. My son Joel asked, “What were you doing when you were 47? I replied, “Well, you were 2 years old and I was starting the process of publishing my first book, My TEA CUPP Prayers.” My friend Sarah got curious and looked up what state in the United States was the 47th, New Mexico is the answer. Now there is a state that can use our prayers for revival!

And so for the next few months, I will share with you 4:7 Prayers, Petitions, and Proclamations, some short, some long, all pointing to Jesus and our lives with Him. All glory and praise to God the Father and Christ Jesus His Son through the power of the Holy Spirit! HalleluYAH! Amen!

4:7 Prayers, Petitions, and Proclamations

Genesis 4:7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.

What we all desire is acceptance, but more important than being accepted by people is to be accepted by God. Because of Jesus, we are accepted into God’s family. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is the Bridge over the chasm that separates us from His Holy Father in heaven. Jesus is the One who forgives our sins and makes us white as snow so that one day we can stand spotless before His throne. The enemy does not like me following Jesus, but Jesus is stronger than the the enemy, He is Lord of heaven and earth and by His Name, the Mighty Name of Jesus and His blood on the cross, we cast out the enemy into utter darkness, be gone satan! Jesus rules and reigns in my life and family for all eternity!

Exodus 4:7 And He said, “Put your hand in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and behold, it was restored like his other flesh.

I claim Your promise to heal and restore my flesh, my body, back, legs, feet, head, neck, liver, gallbladder (with no clips!), womb, bladder, gut, tummy and every ache and pain in the Name of Jesus who died for my salvation and healing, shedding His blood on the cross. And You will also give me gifts of healing (2 Corinthians 12 & 14) and heal all these dear ones… Nellie, Kent, Joel, Kennedy, MaryBeth, MaryAnne, Jane, Cheryl, Donna, Joyce, Marie, Kim, LanAnn, Becka, Nickie, John, Jack, Tanya, Kathy, Susan, Sarah, Steve, Weston, Bob, Roberta, Barbara, Terry, Roy, Nolan, Anne, Coleen, Rylie, Gracie, Unity, Jessie, Edna, Cindy, Hank, Brenda, Greysen, Lily, Clay, Dorothy, Gordon, Martha, Kelly, Terri, Saul, Tony, Eddie, Don, Joan, Caitlin, Rodney, Kathy, Janet, Elizabeth, Jake, Tracy, Whitney, Dave, Loretta and so many others! Psalm 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.

Numbers 4:7 On the table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring; and the showbread shall be on it.

My healing comes from Jesus, the Bread of Life. Sky blue is the color of my life with no pain. In sharing hospitality, I will entertain a healer. Oh Jesus, please let me bring healing to ladies everywhere, too. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

More 4:7 Prayers, Petitions, and Proclamations coming next time! Jesus loves you, dear one!

She Did What She Could

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Jennifer Grace

She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Mark 14:8 (NKJV)

My neighbor Marie stopped by for tea the other day. She was telling me about a mutual friend who had taught at a country school before she was married. Our friend had to be very careful not to share her faith openly with the students during the school year. But when summer came, the school board amazingly gave her permission to hold a Vacation Bible School at the country schoolhouse. Marie commented, “She did what she could.”

The week before Jesus went to the cross, He was at a supper in Bethany hosted by Simon the Leper. While Jesus was sitting at the table, Mary (the sister of Martha) took an alabaster flask of very costly oil and poured it on Jesus’ head (John 12:3). Some criticized Mary for this “waste” of the precious oil, yet Jesus praised her, saying, “She did what she could…” The Father Himself must have put this upon Mary’s heart to anoint Her Lord and Savior for His death and burial, thus selecting the Passover Lamb. Mary did what she could for Jesus.

My friend Kathy and her husband stopped by this summer for a visit. What fun it was to host old friends from the Midwest in our mountainous region of the country. While visiting, Kathy shared all the things she would be doing when she returned home. One task was to drive an hour to pick up a friend at the airport and then drive that friend two more hours to her family. Kathy says, “because that’s what friends do.” Jesus would say, “She did what she could.”

A few days later, with Kathy’s example still fresh in my mind, a homeschool mom asked if I could drive her to the next city for a day of appointments because she had broken her wrist. We always have a hundred things we could be doing, but I knew that was where God wanted me that day, so I said, “Yes,” and was so blessed to spend the day with my long-time mom-friend.

A month later, I had a call from an old college teammate I hadn’t seen in over 20 years. She wanted to buy me a plane ticket to help her deliver a car for her college daughter. She had it planned beautifully from the flights to the motel stops. My tummy and back had been bothering me and I had a doctor appointment coming up so it didn’t seem feasible, but what did God tell me in His Word that very day? Arise and go! So, with the prayers of many uplifting me, I arose and went and was so blessed to catch up on 20 years of stories with my sweet college teammate as we traveled 700 plus miles together, handing out my testimony to hotel clerks, gas station attendants, motor cycle riders and others along the way. I hope Jesus will say, “She did what she could.”

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Mary’s story in Mark 14:3-9 and John 12:1-8. What can you do for Jesus today that would cause Him to say, “She did what she could”? Perhaps it’s as simple and powerful as saying a prayer or taking soup to a neighbor. While I was away, a troop of local missionaries was serving our community, painting, gardening, and helping their neighbors. There are so many ways you can be a blessing! Be on the lookout for “what she could” opportunities this week! God bless you, dear sister!

Not to us, Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 (NKJV)

Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words. Jeremiah 18:2 (NKJV)

…Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning… Ruth 3:10 (NKJV)

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

...Well done, good and faithful servant… Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

...As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

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