The Empty Plate

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

“But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:35 (NKJV)

An empty plate. An empty tea cupp. What is happening here? It must be time for fasting, giving up food and beverages while praying.

Sometimes God calls us to fast. I’m reminded of this every year when I read the book of Esther. In this great history, we see how God allowed Esther to become queen to save her people, the Jews, from annihilation. When Esther realized this was her duty, she asked her maids and others to pray and fast with her (Esther 4:16). For three days and nights they had no food or water. The end result was God saved the Jews.

One might wonder what to do during a three day fast. Should we pour out our hearts to Jesus on day one? What about days two and three? While there is no right way to pray and fast, we can find a good plan in 2 Chronicles 20. In this this history, King Jehoshaphat learns of an impending battle with his enemies. He declares a fast for all Judah. During the fast, there are three parts to his prayers:

1) Exalt: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NKJV)

2) Claim God’s Promises: …You will hear and save….the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:9,15 (NKJV)

3) Petition: O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV)

What if we use this formula for a three-day fast? The first day we exalt Jesus, praising Him for being our Savior. The second day, we claim God’s promises, underlining and repeating them from our Bibles. And the third day, we pour out our hearts to Jesus, asking for help with whatever trouble we are facing. Even Queen Esther went to see the king on the third day of fasting. She found favor in his sight as he asked, “What is your petition?” (Esther 5:1-7)

On the evening of the third day, we must open our ears and listen, for God will give us our call: ... Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord… 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Is God calling you to fast for a time? Is there something big in your life that needs more than a little prayer? I encourage you to try this three day fast and let God do His amazing miracles. Then you can go forth singing.

So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayers. Ezra 8:23 (NKJV)

The Runner’s Stance

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Way back in junior high, my P.E. coaches were Ms. Newby and Mrs. Knutson. They led us in many exercises and drills to prepare us for track season. Most memorable to me, out of all their wisdom, is the runner’s stance.

The runner needs to look relaxed while running around the track, even at full speed or while exhausted. Arms are to be at greater than 90 degree angles, shoulders down, and hands open loosely. Ms. Newby described it as holding a tea cup! She told us to lightly pinch our thumbs and first fingers together and poke out our pinky fingers, just as if we were having tea with the queen. By holding our hands just so, we didn’t clench our fists and were, therefore, more relaxed.

As I went running one day recently, the Lord reminded me of that junior high tea cup. I wondered how the runner’s stance compares with the Christian’s stance. As the runner leans forward, pressing on to the finish line, the Christian looks up to Jesus, pressing on to eternal life (Philippians 3:13-14). While the runner wears out her shoes in the race, the Christian wears out his knees in prayer. Yet both raise their arms in victory to the Lord.

There are all kinds of stances for prayer, but my favorite is curled up in the corner of our sofa. There, wrapped in a blanket and hugging a mug of hot water, I share my TEA CUPP time with Jesus. First I read His Word, the Bible, letting Him speak to me. I underline special verses as I read. Then I choose a favorite verse to pray back to Jesus, beginning my conversation with the Lord. From thanks to petitions, I pour out my heart to Him. Instead of having tea with the queen, I’m sharing TEA with the King of kings.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear friend and athlete, I invite you to hold the TEA CUPP. Along with “holding a tea cup” while running, meet each day with Jesus for a CUPP of TEA. Let His Word encourage you, giving you all you need for today.

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:16 (NKJV)

Holding Up My Heart

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Sometimes I do not pray in words-
I take my heart in my two hands
And hold it up before the Lord-
I am so glad He understands.
– by Nicholson, Our Daily Bread, September 23, 2014

Do you ever find yourself too busy or overwhelmed for prayer? The prayer list is too long, the time is too short, your heart is sorrowful, you don’t have the words? My friend, this is the time when you will truly find Jesus, when He will meet you right where you are.

My dear friend Jill in Ohio shared with me so long ago how she handles a busy morning. Some days she just holds up her prayer list to the Lord and says, “Take this Jesus, You know what’s on it.” I thought, “Really, can we do that? Is that okay?”

Then came the days that I ran out of time for my prayers…sick kids, sick me, new baby…so I tried Jill’s advice. I lifted up my prayer list to Jesus, asking Him to take it, and He did! Now occasionally in my prayer journal, instead of writing out sentences of prayers, I’ll draw a picture of me lifting all these people up to God. It is so good to put them all in His hands and leave them there!

Today’s TEA CUPP: My friend, won’t you lift your heart to Jesus today? You may call out names and concerns one by one, or just give it all to the Lord at once. God promises to hear all our prayers.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

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

Packed with Promises

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Are there times when making yourself a cup of tea, that you add a heaping spoonful of sugar or an extra dab of honey? Or, perhaps you have cookies with your tea? It seems there are moments when we truly need a little extra sweetness to carry us through the day.

God gives us extra sweetness in His Word. He must know we need a big dose of His promises to carry us through the ups and downs. Romans 8 is one of those passages that is simply packed with promises! So, if you need a big serving of God’s sweet promises, I recommend Romans 8 for you today. Let’s take a look:

We are not condemned:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

God’s Spirit is in us:

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit helps us pray:

God works all things for good:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

God is for us:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

Jesus is praying for us:

It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34 (NKJV)

We are more than conquerors:

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

Nothing can separate us from Jesus!

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: I like to underline favorite verses in my Bible as I read. If the verse is one of God’s promises, I put a “P” in the margin next to it. Underline these promises in your Bible today, along with any others you find. Hide these promises in your heart and claim them as your own.

New King James Version (NKJV)

All is Against Me!

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me.” Genesis 42:36 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt like Jacob from the Old Testament? Jacob thought all was against him. There was a famine throughout the whole world. His favorite son Joseph was no more, his son Simeon was taken prisoner in Egypt, the governor of Egypt wanted his youngest son Benjamin if Jacob’s family wanted to trade for more food…all these things were against him.

And yet, we who know the whole story want to tell Jacob, “It’s all okay! Don’t worry! God’s got it all planned out! God sent Joseph ahead to Egypt to preserve your whole family. When Benjamin goes to Egypt, Simeon will be released from jail, your whole family will be invited, and Joseph will take care of everyone. God is taking care of you!”

Can I remember this when things seem against me? Don’t worry, God has it all planned out! When we can’t see the big picture, it sure is difficult. This is especially true when it comes to our children, perhaps that’s why Jacob was so worried. But we can remember the words of Jesus from Matthew 10. Here Jesus reminds us not to worry for we are of more value than many sparrows…

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: One of my favorite Old Testament stories is that of Joseph. If you have time, why not read it today (Genesis 37-47). Then share your heart with Jesus in prayer: O Jesus, please help me trust you with ______ and not worry.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things… Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)

When You Don’t See His Plan

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

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

My new year began with the most wonderful book I “just happened” to find in my mailbox. I love how there are no accidents with God, just God-incidents. He knew I needed to read this biography, so He mailed it to me! If you’ve ever had things go wrong in your life (and who hasn’t?), you will love this book, too!

When You Don’t See His Plan is the touching and inspiring story of Nadine Hennesy, missionary to Kosovo. What makes her story unlike others was the tragic death of her husband after only 11 months of marriage. It seemed their dreams of missionary work in Peru were over, as Nadine gave birth to their daughter without her husband Ed.

But Nadine did not give up. She started teaching again, served the Lord a year in Peru with her daughter Lydia, then was called to an orphanage in Albania, and finally is directing a school in Kosovo. Nadine is a regular American girl who put herself in God’s hands, allowing Him to use her wherever needed. Just imagine the number of lives Jesus has touched through her!

I immediately felt drawn to Nadine, as she and author Rebecca Baker shared her story. Nadine shows us all how to trust Jesus through the hardest situations, and come through praising Him. What a joy to count her as a sister in faith who I will meet in heaven someday.

Today’s TEA CUPP: If you’d like to read this book and share in Nadine’s ministry, When You Don’t See His Plan is available from Discovery House Publishers. My prayer is we all can be such bright lights for Jesus as Nadine and her daughter Lydia.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:18 (NKJV)

dhp.org/s8283.html/

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Jennifer Grace

THE BEST COOKIES!

These might be the BEST of my cookie recipes! So healthy and so yummy! Gluten-free, dairy-free, low fat, low sugar — perfect for tea time or any time!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca starch
1 t. xanthan gum
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
3 cups gluten-free oats (I prefer quick-cooking)
1 1/2 cups Enjoy Life chocolate chips (dairy-free)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients: brown rice flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together, coconut oil, apple sauce, peanut butter, and sugar. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the large bowl and cream together. Stir in the oatmeal and chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the prepared cookie sheets, 12 to a pan. With a fork dipped in water, press the cookies to flatten. Bake for 9-10 minutes. Cool on cooling racks. Makes about 4 dozen, but they won’t last long!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Rice Pudding for Breakfast

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Jennifer Grace

Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.”…John 21:12 (NKJV)

One of my favorite uses for leftover rice is to make rice pudding. I can mix this up the night before, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven in the morning. It makes a yummy gluten-free breakfast, with a bit more protein than plain oatmeal.

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice
1/3 cup raisins
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1-1/2 cups coconut milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs, slightly beaten

Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with coconut oil. Arrange rice in the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with raisins. Cut coconut oil into small pieces and arrange over raisins. In a large measuring cup, combine coconut milk, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, honey, vanilla and eggs. Mix well. Pour milk mixture over rice. Place cover on casserole dish and bake 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. Rice pudding will be golden on top and hold its shape when cut. Spoon into bowls and top with additional coconut milk.
Note: This recipe may be doubled and baked in the same 2 quart dish, just bake for longer.

New King James Version (NKJV)

7-7-7 Prayer

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Jennifer Grace

“But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:35 (NKJV)

Anna Graham Lotz is sharing God’s call to pray for our nation and world this July. As the Israelites marched around Jericho 7 days, we are to pray the first 7 days of July. Then on July 7th, we are to fast and pray 7 hours, sounding the trumpet for Jesus. If you’d like to read more about it, please click to see Anna’s website. Please join us in praying and fasting for our country this Monday, July 7th.
www.annegrahamlotz.com/events/urgent-call-to-prayer/urgent-call-prayer-day-three”/

“Save us, O God our Savior;
gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to Your holy Name,
that we may glory in Your praise.” 1 Chronicles 16:35 (NIV) & Psalm 106:47 (NIV)

Give ear, O God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name.” Daniel 9:18-18 (NIV)

God With Us

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Jennifer Grace

God with Us

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)

The book of Matthew begins and ends sharing the message “God with Us.”

My TEA CUPP Prayers are all about getting to know our wonderful Lord, sitting down daily with Him for TEA. He promises He will be with us!

Why not in preparation for Easter, read the book of Matthew? You can divide the 28 chapters into 7 daily readings:

Palm Sunday (Sunday before Easter): Matthew 1-4
Monday: Matthew 5-8
Tuesday: Matthew 9-12
Wednesday: Matthew 13-16
Thursday: Matthew 17-20
Good Friday: Matthew 21-24
Saturday: Matthew 25-28

Happy Blessed Easter Sunday, celebrating our risen Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus!

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

Tag Archives: My Tea Cupp Prayers

The Empty Plate

The Runner’s Stance

Holding Up My Heart

Packed with Promises

All is Against Me!

When You Don’t See His Plan

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rice Pudding for Breakfast

7-7-7 Prayer

God With Us