Ephesians TEA CUPP Prayer

I just love it when I find a prayer in the Bible that has parts from My TEA CUPP Prayers.  Here is a beautiful prayer by the Apostle Paul for his Christian friends in Ephesus.

Thanks

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

Exalt

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,

Petition

may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

Understanding

18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;

Calling

that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Exalt

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named,

Promise

not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Ephesians 1:15-21 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Can you use Paul’s prayer as a model for your own prayers today?  Pray along with Paul to Jesus, adding your own special prayer requests.

New King James Version (NKJV)Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Just Ask!

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.  John 14:13-14 (NKJV)

The other day we were talking with our good friends, Tom and Judy, after church.  Tom mentioned one of his favorite verses from John, these verses above from chapter 14.  Tom said, the verses don’t say, once you’ve got everything right, you will receive.  They don’t say, once you’ve got your life in order, you will receive.  They don’t say, when you say your prayers just so, you will receive.  God’s Word says, ASK and you will receive.  All we have to do is ASK.  Just ASK!  That’s what our petition time with Jesus is all about, asking Him.  I’m now asking God with renewed hope today.  My Jesus, be glorified in Your answers to my prayers.

New King James Version (NKJV)Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

More Talking With God

My TEA CUPP Prayers are all about sitting down for TEA and a good talk with God.  Some may wonder if it is okay to ask God questions, especially when He tells us to do something.  Yes, it is okay!  It is more than okay.  God longs for us to talk with Him about everything…if we don’t understand, if we need clarification, if we have doubts.

I found a few more examples of this in my Bible recently. The first is from the Old Testament, when God told Samuel to anoint David as king.  Samuel feared that Saul would find out and kill him (Saul being the first and a jealous king of Israel).  The conversation with God and Samuel went like this…

First God spoke…

1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

Then Samuel questioned…

2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.”

The Lord replied…

But the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ 3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you.”

Samuels did what God called him to do…

4 So Samuel did what the LORD said, and went to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming…

God told him which son to anoint king…

And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”

Samuel obeyed the Lord…

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:1-13  (NKJV)

Another example of talking with God comes from the New Testament in the book of Acts.  Saul went to Damascus to arrest the Christians.  On the way he had a vision from Jesus and was blinded.  God told Ananias to go to see Saul.  But Ananias questioned God if this was a good idea, since Saul persecuted Christians.  God re-assured Ananias that he should go.

Here’s how the conversation went..

God called Ananias…

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

Ananias answered…

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

God explained the mission…

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

Ananias questioned…

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

God encouraged Ananias…

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Ananias did what God called him to do…


17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes
something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”   Acts 9:10-19  (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Even Mary asked the angel when she was told she would give birth to Jesus…“How can this be so?” Is God calling you to do something? Ask Him questions today, and then, let us respond as Mary did, “Let it be to me according to Thy Word.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)

New King James Version (NKJV)Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Beyond Jabez

Do you remember the popular book by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson entitled “The Prayer of Jabez?” Dr. Wilkinson encouraged us to pray Jabez’ simple prayer as found in the Old Testament.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10  (NIV)

Many churches and individuals posted this prayer where they would see and pray it often, hoping for the blessings and life free from pain that Jabez received from the Lord.

I still pray Jabez’ prayer every now and then, but I go beyond Jabez.  I’m challenged to use all God’s Word in prayer.  Throughout the scriptures are other prayers and petitions, just as powerful as that of Jabez.  So, why stop at Chronicles?

Let’s also pray these petitions from…

Nehemiah in Nehemiah 1:6 (NIV) “Let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes be open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before You day and night.”

David in  Psalm 13:1 (NKJV) “How long, Lord?  Will You forget me forever?  How long will You hide Your face from me??

Isaiah in Isaiah 33:2 (NIV) “O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for You.  Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.”

Daniel in Daniel 9:19 (NIV) “O Lord, listen!  O Lord, forgive!  O Lord, hear and act!  For Your sake, O my God, do not delay…”

I encourage you to go beyond the prayer of Jabez, searching your whole Bible for prayer starters for pouring out your heart to God.  Underline them, highlight them, write them on note cards for your bathroom mirror or the steering wheel of your car.  Go beyond Jabez and use all God’s Word in prayer!

“…So is My Word that goes out from my mouth it will not return to Me empty, it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

New International Version, ©2011 (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

TEA CUPP Tools

...be prepared in season and out of season... 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

You want to get started with My TEA CUPP Prayers, but how should you begin? First, know you can pray to Jesus anytime and anywhere without any special tools.  However, to get you motivated for a daily routine at home, begin by collecting your “tools.”  Just having everything you need at hand, will make your TEA CUPP time go smoothly. Here are the TEA CUPP tools I recommend…

Bible...God's Word

Bible…God’s Word…This is a must-have!  God will speak to you through His Word.  Select a Bible that is best for you.  When I first started reading my Bible each day, I chose a One-Year Bible to keep me on track.  It was the Living Translation version which was much easier for me to read.  After a few years with that Bible, I tried a New International Version One Year Bible.  Since I was already in a daily routine, I was able to handle a more challenging version.  Then one year I found a daily Bible reading plan, so I was able to use a regular Bible, and I chose the New King James Version.  It was a good challenge for me.  Pray for God to show you just the right Bible to bring to your TEA CUPP time.

Book Mark…Prayer List…This can be just a folded sheet of paper you keep in your Bible with the names of all the people for whom you want to remember to pray.  I like to divide mine up into the days of the week, as my list gets too long.  Every few months I’ll make myself a fresh book mark as the prayer needs change.

Book Mark Prayer List

Prayer Journal

Prayer Journal…If you are having your TEA CUPP time at home (not while driving in the car), a journal is a great idea.  The journal keeps you focused as you pray.  It is harder for your mind to wonder if you are writing your prayers.  You can chose a fancy bound journal or a simple spiral notebook.  I prefer the spiral notebook, because I can fold it open flat.  They are also inexpensive and I tend to use them quickly.  But if you are more inspired by a pretty journal, go for it!

Pens…yes,  more than one!  Some days I’m sure it is satan who makes the ink run out of my pens!  He just loves to interrupt my prayer time.  So, if I have more than one pen, I keep on writing and praying, even if one runs out of ink.  I prefer the Pilot G-2 pen with it’s smooth fine tip.  You can use your pens for journaling, as well as underlining favorite Bible verses.

Good Pens

TEA CUPP or Mug

TEA CUPP…of course! You don’t have to have something to drink, but why not?!  I often just have a cup of hot water.  I like a big mug I can hold on chilly mornings, but I always imagine it is a dainty TEA CUPP I am sharing with Jesus.  Pick your favorite CUPP and get ready for TEA TIME!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Today gather all your TEA CUPP tools together and put them in a special spot in your home, perhaps by your favorite chair.  Designate this as your quiet time spot.  When your family sees you sitting there, they will know you are having TEA with Jesus.

New International Version, ©2011 (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Saying Good-Bye to Butterscotch

In His hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10 (NIV)

Butterscotch the Cat died February 1, 2011 at 3 p.m. in our ten-year old son Kevin’s arms. He was just 3 1/2 years old.

Butterscotch was Kevin’s best friend.  Every morning Butterscotch would come in from the garage and go straight to Kevin’s bed to curl up under the covers with him until breakfast.  Every afternoon, Butterscotch would hang out on Kevin’s bed and watch Kevin build Legos. Kevin celebrated every birthday and half-birthday with Butterscotch, buying him cat treats and toys. Butterscotch might have been the most loved cat in the world!

At Christmas time Butterscotch started sleeping for hours and hanging out by the wood-burning stove. We took him to the vet twice. They diagnosed him with an auto-immune disease which was attacking his red bloods cells and a virus. They put him on steroids and antibiotics.  Twice a day for a month, Kevin and his dad gave Butterscotch his medicine. This consisted of holding his paws from scratching, and popping pills down his throat.  Poor Butterscotch! Poor Dad who was scratched!

Butterscotch’s last two weeks they also gave him sugar water to boost his energy.  But Butterscotch just wouldn’t eat and drink on his own.  He was such a sad sight to see, looking more like those Build-a-Bear animal skins, than a real live kitty. His last week he could barely walk.  We moved his litter box and bed inside so he could be warm.  Kevin slept on the sofa each night so he could be near Butterscotch.

The afternoon Butterscotch died, our oldest son Jacob and my husband Kent dug a grave for Butterscotch under the tree with the wooden swing where Kevin and Butterscotch spent many a summer day.  It was 5 degrees and the sun was just going down behind the mountain when Kevin placed Butterscotch’s box in the frozen ground.  Kevin helped cover the box with soil, and we put rocks on top. Kent said a prayer for Butterscotch.

Kevin now has two orange cats that will greet him in heaven, as he lost Jellybean during a 2006 forest fire evacuation. We plan to plant some orange and yellow flowers as a memorial in the spring.

Did we pray for Butterscotch?  Oh, yes!  Kevin loved him so much.  At camp in the summer he would write Butterscotch’s name on a slip of paper for prayer at our Sunday praise service.  In the fall he drew pictures of Butterscotch and started a card shop called, “Kevin’s Kat Kards.”    When Butterscotch started to get sick, we prayed for him every night.

What did Jesus do with those prayers?  I do not know.  I know He heard us, but His answer wasn’t the one we wanted.  We’ve had other cats disappear and we prayed for them to come back (Beany in 1998, Jellybean in 2006, Snicklefritz in 2009).  We prayed for each cat for a year, and it didn’t return.  I thought the not-knowing was the worst part. But watching a beloved pet shrivel up into skin and bones is just as traumatic.  Why doesn’t God answer these prayers as we ask?

I don’t have answers.  But I do know that Jesus comforts us.  Kevin couldn’t do his school work for a few weeks after losing his kitty.  But then he started doing school again and talking about a new orange kitty.  Somehow the Holy Spirit comes and ministers to us in our deepest sadness and fixes the hurts that we can’t ever imagine going away.

I like to picture these pets in heaven.  Jesus promises He loves the sparrows and all His creatures.  I imagine they are running through a field of flowers, just waiting for their beloved owners to come to heaven, too.  And when Kevin arrives in heaven, besides meeting Jesus, he will be tackled by at least two orange kitties who love him very much.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. Matthew 10:29 (NIV)

Heaven and Airports

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16 (NKJV)

Heaven and airports.  Arrivals and departures.  Terminal illnesses and terminals.  I wonder if others have pondered this connection while waiting in an airport terminal for loved ones?  If it’s a light day, you can get a seat to watch the action.  Otherwise, you may be standing to observe the tearful or joyful embraces.

Last August we put our daughter on a plane from Montana to Guam for her junior year of college.  As we said good-bye, and watched others say farewell, there were plenty of tears (from others, not our brave daughter, of course).  It seems that airports and funerals are two places it’s okay to show love and grief.  Why do we display more emotions at these times than we do when sending someone off to work or school each morning?

If we knew it was the last good-bye, would we hold our friends and family closer when we depart?  My testimony begins with a plane crash, and I never got to say good-bye to those on board.  It was my college cross country team returning from the national meet.  My two coaches, three team mates, the athletic trainer and pilot all died that icy November day in 1985.  While their plane lay shattered in Des Moines, Iowa, the plane of my life continued to spiral downward as I questioned how God could let this happen.  Two years later I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and I  soared for Him again.

One of the many joys of being a Christian is knowing I will always see other Christians again.  If I don’t see them here on earth, I will have eternity to visit with them in heaven.  We live at a church camp where there are good-byes every week of the summer.  Volunteers serve and become our friends, and then they depart.    I am thankful that we will get to see these folks again in heaven.  Perhaps Jesus will line up some of these great workers to help prepare houses for more people coming to heaven!

Four months after we put our daughter on that plane for Guam, we found ourselves at the airport again on a frigid December day.  As we eagerly waited for our daughter’s return, I watched couples and families reunite.  I thought of heaven and how loved ones will welcome us.  Hugs, tears, slaps on the back, ruffling hair…all these say, “I love you!”  I imagine our relatives there will be delighted when we finally reach heaven.

Our daughter, however, did not arrive on schedule.  She was not on the one o’clock flight from Denver, or the two o’clock, or the three o’clock.  With no cell phone, we didn’t know where she was or when she would land.  A desk attendant said she wouldn’t arrive until the next day. I felt like crying. We waited for the four  o’clock flight anyway, and guess what, at just a little before five o’clock our daughter appeared!   After checking the faces of every blond girl that afternoon, we finally saw the face of our daughter!

I wondered if that could happen in heaven?  Will we be dismayed when our loved ones don’t show up?  God says He’ll wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be no more sorrow.  So, will I be somber if my brother doesn’t pull in?  I think there will be an empty spot in my heart, because Jesus desires that none should perish.  While I’m still on earth, I’d better make sure my family knows they are invited, that they know Jesus and His salvation.  I may be distressed when my family members depart from this earth, but I’ll be delighted when all my loved ones arrive in heaven, even if it is a day late. 

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom?

Pray without ceasing.
I Thessalonians 5:17

In Luke 15:11-31 we read the story of the Prodigal Son. I know this parable is an illustration of our Heavenly Father welcoming home His lost children.  However, if I consider it as just an earthly family, I often wonder, “Where was the Prodigal’s Mom?”

Where was the Prodigal Son’s Mom?  Was she mending clothes when she first noticed this son’s rebelliousness as a youth?  Did she sit by his bedside every night and pray for him as he grew up?  Did she often go without meals as she fasted for her son, pleading with God for him to give up his rebelliousness?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when he asked his father for his share of the inheritance?  Was she heartbroken, crying in the bedroom?  Was she pleading with him not to go?  Was she praying constantly for him to stay?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when he was squandering the money on wild living?  Was she distressed by his friends who had led him astray?  Was she begging God to watch over him?  Was she longing to go and find her son?

Did people tell the Prodigal’s Mom not to worry, that her morals were too high, that all kids need to spread their wings?  Did they make her feel like a failed mom for raising a rebellious son?  Or, did they come to her and pray with her and claim God’s promises for her lost son?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when the son was feeding the pigs?  As she fed her chickens, was she wondering what her son was doing?  Was she praying and fasting again for her son to come home, day after day after day?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom when his father saw him coming at a distance?  Was she right beside Dad, running to hug her long lost son?  Was she in her room, praising God for His answers to prayer?  Was she in the kitchen helping to fix the fatted calf for the celebration?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom during the party?  Did she sit beside her son with joy?  Did she comfort her other son who had stayed to work?  Did she thank God over and over again for the safe return of her son?  Did she ask God to forgive her son and wash away the scars from his journey?

Where was the Prodigal’s Mom?

Today’s TEA CUPP:  My dear TEA Mom, as you complete your TEA CUPP journey, praying all the parts of prayer, meeting with Jesus each day for TEA, you may expect everything will go just right.  But our children will still make their own choices.  Our job is to keep praying for them.  Please don’t give up.  Be the Prodigal’s Mom.  Keep praying, even if it takes decades until that child comes home to you and Jesus.

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Luke 15:10 (NKJV)

LORD, be gracious to us;
we long for You.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isaiah 33:2 (NIV)

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

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011

Eagle’s Wings

But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

It was a beautiful fall day, an extra one God blessed us with in November, before the winter snows.  The breezes were just right for kite-flying, so our son Kevin took his multi-colored bird into the big field.  As he tugged the string and the kite rose upward, I gazed in awe at the beauty, wanting to capture the moment in my memory.  The rainbow kite flew against a clear blue sky.  This picture was framed by snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees.  My son happily watched his kite glide on the wind, as I soaked up this memorable moment.

A few times when the kite plummeted to the ground, Kevin picked it up and tried again.  His big brother Jacob pedaled over on his bicycle to help.  With Jacob holding the kite and Kevin running, the kite rose into the air and was sailing again, soaring like the bald eagles we’ve seen recently in our valley. Kites and eagles — two beautiful visions.

What features did God give the majestic eagle?  With 7,000 feathers, this bird can fly at 35 mph, soaring up to 10,000 feet above sea level.  While gliding, the eagle spreads its tail feathers to get more surface area to catch the up-drafts.  A faithful bird, the eagle mates for life.  Though it was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007, the bald eagle remains a symbol of freedom to all who live in the United http://www.healthsupportyou.com/accutane-isotretinoin/ States.  Freedom is what we can enjoy as followers of Christ who have been set free from our sins.

This past summer we watched the small group series, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You have to Get Out of the Boat,” by Max Lucado.  The series is based on the Bible story of Peter walking on water.  The main idea is we can’t walk on water unless we try, and Jesus will be there to help us if we sink.  The final session of the video series shows an eagle, much like the ones we have in our valley, gliding through the sky-blue heavens.  This crowning moment was to encourage us all to get out of our boats.  How I want to be like that eagle, soaring on God’s spirit.

Brilliant kites, beautiful mountains, soaring eagles, brothers helping brothers…these are the things God uses to remind me of His Word and His promises.  When my kite comes crashing down, He uses friends and family to raise me up on eagles wings, so that I can shine  for Him.  I claim His promise in Isaiah 40:31 and He renews my strength to fly again.   I look forward to that day when I am soaring like the eagles.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

(by Michael Joncas, 1979)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

“Foot-in-Mouth” TEA

Did you ever have a cup of “Foot-in-Mouth” tea? That bitter taste of shoe-leather just stays with you all day,  even all week.  It’s the kind of tea you drink again and again, wishing you had never had it the first time. Oh, this happens to me sometimes. The wrong words come tumbling out, and then over and over again I replay those words in my mind, trying to erase them from my memory. What can we do at a time like this? Come to Jesus.

It’s time to sit down with Jesus for TEA CUPP prayers and focus on the “A” today. Let’s ADMIT our sins to Jesus, who already knows them anyway. Give Him all the wrong words and let Him wash away the hurts with His special “Foot-in-Mouth” anecdote…God’s Word…

First, He convicts us with His Word…

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36 (NIV)

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. Matthew 15:18 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:8-10 (NIV)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9 (NKJV)

Then, I ask for His forgiveness…

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know….
Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job 42:3, 6 (NIV)

My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, LORD, how long?

Turn, LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of Your unfailing love.
Psalm 6:3-4  (NIV)

Jesus promises me my sins are forgiven…

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:48  (NIV)

“I, even I, am He who blots out
your transgressions, for My own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.”
Isaiah 43:25 (NIV)

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 (NIV)

Finally, I pray that I won’t drink “Foot-in-Mouth” TEA again…

I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin.
Psalm 39:1 (NIV)

“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue;
Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
Job 6:24 (NKJV)

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in Your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

No more shoe-leather…a fresh new day…God bless you, my friends!

New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010 by Biblica
New King James Version (NKJV)Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.