Draw Me Nearer

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Your works. Psalm 73:28 (NKJV)

At church on Sunday we were singing this beautiful hymn by Fanny Cosby, Draw Me Nearer Precious Lord. When we reached the third verse, I thought, “Yes, this is what My TEA CUPP Prayers are all about!” It’s about spending an hour before Jesus’ throne each morning, delighting in His word and His will. It’s about getting closer to the Friend we will spend eternity with in heaven.

O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend http://www.healthandrecoveryinstitute.com/soma-carisoprodol-muscle-relaxant/ with friend!

Draw me nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessèd Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

by Fanny Cosby, 1875

You can hear the entire hymn at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/a/iatolord.htm”/

Today’s TEA CUPP: Do you long for this kind of relationship with Jesus? Pray the song above as a prayer today, “Draw me nearer precious Lord,” then meet with Him each day for TEA and He will be there with you.

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)

Gluten-Free Banana Muffins

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

GF Facts:
People on a gluten-free diet must read labels for other ingredients related to wheat, barley, and rye.

Some of these other grain products to avoid include: Bulgur, Couscous, Durum, Einkorn, Emmer, Farina, Triticale, Kamut, Graham, Matzo, Spelt, Wheat germ, Wheat starch, Barley malt, Semolina, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), Bran, Orzo, Panko, Seitan, Udon, Faro…that’s quite a list!

Here is a recipe for Banana Muffins that contain no unwanted grains. The applesauce replaces butter, making them low fat. You can enjoy the yummy banana flavor, knowing that you are eating a whole-some gluten-free muffin.

The Yummy Banana Muffin Recipe for you:
Set oven to 350 degrees.
Line a muffin pan with 12-4 muffin papers.

Mix together the dry ingredients:
1 ½ cups brown rice flour
½ cup tapioca flour
1 t. xanthan gum
2 t. baking powder
¼ t. baking soda
½ t. salt

In another bowl cream together:
1/3 cup applesauce
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs

Beat until smooth.

Add:
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
The flour mixture
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Use an ice cream scoop to measure the batter into your lined muffin pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

This recipe was adapted from a quick bread recipe found in an old church cook book. Try adapting your favorite quick bread recipe to make gluten-free muffins. Please remember this recipe was tested at 6000 feet. You may need less flour if you are at a lower elevation. Enjoy!

Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. Genesis 1:11 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

God is Able

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

The worship service had ended at camp Sunday evening when one of the guests turned to my husband. “I have a message for you,” he said. He read the verse above from 2 Corinthians, stressing “God is able” and “you.” This fellow is a brand new friend we just met over the weekend. Three things make this very cool to me:

1) Our new friend heard God telling him to share God’s Word and he obeyed.

2) Without even knowing my husband’s current trials and decisions, our new friend had just the right words to share.

3) GOD IS ABLE! Wow!

What are you facing today? I don’t know what troubles or decisions are going on in your life, but I want to share this promise with you. GOD IS ABLE. He will carry us through the deepest valley and across the widest river. He will comfort us in sorrow and celebrate with us in joy. He will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory. GOD IS ABLE.

Now the question is, “Am I able?”

by Earl S. Marlatt, 1926 , Music by Harry S. Mason, 1924
http://users.stargate.net/~bmames/ht0326_.htm”>
“Are ye able,” said the Master,
“To be crucified with Me?”
“Yea,” the sturdy dreamers answered,
“To the death we follow Thee.”

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall http://xanaxonlinebuy.com be
A beacon to God, to love and loyalty.

Are ye able to remember,
When a thief lifts up his eyes,
That his pardoned soul is worthy
Of a place in paradise?

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be
A beacon to God, to love and loyalty.

Are ye able when the shadows
Close around you with the sod,
To believe that spirit triumphs,
To commend your soul to God?

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be
A beacon to God, to love and loyalty.

Are ye able? Still the Master
Whispers down eternity,
And heroic spirits answer,
Now as then in Galilee.

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be
A beacon to God, to love and loyalty.

Today’s TEA CUPP: So often troubles in life surprise me with a fierceness. I can boldly sing the song above, yet when my time comes for trials, I collapse into puddle of doubt. How do you handle life’s difficulties? Let’s together claim God’s promise, “GOD IS ABLE.”

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (NKJV)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)

Gluten-Free Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

Welcome back to “Gluten-Free with your TEA!” People who need to eat gluten-free foods avoid wheat, barley, and rye products. The gluten in these grains may cause digestive troubles and other health issues. Because oats are often stored near wheat, they are also avoided by many gluten-free eaters. This delicious cookie recipe uses certified gluten-free oats to feed your cookie cravings. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
Mix the butter, sugars, eggs, milk and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, blend together the following dry ingredients:
1 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup sorghum flour
1/2 cup arrowroot or tapioca flour
1 teaspoon xanthum gum
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Add flour mixture to butter mixture, then add:
4 1/2 cups gluten-free oats
2 cups chocolate chips
Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes about 5 dozen delicious cookies. Store in the freezer.

How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 (NKJV)

Ephesians TEA CUPP Prayer

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

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 understandingbeing 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.

Just Ask!

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you askanything 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.

More Talking With God

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

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)

Beyond Jabez

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

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)

TEA CUPP Tools

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

...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.

Saying Good-Bye to Butterscotch

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

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)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

Tag Archives: My Tea Cupp Prayers

Draw Me Nearer

Gluten-Free Banana Muffins

God is Able

Gluten-Free Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies

Ephesians TEA CUPP Prayer

Just Ask!

More Talking With God

Beyond Jabez

TEA CUPP Tools

Saying Good-Bye to Butterscotch