In Memory of Angelica May

Thus says the LORD:
“ A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation
and bitter weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted for her children,
Because they
are no more.” Jeremiah  31:15 (NKJV)

We have been with child, we have been in pain;
We have, as it were, brought forth wind…
Isaiah 26:18 (NKJV)

What do you do when you come to such sad verses in your Bible?  For those of us who have lost babies, these words can bring us to tears.  Yet we know the God of the Universe understands our sorrow, for it’s right here in His Word.  I underline the verses and write a “U” for “Understanding my story” next to them.  This is my story right in God’s Word.  Perhaps it is your story, too. 

But I don’t need to stop there, for God also has words of comfort for me…

I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
And joy in My people;
The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her,
Nor the voice of crying.
“ No more shall an infant from there
live but a few days… Isaiah 65:19-20 (NKJV)

He will swallow up death forever,
And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces…
Isaiah 25:8 (NKJV)

I underline these verses and write a “P” for “Promises” next to them.  I claim God’s promises that He will wipe away every tear, and that babies will always live in heaven. Jesus comforts me with His Word and promises, as we share our TEA CUPP time together.   And that is how it is today, as I remember our  dear Angelica May.

In Loving Memory of Our Babies…

Angelica May

November 6, 2009

Gabriella Hope

June 10, 2010

Gloria Anne

July 25, 2009

Dear Jesus, please hold our babies for me until you call me home.

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

Pray and don’t give up!

Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 (NIV)

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV)

Today I want to encourage you to pray and don’t give up!  I often feel like the persistent widow, praying over and over again for the same things.  I pray for our children, I pray for our camping ministry,  I pray for those with cancer, I pray for our country.  Every morning I bring my petitions to Jesus, just as the widow did to the judge.  Unlike the judge, Jesus doesn’t grow weary of my persistence, and at just the right time He sends His answers.  Jesus is always ready to hear our prayers and share a CUPP of TEA.  My friends, pray and don’t give up!

But I am poor and needy;
Make haste to me, O God!
You
are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay.
Psalm 70:5 (NKJV)

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

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

The Narrow Gate

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)

We live at a church camp way up in the mountains of south central Montana.  Like most of the ranches in our area, we have a log rail fence to define the property.  At one point in the fence, a small walk-way was installed so hikers can pass through without climbing over.  This is handy if you are the right size.  I found when we had little kids that I didn’t fit if I had the back-carrier or stroller or wagon.  We could only fit through the narrow gate one at a time.

This narrow gate is such a symbol of God’s Word above.  Most people would rather go through the main entrance because they can do it their own way, bringing the big vehicle, the family, the horse trailer, the RV…all their extra stuff. But God says, “Enter by the narrow gate.” We can’t bring our stuff or anyone else to heaven, only ourselves. We can’t even do good works or give big offerings to enter heaven.  All we can do is believe in Jesus and point others to the narrow gate.

We can tell our family and friends that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through” Him. John 14:6 (NKJV) We can explainfor 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). And we can urge them to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 (NKJV).

Looking at my photo of the narrow gate, you might suggest that a person could just climb over or through, or crawl under the log rails.  That might just work to get to camp, but God does not allow that for getting to heaven.

I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. John 10:1  (NKJV)

We don’t want to be thieves and robbers.  We want to enter the way God intended, through the narrow gate.  How hard can that be?  Jesus says, “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24 (NKJV) A camel wouldn’t even fit through our narrow camp gate, let alone the eye of a needle.  How then is it possible that we can enter the kingdom of God?

Jesus responds,  “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NKJV) I pray this possible miracle for all my family and friends and even my enemies, that they will believe in Jesus, my Savior, the Narrow Gate, the only Way to heaven.

If you would like to bring your family or church to this beautiful church camp in Montana, I will be delighted to show you our narrow gate, and share a devotion with you.   Please visit…

http://www.campontheboulder.org/

I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. John 10:9 (NIV)

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24 (NIV)

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

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

My TEA CUPP Trinity

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)

When I sit down with Jesus for TEA each morning, I think of there being just the two of us, Jesus and me.  But the other morning I realized there are really four of us, because God is “Three in One.”  My TEA time is actually with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Wow!  My sofa is crowded in the morning :-)!

This “Three in One” miracle of God is called the Trinity.  Some might wonder how this can be?  One of the best comparisons I’ve heard is to water.  H2O comes in three forms — ice, water, and steam, yet all are still H2O, two atoms of Hydrogen and one atom of Oxygen in each molecule.  God comes in three forms, also — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet all are God. We can’t live without water and we can’t live without God!

Another cool example from God’s creation is a banana.  If you peel a banana and gently squeeze the edible center, it will break into three pieces.  Once I wrote a short song for my preschoolers to help them remember the Trinity.  The words are:  “God is like a banana, God is like a banana, God is like a banana, for He comes in three pieces.  One is God the Father, Two is Jesus Christ His Son, Three is the Holy Spirit who dwells in each of us…” Consider the Trinity the next time you eat a banana :-).

Remembering the Trinity as you enjoy your quiet time each day, will also point you to three important parts of My TEA CUPP Prayers:

1) Use God‘s Word in Prayer because His Word lasts forever…”The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”  Isaiah 40:8  (NKJV)

2) Meet with Jesus every day, for He wants to be 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. Revelations 3:20  (NKJV)

3)  Bring your petitions to the Lord with the help of the Holy Spirit…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) Keep a list to remind you for whom you want to pray, and the Holy Spirit will help you say those prayers.

Make room for “Three in One” during your next TEA CUPP Prayers!

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
—Heber

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. Matthew 18:19 (NKJV)

For further reading on the Trinity…

http://odb.org/2002/05/26/the-trinity/
http://odb.org/2003/03/23/one-godnot-three/
http://odb.org/2002/04/08/good-morning/

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

Saturday Verses

A week’s worth of conversation starters as you join Jesus for your TEA CUPP time this week…use one verse each day or all the verses in one day…discover more verses in your Bible that are special to you and underline them…pray God’s Word back to Him…and keep on praying…enjoy your TEA CUPP Prayers with Jesus this week!

T for Thanks: We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because You have taken Your great power
and have begun to reign.
Revelation 11:17 (NIV)

E for Exalt: You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things,
and by Your will they were created
and have their being.
Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

A for Admit: …God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Luke 18:13 (NIV)

C for Call: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)

P for Promises: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

P for Petitions: Jesus, Master, have pity on us! Luke 17:13 (NIV)

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

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

Friday Verses

A week’s worth of conversation starters as you join Jesus for your TEA CUPP time this week…use one verse each day or all the verses in one day…discover more verses in your Bible that are special to you and underline them…pray God’s Word back to Him…and keep on praying…enjoy your TEA CUPP Prayers with Jesus this week!

T for Thanks: Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

E for Exalt: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

A for Admit: Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.
Luke 11:4 (NIV)

C for Call: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to
bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32 (NKJV)

P for Promises: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

P for Petitions: Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.  From the ends of the earth I call to You,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2 (NIV)

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

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

Thursday Verses

A week’s worth of conversation starters as you join Jesus for your TEA CUPP time this week…use one verse each day or all the verses in one day…discover more verses in your Bible that are special to you and underline them…pray God’s Word back to Him…and keep on praying…enjoy your TEA CUPP Prayers with Jesus this week!

T for Thanks: But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)

E for Exalt: LORD, I have heard of Your fame;
I stand in awe of Your deeds, O LORD…
Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)

A for Admit: If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared. Psalm 130:3-4 (NIV)

C for Call: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s https://xanaxcost.com people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:12-13 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For
there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4 (NKJV)

P for Promises: Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

P for Petitions: Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
Psalm 39:12 (NIV)

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

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

Wednesday Verses

A week’s worth of conversation starters as you join Jesus for your TEA CUPP time this week…use one verse each day or all the verses in one day…discover more verses in your Bible that are special to you and underline them…pray God’s Word back to Him…and keep on praying…enjoy your TEA CUPP Prayers with Jesus this week!

T for Thanks: I will give You thanks, for You answered me;
You have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:21 (NIV)

E for Exalt: Ah, Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

A for Admit: Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if
there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV)

C for Call: Therefore, my dear https://onhealthy.net/product/synthroid/ brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

U for Understanding my story: For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling.
I will walk before the LORD
In the land of the living.
Psalm 116:8-9 (NKJV)

P for Promises: For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. John 16:27 (NKJV)

P for Petitions: I call on You, O God, for You will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 17:6 (NIV)

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

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

Tuesday Verses

A week’s worth of conversation starters as you join Jesus for your TEA CUPP time this week…use one verse each day or all the verses in one day…discover more verses in your Bible that are special to you and underline them…pray God’s Word back to Him…and keep on praying…enjoy your TEA CUPP Prayers with Jesus this week!

T for Thanks: Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy
endures forever. Psalm 1o7:1 (NKJV)

E for Exalt: No one is like You, O LORD; You are great,
and Your name is mighty in power.
Jeremiah 10:6 (NIV)

A for Admit: Help us, O God our Savior,
for the glory of Your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
for Your name’s sake.
Psalm 79:9 (NIV)

C for Call: And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

U for Understanding my story: Better is one day in Your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked
. Psalm 84:10 (NIV)

P for Promises: But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him,
and His righteousness with their children’s children.
Psalm 103:17 (NIV)

P for Petitions: Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O LORD.
Psalm 4:6 (NIV)

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

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