The Great Delete

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

At the end of August, our bank updated its website to a new server. In the process, our business records for the year disappeared. Yes, the bank sent letters and emails in advance to announce their new website, but we didn’t realize they were discontinuing their bookkeeping program.

Alas, eight months of business income and expense reports were washed away. Slowly, week by week, we are recreating those records with new software, hoping we can have it completed error-free by the end of the year for tax purposes. What a lot of extra work the computer age brings us!

A similar delete happened to the prophet Jeremiah, millenniums before modern technology. In Jeremiah 36 we read how at God’s command, a scribe named Baruch recorded on a scroll all the words God had given to Jeremiah. This included words back to when Josiah was king. Now Josiah’s son Jehoiakim reigned.

Jeremiah and Baruch were called to the palace to read the scroll to the king. As it was winter, a fire was burning nearby. So, the king threw every piece of the scroll into the fire as it was read. He did not wish to heed the Word of the Lord! Jeremiah and Baruch had to write a new scroll with even more words than the first! (Jeremiah 36)

Our bank headaches and Jeremiah’s scroll troubles remind me of the greatest delete of all. There is a joke that says, “Why does Jesus always beat Satan at computer games?” The answer…”Jesus saves.”

That, my friend, is the truth. The greatest delete in history happened the day Jesus died on the cross. On that day, my sins, your sins, and the sins of all believers were washed away, never to be rewritten. Jesus deleted our sins for all time. He saved us.

Today’s TEA CUPP: How will you respond to such a loving gift? Will you invite Jesus to save you? My friend, confess your sins to Jesus today, and join with those of us who rejoice over the greatest delete of all!

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:12-17 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

I Did Nothing

Posted on November 14, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

You were loving and kind,

I did nothing.

You were merciful and saved me,

I did nothing.

You washed away my sins,

I did nothing.

You renewed me with Your Holy Spirit,

I did nothing.

You justified me by Your grace,

I did nothing.

You made me Your heir,

I did nothing.

You gave me the hope of eternal life,

I did nothing.

I only had to believe in You.

Dear Jesus, I believe!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear Friend, what is your story? This verse below from Titus reminds me how I did nothing. Jesus did it all, I only had to believe. I pray that you also believe in Jesus and share in His forgiveness and eternal promises.

The song “Glorious Day” by Casting Crowns says it beautifully: “Living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away. Rising He justified freely forever. One day He’s coming, Oh, Glorious Day!” Use this song to worship Jesus today.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Hot Cocoa Cookies (GF & DF)

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

My boys picked out these Chips Ahoy Hot Cocoa cookies from the grocery store the other day. Oh, the torture of having these delicious-looking cookies on my counter and not being able to eat them!

So, I set about making my own version of gluten-free, dairy-free Hot Cocoa Cookies. Gluten Free Mama Flour is my favorite for cookie recipes. Coconut oil and applesauce replace the butter, making these soft and dairy-free. Instant pudding and baking cocoa add the hot cocoa goodness.

As soon as these were out of the oven, my family was eating them instead of the store bought ones! A day later, only half the batch is left. Next we will have to find a padlock for the cookie tin! I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as we do.

God’s blessings,
Jennifer Grace

Ingredients:
2 cups Gluten Free Mama Flour
(Almond blend or coconut blend, or your favorite GF flour mix)
3 T. dry instant chocolate pudding (half a 3.9 oz. box)
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon guar gum
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs

1 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips
Mini marshmallows

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: Flour, dry pudding, baking cocoa, guar gum, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

In a stand mixer, beat together the apple sauce and coconut oil. Add the brown sugar and white sugar and continue to mix well. Next, pour in the vanilla and eggs, beat until creamy.

Add half the dry ingredients to the stand mixer, blending 15 seconds. Repeat with the remainder of the dry ingredients, blending until all is incorporated. Sprinkle the chocolate chips into the mixer and blend for just a few seconds.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a small scoop, scoop the batter onto the parchment paper, 12 to a pan. Poke one or more mini marshmallows into the center of the cookies. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-13 minutes.

Let cookies cool on pan for 2 minutes and then place on cooling racks. Makes 36-40 cookies. Cookies will be moist and chewy, may be re-warmed in the microwave for 5 seconds to experience that authentic “hot cocoa” flavor.

Our little baker was quite eager to clean the mixing bowl for me.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

When God says, “No”

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)

When God says, “No,” it hurts. I know, because He has said, “No” to me. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience, whether it was losing a baby to miscarriage, losing a loved one to cancer, losing a job or home or family member. All these parts of life hurt, especially if you’ve prayed about them and trusted these situations to God. Every corner of our souls cry in pain when God says, “No.”

But, my friend, there is hope. Did you know God also said, “No” to David, Paul, and Jesus? David was the man after God’s own heart from whose seed our Savior came. When his first baby with Bathsheba was sick, David prayed and fasted and wept (2 Samuel 12:16). But God took that baby. Bathsheba’s next baby, Solomon, became the heir to David’s throne and the wisest king of Israel.

Paul was God’s chosen vessel to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, authoring many books of the New Testament. Yet at one point Paul had a thorn in his flesh. Three times he asked God to remove the thorn, but God said, “No.” God proclaimed, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,“ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul had to be content with God’s grace to endure.

Jesus, God’s only Son, was on His way to the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins. He knew the pain before Him and the grief it would bring to His followers, yet He also https://www.wnymedical.com/cialis/ understood it was the only path to save us. Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will,” (Mark 14:36). And God in His silence said, “No,” for Jesus was then led to the cross.

One day when reading these verses from my Bible, I was grieving over a recent “No” from God. I realized that if God said, “No” to David, Paul and Jesus (some of the greatest men in history), I certainly shouldn’t feel so awful when He says, “No” to me. I need to follow their example and say, “Thy will be done,” claiming God’s grace to see me through each day.

I can’t promise that God’s “No’s” will get any easier, but perhaps with this outlook we can all make it through another day. Remember, when God said, “No” to Jesus, He said “Yes” to all humanity, providing the perfect sacrifice for our sins. God’s “No” was a gift of love.

Today’s TEA CUPP: God knows what’s best, so I’ll accept God’s “No’s,” and keep on praying.

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)

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Tofu Salad

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

This refreshing summer salad is packed full of protein and sweet fruit. You can eat it as a salad, serve on toast, put it in wrap…so many ways to enjoy it!

Ingredients:
12-14 oz. package organic firm tofu, drained and diced
1-2 cups grapes, halved (or blueberries)
1/2 cup celery, sliced (optional)
1/2 cup pecans or almonds, (toasted 10 min. at 350 degrees, then chopped)
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup Organic Avocado mayo
1 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger

In a large bowl, combine the tofu, grapes, celery, nuts, and raisins. In a separate container, mix together the dressing: Mayo, curry powder, salt, and ginger. Pour the dressing over the tofu mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill the tofu salad until serving time. Garnish with lettuce leaves, serve alone or on gluten-free toast or wraps. Delicious!

As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)

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)

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:

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)

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)

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)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

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

Tag Archives: Tea Cup Prayers

The Great Delete

I Did Nothing

Hot Cocoa Cookies (GF & DF)

When God says, “No”

Tofu Salad

The Empty Plate

The Runner’s Stance

Packed with Promises

All is Against Me!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies