Faithful Fasting Facts

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Jennifer Grace

…then they will fast in those days. Luke 5:35 (NKJV)

I haven’t talked about fasting for a while on this website, though it goes hand in hand with prayer. In My Tea Cupp Prayers I wrote about “Just Tea, No Cookies.” And in More Tea Cupp Prayers, I share the “Empty Plate” devotion. But I remember way back when I first started fasting, I had lots of questions and no answers because churches don’t always talk about it. I’m reminded of fasting every year when I read the book of Esther.

There are so many other examples of fasting in the Bible: Moses fasted on the mountain. Elijah fasted in despair. The people of Ezra proclaimed a fast by the River Ahava. Nehemiah was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nineveh fasted when they heard Jonah’s prophecy. Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Paul began his ministry with a fast. Cornelius was fasting when God called Peter to him. All the Jews were called to fast yearly on the Day of Atonement. And many others fasted, as well (Exodus 34:28; Leviticus 23:27–28; Numbers 29:7; 1 Kings 19:8; Jonah 3:5–10; Ezra 8:21; Nehemiah 1:4; Matthew 4:2; Acts 9:9, Acts 10:30–31).

…I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 (NKJV)

Today I have a video for you that explains fasting in a clear and concise way, the best I have ever heard. This fasting video is made by a dear sister of a dear friend. Her name is Terri and she is battling cancer. Please pray for Terri and take notes as she shares her well-researched fasting tips and information. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJa6Lkwxgg&t=2s]

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Isaiah 58. Please fast and pray today for Terri and all who are suffering a major health crisis. Make fasting a monthly part of your prayer journey. The Lord will draw near to you as you draw near to Him!

p.s. If you liked today’s post, you may also enjoy The Fasting TEA CUPP.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you… James 4:8 (NKJV)

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:17–18 (NKJV)

When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting,
That became my reproach. Psalm 69:10 (NKJV)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)

The Adventure Continues

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Jennifer Grace

Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 36:5 (NKJV)

Our pop-up camper holds a notebook entitled “Pop-up Camper Journal.” We started the journal when we first bought the used camper in 2021 during covid so we could visit our granddaughter with cancer. The journal is inspired by my dad who always kept a detailed journal of our family vacations and also by my scrapbooking hobby. It contains photos from places we’ve visited, notes about our activities, pictures of family, nature sketches, camp ground maps, etc. Nothing fancy, just a school notebook and handwriting that often looks like we were driving over a bumpy road when I journaled. But it’s a record of God’s faithfulness.

But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:14 (NKJV)

As I read through the journal the other day, I saw how Jesus brought us through covid and Kennedy’s cancer, letting us take the camper to Wisconsin in 2022 to watch her ring the cancer-free bell. I see how Jesus has helped us celebrate anniversaries even when plagues, cancer, and homelessness have touched our lives. I read how He took us to Iowa to plant a tree in memory of my Daddy whose journals I long to emulate. And how we took a special birthday cake all the way from Montana to Iowa to celebrate my father-in-law’s 90^th birthday. And how we moved my husband’s parents to Montana. The journal shows me how God knew our needs in advance and provided this travel trailer for when we would be homeless. Little did we know we would have to learn to live in it full time!

All this has come upon us;
But we have not forgotten You,
Nor have we dealt falsely with Your covenant.
Our heart has not turned back,
Nor have our steps departed from Your way; Psalm 44:17–18 (NKJV)

Many of you know that in the fall of 2022 our home was condemned, full of mold. We had to toss most of our belongings and seek a new home. Ever since, we’ve been bouncing around between guest houses in winter and campers in summer. The first summer we were in a borrowed camper with a restroom. That was a blessing! The second summer we stayed in our pop-up camper and moved from place to place as friends needed house-sitters. 2025 is our third summer and we are again in the pop-up camper, but trying not to move too often. We received a discount to stay at the KOA for a month where there are fun activities for our son, restrooms, showers, laundry, and a campfire ring! We have campfires and s’mores often and are making the most of what we hope will be our last camping summer.

For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined.
You brought us into the net;
You laid affliction on our backs. Psalm 66:10–11 INKJV)

The first summer in the borrowed camper, we felt sure God would answer our prayers for a home by the end of summer. The second summer in our own pop-up was much more difficult, with anger and despair visiting often. But this summer we are laughing with God (Psalm 59:8) at the enemy as we continue to trust Him to provide a home. We’ve looked at many houses and have a few possibilities. Thank you for joining us in prayer that one will work out for us, the one the Lord has prepared.

Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
Until He has mercy on us. Psalm 123:2 (NKJV)

Some of you may remember a devotion in My TEA CUPP Prayers entitled, “Jesus is My House Hunter.” I hadn’t thought about it until I was flipping through a copy of the book before giving it to a new friend from the KOA. The Lord has been testing me to see if I really believe what I wrote! Yes, Lord Jesus, You are Yehovah Jireh, my provider! Our God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus! Thanks be to God!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2–3 (NKJV)

Throughout our mold and camper journey, the Lord has helped me persevere on my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers. I’m happy to say it is back at the publisher after several rounds of corrections and I hope it will be out to you very soon! May it bring more ladies to morning TEA, more glory to Jesus, and more fruit for His kingdom!

Today’s TEA CUPP: The other day we went to church with our son Kevin and his new wife Noël. Their church shared this worship song. It blessed me and I pray it will bless you, too! (If it doesn’t come through on your feed, go to Youtube and search for CityAlight – He Will Be)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:6–8 (NKJV)

Celebrating Bible Moms

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Jennifer Grace

…Deborah, arose,
Arose a mother in Israel. Judges 5:7 (NKJV)

In honor of mothers and the celebration of Mother’s Day, it’s fitting that we should visit a few more Special Bible Ladies today. We can celebrate these ladies as we honor our own dear mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and neighbors. 🌺

Let’s celebrate Miriam and her mother, Jochebed:

And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. Exodus 2:4 (NKJV)

When I think of Miriam, I imagine a little girl of about five or six years old, as she was often depicted in Sunday School stories. I see her clinging to the skirts of her mother, Jochebed, anxious for her baby brother Moses’ safety. You are likely familiar with the story. Pharoah had proclaimed that all the Hebrew baby boys should be drowned in the Nile River. Miriam’s mother just couldn’t do this to her little baby, so she hid him for three months. When he was too big to hide any longer, she made a basket of reeds lined with pitch. She put Moses in the basket and set him afloat in the Nile River. Big sister Miriam watched from behind a bush on the shore. When Pharoah’s daughter found baby Moses, Miriam bravely ran forward to ask if she needed a nurse for the baby (Exodus 2:7). Pharoah’s daughter accepted her offer, so Miriam ran to bring her own mother to nurse baby Moses for the Pharoah’s daughter. When Miriam and Moses and brother Aaron grew up, they never forgot their relationship. Aaron was Moses’ mouthpiece and high priest for Israel. After the crossing of the Red Sea, Miriam led the Israelites in singing and praising God. I love how Miriam, Jochebed, and the Pharoah’s daughter all stood up for LIFE of this baby who would one day lead God’s people. All three are special Bible ladies to be celebrated. (See also Numbers 26:59, Exodus 6:20, Hebrews 11:23)

Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them:

“Sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!” Exodus 15:20-21 (NKJV)

Dear Lord Jesus, help me stand up for the LIFE of babies like Miriam and her mother, Jochebed, and even like Pharoah’s daughter who adopted Moses. I claim your promise to triumph over the enemy. Help me praise You always as Miriam did.

Let’s celebrate Abigail whose wisdom saved her household:

The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings. He was of the house of Caleb. 1 Samuel 25:3 (NKJV)

We meet Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Her husband, Nabal, was having a sheep-shearing party. His shepherds had returned with their sheep unharmed because of the protection of David and his men in the field. I imagine David had a heart for shepherds because he was one once, too. (And the Son of David, Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd.) When David heard that Nabal was having a party, he sent some of his men to ask for food. But Nabal turned them away empty-handed. This made David so angry, he took 400 men to do vengeance upon Nabal. When the shepherds told Abigail, she quickly loaded donkeys with food fit for a king and took it all to David and his men. She even dismounted her own donkey and fell down before David, begging forgiveness for her household. David accepted her gift and turned back from harming Nabal. After the Lord struck Nabal and he died, David invited Abigail to be his wife. Abigail was mother to David’s second son, Chileab (1 Chronicles 3:3).

How Abigail washed David and his men’s feet was symbolic, for one day David’s seed Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and told them to go and do likewise. Abigail saved David from avenging himself (1 Samuel 25:26) and making himself a fool like Nabal. David was called to fight for Israel not himself. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. Abigail gets credit for saving David from this disaster.

Dear Lord Jesus, give me Your understanding and make me beautiful inside to shine out to others and wash feet like Abigail!

Let’s celebrate Timothy’s faithful mom and grandma:

When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV)

We don’t know too much about Timothy’s mom Eunice and grandmother Lois. We first meet Timothy in Acts 16:1. Paul took Timothy in hand to be his missionary companion. Later, when writing to Timothy, Paul set out to encourage him by reminding him of the faith of his mom and grandma. Because of his grandma’s faith, his mom had faith. And because of his mom’s faith, Timothy had faith in the Lord Jesus. And you, dear one, have faith, too! Jesus said that if we have faith like a mustard seed, we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20)!

Dear Lord Jesus, give me mountain-moving faith like Timothy’s mom and grandma. May our children and grandchildren follow our example and seek You as Timothy did.

Today’s TEA CUPP: All these ladies are beautiful daughters of the King, and so are you, dear sister! Jesus loves you so much that He came to earth and died on the cross for you. Whether you are a mom, a daughter, a sister, a wife, an aunt, a grandma, a teacher, or a neighbor, you are very special to God the Father. Find a mother or friend to bless this Mother’s Day. 🌺

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4 (NKJV)

A gracious woman retains honor… Proverbs 11:16 (NKJV)

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10 (NKJV)

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28 (NKJV)

…She has done what she could. Mark 14:8 (NKJV)

Three Times

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Jennifer Grace

And the third day He will rise again. Mark 10:34 (NKJV)

Three days. My college cross country coach repeatedly said that if we didn’t get enough sleep, or ate a bunch of junk food, or over-worked in some other way, three days later we would either come down with a cold, pull a muscle, or endure some other injury. Therefore, we were always to get a good night sleep, eat healthy, and follow his work-out plans—tough instructions for college students with piles of late-night homework, early morning and afternoon work-outs, and limited food choices in the 1980’s dorm cafeteria. But I always remember his caution, “three days.”

Three days or three times comes up quite often in the Bible, too. Perhaps the most memorable is Jesus’ three days and three nights in the tomb, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish. And on the third day, Jesus rose, conquering sin, death, and the power of the devil, opening the door for all of us to have eternal life. HalleluYAH!

One year as I was reading my Bible, I went on a treasure hunt to discover other examples of three days or three times. I thought you might enjoy hearing these examples as we near Resurrection Sunday (First Fruits). As you think of Jesus spending three days in the grave and descending into hell, after all He already went through on the cross for all the world, consider these other “threes” He wrote into His Word:

Three days after their dreams, Pharoah’s butler was restored to his position, while the baker was hung (Genesis 40).

Three days Joseph put his brothers in prison (Genesis 42:17).

Three months Moses’ mother hid him as a baby (Exodus 2:2).

Three days journey Moses requested Pharaoh allow the Israelites to take (Exodus 3:18, 5:3, 8:27).

Three days the Israelites went without finding water after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:22).

Three days to prepare for the Lord coming down Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:11).

And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Exodus 19:11

Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God. Exodus 23:14-17, 34:23 (NKJV)

Three days was the Israelites first journey with the tabernacle after leaving the mountain of God (Numbers 10:23).

Three days notice was what Joshua gave the Israelites before crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:11).

Three days the spies hid in the mountains from the King of Jericho at Rahab’s caution (Joshua 2:16).

Three days after Joshua made the covenant with the Gibeonites, he heard they were their neighbors (Joshua 9:16).

Three days plague David chose as his punishment for the census; this plague led to the location of the Temple (2 Samuel 24).

Three times Elijah had the people pour four water pots on the altar before the Lord’s Mt. Carmel miracle (1 Kings 18:34).

Three days the sons of the prophets searched for Elijah after God took him to heaven in a whirlwind, even though Elisha didn’t want them to search (2 Kings 2:17).

Three years and they would have fruit (2 Kings 19:29).

This shall be a sign to you: ‘You shall eat this year such as grows of itself,
And in the second year what springs from the same;
Also in the third year sow and reap,
Plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them.’ 2 Kings 19:29 (NKJV)

Three days and Hezekiah would be healed and go up to the house of the Lord (2 Kings 20:5).

Three days Rehoboam asked the people to wait while he made a bad decision (2 Chronicles 10:5, 10:12).

Three times God works to bring a soul back from the Pit (Job 33:29-30).

Three years God’s servant Isaiah walked naked and barefoot as a sign and wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia (Isaiah 20:3).

After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,
That we may live in His sight. Hosea 6:2 (NKJV)

Three months Mary stayed with Elizabeth when they were both expecting special babies (Luke 1:56).

Three days Joseph and Mary searched for Jesus when He was twelve years old (Luke 2:46).

Three days and the Son of Man would be raised from the dead, Jesus told His disciples (Luke 9:22).

“Three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none,” said the man in Jesus’ parable (Luke 13:6-9).

“The third day I shall be perfected,” Jesus sent in a message to Herod (Luke 13:32).

Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” Luke 18:31-33 (NKJV)

Three times Pontius Pilate asked about Jesus, “Why, what evil has He done? (Luke 23:22).

Third hour Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:25).

Three hours the earth was dark in mid-day as Jesus hung on the cross (Luke 23:44).

Three days until the Son of Man rose again (Luke 24:7,24:21).

In three days, Jesus said He could raise up His temple if it was destroyed (John 2:19-22).

Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” (John 21).

Three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8).

Today’s TEA CUPP: Let’s consider again that day that Jesus died for us. Three people were hung on three crosses. The One in the center had never done anything wrong. The criminal on His right believed in Him and said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom.” There was darkness for three hours. Jesus was laid in the tomb and on the third day He rose from the grave, opening the door for all to enter heaven. Let’s be like the thief on His right who believed, hearing Jesus say, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NKJV)

p.s. Thank you for stopping by My Tea Cupp Prayers! My next book is in the final stages for publishing. It’s entitled More Tea Cupp Prayers. I pray that many ladies will read it for a deeper walk with Jesus. Today’s devotion will be part of another book, The Runner’s Tea Cupp (God willing!). Thank you for praying for me! God bless you, dear ones! Jesus loves you!

Hope in the Hurricane

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
The floods have lifted up their voice;
The floods lift up their waves.
The Lord on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea. Psalm 93:3-4 (NKJV)
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. 1 Samuel 12:23 (NKJV)

Today I want to send a message of hope to those who are in the hurricane season. Someone in Montana is praying for you! The West is on fire and I’m surrounded by smokey skies, but I am praying for you! And not only me, many others are praying for you.

Dutch Sheets on Give Him 15 is lifting up prayers for you with all of his prayer warriors. Over in Israel, while they are being hit by missile attacks, Kenny Russell with Bulldozer Faith and his listeners are praying for you. The Million Esthers descending upon Washington DC this weekend are also praying for you! And, Jesus is praying for you! Romans 8:34 promises us that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, making intercession for you. Romans 8:36 goes on to promise the Holy Spirit is praying for you! And long ago, before Jesus went to the cross, He poured out His heart for you in John 17:20, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” Though I know the last thing you want to see right now is a cloud, you can rejoice there is a cloud of witnesses praying for you!

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)

. . . Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

Why do I want to tell you this? Because I want you to be comforted with the comfort I have received from the Lord (2 Corinthians 1:4). I have evacuated at least seven times because of forest fires, wondering if I would see my home again. My in-laws’ home went up in smoke in 2008. My parents’ home was flooded in 2016. And most recently, in 2022 we lost our home and belongings to an outbreak of mold. We know the sadness, the tears, the discouragement, the anxiety. . . yet we also know the joy, comfort, encouragement and peace found through the hope of Jesus Christ. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).

. . . We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. Psalm 66:12 (NKJV)

Unless the Lord had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence. Psalm 94:17 (NKJV)

We still don’t have a place to call home, yet we press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, thanking Him for providing for all our needs according to His riches in glory, trusting Him for each day’s needs (Philippians 3:14, 4:19). I pray for you, dear one, that our Lord Jesus will also comfort and sustain you during this trial. And if you have lost loved ones, my heart goes out to you yet again, for I also lost my college cross country team in a plane crash. The unexpected and sudden death of a loved one can cause tears of anger and grief and unbelief. Only Jesus can make the pain go away. I know this because He took my pain and bore all our pain on the cross. Remember the Father knows how much it hurts, because He watched His only begotten Son die. Please run to Abba Father’s loving arms and let Him comfort you today and put the pieces back together. I’m running to Him in Montana, too, He has room for us all. Jesus loves you, dear one!

. . .He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you. Isaiah 30:19 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Psalm 85:4-7 Restore us, O God of our salvation. . . Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, And grant us Your salvation.. . Abba Father, Yeshua Messiah, I pray this for my family and nation. Restore! Revive! Rejoice! Because of Your mercy and salvation, restore what the locusts have eaten in all the hurricane areas. Revive this land by pouring out Your Holy Spirit. Rejoice us with Your joy and gladness again. Have compassion on all Your children left in the wake of Helene and Milton. Bless the rescue workers and keep them safe. Good Shepherd, find all Your lost sheep. Send more laborers into the harvest. Let all who survive turn to You. We ask for Your grace and mercy. In the name of Jesus, we rebuke the prince of the power of the air and command every hurricane to turn back to sea. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. Our God shall work even this for good. Our Heavenly Father is pouring His love on His hurting children. He is healing our hurts and hearts. He is providing for all our needs. He is changing every flood into Living Water, every fire into Spiritual fire, and every wind into the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, come! In mighty name of Jesus who calms the storm we pray, Amen.

You who still the noise of the seas,
The noise of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples. Psalm 65:7 (NKJV)

He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still. Psalm 107:29 (NKJV)

Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Psalm 103:4 (NKJV)

Claim the promises of Zephaniah 3:15-17!

Scripture from the New King James Version (NKJV) and Common English Bible (CEB).

My Resurrection TEA

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10 (NKJV)

Many of the churches are celebrating Resurrection Sunday this weekend. It is an interesting year because Passover isn’t until April 23rd. So, those of us celebrating Passover and Yeshua (Jesus) as our Passover Lamb, won’t be celebrating His resurrection until Sunday, April 28th. But truly, we should remember Jesus’ death and resurrection every day of our lives, because it is His life and death and rising that give us life and forgiveness and hope of eternal life with Him in heaven. A dear friend of mine even takes communion every morning, thanking Yeshua for what He did on the cross. A few times she’s invited me to join her over the phone. That was special! As you celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this spring, I give you a Resurrection Tea based on Luke 24 to sip and pray. God bless you, dear sister in Christ. Jesus truly is risen indeed!

T is for Thanksgiving

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

We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Revelation 11:17 (NKJV)

E is for Exalting

…Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people… Luke 24:19 (NKJV)

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. Luke 24:52-53 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25 (NKJV)

And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Luke 24:38 (NKJV)

C is for Calling

He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee. Luke 24:6 (NKJV)

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:47-48 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our Stories

Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:31 (NKJV)

And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NKJV)

P is for Promises

Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” Luke 24:36 (NKJV)

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:28-29 (NKJV)

This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:39-40 (NKJV)

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11:23 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning

But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Luke 24:29 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: I love that Abba Father commanded Jesus to rise and He did! (John 10:18, 14:31). Read Luke 24 and 1Corinthians15:12-26 for an even greater picture of the resurrection. Use all these verses this week as you have TEA with Jesus: Thanking Him for salvation; exalting Him for His glory; admitting your sins and asking to be washed clean by the blood He shed for you on the cross; listening for your part in His calling; understanding your story a little more; taking comfort in claiming His promises; and finally, inviting Jesus to abide with you and your family always. Blessed Resurrection Day, dear sister in Christ!

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 1Corinthians 15:3-4 (NKJV)

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1Corinthians 15:20 (NKJV)

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27 (NKJV)

Expecting the Suddenly

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly. 2 Chronicles 29:36 (NKJV)

A favorite pastor of mine, Pastor Tim Sheet of Oasis Church in Middletown, Ohio, says to “expect the suddenly.” I’ve been wanting some suddenly. I’ve been hoping for some suddenly. I’ve been needing some suddenly. I’ve been praying for some suddenly. And one of these days, I know the suddenly will come. As I was reading God’s Word in Luke the other day, this story jumped out at me as a suddenly:

A man went to synagogue one Sabbath day just as he had faithfully done for years. His steps were slow and his head was bent low as he trudged along the roadside, dragging his right foot in the loose gravel. His silver hair waved in the breeze as his swollen body approached the busy house of worship. He lifted his head to nod greetings to others, but no one took notice of him. The poor man went inside and sat in his usual spot in the far back on the righthand side, thankful for a place to rest his painful body and weary soul. He wondered if the message today would give him any hope? Then, by surprise, a Light entered the synagogue. It wasn’t that the door had been left open, but that the doorway and the Person standing in its midst both radiated light. Of all the people in the room upon whom this Person might fix His gaze, He chose the tired man in the back-right corner. With strength and light He glided straight to the drooping man; reaching out He held his hand, pulling him to his feet. And with Words sweet as honey and pure as gold, He said, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” The man looked with wonder, hoping beyond hope that it was lawful. He kept silent, the lawyers kept silent, the pharisees kept silent. So, the Person spoke again, taking the swollen man in both hands, He hugged him and healed him and let him go, saying, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” The man stood straight and lifted his once swollen arms in praise! “HalleluYAH! Adonai heals!” And he hugged his Savior and wept and thanked Him again and again. (Luke 5:20, 14:1-6, author’s interpretation).

Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. Daniel 10:10 (NKJV)

How is that for a suddenly? That is what I’m awaiting: I’m expecting the suddenly. . .suddenly healed, suddenly home, suddenly salvation for loved ones, suddenly revival. . . and in the twinkling of an eye, suddenly our Savior comes! HalleluYAH!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Expect the suddenly! This week when you attend church, expect the suddenly. This week when you say your prayers, expect the suddenly. This week when you have TEA with Jesus, expect the suddenly!

. . . And He took him and healed him, and let him go. Luke 14:4 (NKJV)

O Jesus, You healed this dear man with dropsy without expensive doctor visits, without changing his diet, without asking him to list all his sins, without making him repeat Scripture promises for months. It was immediate, it was a suddenly, it was for Your glory! O Jesus, look down on all who need Your healing:________________. In the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the King of the Universe, we unbind these dear ones. O Jesus, Yeshua Messiah, Yehovah Rapha, Our Healing God, I claim Your promise of healing NOW! Do the suddenly NOW! Amen.

Pray for sudden revival across America!!!

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.Isaiah 58:8 (NKJV)

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 1 Kings 19:5 (NKJV)

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:3 (NKJV)

So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath? Luke 13:16 (NKJV)

Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 (NKJV)

Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;
Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. Psalm 6:10 (NKJV)

But God shall shoot at them with an arrow;
Suddenly they shall be wounded. Psalm 64:7 (NKJV)

Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly. 2 Chronicles 29:36 (NKJV)

Keep your eyes out for all the Bible verses that say “suddenly,” or “immediately,” or “speedily,” or “quickly.” All these come from patience and persistent prayers.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake

Posted on February 16, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

…And what is set on your table would be full of richness. Job 36:16

Here’s a special treat for your family or neighbors: Try this delicious pumpkin cake. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free and so very moist! Perhaps you will enjoy a slice while having afternoon tea with Jesus and friends.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut flour
1 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups organic pumpkin puree, well-drained
2/3 cup coconut oil, melted
2/3 cup honey or maple syrup
5 eggs from pasture-raised happy chickens 🐓
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup Lily’s Chocolate chips

Set oven to 350 degrees. Grease a Bundt cake pan with coconut oil. In a big bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: Flours, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a second bowl, stir together the wet ingredients: Pumpkin, coconut oil, honey or syrup, eggs, vanilla. Form a hollow in the center of the dry ingredients bowl and pour in your wet ingredients. Stir well. Carefully fold in the chocolate chips. Spoon the batter into your prepared Bundt cake pan. Bake cake in oven for 45-55 minutes, depending on the moistness of your pumpkin.

Remove pan from oven and allow to cool 15 minutes. Using a plastic scraper, carefully loosen the cake from the inner and outer edges of the cake pan. Place a plate on top of the pan and flip it over, causing the cake to land on the plate. Lift off the Bundt cake pan and let the cake cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes: We use pumpkin from our garden that we have baked and pureed. It is often more moist than canned pumpkin from the store. Decrease flour by 1/4-1/2 cup for canned pumpkin. I baked this in a toaster oven in the little cabin where we are staying for the winter and it turned out perfectly! 🥰

Wake Up, Jesus!

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38 (NKJV)

I was awake since 1 a.m., up since 3 a.m., reading my Bible, praying all my prayers, yet it was still dark. I cried out, “I watch for you, Jesus, more than watchmen wait for the morning. When will You come to answer my prayers? How long until soon?”

Remembering the missionary pastor who visited our church, I cried “Wake-up, Jesus!” Pastor Samuel said we need to wake up Jesus in our churches. He is sleeping in the stern of the boat. “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” I cried again (Mark 4:38).

Do You not care my pains are extra sharp this morning? Do You not care we are still homeless over a year after leaving our moldy home? Do You not care that we spend all this time in Your Word and prayer and seek You with all our hearts and live for You each day? Wake up, Jesus!

Don’t you care what is going on in our nation and world? They are fighting your dear land of Israel! Evil people are trying to end our elections in America. They are still trying to kill people with vaccines. “Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not cast us off forever” (Psalm 44:23).

…Awake to help me, and behold!
You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations;
Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors… Psalm 59:4-5 (NKJV)

Babies are still dying everyday from abortion, families are falling apart, schools are teaching evil subjects. Innocent people are being trafficked. Churches are going against Your Word. Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! (Psalm 83:1)

I cry again, “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth! (Psalm 80:1) Awake, awake, put on strength,
O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days,In the generations of old. Are You not the arm that cut Rahab apart, And wounded the serpent? (Isaiah 51:9)

Then I decree, it will be like in Isaiah 33 and Psalm 78: Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, Like a mighty man who shouts because of wine (Psalm 78:65). “Now I will rise,” says the Lord; “Now I will be exalted, Now I will lift Myself up (Isaiah 33:10).

Amen and Amen! Let it be so! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Wake up Jesus with your prayers! Read the story of Jesus asleep on the boat in Mark 4:35-41 and Psalm 107:23-32. Claim God’s promise in Psalm 121:4 that He will never sleep again.

Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4 (NKJV)

P.S. Dear one, God who created the sea can calm any storm on it. And God who created you and me can calm any storm in our lives, too.

Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication,
To my cause, my God and my Lord. Psalm 35:23 (NKJV)

The Lord on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea. Psalm 93:4 (NKJV)

The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:5 (NKJV)

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness. Psalm 96:11 (NKJV)

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 (NKJV)

Another Pot of Precious Promises

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Jennifer Grace

These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. John 16:1 (NKJV)

God’s blessings to you on your new year, dear sister in Christ! I hope your year is off to a good start. Perhaps like me you woke up with a terrible cold on January 1 and thought all the new year’s hopes and resolutions had gone out the window! But Jesus is merciful and healed my cold and gave me strength to press on and send my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers, back to the publisher for the third time. HalleluYAH! All glory to Jesus!!! How I pray that it can be ready for you by Resurrection Sunday!

Ten years ago, I wrote a short devotion called Pouring a Pot of Precious Promises, written on a day I came across several promises in my daily Bible reading. As I was reading the book of John again in December, John 16 surprised me with many promises from Jesus, too. I thought, “we will have to pour another pot of precious promises for the ladies!”

I hope you’ll read John 16 for yourself and discover perhaps even more words that touch your heart. John 16 came at a sad time for Jesus. He knew He would soon go to the cross to die for our sins. (John 17 contains His last prayers for us all before He was betrayed). Jesus knew His disciples would need the promises recorded in John 16. If the disciples needed them then, I believe we also need these promises for 2024.

First, lets look at some of the not-happy promises…

The enemy will try to make us stumble (16:1).
The enemy will put us out of the churches (16:2).
The enemy will try to harm us (16:2).
We will have sorrow (16:20).
In the world we will have tribulation (16:33).
Somethings we can’t bear to hear now (16:12).

Do you find most of those promises are hard to hear? Me, too! Let’s keep reading, because Jesus gives us His comforting promises:

He will send us a Helper, the Holy Spirit (16:7).
The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement — sounds like a great revival! (16:8).
The Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth (16:13).
The Holy Spirit will tell us things to come (16:13).
The Holy Spirit will glorify God’s Son Jesus (16:14) — that way we’ll know it’s the Holy Spirit!
In a little while we will see Jesus (16:16) — Oh, what a glorious Day!
Our sorrow shall be turned to JOY! (16:20, 16:22).
Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus’ Name, He will give us (16:23).
The Father Himself loves us because we believe in His Son Jesus (16:27).
Jesus is our peace (16:33).
Be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the world! (16:33).

Dear one, please be of good cheer, Jesus truly has overcome the world. He already conquered death and the devil when God the Father raised Him from the grave on the third day. He opened the door of heaven for all who believe in His Name. We can trust Him completely for He has a good, good plan.

Today’s TEA CUPP: Pour a pot of these precious promises in your teacup today, dear sister. You will need them this coming year. Read John 16 in your favorite Bible version. Then, write the most precious promises from your Bible in your prayer journal or on notecards on your bathroom mirror. Keep reading His Word and holding onto Jesus’ promises every day!

p.s. If you want to begin a new Bible reading plan this year, I’d like to recommend the M’Cheyne Daily Bible Reading Plan. I made some special bookmarks to use in this well-loved plan.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9 (NKJV)

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14 (NKJV)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 (NKJV)

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 TEA CUPP Prayers

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

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