Author: Laura Grace

I was that "unpopular" weird kid, that didn't fit in anywhere, in High School. I guess I never knew my place in life, until Jesus took me in. I've been rejected, misunderstood, left out, bullied, abused, scandalized, and labeled. In 2002 I got on a bus and left a marraige of sixteen years, that was fraught with abuse and heartache. In school, I used to be so afraid to stand in front of the class and speak, my hands would visibly shake, and I could not look at my audience without being terrified. Years later, I find myself leading a school music production, speaking in front of churches, and walking around with confidence, because I know the King of Kings is at my side. My ministry, prayers and blogs are directed toward those who feel like they were never enough. You never fit in. If I can help you in any way, if you need a special speaker to speak hope to the hurting, or if you would like a copy of my Testimony book (Grace to the Rescue) let me know. I am here for you. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laura-Grace/author/B00DLYKCOQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=2ee12b01-8592-43a4-b4b8-daec0a37d906 With Love, Laura I can be reached at sisterzeal@yahoo.com
book of Genesis · cain and abel · genesis · jealousy · prideful · twisted

Pride was behind it: A new Twist on the Story of Cain and Abel……here’s how it goes.

Laura GraceLeave a comment

twisted.jpgSo often, Well, Pretty much every time, we hear the story of Cain and Abel, we hear it’s about Jealousy…..

Although, to a degree it is, that’s not the whole story. 

In Genesis chapter 4, we see that Cain was a tiller of the ground, his Brother, Abel, was a sheep keeper. Both were asked by the Lord to bring an offering, and both did. The difference was, Abel brought his best, and Cain did not. 

I don’t know if Cain “reasoned” that God could not eat the goods, or what his reason was for not bringing the exact offering God asked for. All we know is, Abel obeyed, and Cain did not, for whatever reason. 

I think Pride was already at work, long before Cain killed his brother. He thought he was so smart, such a great tiller of the ground, and he must have thought he knew God pretty well, or he could outsmart God (not sure) but why in the world would he give “less” than God said, other than pride in his own flesh? (Thinking he knew better!). 

So many people got in trouble in the bible stories, due to their own human reasoning. See, when I read my bible, I read between the lines.  I meditate, think about the people, why did they do what they did? What was going on in their mind(s), AND I look for myself in them, and pray to get the trouble OUT of myself! (Anything that would cause me trouble, you know?). 

THEN Cain got all upset when God did not bless his offering (which was less than God said) and decided to get rid of Abel! Did he think God would not see him? Did he think he could get away with it? (Or, didn’t he care?) 

So, here we have a guy, He was the child of Adam and Eve so, he had to know their story (How they got kicked out of the garden and all!) Yet he STILL did not listen to God! And when God gave a consequence, he got all bent out of shape and committed murder over it! See it’s not about “Jealousy” alone……

It’s about having a bad attitude (toward God) and thinking “He is unjust” and not being Humble, (and all kinds of things). Cain is one big display of how far things can go, without the counsel of God in your life. Still, Cain understood God has mercy, for he begged for his life! (And God granted it, too!) So really, PRIDE went before Cain’s fall, Into sin. Not Jealousy, Pride! What else can we glean out of this story? 

What I see is, we have not finished learning, there is still so much more wealth in my bible, for me to glean, for me to see, for me to share with others…..

WE have yet to explore, all the treasure there is to find there (in God’s Holy Word!) Love it! Feeling Wealthy today! Father please, keep us from Pride. Get us out of it! It’s dangerous! We love you Father! thank you for saving us from ourselves. Amen! 

 

Your servant, and his, 

Laura Grace

 

time for everything · Uncategorized

Times and Seasons

Laura GraceLeave a comment

 

Book of Ecclesiastes

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

2 A time to be born,
    And a time to die;
A time to plant,
    And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill,
    And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
    And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep,
    And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
    And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones,
    And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
    And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain,
    And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
    And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear,
    And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
    And a time to speak;
8 A time to love,
    And a time to hate;
A time of war,
    And a time of peace.

Stay tuned for thoughts on this passage…….in the meantime, Meditate on it! 

Laura Grace

christmas · Christmas time · letters to my children · Uncategorized

Letters to my children #1 A book in Progress… “It’s Christmas time”

Laura GraceLeave a comment

letters-to-my-childrenMy Dear Children,

I love you so much! How well I remember Christmas’s gone by.

That first time, when you didn’t know what a present was really, and just smiled and cooed at me over the pretty bows. Then later, the disappointment over not seeing the exact toy that was broadcast over the television set, over and over again.

We had traditions, which were passed down from my family, such as reading the story of Mary and Joseph on Christmas eve, and about baby Jesus, and how he was born in a manger. Ever year we sat and looked at the lights, prayed, read the story, and opened our gifts one by one.

There were so many years, I wondered if you would have a present at all, under the tree, from myself. Oh yes, grandma’s sent things, but I wanted to get you something, from me.

We made Christmas cookies, frosted them, and sang Christmas songs. We loved the Christmas lights, and sometimes yes, we stood in a very long line to get “free gifts’ because we were broke, and I wanted you to have more presents, like your friends did.

I remember that year I was asked the question “how come” (the nameless boy) doesn’t believe in God, and he got a 100.00 present? We prayed all the time, went to church constantly, and sang songs about prospering! It was a valid question, from a 10 year old boy. Well Father (I prayed) good question? Why can’t he have something cool?

I tried to make Christmas fun, like my mom always did. I wanted my tree as perfect as could be, as she did also. Christmas to me, was always a magical time. I didn’t care if I got a present, not really. I wanted to see your smiling faces, opening something grand!

Numerous years, I worked extra, to make sure we had Christmas food, gifts for others, and gifts for you as well. I know you didn’t get everything you wanted, but, I remember having fun. I remember Lego’s and care bears, hot wheels and the doll that had it’s own toilet!

Most of all, I remember I didn’t mind it was Christmas vacation, as we got to have fun, watch movies, eat popcorn, and play family games! Christmas was such a magical time of gifts and wonder and wondering what was under the tree. Baking of “our favorite goodies,” Turkey’s, feasts, and so many good things.

I don’t know how you remember it, but I remember Christmas being a time of wonder, almost magical, and full of love and Joy. I prayed over Christmas, every year! And even when we didn’t get everything we wanted, it was always good. Wasn’t it?

I love you. Mom

5 easy steps to solve everything · believingformiracles · everyday miracles · God's knowledge · godly wisdom · how to get miracles · knowing God better · miracles · miracles happen · pat answers · peculiar people · Uncategorized · worldy knowledge

How to solve everything in 10 easy steps? Jesus was a peculiar person….who did not give pat answers……

Laura GraceLeave a comment

jesus-dancing

I was getting ready for work, saw a blog post that said “how to get rid of______in 5 easy steps.” It had to do with anxiety or mental health in general. I knew a lot of people were going to read it (and they did,) but I also knew it probably wouldn’t help much. 

Most of us, when we look for answers, tend to take the well beaten path, and search out some “instant cure” that supposedly has worked for many. We want fast answers, and we want them now! But the truth is, we can learn as much from what Jesus did NOT do as we can from what he did do! He did not get out books and pass them out, “How to deal with Pharisees in 5 easy steps.” or how about “How to die for me without crying?” 

When People were hungry, he fed them, but only when they were following him. The disciples, and the people sitting and listening to him. As far as I can remember, that’s the only people He fed. He Healed people, but he did it in so many (various) ways, it’s hard to even keep track of it all. He spoke a word, or he touched them, or they touched him, and on and on it goes. No Pat answers! 

Jesus was peculiar (strange, Different, not what is normal, or the norm!) 

He did not say “I help those who help themselves.” He had his disciples go demand a donkey from a guy, just so he could ride it through town. He told them to fill up Giant pots with water, and go to the master and say,”It’s wine, here taste it!” (When they knew it was only water inside!). Now that’s strange! Peculiar even! But guess what? By the time they got to the Guy, the water had TURNED To Wine! 

Think the disciples were scared to obey him at times? You bet they were! 

So Here’s the point God wants me to share with you Today: IF YOU WANT God answers you can’t walk in man’s answers. You cannot have both. God’s ways = God’s results. Man’s ways =Man’s results.  You are going to have to get a little bit weird (Peculiar) if you want some Miracles (or even testimonies of God) In your life! 

It’s a different road, not a well beaten path, but a narrow door. The whole world is not going to agree with you (when You do what God wants you to do!). When you have tried everything else and nothing works…….Go ahead, ask God …

And he will probably have you do something very few or maybe NOBODY agrees with…..(may be good if you don’t even ask them!) (smiles) 

and then. You will get your Miracle. 🙂 Love and prayers! Laura Grace, Author, minister, child of God. (and your servant). Peace! 

grace to restore · grace to the rescue · graceofgod · gracerescuedme · gracetogrow · gracetogrowstudy · gracetosoar · gracetotherescueseries · gracewalk · grief · growbeforeyousoar · growing · Holy Spirit · inspire · Uncategorized

“Restore Me” …..What has been stolen? Why? And how can God restore me?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

restore-me-lord

RESTORATION. We who have lost anything, want this. Don’t we? When I hear that song “You have restored me” It makes me think: “Have I been restored?” When you think of this word, what do you think of? Things that were stolen from you, right? 

For many, the first thought is of physical goods, health, relationships, maybe even sanity, or peace of mind! What do you want God to restore in your life? 

One of the first restoration stories in the bible is the book of Job. He lost everything, kept his good attitude toward God, and God restored him double for his trouble. 

I just want to share this concept: Galatians 6:1 says to “restore” our Brethren. It’s talking about someone slipping away, stumbling, having difficulty in their faith walk. 

This sheds some light On what God meant by restoration, other than crops, fields, land, health, relationships, jobs, and all those other things we think about, when we hear that word into our lives. First we are restored back to him, then the rest happens! 

This ties in with “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness” and all these things (that you care or worry about) will be added unto you…………

The devil steals, God gives it back (to us). Not in our timing, in His! #1 priority with God is: Restore you back to health (spiritually) and healing (your soul) First, then the rest of your body. Seek ye first (his kingdom) Love, peace, Joy, and righteousness……

He was wooing us into covenant with him all along, wasn’t He? Please don’t go around telling people God will restore them, unless they have done their part. Entering into covenant with God is hugely (HUGELY) Important! It’s Crucial. 

and that my dear friends was what “the Lord’s Supper” was really all about….

Covenant! (to be continued) we prosper as our soul prospers) we follow him, He takes care of us! We give all to Him, He gives All to us! Covenant! Like Marriage! Amen 

Laura Grace, Author Grace to the Rescue, Grace to Grow Grace to Grow study guide, Grace to soar……..More to come! 

 

 

 

christian elitism · elitists · pentecostal pride · Uncategorized · walking in love

1,2,3 “the devil’s after me” Reconciling charismatic teachings with others……

Laura GraceLeave a comment

“1, 2,3” The devil’s after me (goes the song) 4,5,6 “he’s always playing tricks….” 

devil stomp.jpg

The bible says Jesus defeated satan, at the cross. For years, people (of God) just believed him to be a defeated foe, carried on with their lives, and never gave “satan’ a second thought. This was back before the great revivals and great Pentecostal Movement, and awakening. Now to understand why some think the Pentecostal movement is a bit weird (or crazy, or real peculiar) we need to step into their shoes a minute, and, try to understand their logic a little bit.

Yes, That’s what I said, Try to understand (their logic) for just a minute in time, rather than getting so defensive about what you know.

I remember trying to tell my grandma (and others) how the devil needed to be rebuked (in prayer) and the look I got was, “Well you sound crazy, but, I’m not touching that one with a ten foot pole!” Here she was, along with many others I know Just “trusting God was with her” and protecting her, as she went about in faith and lived her life (in faith, believing!)

How is it okay to tell someone they’ve been all messed up all these years, just because they do not see it as you do? If what I believe makes my brother stumble I’m not walking in love. (ouch!). Therefore, in many cases, we need to wait to be invited (or asked) before we speak. We don’t run up and clang the cymbals in someone’s ears! (That is not love!).

 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Gal 5:5-7

So we have Kenneth Hagin teachings, (which I have read) where He said the Lord showed him: “I”m not going to do anything about the devil, you do it!” And so, we have a book called the Authority of the Believer (by Kenneth Hagin) and many offshoots of those teachings, which came after that. 

When we learn something, it’s so easy to just say well “everyone” needs to know this (and start running around informing people of “the truth!”). You know, I’ve done this too.

Therefore, many Charismatic Christians (who talk about being Spirit filled a lot, and so on) Which I have been as well, become little “elitists” and now we have the answer, and all those other Christians “do not.” (and need to be informed, by us!)

We often don’t concern ourselves with the fact that OUR BIBLE SAYS Faith must work through love, and without it, we are nothing but a clanging cymbal! No, we don’t want to hear that part, do we? So we go and “crash” the party of those who are just believing, God is good, the devil is defeated, and I am having faith I’ll be just fine!

You know, when Jesus said he would bring division, it was never His intention the Body of Christ be so divided. (NOT HIS PREFERENCE!) as he was talking about believers and non-believers, not his People.  So this is the thing: You want to walk in Love (Jesus says to me) try loving your brethren for once…………..Those who do believe…….(already) Who are walking in their personal revelation, and don’t need you to insert teachings upon them, which might make them stumble…..

Because, if you do that, you are not walking in love…….

“Here’s how we know we have God’s Spirit ruling within us…..We love the brethren……..

That is those “other people” of God, who do not always believe exactly as we do…..

HMM ……Food for thought! Lord “bring revival” to all your people we pray, help us to return to our first love, which is you Father! And not just be puffed up with the sin of pride, in what we think we know. “Amen.” -Laura Grace

rest! · Uncategorized · yokeiseasy

Rest! What does it mean to you?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

rest-in-the-lord

Mark 2:24, 27 – “And the Pharisees said to Him, Look! Why are they doing what is not permitted or lawful on the Sabbath?” *gasp*

(27) “And Jesus said to them, The Sabbath was made on account and for the sake of man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Thank you Pastor Doc (Lynch) for those scriptures today.
SO God’s heart’s desire is we find rest for our souls. Because He loves us so much. It grieves him when we don’t believe and receive to find a way to rest……..

It actually means we don’t trust him to take care of us! “We can’t take a day off” we say………”Oh Yes you can” says God! TRUST ME (enter my rest!)……Laura Grace

Abigailinthebible · deliverance · godneverchanges · godsblessings · Godsgrace · Kingdavid · losingyourlifeforchrist · marriedandremarried · rescuedbygod · thestoryofabigail · Uncategorized · walkinthespirit

She gave up her life and found it…. The fascinating story of Abigail……

Laura GraceLeave a comment

In First Samuel 25, we find leadership           

A fascinating story……

One that answered many questions for me, years ago when I was seeking the Lord about whether or not he ‘hated women” in old Testament times. Hey, not a dumb question! If you are female and read the Old Testament stories, it can be quite disturbing!

Abigail was married to a man who was “of the descent” of Caleb, one of the two men, who took the land after Moses died. (Joshua was the other.) So her husband had a history of family, that trusted God.

Now, her husband refused to help King David (and his men) which was both a crime and a sin, at that particular time in history. HE KNEW the RIGHT he was supposed to do, yet refused to do it. In the new Testament it says “if you know to do good and refuse, to you it’s a sin.” Never thought of sin this way before? It’s the truth!

Now, Abigail did an amazing thing. She loaded up the donkeys with everything King David asked for (and then some) and bowed at his feet and said “Let this sin be upon me” and she pleaded for her husband’s life. See, King David was going to kill him for his infraction.

And, she did it without her husband’s permission. So, she was not submitting to his evil ways, at the time. so much for the “always submitting theory, eh?” 

I believe she was walking by the SPIRIT, AND she was living the words of the NT that Jesus said, “He who gives up his life for me, will surely find it.” I think she was walking by the Spirit because, we see no LAW in the OT that tells her to do what she did here. No 11th commandment, no former example for her to follow. Just the Spirit of God.

King David was so amazed, he not only commended her, but married her as well. Her husband’s heart turned to stone, which tells me he used to have a heart for God, but had lost it. 10 days later, the Lord stuck him dead physically, he was already dead spiritually by then. Abigail brought hope to me during a very difficult time in my life. A time when I was reading passages like “He who seeks to save his life will lose it, He who loses his life for my sake, will find it.” (Jesus). I too, once asked that someone’s sin be “upon me” and pleaded for their life. Instead of me dying, I was allowed to go free……….

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to the Rescue by Laura Grace           Available on Amazon

compassionatechristianity · Godisgood · godsblessings · gracetogrow · jesuswalkedonwater · knowinggodbetter · renewedinthespiritofyourmind · revolutionizedthinking · sonsofgod · Uncategorized

Who wrote this book of sympathy? Compassion VS Sympathy

Laura GraceLeave a comment

bunny-hugs

Years ago, When I was studying and in prayer, (asking God to speak to my heart) Matthew 15:32 seemed to jump of the pages to me. In this passage, Jesus was moved with compassion, because the people had been with him, listening to him, for three days and had nothing to eat.

Yes, the very same Jesus who said; “It’s my food” to do the will of my Father in Heaven.” I don’t know why sometimes God “speaks’ or sometimes he points out something or sometimes, He gives us a dream (to interpret).

Maybe He likes being creative? Or maybe he has a deep reason, but whatever the reason, that day, He spoke to me by magnifying this passage to my heart.  THAT ONE REVELATION Revolutionized my thinking! 

I used to ask God, “So how come you gave me miracles of cheese, and other miracles take so much longer?” One word. Compassion. 

So, who wrote this book of rules, I wonder? The one that says “This” deserves sympathy, and “that’ does not? We have people who understand: Maybe that person needs a miracle of the rent paid, a piece of pie, (and coffee) or some cheese to give them hope! God did 3 cheese miracles for me, by the way, it’s in my book. How often I learned, not to tell certain persons of my issues, for they might say “WELL now I know a person who is sick an dying in the hospital” (and try to SHAME me for daring to ask God for some cheese!). 

“Shame on you” Condemnation says, “People are really suffering, somewhere, and here you are whining about your shoelaces being tangled up!” 

SO I did not just learn from what Jesus said, but from what he DID! HE did not feed the whole world that day. He did not go start a soup kitchen. He fed the kids that were following him, listening to him……….and they wouldn’t have starved……

“Lest they faint on the way home” He said, and sometimes, God does miracles so you do not faint in your faith (before you reap a harvest!). 

Human reason can get us into a lot of trouble (with our faith,) you know? it really can. Because if we do not understand God’s heart (behind what he does) we will not understand Him If we don’t understand Him, we will ask amiss. If we ask amiss, we will not receive His miracles. (book of James) 

He fed the people following (and listening to him) that day….

a very big clue (into the heart of God) 

Your partner in the Faith and knowing Jesus, with Love,

Laura Grace 

beingrich · Jesusandgodprosperity · kingdomofgod · loveofmoney · novowofpoverty · onprosperitymessages · rich · richyoungruler · seekfirstthekingdom · Uncategorized · wealthandthekingdomofgod

Being Rich vs the Desire to be Rich! There is a BIG difference!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

gold

There is a big difference between the desire to be rich, and being rich. Let’s pray: Father thank you for speaking to me and giving revelation to my heart and mind. Cause me to understand your word better Father I pray, and not be clueless or just listening to what others say about you! Help me to know you! In Jesus’ name. amen. 

I am a preacher who tends to speak not ‘word for word” scripture, but everything I say is based on scripture. The “branches and leaves” of the original vine, if you will. This is because I want you to read it for yourself, and not just “follow me.” 

THERE Seems to be a contradiction if you read the scripture without inviting God’s SPIRIT in. This is WHY there is so many different beliefs, among Christians about nearly everything. God seems to be chastising the rich in one place, and saying he’ll make us wealthy in another. 

I am here to tell you, there is not a contradiction. James says, those who desire to be rich fall into temptation. Evil desire gives birth to sin…….(in another passage) …….

In Luke, we have a rich young ruler, who was challenged about what mattered to him most: The kingdom of God or his money? Jesus was walking in the same wisdom He gave Solomon here. (If you have read these things, you will understand what I am saying here.) And in Matthew, we have “easier to go through the eye of a needle” than for a rich man (who is attached to his riches) to enter in. FINALLY we have Rev 3 where 

God really clarifies what he’s been saying about wealth the whole time: “YOU DON”T THINK YOU NEED ME” (Paraphrase) because you rely on yourself, and your money! 

So we see, as we contemplate, (and let those religious ideas go out the window!) That God is not contradicting himself. Why are the generous soul made rich? Because, God wants to equip the generous with more to give! They have proven they love people, not money. Sometimes people are rich because the evil one did it, so that they would not ever become all they were meant to be, in Christ. So don’t let riches fool you, one way or the other. Don’t get attached to it, the wise man said in Proverbs. 

I do hope this clarifies whether we can or cannot, pray for Prosperity. Examine your heart, seek God about it, and don’t let “the desire” to be rich take over your love for God and his Kingdom. If you do that, you will do well, prospering or not! 

 

With Love, Laura Grace, Author, minister, servant of Christ