GROWING TREE ROOTS I don’t know about you, but I’d like to have a grown-up for my leader. Many people aspire to be leaders, coaches, teachers, and the like; but they are not always qualified.

I said, they are not always qualified.

How do we know if they’re qualified? What do you think would be “God’s measure” of maturity? have you ever thought about that one? (I have).

We’ve all heard the stories of how someone wasn’t “picked” for the team. I was one that nobody wanted on their baseball, football, or even volley ball team! I was not good at it. I didn’t want to be good at it (bad enough) to practice.

I let go of even trying long ago, because guess what? I didn’t care! (about sports) enough to put my heart into learning, practicing, and becoming great at it.

I did, at some point, need to stop whining and admit to myself “I don’t want this bad enough to do the hard work.” Step #1 to Growing and Maturity: Admitting the truth about ourselves in the light of God’s Truth!

I’m sure out there “somewhere” there are ministries that choose their leaders by their maturity level in-Christ, but I don’t think there is many. Sad to say, the mainstream church world often makes their selections based on willingness, an outward appearance of maturity, faithfulness to church services, and attending bible school and colleges. The main goal is often raking in more bodies (to fill the pews) and not growth and maturity for the ones who are in those pews.

They have board members who look at the resume’, pray about it, and make their choice as to what they think is the best candidate for the (open slot) or job.

So, if you were picking a leader, or a pastor (of a church) what would be your measure for maturity?

I make that decision every day of my life, when I decide who I will listen to and who I will not (listen to). Ephesians 4 says God gave us Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets and Teachers to help us come to maturity (in Christ).

I learned a long time ago, a person who is blind will lead me into the ditch. A person who is not mature will not help me get mature. I want a leader who is stronger, wiser and more mature than I am.

Therefore, if I do not listen to someone’s advice, it doesn’t mean I am rejecting them, personally. I simply learned (a long time ago) That listening to Jesus comes first. To put anyone’s council above His, is a form of idolatry.

Am I perfect? No! Have I made mistakes? Yes, I have. But my heart and mind are set on the words “Take my yoke upon you” (Words of Jesus) “and be yoked to me.” (Matthew 11:28).

The Lord is my Shepherd (primarily) and everything else is subject to him.

Years ago I sat under a minister for a time (online) and hardly anyone understood why. It was because of his Testimony. A testimony (for me) is the true measure of maturity. Not what school they went to, not how many days they warmed a pew in the church.

I”ve met many who attended church for 30 years, and like a submarine, nothing seemed to really get INTO their hearts. They are no different today than they were 30 years ago, other than knowing how to speak christianese.

Like a tree, a testimony is a measure of how much work God has actually done in a person’s life. Are they born again? Filled with God’s spirit? Have they walked in the fruits of the spirit and learned to walk by the spirit of God? Have they cried out for, and received wisdom (from above) and not relied on the wisdom of man (and his ways?). Are they tried and true?

It’s out of balance to say we don’t need anyone but God and it’s out of whack to say we only need church, and just follow along with whatever supposed “leader” comes our way. It’s unhealthy to gather around someone who just “says what we want to hear” and it’s foolish to assume every person in a leadership position was put there by God. If that were the case, Paul and Jesus would not have wept over flocks being deceived by wolves in sheeps’ clothing and they would not have interceded with tears over those being “led astray.”

Did you know Jesus cried (and wept) for those that would not listen to him? That was more serious to him than starving children or the physical suffering of humanity. Why?

Because: He knew if he could successfully save the human soul (and we would listen to him) all the rest would be taken care of. God’s wisdom leads to us being “alright” in the Spirit first, and then in the natural. He wants us healthy (Spirit, Mind, and Body!). He wants us mature, which means we have grown up INTO his Headship.

I would dare say this means “We’ve God the mind of Christ” in all things.

To get the mind of Christ, we have to continually give up our own ways of thinking. We have to push out the voices of the immature, the unsteady, and the godless and faithless, and INCLINE Our ear to the word of God via His Spirit.

So here’s my standard on whether I will listen to you (or not). What is your Testimony? If you don’t have one to overcome with, how can I follow you?

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11 NKJV).

In conclusion, if you have found a church that truly has a loving, parental heart to see you Grow (UP) IN Christ, stick to them like glue! If you can see they love you, and want you to grow, stay put! If they have other agenda’s, face it and pray, and ask God for a church that helps you get where you need to be. This is my advice, and I believe it is sound. LOVE yourself enough to get good spiritual food.

Put your Spirit and Soul First, and the rest of you (body) as secondary. This is what it means to love not (your physical life) Unto Death. You put it under, and put it second to your growth and development in Christ. Enough said! -Laura Grace

AA · abuse · abuse of power · abused men and women · abusive christians · bullied · bullies · Bullying · Bullying and abuse · divorce · divorced · divorced christians · Doctrines of men · not religious · Relationship is everything with God and others · relationship with God · restoration · Restoration in God · restoration of you · restore me · Uncategorized

Once upon a time there was a girl….

February 3, 2018February 3, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Once upon a time there was this girl. She 30. She had two small children and a typewriter but she couldn’t afford any ink. God spoke to her and told her she would write a book someday.

She told her pastor he said “you need to know what kind of book”. She prayed about that too, and asked God, but did not receive a reply.Over 20 years later- when her kids were grown, she wrote her book while having two jobs and a busy life as Total domestic support to her husband.

She wrote an hour here, and an hour there, praying the whole time.

She submitted every page of it to two different ministers making herself accountable and opening up herself for critique.

That Girl is me, and the book is Grace to the Rescue.

It’s been republished 3 times now, the last time my friend spent hours re doing the cover. This is due to faulty publishing and typing errors (for which she received much criticism).

The book has been edited and prayed over again. She has not given up!

It’s a testimony of Grace more powerful than most can imagine. It’s a story of redemption, tenacity, faith, and hanging in there when the odds are against you……..

It’s a book about how GOD IS THERE no matter what through thick and thin. He provides, he does miracles, he sees you through when you refuse to give up on him helping.

LIke Jacob she hung on. Like the prodigal, she came home. Like Abraham she believed for a city that is of God. Like Joshua, she took the land, and like the women of faith she took the job of motherhood to be the highest calling on earth…….

And she fought the fight of faith along with her friends who love God too, and she prevailed in Him. She read the entire bible! She knows who the heroes of Faith are, and she strove to become like them.

Now I am highly honored that one of those ministers is featuring me on her page (Eagles Way Ministries) a woman who has stood in Faith with God for many years now, spending most of her free time in fasting, prayer and Study. And why does she do this, you may ask?

For the sole purpose of Doing God’s will For her life. For you see, she is in covenant with him, and so is her ministry partner, and so am I ……and Hopefully……so are you.

Yes I had to get divorced. It was not a union that was meant to be. It was destroying me. That is not God’s will for a person’s life. I moved over 20 times ad gave up everything to save this marraige. It was impossible. Irretrievably broken.

I had a woman in Wisconsin tell me she couldn’t put the book down it’s the only book she ever read besides her bible. I had others (Trish, Lorna, Lori, Jan and many others) Tell me what a great book it is. Leza edited it the very first time. Missy has been a huge support and cheerleader to me as well.

Thomas came to every book signing! I’ve actually had a lot of love and support but sometimes it’s easier to see the attacks when they are vehemently against you than all the love and support you’ve had.

Maybe I didn’t say how bad the suffering was or really get across Why I had to leave him….

But I had to. My children needed me to. They had to see me press on for better, and that abundant life God promised me. Otherwise, who would show them the way?

Sitting and being abused by your spouse is not a good path for your children to follow. So all naysayers out there, I don’t care what you think anymore. I’ve been free from that horrendous abuse for 16 years this year The same amount of years I suffered under it.

Let me tell you something; If you stand up to abuse maybe it will SAVE YOUR MARRAIGE! In my case it didn’t. Either way you shouldn’t Take abuse day after day and tell your children that’s God’s will for your life.

Not good. If you ever see YOUR child suffer abuse you won’t be so quick to say I should have stayed and took it forever. God’s word was never meant to be something that keeps us in a cage. Do you tell children if their parents abuse them “Obey them?” NO YOU get them out! why are people so scared of books about deliverance from a bad marraige? They are afraid it will cause everyone to “Run to sin” of divorce. That’s just silly.

I”ve been on this wall every day now proving to everyone I love God and how I”ve grown and AM growing. I wrote this book before they started having abuse stories on focus on the family. I had people act like I had the plague because I wrote it. It was painful but I am over it now. I will never apologize for my book again. I must admit for a time, since I’ve had more come at me pointing fingers and trying to make me ashamed than anything else, I did have regrets. Nobody has any idea how hard it’s been to keep my faith Going to BELIEVE I did what God told me to do. I will be justified in the end.

Thank you Lord for the support of Friends, true friends who have prayed for me through all of this. Love you friends!

Laura Grace and thank you Ministers Stace and Kay for your support al these years and for this honor:

http://eaglesway.org/links/laura-grace/

a word of emotional healing · abidinginthevine · abuse · abuse of power · abused men and women · abusive christians · affirmation · affliction · anguished hearts · authority of God · badpeople · becoming whole · being a giant slayer · being a minister · broken christians · broken dreams · broken hearts · broken people · broken wings · building on the rock · building on the rock with Jesus · building upon the rock of Jesus · builtontherock · bullied · bullies · bullsinchinaclosets · Bullying · Bullying and abuse · choose life · christianitytoday · christians growing · christianthoughts · christlightshining · christlike · church · churchgrowth · churchpeople · churchproblems · criticism · despair · devil is cruel · discernment · disciple or follower · disciples · don't give up · friendsofGod · fruits of the spirit · frustrated · giving all you have · Godprotects · Gods blessing · Gods favor · Gods healing power · grace to grow · grace to Grow in grace · growbeforeyousoar · growing · growing in GOD · growing up in Christ · growing up in Christ Jesus · growing up in God · growingupinchrist · hard things · hard topics christianity · harsh · Jesus is there when it's so unfair · Keep on shining for Jesus · mean people · Narcicism · tender hearts get hurt easily · the widow's mite · Uncategorized · unconstructive criticism · unjust · wounded warriors

When your give a dang gets broken….. Jesus sticks up for you! And the sin of unjust criticism………..

January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

KODAK Digital Still Camera

I’m going to be transparent with you today. Sometimes if I have given (and given) all that I have, and someone gets critical about how I did it, There is a point where I just want to give up on giving at all. There is a song about it and it basically says “My give a dang is broken.” In the world of biblically-correct Christians, it’s not okay to say that. Leaders go through it (at times) pastors of all kinds, even Mom’s who love their children dearly, experience this phenomina. Pastors and Moms have something in comnon too: They don’t dare say so “in front of the children.”

I won’t go into the reasons, We’ll just say some days “it all adds up” on us until we reach the tilting point or boiling point, as we may call it. I took it out on someone who did not deserve my wrath (and it’s happened before) All because criticism when I have given it all I’ve got, tends to send me through the roof at times.

The passage “God loves a Cheerful Giver” was going through my mind. I decided I was not cheerful, so maybe I should not have given at all. Maybe I should not minister at all! I was about to give up, when Jesus came on the scene with his rivers of Living Water and Mighty flood of revelation!

He said to me “It’s what it cost you” that is getting to you.” And then “Criticism under that cirumstance, is a sin.”

The story of the widow’s mite came to mind. “She gave all she had to live on” Jesus said and not from her abundance, but she gave all she had.” (Mark 12).

I know what Jesus is talking about here. I had a friend who typed me letters of encouagement with braces on his hands, because the pain in his hands was so bad he had to wear braces to do it. I just had someone tell me of a gift they are sending that cost them “all they have.” If you’ve ever given your last minute, your only day off, your only 5.00, or given up your only vacation to do something nice for someone else, you know exactly what I am talking about. Smug little sinners with no clue say things like, “Well You should not Martyr yourself!” or they might use a different passage of scripture (God loves a cheerful giver!).

I have a friend that works full time, and even on weekends at times, but she uses what little free time she has to post helpful scripture on the internet. She Loves Jesus and she gives ALL she has to live on (her wee bit of rest time sometimes) to bless others. When I see someone going on her FB wall having to “correct her” with their “Opinion” I wish I could go and say, “What is your problem?”

My aghast response to their treachery, is not so far from How Jesus sees it. (He told me so!) However, he also lets me know that he sees every thing we give, and why.

When someone gives all they have, their last day, minute, breath, or even dollar, (in his Name for his purpose) he sees it, and he commends them for it. Why did Jesus commend that woman? Because, he wanted to get a point across about giving it all (and what it means to him!). Anyone who unjustly criticises those who are giving it all, are sinning against Jesus himself, not just that person.

Now I ask you? How many people are supposedly “anti-bullying” and yet unjustly criticise the Lord’s servants, who are giving it all they’ve got? So now, what to do about it? GIVE AS UNTO JESUS and let the geese that bite you on the nose after you have helped them, go find their own bread. We need to be about the Father’s business, and doing what he has said to do!

Later Jesus told his disciples “When you enter a house, speak peace to it and if they do not receive it, your peace will return to you.” Whatever you have done for others will be returned to you………No labor of love is in vain. (Jesus’ promised us this).

⁴¹Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. ⁴²Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. ⁴³

So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41-44

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Grow

a word for God's church · abidinginthevine · abusive christians · advice christian · battle is the Lords and yours too · builtontherock · bullied · bullies in America · bullsinchinaclosets · bully · Bullying · Christian books · christian counselling is not cut and dried · Christian divorce · christlightshining · christlike · christmas encouragment · co dependency · co dependent no · co dependent no more · co dependent no more books · collateral damage to the soul · come out and be seperate · common sense · common sense christian · corruption · courage · defeat the devil · deliver me from evil · deliverance · deliverance from Jealousy · disciples · disciplesofchrist · dysfunction and overcoming it · eagleswings · exposing the enemy · extremes · faith · foolishness vs wisdom · grace · grace reigns · grace to grow · grace to Grow in grace · grace to grow speaking · grace to restore · Uncategorized · wisdom

Dodge the Stampede!

December 26, 2017December 26, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Stampeding (When someone “stampedes’ your blessing)

I just feel led to share this today. If you saw a herd of buffalo about to stampede the church building, you would shut the door, holler for Help……And keep them OUT would you not?

A stampede of fools is like a herd of buffalo. There are those who have this “gang mentality” and you cannot LOVE them out of it. You have to get out of the way. Shut the door! Keep them OUT Of your heart and your mind! Do not allow them to trample everything God has put inside your heart (as you open your heart to their treacherous doings!) ….

It’s okay in this case to stop TRYING to love, and just shut the door, get out of the way……Let them stampede on..

For those bent on foolishness there is no other way. Do you think you can stand in the face of a buffalo herd and keep it from Trompling you? No!

Then stop and think about what you are doing before you try to deal with these “stampeders” in the realm of the spirit! Get out of the way! They will not respond to your loving words (and not even to God’s words)

for right now…..you’ll just have to let them go..

a now word (Laura Grace) Author, Grace to the Rescue, Grace to Grow, Grace to Soar

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Prov 13:20

The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.Prov 3:35

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness Prov 15:14

A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. Prov 12:23

2 or 3 witnesses · a word for God's church · a word on "expert" advice · AA · abuse · abuse of power · abused men and women · abusive christians · accountability in Jesus christ · advice christian · battle is the Lords and yours too · disciplesofchrist · god looks at the heart · God rescues me · God restores · God Restores you · God's Army · God's knowledge · God's Plan · Godisgood · Godishuge · godismercy · Godisrighteous · Godliftmyheart · godlovesyou · godly wisdom · godneverchanges · Godprotects · Gods blessing · Gods favor · Gods love · gods love casts out fear · gods will · Godsaves · Godsbrains · Godsgrace · Godsjudgement · Godskingdom · Godslove · Godsmercy · godswisdom · Good good Father · Good news or bad news · gracetogrow · gracetogrowstudy · gracewalk · growing · growing in GOD · growing up in Christ · growing up in Christ Jesus · growing up in God · growingingrace · growingupinchrist · having faith · hearing from God · Uncategorized

Relationships Series #5 Control part 2 “The behavior police’ (Galatians 3)

October 19, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Relationship poster.jpg

Relationships #5 Control (Part 2). The Behavior Police

They’re out there. “The behavior Police.” You just got saved or you decided to renew your relationship with Jesus, he’s loving on you, and you’re all on fire for him. You’re in love with him! You have returned to your first love. I am happy to report I am in love with my saviour again (Jesus) and I have no intention of letting anyone rip me from his arms, ever again.

There was a time (I well remember) when I was not ready for the stuff that happened in church. I thought it was always a safe place, a happy place, full of people who love Jesus.

Not always so. (Not always). sometimes there are people in there who just GO to the building and don’t KNOW Jesus (see 1 John) and on FB there are people like that also. they think they know him, but they don’t. If they DID they would not get in the face of one in love with Jesus with their pointy little finger, scolding you, telling you how you better SHAPE UP and do things right!

We don’t need to be scolded by those who are NOT our parents. One household runs different from another. It’s the same with God’s people. God has a plan for EACH Person and unless YOU Heard from the Holy Spirit you don’t Know God’s plan for Them!

Maybe they aren’t called to make the cookies for the funeral dinner. Maybe God led them to lead someone to Christ last Sunday instead of going to church. Maybe they are tired and God told them to rest. They belong to Jesus! (Not to you!).

What did Jesus say to Peter “Feed my lambs” HIS Lambs not YOUR lambs….!! Hmm…and they know HiS Voice! and should be encouraged that they know his voice! Not told to sit and be still in your little military school! 😐

We are not in a man-made religious army here. We are grafted in by Faith, receiving from the life giving vine (Jesus). Have you ever looked how a plant operates? Dead stuff is pinched off and new life streams into the new leaves that are growing. 🌱🌳

Soon the plant blossoms as it stretches toward the sun. All it needs is water, light, good soil to grow in, and everything must be attached to the vine. We don’t walk up to plants and “Scold them” into submission! We should look for ways to encourage others to stay in the vine and keep on growing (IN Christ Jesus).

I want so share a large segment of Galatians. It’s worth reading again and again. A reminder to stand firm in the Faith that first brought you to Jesus (and not be dismayed by the Behavior Police). Laura Grace

Galatians 3

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth,[a] before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?

5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.”[d] 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

The Law Brings a Curse

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”

13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”, 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

abidinginthevine · abuse · abused men and women · abusive christians · becoming Christ-like · being a minister · body of christ · bodyofchrist · godly wisdom · Grace books · grace to grow · grace to Grow in grace · grace to grow speaking · grace to restore · grace to the rescue · Grace to the Rescue by laura grace · gracerescuedme · gracetogrow · gracetogrowstudy · gracetosoar · healing broken hearts · healthy christian living · humanrightsagnedas · humble · humility · humility and love · hurt and pain · jesusforever · jesusmyshelter · jobs friends · loveispatient · Loveyourneighbors · loving people God's way · mad at God · Make a difference · making a difference · relationships are everything with God and others · religious people · renewedgracetogrowdaily.com · save the drama for your mama? · Uncategorized

Relationships! no more drama, not even for your mama! by Laura Grace

October 12, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Relationships! Introduction: By Laura Grace Should I give up, shut up, put up my dukes?

Relationships are one of the hardest things we will ever contend with in this life. Frankly Not a subject I have wanted to contend with OR address. Even in my book Grace to Grow, I talked about it being hard. but I didn’t say a whole lot about it. That’s because it’s not cut and dry. Every relationship is different. There are variations (Within) and while we all know there are basic principles in the word of God how do we know Which Principle to apply?

I’m going to address hard truths, talk about real situations, and share with you what God
has taught me thus far about relationships……..

What about giving up? Did I fail that person? How do I know? How do I get closure when they won’t talk to me anymore?

How do I love them- yet avoid the drama? AS we begin……Let’s Ponder Matthew in chapter 5 where Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers” …….(Matthew 5:9) and
explore how we make peace (in various ways) as we are BECOMING children of God.

Yes, I said becoming. (You’re being formed and shaped here, into his image!) Amen

“Father please, be with me as I do this series and I know you will be. Allow me to share from your heart to theirs “what works” and what does not work! For you already know! and you know all the persons out there who wonder about how you said make peace but yet you said at times there will be no peace in certain relationships…..

Give us understanding we pray (Father) In Jesus’ name. and we thank you for it too.

I ask you Father help us to undertand your word better, and how to apply it in everyday life! IN Jesus’ name! -amen

abusive christians · envy jealousy and wrath · religious monsters · spiritual bullies · time to grow up church · Uncategorized

September 13, 2017September 13, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

bully picture.jpg

Bully: a person who uses strength or power to intimidate those who are weaker. (or maybe just feel like they are)

The bullying ways of the misinformed

Will steal your peace and rob your Joy

They seem to be everywhere these days

Lurking behind the murky haze

They wait to pounce on everything

Seeing what trouble, they can bring

They say the only want to assist

But won’t depart- when you insist

Argue and win, is their only game

And to make you feel small

And very ashamed

Don’t fool yourself- oh child of the King

These foxes can spoil most everything

You don’t have time for their childish games

They infer you are stupid without calling you names

They spend their time in fruitless ways

and behind all this, is a jealous craze

You’re doing what you should, they don’t agree

For if they do-they will have to look at themselves

Do you see?

If only you’d STOP doing the right thing!

They’d have to just watch- the blessing it brings

Beware of Jealousy, its subtle for sure

With the help of your King

You will endure

Turn from these people!

They don’t have a clue

Just glorify God

In all that you do.

by Laura Grace

2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?

These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots….”

Jude 1:12