book of Acts – gracetogrowdaily

Matthew 5: 41 “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. ”

Right after Jesus sat on the mount (speaking to the multitudes) He continued to speak about other topics. One was this passage- (above) which came to mind this morning as I was pondering and waking up.

You see, I have dreams in my heart, which I believe God placed there. Dreams of travelling, speaking, sharing all the treasures he has bestowed within me. Dreams of sharing with others (who are hurting) all the beautiful testimonies God has given me of redemption, healing, restoration, and reasons for praise!

I have boldly declared “I will go” (travel and speak) but I seem to be ahead of my time in most everything I do. In Other words, Sometimes a vision is so real to me, I think it’s going ot happen tomorrow! I just want you to know everything I”ve ever said is going ot happen HAS happened. But not in the year or day I thought it would happen.

I was asked to help with music in my local church about three years ago, starting with the children in an after school program. That led to more singing (in the church) and later on, a semester of teaching music at the local school (grades K to 12) and this was without a teaching certificate by the way. AMAZING!

I can’t tell you how much it blesses my heart that even recently, I sang at church (a song God put on my heart to sing with guitar) and a local person chased me down the other day saying: “I forgot to tell you, that song was so great, please do that more often!!”. It’s 2017 now. Twenty years ago I was crying and asking God WHY He would not use me in church to sing. I had learned almost every song on guitar that church did at the time. EVERY SONG …It took hours to learn them all….hours and hours and hours of time……

I prayed “Thank you Father that if I am faithful you will TRUST ME to sing and minister to your people” …..(as I learned all these songs, and practiced them over and over) And I have to tell you….I had given up on the whole thing, a few years ago.

Oh sure- I sang at this one place but for the most part I’d “thrown in the towel” Given up…..said Okay Father what’s next I surrender! Obviously I”m NOT called to sing or do music in my local church!

Now I’m in school (full time) Pursuing a degree at a christian college, I’ve written books, I’ve made brochures…..I’ve gone on some speaking engagements…..and I’ve done a mission trip this past summer in my local region. The pastor of the church I attend now is telling me “this other church” wants you to come and sing………”

I wanted to keep writing books…bag the singing…..Give up on it now…

BEING REAL HERE! See it hurts to be disappointed, and if we don’t allow God to keep working in our hearts….we may just slam the door on him!

Well? Do I go the second mile? Or do I just say “I have other plans now, Lord!”. I asked him to open doors! I asked him to use me! (for his Glory)….who am I to decide what I should or should not do? Who am I to say “this life is MINE I will do what I WISH to do?” …….hmm …..and when I asked him “Should I be singing or should I be writing books?” He gave me that passage (Matthew 5:41) “Someone is asking you girl!! What’s the problem?” ……Incidentally I CAN Do both if I trim some corners.

So “Father I trust your timing! I don’t understand it, always, but I trust in you! I know whatever visions you have given me that you’ve put in my heart….will come to pass. Eventually ….they will! and please Forgive me for giving up all those years ago…….because I thought you were not quick enough to answer my prayers.” and Father thank you that when something in your word Is true FOR US you will cause it to leap off the page at us! Just like this one you gave me today! It’s for me Father! and I praise you for this! IN Jesus’ name. amen ……..Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Grow the Study guide (a self contained book With studies) Available on Amazon.

DENTON 7 the grinch.jpg

This picture is me Christmas Concert 2016 directing the music program (Without a teaching certificate) but God was with me……..Laura Grace

Hi! Good Morning! (or afternoon!) This morning I was reading some passages on Greatness, and the Greatness of God. In My Study, I noted that Mordecai (Who helped Esther achieve greatness in the book of Esther) was also Honored and called “GREAT.”

If you don’t know the story, Mordecai counseled her, and gave her wise words of wisdom (From the Lord) and although another sought to exalt himself, Mordecai was exalted instead. So, when Jesus said “He who humbles himself” Will be exalted, he wasn’t kidding around. I also noted the following passage of scripture:

Isaiah 9:7

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

He Is speaking Of Jesus, ahead of time. (the Prophet Isaiah)

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.”

Isaiah 9:6

Jesus was (and is) destined for Greatness.

Because of Him, so are we! See?

No plan can succeed against God’s Plan: EVER!

Here is the best one:

Acts 5:38

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; ³⁹but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.

and so it was that a Pharisee named Gamaliel defended the early Apostles, speaking words that prevented them from being killed. This man, was destined for greatness as well. So you see? Sometimes God even uses “a Pharisee” 🙂 Peace!

“THANK YOU FATHER” That because of You (and Jesus) we are destined for Greatness. Whatever that means to you, We know that you will surely achieve this, and that no plan can ever succeed against your Plan, Father God! In Jesus’ name! amen

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to the Rescue

Category: book of Acts

The second mile…..according to Jesus…

Destined for Greatness! He and We!