Death by Criticism! What does it mean?

May 18, 2018May 18, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

cROw

Some are experiencing “death by criticism” right now. And you need to fight for your life and extinguish those flaming arrows with prayer and the blood of Jesus Christ! Criticism should be constructive. Not destructive!

Proverbs 26:17-19 “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

¹⁸Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
¹⁹Is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, “I was only joking!”

Let’s think about dogs for a moment. What do they do? Our dogs used to fight over a bone (even if they each were given their own bone!). It was sport to them. Now, dogs to not have the make-up of human beings. They do not ask questions like; “How come you don’t go chew on your own bone?”

The nature of dogs is to fight over a bone, bite for sport, and if someone bothers their home or family “growl, snarl,” and maybe even bite someone! The Nature of crows is to eat your seeds (of Faith).

And look at the passage above. How do you “throw” Death at someone?

James says “life and death” are in the tongue (and it can be an unruly evil full of deadly poison!). How so?

I had a friend who called me once, and said how some Christians told her how “messed up she was’ by a certain activity she was doing. I’ve heard countless stories of how someone “Christian” said “do you need prayer?” The person said “yes’ and the Christian (a representative of Jesus by the way) told them how God isn’t going to answer because of sin in their life.

It could be anything from smoking, drinking or living with someone not married yet, to not attending church, or listening to the wrong type of music. THEIR SIN is not your business! It’s God’s business! And their business! and if he has you say anything to convict them A HUGE dose of God love will go out in front of your words so that hearing about their sin will be so full of Love they will say THANK YOU For the conviction. That’s how GOD works! He is not a soul killer that kills people with the letter of His laws!!!!. The letter of the law kills the Spirit BRINGS LIFE!!!

2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for theletter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

TELL ME one example where Jesus Said they could not be prayed for because of sin? IN fact, even for those IN Christ it says in James “and the prayer of faith will make the sick man well, and his sins will be forgiven.” (James 5).

So then, death by criticism comes in many forms. The Spirit of God brings life, and a person’s hope is renewed that God’s going to help them. When someone comes along and says; “He will not” because of sin, because this person is not doing what YOU did to get where you are at, or because God just doesn’t do that (according to You!) You are causing “Death by Criticisim” and you don’t even know what you are talking about. You are not God! You don’t KNOW what he will do or not do. Capiche?

These Crow-like ways are NOT the nature of God!

Faith is fragile when it first starts out. It’s like a tender young plant, and the seed of faith is growing into this beautiful & young (sapling, tree) and if someone comes along and “mows it down” with their words of Unbelief, jealousy, or anything else not of God, it’s like the crow who stole the seed in Matthew 13.

So (Christian) your job is to Protect the seed. Watch over it, guard it, and chase off the crows!

The seeds of God are far more precious than any seed upon this earth! You need that garden of God’s word to live on! Don’t allow the devil to “kill your dreams” through others that don’t agree with you.

IF you are not all the way perfect, or right with God yet (in every area of your life), welcome to the club (of humanity). HE will show you what to do and when! Find out for yourself what the Word of God says about his heart toward mankind! Find out for yourself! Ask him! Today!! Today is a great day to get started!

“Father today I ask you if this person reading has been stolen from by those who are like crows, I pray you would restore and re-assure them about their Faith, and allow them to see and know that Faith pleases you, it honors you, and those seeds of Faith in your word that have been planted “Must Remain” and be cultivated and watered. I pray for great crops in their lives today Father! and a Very great Outcome (and more testimonies of you!) In Jesus’ name! amen!”

With Love and assurance God is for you, not against you!

Laura Grace, Author, (Grace to Grow) And an advocate for his Mercy (and grace).

Scripture Ref: James 5, Proverbs 26 Matthew 13 & 2nd Cor NKJV

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He Heals your soul…….only be more careful with it in the future………

May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

BELIEVE POSTER

There are some people we cannot confide in. It’s funny how we would never trust someone who is NOT a surgeon to operate on our body but we will let just anyone ‘mess with our soul” which is where our heart and the very center of our being exists. It’s where our Very LIFE IS and when tt is wounded or stabbed or mis handled or mistreated well? …….

The damage can be so bad it can take forever (It seems) to heal.

We must learn to gaurd our hearts and put up a SHIELD (our shield of faith) and shield ourselves from the lies of the enemy that come at us through the mouths of others. It’s imparative.

I’ll tell you one out of the box reason I beleive God HEALS he has healed my soul so many times I’ve lost count. We believe he RESTORES OUR SOUL Why do we have so much trouble believing he HEALS OUR BODIES? …. IN Both cases he says “This is something I do” …..

AS we walk as Christians the Arsenol of WHAT we believe for should be getting bigger and bigger and brighter and brighter!

IF that is not happening something is wrong.

Now say this with me; “HE RESTORES MY SOUL” Thank you Father for healing and restoring my soul today! Thank you for helping me take better care of it in the future.

In Jesus’ name! amen

by Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Grow #healyoursoul

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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

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The second mile…..according to Jesus…

October 6, 2017October 6, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

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

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Feeling like the 5th string…..and God’s word about this (to me) (Listen up!) :)

June 27, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

guitar string

I had a good cry ……I really did (this morning). So Tim had this prostrate exam and had to be punched with a needle 12 times inside of his body which was very painful. He was traumatized by it. Then there is the fact that doctor made it sound like He must already have cancer, because his PSA level was so high. Nobody wants to hear the C word.

He’s just believing every day for a good report, prays every night saying,”Thank you Father there is nothing there”, I just went to “show myself’ to the medical priest.” Laura (miss Faith woman) is saying well, What if they find something? what then? but I am praying against it of course (I am) Because I DO believe God is our healer …..and I do.

On top of that, I’ve been having insecurity issues over whether I was ever supposed to write books or send out brochures or any of it…

Because Honestly, I can remember any time I’ve “heard from the Lord” there was always a barage of voices right after that, telling me I didn’t, or that I’m just crazy, or I just heard what I wanted to hear, or “those voices in your head” Girl, “Maybeyou should get your head examined.” But it doesn’t come from my head, it comes from my heart. The Very place where the Holy Spirit dwells (within me) and HE has said a lot of things to me he hasn’t SEEMED to have told anyone else.

Years ago, he talked to me about Jezebel in the early 90’s. the people I told thought I was nuts, because there were no books about it then. 15 years ago he was telling me some marraiges are not Joined together by HIM and again, no books about it, up until now (15 years later). He tells me to speak blessing in the face of evil, so I do!

Then I get accused of sticking my head in the sand. I’ve lost friends because my stance with God seems to be so threatening somehow, AS iF I am judging what they believe! I”M not! But let’s face it folks, when we make a strong stand for something we are GOING TO BE ACCUSED of being Judgemental.

Even if all we are doing is standing up for what GOD told us! Speaking of strings, they don’t all sound the same! but they all together sound very good! And if one string is missing (on my guitar?) It sounds pretty bad!

IF you can bear with me a moment, on top of this I’m feeling so “NOT NEEDED” Here lately. I sat out on the prairie looking at the fields of barley and wheat and said “you know I feel so un-needed” and I spilled out and poured people who used to need me or who used to care and I cried and wept profusely. I thought about when I was in school and nobody ever picked me for the team, and I was second string in Basketball.

“I Don’t feel like 2nd string” I said, I feel like 5th string” (crying some more) …..And my heart is saying just take away this desire to minister Father it’s killing me!” And you knowwhat he said? “Well, what would happen if the 5th string on your guitar broke?” “It would play bad Father” ….”Yes, it would.’

Now I can’t get past what He said to me. I can’t get around the truth that truly, without the 5th string on my guitar, it would sound pretty bad. so much for excuses! so much for pain and emotional misery! I am 5th String! And I will rejoice in it!

-Laura Grace, Author, Grace

to the Rescue, Grace to Grow, and more upcoming books. stay tuned!

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Child like Faith (Don’t lose it!)

June 26, 2017June 26, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

ask believe.jpg

Here is what I will tell you for today: Always Walk by the Spirit beware of doctrines of men. Let the Holy Spirit Guide you in all things.

Don’t allow the enemy to get you to put God in a box In other words “Limit him” on what he can or can’t do.

John 21:25 “There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can’t imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books” (MSG)

The bible says if all the miracles Jesus did were written down- there would not be enough books to contain it all.

When we limit God and make him smaller than he is in our own mind because of our own understanding of scripture (OR someone else’s we have learned) We do limit the miracles he can do in our life. We really cannot get around words such as “let it be done to you” according to your Faith.

It’s sad when the doctrines of men limit God- and then cause disasters that God gets the blame for.

Remember sometimes jealousy can be a motivating factor in how we get advised (by others) and they are often not even aware of this. A sort of “you can’t have what I didn’t have” mentality.

“Father forgive them! Truly they know not what they do.” amen

We can grow and still maintain child-like faith.

-with Love, Laura Grace

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Squirrels and Banana bread, should I just toss it to the squirrels?

September 24, 2016September 25, 2016 Laura Grace1 Comment

I’m not bitter, but sometimes I am just irritated by “life on planet earth, in General.

It all adds up, you know?

Like, I want to use my I pod. I remember when I wanted one so bad. I have a brand new one now, but the fuss of trying to use it is just too much to bear! I long for the days of the Walk man, when my biggest fuss was just getting the cassette out, and turning it over. Those were the days!

Now, it’s update this, and do that, and this, (on computer) and sign in and pay for this (and that) and oh I’m sorry, that song is 2.99! WOW. So I just gave up! (on that and other things) along with the blue tooth head set I have no idea how to use with my stereo!

Oh I don’t mean to gripe, just, your favorite cereal disappears from the shelf, is replaced by a bunch of cereal I never heard of. I try to be brave, try a new kind, YUK!

Now do I eat it (and resent every bite?) Or toss it? Getting my creamer out of the package and any other food (it seems) requires surgery, scissors, and a big knife! Everything is packaged like we are going to space! (Tomorrow!).

Whatever I do on computer, meant to enhance my life, becomes more complicated by the minute. No you can’t use that password, you must have a symbol, a number and a capital letter! Now I have to have a book just to keep track of all the passwords! We have junk mail in our regular mail, and junk in our email inboxes as well.

On top of that, we post a blog, something we feel is helpful, like this, “WOW that helped me maybe it will help someone else too!” so like my grandma, who used to make banana bread for company (and then, nobody came) I sit there thinking, why did I even put this banana bread out there to share?

She used to say “I tossed it to the squirrels!!” I guess in her very big frustration she thought; “Well at least the squirrels might as well eat it!” Well, she was not about to stop making banana bread! Baking was her talent! She had to use it, (Just had to) In order to have Joy! I can understand her frustration. I feel that way sometimes, too.

Sometimes I feellike I made this delicious banana bread and nobody wants to eat it!

So, I just throw it to the squirrels! If I keep on baking, someday someone will come and say “wow that banana bread was very good! can I have some more?” To which I will say; “Yes by all means yes’ (and walk Joyfully into the kitchen!).

For you see I was born to serve, it does give me Great Joy……..

Laura Grace, Author, mother, minister, and your friend