Disciple, or Follower? and Arguing with God …………

May 30, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Jesus and me

I remember when I went from Follower To Disciple. How about you? A disciple learns from Jesus (Directly) and then Prophets, teachers, pastors and others enhance or solidify this experience. This is how it should be.

Nobody can “make” a christian like you make a mud pie or a clay animal. You can try, but without the Holy Spirit Breathing the life of God into a person, they’ll still be just as dead. (inside). And worse yet, when the bible is used to create a monster called a pharisee, well, that’s another story too. I tend to avoid the monsters of pharisee-ism, and I dodge them (Just as my Jesus did!).

Back to my story: I didn’t start learning FROM Jesus until I stopped arguing with him! Listen, how can God talk to you when you are busy arguing? I’ve read books that say “How to hear from God’ and even well, unconfessed sin seperates you (so they say) but listen, if He is my righteousness and paid it all, HOW CAN THAT BE?

This double-talk has got to stop (law vs grace!) I came to the place where I said Father Jesus either redeemed or he didn’t! If He did then I’m Free (to hear from you) because you don’t see “SIN” when you look at me you see Jesus! Because he paid it all! (at the cross) and BROKE EVERY CURSE! I don’t need to go to some seminar to get free. Now maybe some do, and they get free, but only because their faith limited them to- “I have to get to that seminar, then I will be or get free.”

I am talking to the people who can’t afford that big seminar (somewhere in Texas, or wherever it may be). To become a disciple, your heart just needs to shift from FOLLOWER to LEARNER. Now you are following AND learning (take my yoke upon you, Jesus said). “LEARN OF ME” (He said) “the holy Spirit will teach you” (he said!)

So, I took him at his word. (Crazy me!) Disciples Eventually become Apostles, Prophets, teachers (and the rest) if they keep on going (IN HIM!). I may go to a seminary or not but who Makes me (what I am) Is HIM (Plain and simple).

Just laugh with me as I say this: “GOD cannot get through to you when you are busy arguing! Sometimes I get that feeling he is saying “are you done?” 🙂

Followers follow so long as the blessing is flowing…….

Disciples understand that someday they are going to do great things, like he did. Followers are more likely to fall away……

As your friend I am here to tell you, God is not going to just “finish the work in you” all by himself. He needs your cooperation! I have lost track of how many times he has said…..”are you done now?” …..”ready for me to speak?” ……..

HMM …..With love and somber blessings,

Laura Grace

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What being A Christian really is- and what it isn’t ….by Laura Grace

April 24, 2017April 24, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

xIt just happens I’m in bible college, and a class I’m in right now is called apologetics. It’s a funny name for it, since I make no apologies about what I believe, or why.

This class helps us think about our Biblical worldview, what others believe, and challenges us to dig deep and see for ourselves why we believe what we do.

Everything I am about to tell you is based on scripture. If you have a question about that let me know, I will provide all the passages. What I can tell you is I am a witness just like the disciples who followed Jesus.

As a child I attended church. I heard all my life “Jesus is real.” When I was in high school I was a big time humanist. I was horrified at the world, the bullies, the mean people, the selfish people. I was a liberal, and very much a women’s libber, as well.

I was mad at God, and mad about injustice, which he seemed to do nothing about. I was apalled at conserative stances, and how christians could talk about love one minute, and throw people under the bus if they got food stamps, calling them “those who suck off the system” and take their tax dollars. For me that was the ultimate hypocrisy, to preach love one minute and be a “hater” the next toward those who were not so fortunate.

I married badly partly out of pride. I was going to show those conservatives what was what. “HERE I”LL SHOW YOU HOW to love” I thought (since they were so bad at it and all). it didn’t take long to figure out I got myself in a real pickle of suds (and problems). Totally broken. Defeated. In the dark. It was a blessing in disguise.

It wasn’t long before I found myself in a pile of failure. Baptists knocked on my door one day, asking if I was born again. “I’m a Lutheran” I said, and went to work and laughed at them for being so crazy. Later I was crying, upset, and a Billy Graham message captivated me. I HAD experiences with the presence of God (the Holy Spirit) prior to this.

When I ran away in high school in defiance, My mom prayed, cried and gave me to God. She said she didn’t know what to do with me. WHEN I was watching Billy Graham I truly realized my sin. Pride. Anger. Unforgiveness. Defiance toward God and others. Judging.

The Holy Spirit (Via Billy Graham and those that knocked on my door) caused me to see I had believed in Jesus but had not RECEIVED him as saviour and Lord. I saw he was the only way to Salvation. I saw I was a sinner, in need of help. I stopped saying in my heart “Well I’m not THAT bad of a person” and accepted him, gave him my life. I asked him to take over…………

After that, things changed for me. I went on a journey (30 years ago) It hasn’t ended yet. A journey of learning, (from the Holy Spirit) who IS my teacher. I’ve seen so many miracles I’ve lost track. I’ve seen God honor his word and provide for me.

God is holy. I know this. He wants us to be Holy. Why? Because if we are becoming holy (more like him) We are deeper in covenant with him. ALL we have is His, and all he has is ours. I’m not a liberal anynore, and I am not judging God for letting the world go to “hell in a handbasket” as they say. He gives us a choice. Me, You, everyone…..”choose this day” who you will believe in. God does not share his glory with any (other god) and he is not a humanist. He put us in the world, he can take us out if he wants to. He made us, created us TO BE HIS SONS (and daughters)

IF we rebel like satan we are satans’s kids -not his. When I was in defiance, if I had died, I would have gone to hell, and I know that. Yep they were furious when Jesus said “your Father is the devil” (wanted to kill him, and did!!) I undestand now, to be a humanist is to defy God’s discipline, holiness, and who He really is.

“HOW Dare you!” Their flesh said (to Jesus) How dare you not make us feel GOOD about how we are (in our sinful condition) How dare you convict us? Jesus was crucified because people were appalled he dared to say he was the only way. They wanted his miracles, but not his conviction. The Pharisees didn’t want either because they were already rich (and powerful.) They thought they knew God but they only knew his laws, and not his heart. They were full of pride.

Well, the road or door to Salvation is to admit we are wrong, and God is right. There is no other way, and there is no other name by which Men are saved.

JESUS ….the name above all names. Jesus………He’s proven himself to me, time and time again. I didn’t take “Someone else’s word for it” I just heard the preacher and said Okay “make yourself real to me Lord.”

He will rule and reign. Don’t believe me? Ask him! I dare you.

with love, Laura Grace Author, Grace to the Rescue

PS: Yes, I am born again. Filled with the Spirit. and in love with Jesus Christ

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And then, they wrote…..(Disciples)

September 29, 2016September 29, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Me, Mom, daughter mom-me-and-carolee

me sexy 2013.jpg me, Laura Grace WHAT ARE DISCIPLES? Do we really know?

I want you to think with me a moment, about the early disciples. You know, the ones Jesus called, to follow him around for awhile? “Come, follow me” He said. They did, and he spoke many things to them.

These words were planted in their hearts (as he spoke to them) and they received it, as the good seed that it was. Except Judas. He did not receive.

Then, the incorruptible seed and words of Life Jesus spoke (to them) Went into the soil of their hearts, sprang up, and the Holy Spirit had something to work with! The Holy Spirit is our teacher (this is for Christians to learn.)

I want you to think about Jesus’ example for a moment. When someone called him good, he said nobody is Good but God the Father. When they called him teacher he said, “don’t call me that.” He was setting an example for the disciples. And us.

He didn’t want them to think they were too important to wash someone’s dirty feet, scrub a dirty floor, or prepare a meal like the one he made them after his resurrection.

These men, who wrote these glorious words which, the Holy Spirit preserved for us, to the point where billions of copies have sold, all over the world, were just men. They were not super heroes, not magic genies, and certainly not anyone the world would have made into idols. Fishermen, a tax collector, a former killer of Christians, and so on, and so forth, and so on. The books Paul, John, Peter, James, and others wrote, are now called Epistles. Letters to the church. Let me repeat that, Letters to the church!

Not letters to the unsaved! Not letters to the unbelievers. Letters to the Church.

Please do not expect the world to see what we are saying. They won’t. They are not supposed to! Not Until God opens their eyes to see, as they receive him.

And for what reason? Because we have more to learn, than just one scripture. They hung out with Jesus for years!

They went with him, did what he did, followed his example, were eager to learn. And what happened? They taught, they did miracles, and they wrote. Where were their church services held? In the streets, in the houses, wherever they went. I know I’m a disciple! I have no doubt in my mind! I have been following after the Holy Spirit for years now, and I wrote! And whenever I can I give my books away (for free).

If you ever want one or need one let me know, I will find a way. For you see, those words are my living Epistles, revelations, of what God has etched into my heart, and what he has spoken to me, to share with his people, the church.

Lots to think about, isn’t it? with Love (and blessings to you and yours) Laura Grace

My books are available on Amazon Grace to the Rescue, Grace to Grow Grace to Grow Study Guide, Grace to Soar, Covenant Promises, Let there be Light, and others……

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Know it alls & One-uppers! Do we know how to listen? (Grace to Grow)

September 11, 2016September 11, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

know-it-all Boy I tell ya……….OH Good morning by the way!

Know it alls…..one uppers…….Or People who just have to be the center of attention, or who always have to be “right.” Ever met anyone like this? You just get the feeling they are not listening, but chomping at the bit, waiting for their turn to talk.

I’ve had some experience with being a talk -a-holic. I can remember some comments my husband has made to me such as “You’ve been talking for an hour straight, without taking a breath” (this was a few years ago) Or sometimes I would stop on my own and say, “I’ve been hogging the conversation,” To which he would reply “Help! I”m talking and I can’t shut up!” (making fun of me!). When we first got together, 14 years ago now, I was just in desperate need to be “in control” Of the conversation at all times.

My goal? Well, sometimes it was to get him to understand me (which is about me) or to get him to see it my way (also about me) to get him to agree with me (about me again!) OR sometimes to straighten him out! How easily our desire to help, can easily turn into an ego trip. I have, in the past found myself saying “WELL, if they aren’t going to listen to me then………They can just go their own way!” (Crossing my arms, thinking I won’t put them out unless they are on fire!) All signs of immaturity by the way.

But, there is the art of listening, too. You know, years ago, When I first found out I’d been taught some things wrong (even about what it says in my bible) I kind of decided to not listen, and I shut people out in an effort to guard my heart. It does say in the bible to guard our hearts, but it is also possible to get to a point where, we can retain what we believe, and still listen to what others have to say about a matter.

Being hyper-vigilant can be extreme. We can calmly say; “I don’t agree.” however there is a problem when, the other person chooses not to respect what we believe. I have noticed, especially in politics, many who believe in freedom to believe as they wish (so they say) are very hypocritical, attacking and slamming others for THEIR beliefs, while at the same time maintaining that “others’ shall not shout them down or “ram’ their beliefs down their throats. WE are seeing those who say “I don’t want to hear that christian stuff” while they attempt to force others to believe (how they believe) and even try to make laws to enforce it. So, before I can remove a speck out of someone’s eye, first I have to get the log out of my own eye. Many believe it’s a compromise to listen to the views of others……….

But that is not so. I dare say, Jesus actually listened to some input from others. One was the day he said to a woman wanting healing “It’s not good to give the children’s bread to dogs” (Gentiles were compared to dogs you see) and SHE said “even the dogs get the crumbs from the master’s table! “How great is your faith” He said, and healed her!

You know I can’t think of a case, where someone in the bible marched up to Jesus and said “how dare you preach that” Or correcting him in front of others. Unless of course it was the Pharisees, who used scripture to tell him how “wrong he was” to heal on the Sabbath, or tried to trick him, bait him, or goad him into giving up. He finally told them off, in no uncertain terms……”BROOD OF VIPERS” He said. Why? I think it’s because he needed to drive off the crows, who were trying to steal the precious seeds of truth and wisdom he was planting. We have some truth seekers, truth lovers, and wise Spirit filled people in this world, but friends? What do we do about the crows? Especially crows who think they have the right to run up and snatch the seed before it’s even sown?

HMMM ……..are you helping the cause of Christ? Or coming against it? Something to think about. And is it love to let the crows gobble up the seed? “Father help me to listen more, learn more, and be quiet before you. “teach me to listen” Open the eyes of my heart I pray. Heal me of all insecurities that make me act up. Help me grow! Father please help me be a lover of truth! I ask you sincerely, in any areas where I think I know the truth if I am wrong? Please uproot those lies, Grant me thy truth I pray! Grant me wisdom! In Jesus’ holy awesome and mighty name. Amen

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

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Taking God for granted…….?

August 27, 2016August 27, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

In The book of Hebrews Chapter 10, we find that we can ‘insult’ the Spirit of Grace.

Hebrews 10 NKJV –

²⁶For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. ²⁸Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ²⁹Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? ³⁰For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”^[e] says the Lord.^[f] And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”^[g] ³¹It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

How I receive the passage in Hebrews is, I said, “Father forgive me for taking you for granted. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I rush off and start my day and while I do pray, I forget what a treasure you are to me Father and I need to REMEMBER!!”

God is talking to his people in this passage, not “the rest of the world.” He is talking to those who have received his truth, and now treat it as if it were common, not a sacred keep.

I need to remember what a treasure you are, Father, and how great it is. that you are even with me. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of what others are doing or the victories of others, at times we scarcely can find the grace to be happy for them, because we are so focused on the suffering of, or in, our own souls.

It’s hard to remember when we are outraged- over what others do, that we ourselves could be cast out, fall from grace, or even become guilty of the same things we think are so tragic, if we do not remember, and I mean truly remember, that we are saved by Grace alone. Help us remember Father, the last thing you said to us.

Sometimes Judgment, is simply this; God stops talking, until you listen to and treasure what he said to you the first time, or the last time, that he spoke to you. If you were not listening, and have insulted him, how can you hear on how to be saved from upcoming trouble? Staying close to God, treasuring his words……..

This is where peace, life, health, and all good things are found.

Help us Father, to treasure your words (to us) Help us to cherish you & love you and appreciate you always ….and help us, never to take you for granted- Father God. As we aquire truth Father, help us Humbly receive it with thanksgiving, and not get a big hot shot attitude as if we ourselves are the real source of Truth, for you are! And we do thank you, that you love us enough, to share with us, your holy truths.

this we pray, In Jesus’ name amen

Heb 10: 26-29 by Laura Grace, author Grace to Grow (and others) Found on Amazon.

Moses

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The Power of Testimony …and the role of the accuser …….

August 2, 2016August 2, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

A TESTIMONY Hi Everyone!

Just want to share a little about the power of Testimony today. A testimony is when you have been a personal witness, of God doing something miraculous in yours, or someone else’s life. It could be you saw someone raised from the dead, or you were healed, or you had God provide for you in a miraculous way.

If you don’t get out much, you may not realize, some churches do not allow testimonies, and some welcome them fully! Jesus clearly said to his Disciples, they would be his “witnesses” and indeed, they were witnesses not only to the miracles he performed, but later on, miracles performed via themselves!

Now, when someone says they were healed supernaturally (and testify about it) or any other miracles God has performed in their lives, it’s inevitable the accuser (the devil) will stir someone to say “I did that, I wasn’t healed!” and claim the person testifying must be a liar, or they are Misrepresenting God somehow.

God says to me (I wrote this in my journal) We are accountable to preach and say what we know to be true, which he has etched into our very hearts by His Spirit.

It’s not my place to defend God, as he is well able to defend himself, if he deems it is needed.

You can choose, whether to be build up in your Faith but the power of Testimonies, or not. The bible is full of records of miraculous healings, deliverance, supernatural provision, hearts turning to God and becoming full of Joy, and people burning their sorcery junk in the middle of the street.

Jesus was so real to Peter, James, John, Matthew, Thomas, and others….they were willing to die for their faith and belief in Jesus Christ as a person, who was very personal, and very real, to them.

We need him to be that real to us! How we achieve that, is between us and God! What your testimony turns out to be, is also between you, and God. One thing I know I don’t want to be, is an accuser *of the brethren, such as those who make it their life’s aim to say “well that can’t be true.” God (as I have seen) is very big on jumping straight out of the boxes, we try to contain him in.

Yes, your testimony may just bring out the worst in people (sometimes). Testify anyway!

Someone out there, needs to hear it! with love and hope, Faith and believing…..

Til next time! Laura Grace