Paper Dolls & Cookie-Cutter Christians

June 17, 2018June 17, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

paper dolls 2

I was thinking about God not staying in his box this morning, and trying to think how to describe my Christian Life! Instantly I thought about Paper Dolls. If you remember them you are probably a little bit “Over the hill” (Like I am!).

I had some paper dolls as a kid. The clothes were cut out and put onto the paper doll, which was usually made of cardboard. They were cool, but if you would have ever had a paper doll smaller or larger than the clothing, none of it would have fit.

Thankfully, God doesn’t design clothes like the ones made for paper dolls, and expect us to fit even though we do not fit! Sometimes we feel like we need to be trimmed to fit the clothing man has designed for us, because it doesn’t quite fit, and we look funny! What fits YOU may not fit ME! But that doesn’t mean I’m defective.

I”m sure when someone (like me) stands and quotes a scripture like the one below, it seems to cause rebellious rabble rousers to say YEAH! And bible teachers to cringe. Do we get what God is saying here?

“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ (Matthew 15:9 NKJV)

There are actually several scriptures where Jesus warned about doctrines of men, or even our lips honoring him, and our hearts being far from him. Was he getting on our cases? Does he not love us anymore? Sure he does! He is not MAD at you. He’s trying to help.

When we thought “Dad” was mad at us as kids, we tended to want to hide, or run in terror. When we are scared (of God) we cannot even hear what he wants to say. Such is the case with many who read this scripture.

No God’s not on our cases. He just wants us to see that if we have a one-size-fits-all teaching and Sunday sermon, and ways of doing things, and bible studies that are formatted in a way that does not FIT everyone and we try to say; “Make it fit!” We are acually harming the very people we hope to love. God will adjust the teachings and methods (To fit the doll) not cut down the doll to fit the clothing. See? Because his word is written in such a way that his clothes will fit everyone (who desires him)

God has Grace on upon us. Peter did not do what James did. Paul did not do what John did. They didn’t go to meetings and get in one accord by saying amen to the pastor and that was all there was to it! They all grew in Grace (And into their spiritual clothes- which God designed for them!). WE don’t have to feel like wretched weirdo’s because we are not the right size For the one-size-fits-all teachings of men.

God wants to speak to YOU Today. Not JUST through your pastor.

Teachers? Be willing to adjust the teaching (if need be) as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Don’t be so rigid. This is not “Military School” it’s the living growing entity called…

“The Body Of Christ”

thanks for pondering with me;

With Love, Laura Grace

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How Ministers feel sometimes (The question and answer committees)

April 4, 2018April 4, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Questions

It’s not that I don’t appreciate your help, and it’s not that I am snobby, or too spiritual, okay? It’s just that I am sitting here with a real big problem (that I don’t know how to solve) and am already battling in the spirit (With God’s help, of course) to fight off fear, worries, concerns, insecurities, and a myraid of other things. The last thing I need right now, is more stuff to worry about!

One thing ministers do not often talk about (and likely battle alone, or with the help of a few mature commrades) is what I’ll call the “questions and suggestions” trial- that seems to happen every time they ask for prayer.

Example: “Let’s pray for healing for_______” We pray. Person #1 approaches me and tells me how Aunt Hazel solved the very same problem. “Thank you,” I say. Person #2 tells me “Well you know they are backslid and haven’t been to church in awhile.” (I take note of it and smile). Person #3 tells me what healing video I should be watching (to help my faith) Person #4 Tells me about 3 others that need prayer for healing, Person #5 asks me if they have been to the doctor.

“Well, no I say, they don’t have insurance!” This leads to a big long conversation about help that is out there, which leads to me explaining why this person can’t get that particular help…….soon My mind is so clogged I forgot what the Lord just said to me about believing for their healing……..

Questions and suggestions and, not a single one of them asked GOD before they spoke …..

Nope, they just said the first thing that popped into their brain. (Like Peter).

So now I start to just ignore it all (and pray, and look to be so spiritual I am no earthly good!) It’s not lack of appreciation, but sometimes, we just don’t have time for it.

There are as many experiences as there are people (almost) and while some can be categorized, boxed up, and filed under “Help with______,” I have noticed the more possible answers I find (for any problem) the more stressed and confused I get!

Continue reading “How Ministers feel sometimes (The question and answer committees)” →

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Forgiveness & The “I love you” Project….

January 11, 2018January 11, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

I LOVE YOU PROJECT The other day, (a week ago to be exact) I was having a really hard struggle. I didn’t know why, I just knew I was upset over just about everything. From A psychology view point it kind of looked like PTSD. From a spiritual view point, it appeared I was just touchy, or having anger issues.

Because I am a preacher of seeking God and growing, I didn’t diagnose myself. I sat down and said “Father what is wrong with me?”

When I asked, I really expected an answer. God spoke to my heart.

“You are in danger of being in offense, you need to forgive some people,” (He said).

Not only that, he said a spirit of offense was trying to take me, he impressed on my soul. I was baffled. “Okay so what do you want me to do, Father?”

This passage in Proverbs 18:19 came to my heart as well.

“A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.”

My Impression was, if I didn’t do what God said, He wouldn’t be able to lead me. So I complied and said, “Okay, what, and who, Father, for I do not know (who or what?)”. From there he led me to about 25 people and events, and I said them out loud and verbally forgave them (or the incidents) Sitting in my chair.

I also prayed it would be forgotten, and I would remember it no more. I released them all and I prayed to be clear of any offense, that would keep me from moving forward, with God, as well. I made myself accountable to one other person.

Mark 11:25 says if we do not forgive, God does not forgive us. I have always wondered about that passage of scripture. What? You mean you take back the forgiveness you gave me Father? Nope. It’s more like this: Deliberate sin blocks out God. Ever feel like you are stuck? Stuck in fear, stuck in anger, or in my case “STUCK” in unforgivness. AND I didn’t even realize it! No wonder we need God. (every single day of our lives) and we need to seek him (first) and walk by His Spirit in Jesus’ name! He keeps us from stumbling or being stuck, but he is the Leader!

SO Follow the Leader! (His Spirit) and you will do well. 1 John 1:7 (see the word IF)

After this he led me to buy cards that say I LOVE YOU! (I will be sending them out to people as he has directed.) Stay Tuned for the results of this directive!

Laura Grace, Author, Speaker and Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peace!