…..nor give place to the devil…..(A message to the church) Eph 4:27

March 28, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

MEN IN A lot of people think when it comes to faith, that I have faith by sticking my head in the sand. Not so.

Many years ago, a small passage in Ephesians seems to jump off the page at me. “Nor Give place to the devil,” (Ephesians 4:27 NKJV).

Like the men in black (if you’ve seen the movie) there is always “something” trying to destroy us at any given time. Always.

James and the other Apostles would not have said “Resist the Devil” if there was no devil. He is the master of fear tactics, lying, coming against God and making false accusations about our Father in Heaven. He is “the father of lies.” In John 8:44 Jesus spells this out for us quite clearly.

He lied to the disciples, and made them fear for their lives when Jesus was crucified. That’s why Peter denied Jesus (three times) “Fear.”

Fear is why people don’t want to pray in Faith (They might look stupid) and fear is why so many do not stand against the status-quo. As a woman pointed out at a meeting last night I went to “Sheep are dumb, they follow each other into the danger.” (Paraphrase)

I pondered this passage many times in my life: “Neither give place to the devil,” and it occurred to me that even though the danger may be real, and even though there may be testimonies of all the bad things that could happen to me, I have to choose and decide once and for all whether I will believe God’s word, or whether to believe the lies of satan that are arrayed against me.

“Fear” really is a liar. Yes, there are times we must be cautious. No, we should not go where angels fear to tread, or just run out and try to defy gravity without being armed with the Word of God and his presence. At the same time, we have to realize that literally thousands of lies are probably coming at us, every single day.

There are testimonies of those who have not stood on God’s word, and had a bad outcome. Think back with me to the bible, and how all those people did not go on to the promised land, along with Moses. Why? Because they feared they were doing it all in vain. They had to get past their unbelief, but they refused to do it. Moses could lead them to the waters of God (so to speak) but he could not make them drink it.

That was a decision they had to make for themselves.

I choose to find out (from God) what is his voice and what is the devils. Because my friends, there is a devil. And Jesus is not going to do ALL the work for us, nor is he going to make all the decisions for us, that only we can make.

It was his voice speaking way back in the Old Testemant: “CHOOSE” (Life or Death). to this day we choose what voice we will listen to. Please don’t decieve yourself. God wants to speak to you today. (John 10:4). First we pray for ears to listen and ears to hear. We pray to have a sheep nature, and accept him as our Shepherd, and the bishop of our souls.

I am encouraging you today: There is a devil. Don’t give place to his lies in your mind and heart. If you don’t know what is God or what is the devil, ASK GOD For his input! Pursue him like Jewels! Listen for him like he’s a treasure! This is what I have have done, and will continue to do. -Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Grow

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.”

disciplesofchrist · gaining respect · God's Army · God's knowledge · God's Plan · God's wisdom about prayer · Grace books · grace to grow · grace to Grow in grace · grace to grow speaking · grace to restore · graceofgod · gracerace · gracerescuedme · gracetogrow · Gracetogrowrealstories · gracetogrowstudy · growbeforeyousoar · growing · growing up in God · Jesus said: · Relationship is everything with God and others · relationship with God · relationship with Jesus · renewing your mind in Christ · Respectful · Uncategorized

What do you consider to be “RESPECTABLE” ? What does God think about Respect? and being respectful

August 7, 2017August 7, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

I hear a lot about being respectful nowdays. “Respect me” or “That’s disrespetful.” The truth is if someone sets a boundary, we should respect that boundary or (the Authority) of the one who set the boundary. No Trespassing signs, No solicitors, Keep off the grass! If we violate those boundaries it’s a trespass.

But really, what is being respectful or respectable in the eyes of Jesus? Or the World? are they the same?

I really struggle with the word “respectful,” sometimes. I have prayed about it over the years, asking God what he thinks about it all. As usual he doesn’t answer, sometimes for years. I think it’s because he waits for His word to grow and develop in our heart(s). Sooner or later the fruit will come out, including the fruit of understanding his Word.

And yes, Understanding is a “fruit’ or outcome- of studying, praying and seeking him. 🙂 It’s the fruit of HIS own Love building us up (in HIm.)

I see this: What the World (humans in general) have respect for:

A person well-educated on a topic 2. Success financially 3. Ruling without apology and successful management of people or business 4. Overcoming incredible odds by sheer determination 5. Selfless Humanitarianism and tireless giving

This is what I see God Respects:

Receiving Revelation from Him (Understanding) about his Word by his Spirit. 2. Faithful with goods or money and not clinging to it, surrendered to Him 3. Serving without selfish Ambition as directed by His Spirit 4. Overcoming by his strength and in obedience toward Him 5. Ministry as God says to do it (no matter how foolish it looks) And looking after his own sheep (feeding them, finding them, helping them) and doing what he says! (When he says, how he says) Gen 4 The story of Abel.

Pretty different, aren’t they? Do I care what the world thinks (about me?) Or what God thinks? Which one will I face for all eternity? Hmm

Gen 4:4 “And the Lord Respected Abel”. (We know what happened to him, right?)

To respect a boundary -is to not trepass. For instance, if you put out a sign “Keep off the Grass” Or tell someone “Please don’t belch in my house” and they do it anyway, it’s disrespectful (not honoring their wishes, in their own house). I have no problem with this, but I do have a problem with respect when it comes to a one-way relationship.

As far as belief systems go, if I have to respect your beliefs, you need to respect mine. This means we may not “trespass on each other” If I say stop (regarding your input) or you say stop (concering my input) we both should have to stop (out of Love IE: Respect) For each other’s personal boundaries.

Here’s the thing: God’s Word, and the world’s opinion, will never mix. One is hot, one is cold. One is sharp, one is dull. You can’t be conformed to this world and transformed by God at the same time. We can’t love (be On fire or Hot) for God While embracing all the thoughts of this world (which is cold toward God,) and not become lukewarm. Hot and cold mixed makes “tepid” (Lukewarm) waters. Hot water flushes out bacteria, germs and unhealthy things. HOT For God’s word (on fire) cleanses us in Holy Fire.

So if I don’t seem respectful of the world’s advice, I will not apologize for that. My food is to do the will of my Father (in Heaven). My mandate is to Follow him. My mind is to be renewed on his Word, not every thing you want to tell me, that you think is cool or the latest rage, or the latest fashion. Call me disrespectful about the opinions of others if you wish, For really, I could say the same about you. Are you respectful of God’s Word?

He made this world! He Framed it! His input is Bread (and life) to my soul.

If you are looking for the world to applaud you for your belief system, you will probably be very disappointed. They aren’t going to applaud you. Respect for God, his ways, and his people is not something the world is ever going to do. If you give them

Respect,other than just saying Okay “I will” Keep off your grass” I WILL stop talking to you about God- because you said “it’s trespassing” has nothing to do with me having to listen to YOU and your opinions all day long! That is not respect, that’s cowing down to someone who does NOT have the answers (Christian) and you know better! So don’t listen to them. Stick with God. Blessed is the man who Trusts in Him (and inclines their ear to hear what God has to say!) Proverbs 2. What Good is it to gain the world? (Jesus said) and lose your soul? Hmm Something to Ponder.

-Laura Grace Author, Grace to Grow

John 15:8 Romans 12:2 1 John 2:15-17 Matthew 16:26

5 easy steps to solve everything · believingformiracles · everyday miracles · God's knowledge · godly wisdom · how to get miracles · knowing God better · miracles · miracles happen · pat answers · peculiar people · Uncategorized · worldy knowledge

How to solve everything in 10 easy steps? Jesus was a peculiar person….who did not give pat answers……

December 9, 2016December 9, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

jesus-dancing

I was getting ready for work, saw a blog post that said “how to get rid of______in 5 easy steps.” It had to do with anxiety or mental health in general. I knew a lot of people were going to read it (and they did,) but I also knew it probably wouldn’t help much.

Most of us, when we look for answers, tend to take the well beaten path, and search out some “instant cure” that supposedly has worked for many. We want fast answers, and we want them now! But the truth is, we can learn as much from what Jesus did NOT do as we can from what he did do! He did not get out books and pass them out, “How to deal with Pharisees in 5 easy steps.” or how about “How to die for me without crying?”

When People were hungry, he fed them, but only when they were following him. The disciples, and the people sitting and listening to him. As far as I can remember, that’s the only people He fed. He Healed people, but he did it in so many (various) ways, it’s hard to even keep track of it all. He spoke a word, or he touched them, or they touched him, and on and on it goes. No Pat answers!

Jesus was peculiar (strange, Different, not what is normal, or the norm!)

He did not say “I help those who help themselves.” He had his disciples go demand a donkey from a guy, just so he could ride it through town. He told them to fill up Giant pots with water, and go to the master and say,”It’s wine, here taste it!” (When they knew it was only water inside!). Now that’s strange! Peculiar even! But guess what? By the time they got to the Guy, the water had TURNED To Wine!

Think the disciples were scared to obey him at times? You bet they were!

So Here’s the point God wants me to share with you Today: IF YOU WANT God answers you can’t walk in man’s answers. You cannot have both. God’s ways = God’s results. Man’s ways =Man’s results. You are going to have to get a little bit weird (Peculiar) if you want some Miracles (or even testimonies of God) In your life!

It’s a different road, not a well beaten path, but a narrow door. The whole world is not going to agree with you (when You do what God wants you to do!). When you have tried everything else and nothing works…….Go ahead, ask God …

And he will probably have you do something very few or maybe NOBODY agrees with…..(may be good if you don’t even ask them!) (smiles)

and then. You will get your Miracle. 🙂 Love and prayers! Laura Grace, Author, minister, child of God. (and your servant). Peace!