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“Keep yourselves from Idols” 1 John 5, What does it mean? (To us, today?) Walk with Me……see what I see…….

Laura GraceLeave a comment

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“Little Children, Keep yourselves from Idols.” 1 John 5:21 

So what does it mean? Why is this in the New Testament? These are the types of questions I like to ask God (when I am studying with Him.) Oh Sure, I have looked up idol, and what it was in the Old Testament. I’ve also studied the sermons of others, and I know an idol can be “Whatever” you chase after, or deem to be more important than God. But beyond this, What does it mean, “Keep yourselves from Idols”, and why was that the writer’s last instruction, before the letter ended? 

Idolatry and harlotry, almost always seem to go together (in the Old Testament). Harlotry was chasing after “Other lovers” as God called it. It’s fascinating that Harlotry begins with a spiritual decision, and not an earthy one. This is why Rahab could be sanctified, because while her job had been “Harlot” She was right in her heart with God, the day she helped Joshua and his spies.

Her Heart Set redeemed her, and God forgot her earthly sins, right then and there. 

Verse 20 of this same chapter, says we were given understanding (From God) so we can know him. This letter was written to the church, and not to non-believers. John called them “Little Children.” Why was that? And how did he know he was a man (of God) and they were not? There were no seminaries in those days, so how did John know? 

So for those of you who want to know, Who will be drawn to this teaching by the Spirit of the Living God, I will tell you. John knew Idolatry would lead to harlotry. God knows your “other lovers” (of this world) will keep you from Him, and he will not be able to protect you, or help you to know Him.

The story of Hosea is a beautiful picture of God’s love for his people. He had Hosea divorce, then re marry, a woman who was a blatant harlot. The result of her harlotry was, she wound up in chains, sold to the highest bidder. 

The type of anger God has, is a loving anger (for, he is always love!).In our modern world, we have the Idol of worldly wisdom, or being sophisticated according to this world, or doing or saying what is popular, or what everyone else is chasing after.

A CAUSE can even become an idol, which leads to harlotry, and loving this world, (and the things of it)  more than God. Now, a wise person will ask for council (of the Holy Spirit) and ask for correction, from Him. Wisdom cries out (in the streets) and says, “Is anyone listening to Jesus, and the Spirit he sent, to teach us?”

The Very heart of God is found in Proverbs, and all through His Holy Word. His Heart is: That we should grow, learn of Him, Take his Yoke upon us, seek his Spirit for wisdom. WHY? Because he wants to restore us, heal us, make us whole. How can he do that when we won’t come to Him? Or Learn from Him? He cries when he lets people go, he suffered and died so he could save us………

So no, God is not a big child “MAD AT US” for daring to not listen…….

He just loves us (so much) and knows Idols and Harlotry keep us from receiving His best! (FOR US) Which he so desperately wants us to have.  God loves you! But, he does not like Idols. They lead to other lovers, that keep us from Him. And he knows the end of it will be disaster so. And that my friends is why he said: “Keep yourselves from Idols” Because it prevents us from receiving, from Him. With Love, 

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to grow the Study guide 

 

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That time I got jealous about a cherry coffee table……Grace to Grow: Real Stories #1

Laura GraceLeave a comment

cherry-coffee-tableme-at-choke-cherry-2015

I had a friend, back in the 90’s, Her husband and her had quite the testimony, a beautiful home, and were truly prospering.

I was in a bad (destructive) relationship at the time, and I was reading my bible, attending church, praying all the time for help from God and deliverance. 

She was concerned about me, standing in faith with me, praying for me and my children.  One day she was saying to me “that perhaps” I needed to ready myself to be delivered from this relationship, by not agreeing with some of this person’s evil ways, and that I should be bolder, stand up to what is evil, and make a stand for truth. 

I”m not sure why exactly, but her relentless challenge to me to “hate what is evil” and keep resisting the devil’s ways just hit me wrong that day. I looked at her life, her big house, her husband kept his job, and her new cherry furniture…….

And right there, in the middle of her coaching me, and exhorting me to stand up to evil, I exploded! I said “that’s easy for you to say, you and your Cherry Furniture!” 

Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, i was furious with this person, who was just trying to help! Did I love God? (Yes) Did I want to be righteous? (Yes, again) and did I pray and hope to be all God ever wanted me to be? (Yes, again!). 

But inside, I was frustrated, seething! I was hurting, and in pain! (and trying to be very  brave in spite of it all!). Still, to God that was no excuse. Why Did I lash out at the very person trying to help me, I wondered, after I got home? oh, We had a laugh over it, She started laughing! Eventually, I started laughing too! I acted like a complete ninny that day, and was so embarrassed! I went to God with it…….

“Father I’m jealous, envious, and full of wrath!” Take this away’ I prayed……..

And yes, in the comfort of my own home that day, With God very present, and not at some church meeting, he quietly took away my anger, the Jealousy, the rage…..

And it’s more than 20 years later now…..I have my own house…….but that day I made a decision. IF I never had a house, ever, I wanted Jesus more……..

Grace To Grow Daily by Laura Grace, Author, Grace to grow, Grace to Grow the Study Guide and Grace to Soar, available on Amazon. 

 

 

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Spirited or Spiritual? There’s a big difference! Which are you?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

HORSE REaRG.jpgFather in Jesus’ name, Help us to see the difference. Amen 

Yes, I am called to share things as God directs me. I thought it was interesting, that awhile back in my prayer time, The Lord said to my heart “You have to find a way to bridge the gap.” In other words, he gives us his Word, direction, but then sometimes he does say (like I said to some kids yesterday) “create something” out of what I have given to you! So this morning, I was praying and thinking about this word: BROKEN! 

Immediately a vision came to me of a horse rearing, needing to be broken. What does this mean, really? Well it means the SPIRITED part needs to be broken, but, we don’t wish to break their spirit, amen. 

SO many do not understand, that being high spirited, is not the same as being spiritual. “Getting on fire” does not mean hell fire and damnation preaching, telling everyone what a piece of crap they are for not believing your views. How Do I know? 

Galatians 6:1 says “Restore in a spirit of Gentleness, that you yourselves may not be tempted.” Oh how we love our pep rallies, and to get fired up! Don’t we? “Get all militant, tell them how it is” (calling it spiritual!) The truth is, we think being gentle is boring (a lot of the time) Or, some do. I don’t have to own a horse, to know that you can break a horse, but not break his spirit. And here’s another thing, God isn’t going to ‘zap you” and make you be good either! YOU have to seek his discipline, correction, and ask Him This, “are you pleased with me Father?” For you see, HIS sons ask for Discipline! Correction! 

                He Loves those who seek him for more……….

I”ve been around spiritual people, and I’ve been around spirited people. Spiritual people are dead to being high-spirited. Usually, it’s because they have learned their high spirited ways leads only to trouble. Fighting. Squabbling, bickering, and the like. 

They learned their ways didn’t work, and that it never helped anyone “get to Jesus.” 

So.Do we ask for correction? And beg God “Please, I want be spiritual! I want to be like you, truly!” Or, do we just keep on being the same way we have always been?

One brings God results, the other brings flesh results, which is not a good result at all. 

“Father forgive me for my high spirited ways at time. Forgive me for thinking your ways are boring! You are never boring at all! On the other side of “death to myself” and my ways, is the Victory you long for me to see! May Signs and Wonders follow me, your power Father, Your will be done, and not my own. In Jesus name I pray! Amen. -Laura Grace

Author, Grace to Grow, Grace to Grow the study Guide, Grace to Soar. 

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Formulas Part 2 “let not your heart be troubled” …how can we make this so?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

a-new-covenant

When the disciples decided to follow Jesus, they were also accepting an invitation to enter into a Covenant with Him. As they walked with him, he was allowing them to see, hear, and learn about him, and then finally decide, whether they wanted to be “IN Covenant” (or not).

Judas chose not to do that, as he decided at the end, his answer was “No.” 

This morning as I was thinking about the elections, the condition of our nation, and all the things I am hearing about the subject, I thought wow are we really in this Much trouble Lord? It’s scary (I thought) Some of the things we have heard……

Immediately the passage “Let not your heart be troubled” came to heart and mind. I already knew what it said after that, but I looked it up anyway, thinking “teach me Lord” what you are wanting to say to my heart.” ……..

See, I’ve read this scripture numerous times. Today I saw “Oh, so right after You said let not our hearts be troubled,” You said “In my house are many mansions.” Sounds like “don’t worry, because you get to die, then come up here with me, and all will be well!” Great answer! “pray for death?” …….Oh come on, don’t tell me you haven’t thought that at least one time! Where do you think that statement came from, “two things you can count on, death and taxes!” ……(me looking all aghast here!) 

Not long after (in John 14) Jesus adds “Ask what you will it shall be done that we might be Glorified” …(paraphrased) OH So .…It’s for his names sake! OH WOW a very big clue as to “how our prayers” should be shaped ……..

Yes yes, he’s the potter we are the clay. but you CAN KNOW what he is up to (if you care to know!). “I want to shape your prayers to think like me……” (more covenant stuff here) so we are in partnership with God himself! and He wants us to know HIS Desires so we can pray HE can be glorified! oh and Greater works will we do than HE (He said) WOW! 

Just be careful,  “greater things” Is still HIS Ideas not our own ideas! oooo because we still have to watch out for that enemy (satan) who says “I can be exalted and I have better ideas than God does” (OH DEAR LORD!) …….

Formulas: We want them because we are too lazy to pray (sometimes) or it’s just too much bother to “GET TO KNOW THE LORD” ……Oh how sad that is! 

Tell you what, Let’s get together and pray Father, what do you want in this situation? What would you like to see happen? This is YOUR earth YOUR PLANET and I am yours! 

ALL You have is mine, because All I have is yours Father God! Covenant (like marriage) and let me tell you something, Your MARRIAGE To God takes precedence over every other commitment or, it should………….right? ………..

So we have a lot to look forward to people of God “BEFORE” we go to heaven! “Greater things shall we do “(in HIM) And Amen.

Laura Grace minister of the Lord Jesus and, his servant 

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And then, they wrote…..(Disciples)

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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AN OPEN LETTER TO CHRISTIANS, Just because you are in Christ, doesn’t mean you’re always right!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

GRACE TO GROW COVER NOW.jpg

Speaking of chicken soup………(a letter to christians)
 
I feel bad I didn’t used to know this but, I needed to realize a long time ago when someone is sick (in the natural) You know how they can’t eat? Just need a little chicken broth?
 
Some are like that about Jesus- we need to be aware they can only handle so much at a time. I didn’t used to know this and I didn’t mean to but I have overwhelmed some people at times….
 
I thought I was being zealous for Jesus, and not compromising. but the truth is, I wasn’t REALLY walking in Love.
 
How I learned is by HAVING IT DONE TO ME, and instead of being all ticked off I prayed on it, asked the Lord about it, and asked him to reveal to me through his eyes, what is going on.
 
Sooner or later it’s time to say “what am I doing wrong Lord?” In the process of learning who we are in Christ (and learning to stand in his Righteousness) we must not forget we always need to be corrected. Correction is what makes us grow.
 
Without correction we do not grow! WE should know this, we’ve all seen kids who never had discipline, and how they turned out.
 
Some try to ram the whole banana of the gospel down someone’s throat and if they get sick and throw up beat them over the head for not receiving! Talk about not having a clue!
 
This is not evangalism, it’s abuse! And it’s what the so called liberals are reacting to, in many cases.
 
I do not suggest bowing to these types that want to over run the church but we cannot afford to be all uppity and assume we are always being persecuted. Sometimes…….WE”VE BEEN WRONG and we need to admit it, quit it, and start growing again. Amen
 
Let’s get a clue shall we? Maturity knows when to stop, because your mashed potatoes and gravy is making them feel sick. #getmature #growsomemore #getagriponJesus
 
Anyway this is not compromise,
 
IT”S WISDOM!! Let’s get some! Amen –Laura Grace
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FAITH IS………..a fish or….

Laura GraceLeave a comment

This is my Journal FAITH IS .JPGThe one I am using now. I have several. In 1991 God spoke to me I would be writing books.

I had a type writer, but was so broke I could not afford to keep myself in ribbon, or paper. I was raising children, and had very little time.

I started to Journal. A friend used to send me journals for my birthday, or even Christmas.

I filled them with the prayers I prayed, and what God showed me in his word. I remember one study was about fat sheep and skinny sheep, and another passage about shepherds who do not take care of the flock. “WOE TO THEM” It said. I remember asking God why do you say this? I thought you were so full of love? Many Questions I asked the Lord back then, and certainly now! “Give me understanding” The psalmist says “that I may learn”

How can we understand God if we do not ask Him what he means? And why do we rely on others to tell us, when he sent his Spirit to teach us? (I wonder!!).

Back then I didn’t have a way to write a book, so I started to Journal. I was one of the last people I knew to ever own a computer, because I could not have one until God provided a way. I did not let any of this stop me, from moving forward.

Listen if I waited for the perfect circumstances, I never would have accomplished a thing. I would never have learned to write, and I wouldn’t have the now 25 years of experience in studying with the Holy Spirit, hearing from God, and learning what he wants to tell me.

HINDRANCES? I’ve had plenty! I always think of those loaves and fishes that Jesus blessed, and fed 5000 people. (What an example!!) What do you have in your hand right now? Maybe just a pen, and a journal? Maybe just some small thing, that you need to be faithful with, hold it up high, bless God and start moving!

AS JESUS took what was not enough, blessed it, and began to pass out the bread, (and fish) everyone got fed, and there was some left over. Do you see the lesson of faith, in this story? Or do you just see loaves and fishes? -I have several books now, a result of Faith and believing, perseverance and not backing down, all those years ago.

And hey, even Jesus needed some who would hang around, and believe with him! amen?

love and prayers….Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Soar, Grace to the Rescue…….and others

available on Amazon, and Barnes and Noble’s Nook.

 

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God’s not mean #1 What’s standing between you and him?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Bright sayings #18

Hi, It’s me again, Laura Grace.

I was actually coloring in my adult color book when this came to me. I did pray today, asked The Lord to speak into my life. I have something to share with you right now, something very important. When God said “thou shalt have no other gods before me”

He didn’t just mean other gods, as in religious statues, or Zeus, or whoever. He also

meant your problem, your child, your spouse, your job……….Money Problems?

Anything taking over your mind can be an idol. So much for pointing fingers at drug

addicts, or whoever YOU think is in sin, right? Right! NOW (here’s  the good part) THE
REASON! God’s not mean! He doesn’t demand in a roll of thunder we have no other gods

because he is going to get so furious at us for not putting him first. The Jealousy he has is

a love type of jealousy, not the fleshly type we are used to seeing, or experiencing.

GET THIS: He just loves you so much, he doesn’t want these other things getting in your way so, he can’t really speak to you, can’t get across to you, what he wants to say. He cries

over it, weeps over it………..

Now, if you hate God, have sided with the devil and are shaking your fist at him, that’s another story! But if you are his child? HE JUST WANTS YOU TO GET IT! So badly he said,

No other gods…….no problem no nothing, don’t let it get between us, (he is saying) Because I really WANT YOU TO get MY WISDOM ……….Because I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Well thank you Father, Thank you love us SO much (THAT MUCH) That you would do anything for us to get it. Even sending your Son (Jesus) ……to spoil all those principalities

and powers……….Your anointed servant,

Laura Grace (Peace!)

 

 

 

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Let Go, and Let God….change you

Laura GraceLeave a comment

TWO PICTURE GROWING

Letting Go

A poem by Laura Grace   based on James 1:22-25

Let go of what you cannot change

Your life will never be the same

Cast your cares upon the Lord

Hold your ground, wield your sword

The sword of truth, the shield of faith

Keeps you alive, to run your race

Enjoy the ride, as much as you can

Pray to become a brand new man

It’s really simple, and talk is cheap

You’ll be transformed, if you just stay meek

The Meek inherit, all good things

And stay out of trouble, whatever life brings

Do you know why, this saying is true?

Because, Revival

Begins with you

Laura Grace, Author, Minister

Get my new book, Grace to Soar!

 

 

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FREE BOOK FOR ONE DAY! Grace to Soar!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

FREE FOR ONE DAY! FRI JUNE 10 TO June 11, 2016 Kindle version only.

Click link below! If you purchase the paperback and write a review, tell me about it, I will send you the other two (Grace to the Rescue and Grace to Grow) Get it while it’s hot! LG

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PS! This link is to the paperback …Look for the Kindle Edition on Amazon it’s free

This Friday and Saturday! Love!!