“It’s not all about you!” What to say to some who never seem to get enough (attention) or whatever else ……..

August 18, 2017August 18, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Ever had one of those days? Someone you are trying to help (or encourage) just never seems to get enough? Reminds you of kids (at times). I compared it to geese (so long ago) as I was feeding some geese, and as I ran out of bread, (which I now understand you should not feed them bread) but in any case they surrounded me, got closer and closer, and one even tried to bite my face!

RESCUE POSTER call for help

The bible compares a fool and his folly, to being met by a bear robbed of her cubs.

Proverbs 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.”

MAYBE THE BEST THING is to say nothing at all.

Honestly, a person who will not listen to reason, who does not care what God (or anybody else) thinks, Who has decided they are wise or right in their own opinion, My bible says also “there is more hope for a fool, than for him.”

This is not a person you should be taking advice from, or following. It’s not a person who should be in charge of you, or one you should even submit to. Even Abigail (in the bible) though she did it in a reverent way, went to meet King David and obey God, even though her husband was foolish, and was going to bring trouble upon the whole family. King David was so impressed, he married the woman.

Proverbs 26:12 “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope for a fool than for him.”

It’s a snare to be caught in the snare of a fool’s words or a fool’s folly. Consider these words from Jesus who WAS before Proverbs was even written: They are words penned by the Holy Spirit to God’s servant upon this earth:

“Proverbs 6:5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler. “

You can be snared by words, or promises you should not have made.

Another passage of the bible says to free ourselves from vows, that should never have been made. See, we need to look at the whole (entire) bible not just the parts we want to read Or hear right now. The whole Bible. All of it.

Jesus IS His word!

The more we know of his word, the better we will know him. The Better we know him, the better he knows us and has fellowship with us.

So love? Yes! Being snared by those who don’t love God? NO!

Did you see anyone allowed to take Jesus Down from who he was to please them or their folly? NO WAY No how!

We should not do it either. Father God please keep us in your wisdom! And Grace!

Amen

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Are you the Storm? Causing some structural damage? A word on this….

June 13, 2017June 13, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

LIGHTHOUSE AND STORM.jpg Storms. We Just had one last night.

Thankfully there was no damage, but I was thinking this morning about the damage that gets done sometimes by emotional storms.

The weather report said, “This storm has been known to rip down trees, damage siding, and cause structural damage.” Wouldn’t it be great if we understood the damage we can cause just because we had to have this “fit of rage” that seemed important at the time?

I remember well this time I was so emotionally distraught and upset over my ex, who had lied to me, lied again and lied again. This was after promises not to do that ever again and great expressions of how much he loved me.

Anyway, I had a fit of rage, threw a coffee cup at the wall, and scared my daughter half to death. She was crying and her whole world was being shaken and ripped apart, just because I let my emotions and temper get out of hand.

I”m not proud of that moment, or a few others I’ve had. I do remember that day, I decided I was going to work on myself, and stop obsessing about changing someone else’s behavior. I realized right then, “dear God, this child is looking at me for guidance, and look what I have done!” I was convicted! “Be a better example, and practice what you say,” is what I heard from deep within myself. I think it was God as he has all the good ideas, I usually don’t have any, all by myself.

That was a lot of years ago. Sometimes if I am not careful, and get to looking at what others are doing rather than going to the mirror every day to look at myself (with God’s great assistance) I am still prone to getting all upset at others………

Someone is always watching. OH FATHER we pray: “Let our actions speak good things! Let our actions speak well of us and Glorify you Father! Keep us close to your heart! Remind us daily not to allow pockets of anger to get out of control to the point where we hurt a person with our wicked tongue! deliver us from THIS evil …

the evil of just saying whatever pops in to our pea brains! IN Jesus’ name! Amen”

Storms. They can do a lot of damage. Amen? “Father where we’ve done that forgive us, and help us to be bringers of peace (and light) and not a storm, causing damage and harm to others, and what they are trying to build. Amen”

Colossians 3:8

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

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Church should be, Psalm 23

May 18, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

grow sheep.png

At the beginning of this year the Lord spoke to me and “I’ve put my love in you for the church.” See for a long time I was like that jaded teenager that gets mad at the parent who made mistakes.

I have come to see a lot of the anger I had was from very deep hurt. Yes I’ve forgiven them, and let me tell you something, God has put powerful things in my heart to share with his people both IN And out of church. How do I know?

Some of the very same things have happened again, and I didn’t even flinch LOL Ok I flinched a little…..but didn’t run!

The truths of God are timeless, but we need to go with the times and not wear this outdated religious “clothing” so to speak. We all need to be spiritual pioneers, venture out into new territory, let God expand our horizons, get out of that tunnel vision and walk out of the stuck in the mud ways!

Platitudes are not going to work we live in a world that wants REAL answers, a REAL testimony of God’s power and the church can’t be just a club house anymore.

It needs to be filled to the top with testimonies of God’s love and power From EVERYONE in the church! We need ALL Of the Body parts to function and share!

CHURCH SHOULD BE Psalm 23! this is what the Lord has said to me. and not just for some for EVERYONE THERE …..
Green Pastures, Still waters, Restoring your SOUL!

THEN Go out! Don’t send wounded soldiers back to the battlefield! Get them Healed up! LOVE YOUR Brethren!

People come in hurting they don’t need to get scolded, or hear how they are not measuring up or not attending enough or whatever. THEY NEED SOUL HEALING! Let’s learn to be spiritual doctors! bandage em up! Pray for their healing!

Well that’s just the beginning. ………there is more!

LOVE YOU CHURCH (and People of God) I LOVE YOU! Laura Grace

Grace to the Rescue Ministries http://www.gracetotherescue.com

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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…….

February 19, 2017February 19, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

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

November 4, 2016November 4, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

HORSE REaRG.jpg Father 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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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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The most powerful truth I have ever received..for motivation…..Rewards!

August 18, 2016August 21, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

This is, without a doubt, the most powerful verse I have ever received, besides the one that says, “For God so loved the world……He gave…………”

If we all realized that we really will reap what we sow, that the more excellent way is to (truly) give what we would desire to be given, (a warning with Love, a truth we always needed to hear, a blessing, we have always needed and desired, or liberty, where there have been chains,) we would not have to worry so much about whether “what we say” is right or wrong, a sin, or not a sin. If we ponder the things that have hurt us, forgive those who have done it, and strive to be a better person (in Christ), then we can be confident, we will reap what we have sown, even if God himself has to give us the harvest!

Did you hear me? God will make sure you get a harvest! God told Abraham “I am your shield and exceeding great reward!” Thank GOD we don’t have to depend on man to give us the harvest, the reward, or anything else that is the result of what we have sown. There are times we need to pray, “Father forgive me, for the bad seeds I have sown, in those areas, by your mercy and grace, give me crop failure!”

Help me to start Again Father, and to plant GOOD THINGS into the lives of Others! and I know Father, when I don’t hear from you about every little thing, you have given me a good guideline, “do what you would want done for you” (regardless of if it’s been done to you or not, in times past) Sow Good things, reap good things! Keeping it simple!

with Love, Laura Grace

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Worried about America? Upset at how things are? I know, I was too for awhile….

July 14, 2016July 14, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

a beautiful TREE hi! Laura Grace here! Yes, I get upset sometimes too, I really do. Scared? Yes, I am easily frightened without God’s help. But, here’s the thing. Fear brings Anger, Anger gets out of control (super easily) that rages out of control. We lose our peace, satan comes along and says it’s their fault, not our fault, if only THEY would straighten up and stop upsetting us this way! Oh My!

SO I asked God, (yesterday) Tell me what to read Father, what do you want to say? One word came to me. “Galatians”. It says the works of the flesh are obvious. Envy, Pride, lust, self-righteousness…….(the list goes on.) What’s the solution?

It’s not that we are taking a lukewarm stand against sin, or that we don’t care what’s going on in this world, but there is no getting around the fact, that God tells US to Grow! When we find ourselves feeling like the fruits of the Spirit, walking in righteousness, or learning of Him is too PASSIVE For our taste…..

There is something wrong. WE are supposed to be taking the land (Of our own soul) and expanding the territory of our own minds, TAKING THE LAND (of us) For Christ!

This will never change. God isn’t making any exceptions, to his rule.

We will not make a difference until we are more like him (First).

And, Anger can (and will) lead to sin if you are not careful……….

So, when someone tries to get me all upset (at the things that are happening) I want you to know, I am not sticking my head in the sand. I simply choose Jesus, and he said TO GROW! (and I am not done yet, and never will be,) Amen! -Laura Grace

PS choosing this road……TAKES GUTS! Amen

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

July 12, 2016September 27, 2017 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