…..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

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You Can’t afford to be Offended

January 15, 2018January 15, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

I want to share a little over a week ago God Led me to forgive some stuff. After I did it, I realized how many people I had let down in my life time. That was God’s Grace (TO ME!). I have to wonder,if my forgiveness allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal more to me about myself, and lift the blinders from my eyes.

We All have expectations of people.

Some is based on how we are raised, how we understand the bible, or whatever else. People can feel they are offering the help they have to offer, and you rejected it (or them) and I mean to tell you what, there are SO MANY THINGS the devil can (try) to turn it into an offense, I simply cannot list them all here.

I’ve had people reject what I had to say when I thought it was God’s will I said certain things. It hurts, because we think we are giving a gift, and it just got rejected. If it happens 100 times, we may be at risk of getting offended. You’d be suprised how many people have “rebuked me” when I talk about Growing In Christ.

There are some who believe getting saved leads to this “instant Jesus pudding” and we automatically grow, without any real participation on our part.

Growing in Grace is a message that is balanced, and between the “Auto Pilot’ thing and the “being under law” mentality. Growing up IN Christ is a sensible and sound message, but not a popular one.

Therefore, I am delivering a word God asked me to deliver …..and yet those who seem to have the pulpit do not always agree. Does it stop me?

NO! It will not! And, I must not get offended. If I do, I will ruin myself.

I”m so glad when people tell me things like, “I waved at you, you didn’t wave back”. So many times, I just did not see them wave at me!

There are times people forget, don’t hear us, or do not understand how important something is to us. (really). Don’t fall for the “all about me” mentality. It’s a monster! Cartoon by Jeff Larson

Yes, there are times people have been little snots, but it’s not all that often. Most of the time when people hurt us, it’s quite accidental.

The important thing is that remain “not offended”. If I’m not, I can go foward in Christ.

Proverbs 18:19 says “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”

Don’t put your walls up. It’s just not worth it to miss out on what God has for you next.

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to the Rescue and Grace to Grow, available on Amazon.

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God is not “IN CONTROL” He rules and reigns, which is different.

August 16, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

JESUS REIGNS.jpg Revelation 19:6

“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”

God is not “in Control.” He rules and reigns, which is a totally different thing. If He was “in control” Adam and Eve would not have had a choice, to obey or disobey. If He was “in Control” Noah’s obedience to build the ark would not have been credited to him as obedience. God (who is in control?) simply “made him do it.”

If God was in Control, it would mean he is unjust. According to that theory, he is picking and choosing who he will bless and not bless. He is deciding who will be saved or not saved. He just goes by his whims, because he is God. That’s superstition, not the truth.

He can guide us, but only based on the decisions we have already made in our heart. If we have decided we will do it God’s way (not matter how bad it hurts) Then he can guide us, to where we are supposed to be going next. That guidance will be based on God’s wisdom, and what is ultimately best, for us.

I see being guided by God’s Spirit is a lot like how a remote-control car works. There is an inner mechanism, which responds to the person guiding the car with this other device.

If the connection is broken, there will be no guidance, the car will just sit there. If we are not guided, maybe it’s time to ask if the connection is broken.

We may need to allow God to put something IN US Before he has something to work with day by day, In His Guidance, of us. That’s why we study, and pray. You are not some special exception to this rule.

God responds to prayer, which gives him access (to rule and reign) over the situation. He would not tell us prayer is so important, and then turn around and say, “I’m in control.” That doesn’t even make any sense.

He Rules and Reigns. now, he may want obedience before the request gets answered. He may say “Put mud in your eye,” Or “Go study this passage” Or “go to this church” or “Go see this person” (As that too, is guidance.) WE choose. Yes/No.

If God were in control (of everything) there would be no reason to participate, no reason to pray, have faith, or even obey. There would be no reason for rewards in heaven, and the reaping what you sow concept would all be based on God’s whims, and not your own decisions.

The idea that “God is in Control” probably came out of frustration, for someone who wondered why things went as they did. “I was having faith,” they said, and “things went badly.” “What happened?”

Someone told them well, “God is in control” and it’s up to him, for he is God!

Was God “In conrol” when Annanias and Saphirra decided to lie (and listen to to the devil rather than God?) Books of Acts, chapter 5. No, they made a decision.

It reminds me of the parent who says; “Because I said so!” To a child who is asking why they must do a thing (they do not wish to do.) God is willing to give us understanding. He may make us wait for it, until we are capable of understanding or ready to understand, as he did say, “I have many things to tell you but you cannot bear to hear them now.” Sometimes we are just not ready, or prepared to hear the truths, which he wants to get across.

Especially in cases where we may find out, “we’ve doing it wrong all these years.” That my friend, is something we need to brace ourselves for, before we’ll be ready to hear it. “The Lord Reigns!” Very different from “In control.” K?

-Laura Grace, Author grace to Grow, Grace to Grow, the Study Guide. Peace!

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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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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

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Be Filled, not drained!

June 27, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

CUP OF LIFE Hi there! Laura Grace, Author, Christian, every day human being, serving God on planet Earth! There was a song we used to sing in church: “Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord,” I just loved that song, Sort of a prayer song, you know?

Anyway, so we are vessels, the bible says, and when we learn to hold water, (of the Word) Then we are a container to help refresh others (my bible says).

However, there are those who will drain us, refuse to learn to receive (themselves) or some who even try to contaminate the living water (of our soul) with corruption, bitterness, or whatever they seem to be carrying around. This is where ministry gets tricky.

There seems to be this outcry now days, one in which everyone is saying, “don’t make me feel bad about myself, don’t judge me, don’t hurt me with your words!”

I by no means wish to Hurt anyone, and any good minister I know, doesn’t wish to do that either. Oh sure, there are a few out there, who could care less who they slay with their tongue, but there also comes a time the truth must be said, and as the saying goes, “the truth hurts’ There is really no way around it.

Therefore, while I believe in being kind, gentle, loving, forgiving, and merciful…………

If someone is contaminating my well, (of salvation) or polluting my living water with their ways, opinions, bitterness, and relentless arguments……I have to cut them off.

If I allow myself to be polluted and contaminated with the rudiments and beliefs of this world, the Living Water God has given me to share with others, will be of no value to anyone. And this is why my darlings, while we hope to be open-minded (to a degree) we cannot afford to be door mats. Mercy understands Holiness, Holiness understands Love, Love understands Righteousness, all of the attributes of God are hinged together, and cannot be separated. God does not separate himself from himself! Love you ….

have a great day (in Jesus) Laura Grace (Author) Grace to the Rescue series.

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

June 17, 2016June 17, 2016 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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I don’t believe in weak prayers……

June 15, 2016June 15, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

throne I don’t believe in weak prayers……….

What I believe (and will always believe) is that the Holy Spirit SHOWS US how to pray. This, like everything else, has to be activated, and applied, in order for it to work.

When I am hit with a big problem I pray like this “Father, You said in your word, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray” and I ask God what he would like me to pray! This is based on the passage “If we ask according to his Will, he gives us what we ask.”

Many people take “the easy way” out on this and just pray for God’s will all the time. There are others who wear themselves out, beating on the doors of heaven for what they would like to see happen. Neither of these extremes is good.

The Holy Spirit will never give you a weak, apathetic, lifeless prayer.

HE will direct you pray things GOD IS going to answer! Then you can stand firmly in Faith and not waver (like Father Abraham) because you are believing for something the Lord promised to YOU Personally Via the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is your teacher, coach and counsellor, given to you by the Grace (undeserved favor) of God!

If you want to see more answered prayer….ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to pray!

I love you. I am called and chosen to write this. I write it to help and encourage you.

be blessed! Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (and after the wordless groans, He shows us how to pray, giving US the interpretation!).

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Soar

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Let Go, and Let God….change you

June 14, 2016June 14, 2016 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!