Category: renewing your mind in Christ

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Defending my Heavenly Father….

Laura GraceLeave a comment

eagle way.jpg 

I don’t take kindly to false accusations against my heavenly Father. In Fact, I think it stems from the devil. (the evil one)

When The Lord told Abraham Sodom and Gomorrah was going to be destroyed he pleaded with him saying “What if you find 10 righteous men?” Likewise, Moses interceded for the people. “Far be it from you Lord” They said, believing in God’s Mercy, Character, and Love.

In case you don’t see this, they instinctively KNEW 
God was good (and not out to destroy people!)

They had no teachings or books to hear all the things we can hear, or see for themselves the things we have at our disposal to see (and hear!).

Yet they KNEW, (deep down) God is good and that is 
why they could intercede for Mercy, on behalf of the people of Earth.

If someone runs down your family, I would hope you would stick up for them, (if there is anything worth defending!) God is definately worth defending!

He doesn’t go around killing people for disobeying him. No. Like humpty dumpty falling off that wall, men do harm to themselves by not seeking his council, or following God’s ways.

God literally pleads with us, using men to do so. God woos us, sends us faith preachers, and men and women who are willing to stand up for him!

If We don’t listen, or turn a deaf ear to what these Prophets, Preachers and Teachers say to us, and make fun of those who are gifted by the Holy Spirit to minister, we do so to our own demise, and harm.

The gods invented by many ancient civilations were were made “in the image of man.” They were angry, treacherous and punishing. Our God is kinder, wiser, more loving, longsuffering, and more beautiful than any of us could ever be.

With his help, we can become like Him.

What a beautiful thing!

Love, Prayers and blessings,

Laura Grace

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Building #8 What is Integrity?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

INTERGRITY 2

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 “…In teaching, show integrity” Titus 2:7 

What is integrity? It’s doing the right thing when nobody is watching. It’s having a moral compass or having ethics do to things the right way (according to God). The old sin nature it to just “see if we can get away with stuff.” 

The best example of integrity toward ourselves I can think of, is the story of the three little pigs. The three little pig story shows us the end result of either cutting corners, taking the easy way, and so on and so forth. What I do not see is the brick building pig having an argument with the other two on “the best way to build.”

He did not have time for it! 

In this series, we are talking about building things that will stand the test of fire and flood. Wood, Hay and Stubble they will suffer loss (1 Corn 3:12) so we are not talking about your eternal salvation here, but making wise decisions toward God. 

People always want to know (It seems) “What’s in it for me?” Having integrity may not produce instant gratification or results. Like the Three little pig story, you may not “SEE” a house very quickly, when you are doing things one brick at a time. In the end however, you will see a fire proof house. 

Integrity produces trust worthy ways in us. It may take a long while, but we will soon see people trust us, believe in us, and would trust us with their very lives, all because we have proven we have integrity.

I am sorry this process (seems) to take so long, but it’s worth it in the end! Proven integrity, and the willingness to walk in righteousness through thick and thin, is necessary to building a house that will stand in the storms. Not only that, if we want to be an effective minister for Jesus, We can’t really help anyone without a solid place to stand.  Let them build their house of straw…..(If they want to) it’s not going to stand, so do not worry about it. YOU do the right thing for you! 🙂 

I leave you with this thought, as we ponder why so many tell us “hypocrites’ Go to church…….Let’s not be one of them.

Please Father! Fill us with integrity! and the desire to press on, and believe it’s all worthwhile. Amen! Pastor Laura Grace 

INTEGRITY

 

 

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Building on the Rock #1 Your Prayer life

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Prayer 1.jpg

Good Morning! God has something great for us today! (Let’s pray) 

Father I ask you in Jesus’ name. Please get me closer to you! Help me hear from you! Please cause me to have that “relationship” that everyone is always talking about, with you Father…..In Jesus’ name we pray. amen” 

In Timothy 1 Paul says (to Timothy) “FIRST of all…” Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men…..” 1 Timothy 1:1

I have asked the Lord for years now, cause me to do thy will, cause me to say what you want me to say, cause me to do my part, and when I get to heaven, I want you to say, ‘Well done.”

I see that the plan of How-To-build-wisely is threaded all through the old and new testament. As I sought on how to build he let me know “FIRST” Is your prayer life.

When we pray about (all things) we are choosing the pearl of great price (God’s wisdom) over our own. I know a lot of people say make “sure” It’s in the bible, but ….

One time my husband was asking God to speak to him and he was touched to add transmission fluid while he was out of town. It was low, and no indicator light came on to tell him.

He said “I”m so glad the Lord showed me that!”. He was seeking really hard for God to “speak to him.” and I know we all wonder, will he tell me great things today? Maybe I”ll write another book of the bible (like Daniel, or Isaiah!).

And tell me……WHERE in the Word of God is the word tranmission Or even “transmission fluid?”” Not there! Did he get deceived, I wonder? 🤨🤓

Surely as we pray, we do not leave ourselves off the list. Every week I see answers to prayer (every week!!!) Why? Because I pray every week! Do I think I’m too stupid to make decisions without God? Can’t I just “function” without him?

Sure I can (to some degree) but see now doing it all myself would be that “wood, hay or stubble” he was talking about. it’s the easy way, and seems like less trouble, takes less time.

isn’t that why the pig chose the straw house? It was easier?

(to be continued) Laura Grace

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Relationships 5 “No More Drama not even for your mama” the dark underbelly of “Control” (Part 1)

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Control vs influence conTROL VS INFLUENCE Jesus.jpg

 Have you ever had anyone come on your FB wall and argue, and argue, and argue (Until you finally have to delete them?) Because if you don’t, the message you are trying to get across is lost in a sea of debate? It reminds me of when we were kids, and played “king of the hill.” Whoever could push you off your stance on the mount “became King!” …..

Control: To direct a person or animal to behave a certain way. To have power over something. Authority: the power to or right to make decisions, or direct (It is given) 

See the difference? One is given. One is assumed. Stephen had authority given by God to speak. A mob of controllers silenced him because they were cut to the heart (conviction). Acts 7:54-59

What is it? If you’ve spent any time on the internet, You’ve probably experienced control. It’s the counterfeit of Authority. Jesus spoke as “one who had authority” He did not argue with people, or try to talk over top of them.

He didn’t whine about how intolerant people are. He found those who wanted to listen.

If you notice, Jesus didn’t talk about “his rights’  His Authority came from the Father in Heaven. He walked in it by simply “going about his Father’s business.”  (Luke 2:49).

His Authority was questioned in Matthew 21. (by the Pharisees). He wisely refused to answer them. He knew their tricks.

Control starts with fear. Not fear like Fear of snakes or bugs, but fear of conviction or being exposed. Sometimes fear of not beng “in power or in control (of that which they wish to control!) Fear of hearing the truth..(and having to make adjustments). 

It was control (in a mob mentality) that made them stone Stephen to death Acts 7:54-59.

Controlling people will often accuse you of being controlling. Here is the difference. You have authority over your house, your face book, your car, your “twitter account” and before all that, your mind, your will and your emotions. God gave you freedom (from the evil one) when he sent Jesus to the cross.

He spoiled all those powers and triumphed over them, “making a show of them” openly. (Col 2:15).

People may have different things they want control of (and to put a lid on things) but the motive is always the same. “I am in control.” Ever heard that expression,” I”ve got it all under control?” Yes, you have! You may have even said it! Controlling people will talk over the top of you, not let you get a word in edgewise, and will use all sorts of tactics to “shut you up.” Why? Because they don’t wish to hear you. If you put them in their place, they will often call you: “conrolling!” 

I pray Father in Jesus’ name as I consider and reveal about control (and where it comes from) you will help us all learn YOUR ways and not man’s ways about how to deal with this. I pray this Father “LET THERE BE LIGHT” In all areas of our souls, hearts, and minds that comes only from you Dear Father!”

In Jesus’ name “deliver us” from the evil one, cause us to escape his lies, which have been growing like weeds since that day he entered this earth. In Jesus’ name. (amen)

-stay tuned for part 2. Laura Grace control vs influence.png   Author, speaker, minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ 

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

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: 

  1. 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: 

  1. 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

 

 

 

 

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Straining gnats and swallowing camels……Matthew 23- “the warning”

Laura GraceLeave a comment

magnifying glass

Matthew 23:24 “Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”
SOMETHING GOD SAID TO ME Awhile back “They are building a church, but not my Kingdom, and it’s eating them up inside………” 
Pharisees prided themselves on how cautious they were, and how protective they were of God’s word. They were not aware of the pride growing subtly within them, as they prodeeded with no caution- as far as examining themselves, and their own hearts. They thought they’d arrived. 
We have some today- who protect the building of the church, and consider themselves to be supervisors (and experts) of God’s own word. 
They are so busy protecting themselves, shielding themselves, and building giant barricades to keep out evil, they fail to see the heart of God– behind every word Jesus spoke. 
Self-righteousness, Pride, selfish ambitions, greed, lust, (for power not just drugs or alchohol) Are very real threats to the human soul. Why else would Jesus (and his Apostles) warn about these things so much? “take heed to yourself” (The preacher cries.) 
Luke 11:35
“Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness”
In being so careful and examining things, the Pharisees missed the miracles. They missed (Out) On Jesus, the son of God. They missed out on everything God intended for them, and they were so sure (oh so sure) they were full of God’s light. He tried to warn them, but they were so focused on protecting themselves, They did not really hear him at all.
                                     They Judged Jesus’ ways. And, cross-examined him. 
If a drop of rain falls (on your head) and you needed that rain, do you examine it to see if it’s really rain at all? Or do you question where it came from? “He must be from the devil,” They said, for he did not measure up to the former words of God the way THEY Undestood it. The trouble is, they didn’t understand God’s word at all. Jesus was trying to show them, but they would not listen (or hear). 
When I pray for something I don’t care who (the answer) comes from. I expect Jesus can answer any way he wants to. GOD RAISES UP THE HEAVENLY ARMOR within us as we grow in Him and study his Word WITH The Holy Spirit as our guide. He does the work. He’s the Author and finisher of our faith (and our Salvaton) which is why all the glory goes to him, not to us! We aren’t going to be commended for how SMART we are we will be commended for having Faith IN HIM! 
Therefore, Pride has no place in us (or our hearts) there is no reason for any self =righteous Indignation. When we see ourselves becoming all angry about how we are not listened to or followed, we can see pride and/or self-righteousess has taken root in our heart(s). 
God spoke to me about some pride I had……in an area of my life. I’m so glad he did, and he has done it before, and I pray he will do it again! And yes I did something about it. I endured the humiliation so he can make me free! 
Pride you have to go! Self righteousness, you have no place in me! I Resist you satan! Get away from me with your lies and delusions of granduer! I ask you Holy Spirit to teach my heart. I ask you Jesus to purify my soul and cause me to really SEE you and hear you! 
IN Jesus’ mighty name, the name above all names. I dont care how much I suffer for it Lord I want YOU And only you! and only your living word! Cleanse my soul Father wash me clean! I renounce everything that is not you Lord! 
And by the way Pride doesn’t just go before the fall, it can possibly go before the great falling away…….so here’s your sign. Get rid of it! Ask God to show you if you have it! He will answer that kind of prayer! I Promise, HE WILL. 
-Laura Grace (Grace to Grow) peace! and amen
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on renewing your mind…..

Laura GraceLeave a comment

the ramblings of a carnal mind, can muddy up the waters,

and complicate your thoughts. What benefit is there in taking

all that time to clear your mind to hear from God, only to allow

others to clutter up that place, which you have already uncluttered?

If someone does not understand the process of mind renewing,

they are likely to get upset when you don’t allow their input. They

may think you are judging them, or that you just aren’t having a two

way relationship with them.

It’s very hard sometimes, to communicate

the process of renewing your mind in Christ, without hurting others,

even though it may not be our aim, we may hurt them.    By Laura Grace

walking-on-water