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Building #8 What is Integrity?

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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Once upon a time there was a girl….

Once upon a time there was this girl. She 30. She had two small children and a typewriter but she couldn’t afford any ink. God spoke to her and told her she would write a book someday.

She told her pastor he said “you need to know what kind of book”. She prayed about that too, and asked God, but did not receive a reply.Over 20 years later- when her kids were grown, she wrote her book while having two jobs and a busy life as Total domestic support to her husband.

She wrote an hour here, and an hour there, praying the whole time.

She submitted every page of it to two different ministers making herself accountable and opening up herself for critique.

That Girl is me, and the book is Grace to the Rescue.

It’s been republished 3 times now, the last time my friend spent hours re doing the cover. This is due to faulty publishing and typing errors (for which she received much criticism).

The book has been edited and prayed over again. She has not given up!

It’s a testimony of Grace more powerful than most can imagine. It’s a story of redemption, tenacity, faith, and hanging in there when the odds are against you……..

It’s a book about how GOD IS THERE no matter what through thick and thin. He provides, he does miracles, he sees you through when you refuse to give up on him helping.

LIke Jacob she hung on. Like the prodigal, she came home. Like Abraham she believed for a city that is of God. Like Joshua, she took the land, and like the women of faith she took the job of motherhood to be the highest calling on earth…….

And she fought the fight of faith along with her friends who love God too, and she prevailed in Him. She read the entire bible! She knows who the heroes of Faith are, and she strove to become like them.

Now I am highly honored that one of those ministers is featuring me on her page (Eagles Way Ministries) a woman who has stood in Faith with God for many years now, spending most of her free time in fasting, prayer and Study. And why does she do this, you may ask?

For the sole purpose of Doing God’s will For her life. For you see, she is in covenant with him, and so is her ministry partner, and so am I ……and Hopefully……so are you.

Yes I had to get divorced. It was not a union that was meant to be. It was destroying me. That is not God’s will for a person’s life. I moved over 20 times ad gave up everything to save this marraige. It was impossible. Irretrievably broken.

I had a woman in Wisconsin tell me she couldn’t put the book down it’s the only book she ever read besides her bible. I had others (Trish, Lorna, Lori, Jan and many others) Tell me what a great book it is. Leza edited it the very first time. Missy has been a huge support and cheerleader to me as well.

Thomas came to every book signing! I’ve actually had a lot of love and support but sometimes it’s easier to see the attacks when they are vehemently against you than all the love and support you’ve had.

Maybe I didn’t say how bad the suffering was or really get across Why I had to leave him….

But I had to. My children needed me to. They had to see me press on for better, and that abundant life God promised me. Otherwise, who would show them the way?

Sitting and being abused by your spouse is not a good path for your children to follow. So all naysayers out there, I don’t care what you think anymore. I’ve been free from that horrendous abuse for 16 years this year The same amount of years I suffered under it.

Let me tell you something; If you stand up to abuse maybe it will SAVE YOUR MARRAIGE! In my case it didn’t. Either way you shouldn’t Take abuse day after day and tell your children that’s God’s will for your life.

Not good. If you ever see YOUR child suffer abuse you won’t be so quick to say I should have stayed and took it forever. God’s word was never meant to be something that keeps us in a cage. Do you tell children if their parents abuse them “Obey them?” NO YOU get them out! why are people so scared of books about deliverance from a bad marraige? They are afraid it will cause everyone to “Run to sin” of divorce. That’s just silly.

I”ve been on this wall every day now proving to everyone I love God and how I”ve grown and AM growing. I wrote this book before they started having abuse stories on focus on the family. I had people act like I had the plague because I wrote it. It was painful but I am over it now. I will never apologize for my book again. I must admit for a time, since I’ve had more come at me pointing fingers and trying to make me ashamed than anything else, I did have regrets. Nobody has any idea how hard it’s been to keep my faith Going to BELIEVE I did what God told me to do. I will be justified in the end.

Thank you Lord for the support of Friends, true friends who have prayed for me through all of this. Love you friends!

Laura Grace and thank you Ministers Stace and Kay for your support al these years and for this honor:

http://eaglesway.org/links/laura-grace/  

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

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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The power of one…..and the importance of one ……and the mandate to go……..

power of one.jpg
For years i wondered where I fit in, in God’s church. I wondered what my job was. In church I felt like a kid who never got grown up enough to handle any sort of responsibility, no matter how Hard I tried. Oh sure I loved going to church but eventually, I (like any kid) wanted to do something too. All the jobs seemed to be taken, and my job was to sit on the pew. I just didn’t like it (is all) so for years I practiced guitar (Praise music) and prayed, sought God, what was I to do? 
Now years later, I understand the river (and the heart of a believer) will find their way into their true calling. 
My husband and I just got back from a vacation/ministry trip. He had a few days of Vacation, and we have not taken one since last year (at this same time) when we went to be a tourist down in Dillon, plus went to Virginia City. WE prayed, Packed up, and went on a Journey praying we would find those God wanted us to find (on this trip). Over the 5 days we found 10 stops and about 20 people we prayed for (total). We also were prayed for as we met with new friends who prayed and ministered to us as well! I had always wanted to see Silverwood (never have) a theme park near post falls ID. I wanted to do a lot of things, shop for stuff, go to this famous donut shop, just all kinds of things …..
but …we gave up our vacation and we gave it to Jesus. He used it to do marvelous things too! the memories of who I have prayed for and spent time with on this trip will be marked for eternity! I have no regrets that I did what I did. 
We prayed for a woman who is having a terrible time with her Dad, for another guy that is grieved about how he can’t find any good churches (in his town) as he said so many are falling into strange doctrines and wierd beliefs.
We stood and prayed for entire church complex and witnessed to the secretary in the church and encouraged her. I prayed with a little girl who was severely abused and another couple whose shop was going out of business. God led me to a homeless shelter/soup kitchen where he had me stand and give my testimony of how I got saved, and offered them hope with tears running down my face ……
The point is not to impress you but to say…..the river finds a way. If you can’t minister anywhere because the jobs all seem to be taken, Jesus has a job for you. I’ve heard so many pastors say “reach out to people” (on your job or wherever) but we all know that’s not so easy. Just think if Every believer spent some days of their lives saying who can I reach today Father? Who can I reach today? “Work through me today Father!” 
How many could all of us reach together? Probably everyone. 
To do this we can’t be concerned with Notariety or what WE are going to get out of it. In Matthew 10 Jesus said to his Disciples GO……..GO ………
I see nothing about anyone taking up an offering for them or having church back up. They just went……..and delivered what they had in their heart to deliver …..
YES my friends ONE (You) can make a difference, and that ONE life you touch, THEY MATTER (Jesus said so!) …….So now what are you waiting for? The world needs to hear and see the treasures God has put in your heart……..Amen? 
Matthew 18:12
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?
PS: The Lord made sure we were blessed and still had some fun on this trip Isn’t he GOOD? yes he is. He is so Good! Praise Jesus! 🙂
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I had a rough week……

PREPARING YOUI had a rough week. Ever had one of those? Sure you have. 🙂 Some of it was funny, other things, not so much. I was thinking how in order to find out if your pipe is weak (in your house) the best thing to happen is to apply some pressure. My husband has fixed numberous pipes, and the thing is: It was already wearing out and weak at some point …….hard use is what manifested the problem. The problem wasn’t put there by the devil, or some unseen force…………

It was not a conspiracy. The pipe was weak, it was getting hard use, and it sprung a leak. Now that part has to be replaced (with something new) In order to work efficiently again. Following me? If the pipe was a living thing, it does not need to be told things like: “I saw a pipe in far worse condition than you the other day.” Sorry that doesn’t help. The pipe is broken. Whether it’s a big crack, little crack, or tiny speck of a hole, the pipe still leaks, and it needs replaced. Duct tape might work for awhile, but pretty likely that will wear off, and it’s not a permanent fix. 

In the same way, sometimes we find out where our weak spots are, because some pressure was applied to our lives. We think it’s a bad thing, embarrassing, or just plain ROUGH. “I thought you wanted me to have abundant life Father,” We cry…….

Well that is what this passage means: 

1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. NKJV
GOD can (and will) replace your old parts with new parts, from him. I see our lives as one big renovation project. We come to him, give him our lives, and he begins to take over, and will help us build a very fine house to live in. So many times the Holy Spirit is saying, “Let me show you a new way” (to live, in this area) and we are too busy kicking and screaming saying “When will it ever be done Father?” Because someone told us this is a right now, overnight, quick fix situation. “SEND ME A DONATION” (they say) “God is going to fix everything RIGHT NOW.” 
Not true. Sorry about that. It’s an ongoing process. bit by bit. Piece by piece, here a little there a little. Line upon line, precept upon precept.. The good news is, God will get the job done! Just stay with him Thank you Father for replacing every worn out and non useful part in my life. Thank you for saying out with the old, in with the new!” Father please forgive me for having a fit. THANK YOU that you have restored me and are restoring me. In Jesus’ name! amen.   Laura Grace author #Gracetogrow

 

 

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That Time we saw a house in need of repair and it reminded us, of us…..

Abandoned House Curtains

Many years ago (almost 14 now) Tim and I were in a small town in Idaho, and we saw this house. It was empty, and had been standing empty for quite a few years. 

“Let’s look!” He said, so we went and looked through this house. It used to be grand, we could tell. I remember how he said “Look at the wood work!” On the inside, beautiful wood work, a large and beautiful stair case (going to the upper rooms) and just stately, grand, high ceilings, lovely window frames, the house (used to be) exquisite. The windows were broken, the rain was getting in, and the house had been battered by many storms. Me, being the deep thinker that I am, said “That house is us!” Tim looked at me a little startled, and I said again “Don’t you see, this house is us!” We stood outside this house, and we prayed. “Dear Father I said” (tears in my eyes) This house reminds me of us! “RESTORE US” I prayed, and let us minister to others who need restored someday. IN Jesus’ name, amen” Tim said, “Amen” and, being the practical person he is, wanted to find out if the house was for sale. 

“We could restore this,” He said. He began to tell me what needed to happen, and that we could do it! The Price was $40,000, and we didn’t have the funds. No bank was going to loan us money, our financial reputation had been compromised. 

So we prayed for the house (that reminded us of us). And life’s journey continued on. Many prayers after this, as we moved on, and eventually wound up in Montana, managing a motel together. 

You’ve read in the bible right? In Matthew where Jesus said the storms came, and great was the fall of the house? We were teetering on the verge of falling away……

Well in this case, this old house was abandoned, nobody wanted to buy it. This means: nobody wanted it! (How sad!). Thankfully, GOD ALWAYS WANTS US and he gave us his spirit as a down payment (on this old house, called us) and promised to pay the whole deed price! He sees the price (of you) and he paid it all! And he will fix you up too! and restore you to your former glory! (and then some). Thank you Father for that old house so long ago, that reminded me of the Price you Paid (to restore me). Halleluiah! 

Laura Grace Author Grace to the Rescue, Grace to Grow, Grace to Soar and more……