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You Can’t afford to be Offended

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Me 2015.jpgI 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! ME MOnster.jpg 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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When you’re taking a trip…..(A very important message about the road to heaven. )

Laura GraceLeave a comment

TRip.jpg

We live in the knowledge age. Everyone wants to discuss what we should or should not be doing, and more importantly, what others should or should not be doing. Without a doubt it’s the most philisophical, debatable, and argumentive age we’ve ever seen. 

When I’m taking a trip, i hope I will plan (how much it will cost) and is there air in my tires? Do I have all the necessities for my journey? What route will I take? Where am I going to stay along the way, and when I get there? We all know if we don’t plan, it’s likely we could end up by the side of the road, sleeping in the car (or something) and then there is the big question: “Why am I even taking this trip?” 

Once we know that (and our passion for the trip is established) we might begin sharing with others what we are doing, where we are going, and why. 

I’ve encountered so much advice along the way, and I know people are trying to be helpful. “Take water and tools” they may say “in case you break down.” “Pray first” Or maybe they’ll say “You can’t afford that trip.” (How do they know?) or maybe they will share their trip, what they did, and how it was a much better trip than you are taking! 

It doesn’t matter, because if you only got one shot at your dream trip, would you let anyone take it from you? Would you let them waylay you, stop you, thwart you, or waste so much of your time you never even get there? I don’t think so! 

Funny how we would take something like a “road trip” so seriously and not ponder where we are going for all eternity. (and who we will see when we get there!)

I”m sorry, I can’t allow you to take me off course! I have a dream about doing things God’s way, learning from Him, Following Him and having him say to me when I get there “Well done” “Enter in” “Glad to see you my son (daughter). He gave me the route, the plan, and he has helped me to count the cost. I don’t have time to argue about it or debate with you about whether my plan is good or bad (according to you). My Father from heaven has spoken, and I must be on my way. 

Laura Grace            John 4:34 “Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work”

 

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

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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What does it mean to be “Spirit Led?”

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Romans 8:14 “For as many that are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” 

What does it mean to be Led by the Spirit of God? 

Well, I will tell you (in my own experience).

It means our hearts are led (drawn) toward doing a certain thing at a certain time. It means we are not ruled by our natural senses, nor are we provoked by fear (prodding). 

Now, idealy, if we see something on fire, we rush to put it out. We see our child running into the street, (and a car is coming) we will shout NO Or rush to grab them. This is not what I am talking about.

I am talking about decisions being spirit-led vs being provoked or rushed by fear. 

I well remember many instances in my life, power about to be shut off (shut off notice) Rent due and not having the money, tires on my car so bad the wires were showing. 

School was starting, we didn’t have backpacks or school clothes yet, and even worse scenarios than that have happened to me through the years. Now this is in my book grace to the Rescue, but one time I was in fog so thick, I could not see the road or the lines by the side of the road. It was bad. My mind screamed PULL OVER but a voice inside my heart said “DO NOT FEAR”. I kept driving. Moments later-the fog was gone.

EVEN in the case of I had this bladder infection one time (terrible pain) And I knew it and I was asking God to lead me forth in peace (vs running to the doctor). Why?

Why would I do such a thing? Well I’ll tell you, I didn’t have insurance, or a babysitter, so I could not just GO to the doctor because the pain level said maybe I should. God led me to go to the doctor that day, and I did. He has LED me to where I should go, when I knew I was about to have no place to live. He knew the next step (I should take) Where as I did not know. 

Now, people who have not experienced this concept (Being filled with the Spirit of God) Or asking for it, receiving it, or even understanding God’s word well enough to fathom or comprehend YES THIS IS REAL (this walking in the Spirit concept) are not going to understand you. They will think you are nuts, or deluded, or both! 

The natural man or mind is at war With the Spirit of God! So this is not something everyone is going to understand. Not possible. 

Therefore, I suggest if you need practice walking in the spirit, don’t be telling everyone what you are doing. Just pray, wait on God, ask him to lead you. Oh and there is Psalm 23: “He leads me to still waters, and green pastures, He restores my soul.” HE restores my Soul! Not man. HIM. 

So, start with the little things. “Lord, I need a backpack” for my children, for school. Watch him lead you to one. “Father I need ………(fill in the blank) watch him do that too!

Now this is for those who are already filled with the Spirit of God, have given their lives to Jesus, and HE IS THEIR SHEPHERD! (you shall not be in want). This is not advice for everyone. You are his sheep? His child? His son? Let him lead you! And don’t be double minded about it either! Trust him to guide you, lead you, and remember this: 

The devil is like the guy coming up behind you, honking his horn (being in a hurry) and you look down, you are following the speed limit, you are doing what you felt led to do.

Do not let him rush you. God is the author of Patience, (and Peace!) satan is the author of impatience, fear, and everything that is the opposite of God’s character. 

Now remember, the best time to PRACTICE GOD”S WAYS is when you are not in an urgent situation. Get started today! Practice walking in the Spirit with the little things, then you’ll do better when the big trials come along. 

 Hope this helps! with Love, Laura Grace  

Isaiah 55:12 “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace;

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Why should I let it go? It’s not fair!!! A suprising look into why the serenity prayer is biblical :)

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Serenity Prayer.jpg Greetings! 🙂 Well you may be surprised at what God showed me today. I saw this poster on a friends FB wall, and I thought, “Yes that’s good.”

After awhile I was doing dishes, cleaning, doing housework, and the lights came on! I am always expecting God to reveal to me new things and what he wants to teach me (day by day.). I have built up my faith in this area, I BELIEVE He wants to speak to my heart (daily!). 

With that said, What jumped into my spirit was; THE REASON we feel lighter and more free when we let go, is because we are letting go of grudges, unforgiveness, or wrestling with what we should do about a situation. Let’s say someone was really mean to you? 

Don’t we often think; “We should say something” to them? Or maybe we should never talk to them again? Or maybe we should pray for them endlessly until they “Get convicted?” Whatever the weight is, it will weigh you down! 

check out this passage in Hebrews 12 

12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I hate to admit to you how many countless hours I’ve spent in my life, trying to figure out what to do about something.

There are also times someone does something (that throws me for a loop) and it’s a fight to ward off the after effects of their careless words. I think the enemy likes to send those fiery darts mentioned in Ephesians & magnify to us over and over the wrongs people have done to us. “You need to do something!” He accuses, or they will think you are a pansy, or a doormat.” Sometimes we need to do something, and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we need to just LET IT GO. 

Did you ever think about the passage in 1 Corn about love being for YOUR SAKE? (Not so much for others?) The problem with being told we should love more at times is, we think “Why should I? They don’t deserve it!”

Forgiveness is for your sake, not for theirs. If they continue in their ways, they will face the Lord over it. (Or do you not believe this?) YOUR ANGER is a weight, your unforgiveness weighs you down! Your constant obsessions with trying to understand an unreasonable person is like and ankle weight, keeping you from running your race. “LET IT GO NOW” ……….(It’s holding you back) 

It’s a blessing if you do! “Father grant me the serenity to accept what I can’t change, and help me to grow in spite of it all, and help me to just let it go……for my sake for your name’s sake, for everyone’s sake! In Jesus’ name amen -Laura Grace Author, speaker, minister of the Lord, and your friend and companion for the gospel. 

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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