Building in God #4 What is Worship?

December 31, 2017January 2, 2018 Laura GraceLeave a comment

Bob Pittman, a pastor in ND at a church we attended, used to pray every service “Help us Lord to honor you.” Today when I stepped into the church door, that’s what I prayed. That prayer struck me as a simple thing I can pray when I don’t FEEL like worshipping God.

When I have things i feel but shouldn’t say, When I’m hurting, when I am even a bit disappointed in how things are going right now……When I do not know exactly WHAT God is up to or why his answers seem to take so long…….

This is a prayer I can grab onto. “Help Me Father to Honor you.”
It reminds me of B. Hinn who said he was called, but didn’t want to go and God told him to pray “Pray that you’ll be willing to be willing”

Sometimes the things God asks us to do seem staggering, or imposssible. Sometimes our friends or companions seems to make light of how hard the struggle is. Some days when you have taken many hits from “life in general” it’s a big effort to jut get out of bed, and keep doing the right thing. SOMETIMES we don’t know how to pray.

Some days we are just tired of having hope, and wonder if it would be better to give up, give in and wave the white flag at the devil and say Fine …….’just do me in” There are days I can’t even articulate how I feel-and I wish I DIDN”T HAVE FEELINGS!

But then, I”d be a robot. I would not feel love, or passion, or any of the wonderful things God wants me to feel. So in our grief, even in despair we can still Honor God with our Lips, and pray our heart comes in line with his. ‘Father, help me to Honor you”

It was the very best I could give today, and it led to exuburant an sincere Worship!!! thank you Father! thank you! you are my strength, you are my song. i will praise thee, all day long! And Worship? It’s telling God how much you love him! Right? Pretty simple

Laura Grace PS. thank you Bob!

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When you’re taking a trip…..(A very important message about the road to heaven. )

December 8, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

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 ……..

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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What does it mean to be “Spirit Led?”

August 9, 2017 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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What Truly is Adultery toward God? The Fiery book of James: Letting the Fire of God purify your heart (and mind)

July 30, 2017July 30, 2017 Laura GraceLeave a comment

How well I remember the first time I heard the word: “World-ly.” It was from a congregation member in an independent pentecostal style church, and they were referring to watching television. ‘Friendship with the world is hatred toward God, ” they declared to me with much confidence. “It’s in the book of James,” they said.

SO I went home and read the book of James. I have to say I didn’t much care for James (my brother in the Lord by the way) When I first read his book. I thought, “Wow,” and was stunned by these words; “Adulterers and Adultesses! Don’t you know friendship with the world is emnity (hatred) toward God? Wow. Wrecked all my love theories in a big fat hurry! James 3 and 4, preface to 5 where the solution is given, without a lot of fanfare. It wrecked my pride, right then. See I was faithful to someone who wasn’t (toward me) and I had serious pride about it too.

I wasn’t too happy with James that day, for causing me to see how Adulterous I was, but once I had read the words, I could not possibly “Un-read” them either.

I remember when I heard television watching, listening to (worldly) music, smoking, eating too much, and even talking to those who are not preaching the bible every day of their lives was considered to be “worldiness.” I wanted you to know where this doctrine came from. It came from someone who loved the bible, but didn’t study it too well. They saw something on the pages (of their beloved bible) and ran with it.

What is the cure to this (adulterous) Worldiness James is talking about? Well he tells you in his next words, “Draw near to God,” He says (James 4:8) “Purify your heart” (oh I just thought of Matthew 5, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall (see God) Oh maybe this is the cure for blindness, eh? Purify my heart? What does that mean?

So I asked God about it (over and over again) in my personal friendship time with Him. For if he is my friend, he is willing to show me, right? I would think so!

OH here’s the answer: “He gives us more Grace.” More Grace? More unmerrited favor when we are so messed up? How could it be, I wondered?

James mentions weeping (over our own sing) getting humble, enduring, and patiently waiting for God to do the work (in us) and also “admitting” to others we have faults.

He says nothing about going on witch hunts to find people we think are worldly and nailing them to the wall. Nothing about being all puffed up and smug about our “lack of worldliness,” And nothing about Judging others (for being so messed up). Furthermore He (like his brother Jesus) Just said we are adulterers and adultresses JUST for loving the world (or any part of it) More than we love God. WOW.

So, there we go. No more judging others for what YOU consider to be worldly or the worst sin, eh? Get your eyes on yourself (and your relationship with God). It’s the only way. The only way! And now you know why I don’t easily submit to the judgment of others. Let God be the Judge! Let (the words) of man fall to the ground, and let every Word of God stand true! I love James (now) Why? I Prayed I would! And God answered me! Because this is the types of prayers HE REALLY LOVES TO ANSWER! “Father change my heart, make me more like you……Help me love what you love, and turn from what you hate. Amen”

Your sister, lover of James, lover of God and lover of truth in God’s Spirit,

As Christ is formed in you ……(Let it begin) God’s peace (and Mercy) to you all…….

Laura Grace

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Formulas and Spiritual concoctions, why they don’t work………

October 24, 2016October 24, 2016 Laura GraceLeave a comment

formula

We’d all like a formula, to solve all our problems! Wouldn’t we? Better yet, a magic genie, or some mystical experience with Aladdin’s lamp. I lost track of how many times, as a young mother, I thought “I wish” I could be like that woman on Bewitched, wiggle my nose “poof” the house is clean! That deep seated desire (in our soul realm) is the very reason many wind up mixing “mysticism” with a trace of God-stuff.

Hey, I don’t blame you! We need to get out of this idea that God is angry, throwing things, having some giant temper tantrum in the sky, just because we insulted him with our “bad ideas.” We wonder why people are not drawn to the God we love so much. Why would they be? According to some, he is extremely temperamental!

Back to the Formula Analogy, I want you to remember that no lie can stand, without a truth to hold it up. True, there will be a formula (of sorts) For each individual situation.

Mud in your eyes, go dip in the river, a floating ax, march around Jerico……These are just a few examples of formulas, if you will, in the pages of the bible. OH and there is sowing, reaping, giving, prayers of petition, covenant meal, which many call communion, use of anointing oil…..and so on, and so forth.

The thing is, we as humans, want to leave out the primary ingredient; RELATIONSHIP with God. Personal relationship! “Peter,” He said “Feed my Sheep,” John (he said) “take care of my Mother” (Paraphrased) and to Stephen: “stand there, behold my glory” (as he is stoned, to death!). “Paul,” GO wherever I tell you, even if chains and prison awaits you………” But the thing is, Paul declared “He would” be delivered from every single thing he encountered, until, it came his time to go to heaven.

One thing we often forget, every person in the bible with a Testimony, was actually in Covenant with God Almighty! And, I might add, it was personal. Very Personal.

This is why, just memorizing passages of scripture (or hearing them sometimes) does not give us the full picture of what is going on, in the Mind of God and Christ. WE need to see the whole story, the backdrop, and what was going on with each person (in our bible) that was in this covenant relationship with God Almighty. But see, we want formulas (I do too, sometimes).

Making scripture into Formulas (without relationship) is the reason so many atheists say “I tried that, It didn’t work for me” and bash God so angrily……..

Think about that for a minute. What are we teaching? And why?

What I have learned is, each time I gain a victory, it has to do with God saying “You do this, now trust me for that” (Other thing I want to trust him for) and it’s never the same twice! Why?

Well, just for one thing, he wants me to know him! (More and more) So therefore, in my personal relationship with Him, I will find things are always changing, or just a bit different! So much for Formula’s, and all the gainsaying that goes with it. If you’d like to know more about that one, look it up? I love you all “Blessings Peace and love (to you all) and may the God of all hope, spring eternal within you, and Let there be Light!

A link to my newest book: Covenants. 🙂

Laura Grace, Author, minister, and his Servant Forever……..Amen

Stay Tuned for Part 2!