christian elitism · elitists · pentecostal pride · Uncategorized · walking in love

1,2,3 “the devil’s after me” Reconciling charismatic teachings with others……

Laura GraceLeave a comment

“1, 2,3” The devil’s after me (goes the song) 4,5,6 “he’s always playing tricks….” 

devil stomp.jpg

The bible says Jesus defeated satan, at the cross. For years, people (of God) just believed him to be a defeated foe, carried on with their lives, and never gave “satan’ a second thought. This was back before the great revivals and great Pentecostal Movement, and awakening. Now to understand why some think the Pentecostal movement is a bit weird (or crazy, or real peculiar) we need to step into their shoes a minute, and, try to understand their logic a little bit.

Yes, That’s what I said, Try to understand (their logic) for just a minute in time, rather than getting so defensive about what you know.

I remember trying to tell my grandma (and others) how the devil needed to be rebuked (in prayer) and the look I got was, “Well you sound crazy, but, I’m not touching that one with a ten foot pole!” Here she was, along with many others I know Just “trusting God was with her” and protecting her, as she went about in faith and lived her life (in faith, believing!)

How is it okay to tell someone they’ve been all messed up all these years, just because they do not see it as you do? If what I believe makes my brother stumble I’m not walking in love. (ouch!). Therefore, in many cases, we need to wait to be invited (or asked) before we speak. We don’t run up and clang the cymbals in someone’s ears! (That is not love!).

 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Gal 5:5-7

So we have Kenneth Hagin teachings, (which I have read) where He said the Lord showed him: “I”m not going to do anything about the devil, you do it!” And so, we have a book called the Authority of the Believer (by Kenneth Hagin) and many offshoots of those teachings, which came after that. 

When we learn something, it’s so easy to just say well “everyone” needs to know this (and start running around informing people of “the truth!”). You know, I’ve done this too.

Therefore, many Charismatic Christians (who talk about being Spirit filled a lot, and so on) Which I have been as well, become little “elitists” and now we have the answer, and all those other Christians “do not.” (and need to be informed, by us!)

We often don’t concern ourselves with the fact that OUR BIBLE SAYS Faith must work through love, and without it, we are nothing but a clanging cymbal! No, we don’t want to hear that part, do we? So we go and “crash” the party of those who are just believing, God is good, the devil is defeated, and I am having faith I’ll be just fine!

You know, when Jesus said he would bring division, it was never His intention the Body of Christ be so divided. (NOT HIS PREFERENCE!) as he was talking about believers and non-believers, not his People.  So this is the thing: You want to walk in Love (Jesus says to me) try loving your brethren for once…………..Those who do believe…….(already) Who are walking in their personal revelation, and don’t need you to insert teachings upon them, which might make them stumble…..

Because, if you do that, you are not walking in love…….

“Here’s how we know we have God’s Spirit ruling within us…..We love the brethren……..

That is those “other people” of God, who do not always believe exactly as we do…..

HMM ……Food for thought! Lord “bring revival” to all your people we pray, help us to return to our first love, which is you Father! And not just be puffed up with the sin of pride, in what we think we know. “Amen.” -Laura Grace

rest! · Uncategorized · yokeiseasy

Rest! What does it mean to you?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

rest-in-the-lord

Mark 2:24, 27 – “And the Pharisees said to Him, Look! Why are they doing what is not permitted or lawful on the Sabbath?” *gasp*

(27) “And Jesus said to them, The Sabbath was made on account and for the sake of man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Thank you Pastor Doc (Lynch) for those scriptures today.
SO God’s heart’s desire is we find rest for our souls. Because He loves us so much. It grieves him when we don’t believe and receive to find a way to rest……..

It actually means we don’t trust him to take care of us! “We can’t take a day off” we say………”Oh Yes you can” says God! TRUST ME (enter my rest!)……Laura Grace

Abigailinthebible · deliverance · godneverchanges · godsblessings · Godsgrace · Kingdavid · losingyourlifeforchrist · marriedandremarried · rescuedbygod · thestoryofabigail · Uncategorized · walkinthespirit

She gave up her life and found it…. The fascinating story of Abigail……

Laura GraceLeave a comment

In First Samuel 25, we find leadership           

A fascinating story……

One that answered many questions for me, years ago when I was seeking the Lord about whether or not he ‘hated women” in old Testament times. Hey, not a dumb question! If you are female and read the Old Testament stories, it can be quite disturbing!

Abigail was married to a man who was “of the descent” of Caleb, one of the two men, who took the land after Moses died. (Joshua was the other.) So her husband had a history of family, that trusted God.

Now, her husband refused to help King David (and his men) which was both a crime and a sin, at that particular time in history. HE KNEW the RIGHT he was supposed to do, yet refused to do it. In the new Testament it says “if you know to do good and refuse, to you it’s a sin.” Never thought of sin this way before? It’s the truth!

Now, Abigail did an amazing thing. She loaded up the donkeys with everything King David asked for (and then some) and bowed at his feet and said “Let this sin be upon me” and she pleaded for her husband’s life. See, King David was going to kill him for his infraction.

And, she did it without her husband’s permission. So, she was not submitting to his evil ways, at the time. so much for the “always submitting theory, eh?” 

I believe she was walking by the SPIRIT, AND she was living the words of the NT that Jesus said, “He who gives up his life for me, will surely find it.” I think she was walking by the Spirit because, we see no LAW in the OT that tells her to do what she did here. No 11th commandment, no former example for her to follow. Just the Spirit of God.

King David was so amazed, he not only commended her, but married her as well. Her husband’s heart turned to stone, which tells me he used to have a heart for God, but had lost it. 10 days later, the Lord stuck him dead physically, he was already dead spiritually by then. Abigail brought hope to me during a very difficult time in my life. A time when I was reading passages like “He who seeks to save his life will lose it, He who loses his life for my sake, will find it.” (Jesus). I too, once asked that someone’s sin be “upon me” and pleaded for their life. Instead of me dying, I was allowed to go free……….

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to the Rescue by Laura Grace           Available on Amazon

compassionatechristianity · Godisgood · godsblessings · gracetogrow · jesuswalkedonwater · knowinggodbetter · renewedinthespiritofyourmind · revolutionizedthinking · sonsofgod · Uncategorized

Who wrote this book of sympathy? Compassion VS Sympathy

Laura GraceLeave a comment

bunny-hugs

Years ago, When I was studying and in prayer, (asking God to speak to my heart) Matthew 15:32 seemed to jump of the pages to me. In this passage, Jesus was moved with compassion, because the people had been with him, listening to him, for three days and had nothing to eat.

Yes, the very same Jesus who said; “It’s my food” to do the will of my Father in Heaven.” I don’t know why sometimes God “speaks’ or sometimes he points out something or sometimes, He gives us a dream (to interpret).

Maybe He likes being creative? Or maybe he has a deep reason, but whatever the reason, that day, He spoke to me by magnifying this passage to my heart.  THAT ONE REVELATION Revolutionized my thinking! 

I used to ask God, “So how come you gave me miracles of cheese, and other miracles take so much longer?” One word. Compassion. 

So, who wrote this book of rules, I wonder? The one that says “This” deserves sympathy, and “that’ does not? We have people who understand: Maybe that person needs a miracle of the rent paid, a piece of pie, (and coffee) or some cheese to give them hope! God did 3 cheese miracles for me, by the way, it’s in my book. How often I learned, not to tell certain persons of my issues, for they might say “WELL now I know a person who is sick an dying in the hospital” (and try to SHAME me for daring to ask God for some cheese!). 

“Shame on you” Condemnation says, “People are really suffering, somewhere, and here you are whining about your shoelaces being tangled up!” 

SO I did not just learn from what Jesus said, but from what he DID! HE did not feed the whole world that day. He did not go start a soup kitchen. He fed the kids that were following him, listening to him……….and they wouldn’t have starved……

“Lest they faint on the way home” He said, and sometimes, God does miracles so you do not faint in your faith (before you reap a harvest!). 

Human reason can get us into a lot of trouble (with our faith,) you know? it really can. Because if we do not understand God’s heart (behind what he does) we will not understand Him If we don’t understand Him, we will ask amiss. If we ask amiss, we will not receive His miracles. (book of James) 

He fed the people following (and listening to him) that day….

a very big clue (into the heart of God) 

Your partner in the Faith and knowing Jesus, with Love,

Laura Grace 

beingrich · Jesusandgodprosperity · kingdomofgod · loveofmoney · novowofpoverty · onprosperitymessages · rich · richyoungruler · seekfirstthekingdom · Uncategorized · wealthandthekingdomofgod

Being Rich vs the Desire to be Rich! There is a BIG difference!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

gold

There is a big difference between the desire to be rich, and being rich. Let’s pray: Father thank you for speaking to me and giving revelation to my heart and mind. Cause me to understand your word better Father I pray, and not be clueless or just listening to what others say about you! Help me to know you! In Jesus’ name. amen. 

I am a preacher who tends to speak not ‘word for word” scripture, but everything I say is based on scripture. The “branches and leaves” of the original vine, if you will. This is because I want you to read it for yourself, and not just “follow me.” 

THERE Seems to be a contradiction if you read the scripture without inviting God’s SPIRIT in. This is WHY there is so many different beliefs, among Christians about nearly everything. God seems to be chastising the rich in one place, and saying he’ll make us wealthy in another. 

I am here to tell you, there is not a contradiction. James says, those who desire to be rich fall into temptation. Evil desire gives birth to sin…….(in another passage) …….

In Luke, we have a rich young ruler, who was challenged about what mattered to him most: The kingdom of God or his money? Jesus was walking in the same wisdom He gave Solomon here. (If you have read these things, you will understand what I am saying here.) And in Matthew, we have “easier to go through the eye of a needle” than for a rich man (who is attached to his riches) to enter in. FINALLY we have Rev 3 where 

God really clarifies what he’s been saying about wealth the whole time: “YOU DON”T THINK YOU NEED ME” (Paraphrase) because you rely on yourself, and your money! 

So we see, as we contemplate, (and let those religious ideas go out the window!) That God is not contradicting himself. Why are the generous soul made rich? Because, God wants to equip the generous with more to give! They have proven they love people, not money. Sometimes people are rich because the evil one did it, so that they would not ever become all they were meant to be, in Christ. So don’t let riches fool you, one way or the other. Don’t get attached to it, the wise man said in Proverbs. 

I do hope this clarifies whether we can or cannot, pray for Prosperity. Examine your heart, seek God about it, and don’t let “the desire” to be rich take over your love for God and his Kingdom. If you do that, you will do well, prospering or not! 

 

With Love, Laura Grace, Author, minister, servant of Christ 

 

 

 

christianityfordummies · down-to-earth-christian · freebookpromotion · freebooks · freechristianbooks · Godprotects · Godsaves · grace to the rescue · gracetogrow · gracetogrowstudy · Laura Grace · Uncategorized

Free book Promotion 11/9 to 11/11 2016 All Four books (Rescue, Grow, Soar)!!!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

GRow study guide leaves.jpggrace-to-grow-treesGrace to the rescue cover0002.jpggrace_to_soar1_front.jpg

If you have a Kindle, a Computer, or even a Smart phone, this deal is sure to bless you! 

From 11/9 (This Wed) To 11/11) Veteran’s day, The books Grace to the Rescue (second edition) Grace to Grow, Grace to Grow Study Guide, and Grace to soar will be available on Kindle free of charge. My Author link is:  amazon.com/author/lauragrace. 

Because Tate has Grace to the Rescue Published, and I have been unable to remove it, please look for the Grace to the Rescue edition that is lower in price (not the 15.00 version) and this starts tomorrow! Thank you Father that no labor of love is in vain, and that you will use the books you have inspired me to write, to bless many, many many people, and set your captives free. In Jesus’ name! amen 

 

-Laura Grace 

divorced · divorced christians · pain is pain · trauma · Uncategorized

The Horror of Divorce …….it’s like being an amputee……no matter who left. Growing in Grace #2 PAIN IS PAIN!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

sad

Maybe Some people just “trot” down to divorce court, like they are exchanging a defective item, or returning shoes that were too small. I kind of doubt it but, perhaps there are persons like this. 

I’ve had people say “oh leave the past in the past” (forget about it now!). It’s been 15 years since I got divorced. Yes I am over it. I have regrets about the book I wrote “Grace to the Rescue” (available on Amazon). First I don’t like the publisher I used, Second, I was so focused on staying positive, giving due thanks and praises to God for getting me through it, I failed to really get across the nightmarish, agonizing pain of it all. 

If you Love someone, and they betray you, lie to you constantly, fail to keep their vows, thwart you at every turn when you are trying to train your kids to behave (as they are focused on being dysfunctional donkeys!) and when they love you one minute, and call you terrible names the next, lie about you, make you move 22 times because they won’t keep a job, cheat (and the list goes on), it rips you apart. If you are able to love yourself enough to get out of there, people rip you apart.

Your heart is torn apart from what truly is like, an amputation. Remember the passage? “If your arm causes you to sin cut it off?” I am NOT here to get you to feel sorry for me. 

I just know there are people out there some I know, some I love dearly…….

And every time I hear of them getting the disapproving looks, and the judgmental glances, because they say they got divorced, I cringe. My heart hurts for them. 

Why? Because I know, I have lived it. I know the pain of having to admit defeat, when you have tried everything you knew to do and still……..you can’t make it work. I know the rending and tearing that happens, when two souls get ripped apart, all because one wants God’s ways, and the other wants the ways of the evil one. 

This is part of my mission: “stick up” for those who are oppressed, cast down, and don’t know what to do anymore. Those who would rather die, then face the ordeal of leaving, only to learn those who loved them now disapprove, and will give those disapproving glances. Pain is Pain. I will never understand praying for someone in the hospital, getting their leg cut off, and refusing to pray for a person who is forced to go through divorce, in order to live. Why is it so different oh religious ones? 

I will never understand. With love and blessings despite the pain ….

Laura Grace Author, Grace to the Rescue. Available on Amazon

 

disciplesofchrist · envy · frustration · Grace books · grace to the rescue · gracetogrow · Gracetogrowrealstories · gracetosoar · gracetotherescueseries · gracewalk · jealousy · rage · Uncategorized

That time I got jealous about a cherry coffee table……Grace to Grow: Real Stories #1

Laura GraceLeave a comment

cherry-coffee-tableme-at-choke-cherry-2015

I had a friend, back in the 90’s, Her husband and her had quite the testimony, a beautiful home, and were truly prospering.

I was in a bad (destructive) relationship at the time, and I was reading my bible, attending church, praying all the time for help from God and deliverance. 

She was concerned about me, standing in faith with me, praying for me and my children.  One day she was saying to me “that perhaps” I needed to ready myself to be delivered from this relationship, by not agreeing with some of this person’s evil ways, and that I should be bolder, stand up to what is evil, and make a stand for truth. 

I”m not sure why exactly, but her relentless challenge to me to “hate what is evil” and keep resisting the devil’s ways just hit me wrong that day. I looked at her life, her big house, her husband kept his job, and her new cherry furniture…….

And right there, in the middle of her coaching me, and exhorting me to stand up to evil, I exploded! I said “that’s easy for you to say, you and your Cherry Furniture!” 

Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, i was furious with this person, who was just trying to help! Did I love God? (Yes) Did I want to be righteous? (Yes, again) and did I pray and hope to be all God ever wanted me to be? (Yes, again!). 

But inside, I was frustrated, seething! I was hurting, and in pain! (and trying to be very  brave in spite of it all!). Still, to God that was no excuse. Why Did I lash out at the very person trying to help me, I wondered, after I got home? oh, We had a laugh over it, She started laughing! Eventually, I started laughing too! I acted like a complete ninny that day, and was so embarrassed! I went to God with it…….

“Father I’m jealous, envious, and full of wrath!” Take this away’ I prayed……..

And yes, in the comfort of my own home that day, With God very present, and not at some church meeting, he quietly took away my anger, the Jealousy, the rage…..

And it’s more than 20 years later now…..I have my own house…….but that day I made a decision. IF I never had a house, ever, I wanted Jesus more……..

Grace To Grow Daily by Laura Grace, Author, Grace to grow, Grace to Grow the Study Guide and Grace to Soar, available on Amazon. 

 

 

be humble · beingspiritual · biblestudy · commonsensechristianity · disciplesofchrist · fire · FireofGod · grace · Grace books · gracetogrow · highminded · onfire · spiritual · Uncategorized

Spirited or Spiritual? There’s a big difference! Which are you?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

HORSE REaRG.jpgFather in Jesus’ name, Help us to see the difference. Amen 

Yes, I am called to share things as God directs me. I thought it was interesting, that awhile back in my prayer time, The Lord said to my heart “You have to find a way to bridge the gap.” In other words, he gives us his Word, direction, but then sometimes he does say (like I said to some kids yesterday) “create something” out of what I have given to you! So this morning, I was praying and thinking about this word: BROKEN! 

Immediately a vision came to me of a horse rearing, needing to be broken. What does this mean, really? Well it means the SPIRITED part needs to be broken, but, we don’t wish to break their spirit, amen. 

SO many do not understand, that being high spirited, is not the same as being spiritual. “Getting on fire” does not mean hell fire and damnation preaching, telling everyone what a piece of crap they are for not believing your views. How Do I know? 

Galatians 6:1 says “Restore in a spirit of Gentleness, that you yourselves may not be tempted.” Oh how we love our pep rallies, and to get fired up! Don’t we? “Get all militant, tell them how it is” (calling it spiritual!) The truth is, we think being gentle is boring (a lot of the time) Or, some do. I don’t have to own a horse, to know that you can break a horse, but not break his spirit. And here’s another thing, God isn’t going to ‘zap you” and make you be good either! YOU have to seek his discipline, correction, and ask Him This, “are you pleased with me Father?” For you see, HIS sons ask for Discipline! Correction! 

                He Loves those who seek him for more……….

I”ve been around spiritual people, and I’ve been around spirited people. Spiritual people are dead to being high-spirited. Usually, it’s because they have learned their high spirited ways leads only to trouble. Fighting. Squabbling, bickering, and the like. 

They learned their ways didn’t work, and that it never helped anyone “get to Jesus.” 

So.Do we ask for correction? And beg God “Please, I want be spiritual! I want to be like you, truly!” Or, do we just keep on being the same way we have always been?

One brings God results, the other brings flesh results, which is not a good result at all. 

“Father forgive me for my high spirited ways at time. Forgive me for thinking your ways are boring! You are never boring at all! On the other side of “death to myself” and my ways, is the Victory you long for me to see! May Signs and Wonders follow me, your power Father, Your will be done, and not my own. In Jesus name I pray! Amen. -Laura Grace

Author, Grace to Grow, Grace to Grow the study Guide, Grace to Soar. 

encouragement · faith · the power of encouragement · Uncategorized

The power of Encouragement….. Worth it’s weight in Gold………

Laura GraceLeave a comment

I don’t think a lot of people realize the struggle that occurs, in the fight to have a Passionate life. As Christians we so often fill our world with platitudes. “I’ll pray for you” we say (I say it often) and I really do, however……

There are just days when none of it really seems to help. Not that we aren’t grateful (for prayer) but when we’re still enduring the pain of some crushing blow, a huge disappointment, a tidal wave of fear wondering if anything is ever going to change…..

At that moment sometimes we just need a hug. A listening ear. Someone to say “It’s going to be okay and, by the way “I believe in you.”

Looking back on my life, I think about all the wonderful things I have experienced, fine dinners out at times, Lovely times looking at the moon, the stars, the beauty of nature…….

Times of abundance when the bills were paid and I actually got to go somewhere “cool”…

But you know what? I don’t know about you, but I treasure most the times when I was at my darkest hour, my lowest point, My “Worst day ever” and someone said, “I believe in you” “You’re going to make it” ………”Better days are ahead”……

Or like a friend said to me “I’m not going to quit, let’s not quit” ……….

Ah the power of affirmation………oh the treasures of the heart when someone speaks life to you and chooses not to do you in with a big shovel full of criticism…..

Love you Lots my Friends! You know who you are! -Laura Grace