Live Free For Jesus
WELCOME TO MY BLOG (PREVIOUSLY Called To Be Free) WHICH IS ONE OF A FEW CHRISTIAN BLOGS I RUN. THERE ARE 60+ POSTS HERE. MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN REGULAR READERS (2-3k Views Monthly) AND THE BLOG CAME TO A HALT BECAUSE THE WEBHOSTING COMPANY HAD PLANS TO CHANGE SITE BUILDERS. SO NOW WE ARE BACK ON TRACK WITH LIVE FREE FOR JESUS (PREVIOUSLY Called To Be Free) I have a different website with that name now HERE
INVITE THE LORD TO SPEAK TO YOU AS YOU READ.
Janet's Blog
Janet's Blog
Blog
FELLOWSHIP: What It Is And What It Is Not
| Posted on 24 September, 2021 at 11:05 |
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ADDRESS FOR ALL BELIEVERS
IN THE BODY OF CHRIST – EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS
Many Of Us Have Been Reaching Out For More In Recent Years Hey? Some For Decades, Because Years Ago We Were Expecting Things To Change. Is That Right? This Address Will Let You Know Why We Have Not Seen Those Changes Yet – A Real M...
Read Full Post »Being True Believers In Practice
| Posted on 3 August, 2020 at 19:45 |
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Let’s do the maths and take inventory. Let’s do this prayerfully. Are you ready? What do 1 Co 13 Hos 6:6 and Phil 4 have in common? Let us see today! So often I have found through the years that a Christian will act one way with Him and a different way with others or someone they don’t like much or disagree with. Have you encountered such behavior? I have been a recipient of such and have known family members or Christians who have also. I suggest these offending ‘Christians’ need to take their rose tainted glasses off when they read their bibles because the Scriptures have much to say about behavior. If we act ‘holy’ with The Lord and poorly towards others - be it family members, Christians or unbelievers - it is Not a good thing! As a matter of fact, the Holy Spirit brought a verse to my attention today and unveiled it’s meaning along the lines of what I have believed a long time concerning unacceptable behavior of Christians and it’s found in the very love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13. I was reading DLNT (Disciples Literal New Testament) and a verse stood out that proves my point and sheds light on something many of us have missed when hearing or reading this chapter. It goes like this: Many Christians can relate to “I am not proud or envious...I do not brag…...I’m not easily provoked or take pleasure in unrighteousness (around them)” but they do behave poorly towards someone or others. When something or someone is not suited to their liking, they reflect that in their words and manner. The best of us tend to pick or choose what Scriptures we like to read often, don’t we? We like to read chapters or verses that make us feel good - that’s ok, it’s in keeping with human nature to do so but we need to venture a little and explore the extras we’re not covering, what they say to us, hey? Did you know that certain behaviors hinder our prayers? Yes, that’s right. I believe for a long time now that the apostle Paul’s words to couples concerning their spouse applies to our behavior towards each-other as Christians too because our relationship in Christ is also a sacred bond. That may not agree with you, however Paul gave us much counsel on how we are to relate together - that which is appropriate, as Children of God, and that which is not. I suggest we need to look for these verses when we desire to “please The Lord” because it’s amazing how many of us leave those things out of our Christian walk or have not even noticed them. Other things it says in 1 Corinthians 13 are: Love does not behave itself unseemly (it is not rude or impolite) it behaves becomingly as is befitting to a child of the Most High and confers honor on others like He would/does. But some of us are even prepared to make comments or remarks of disrepute, are we not? The DLNT version says “does not behave-dishonorably” that applies, I believe, to the way we behave AND casting a shadow on someone’s honor, acting disfavorably towards them, defaming or upsetting them. Such words or actions show us up for how acceptable our godly character really is. In other words, if our words or actions with others does not match our behavior towards Him, we dishonor Him as well as that person we offended and in doing so, we actually sow dishonor to ourselves. Yes, this is maybe hard to accept but it’s true. In fact, Philippians 4:8 even goes so far as to address even our thoughts towards others “whatever is of a good report….think of these things” That and accompanying words in two other verses give us a perfect recipe for “the God of Peace to be with us” (to sense and experience His Presence) and position ourselves for His blessings. Yes, as a matter of fact, verse 6 “Not to be anxious” but “Always Rejoice” verse 4, rather than getting upset and voicing discontents AND “Being Gracious and Gentle” in our manner (not just when we wish to) verse 5, together with verse 8 is Paul’s Recipe for Living in Victory, we can practice daily. In verse 3 of 1 Corinthians Love Chapter, Paul says we can “give up our possessions” (for God) and even “our body” (be a martyr for Him) and if we do not practice Love (without favoritism) towards others “I am nothing” (I am not acting as the child of God I deem myself to be) my “holy walk” counts for nothing - it is not acceptable in His Sight. Paul is saying here “we are kidding ourselves”........we are told “not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought and to practice sober judgement” (in the light we see ourselves in) are we not? Romans 12:3 May I suggest to you that “holiness” is something many of us have misconceptions about? We’re just as religious as religious folks, when it comes to the reality of our “Walk with Jesus” failing to express it in Practical Ways when it comes to how we conduct ourselves in communications with this one and that one. Much as to say this one is a favorite and I’ll treat them well, that one is not, so I’ll treat them anyhow……..forgetting our God is hearing and watching the entire time. Hebrews 4:13 "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Yes all things are bare and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do and we will give account." Yes it's so true, we may not care now but we most surely will then. So what the Holy Spirit showed me today to share is: You can “Love God” as much as you like - even go without things for Him and even give yourself as a martyr, but if your Love for Others is not there (only with the ones you like) that’s favoritism - that means nothing, you have not pleased Him at all. He would say to some of you when Jesus Comes “I did not ask you to do those things but to love and respect each-other and bestow honor. You did not do that.” You find this clearly in the Scripture “I desire Mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6) Mind you, there’s a message in the secular song “There’s no sacrifice at all”.......that speaks of apathetic or lethargic commitment. As I wrote in a prophetic post last year "most Christians don't know the difference between liking and love" (that's the way they act). We must come against careless behavior in Christianity - our own first would be good. So God is not saying He wants a Walk with Him without any sacrifice, but to place a priority on Practicing Mercy because in Hosea’s time, they were actually practising half-hearted sacrifices. And do you remember David once saying “I will not give to The Lord that which costs me nothing? (1 Chronicles 21:24)” Yes, it should cost us something to Follow The Lord - especially the way we treat others if we are not treating someone well. That’s right, Salvation is a “Contract” you could say, when you made Jesus Lord of your life - He did say to “Love Him with all your heart and mind and strength and treat others as you wish to be treated”( Mark 12:30) not poorly, not nasty, not anyhow, hey? But rendering Mercy when there should be mercy, love and respect at all times, bestowing honor, having honorable intentions. Showing gentleness of heart like Paul instructed us. Yes Jesus gave His All - sadly most Christians are giving what "costs them nothing" A True Believer’s Life is not paying your dues (figure of speech) by attending weekly services…...maybe daily bible reading and doing whatever you ‘prefer’ and being nice to who you prefer, the rest of the time. That takes no commitment at all - little really or limited. Let’s go back to prayer again and see what we can best do about this on a continual basis. We need to pray continually (start each day in prayer, setting our expectations for our conduct and lean on Him for His Strength to live in practical holiness, rather than religious) Well wishes to all, I’m included in this. TAGS: True Believers, Aspire To Be, Committed To Jesus, Extending His Love |
Thoughts That Won't Shift - Things You Can Do
| Posted on 31 March, 2020 at 22:10 |
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How To Handle Sticky Thoughts Today, I'd like to share with you some research I did this week in addition to my writings on "Sticky Thoughts" They are a problem for many of us at sometime and maybe often or some. It's good to know what you can do with them. Part of my research was on a secular website and although the writer believes in a few iffy things (in a few of her articles) we do not subscribe to as Christians, she has a a few paragraphs I would like to use as a basis for part of what we're addressing here. I think she has considerable perception in this area, having experienced them for sometime and I would like to praise God for her article! So please note that lines of print in Italics here are from respective authors, not my own and the credit must be given to them. "We have a lot of emotion in these types of thoughts. Emotion creates an incredible pattern of association with the thoughts. When the thoughts come, we don’t recognize the thought itself, we go straight into feeling the way that thought has made us feel in the past." Feelings you had before repeat themselves, attaching to your present thoughts and can make the task of shifting these disturbing thoughts difficult – or complex. "We’re also telling the story of “this thought keeps coming back.” When I first noticed this, it was amazing! I was thinking a negative thought, then I was frustrated by the story that “that thought keeps coming back! Ugh! When will it be gone for good! This isn’t working!” Gently, the part of me (Presence) that watches those thoughts noticed that this was just another story. Whether it’s true right now or not, continuing to tell the story to yourself or anyone else will make it true." How to Un-Stick Icky Thoughts: "Turn it around. What I typically do is take the exact opposite of the thought and meditate on that for a moment. “I have a fast metabolism. I burn everything I eat!” “I have more than enough to pay my bills and I always have money left over each month!” Once you begin to turn around your thoughts, you’ll be truly astounded at how fast your life changes, too! Get excited about the fact that you’re changing the thought. We all used to be trapped by these thoughts, and not even realize we were thinking them! It is phenomenal how far we’ve come in this process. Now, I get so excited when I find a new thought to change, because I know I’m going to experience freedom in that area and a life change, sometimes profound. I love that! Tell yourself the story that your thoughts are more positive and present now. When you tell a new story, you make that story true for you and you reinforce it over and over. I make it true moment by moment, by not thinking in those old ways! I’m not bringing that old stuff into the present (and creating a negative future) – I’m creating a better life now." She also relates differently when conversing with others because she doesn't own those problems anymore. "The Nack Is: when you’re changing your thoughts, have fun with it. Be grateful you have the ability to change your thoughts. Be grateful you have that power! You can make Choices now – you can decide what you would like your brain to think about." (Crystal Pirri) Ponder on those. Meditate on Scriptures out loud and recall Good Memories - focus on those. Make it a habit to have Good Things you can think about on hand when you need better thinking material hey? DISCOVERIES BY NEUROSCIENTISTS Did you know that Neuroscientists have now discovered we can make New Pathways in our brain, if we work at it? This process is referred to as Neuroplasticiy. In other words, our brain patterns respond to reshaping (literally). Knowledge is Power when put into practice. Neuroscientists like Dr Caroline Leaf writes and speaks on this important discovery. She shows us how to go about it and has helped many people in her Practice, to transform their mind in a remarkable way. She also includes key-scriptures in the process. Ps Gregory Dickhow from Life Changers International, has a revolutionary program he pioneered called A 40 Day Fast From Wrong Thinking. It involves ditching a wrong thought each day and it's amazing which thoughts he has come up with for this program:) Both these wonderful Christians help us to detoxify unhealthy thinking and how to build healthy thought patterns for a peaceful and happier mind, with results very similar. These programs also complement each-other and go very well together. There's also another discovery: We have New Baby Brain Cells each morning when we wake up. Yes, every day we are greeted by a New Sunrise and new baby brain cells to nurture and look after. So every time the sun rises there is HOPE…….let the birds remind you of this when you hear them tweeting early in the morning. Picture a sandcastle with a moat around it. In order to change the water in that moat, you can channel a fresh supply of water into it. As the new comes in, the old will gradually be replaced and renewed. Same with our mindsets. There is a principle in this illustration: It is much easier to practice replacement than baling water out of the moat . And so it is with us. Do remember, Consistency is the Key Factor here…..so important! We are investing in a healthier happier thought-life. The more happy and positive content we can furnish our thoughts with, the healthier our mind becomes and we can start reaping the benefits of a kinder brain. ………………………………………………… "So many of us, however, believe that if we just keep doing what we’re doing, eventually something will change and life will just “get better” because we want it to." This is a real mistake that leads to sure disappointments and disillusion with life (or ourselves) can set in if this wishful mindset is left unchecked over a long time. So the earlier we take steps to correct this, we can be assured that benefits are on the way because each day becomes like stepping stones as we are enjoying this process. Practice Reaps Rewards Someone said “Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.” So keep moving on with your progress (little by little). Remember ”a rolling stone gathers no moss?” “Slowly but Surely” is a good saying to remember too. If we try to make changes in big chunks, it’s human nature that we cannot sustain them. "Our minds run rampant with thoughts, and until we begin the process of controlling our thinking, we're left at their mercy. The first step in controlling our thoughts is to notice what we're thinking. Until we can step aside and be the observer of our thoughts instead of actively caught up in thinking them, we can't begin to control them. Pay attention to thoughts and feelings that don't feel good. In the beginning, this may be a lot of thoughts. Don’t stress about how long this will take or how many thoughts don’t feel good, just begin slowly and notice the ones that make you feel uncomfortable. Note: Simply noticing the thoughts is a great leap on the road to Nirvana, since you’re separating yourself from them in a powerful way. Don't judge your thoughts. Our thoughts are not personal, they’re merely following the patterns of what we’ve allowed ourselves to think before. This is a process, and we must consciously choose to think better thoughts before better thoughts will come to us- but don’t judge. Just notice." (Crystal Pirri) Practice self-compassion and Ask yourself, “Is this thought necessary? What can I think that’s better?” Sticky Thoughts That Won't Budge And Greatly Trouble Us Sometimes our enemies seek to trouble us by Magnifying a certain train of thoughts about something or someone and even God if that's possible. They seek to divert your attention or commitment to Him by questioning His Character by magnifying someone's experience (even your own) so big in your mind and it has your full attention - it's increasingly difficult to shift your mind from it. Maybe it's some world events. When your thoughts start to change (you find yourself disturbed) catch them quick and "nip them in the bud" before they develop. Sometimes they can become oppressive and they are mistaken for depression - learn to recognise the difference. Most times (we are affected this way) our enemies Coerce us Gradually, making us feel helpless. Don't let them do that. Instead, Magnify The Lord's Might and Loving-Kindness towards you (audibly with your voice, raising the volume above those thoughts, so to speak). And be still before Him as your thoughts start to settle. You can find a way to do this. Some of us who have trained themselves to Focus on Him in the midst of things, can be really still with The Lord first and Praise and Magnify Him quietly, in the midst of things. You find this assuring strategy in Psalm 62 where David says 1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 2 He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. (New Living Translation) I've experienced that a few times and mistaken it for depression because I felt so low at the time. The Lord clearly spoke to me and said "that is not depression, that's torment" and when I looked to Him in response to His Voice it would break away from me and I was Free of it - that which had me in absolute overwhelm and made me feel helpless. This is actually a form of oppression. Often, at these times, Christians can mistake this for depression because they're really down when this occurs. HOWEVER, DON'T ALWAYS THINK THERE IS OPPRESSION OR DEPRESSION INVOLVED. SOMETIMES WE NEED TO TRAIN OUR MIND WHERE TO LINGER OR SHIFT UPSETTING THOUGHTS AND MOVE ON. GOOD NEWS: I Have A Really Nice New Website Called Inspired In Christ Which Has Different Web-Menus At The Top Of Your Screen With Sub-Pages Like NEW BIBLE VERSIONS (There Are 30+ Which May Be New To You Including New Testaments. It's Really Great To See The Particular Wording In Some Of These Different Translations. Many Have Been Excited To Discover Them) PICTURE VERSES And BIBLE HELPS (With Lots Of Wonderful Resources To Make Reading His Word Interesting) Lots Of Genuine Christian MP3s And MUSIC VIDEOS. Lots And Lots Of NATURE PICTURES (That Includes Beautiful Scenery And Cute Little Baby Animals) And So Much More. Instant Access To The Bible Versions, Audio Versions And International Versions As Well (Lots Of Them. A Really Good Website For Focusing Your Thoughts On JESUS. Visit There Today By Clicking HERE THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER WEBSITE - REALLY BEAUTIFUL - YOU CAN VISIT CALLED InspirationsForChristians.Com HERE For good measure, there Is Another One Of My New Websites Which Has Scenery And Little Baby Animal Pictures Too - Really Gorgeous) In A Menu Called BEAUTY OF CREATION. There Are Lots Of Natural Health Tips, And Heaps Of Specially Selected Recipes We Can Make At Home Through The Following Months, When We Need To Keep Our Homes Happy, Aye?That Menu Is Called TASTY RECIPES. There Are So Many Blessings To Find On That Website HERE Too. People Love It! There's Plenty To Keep Your Thoughts On Good Things With These Websites. No Google Adds On Any Of Them! TAGS: Upsetting Thoughts, Sticky Thoughts, Disturbing Thoughts That Linger |
