Tigger56

Good topic. Good question. I am not saying my way is the best way but here is what I do, I have prayed in my car or while walking. I also pray before the Lord upon my knees at least three times a day (see Daniel 6:10). I believe Daniel is a good example to follow in my life. This isn't something I say all must do, it is just something I do. I at times pray to the Lord laying flat upon my face. Prayer is the most powerful tool a person has and serves many purposes as I sometimes simply want to praise them or I am seeking them, or at times I have great need, etc... it is a time of communication and a time of communion. Or at times I have had "flare prayers" where I need them right then! However, whatever position you may choose at any given moment, the most important position in prayer has to do with our hearts. When I am walking in obedience and in a manner pleasing unto them then I know my prayers have greater power (see James 5:16). Most times I pray alone but at times I pray with others for I need the alone time with God but I also believe in the power of united prayer. I have a "circle of faith" where we pray for each other everyday and at times pray together. Sometimes at church we will separate into groups to kneel and pray before the Lord. (Those who have difficulty in kneeling join us by sitting in a chair). Prayer with my wife is also extremely important as it helps us to walk united in heart as we go through each day. Anyway, just thought I would share.

Seems like the common census is manipulation. I agree with this. What the wife needs to know is that there is a difference between forgiveness and restoration.

When I first saw this I thought it was a strange question when there is so much to ponder and learn from in God's word, but then I realized it wasn't a strange question at all. I agree with what AnOrangeCat posted, one has to look at the context. Jeremiah was sent unto Israel as other prophets were by God but Israel preferred listening to their own prophets. They preferred the ones that told them what they wanted to hear over what God was truly saying. The whole 27th chapter of Jeremiah is a good chapter to read in regards to this. Look at verse 9 of Chapter 27, and we see the true problem of Israel at that time and the true problem within our nation and the nations of the world. They were warned not to listen to "your prophets" and "your dreamers" and "your enchanters" and "your sorcerers". None belonged to God. Also look at the combination of prophets along with enchanters and sorcerers. It kind of puts it into perspective. Israel still fit God into their lives along with many false ways of the nations around them. Though this is something God warned them of when they first went into the land. They were in a sense trying to cover all their bases. Much like many do today, they will worship God in their own way, own traditions, etc... they dictate how God is going to be worshiped and how they will obey or disobey God, over how God tells them to worship and follow Him. The term used today is called syncretism which means for those unfamiliar with the word, "the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought." Amalgamation means, "the action, process, or result of combining or uniting". Israel is there is an example, unfortunately most do not learn from this. Thanks for the question it caused me to read a couple of chapters of Jeremiah this morning.

Your company isn't arguing that the roof needs to be replaced apparently. But what is your deductible? Do you have replacement cost coverage? These two things play in big part in what amount is afforded to you. I never cared for "public adjusters" as a whole. They may get you more money but likely they will charge you more than you get and there is not guarantee on the additional money. The answer to the first two questions will likely play a large part of how the insurance company came up with you settlement amount.

Not sure where you are from... but if there is insurance on the vehicle and you are driving it with their permission then you are automatically covered under their policy. So you know where I am coming from... I was an insurance adjuster for 25 years.

I usually plan my days. I plan future trips etc... But in all my plans I also stay surrendered. I never know when all my plans will change on any given day. For an example of a day. I may be planning on being at a meeting at ten a.m, but on the way see someone on the side of the road needing help. I don't allow my plans to prevent me from being led by the Lord. So, I will stop and help. I can plan on future things but I also realize that I cannot see what circumstances or events may present themselves in my life so I plan but stay surrendered unto the will of the Lord. I give Him each day and know He will lead and guide.

The scripture reminds me of something I would like to share, "The Laws of the Harvest" Seven Lessons of the Harvest Plant your seed in the season that will cause it grow to maturity at the right time. The land must be ready to accept the seed. The land is responsive to the plow. Plant more seed than needed. One seed can become many fruits. A wise sower will cast many seeds upon rich and fertile soil, but sow more sparingly upon dry and unfertile soil. Planting is like fishing. You must have the right seed, the right time, and the right location. Seeds grow when planted according to season, day, and time. Fish are best caught when hungry. Plant seeds carefully among thorns. Satan will choke away the good plants. Remove the thorns, prepare the land, and then plant. Your life is the plow. How deep are the furrows made behind the mule? Plant seeds where you see light. I will show you the right light to develop the best crop. Train faithful men to see light and fruits of light, and plant good seed within good light. Plant seeds with care upon land that has been abused and planted too often. Heal the land through nurturing and care. Fertilize first, and then let the land be fallow. Check the soil from time to time. Wait for signs of tiny growth and test the plow. Plant seeds where you can till and care for the soil and the plants. Care of plants includes working the soil. Do not forsake the land tilled, and only focus on the fallow land. For you must care for the plants to make them grow and become your future seed for the new ground.

There are numerous quotes from the Lord during his ministry upon the earth that could be discussed. One that I find interesting is in Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." What if the Lord wasn't referring to weight when he said his burden was light. What if he was actually being descriptive of the burden. His burden was to be a light to the world. Our burden and blessing is also to be a light to a world in darkness. So his burden is "light".

Will do.

Your quote of, " I also do think my Lord's burden on me is light, very light. It is not some albatross to wear as symbol of my sufferings, my agonies. It is the real promise of hope beyond hope beyond sight even. It is certainty and it is joy beyond all else. God is awesome. He is good so good. Jesus Blood alone has made it so for me." It makes me what to interject a thought. What if the Lord when he said that that his burden was "light" wasn't referring to the weight of following him, what if he was actually being descriptive. For his burden was "light" that he carried and shared with the world. We are to also carry the burden of being a "light" to a world in darkness.

All of the previous advise is good advise. I have some family that have turned their hearts to God and some that haven't. I have 4 boys, now men. Three are baptized and follow the ways of the Lord, one of them is a minister now. I have one that still chooses to ignore God. I don't preach to him or to other members of my family that don't believe. But I also don't hide the Lord. I will thank the Lord in front of them. I will say a blessing, even if to myself with head bowed, if I eat with any of them. I will use the name of Jesus in conversations. But I also show that I walk the talk. I show them love, kindness and patience. I also never cease to pray for them. I would love to see all of my cousins, nephews, etc. turn to God. I was raised in a Godly home, yet only myself and one brother follow the Lord. I have two sisters that don't and one brother that doesn't. They are in my prayers daily. Never give up. Just be a light, keep praying, and let the Lord work in their lives. I trust in the Lord's perfect love and also in his perfect timing.

My wife and I have been happily married for almost 39 years. We actually only dated for around 3 months before getting married. (her dad didn't approve of me, I would have preferred to have the dad's blessings but he had someone else in mind for her). My dad and mom only dated for one week before they were married (He was in the Navy and was about to leave back to California, so she married him and went with him). They have been happily married for 65 years now. So I know that longevity of dating isn't always the key, though it can be important. I know I have been greatly blessed and I also know not all have happy marriages, but I am interested if you have any keys or lessons you have learned and applied in marriage. When my wife and I were married we lived close to our families which can be good and bad for a couple starting out, but it came in to play in three promises we made to each other prior to our marriage. 1. We promised to keep God center in our lives. 2. We promised not to go running to family with problems until we tried to work it out ourselves. (we weren't opposed to wisdom but didn't want to be seeking our families to be taking sides, etc...). 3. We promised not to go to bed angry. Those three promises were three simple things that built the foundation to our love for each other and our commitment to each other. Also I would love to hear how you keep romance in your marriages. I just think the different inputs and ideas may help others in this forum and Hey, maybe I will get some good ideas! Here are a few things I do... I still have date nights with my wife or a date day where we just go out on a day trip. Every morning I set out her coffee cup and on top of the cup is a love note with one small chocolate kiss (she likes the almonds one best). I don't want a single day to go by without saying, "I love you" numerous times and its a way to start the day. (She has saved every note ... she has eaten all of the kisses).

sorry, mistype. We are not to have a shadow of turning. Thanks for catching that!

AG Agree. We change and grow. However, we are to have a shadow of turning, which to me, means we don't turn from the light, from the ways of God.

I don't believe every sin is willful. There are sins of rebellion but also believe there are sins of ignorance. What is the gospel if not repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. That begins the walk of obedience unto the Lord. That is when we do accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, Messiah, Lord and Master. To turn to God means I will become more like him and attempt to emulate my Lord. Which means I will turn from sinning. If and when I sin, I immediately repent and continue to attempt to attain a sinless life. I fail and I sin, but I then repent and seek lasting change. To me, to follow the Lord means to walk his path, his example, to follow him and his teachings. If the Lord says, sin no more. then I must believe that it is possible to walk a path of righteousness without sin, thus I forget that which is behind me and run the race set before me.

no attempt to be disingenuous... what missing half are you talking of? How can you say that I appear to be disingenuous and still say blessings? Odd. Anyway, you didn't answer the question if chastisement and punishment is being disobedient.... then disobedient to what? Why the chastisement and punishment? Your words.

grace cannot be earned but grace allows us the freedom of obedience unto the Lord not the freedom of disobedience. Grace is precious but it is not cheap. Your words contradict. If it only takes confession with your mouth then why do you say... chastisement, yes, punishment, yes. What is the chastisement and punishment for?

In James 1:17 we are told that with the Father there is no variableness or shadow of turning. Is this a description only of our God or is it also a description of how we are to be if we are walking the path the Lord desires? In the scripture it states "with whom", with means in relationship or near, so when we are nigh to God we should be walking a straight path with obedience and commitment with no variableness or shadow of turning. This scripture is the only one in the Bible that uses these two terminologies. I find an instruction of obedience in this.

I do believe in the grace of God, the mercy found at their thrones. However, one cannot take away the need for repentance when someone willfully sins against the Lord. Jesus' own message was.... Matt. 4:17, "repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." John the Baptist says this in Matt. 3:2, When Peter spoke on Pentecost and declared Christ as Lord, the people were pricked in their hearts and asked what were they to do. Peter in Acts 2:38 said, Repent and be baptized... Repentance is part of the gospel message. Repent and be baptized is the start of the path of following the Lord.

Yes. Beautiful post. Light senses light just as light can sense darkness. I have found this to be true. What you said of those at church I hope isn't true at your church. I know it isn't at mine. Our church is small but is as a family. All help one another and there is great love and joy. We spend time together at church and in many other activities. I probably feel my greatest frustration at foolishness and the lack of wisdom, but I try to learn from not only my mistakes but from the mistakes of others.

I praise God that he is above our thoughts and ways! But it doesn't mean that we shouldn't attempt to understand his thoughts and ways. I know Winston Churchill once made this statement about Russia, "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma," sometimes I believe people think this about God's will and way. I praise the Lord that their ways are above mine and their thoughts higher than mine, thus I hunger, thirst and seek.... Thanks for sharing the verse.

It never says that. I was referring to the fact that King David's sin has been published in the writings of the Bible as have others. But will that always be the case. a little abrupt but okay.

I have heard the phrase, "Seeing is believing". But is that the best way? When our Lord walked this earth as a man, people saw miracles and some believed. But when looking to some of the examples of miracles in scripture in appears that those who performed miracles believed and then saw. I think the best way of faith is "believing is seeing". I love the scripture in Jeremiah 33:3. It is a prayer I say and I have now witnessed and experienced some miracles, and know that greater ones await. Perhaps more mighty things will be seen and done once people change the "seeing is believing" to "believing is seeing"

This is off subject but below you have this posted with you inputs: Because I grew up in a cult, I recognise my teaching and understanding of what the Bible says was often incorrect, please be patient with me if I word a question wrongly, I have a lot to unlearn. Sometimes (often) I do not realise I have learned something incorrectly until it is pointed out to me. Please gently correct me if i am erring. It is off subject and you don't have to answer of course, but what cult? and what you define as a cult?

But would you want your sins published to the world? Shared with family and friends? I like the forgiven and forgotten part.