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Post by watchman35 on Aug 8, 2017 17:54:26 GMT -6
Rapture Schizophrenia is a term I coined a couple years back to describe a condition that afflicts believers as we struggle to navigate the challenge of living in two worlds at the same time. There is one mindset that is focused on the nearness of the return of the Lord and the amazingly prophetic times we live in, contrasted with the world and its seemingly incessant demands constantly pressing in with the tyranny of the temporally urgent. In the morning as I walk with God before the sun comes up, I contemplate the convergence of the signs in our day that testify of the Lord's nearness and wonder if we will even be here in 45 days. Then I arrive at work to have my attention completely absorbed with another "crisis" because someone on the project team became myopic in their role and failed to consider the implications of their actions upon other team members. I take a bathroom break and read an article on my phone (OK, possibly TMI) about the geopolitical alignment of the Ezekiel 38 alliance forming right before our eyes or the preparation activities that continue to gain momentum for the construction of the 3rd temple, only to be rudely brought back to my other world by the need to schedule a last-minute conference call to clarify the status of who owns the ultimate responsibility for some training material. Then, on my way home, I sometimes think about what lofty, profound insight (LOL) I might be able to impart as a contribution to my on-line watcher community, at least until I empty the mailbox and am reminded that the electric bill is due, again, with perhaps what will be the highest number on it for the entire year. You get my drift and I suspect you can totally relate to that of which I speak. Today was a particularly consuming day at work. I found myself going for an hour or two, consumed with my job responsibilities, which sometimes feel like they fully command my best effort from a mind that does not think quite as quickly or thoroughly as it once use to pre-Lyme. Then, when the dust settles and I realize I have been away from the Lord in thought and focus for an extended period of time, it really bothers me. Feels like I have been pulled downstream by the current of the world without even knowing it. Time to swim back upstream again by the power of His Spirit. I look forward to one day soon being delivered from what I refer to as rapture schizophrenia.
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Post by sawdy on Aug 8, 2017 19:31:04 GMT -6
Thank you for sharing this! Sometimes I have caught myself wishing to shut out what I've learned- that my life would be easy if I would just be able to "go with the flow".
I will probably never have an epiphany to share with all you here, but I am seeping up a lot of knowledge that I didn't have before and I have become more grounded in the truth of the scriptures.
When I first started my journey into researching end times, I started by reading Revelation and that left me hungry for explanations which led to more scripture reading and more questions. Depending on where I read online, I would be told not to worry about anything going on as Pre-Trib means we will be raptured before anything happens. Then I would read Mid-Trib or other ideas, and I became more and more confused.
I prayed many times and cried out because I was saddened by what was to come and what had to happen. I questioned my level of preparedness at home (I have lots of food in my freezer, but essentially, no back up power or water) and wondered if I needed to prepare. I was saddened thinking God would "abandon" his believers because we really haven't experienced much trials and tribulations compared to the early church believers.
I believe God led me to this site to help me to make sense of the knowledge he has given me. I believe he is always with us and will never abandon us. I have experienced quite a calmness in the last month and am not experiencing anxiety about end times as I once was becoming. I don't have all the answers and not do I think I will even have it all figured out, but I know I can trust in God to give me strength to keep on learning.
Hopefully soon I will have more opportunities to share what I have been learning (offline) and will be able to help comfort and direct others in their searches so that they don't fall into dismay like I did.
I do have a hard time balancing my daily life with my learning right now. My home has fallen into a disarray after taking essentially a month vacation with my kids and having basement flooded two weeks ago. It's hard to put down my reading (I've always been addicted to reading) and focus on my surroundings as I feel completing painting, decorating or even decluttering (I uses to avidly read on organization and would write about my decluttering) projects really won't bring any joy right now.
I enjoy what you wrote and am happy I'm not the only one who feels it is hard to strike a balance when it comes to "Rapture Schizophrenia".
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Post by watchmanjim on Aug 8, 2017 23:42:13 GMT -6
I completely relate to what you both are saying. I have it too. I'm so heavenly-minded I'm no earthly good.  |
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Post by kjs on Aug 9, 2017 8:40:15 GMT -6
I completely relate to what you both are saying. I have it too. I'm so heavenly-minded I'm no earthly good. Ditto, Ditto =========== I was just reminded that my work anniversary was approaching ..... Anyone care to guess the day of when my work anniversary is?  ? Drum-roll please ......... 9/23 I wonder if that counts as a confirmation? ?? |
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Post by whatif on Aug 9, 2017 12:31:07 GMT -6
Awesome, kjs! Wouldn't that be just so cool if that would turn out to be the date of early retirement as we head up to our place of rest with Jesus?
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Post by yardstick on Aug 9, 2017 21:43:34 GMT -6
I completely relate to what you both are saying. I have it too. I'm so heavenly-minded I'm no earthly good. It beats being so earthly-minded, you're no heavenly good... |
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Post by yardstick on Aug 9, 2017 21:44:48 GMT -6
I completely relate to what you both are saying. I have it too. I'm so heavenly-minded I'm no earthly good. Ditto, Ditto =========== I was just reminded that my work anniversary was approaching ..... Anyone care to guess the day of when my work anniversary is? ? Drum-roll please ......... 9/23 I wonder if that counts as a confirmation? ?? No, but it could be some serious irony if they throw a party for you, and you do not show up... |
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Post by kjs on Aug 10, 2017 7:00:14 GMT -6
Ditto, Ditto =========== I was just reminded that my work anniversary was approaching ..... Anyone care to guess the day of when my work anniversary is? ? Drum-roll please ......... 9/23 I wonder if that counts as a confirmation? ?? No, but it could be some serious irony if they throw a party for you, and you do not show up... LOL -- That would be funny....... |
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Post by watchmanjim on Aug 10, 2017 11:18:07 GMT -6
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!
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Post by yardstick on Aug 10, 2017 13:05:52 GMT -6
Ditto, Ditto =========== I was just reminded that my work anniversary was approaching ..... Anyone care to guess the day of when my work anniversary is? ? Drum-roll please ......... 9/23 I wonder if that counts as a confirmation? ?? No, but it could be some serious irony if they throw a party for you, and you do not show up... You could have some fun with this... See if you can convince them to throw a party for you.... but maybe that's just mean... It's probably meaner to suggest that you offer to throw a party for them? Of course, if it backfires, and we are all still here, then you could be on the hook. Just sayin' |
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Post by disciple4life on Aug 31, 2017 8:09:27 GMT -6
Great post, 35!! I know the feeling. It's a reminder of one of the points of a sermon for this weekend regarding Feast of Trumpets and the End Times. Be like the Bereans, Be Balanced and Be alert, (Be awake) ! The enemy doesn't care which extreme ditch we're in - he just doesn't want us to be balanced.
On the one side are those too lazy to study, and they parrot ad nauseum "No one knows the day or Hour" - we can't know, blah, blah" On the other side are those who become obsessed and lose sight of the here and now - living our lives for Christ, and making disciples -while it is still day.
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