I think one of the things that makes the wait insufferable are all the failed predictions of when He will return. It can be fun and interesting to try to predict when that time is, but two things come of it, disappointment and fatigue. If we were right in our predictions it would be of no consequence because we would be too in awe of our new surroundings to care. But when we are wrong we chalk it up to His tarrying, which is incorrect theology because the time is appointed and will happen precisely at that time and no other. What I have found after decades of watching and waiting, being disappointed and fatigued, is to press into Him daily by reading His Word. Whether I “feel” anything of it or not I know from years of experience that He comes closer and my relationship with Him is more intimate because of it. Granted, the times we live in scream that the end is near, at hand even, but we were never promised the experience of the Rapture, and while I am quite convinced that we will, our lot in this life and this world is not to wait for the Rapture but to develop a close and intimate relationship with the Living God, Jesus Christ and to reflect that to a dying, perishing world. If THAT is our focus then the timing of His return is much more palatable. I loath the sinful world that we live in but I love Jesus Christ much more so and will abide in Him and follow Him and read His Word for as long as He sees fit to keep me here. I recently had an eye-opening experience that made me realize that my face-to-face encounter with Him my not be through the Rapture but by death and yet I prayed that He would sustain my life. It made me realize that my life here has a purpose, which is to serve Him, and so I no longer pray for the Rapture to happen. It will come at its appointed time, just as death will to those who are appointed to taste it. I will always be a watcher. It’s in my DNA. But I will no longer be disappointed or fatigue by being a watcher. Instead, I will continue to focus on my relationship with Him and serving Him as the King. It is the only true meaning to this life anyway. Words of wisdom Johanan. I also have realigned my focus. Hoping to honor God and those that I love on a daily basis, and let go and let God be sovereign. Last time God and I did lunch, He never once asked for my advice! Thank God, cause I had nothing! I will also forever be a watcher! Great point you bring up about appointed times. I live not just to simply die again, but live for the Rapture that I might never die! But His will be done, for in His eyes nothing says you love the Lord more than to speak those words. IMHO Just as like in the flesh a mother does not glory in the time of birth, but in the birth itself! TR I found the key is to be disciplined and not just focus on a date but to look at the whole picture of prophetic events happening around the world ... and still live for the Lord in witnessing/praying for the lost and for one another. Let’s face it ... all the crowns require faithfulness to the end and not slacking off ... endurance and finishing up strong is the key. Yes, I admit when a high watch date comes and goes, I get down but I quickly perk back up and look for the next one. We are blessed to be living in an era where prophetic things are really speeding up so anything can swiftly change at any given notice. I don’t understand Israeli politics ... Bibi won fair and square and yet they are going to do a do over with voting again on Sept 17? O.k but that isn’t going to get me down. We see the window of opportunity is narrowing for the peace deal to be unveiled but I still firmly believe it will get announced this summer, even if its just the financial side. Trump is not one to give up and once the many at the meeting in June agree on it ... it could trigger the G/M war ... and the church hast to be gone before that occurs. :whistle: I don't live or die by the politics of men. Indeed bouncing back as we all have had to do is critical for our own well being. I'm sure the Lord is mindful of our feelings and struggles as we balance our faith with patience and longing! He knows our frames! He knows we are but dust. He knows our hearts ache to be with Him! He feels the same, yet His wisdom prevails! In the end, He alone is worthy of all honor, power and glory! TR Geri, I remember the time when it was YEARS between dates set by books like Hal Lindsay. Now to have dates nearly every month keeps me so excited, especially looking at how corrupt the world has become. I was hoping for today but tomorrow and next month are great for watching! Hope to meet y'all soon! Geri, Israeli politics is sort of like the UK's politics with parliament and setting up coalitions to have the majority vote. I don't fully understand it myself since I have not ever studied it. Our voting system works differently then theirs. I have relegated the world’s issues to the “interesting but of no impact on the Rapture”folder. They are for context of the events we say make up the convergence. Everyday , I expect to see the Lord in the clouds. Dear Boulder96 This e-book is a fantastic read : {moderator removed} God Bless! Do Raymond, I scrolled through the book and frankly, it is nonsense. The author denies the plain words of scripture and substitutes her own interpretation. I'm not sure what you're doing on this site, actually. You don't accept the literal truth given to us by God and have your own agenda going on. These are not minor issues, and what you are saying is filled with confusion. David, I appreciate your words as I have been concerned with the theology presented by Do Raymond. He posted a site link on another string that is a proponent of replacement theology. Several RITAN members have tried to educate on truth but there is a rejection of the truth from God’s Word and a twisting of the meaning to defend his / her point of view. So I agree, confusion is Do Raymond ‘s purpose and God’s Word does not author confusion. :good:
