Rhemalogy

Conclusion

Last week we noted that Rip Van Winkle’s trip into the Catskills left him walking further away from a destiny; with which he never had an opportunity to become acquainted…

But Rip could have gotten a glimpse had he been diligent and persistent in working his farm. Rip was diligent and persistent in seeking distance from working his farm and his wife reminding him of his responsibilities. Had he worked the farm like he was supposed to; the harvests he reaped would have prevented his property from falling into ill repairs. What seeds have you sown to reap a harvest for your labors? He preferred reaping harvests of compliments from the town’s folk which did not contribute one thing to his farm, his family, or his future. Compliments cannot and will not feed your spirit, but due diligence will. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) We must observe whenever you lose focus of your purpose you are spiritually asleep. And Rip’s drunken nap is a primary example of that.

Awaking from your slumber, the ideas you had in the past are flooding back in, causing your emotions to go into overload because you are feeling like a UFS—an Unidentified Flying Soul. It is obvious your past and some future possibilities are obliterated. How do you redeem twenty years of your life? Seek God for wisdom to live in the moment.  You cannot live in the past nor speculate accurately about the future. You will either be overwhelmed with remorse or take up residency in Wonderland about what is to come. Your ideal position is doing your best to remain present and connected spiritually to the Lord. (Proverbs 2:10-11)                

Here is where you usually hear….Well, I’ve got good news and bad news, which do you want first? In this case, there is good news and better news—which would you like first? The good news is now you have come into the full consciousness of who you are and where you are. The better news is time is irrelevant when it comes to God’s time clock and his infinite love. You cannot allow past regrets and guilt to define you. But allow these negatives to refine your mindset to thoughts above the darkness and discouragement of the past; by living in the light of God’s unconditional love. He made the sun and moon stand still for Joshua. (Joshua 10:12-14) What do you believe Him to do for you?

He is the God of so many do-overs it is unthinkable. And the reason it is so unthinkable is that the battles you are fighting start and end in your mind.  Your mind must be in a place where it is not around a lot of stinking thinking. In spiritual warfare, you either win or lose in your mind. We walk with guilt and self-condemnation because of mistakes we’ve made in the past since we are not cognizant of God’s grace and love.  For it is written: He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19) So if God has forgiven your sins, why are you still walking around thinking about them?

Notice, when Mr. Van Winkle woke up some things were similar, yet also changed. He didn’t look the same and a lot of folks in his hometown did not even recognize him. This is a two-edged sword. What am I purveying here? When the light of God’s word brings you out of a sinful sleep not only do you have a new perspective on life, but you even have a new perspective about yourself. The key here is your choice of availability to God, with the willingness to embrace all He has for you. This strategy will open the door to spiritual growth where you can see clearer, achieve greater wisdom, and exceed all previous limitations. Which allows you to seek the kingdom of God instead of an escape route from reality’s discarded responsibilities? (Matthew 6:33) Or you can go back to your old tricks without a future or destiny insight. The choice is entirely up to you. (Joshua 24:14-15)

“I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16)

Story of Rip Van Winkle from Lit2go.

May the Blessings of the LORD be with you today and always. Thank you for your continued readership and support. Stay tuned for the conclusion next week….Blessings and Peace!

©Rhema International. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission, from this blog’s author and/or owner, is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rhema International.