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The Latter Rain, November 27
Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord
shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every
one grass in the field.
Zechariah 10:1
.
Our heavenly Father claims not at our hands that which we cannot
perform. He desires His people to labor earnestly to carry out His purpose
for them. They are to pray for power, expect power, and receive power,
that they may grow up into the full stature of men and women in Christ
Jesus.
Not all members of the church are cultivating personal piety; therefore
they do not understand their personal responsibility. They do not realize
that it is their privilege and duty to reach the high standard of Christian
perfection.... Are we looking forward to the latter rain, confidently hoping
for a better day, when the church shall be endued with power from on high
and thus fitted for work? The latter rain will never refresh and invigorate
the indolent, who do not use the powers God has given them.
We are in great need of the pure, life-giving atmosphere that nurtures
and invigorates the spiritual life. We need greater earnestness. The solemn
message given us to give to the world is to be proclaimed with greater
fervency, even with an intensity that will impress unbelievers, leading
them to see that the Most High is working with us, that He is the source
of our efficiency and strength....
God has given us talents to be used in the upbuilding of His kingdom....
Do we ask ourselves the question, How am I using the talents my Lord
has given me? Have you given ... to God only a feeble, diseased service?
...
Are you using all your powers in an effort to bring the lost sheep back
to the fold? There are thousands upon thousands in ignorance who might
be warned. Pray as you have never prayed before for the power of Christ.
Pray for the inspiration of His Spirit, that you may be filled with a desire
to save those who are perishing. Let the prayer ascend to heaven, “God be
merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; that
thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations”
(
Psalm 67:1, 2
).
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