Page 222 - Maranatha (1976)

Basic HTML Version

The Sealing and the Latter Rain, July 23
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal,
The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth
the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Timothy 2:19
.
Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God’s people is finished,
we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Angels from heaven
will be in our midst.
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....
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
).
[213]
218