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Outpouring of the Latter Rain, November 24
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
.
In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in
order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing
showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the
close of the season, ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle. The
Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the
Holy Spirit....
While we cherish the blessing of the early rain, we must not, on the
other hand, lose sight of the fact that without the latter rain, to fill out the
ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not be ready for the sickle, and
the labor of the sower will have been in vain. Divine grace is needed at
the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace
alone can complete the work....
Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain
will fall. Ask for it.... We must seek His favors with the whole heart
if the showers of grace are to come to us. We should improve every
opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. Christ has
said, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst.”
Matthew 18:20
. The convocations of the church, as in camp
meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occasions where
there is personal labor for souls, are God’s appointed opportunities for
giving the early and the latter rain....
At every meeting we attend our prayers should ascend that at this
very time, God will impart warmth and moisture to our souls. As we
seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness
of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter
rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it as God has
promised.
The Holy Spirit will come to all who are begging for the bread of
life to give to their neighbors.
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