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. Zech. 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" (Ps. 67:1, 2).
From Heavenly Places, Chapter 332, by Ellen G. White
7 comments:
Thanks for posting these quotes. this is the cure for the problem outlined in Barry's latest post.
Pet, that's great.
I was just studying about the latter rain in Ziemek's class today. We are the ones stuck in the Laodecian church. Once the message is preached and there is a change of temperature in the church that the latter rain can come which will start a sequence of events and Christ will come. We must pray that we can make a difference in the church so that we are no longer "lukewarm" but on fire for Christ
Great quotes Petch! Caused me to pause and pray.
Dear Petra.
You have many good thoughts on your blog. I felt very blessed while I read your post´s.
We must all pray for Gods strength.
P.S. I have created a blog! Check it out ;-)
"Kærlig hilsen" Tina Maria :-)
Happy Sabbath
you're the most wonderful girl on earth
Good qoute! This isn't really about the latter rain, but part of the quote read like this: "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?"
Then looking at the parable of the talents, it's interesting to note that those who are in real danger are those who think they have no talents! Which makes it imortant for us to encourage people in what they are doing.
You are quite right, Joar. We must never be fooled into thinking that we have nothing to offer God. And, as you say, we must do everything to encourage others to use what they have for the Lord. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone were using their talents for Godly purposes?
Post a Comment