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How many of us like John are praying for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit, while by our actions we are telling those around us that we don’t really believe?
Click on the title of the blog to read a pointed (for me anyway!) parable about the Latter Rain. God's really been prompting me lately to get serious about preparing my field for the approaching rain, and I thought this little illustration was a good way to sum up a important lesson.
Mmm... that was an excellent analogy!
ReplyDeleteI am praying that God will continue to show me how to work in "His vineyard" here at Southern; also, how to prepare for the latter rain.
In the past I have thought of the latter rain in the corporate sense and the large numbers that will be brought into a knowledge of the living God... however, now I'm beginning to wonder what does the "latter rain" mean specifically for me? .... mmmm....
Joel, the truth of the matter is that most of us are city slickers and we don't know how to farm. We're not even sure we need a later rain. After all, sunshine is more conducive to pool parties and sports. Oh sure, every now and then someone has a gardening class with tips on soil science and seed germination, but who's going to actually go out and buy a farm after a little class or two?
ReplyDeleteFarming is a lifestyle and it is only really learned on the job. Until we leave city conveniences behind, there's not much reason to care about frost dates and later rains.
Hi Joel! This touched my heart. I was reading in P & K, and noted this verse which I thought fit exactly:
ReplyDelete"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you."
Hosea 10:12
"When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and their tongues fail for thirst, I, the Lord will hear them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
ReplyDeleteI will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water." ~Isaiah 41:17, 18
Dorinda: I grant you the point, but hopefully there's some place for urban gardens, window boxes, and rooftop harvesting...
ReplyDeleteJohn--that is a perfect verse! Hope your farm preparation (physical and spiritual) is going well over there!
Thanks Joel, I was at the student mission expo just before i read this post. This is helping me to see that I should give serious thought to going as a student missionary this next year, after I graduate. Pray for me as I decide whether or not to go and where to go. Jessica Burns
ReplyDeleteWill do, Jessica. (I bet you could guess what my advice would be... :)
ReplyDeleteI think urban gardens and window boxes come from farmers who are forced by circumstance to live in the city. I have an urban garden (both literally and figuratively), but I long for a little more acreage.
ReplyDeleteI know you to be an urban farmer as well.