Receiving the Power

[Thompson, Darryl]

Receiving the Power 

     And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty
wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. . . . And
they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:2-4  

     The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness
that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to
His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in
restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the
church the riches of the Spirit's grace.  

     The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the
"former rain," and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be
more abundant.  

     To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the
true church.  

     But near the end of earth's harvest a special bestowal of the
spiritual grace is promised, to prepare the church for the coming of the
Son of men. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of
the latter rain; and it is for this added power that the Christians are
to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest "in the time of the
latter rain." In response, "The Lord shall make bright clouds, and give
them showers of rain." . . .  

     Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace
will have power proportionate to their daily need and their ability to
use that power. Instead of looking forward to some future time when,
through a special endowment of spiritual power, they will receive a
miraculous fitting up for soul winning, they are yielding themselves
daily to God, that He may make them vessels meet for His use. Daily they
are improving the opportunities for service that lie within their reach.
Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they may be, whether
in some humble sphere of labor in the home or in a public field of
usefulness. 

>From My Life Today - Page 60