I was watching the rain coming from the NE of the Smokies because the rain usually travels from the west going to the East. During that time I noticed a half rainbow over the Maryville College, and said to myself, "Why do I always see a half rainbow over the College and then thinking about a couple of reason's why, as I went back to the couch and sat down to continue where I left off reading. No sooner did I sit down I heard the rain storm hit the window, and when I looked at the window I saw a view of a Huge Rainbow. I quickly grabbed my phone, I was basically shaking while trying to get to the camera and then had to figure how to take a pic with all the raindrops on the window, and hoping the rainbow could be seen.
The Rainbow was across the street where I live and as I viewed it with the camera I followed the rainbow to see were it ended. The rainbow went down onto the ramp area, just behind the business building, and I could see that it touched onto the ramp that takes you to the park and trail area. Then I followed up the rainbow, going to my left, but couldn't see all of it because part of my Apartment Building was in the way.
The pic I am adding to the blog does not give it justice at all, because it was the most beautiful, and largest Rainbow I have seen in my life time. I know I have said this before, but it was right in front of me. I posted the pic above to FB adding this comment, "Whoopie! Just had a Huge Rainbow in my Back Yard and I'm Still on Cloud 9, So Excited! It started pouring rain outside and I thought I wasn't going to get a good pic, and then it stopped raining. The raindrops were still on the window so I went ahead and took a pic before it disappeared and sooo thankful I did get the Rainbow!" On FB I also added the info "WHEN YOU SEE A RAINBOW" to the post which was encouraging and was exactly how I felt about the whole experience. It was a very humbling experience to see a Rainbow that close.
WHEN YOU SEE A RAINBOW - The next time you see a rainbow, appreciate its beauty then consider what the rainbow means. We have been blessed to have it revealed to us being just a glimpse of God’s character. It is a reminder of His promises to us despite the hardship and difficulties that we face in life. Let it be a remembrance that while we deserve judgement and death, God is merciful and he has given us eternal life. He is faithful to keep His promises to us for eternity. Just as he made and kept His promises to the Israelites thousands of years’ ago.’
While looking through the few pics I had taken, when I looked at the the pic above the Holy Spirit said, "The Latter Rain". I then researched the meaning of "The Latter Rain" from the Bible and found the info below.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE "LATTER RAIN" IN THE BIBLE? The prophet Joel told the Israelites, God will bring rain for your land. He wrote, “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month” (Joel 2:23).
The prophet Joel referred to fact that after planting, a seasonal rain provided moisture for germination and initial growth. This was called the “early rain.” Later, near the time for harvest, another watering was referred to as the “latter rain.” So, while the first rain was important for germination, the second rain provided a nourishment that was important for the harvest.
God promised His people great blessings represented by showers of rain. This was part of His covenant. “Then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil” (Deuteronomy 11:14).
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain” (James 5:7).
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LATTER RAIN? The “latter rain” or the spring rain is interpreted as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on God’s children. Biblical writers used the terms “latter rain” and “former rain” to describe the visitation of the Holy Spirit upon the church in a dispensational sense. The “early rain” came at Pentecost to give power to the witness of the gospel. And another outpouring of rain will be coming at earth’s final soul harvest before the second coming of Christ.
The “latter rain” and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will be simply to qualify the saints for witnessing. This power for witnessing gives power within, power to proclaim the truth and power to lead sinners to God. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples and transformed them from fearful men to brave worriers for Christ. They spoke the truth with boldness despite threats, persecution, and even death.
Some assume that the purpose of latter rain revival is to provide victory over sin. But this is not so. No one will receive the “latter rain” who do not already have the victory over sin through the “early rain.” Under the power of that spiritual baptism, strength is available for complete victory over every weakness. Paul affirmed this truth, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
