The Latter

By Brenda Gittens
        

In the word of God there’s one subject that has so much power, and that’s the “latter”. I love this word because it’s associated with the future, the end portion of something, what’s to come, the last, the best, the long delayed, and what we have to look forward to. As children of the Most High God, we are promised to experience this that is described in the word. You see, this is not just something that we are to sing about, preach about, and talk about, but we are to experience it! Picture someone who has walked with the Lord for 20, 40 or 50 years, and still have not realized that they are a part of the latter that the prophet Joel spoke about, the latter that the prophet Haggai spoke about. On the natural side, all of us, if we make it, are going to have our “latter days and years.”

Joel 2:21-29, talks about the promise of the latter rain, and the restoring of the years that were eaten from us by “the locusts”. He speaks in verse 23, “And rejoice in the LORD your God; for He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to come down for you - the former rain and the latter rain in the first month.” The floodgates of heaven will be opened and the blessings of the Lord that far exceeds our basic needs will come pouring down. Yes, He’s given us the former rain faithfully, but we’re talking about “new rain, the latter rain!” What really encouraged me to write this devotion was when I read about HIS Spirit whom He gives to all believers, and how sons and daughters shall prophesy and old men shall dream dreams, and the young men shall see visions! You may be one of the fathers or mothers, sons or daughters, or one of the older or young men! Each generation will experience this “latter rain!” The prophet Haggai, prophesied about another latter, the “latter temple (house).” There was a call from God for the people to rebuild His house. He wanted to know why folks were living in luxurious houses while His house was lying in ruins! If they would do this, this is what they were promised. “The glory of this latter temple (house) shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, says the LORD of hosts.” (Haggai 2:9). This is promised to us today. We are given the opportunity to see this glory of God, if we reorganize our priorities and place the worship of the LORD first in our lives.

Scripture of the Day: “Listen to counsel and receive instruction. That you may be wise in your latter days.” - Proverbs 19:20

Brenda Gittens is a worship evangelist, singer and writer who ministers in word and song at churches, prisons, outreaches, and other events throughout California and other states. Her latest CD is entitled, Real Praise/True Worship. Brenda is also a devoted wife and mother of one son. You can reach her at: http://www.brendagittensministries.com.…