The glory of the latter house...

For the last couple of months I've been reading, "Living A Life of Fire", Reinhard Bonnke's autobiography. My good friend Vera purchased it for me and was hoping it would be an encouragement to me. Everything about Reinhard Bonnke is an encouragement to me.

Many years ago I was going through a very difficult time and it happened that Reinhard was speaking at a conference I was attending. When he finished speaking he asked for people to come forward for prayer. An unseen hand guided me forward, quickly; I was the first one. Many more gathered and Reinhard began to pray for us.

He laid his hands on me and hesitated...he just stood there thinking. Finally he said, "The glory of the latter house will be greater than the glory of the former house." At the time he said this there wasn't much glory in the former house, at least not in natural terms. I remember the words vividly; and he did not prophecy over anyone else. I hid these words in my heart.

Since then, many years have passed. Reading Reinhard's book has been a tremendous blessing. Every time I read it it reminds me of the words he spoke over me. And, the day I found out I had a brain tumor his words came directly to my mind. I know I will live because the glory of the latter house has not yet come.

You may wonder why the words of a man would make such an impact on me. One might think I stand in some sort of awe of Reinhard but that is not so. I stand in awe of no man except Jesus Christ. But, Reinhard is God's man, and God's man spoke as the Holy Spirit moved him to speak. That is why I hid His words in my heart.

Over the years God has reminded me of these words in many remarkable ways. Those words have inspired my wife, my children, and many, many others who know me. Many of my closest friends have reminded me of those words. Words mean things, and God's words mean everything. I must say, though, that the brain tumor has been the most remarkable reminder of those words.

As I mentioned before, I have no idea of the composition of the tumor. In a way it doesn't really matter. I will live no matter what. I will live to see the glory God promised me to see, and in the context of the words, it means I will see it while I am alive. But, please hear what I'm about to say.

I've seen the glory of God. I've heard His voice audibly, twice. I've seen miracles of healing. By His mercy and grace I've been many places in the world and met the most incredible people on earth. I've seen people healed, demons cast out, my own children healed. I've been healed many times and my life has been spared over and over again.

But what excites me the most is that others will see His glory.

Whatever God has in store for me is not just for me. It's for others. It's always for others. Especially those who have never seen. That is my greatest joy.

* * *

Remember this the next time you believe you have a word from God for someone. Make certain it's from Him or do not speak it. God is holy and His people are holy because of His blood. They are the garden of the Lord; tread lightly in His garden. They are His children and He is jealous for His children. Never forget this. Words have power in their own right and God's words have great power. Be careful how you speak.

Comments

[Rick & Sharron Schroeder]

Yes Lord, Yes, Yes Lord! When I read the news about the tumor, my first reaction was to focus on God's promise give by Brother Reinhart to you. Rick and I were in the 3rd row sitting behind you and Sandy on that day the Lord blessed you. We received many blessings and promises also at the Family Gathering. The year was 1993, and we witnessed the hand of God in so many ways. Thank you Jesus!!

[Sherri Hunt]

The last paragraph in your post really spoke to me. I have Wednesday night Bible study in my home and this is something that I have learned to carefully practice, I know that this is God's time not mine, I simply open my home for Him. I give pause before I speak, pray, and am very careful to allow the Holy Spirit to pray through me so that those present will be blessed, words are very important as life and death are in the power of the tongue. I have also chosen to allow the men to pray first out of respect. I continue to have much to learn regarding my words, I have found that every word that proceeds out of my mouth has an affect on someone, both good and bad. I pray that God will work with me and give me the wisdom that I desperately need in this area. Sometimes my tongue gets a mind of it's own and it tends to not be the mind of Christ! Thank you for your thoughts, God bless you my friend.

Sherri