Preferred Government — Nebuchanezar was in office for an unlimited term. Nebuchanezar is the one who took the choicest of Israel’s future and enslaved them for the purpose of culturizing them to the values of Babylon. In spite of that fact the Hebrews Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego triumphed and impacted the culture of Babylon with the precepts of Jehovah. (Let us not forget that much prayer was the habit of Daniel.) Saul was in office for an unlimited term. Saul is the one who attempted to murder the future of Israel’s government. In spite of that fact David triumphed. Saul was actually used as a catalyst to join the tribes of the nation to David and see that he was seated on the throne. (Remember: David is an Old Testament type of the New Testament Christ) After being under Saul’s government, Israel much preferred the government of David (NT Christ) over the government of Saul (Heb.: “desired”). He who was so desired became so undesired. (Let us not forget that much worship was the habit of David.)
A bound church is not a prophetic church. If we are not free to proclaim the praises of God to God, how shall we prophesy the liberty of God to those who are bound? Events in the Old Testament are a physical example of spiritual truths and what was going on in the spirit realm. It is obvious from the Old Testament that the enemies of Israel were repeatedly thrown into a state of confusion and impotence when Israel praised their God (cf.2Chron. 20:21-23).(Seventh excerpt from Kathy’s article “Fresh Obedience”)
Seasonally, individuals and entities must re-evaluate the type and degree of influence we have upon culture and adjust for the coming season (Gen 13:14-17; Acts 9:1-6; 10:11-15). Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isa 54:2 KJV) It is obvious (by consideration of God’s nature [creative, growth, maturity, increase] and by Scriptural principle) that God desires each of our spheres of influence to increase. It is also obvious that some degree of effort and participation on our part is expected by the terms used in v.2: enlarge, stretch, spare not, lengthen, strengthen. While I do realize that this portion of Scripture was written to Israel concerning the building up of Jerusalem, I do not discount it because it was also written and preserved for us today; and the nature and principles of our Lord are timeless (Rom 15:4; 1Co 10:11).
“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; 15 for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” (Gen.13:14-15,NKJV)
(This is the second in a series by Marty entitled “Your Sphere of Influence,” an article taken from SEEC Magazine.)
Marty will be speaking at the 6th Annual Concerning The Kingdom Conference March 6-8. For more info: martygabler.com/ctk-conference. To see a short video about CTK2013 go to the YouTube link: http://youtu.be/EH1cGlijfF8
Click here to listen to an audio excerpt of Dr. Crum’s teaching on “Royal Dynasty”:
A bound church is not a prophetic church. If we are not free to proclaim the praises of God to God, how shall we prophesy the liberty of God to those who are bound? Events in the Old Testament are a physical example of spiritual truths and what was going on in the spirit realm. It is obvious from the Old Testament that the enemies of Israel were repeatedly thrown into a state of confusion and impotence when Israel praised their God (cf.2Chron. 20:21-23).(Seventh excerpt from Kathy’s article “Fresh Obedience”)
place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isa 54:2 KJV) It is obvious (by consideration of God’s nature [creative, growth, maturity, increase] and by Scriptural principle) that God desires each of our spheres of influence to increase. It is also obvious that some degree of effort and participation on our part is expected by the terms used in v.2: enlarge, stretch, spare not, lengthen, strengthen. While I do realize that this portion of Scripture was written to Israel concerning the building up of Jerusalem, I do not discount it because it was also written and preserved for us today; and the nature and principles of our Lord are timeless (Rom 15:4; 1Co 10:11).
martygabler 