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Heaven Rules

9/14/2012

2 Comments

 
"The purpose of this decree is that the whole world may understand that the
Most High rules over the kingdoms of the World and gives them to anyone he
chooses - even to the lowliest of humans." Daniel 4:17b

God had given King Nebuchadnezzar victory over all the kings of the world at that time. His was the
biggest, richest, and most powerful kingdom on earth. The Lord had caused every other kingdom to
crumple under the power of Babylon and her might. The Lord spoke prophetically that this was to be
the case. He even prophesied that the longest reigning superpower, Egypt, would become a servant
to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar got caught up in the glory of his success and refused to acknowledge
that it was the Lord who had made him successful and had given him all the wealth and power that
he now enjoyed. Because of his pride, God caused Nebuchadnezzar to go insane until he learned
that, "Heaven rules" (Vs. 26). Finally at the end of seven years of insanity, wandering the fields
like an animal, Nebuchadnezzar's sanity and kingdom were restored to him and he, "Praised, glorified
and honored the King of Heaven" (Vs. 37).

What does this mean for us in our situation and circumstance? This is how I see it.
Heaven rules whether or not I feel it, see it or believe it. That means God's plan and purpose will
prevail - no matter what. If I am obedient to His plan, His will shall be done. If I am disobedient to His
plan, His will shall be done. If I hear His voice clearly and accurately, His will shall be done. If I don't
hear his voice clearly and accurately, His will shall be done. Why? How? Because heaven rules
regardless of my obedience, willingness or participation. If I am unwilling or disobedient, I get to sit
on the bench while the game goes on and another gets to carry the ball into the end zone instead of
me. And I, like Nebuchadnezzar, learn that the Most High rules in the affairs of men.

I also see that God can move the hearts of kings and influential people in order to accomplish His
plan and purpose. John Maxwell points out that people in general have either an abundance mindset
or a scarcity mindset. A scarcity mindset believes that there is only a limited amount of resources
available and once it's gone, it's gone. It is a "Rob Peter to pay Paul" mentality. These people never
rise much above the status quo in their lives because they subsist on only what they themselves
can produce. On the other hand, an abundance mindset believes that there is an unlimited supply
available for those bold enough to go after it. When they see blessing being distributed, they get
in line. They believe that as the resource runs out in one pool, there is always another that is just
waiting to be opened up. They believe: "If someone is going to be blessed, it might as well be me."
Isn't that what Daniel is telling us here, that God will give His blessing and resources to whomever
he chooses whether they are influential or lowly, important or common? I want to believe what Paul
spoke about our God, "Now to him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above
all that we could ask or think..." (Ephesians 3:29).

Since God is wanting to reveal Himself, glorify Jesus and bring more people into His family in our city,
let's get in line for His blessing and limitless supply so that we can accomplish His will through His
grace and power not our own strength and resource.

Dream big because Heaven rules, God has a limitless supply and He is looking for someone
committed to His will with enough faith to go for the impossible!
2 Comments
Laura Truitt
9/20/2012 10:37:35 pm

Great word. I needed to hear this this morning. Thank you!

Reply
elizabeth
9/22/2012 12:45:03 pm

Reply



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    Pastors Phil Harris of Epikos Church in Bend, Oregon.

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