Kingdom Principles

Colossians 1:13 - "For He delivered us from the domain (authority) of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son."

The Kingdom of God operates according to a different set of laws than does the kingdom of this world and the world system. In fact, they are polar opposites to one another. The Lord is quickening His people to be Kingdom minded - to make a paradigm shift into thinking and operating in the spiritual principles that govern His Kingdom.

Here are a few of the "ways of the Lord" that I feel He is particularly emphasizing in this season:

1. Supernatural Provision: The Book of Exodus tells us that when the Lord brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, He provided supernaturally for their needs. Manna from heaven came as food, water flowed from the rock that was following them (which was Jesus), and the Lord led them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Then, forty years later, Joshua led the nation of Israel into the promised land. There, the Lord provided "cities which they had not built, and vineyards and olive groves which they did not plant" (Josh.24:13). When we are in the place that God Himself has appointed for us (church, job, ministry, home, etc.), He will supernaturally provide the material things we have need of! Regardless of whether or not we have a job in the world system, we are no longer to toil under the heavy burden of the taskmasters (Exodus 5:6-11). Instead, we are to look to the hand of the Lord to move on our behalf in our natural circumstances!
2. Giving and Receiving: There's a promise for those who have a lifestyle of giving as the Lord leads (above the tithe, which is expected). Phil.4:15;19 tells us, "No church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone... And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Note that this Kingdom principle applies only to the givers. Do you have need of supply? If you give, expect to receive "abundantly beyond all that you could ask or think"!
3. Levitical Tithe: There is a Kingdom principle that applies to those who are called into full time ministry in the body of Christ (in addition to the pastors). These could be missionaries or others who serve in a variety of ways. In recent months, there seems to be an acceleration in the number of Christians who are being called out of the world system to perform works of service in the Kingdom. The Lord calls these "Levites", and His provision can be seen in the Book of Numbers. Num.18:20&21;24-26: "You shall have no inheritance in their land... I am your portion and your inheritance... And to the sons of Levi, behold I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance in return for their service which they perform." So, we see that provision/support is to come from those in the body of Christ who the Lord prompts to give a monthly gift on behalf of those who labor among us.

Nugget of Gold: At the same time that the citizens of this nation are looking more and more to the government for provision and help, the Lord is requiring His people to look only to Him. This world system is under judgment, and the Lord is calling His people to "Come out of her, my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues." (Rev.18:4) This work of the Holy Spirit is accomplished first in our hearts, and then in obedience to whatever the Lord requires of us.