Your words have power.  We've all heard that, but I don't think we realize how important it is to live it!  What you say and how you say it will affect your daily life.  Now don't think this is the word of faith message you've heard since the 80s and dismiss it.
  
God created the universe with His words.  He spoke it into being.   Then God  said, “Let there be light,” and there was light...Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.”  And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens.  God called the space “sky.”...Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened...Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened.   God didn't have to "make" anything.  He created with His Words.  His Words brought life and order to formless chaos!  

Then God created mankind, in His image, to be like Him.  Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”  So God created human beings in His own image.  In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.
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We may not be creating worlds with our words, but our words affect our world and its quality of life.  Here is what I mean:  Which of these sentences is more faith-building?

"I am a diabetic."

"I have diabetes."
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"I am dealing with diabetes until Jesus heals me"

Your child doesn't have ADHD, they are "dealing with attention deficit issues until Jesus heals them".  Don't attach negative labels to your child which they will have great difficulty removing.  It becomes a part of who they are.

You are not depressed, or suffering with depression.  But you may be dealing with depression until Jesus heals you.  Your present condition does not define you!  Your relationship with Jesus Christ defines you.  

It's not wordplay, or semantics, and it's not nitpicking.  It is building a framework for your life in a position of faith and total trust.  Don't embrace sickness, disease, mental or emotional disorders or addictions. Don't own them...God never intended for them to be yours.  Satan wants you in a posture of hopelessness and defeat.

You are not your current condition!  

You are a blood-bought believer in Jesus Christ.  You are a son or daughter of the most high God. 

You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We have all done it.  "I'm forgetful."  "I'm such a klutz."  "I'm an alcoholic." "I'm a drug addict."  "I am depressed."  "I am an agoraphobic." "You are stupid"  "You are lazy." 

No matter what your issue is, you are not THAT and neither is your child!  You are a child of God.  You are more than a conqueror.  You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God.  You are an overcomer.  You are overcoming alcohol.  You are overcoming drugs.  You are being delivered from an addiction to cigarettes.  

Don't bury yourself under a mound of negative words.  It will bring negative, hopeless feelings that will immobilize you.  Do you want to be healed and whole?  Do you want to rise above your current situation?  Speak where you want to go.  Speak faith.  And trust God's timing.

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” 

I want to encourage you today.  Be aware of what you say.  Speak like a victorious Kingdom citizen.  Here is what I say.  Take it and change the words to fit you.

"I am dealing with arthritis until Jesus heals me. I will not embrace it and it is not mine.  It has been sent by the enemy and is not God's will for my life!  God's timing is perfect.  He's never early but He's never late.  I am a child of the living God.  A citizen of the Kingdom of God.  My faith is in Jesus Christ and I trust Him!"

Genesis 1   Romans 8:35-39   Joshua 1:9   Proverbs 18:21  Matthew 21:21-22  All NLT

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

I have desired to move to the Florida gulf for several years.  I have prayed and believed.  I've put Him first in my life, loved Him and worked to advance His Kingdom.  This year, suddenly, He brought everything together for us to move...to a little home in a smaller city in South Carolina.  It wasn't Florida, but it was everything we needed most of all.  Now, I could have been disappointed, let down, even upset with God and allow it to lessen my faith.  But, having reached a place of trust in the Lord, I could clearly see how He had prepared this place for us and it was exactly what we needed for this time. There have been many great trust-building moments in my life, but this is the most recent reminder. 

In the non-traditional churches of today we are taught about faith and speaking what we are believing for, without doubting; but we aren't taught how to handle disappointment when we don't receive what we believed for. It is often an uncomfortable conversation between believer and leader. 

"Why didn't God answer my prayer?" 

"Why weren't they healed?"

"Why didn't I get that job I was perfect for?"

"Why don't they love me?  I know we would be perfect together!"

It is in those times, if we pay attention, we will discover how much we actually TRUST God.  It is easy to believe He loves us when we are blessed with answered prayers.  But can we trust Him when it seems He hasn't given us what we prayed for?  

Times of great pain and emotion are not the times to teach about trust.  Those lessons should come as a part of being discipled.  We have not prepared His people for the times that He says "No".

Trust is not common in our country today, so most of us haven't experienced having complete trust in someone.  People have let us down.  We've trusted and we've gotten hurt.  Trust, once broken, is very difficult to rebuild.  We approach God in the same way.  We don't freely or naturally trust.  We must cultivate trust in God as we have built our faith in God, over time.  

We must come to understand that He knows everything and we only see a pinpoint view of what we want. We don't see the big picture. Can you trust that He knows better what you need and what you don't need?  He also isn't as concerned with our moment of happiness compared with His purpose and destiny for our lives! That is true unselfish love. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.  “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9  

Trust is submitting to God's will for your life, over yours.  Even Jesus had to submit and trust His Father's will over His own.  "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 

It is in those times of disappointment that we grow in our trust, if we will make the effort.  In those times, we say, "Lord I trust you.  I don't understand, but I trust You.  I know You love me and have a plan for my life.  I know that whatever You have for me is better than anything I could ever hope or imagine!"  Close your eyes and feel it as you say it.  Can you feel the "letting go" of what you wanted and grabbing hold of His hand and all that He has for you?  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.  Proverbs 3:5-6  When we trust and truly let go of our will, our desires, we will experience His peace that goes beyond anything we could imagine.  It is a peace that causes people to look at you in times of sorrow and crisis and wonder how you can be so calm.  It is because you trust Your Lord and Savior in every situation.  "...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7 

Don't think you've done something wrong or "prayed wrong" when a prayer isn't answered.  Don't blame yourself.  Prayers are always answered, God always hears you.  It just may not be answered in the way you thought it would.  And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  Romans 8:26-28 

Now, more than ever, Believers in the Kingdom of God must be prepared, emotionally and mentally strong and always ready for battle.  That won't happen by only being fed once a week on what is preached.  Your nutritious food is God's Word and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:8-9  

Now is the time to build up your spirit.  Build your faith and strengthen your trust.  Know that no matter how things may look, God has a plan and has orchestrated your best life.  You just may not know what that life looks like yet.  Trust Him in all things.  The world is getting weaker emotionally and mentally every day.  Kingdom citizens, it's time to be strong and unmovable and place our complete trust in the Lord! Be a witness to the strength and complete peace that comes from having complete trust in the Lord Jesus.

​Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

When the Lord God created mankind, He could have made us mindless drones, created only to do His will.  We would never disobey and everything we did would be orchestrated and "programmed" by God.  Clearly that is not was God wanted. He created mankind in His image and gave him free will.  He gave us the gift of "choices".  He wanted us to CHOOSE to love Him; to CHOOSE to obey Him; to CHOOSE to worship Him.  He wanted His creation for choose Him!  I think we can all relate to wanting that.  We don't want a spouse who is forced to love us.  We want someone who chooses us and loves us freely!

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.  For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy."

“But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods,  then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy."

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!  You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”  Deuteronomy 30:15-20 

​Kingdom citizens, know that having the freedom to choose is extended to all, not only believers!  When you look at our world and all the terrible things in it, understand that everything that happens, happens because of choices people have made.  God gave all of mankind the freewill to choose life or death.  We can pray, be we cannot overwrite God's decree of the gift of freewill just because the world chooses death and rejects the Lord Jesus as their savior.  

Religion will try to force its will over the people in the world because they are making evil choices that bring death and destruction.  But to force ones will and choices upon another goes against the Lord God's gift of freewill.  We have no authority to do this.  Our responsibility as citizens of the Kingdom of God is to go into that world and represent Jesus and be examples of life in the Kingdom with it's benefits.  We are responsible to be light in the darkness.

We are not called to force the world to accept Jesus as their Savior.  We present the Gospel and the Lord draws them.  But, they still have their freewill and are free to accept or reject Him...choices.  We are only called to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught, around the world.  Everyone should be given that final--greatest--choice of all.  Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  And the Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.  Matthew 24:12-14  

Religion's controlling spirit has tried far too often to force the world to live by its standards.  Personally, I wish the world would all live by God's standards as laid out in His Word!  That is the world I want to live in.  But our desire to have a Godly world should not be brought about by taking away freewill and God's gift of "choices".  He didn't force mankind and we cannot either.  When we try, with the best of intentions, to force our will upon non-believers, we are being disobedient, and yes, in sin!  

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.  Galatians 5:12-15 

Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.  John 7:17 NIV 

For many years I have heard "Don't be surprised when sinners sin!"  That is very true.  Hard truths:  1.  Everyone won't be saved.  2.  As long as we live on this earth, there will be evil, sin, death and destruction.  Choose life or death.  The world is choosing death and destruction.  

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  Proverbs 18:21 NKJV 
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The religious of today misrepresent Christ and drive people away from ever knowing Him, when they try to control the sins of the world.  You are called to represent your King Jesus and His Kingdom, and to present the Gospel to those who cross your path.  Stay in your own lane.  

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you​​​

How often have we said this?  At one time or other, I believe most of us have!  We want to hear from God for wisdom and direction.  We sincerely want to do the right thing, follow the Lord's leading and NOT make a mistake. 

A few years ago, I went to a service where a prophet, who often gave personal prophecies, was speaking.  I went "needing a word" from the Lord.  I prayed and asked the Lord to give me a word through this man of God.  I had faith and was so sure he would point me out and I would hear what God had to tell me.  He called out many people during that service, giving each one of them a personal word.  But, as you may have guessed, I was not one of them.  I went home disappointed and wondering why and that was my prayer on the way home.  This is what the Lord said:

"Why would you seek man for a word from Me?  You have all of My words in your hands.  It has already been confirmed many times that I have given you the gift of the word of knowledge and that you are also a prophet. Read My word, pray and be guided by the Holy Spirit.  I'll not speak to you through a man, but through My confirming Word!" 

But getting a "word" from man is easier.  It's handed to us and we receive it.  Getting a word directly from the Lord requires that we have a spiritual connection with Him and hear and know His voice.  We also should have His word in our hearts already, which requires that we read God's Constitution (the Bible).  I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11  When we do, the Holy Spirit can speak to us through the scriptures that are already "written on our hearts".  When problems and situations arise, scriptures will begin to pop up in your mind as an immediate answer and leading for how you should proceed.  It has happened many times for me over the years, but it didn't come quickly.  It has been a growing process. 

First of all, do you truly believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God to mankind?  Is it the Constitution of His Kingdom government to govern its citizens? And, Jesus is that Word made into flesh and bones? So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.  John 1:14 

If you said yes, you should be hungering to consume every word of it!   Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  Matthew 5:6 NKJV

Next, tune your spirit into His Spirit--the Holy Spirit.  Submit yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all you do and spend time in prayer.  Remember, prayer isn't ONLY when you speak.  Prayer shouldn't be a monologue, it should be a dialog.  When you get alone and pray, there should also be a time of silence.  How can you hear from the Lord if you never get silent?   “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.  But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.  When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”  Matthew 7:24-27   

God has given us prophets.  He speaks through them.  But don't live your life, waiting for a "word from the Lord" to come through a prophet who points you out and speaks a word.  If you are a blood-bought believer in Jesus the Christ, the Holy Spirit is speaking to you far more than you realize!  You just aren't tuned in on the right frequency.  Or you aren't plugged into the power that brings it alive.  

Need a Word?...

Hunger for God's Word and consume it daily!

Pray!

Listen!

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you​​​

For months, the Holy Spirit has been urging me, reminding me that He is not to be referred to as the Holy "ghost".  Every time I hear that term, my spirit within me bristles.  I grew up in a Pentecostal church and the term Holy ghost was often used and many still use the two terms interchangeably.  I always did.  It didn't seem like a "big deal" and either name got the point across. But, as they say, "Once seen, can't be unseen."  I now see the difference between the Spirit and a ghost.  My husband has always said that if you allow someone to name you, you allow them to define you (who you are).  I see his point.  My husband will never be a "Bill", but William suits who he is.

Using the word "ghost" has caused generations of people to have the wrong image of who the Holy Spirit is and what He does.  Ghost sounds "spooky" and the images of what a ghost does in movies taints our understanding of the Holy Spirit.  Here is the definition of ghost:  a disembodied soul; especially the soul of a dead person believed to be an inhabitant of the unseen world or to appear to the living in bodily likeness.  Also, an apparition of a dead person that is believed to appear or become manifest to the living.

Does that definition sound anything like the Holy Spirit Jesus spoke of here?:  “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.  John 14:15-17

These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  John 14:25-26  ​(This is also why we must be full of God's Word)

Hearing the term ghost used has caused people to label any odd behavior in the church as being done by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is our helper and is not going to cause a person to act out, jerk around or run the church.  That is an emotional response to what they are feeling. Here, I am not talking about speaking in tongues as spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12:  There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:  for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

I'm sure there are those who will argue with me, but before you react, read the scriptures I will put in this article and see if anything shown reflects the behavior, and sometimes the "show", we see in church that is labeled as the Holy Spirit "showing up and showing out". 

God is not in the entertainment business.  Nothing done is for our entertainment.

Everything He does is for His glory.  Everything has a purpose and that is ultimately for the maturing of His people to create disciples.  

The church may not want to admit it, but we've got it wrong.  I would say that my spiritual heritage is Pentecostal...3rd generation Pentecostal.  My grandparents were Pentecostal in the early part of the 20th century...A lot of history there.  My mother once told me this about the Holy Spirit:  People react differently when they feel the Holy Spirit.  Some run the aisles, some jump pews, some holler and make a lot of noise.  But Mom's dear friend would sit in the pew, silently crying.  That's because of her emotional makeup.  The Holy Spirit isn't doing it, but it is our response to feeling His presence more strongly than usual, when we are distracted by other things.  When we "tune into" the Holy Spirit, we feel His presence more strongly.

Now then, why do  we sometimes refer to the Holy Spirit as the "Governor" in the Kingdom?  A governor is:  one that exercises authority especially over an area or group;  ​an official elected or appointed to act as ruler, chief executive over a territory.  But did you know that a governor is also:  an attachment to a machine (such as a gasoline engine) for automatic control or limitation of speed...a regulator.  Any of those descriptions fit what the Holy Spirit will do in our lives if we will submit to His guidance.  The Kingdom of God is within us and it is governed by the Holy Spirit living in us.  He is our Helper and our Guide. 

The Holy Spirit is the third in the Trinity!  He was never a "disembodied soul".  He is the Spirit of the Living God! Jesus had to go back to the Father so we could have the Holy Spirit living within us and we would do "greater things than Jesus."  Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.  John 16:7

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!  John 14:12-14

The Holy Spirit wants you to know who He is and how He works.  He wants you tuned in to all He will show you and all He can do through you.  To do that, you need to truly know Him.  Then you won't be fooled by any poor imitations.​ The only way to know the Holy Spirit is to read what God's Word says about Him and to get tuned into His voice and His guidance.

Please take some time and "digest" these scriptures.  Study for yourself and you will get a revelation of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Then He said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.  And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.  It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’  You are witnesses of all these things.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke 24:44-49

These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us.

But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you His Spirit, and all of you know the truth. So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies.  And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. 
1 John 2:19-22

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.  Acts 2:1-4

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you​​

Your actions give demons access to your home and family!  Years ago, I had a vision about an acquaintance family, with several children.  In this vision, I saw a demon walking through their home, going from room to room.  It was as disgusting as you would imagine:  Tall, slobbering with sharp teeth and sharp nails.  Its hands almost dragged on the floor and eyes bulged.  I knew this was a demon of lust and perversion.  It stood in front of each child's bedroom, staring and slobbering.  The Holy Spirit said that this demon had been invited in by their mother when she brought pornography into their home to "spice up" their marriage.  This demon already had their parents.  He wanted the children and this "invitation" gave him access to them.  I prayed for them, interceded for the children's protection but didn't feel released to confront them about this.  This family was saved and went to church, but their actions gave a demon access to their family.  Sadly there was pornography addiction, adultery and ultimately suicide in their home.

When you knowingly and willingly enter into sin, you are inviting that corresponding demon into your home and giving it access to wreak havoc in your life and your family's life.  The seed you plant will one day produce fruit in your children if you don't recognize it and remove it.  

I have seen it many times in people's lives.  If you feel something "isn't right" in your family;  if there is chaos, depression, acting out, constant "attacks" in some area of your life, it's time for some honest self-evaluation.  If you are right with God, praying, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and in God's Word, no demon in hell can enter your home and wreak havoc.  They may come at you from the outside, through people and situations, but they don't have access to your home.  

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.  So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death.  But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.  That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)  Romans 8:5-9 NLT

Hollywood has tried to make demons appear more powerful than they are.  As you search out any openings you may have created, also know your position in the Kingdom and the stance you must take against the demonic.  They are not superior to Kingdom citizens and we have nothing to fear from them.  Demons are not your spiritual equal. They have been placed beneath the feet of all believers under the delegated authority of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!  

But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:19-20 NLT

When you respond to a demon as an equal, you empower it to resist and fight rather than submit to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, which has been delegated to you. 

Remember this:  Demons can't read your mind.  They aren't prophetic. They only know what you speak and do! They can't be everywhere and they are not god.  There is no great battle necessary, except within you. 

​“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!  Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.  Luke 10:16-19  NLT

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.  We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.  
2 Corinthians 10:3-5  NLT

So, what should we do?
​
First, recognize the sin that invited it in.

​Second, confess your sin, renounce it and repent (turn away from that sin) to the Father.

Lastly, invite the Holy Spirit to fill every area of your life. Remember, that we are commanding as victors, not pleading as victims.  Do not allow any place, any foothold, for a demon to come back because if it does it won't come alone.

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none.  Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order.  Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.”
Matthew 12:43-45  NLT

I want for us all to be wise in the ways of our enemy, including his tricks orchestrated to bring us down.  Don't ever believe the lie that sin is harmless and can't hurt our loved ones.  Don't believe the lie that no one will know.  When you sin, if you don't recognize it, renounce it and repent, it opens your door to that demon.  And it will never be satisfied with only you.  It wants your children and it wants to destroy your family.  Satan hates families because they were created and ordained by God.

The enemy is "realer" than you think and you are stronger than you know!

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.  
1 Peter 5:8-9  NLT  

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you​

Well Lord, here I am again with that same big, ugly, scary mountain blocking my path, daring me to do something about it.  There's an old gospel song that says "Lord don't move that mountain, just give me strength to climb."  Many took that as gospel, but it's not biblical!  In fact it couldn't be more unbiblical.  From the very beginning, they have spoken their defeat "Lord DON'T move that mountain...!)

No! I reject that.  God's Word says Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”   
Matthew 17:19-20

The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”

Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”  Matthew 21:20-22

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God.  I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.  I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.  But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”  Mark 11:22-25

We live so far below the life that is here for us in the Kingdom of God!  I have lived in the shadow of this mountain, tip-toed around this mountain, climbed over this mountain!  But the problem with all that effort is that it doesn't destroy that mountain!  No, it's still there and you WILL come around to it again.  Yup!  Here's that same old mountain again, towering over me to see what I will do about it.  I will not be spiritually passive anymore.  I will plant my feet, square my shoulders and say "Be removed and cast into the sea, in Jesus name!  You have no power, no authority and you must GO now!  I will not see you again."

What's your mountain?  What keeps coming back around, challenging you, threatening your peace?  The line in that old gospel song makes you think you must do it in your own strength.  Not this time! I choose to stir up my faith and see the power that is in my words, through God's Word.  How about you?

​We are not called to be passive.  We are not called to do it in our own strength.  We are called to have complete faith in God's Word and to speak it. 

Jesus told us exactly what to do:
  
Remove any unforgiveness from your heart.

Ask the Lord for forgiveness.

Now speak to your mountain, utterly destroy it and cast it into the sea.  It must go in the name of Jesus!

Have faith and watch God work.

Do not doubt...at all.  

Total faith!

Look out mountain.  Your time here is short!
​
Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

​Scriptures are all NLT unless noted otherwise.

We are living in a time of great distraction and division.  It has even oozed its way into the church to the point that many are "infected" with the same issues as the world.  This is a disease of the mind that is robbing us of the power and blessings of the Kingdom of God!  It is as if the church has ADHD.  Look at some of the symptoms of adult ADHD and see if it doesn't look like today's believers:  Impulsiveness, disorganization and problems prioritizing, problems focusing on a task, excessive activity or restlessness, poor planning and the most obvious of all--low frustration tolerance.  We are drifting from God's plan and promises for our lives.

The Holy Spirit keeps bringing me back to Genesis 12 to teach me about our covenant life in the Kingdom of God. It's all about priorities and who or what is first in your life.  NOTHING and no one should come before King Jesus, our Lord and Savior; and nothing should cause you to act like the world!

What God told Abram he must do to be blessed is our covenant for the blessings of the Kingdom also.  There were just three things God asked Abram to do:

​First, “Get out of your country"--Your political allegiances to your country.  As a Kingdom citizen, you are an ambassador, sent to a foreign country to represent your King, Jesus.  You obey all their laws and responsibilities and are honorable guests, but getting angry and caught up in political arguments--especially with fellow believers--is getting your priorities out of order.  Nothing should come before God.  Would you say and do things the same if Jesus were physically standing next to you?

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.  As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 

Second, "get out from your family"--Not even your family can come before God.  When division comes through the family to separate you from God and living a Kingdom life, remember that God is first in your life.  Do you abandon family relationships?  No, but they must know that God comes first in your life and your decisions and lifestyle comes from Him and no other.  

You must not have any other god but me.  You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.  I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.  But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.  

Last, "Get out of your father's house"--That is your cultural heritage.  In recent years, this one has done the most to damage and divide the church.  It has reared up, proudly, to exalt itself above God and sees nothing wrong with that.  Your confidence, your "pride" and power comes from being a blood-bought believer in Jesus Christ,  a citizen of the Kingdom of God.   If you have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, your confidence and self worth comes from the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with your heritage or your skin tone.  The only race is the human race.  Nothing takes priority above God.  Please change your focus and perspective! If this cultural heritage pride within you causes you to get angry and hateful and show any characteristics that don't line up with God's Word, it has taken priority above God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

That is what He was telling Abram.  If he wanted all that God was promising him, he only had to do those three things; all of which make God the highest priority in Abram's life:

Get out of your country

Get out from your family

Get out from your father's house

That is all we must do.  The Kingdom of God is a mighty nation.  We will live in the blessings of His promises:   I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.  I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt.  All the families on earth will be blessed through you.

If you don't feel you are walking in those covenant blessings, check those three requirements in your life and whether God is your 1st priority.  All of your behaviors and decisions are decided on your 1st priority!
​
It is time to evaluate our lives, make adjustments and go forward into a new season of blessing and favor in God's Kingdom...and never look back!

Galatians 12:1-3  John 17:15-18   Exodus 20:3-6   Galatians 5:22-23

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

The past six months of my life have been some of the most faith-challenging months I can remember.  One month ago today I still did not know if I would have a job the next week.  

Even when we have faith in God and we know He is our source for everything, there are moments of weakness when the reality of your situation puts a strain on that faith.

Briefly, my employer of almost eleven years was moving out of state and for months I had the uncertainty of not knowing whether the new employer would hire me.  I know that God is my source, not my employer.  Our employers are the conduit through which His provision flows.  When one stops, God uses another conduit.  So, when I work, I do it as unto the Lord.  He is my provider, the giver of all good things and the provider of all my needs.  Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.  Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

I prayed, brainstormed, spoke in faith and worked more on my own projects and plans, trying to create more conduits through which God's provision could flow. But there was an internal battle going on to stay strong and walk in complete trust in Him.  The most difficult times were at work, when reality would come crashing down on me.   At my age, it is nearly impossible--in the natural--to apply for a 'regular' job and get called in for an interview, let alone get hired.  Age discrimination exists, but you don't really see it until you are over 50.  Too young to retire, too old to get hired.  That's reality.  Another reality was that I still needed a  steady income.  At work there was talk, uncertainty, some people leaving for various reasons and no answers concerning jobs.  It was in these times of uncertainty that fear and anxiety would try to grab hold of me.  But when my mind quieted, I would hear the still, soft voice of the Holy Spirit say,

"Do you trust Me?"  

"Why, yes Lord!  Of course I trust you.  I know you will make a way.  I know you already have a plan for my future but I just don't see it yet!" 

But there wasn't much peace about it and fear and anxiety kept creeping into my mind and emotions, so did I REALLY trust Him?  I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.  Psalm 37:25 NKJV  I have stood on this scripture many times and it has always been true.  Yet those times of doubt still crept in, bringing fear and anxiety.  

What I experienced in the last few weeks leading up to May 9th, was a new level of faith, having complete trust in Him and His process.  When I'm in a situation like this, I feel that I must be "doing something" to help fix it.  But there are situations we can't fix and we must rest in Him and trust that He will do what we cannot do.  That takes a deeper level of faith and "resting in Him".  We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.  Proverbs 16:9 NLT  I reached the place in my mind and emotions where I was okay with whatever way my situation worked out.  Wherever He put me, He would provide for all my needs.  He would not forsake me nor leave me lacking.  I would step off that cliff of financial uncertainty and trust He would not let me fall.  Peace, that passes all of our understanding, comes. I finally completely settled it in my heart..."Yes Lord.  I trust you.  Whatever happens, I know your hand is upon me.  Whatever You do, is for my benefit and You will supply all my needs!"  That surrender brings total peace.

Back to May 9th....It was my next-to-the-last day of employment.  The 10th I would have gone in to sign my termination papers.  I got a call to come in for an interview.  In just a couple of hours, I had a new position with our new employers!  This position is such a blessing in many ways.  I can see God's hand on this and it is the answer to many prayers I have prayed over the years concerning my job!  My work environment is so peaceful.  And there is peace all around...because I completely submitted my will to His.  Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:11-13 NLT  

One last fact I have learned in my life is that God is never early, but He is never late either.  I am a planner who doesn't do things on the fly, so that drives me crazy.  But He reminds me "Do you trust Me?".  Maintaining your trust in the 11th hour isn't easy in our flesh. 

No matter what your situation, when you can finally let go of it all and stop trying to figure out how God will "work it out", you truly have faith.  Rest in Him.  Pray about it and watch how He works.  Just remember, He won't be early and He will probably work it out in a way you would never have imagined! The reward for your faith and trust in Him will be that His answer is far better than what you asked for.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
    and He will show you which path to take.  Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Whatever you are facing, whatever you are praying for, whatever you desperately need from God...be still and hear "Do you trust Me?" and step off, knowing He won't let you fall. 

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

Last week, I heard two different news stories on the same day about two young men who killed themselves in our city.  One was barely a teen.  Tragic!  I grieved at the thought that they felt so hopeless and so deceived by the enemy that they ended their young lives.  But this is becoming commonplace. 

Suicides, murders and every kind of horrific crime and perversion you can imagine are becoming more and more common.  Whole families wiped out in murder/suicides.  Then I started to get angry because we, as believers and citizens of the Kingdom of God, have the answer for the chaos and misery in this world but we aren't being walking, talking examples of an abundant Kingdom life!  We keep our light hidden.  You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.  Matthew 5:14-16 NLT 

​Those who don't yet know Jesus as their Savior have a hole in their soul that  needs to be filled by the Holy Spirit.  It yearns for God but they try to fill that hunger with everything the world can give them:  food, alcohol, drugs, sex, pain, power and all manner of perversion; trying to quench the hunger in their soul for God.  Satan throws them lots of substitutes.  He has an open field because too many believers have put themselves in a big protective "bubble" so they don't get any of the world on them.  They are entertained in church rather than being discipled to go out into the world and do the work of the Kingdom.  They pride themselves in only listening to Christian music, going to Christian events and only associating with other Christians.  But what good are we if we never live among the rest of the world and show by example what life in the Kingdom can be!  In order to do that, you must have been discipled and full of the Word so you don't slide back into your sinful past.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the body of Christ.  This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.  Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.  He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.  Ephesians 4:11-16 NLT

Ministry isn't just handing out tracts.  That isn't very effective today.  The world has seen too much sin and hypocrisy in the church and in Christians.  They don't see anything they want there!  They have to see God's Word operating in our daily lives.  Every person you interact with should see Jesus in you. By the way, this includes when you are driving or dealing with service people!  They should see the fruits of the Spirit blossoming in you, a sweet aroma of peace, joy and self-control (this seems to be a hard one for most!).  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT 

Please hear my heart on this.  The world without Jesus is miserable.  I don't care what face they put on in public.  They can have money and fame and still be miserable.  There have been times when the Holy Spirit led me to some hard rock music videos and really opened my mind and heart.  I listened to the songs and the words and cried.  Hard to believe, I know!  But it showed me their mindsets and the pain, chaos and despair they felt.  One of the groups was Linkin Park.  They have millions of fans, people practically worship them.  Not long after I saw those videos, the lead singer/songwriter, Chester Bennington commit suicide.  Tragic.  He seemed to have everything the devil could offer him and he was still in such despair that he killed himself.   The Holy Spirit showed me this so clearly and I felt the grief that God must feel when one is lost for eternity.  People cut themselves, take drugs and get drunk, all to ease their emotional pain.  They need to see the peace and joy of Jesus in you.

Yes, it is time to get serious.  Time to stop needing to be entertained at church.  Time to represent your King everywhere you go out in the world.  Time to stop pretending to be like the world.  Time to be Jesus everywhere you go--His hands and His voice. Time to cultivate those fruits of the Spirit seeds that are planted in your spirit. Time to stop living in that Christian bubble and get out among the people who are dying and going to Hell.  Can you imagine what your city would be like if all the citizens of the Kingdom of God represented the Kingdom everywhere they went?  You want to change your city?  Want to win it for the Kingdom of God?  Change yourself and get out there among them!  Oh, and please don't be religious and "churchy" around them.  Be real...be sincere!

​I have given them Your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.  I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  They do not belong to this world any more than I do.  Make them holy by your truth; teach them Your word, which is Truth.  Just as you sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in Me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent Me.

I have given them the glory you gave Me, so they may be one as we are one.  I am in them and you are in Me.  May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent Me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:14-23 NLT 

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you