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

​Are you a catalyst or a chameleon?  When you are "out in the world" do you stand out of blend in?

​Catalyst:  Any substance of which a small proportion notably affects the reaction rate of a chemical reaction without itself being changed or consumed. One molecule may transform several million reactant molecules a minute.   In plain English, a catalyst will change their surrounding environment without being changed itself.

​Chameleon:  a person who often changes his or her beliefs or behavior in order to please others or to succeed; a lizard with the unusual ability to change the color of the skin according to his environment.

Our lost and dying world needs Kingdom Citizens who are so full of God's Word that it oozes out of their very pores.  Catalysts who change whatever environment they enter.  People with an unshakable foundation of Biblical morality and integrity could walk into a bar, and before the evening is over, lives would be forever changed.  Drinking and hooking up would be the last thing  on people's minds because a catalyst walked in and they felt the change in their environment.  The Holy Spirit is ushered in with a catalyst, and the Holy Spirit convicts, and draws people to God and repentance!  Bible-thumping, yelling, condemning and telling people they are going to hell, won't do it.  

The problem today is that far too many "believers" are more chameleon than catalyst.  They blend in and change to fit in with their environment and no one can tell them from sinners.  They become their environment!

Jesus didn't save us to go live in a monastery, segregated from the very world that needs Him.  They may not physically live in a monastery, but they live separated lives where they only socialize with fellow believers and pride themselves in only listening to "Christian" music and only going places and doing things "Christians" would do.  There's a time and place for that, when you first start out, but what good are we to the Kingdom if we never interact with or get to know (and let them know us) those in the world who need us most.  If we are full of God's Word and understand the "power that works within us", we can walk boldly into any situation, change the environment and lead the lost to Jesus, their Savior! 

This lost, damaged and dying world does not need another chameleon.  It needs catalysts!  How can you be a catalyst?  It begins from within:  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Transform your mind, transform your world!  

When you enter a chaotic environment, do you bring peace?  Or do you absorb the chaos and become anxious and agitated?  When I walk into a room, I believe the Holy Spirit and all the gifts that go with it come with me and overtake chaos and strife!  Yes!  Peace, be still!  

You were bought with a price; bought with the blood of Jesus.  Your life is no longer your own.  People are living lives of desperation and misery while the 'God hole' within them longs for Him. We have the answer! We don't have time to waste as chameleons!  Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Imagine a nation full of Kingdom citizens...People walking in unshakable integrity. Kingdom Catalysts rise up and change your world!  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Romans 12:2   2 Corinthians 5:20-21    Joshua 1:9

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

Satan doesn't want to destroy your marriage, he wants to tempt you and watch you destroy your marriage!  He wants you to break the covenant you made with your spouse and God.  
Why is marriage on the top of his hit list?  
Why does the world so greatly disrespect marriage?  Why is the world trying to "redefine" marriage?

One reason is power!  The power that comes when a man and a woman marry and make a covenant with God.  Satan understands the power that is in that God-designed relationship much better than we do!

Let's look in Genesis 1:26-27--Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness"...So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 2:18,21-24--And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.  And Adam said:  “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”  Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Another reason:  God made Adam in His image--male and female.  When Satan saw Adam, he saw God reflected in him.  God took a rib from Adam and created Eve.  From Adam's side, he "pulled out" the female traits, and created Adam's "wife". Together, they reflected the complete image of God.

When a man and a woman marry and commit that marriage, in covenant to God, they begin the process of becoming "one" and as such they reflect the image of God. Don't you think seeing that image angers Satan?  He wants to tarnish and destroy that image.  He wants to shatter the mirror that is reflecting God!  He doesn't want to see God reflected in humans over and over!  Yes, Satan is at war with marriage.

So what does Satan do to shatter that image?  He sends out his very best weapons--the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life! Sadly, he is too often successful in shattering God's image in our marriages.  He attacks the one who will most easily succumb to his attacks.  

His attack has expanded into our culture.  The image of marriage in our culture has been attacked.  The campaign to legalize same-sex marriage will further tarnish the sanctity of Godly marriage.  The attitude toward adultery in our culture is another way of tarnishing marriage.  There was a time when people treated a wedding band as a sign that "this person is taken and off limits" when they were looking for a "mate".  Now all too often, it is looked at as "we can have some fun together, without any commitment".  I am surprised how many people see that ring as a challenge to take their attention & affection away from their spouse!  

Husbands and wives, get the revelation that you are ONE and in that oneness, you reflect the very image--the very essence--of God.  Anything you see in your marriage that doesn't reflect that image does not come from God.  I guess we can figure out where it comes from then, right?!  Every thought, every temptation, flattering lips, arguments, family and friends that bring division in your marriage, financial problems, lies, and I'm sure you could add more items to this list!  The list is as varied as the people dealing with it. I have heard "Christian" couples say they watch pornography to "spice up their marriage".  That is a lie from Satan.  You do not invite ANYTHING into your marriage that is demonic and expect something good to come out of it.  

Remember, all Satan wants to do is to get us to believe a lie!  We can self-destruct on that lie.

A word about becoming one:  You do not become one when you say "I do"...you start the process.  You do not become one when you have sex...it's part of the process.  It is also about spending time together, talking, touching, protecting, feeling protected.  Everything you do together, fuses you into one.  That is when you can finish each other's sentences, when you know what the other is thinking, when you both pick up the phone and text each other at the same moment because you are thinking about the other.  Then, NO ONE can wedge themselves between you both because there is no cracks.  If you give the enemy an inch, they WILL take a mile.

In the spirit realm, there is an all-out attack on the covenant of marriage.  We, as citizens of God's Kingdom, need to be aware and vigilant.  Watch, guard your marriages, and be watching for the enemy's tricks.  Keep in mind also, that there is a great difference between a "civil union" and a covenant marriage.  A covenant marriage is between a man, a woman and God.  A civil union is in the world and tries to 'mimic' a Biblical marriage.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. ~~Isaiah 54:17  Recognize his weapons, even when they come in pretty, enticing packages.

I will end with these scriptures and the reminder that your spouse is not your problem, your problems are the lies of Satan and what your mind does with those lies.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13

Husbands and wives, STAND and do not be moved.

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

Jesus didn't come to change the world. He came to save all who would accept Him as their Savior. In turn, their lives would shine for all to see the Kingdom of God through them. That would ultimately change their world! 

During the Welsh revival of 1904-1905, over 150,000 souls were saved!  Bars and jails were empty and the police had very little to do.  Believers didn't push to outlaw alcohol or get tough on crime.  The communities saw the power of the Holy Spirit working through people and repented.  Jesus came into their hearts and they were changed from the inside out.

             It is time for us to stop shoving our morals and standards
                                       down the world's throat!
                 They need to see the Kingdom at work in our lives!
                                        They just need Jesus. 

But all too often, instead of believers showing the world Jesus, they try to force God's laws and principles upon them.  God's Constitution is here to guide and direct believers and show them how to live.  It teaches us how to interact with this world.  We are not here to police the lost and dying of this world.  We are not here to force them to live in a manner that doesn't fit their sinful lives.  That is not salvation!  We are here to be an example and lead them to Jesus Christ. Only He can "fix" them.  Only He cleanses all the sin and unrighteousness from their lives.  Only He can change the desires of their hearts.

If we are living a Kingdom life, they will WANT what we have.  They will ask, in times of great turmoil, how we can have so much peace.  Where do we get our joy, when there is nothing to be happy about?  How did we get through being jobless and still be provided for and have peace?  How is our lives so drama-free?

Yes, we need to be a walking, talking, uncompromising reflection of Jesus and Kingdom living and lead them to Jesus and the life they could be living.  If we can do that, there will be no need to force our morals and standards upon the world. But sometimes it is easier to legislate morality than to give up our pet sins.

In 1 Peter 4:17-18, it says: For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?  And also, 
“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”

​Think about that a moment..."If the righteous are BARELY saved, what will happen to godless sinners?"  That thought alone should bring you to your knees!  We do not have to fight the world and force them to be moral, upright, heterosexual and not follow their lusts, waving the banner "If it feels good, do it!"  No!  We seem to have no problem debating, arguing, protesting and legislating our beliefs.  The problem is that, in our hearts, far too many believers are embracing the world and are unable to truly be examples of what life in the Kingdom looks like.  

The world needs to see uncompromising Kingdom citizens, raising a standard and not being swayed by the world and what it has to offer.  Verse 17 speaks to the crux of the matter:  "For the time has come for judgment, and it MUST begin with God's household." When you live the life of a compromised, carnal believer, you not only affect your life, but the lives of those around you.  How many of your friends, family and co-workers will be lost for eternity because they look at how you live your life as a believer and say "At least I'm not a hypocrite. I may be living like hell, but I'm honest about it!"  

The world is a mess.  It is a cesspool of sin, perversion and every kind of wickedness you could imagine.  You say you want to change the world? Here is the way:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.  And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:24-27 NLT  Put your selfish desires and urges on that cross daily.  Die to self so you can live for Him.  People are watching you on their highway to hell.  What are you going to do?

Believe me or dismiss me, but it is time for those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ to get their house in order.  How?

Repent.  Clean the slate and put the past in the past.

Don't let one day go by without feeding on God's Word; not a popular religious book or the latest from your favorite ministry. Read God's Constitution.  That is your only real TRUTH.  Find scriptures that speak to you and meditate on them.

Get discipled.  Find a mentor whom you respect as being more spiritually mature than you are and spend some time with them, even if it's buying them lunch occasionally and talking.  Be real, be honest about your struggles and  your questions.

Repeat after me, daily if necessary:  "I die to self. It's not about me.  It's about Jesus"

When you get full of God's Word, your faith will get stronger and you will hear from the Holy Spirit more clearly.  When you get full of God's Word, you will shine with Kingdom life everywhere you go.  The more darkness you walk into, the brighter you will shine!

There is a LOT of dim bulbs who call themselves believers.  It's time to shine brightly.  The world is depending on it.  Deep down they want to see someone actually live what they say they believe. Be the one!

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV

"Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." CT Studd

Shine brightly brothers and sisters.  Let no one miss your Kingdom glow!

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 God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of the bondage of slavery, rather than being thankful to God, they complained.

​“If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.”  Exodus 16:3 NLT  God could have just put an end to their disobedient complaining right there and sent them back to the bondage of Egypt.  But in His infinite mercy (not getting what they deserve) and grace (getting what they don't deserve) He chose to provide manna from heaven and quail to sustain them.   So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little.  But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.

Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.”  But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning.(disobedience) But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. (you find maggots in dead things) Moses was very angry with them...

He told them, “This is what the Lord commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.”

So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. (life in obedience)  Moses said, “Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the Lord. There will be no food on the ground today.  You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day.”
 
Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions?  Exodus 16 read the whole story here 

When we read the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, many of us wonder how they could continue grumbling and complaining and being disobedient to God for that long and not understand why they were not able to arrive at Canaan, the Promised land.  But it is actually the same today!  So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.  Exodus 16:35 NLT  God sustained them with manna, but they never entered into the blessings He had promised them.  He showed them mercy and grace and sustained them...period.  They were not permitted to enter into the blessings of God, only to wander in the wilderness they hated.  But God sustained them with manna--His mercy and grace--for 40 years.

Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,  “How long must I put up with this wicked community and its complaints about me? Yes, I have heard the complaints the Israelites are making against me.  Now tell them this: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very things I heard you say.  You will all drop dead in this wilderness! Because you complained against me, every one of you who is twenty years old or older and was included in the registration will die.  You will not enter and occupy the land I swore to give you. The only exceptions will be Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.   Numbers 14:26-30 NLT

Many believers today are doing exactly the same as the Israelites in the wilderness.  They are saved and maybe even go to church, pray and tithe; but still live sinful, disobedient lives.  They gather their daily dose of mercy and grace to sustain them.  They thank God for His mercy and grace that sustains them, not realizing the abundant life they could be living in His Kingdom!  

​Will you "get to heaven" being sustained on mercy and grace?  Maybe.  That's between you and Jesus--not my call.  Will you live an abundant, blessed, fruitful  Kingdom life being sustained on mercy and grace?  No.  There is no abundance in the wilderness of sin and disobedience. There is only "getting by" on manna. 

Do you want to get out of the wilderness?  Do you want to advance from being sustained to blessed, prosperous living?  Also bear in mind, this isn't about being wealthy.  A blessed, prosperous life is a life of peace, with divine health, healthy loving relationships with all our needs met and we are able to meet the needs of others.  If you don't believe that, ask a millionaire who is dying of a terminal illness or who has lost the love of their family and has no relationship with them.  Money is just a tool.

In Hebrews 12, we are told:  "let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."  What sin easily trips you up?  What is the thing that causes you to be disobedient to the Father every single time it enters your mind?   The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.  I Corinthians 10:13 NLT

I thank God for His grace and mercy.  There were times in my life when that was all that sustained me.  But I knew I couldn't stay there.  I had to advance toward that abundant life He has for me.  If I stayed in the wilderness, being sustained on manna, I would never fulfill His purpose for my life! That would be a tragic waste just because I couldn't become more self-controlled and obedient to His Word.

You have a purpose for being here.  You were born with a mission.  You will never discover it, wandering around in the wilderness being sustained by manna.  Grab hold of that sin that so easily tempts you, cut it off at the root, throw it out and keep moving toward Kingdom living.  You don't want to wake up in 40 years, having spent your whole life fighting the same battle over and over and never getting victory.

May your light shine brighter every day, as you advance in the Kingdom of God!

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