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

Emotions come and go. They ebb and flow like the ocean waves.  Sometimes they blindside us and we wonder where in the world it came from! 

The problem is that if we allow our emotions to control us, we are like a small oar-less rowboat in that ocean, being tossed to and fro with no ability to steer our way clear of those waves. We are out of control and unable to control our path.  God created us and gave us emotions, but He also gave us the ability to control those emotions. ...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...  2 Corinthians 10:5  NKJV

​Yes, people "hurt our feelings".  Things they say and do bring feelings of sadness, hurt and anger. They prick our deep scars of rejection and insecurity. We feel disrespected, treated unfairly, made fun of.  Often the hurt gives way to anger, because we don't mind showing anger but not our hurt because that "feels weak".

Those feelings aren't sins, but almost immediately the spirit of offense comes and you will choose to either embrace or reject that spirit.  That is when sin enters in.  Offense is one of Satan's most effective "tools" against believers.  The companion spirit of offense is unforgiveness. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,  nor give place to the devil.   Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV  The emotion will come, you will experience it, but you must not embrace the spirits that come right behind those emotions to tempt you into sin. 

Remember:  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

​Yes, there is a way of escape from embracing the spirits of offense and unforgiveness:  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24 NKJV  Self-control!  If only self-control could be prayed on you or given to you with anointing oil.  It is in you, but you must work it, and build it by getting filled with the Word, listening to the Holy Spirit as your guide and exercising your self-control every day.  Every time you consciously reject the spirits of offense and unforgiveness, your self-control will get stronger and each time it will become easier!

I can testify that this is true in my own life.  When I was much younger, I lived in my feelings.  I didn't control them, they controlled me.  My mother used to say I "wore my feelings on my sleeves".  I was a carnal, immature believer.  When I got angry or hurt or disrespected, I embraced and nursed that offended spirit and its companion, unforgiveness!  I would cut that person out of my life and make them pay for what they had done to me (in my eyes).  One day, I heard teaching on the spirit of offense and what a strong weapon of Satan's it was!  It truly opened my eyes and I began the process of building my self-control.  I was determined to never be a tool used by Satan against my fellow believers! Nothing was so important that I would allow myself to be offended and harbor unforgiveness against anyone.

My purpose today is to show you the difference between our God-given emotions, and the spirits those emotions draw that want to tempt you to sin and embrace offense and unforgiveness.  If you claim to be a citizen in the Kingdom of God, I will say without reservation that it doesn't matter what someone did to you or said about you, you do not have the RIGHT to hold offense and unforgiveness toward ANYONE.  Recognize the emotion, feel it and let it go.  Then pray for those who have hurt you.  If Jesus could pray "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" as He died on the cross, you have no excuse.  Luke 23:34

Once you have determined that you will not embrace offense and unforgiveness, no matter what happens or how you feel in the moment, there is such peace.  Trust me, it becomes easier every time to keep your peace and forgive.  Offense and unforgiveness will "eat you" from the inside out.  Peace is a healing balm to your spirit.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 

Want peace?  Pray for those who have hurt you:  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven...  Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV

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 "doer"?  I am. Give me an assignment, a problem, an idea and I will begin to formulate a plan and a way to make it happen.  Show me a messy desk and I will begin organizing it in my head.  Yes, I'm a doer.  Why, even God's Word talks about being a "doer of the Word"! But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ​ James 1:22-24 NKJV

But one thing a doer may have trouble with is resting in faith that God will do what you cannot do and fulfill His purpose in you.  Doers don't wait well.  Sarai must have been a doer.  She couldn't rest in faith that God could actually give her a son at her advanced age.  She had to "help" God with that promise.  But when she worked it out her way, she ended up with Ishmael and problems!

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar.  So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal.  So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. (This happened ten years after Abram had settled in the land of Canaan.)

So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant.  But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.  Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault!  I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The Lord will show who’s wrong—you or me!”

Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.
Genesis 16:1-6  NLT

In 2018, God is greatly changing my life from one that was predictable, stable and even monotonous to one of great unknowns.   Every time God has blessed me with something much better and answered my prayers, He has first removed most of what was my  life.  It was as if He was wiping the slate clean to start again.  It is during those times when the problems seem too big--too many--too impossible, He was also teaching me to rest in Him rather than be a doer.  

I don't want an Ishmael.

I can do "good" in my own strength.  I can take a project, get a plan, break it down and give it a timeline.  I can bring order to chaos.  But I can't do the impossible, the miraculous.  And that is what I'm praying for now.

And the Holy Spirit said "Rest in Him. Have faith".  That is how we get the impossible...the great!  But that is harder than doing!  This year, in this season, I must learn to "be"...To be at peace in every situation... 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  ...To be His child, with childlike faith that says I believe my God is able to do everything He has promised.  I can't work it out in my finite mind, but my God all ready has.  

The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.  And Abraham named their son Isaac. Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.  Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter.  All who hear about this will laugh with me.  Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!”  Genesis 21:1-7  NLT

Can you imagine a couple that old even being alive and well, let alone to have a baby and nurse him?!  Miraculous!  Now what has God promised you that you can't do in your own strength?  What is the heart's desire you have been asking God for?  If it is your heart's desire, it is not anything a doer can make happen in their own strength.  Trust in the Lord and do good.  Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.  Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.  Commit everything you do to the Lord.  Trust him, and He will help you.  Psalm 37:3-5 NLT

Take a deep breath....you don't have to make this happen.  You just have to TRUST Him.  Breathe out...now, rest in Him.  Your Isaac is coming, but it is only in His strength, not yours. 
​
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