As citizens of God's Kingdom, we are called to accurately represent Him wherever we go. To do that, we must know His Word and listen to the Holy Spirit--our Governor. We represent His Kingdom without compromise. I used to hear the phrase, "If God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!". Yes, that is true! We don't get to read God's Constitution to His people and cross out the words we don't agree with, or edit it to suit our feelings.  Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your Word is Truth.  John 17:17 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:18-19 

When it comes to our human relationships--marriage, friendships, family, work, etc--they require compromise to survive and thrive. But those compromises come out of our soul--that is our mind, will and emotions. Those compromises usually come down to being unselfish and and preferring what the other person wants over your own wants and desires. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV 

​But as Kingdom citizens, we must never compromise God's Word, His principles and standards. We do not compromise our spirit and our relationship with our Lord and King for anyone! If we do, it grieves the Holy Spirit--our Governor. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NKJV 

God's Constitution never changes, even though our culture, our world, does. One of the responsibilities of a citizen of God's Kingdom is to be a standard, raised high everywhere we go, representing our Lord and His Kingdom. "Raising a standard" refers to a physical symbol of something that represented their values and their principles; a flag, emblematic figure, or other object raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point of an army. Raising a standard gives people a focus point to follow and not get lost or off track. That is why it is so important that we do not compromise on God's Word directing our lives and behavior. People are watching. They need to see us living what we speak about! They need to see that God's Word is Truth--His laws, principles and blessings.  You are that standard in your circle! 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 

Refusing to compromise on God's Word does not come easy. It may bring on threats and even danger. But trust the Lord God to bring you through! Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their unwillingness to compromise and bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol. Daniel 3 You probably know the story, but read it again, understanding the importance of standing firm on the Lord God's Word. Know that when you refuse to compromise His Word and standards, He will take care of you! So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! Daniel 3:26b-27 

We are living in a time when the world demands that all thoughts and beliefs bow to their beliefs. They want followers of Jesus Christ to compromise on all that He taught. We must be knowledgeable of all that He tells us in God's Constitution and familiar with the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must stay focused and single minded in our purpose.  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8

There is no compromising God's Word. We don't have the editorial rights to change what the Lord God has said! But we do have a responsibility to represent our King without compromise. If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 NKJV

The effects of compromising our belief in God's Word are insidious. People may say, "What's the big deal?" or "Don't make a mountain out of a molehill" or even "Just do it, you don't have to really agree with it. No one will know the difference".

It does matter and God knows.

Compromise is a slippery slope. Spiritual compromises makes room for doubt. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Before long, you will have drifted far from His Presence. We have seen stories in the news about pastors leaving their calling, some saying they don't even believe in God or, tragically, committing suicide.

It started with a small spiritual compromise. 

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

Remember, when you compromise to get along with the world, you are yoking yourself with it, rather than the Lord God and His Son Jesus.  Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:  “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

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. Joshua 1:9

​Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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

Apologetics is a religious concept, not one instructed by the Lord Jesus. When Jesus sent His disciples out, He did not give them the assignment of defending Him to the world. He did not tell them to convince people to accept Him as their Savior and to embrace the Kingdom of God. He did not teach them how to argue or debate their beliefs. They did not have to prove that Jesus was the Son of God. He IS the Son of God whether they believe or not! This is what He told them:  And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take gold, or silver, or [even] copper money in your money belt, or a provision bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his support.  Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy [who welcomes you and your message], and stay at his house until you leave [that city]. As you go into the house, give it your greeting [that is, ‘Peace be to this house’]. If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking all ties]. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger]. Matthew 10:11-15 AMP
 
The parable of the banquet is an example of how we are to present the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and our Savior and Lord Jesus. We prepare and present—we set the table and prepare the food—but those we tell are free to accept or reject what we are giving them. Jesus said, “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
 
“The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’” Luke 14:16-24
 
Religious debates focus on denominational rules and their interpretation of the Bible. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my lifetime, it is that arguments are pointless and do very little to change the other person’s mind. Arguments and debates are vain and pointless. Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. Titus 3:9-11
 
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 

You cannot “debate” anyone to true repentance and salvation. You cannot debate anyone into believing that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. That takes the Holy Spirit. I believe that when we don’t truly understand the Holy Spirit and the line between where our responsibilities end and what the Holy Spirit “handles”, we feel the need to debate and convince people, doing it in our own strengths and abilities. We are to present the Gospel, the Holy Spirit draws them and prepares their hearts. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. John 6:44-45 NKJV 

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26
 
The Lord God wants all to be saved, but they—of their own free will and not under compulsion—must accept Jesus as the Son of God, their Savior. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the Truth. For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6
 
So then, if we aren’t to convince people to be saved or debate with those who don’t believe as we do, what should we do to spread the Gospel? Tell people about Jesus. Tell them about the Kingdom of God that Jesus’ preached. Speak God’s Word into every situation that you can. And most of all let your life be a walking, breathing testimony of what life in the Kingdom is like.

When they see:

• Your peace in the midst of chaos,
• Your joy when times are difficult,
• Your needs being met even in financial difficulty,
• Your smile no matter what comes your way,
• They will want what you have! 

You plant the seed but the Holy Spirit brings the rain and the sunshine.  “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s Word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s Word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s Word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Matthew 13:18-23
 
If you have someone in your life who continually tries to “bait” you into an argument, don’t take the bait. Change the subject, respond briefly or just walk away. Be sure to pray for them and that situation. Let the Holy Spirit do His work in that person. There is a great deal of “baiting” going on in social media these days. Again, don’t take the bait. Just because someone says something antagonizing to you, doesn’t mean you should respond. Silence is the best response. Instead of reacting, take the time you would use to respond and say a prayer for them. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw them to the Lord Jesus. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. Matthew 5:44-45
 
Learning this has set me free from the need do prove my beliefs when others challenge me and try to bait me into an argument. It has set me free to live my life as an example of Kingdom living by God’s Word. The world needs to see Kingdom citizens walking in the power of being Believers! 

Be ready,

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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.

In order for a contract to be legally binding, there must be “consideration” for both parties.  Consideration is basically what each party is getting from the contract.  If you get a loan for the car, fulfillment of the contract means that the bank gets the money and you get a car. In a situation where only one person benefits, you don’t really have a contract.
 
God has been showing me how, in His Word...His Kingdom Constitution, His promises to us are like contracts, but most of the time when Christians quote those promises they leave off what we are to do to “fulfill the contract”.
 
All too often, our image of God is more like Santa Clause or a magician.  God is a God of order and obedience.  He requires us to do our part…to give what we have...to do as He asks.  In John 2, when Jesus turned the water into wine, He told the servants to fill the jars with water.  They did as He asked and He then turned the water into wine. Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, He said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed His instructions.

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” John 2:6-10
 
In 1 Kings 17, Elijah went to the widow at Zarephath and asked her to fix him something to eat.  God’s promise to her was that if she took the last of her flour and oil to fix bread for the prophet her oil and flour would not run out until the drought ended.  She did as she was told to and gave the last of her food and God fulfilled His part of the “contract”.  She did not run out of oil or flour.  A truck didn’t show up with a year’s supply of flour and oil…no, her containers just never were empty! But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”

But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. 1 Kings 17:12-16
 
In 2 Kings 4 Elisha went to help a widow woman.  He asked what she had in the house.  She had a little oil.  He told her and her sons to go to the neighbors and bring all the jars they could gather.  When they had done that, he told her to fill the jars from the oil container she had.  THEY gathered the jars, SHE poured the oil and it did not stop until she had run out of jars. “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?”

“Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.

And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.”

So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim!

“Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons.

“There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing.

When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” 2 Kings 4:2-7
 
Here are some other examples of God’s “scriptural contracts” with us (with our part of the contract underlined):
 
Matthew 6:33  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you
 
2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
 
Psalm 37:4  Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.
 
Philippians 4:6-7  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.
 
Malachi 3: 10  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."
 
Proverbs 1:33  But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
 
Romans 10:9  If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
 
God’s Word is true…He cannot lie.  God doesn’t breach the contracts He has made with us, we do.  As you read your Bible, I encourage you to see His many “contracts”—promises—with us.  See what our part is, don’t just quote the part that refers to the blessing He has for us.  If you do what He says to do…give what He says to give, use what He says to use, He will do what He says He will do!  

As Elisha said, I will say to you: “Tell me, what do you have in the house?”

​​Be ready,

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 purpose wasn't created when you discovered it. God's purpose for your life was placed within you before you were even born. 

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see children as God sees them. Before they are even born, His purpose for their life is already placed within them. Each and every one of them! We look at our world and see such an attack on the children through abortion, neglect, and physical, emotional and sexual abuse. That purpose within a child is pure and untainted, as God intends it. It hasn't been damaged, twisted or diluted in any way.

​This may sound like a terrible thing to say, but for a moment, try to think as Satan and the demonic would. If you wanted to stop someone from fulfilling God's purpose in their life, when is the easiest time? When they are children--innocent to his ways, trusting, teachable and vulnerable!  He will try to prevent them from being born or kill them when they are young, even at the hands of their parents. He will try to pervert them, damage them emotionally, mentally or physically so they will follow his path rather than God's purpose for their lives. Satan does not want them to advance the Kingdom of God.

I don't need to show you examples of the attack on children, just look at the news. When you look at the news, remember that every child, every statistic, every abortion is a loss of the God-given Kingdom purpose for that child's life. 

Many years ago, the Lord gave me a vision about a family in our church. They were very involved in the church and in leadership. But in the vision I saw a demon walking in their home. He was almost 7 feet tall and quite grotesque. The Lord told me it was a demon of lust and also told me how it got access to their home. Besides praying for them, the point of the vision was this: the demon walked down the hall, stopping at each child's room. He would lower his head so he could stare into the room. He stood, staring into the room, drooling, arms hanging down low. The Lord said that he wasn't interested in the parents as he already had them and had done his damage. He wanted the children. That is the point I want you to take with you today. Satan wants the children: dead, damaged, bent in some way to prevent them from fulfilling all that God has purposed for them. Pray for children everywhere! Many children have no one praying for them. Stand in the gap for them.

For God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 2 Timothy 1:9 NKJV

We look at our children as our "gifts from God". I have felt that same way. But in truth, the children God has given us are our assignments! They will be our greatest assignment in the Kingdom. They are not ours to keep, but to love, protect, teach, strengthen and to help them see their God-given purpose for the Kingdom of God. Then we are to send them out into the world, prepared to fulfill that purpose! God has "gifted" us with little bundles of His purpose to cultivate and mature. What an incredible honor!

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12 NKJV

I remember Myles Munroe saying that the graveyards are filled with unfulfilled purpose. But I also see a world with adults whose God-given purpose was thwarted by a childhood of abuse and trauma, orchestrated by Satan. 

My prayer is that we all never see a child as disposable, a mistake or who will "never amount to anything"; but that we see God's Kingdom purpose that is within them. They are all like a ceramic box that contains a priceless treasure. That box must never be broken! For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

​Be ready,

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