Most years around October or November, I get a word from the Lord for the coming year. Last year that word was “change”. I told a friend and co-worker, “Next year this time, things are going to look very different here”. That was so true. Things had stayed mostly the same for several years, but in 2023 there were quite a few who left and new faces took their places. Many people that I know had major changes in their lives this year. It turned out that “change” was for me also and there were several changes and life looks different than a year ago!
 
This year, that word is compassion. He showed me that next year there will be an even greater need for compassion and mercy. It will be an opportunity for Kingdom citizens to shine His light that is in us by the Holy Spirit into a very dark world. We have always had that assignment and opportunity, but there will be a far greater need for it in the coming year. So many are lost, hurting, depressed, angry and most of all, deceived. “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
 
For the past several years, many Christians have been fighting and arguing with the world and their anti-Christ beliefs. But that behavior is not a good representation of God’s Kingdom. It represents our carnal, emotional nature. While I understand their motives, and have had some of the same feelings, it is not what we are called to do as Kingdom citizens.
 
First, we are not God’s “army”. He created angels as His heavenly army.  “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?” Matthew 26:52-53 Peter meant well, fighting to defend Jesus when Judas led the soldiers to Him, but that wasn’t his assignment. King Jesus won the “battle” over Satan. He finished it and went back to our Father. We are to occupy--or do business for the Kingdom--until He returns. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’  Luke 19:13 NKJV
 
Kingdom citizens are to represent our King. We are representatives and ambassadors. We are joint heirs with King Jesus, we are His children. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do; for if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
 
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba,Father.” For His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. Romans 8:12-17
 
How we respond to the world matters because those who do not know Him need to see His character through those who represent Him! Through His citizens, the world should see what life in God’s Kingdom looks like! When the world looks at us, they should not see a reflection of the character of the world! That makes us useless for the Kingdom. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matthew 5:13
 
I know that saying “Show compassion. Show mercy.” won’t make it happen. Take some time this month to focus on your attitudes and feelings. Don’t react. Pause, breathe and listen to the Holy Spirit. He is our Governor, so allow Him to govern your mind, will and emotions. Only then, respond. It is the fruit of the Spirit—self control—that will allow you to respond with mercy and compassion.
 
Remember that mercy is NOT getting “what they have coming to them”. It is not the weak person who is merciful and compassionate but the strong person. Because it takes great self control! Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13
 
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you. James 2:13
 
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1

Get ready! We say “What would Jesus do?” yet often don’t DO what He would do. In every situation that comes up, there is an answer in the life of Jesus. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. His life is how we represent Him to the world. That is what ambassadors of God’s Kingdom do. Jesus not only taught about the Kingdom, He was a living, breathing example of life in His Kingdom.
 
I have one more word of encouragement for 2024 to share with you:  The world is telling us that there is a financial crash coming. They talk about how bad it is going to be, filling people with fear. But remember the truth in Matthew 6. Remember that we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. His economy is our economy. His economy is not controlled by the god of this world. We are here to represent Him and His Kingdom.
 
If we will seek His Kingdom and His righteousness FIRST in our lives, He promises us:  “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
 
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
 
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
 
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” 
Matthew 6:24-33
 
God cannot lie. If He said it, it is truth! God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19
 
I can testify to that! The Father has always supplied our needs. Looking back on those times, I couldn’t even tell you how He did it. But all our needs were met—bills paid, groceries in the cupboards and a home to live in. Praise the Lord, His Word is truth! I will not doubt and can truly say: 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
 
Our Priorities: 

• Seeking His Kingdom
• Seeking to live by His righteousness
• Being led by the Holy Spirit
• Always remember you are a Kingdom Ambassador in every situation
• Represent His Kingdom with compassion and mercy
• Never misrepresent God’s Kingdom by acting like the world's culture
• He will meet all your needs!

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

From the time of creation, the Lord God gave mankind the freedom to choose. It is an essential concept of the Kingdom of God that we must understand. It is clear that the Lord God did not want mindless robots as His creation, only be capable of doing His Will with no other choice. He wants us to choose to obey Him, love Him and spend time in His presence. I can understand that! If you love someone, you would also want them to freely love you back. I want my adult children to freely seek me out; to want to spend time with me, not out of obligation. There is no joy in someone being forced to love you!
 
There was Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, living in Heaven on earth, and the Lord God gave them only one “test” to obey or disobey Him.  The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Genesis 2:15-17  You would think that is easy compared to all the choices we must make today. Yet, they make the wrong choice!
 
We often hear “God is in control”, but the truth is that God gave mankind control when He gave us the freedom to choose. We must seek His help and ask for His intervention in a situation. We make a choice and pray about it. “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
 
“But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Deuteronomy 30:15-19 Can you hear the Lord God’s heart for mankind? He wants us to choose Him. He wants us to want to worship Him and obey His commandments. But if we don’t, He clearly lays out the consequences:  (Further reading Deuteronomy 28) Don't throw out the Old Testament. Remember that the Old Testament shows us God’s character. It shows us His “heart” toward mankind. When He sent Jesus, the Lord God’s character didn’t change.
 
The Lord God doesn’t “make” you do anything. You have a choice. Satan can’t “make” you do anything either! You have a choice. Make your choices with that in mind. We’ve all heard the saying “the devil made me do it” but we know that is just a joke! If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 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. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
 
Our society today would like you to feel like a victim, rather than seeing the bad choices, errors in judgment, that have placed us in the midst of some bad consequences. Sometimes the only way out of a bad situation is to see our bad choices, repent and change what we are doing! Seed—time—and harvest doesn’t only refer to money or crops. It refers to every choice, every decision, every action we do. Seek out God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision.
 
Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make Our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with You. 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 14:23-26 It is the Holy Spirit—our Governor—who will lead us to make good choices if we will only listen.
 
Today, I am building a foundation, a solid foundation upon which you can stand. Every time you make a choice that is in line with God’s Constitution, your self-control fruit of the Spirit will grow. You will become stronger in the Kingdom and more able to withstand the attacks of our enemy, Satan. He wants to tempt you to make the wrong choice and separate you from the Lord God. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:2 NLT I don’t ever want my Father to turn away from me and not listen to me anymore!
 
Here are more foundational “scripture bricks”:
 
Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!  Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.  
 
Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
 
Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
 
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:15-23
 
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28 NKJV
 
Anyone who does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!” Matthew 12:50
 
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
 
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 8:1-9 
 
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Kingdom citizens are well able, with the power and strength of the Holy Spirit working in them and through them, to make choices that line up with God’s Word. The more you do this, the stronger you will become. In our present world, we need that strength!
 
The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love Him, but He destroys the wicked. Psalm 145:18-20
 
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you [setting you on a firm foundation] and will protect  and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 AMP
 
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10
 
Your heavenly Father loves you and gives you the freedom to choose to love and obey Him or reject Him.
 
The choice is yours.

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.

Think about yourself for a moment. How much of your time with the Lord--in prayer, meditation, reading--is spent focusing on yourself?  How much of your time and attention is focused on others--praying for people, discipling others, telling people about Jesus, helping people in need or serving in your church? 

What began as something good--Focusing on ourselves for self improvement and growth--has grown into an almost obsession of self-focus and selfishness.  It is insidious! 

I remember when pastors began moving away from messages about salvation, service and evangelism to "self-help" messages that sounded more like personal growth therapy sessions!  It seemed like a good direction to go because people were becoming more aware of their emotional and mental states and would, with that knowledge grow into mature, productive disciples of Christ.  The problem is, we ended up with an abundance of "me Christians"!  In essence, there are many Humanist Christians who don't even know that is what they have become. 

Wikipedia says: Christian humanism regards humanist principles like universal human dignity, individual freedom and the importance of happiness as essential and principal components of the teachings of Jesus. Now, the problem with that is that it puts "me" at the center of my universe and not Jesus.  It is like taking the sun and having it rotate around the earth.  We are not the center of the universe!

Also, I have read several articles that say being self-focused may increase depression but being focused on others and helping people in some way decreases depression.  "Getting your mind off yourself" just may be good advice!  That is understandable!

People whose lives are based on selfishness think about selfish things, but people whose lives are based on the Spirit think about things that are related to the Spirit. The attitude that comes from selfishness leads to death, but the attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.  So the attitude that comes from selfishness is hostile to God. It doesn’t submit to God’s Law, because it can’t. People who are self-centered aren’t able to please God.

But you aren’t self-centered. Instead you are in the Spirit, if in fact God’s Spirit lives in you. If anyone doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, they don’t belong to Him. Romans 8:5-9 CEB

We choose churches by the way it affects us:  the worship, the preaching, the child care, etc as if we were the center of the universe. You want to go somewhere where you can "Get your praise on!", get pumped up and know your children are well taken care of.  Have you ever gone "church shopping" with the focus being "Can God use me here?"  

I'm right there with you and until recently I never thought about it.  But this year the Holy Spirit changed my focus and I began seeing from a new perspective!  Once you see it, you can't unsee it! That is why I am writing. I want you to see also! 

We've got to get our eyes off of ourselves and back on Jesus! 

​Social media and our culture have created an epidemic of self-absorbed and narcissistic people.  It has caused them to look coldly on the hardships of others. As long as we keep our eyes on ourselves, we cannot advance the Kingdom of God in our community.  How many people will never come to know Jesus because we couldn't get our eyes and thoughts off of ourselves?  That is a sobering thought.   

Yes, once you see it, you won't be able to unsee it.  Be aware of your focus.  Is it Jesus focused?  Is it focused on discipleship, evangelism, serving others?  Or is it centered on you, how it relates to your life, your prosperity, your comfort, and your happiness?  

...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. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1b-2 NLT

​All scriptures NLT unless noted.
​
​​​Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
DeborahLuchie.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

Our society is out of control. I cannot speak from experience about other countries, but in America we are one long gag video of adults behaving badly.  It seems the majority of our population has no self control!  Road rage, people being shot over a fast food order and situations that should be of no consequence quickly escalates to chaos and destruction. Behaviors that once would put a person in a mental institution are now applauded and entertainment for the masses. When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.  But whoever obeys the law is joyful.  Proverbs 29:18 

I can understand this happening in the world, but believers in Jesus Christ, citizens of the Kingdom of God,  should be a model of self control and all the Fruits of the Spirit.  They have God's Word and the Holy Spirit to guide them!  We are called to be salt and light to the world.  But if we are immature believers and look like the world, our light is dim and our salt has lost its savor.  What good are we?  “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.  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.  Matthew 5:13-15

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!  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.  Galatians 5:22-25

Of all the fruit listed, self control is the rarest--but most important--of them all.  It is the key to all the others!  Once you mature in self control, all the others fruits of the Spirit will manifest in your life.  With God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can cultivate mature fruit in your life.  Self control is about being able to control and properly respond to your emotions and thoughts.  Emotions are temporary.  They change direction as often as the wind. You are not your emotions.  You are your mind, body, spirit AND emotions.  But you are meant to control them, not the other way around.  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. 
1 Corinthians 10:13

​Remember these are "fruits" of the Spirit, not the "gifts" of the Spirit.  One is given and one must be cultivated.  Many years ago, our property was adjacent to an apple orchard.  Workers consistently mowed, pruned, fertilized and sprayed for pests for many, many months.  Then when the fruit was ripe, they harvested the delicious apples to sell.  When the harvest was finished, we would go into the orchard and pick up the apples left on the ground (the owner told us we were welcome to the leftovers!).  Then I would take those apples and make applesauce and apple butter...what a delicious blessing from their overflow!  But one year no workers came.  No one cultivated the fruit. No one mowed or pruned or fertilized.  No one harvested the fruit. The orchard was abandoned. At first the apples were still good, but over time the orchard became overgrown, unkempt and the fruit became small, diseased and damaged by pests.

That is what happens in our lives when we don't feed our spirit with God's Word and listen to the Holy Spirit.  Most of the sin and chaos in our lives began with a lack of self control.  I'm sorry, but you can't have someone lay hands on you and pray some self control on you.  It is cultivated by listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and God's Word.  Be intentional and seek self control in your life.  Once you have self control, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, love and faithfulness will grow also!  

Here is just a few practical suggestions that have worked for me to cultivate self control:

• Never react--pause, breath, think, and then respond.
• Grow a thicker skin and don't be easily offended
• When someone angers or upsets you, while you are breathing and pausing, try to think of what they were thinking or why they did what they did. Be empathetic.
• Don't let a day go by without forgiving because unforgiveness roots as bitterness.
• Let go of the need to be right.
• Let go of the need to have the last word.
• Determine ahead of time that you will never see yourself as a victim.  Bad things may happen but you are not a victim. You are an overcomer!
• Think 'cause and effect'.  If I do this--if I say this--what will happen?  What will the fallout be?  Is the cost too great?  Then STOP yourself before it is too late.
• And last, my favorite self-talk sentence:  "It's not that serious!"  Sometimes we think something is so serious and catastrophic, when by next week you won't even remember what it was.  Unless it is truly a life or death situation, it's not that serious!

Of course, the most important thing of all is to be filled up with God's Word.  It is the nutrients you need to grow the satisfying fruit of self control and all of the fruits of the Spirit.  So I will close this out with some nourishment for spirit.  You can change.  You can grow mature fruit!

​All NIV scriptures:
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.  Proverbs 25:28

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:7 

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.  Proverbs 16:32

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  James 1:19

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.  Titus 2:11-12

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Proverbs 12:16 

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. 
Proverbs 29:11 

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

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

"I am a diabetic."

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

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

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

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

You are not your current condition!  

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

You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

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

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

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