​Seek the Kingdom first is a very profound statement. The operative word in that phrase is first. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33  Seeking the Kingdom of God isn’t only reading His Word and praying. It is keeping our actions and decisions in line with His Word and principles. Seeking the Kingdom is living a life that reflects the words of King Jesus. When faced with life decisions our first priority is that those decisions line up with His Word. We don’t put our wants and desires above His Word.
 
While the Lord Jesus was here on this earth, He was the most focused and single-minded person who has ever lived. His entire life here on earth was dedicated to teaching the government of the Kingdom of God and what life should look like in His Kingdom.
 
Focus Point:  Even at the young age of twelve, He already knew His purpose and priority. When His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph were relieved to find Him in the temple in Jerusalem after losing him, He responded to them with this statement: So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:48-49

Keep in mind the Lord Jesus had one singular focus, His Father’s priority for sending Him. He never lost sight of it, even on the cross. King Jesus knew His purpose for being here. He was a “man on a mission” as they say and so should we all be! Not knowing your purpose and priority will cause you to drift through life with no focus or sense of the Lord God’s plan for your life. Days will just slip away without focus and purpose. In many cases, people who are unaware of their purpose, assignment and priorities in the Lord God’s plan for their lives latch on to other people’s ideas and wishes. In most cases it has nothing to do with the King’s plan for their life. Misplaced priorities result in wasting life pursuing the wrong things and carrying on the wrong assignment. That leads to feeling unfulfilled, as though something is “missing” from life.
 
Please note: An absence of priorities in this life accomplishes nothing in the end; while a life of misplaced priorities may bring successes but not in the way the Holy Spirit (the Governor) leads. As Jesus told His disciples, “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring Me glory by telling you whatever He receives from Me. John 16:12-14 NLT
 
There is nothing more disappointing and tragic than not knowing the Lord God’s purpose for your life. Purpose is the source of your priorities. Purpose is defined as the original cause, reason and intent for the creation of a thing.  In essence, purpose is the meaning of why something or someone was created. Where purpose is not known, misuse or abuse is inevitable. When you know why the Lord God placed you here, have your priorities in order, and are focused on those priorities, no one will be able to distract you or take advantage of you!
 
Focus Point: Before all that can come to pass, He must get your attention because most of us are so preoccupied with other things, as it was with Saul (ambassador Paul): Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
 
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
 
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
 
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
 
So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
 
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9:1-9
 
Once He has your attention (hopefully without blinding!) He will show you your purpose and assignment.  Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
 
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
 
So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
 
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
 
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
 
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.  So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Acts 9:10-19
 
Please note: There are times when the Lord God has to allow things to happen to you so that He may get your attention. That is because most people are self-absorbed and focused on their own affairs.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. Romans 8:28-30 NLT
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James except where noted.

These articles may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are sited at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

What is “doubt”? Webster’s New World Dictionary defines it as:  1. to be uncertain in your opinion or belief  2. to be inclined to disbelief and 3. to hesitate.
 
Does your character fit into one of those categories? I mention this one thing; a lack of faith in the Lord God’s Word will cause you to hesitate in every phase of your life. Look what happened to the apostle Peter when he attempted to walk on water. Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.”
 
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
 
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
 
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:28-31 NLT Peter, even in the presence of the Lord Jesus, had doubt! In the world today, we are in a season where there is no room for doubt. It requires absolute faith in the Lord God. Without it that, we--like Peter--will drowned without His help!
 
Peter struggled with doubt more than once in his relationship with the King! His lack of faith even caused him to doubt and deny King Jesus. Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, so he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the [residence of the] high priest; but Peter was standing outside at the door. So the other disciple (John), who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter inside. Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and the officers had made a fire of coals, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. And Peter was with them, standing and warming himself. John 18:15-18 AMP
 
Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.”
 
But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.”
 
And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.”
 
But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
 
Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”
 
But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!”
 
Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:54-62
 
The Lord Jesus wants you to have total faith in the Lord God’s Word. There should be no doubt of that in our minds. Believing in the Lord God’s Word is an individual thing, not a group plan like insurance. You must believe without wavering. Make up your mind, settle any doubt and stand strong on His Word. If you want something from your Heavenly Father, ask and totally believe in Him and His Word. Too often we pray, have faith, but keep “revisiting” in our mind what we are believing for. When you truly believe He will answer your prayer, you know that in the Lord God’s time it WILL be done. It is settled. Wait and watch!  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8
 
Focus Point:  Our priority is in pleasing the Lord God by obeying and living by His Word. It is in your total faith in Him that things are done in your life. Allow me to share with you examples of what faith in His Word will accomplish in your life. Back when the Lord Jesus was here on earth, a soldier had such great faith in Him that he refused to even allow King Jesus to come to his house. All the soldier required was for the King to speak the words. When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with Him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”
 
Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
 
But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
 
When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
 
Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. Matthew 8:5-13 NLT
 
Now that was total faith—without doubt—in the King’s Word! He knew the power of His Words.
 
Keep in mind, this soldier wasn’t a Jew, but a Gentile. Do you recall what the Lord Jesus stated to the Canaanite woman? Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan (Canaanites were ancient pagan enemies of Israel) came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord,  Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”
 
But He answered her not a word.
 
And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”
 
But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
 
Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”
 
But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
 
And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Matthew 15:21-28
 
Persistent, total faith!
 
My point is this: the Lord God recognizes your faith in Him above all else. It was the centurion’s faith that the Lord Jesus recognized. It was the Canaanite woman’s faith in Him that the Lord Jesus recognized. They did not waver or doubt in the Lord Jesus and His power to heal and restore.
 
If we are to trust and believe, we must have no doubt in our faith in Him. Doubt is toxic to your faith in Him. What does doubt bring? Nothing. Remember what James said: But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8
 
Yes, your faith in King Jesus and His Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James except where noted.

These articles may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are sited at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

​Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36 The Lord Jesus made this statement while being questioned by Pilate. Notice He said “If my kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight. . .” By stating this, the Lord Jesus was saying He had no valuables here on this earth and this earth was temporary. Besides, He had angels to do His bidding. Do you recall what the Lord Jesus said stated when speaking to Peter? But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 26:52-53
 
As citizens of the Kingdom, we should always keep in mind that because we are born again by His Spirit, we should live and obey His principles. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” Matthew 5:38-40
 
The King’s principles are our principles to live by and make our lifestyle. Because we are citizens of His Kingdom, He will protect us for His name sake. If you are representing the King, He has a responsibility to protect His reputation. Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known. Psalms 106:8 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalms 23:3
 
Focus Point:  Jesus is the King of His Kingdom. He is the final authority. That is the very first thing we need to understand in the Kingdom. His laws and principles are not up for debate or change. They are, as He is, eternal. A king embodies the essence of his kingdom—meaning the kingdom is the king. Without the king, there is no kingdom.
 
Please note:  The land and the people may still be there, but unless they are ruled and led by a King, they are not in a kingdom. Presidents and prime ministers change every few years, but the constitution provides continuity of law and government. The government doesn’t change every time there is a new president or prime minister. The government doesn’t embody the president’s essence, as a kingdom does.
 
Focus Point:  In a Kingdom, the King IS the constitution. His word is law. His word is government. The King is the ultimate and only authority in His Kingdom. I am speaking about King Jesus. Remember, the Lord God, His Father, gave Him all authority and power. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18
 
In the Kingdom of Heaven, the authority of the Lord God, the King, is exclusive and absolute. His Word is law and His Will is carried out by His angels throughout the farthest reaches of the realm.
 
And of the angels He says:  “Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. . . . Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:7, 14 
 
For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off. Exodus 23:23 
 
Then the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. Isaiah 37:36
 
But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:19-20
 
No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. Psalms 91:10-13
 
Praise the Father that we are in His Kingdom, not a kingdom made by man! Our Lord and King is our provider, our protector, our guide and our strength in times of weakness. Call on Him for wisdom and discernment in all you do! He is your strength!
 
And remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God’s Word.

​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James except where noted.

These articles may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are sited at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

We need to praise the King all the time, regardless of our present situation. King David made this statement regarding the Lord: I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17 Notice his statement, “according to His righteousness”. We have a righteous God and King. He is the Creator of all things and always to be praised!
 
Please note:  Every morning when my father blesses me to see another day to continue in His purpose for my life, I give Him all praise and honor for He is my Lord and King. I am truly grateful! Praise the Lord, all you who fear Him! Honor Him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show Him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! Psalm 22:23 NLT
 
Focus Point:  But, do you recognize who the Lord God is? Do you see Him in your daily life and everyday situations? Can you see His hand on your life? What does He really mean to you? Is He only religious symbols and traditions? Is that how you see Him? Or is He a crucial part of how you live your life? King David knew who the Lord God was and how He impacted his daily life! Praise the Lord! For He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:6-7 NLT Praising and acknowledging my Lord and King is my lifestyle. It is as normal to me as breathing! Is it that way for you? By the way, you should live your life in such a way that He gets all the praise and honor for everything in your life. Not in a religious manner, but as an integral part of life and everyday conversation. Every day there is something to praise Him for. If you don’t see it, change your focus and He will show you. Strive to be an example for all the world to see.
 
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:1-7
 
Focus Point:   When you are praising the King and trusting in Him there is no room for fear or disappointment because He is righteous. If you trust in Him, no matter what happens in life, you know that He will take care of you and all will work together for your good in the Lord God’s time. His Word is true and is to be praised. In God (I will praise His Word), In the Lord (I will praise His Word), In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:10-11
 
Be aware that if you acknowledge Him through your praise regardless of your current situation, your protection in Him is cemented. I am a living example of that! Never be ashamed to praise your Lord and King, regardless of where you may be. King David made this claim:  I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. Psalm 57:9 I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to You in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise You with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. Psalm 63:4-6 NLT
 
When you are praising your King in all His righteousness there is no room for the enemy to come into your life. His territory is the world and has no part in the Kingdom of God. We should always have a posture of praise and honor to the Lord God for sending His Son Jesus the Christ to this world for us. That alone is enough to praise Him! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17  It is because of King Jesus that we have a second chance.
 
I encourage you to cultivate a habit of praise and gratitude in your daily life, no matter what is going on around you. Every day, find at least three things to praise Him for. You may already be doing this—Praise the Lord! But if you aren’t, start right now. Even if life seems horrible, there is always something to thank Him for. It will snowball and your “praise list” will grow!
 
I will end this in praise to my King for His goodness to Arlene and I:
 
“The Lord God is so good! You protect our health and safety. Lord we thank You for placing us in a home where peace rules. We thank You that it feels as though You have placed us in a sheltered place, protected from the chaos and sicknesses of this world. We thank you for meeting all our needs. We thank You for wisdom and discernment. Father we thank You for guiding our steps and leading us where You would have us go. We thank You for our children and our friends and for all those you have led to our website. Father we even thank you for all the beautiful birds we see in our yard! Your Creation brings joy to our spirit! Lord we know that even our “little joys” are important to you! And Father we praise You for bringing us through 2020 and into 2021 unharmed and at peace in our home and town. Lord we love You. If we have ever placed anything or anyone before You, we repent and seek to go into 2021 completely focused on You and Your Kingdom! Praise the Lord for everything in our lives, for even any bad You will use for Your glory and to further fulfill Your purpose for our lives! You are Glorious!”
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus the Christ is your greatest asset in the Kingdom! Enter into the new year in praise! 

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James except where noted.

These articles may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are sited at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you