The Lord God created and prepared mankind’s environment long before He created mankind. He created an environment in which they would thrive. It was mankind’s perfect environment, containing all that they would need to fulfill the Lord God’s plan for their lives. Can you picture this? Eden was one place where the Lord God dwelled on earth. It was the garden of His presence, the place of His pleasantness. That was precisely where the Lord God placed Adam. It was a place of unbroken fellowship between the Lord God and mankind. He saw that all was good. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:31
 
What does all this mean? You don’t need church services, choirs, and meetings to succeed in this life. There were none of these things in the Garden of Eden and yet His presence was there. Neither were there prophets, teachers, preachers or apostles. Keep this in mind; the ideal environment is nothing more or less than the presence of the Lord God Himself. That was the Lord God’s first gift to Adam.  The Lord God’s presence was here first. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2
 
I am not discounting all the other things I have mentioned, but without His presence, we have nothing! The Lord God’s presence in our physical body is the most beautiful and powerful presence in the world. Of course, I speak of the Holy Spirit. You don’t need a husband or wife to succeed in this life. You need the Holy Spirit—our Governor. That is why the Lord Jesus had His Father send Him to us. If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:15-17 NLT 
 
Your closest friend and confidant should also be filled with the Holy Spirit because everything that is not in its ideal environment will malfunction. The people you spend your time with will affect your environment. An orange tree planted in Alaska will not grow and thrive. A fish will die outside of water. An eagle will starve to death if it cannot fly and the soul of man without the Holy Spirit—our Governor—will be eternally separated from His presence. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Romans 8:9-10  
 
Just as the fish and plants must stay in the environment the Lord God created for them to flourish; so mankind must stay in His presence to thrive. 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 NLT
 
Keep this in mind; roses start to die the minute they are cut from the plant. Death is certain unless it is rejoined to its source and its ideal environment. It is the same for mankind. Life and fulfillment of our destiny are possible only to the extent that we walk and talk with the Lord God, staying in constant communication with the King.
 
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 NLT
 
Remember, your most valuable asset is your faith in King Jesus.

​All NKJV, except where noted.

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

The King we serve is a God of principles and order. Everything He created was established to operate by certain principles that guarantee its inhabitants proper function. For example, one of the most important of these principles ordained by the Lord God to protect and preserve His handiwork is the principle of environment. That was one thing I really had to ponder!
 
Now, the word environment is defines as circumstances, objects and conditions by which one is surrounded. In other words, the surroundings or atmosphere in which we live. Keep in mind that everything in this life was created to function within a particular environment that the Lord God prescribed for it before He created it. Notice how He laid the foundation, step upon step. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
 
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.
 
Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. Genesis 1:1-8
 
Now notice the process by which the Lord God created the plants and animals and how they have the same pattern. Before the Lord God spoke the plants and animals into existence, He gathered the waters together so that the dry ground would appear. Only then He spoke to the sea, commanding it to bring forth the variety of fish and sea creatures for the waters. Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
 
Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 
 
Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
 
Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:9-12, 20-25 Please take notice of how the Lord God prepared each unique environment for His creation. Then and only then He finally created man. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27
 
The verses I have mentioned above from God’s constitution clearly reveal that the Lord God is the source of all mankind. You can plainly see mankind was created to be in the image of the Lord God, who is Spirit, and to live in the same environment as the Lord God which is the realm of the spirit and the environment of the King. Read what the Lord Jesus stated to the woman at the well:  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24
 
Before the Lord God created everything in the world, He created a unique environment for that creation. Keep in mind, the environment of this world can be positive or negative, productive or non-productive, healthy or unhealthy depending on where you are. For example, if you place a goldfish on a table, after a short period of time, it will die, because it is out of its environment. It was created to live in water. And not just any water! Some fish need salt water, some fresh.
 
The Lord God, with great detail, created a unique environment for all of His creation. Mankind was created to walk on land and breathe in oxygen. He was not created to live in the sea. To flourish, we must be in the unique environment the Lord God created for His citizens. How well you function is dependent on whether or not you are in the environment the Lord God created for you. In the wrong environment you may survive, but never flourish!
 
We will continue with this next week.
 
Your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in King Jesus and His Word.

​All NKJV, except where noted.

​~~W.R. 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

​Many who have read my articles concerning the Governor may wonder what is the purpose of the Governor in your life. The primary responsibility of the Governor—the Holy Spirit—is over His assigned territory. If He lives in your mortal body, you are His territory. He is to train us how to live in this present world as Kingdom citizens. He is to guide and protect us as we operate in this world, if we follow His leadership.  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 NLT
 
The Lord God has given the Governor authority and power to assign Kingdom citizens certain gifts to use for His Kingdom while we are here on this earth. Ambassador Paul lists some of the gifts in his first letter to the Kingdom citizens in Corinth. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.  Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
 
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  1 Corinthians 12:1-10 Note the very next verse!  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11
 
Keep in mind, any authority and power given by way of the Governor—Holy Spirit—is given for the use and purpose of the Kingdom government, not for personal use.  Remember this one thing:  As the Governor delegates to His authority to His Kingdom citizens, He teaches us directly through His Constitution. The Lord God’s Word shows how to administer His gifts correctly and affectively to those who are assigned for His purpose. We are to represent the Lord God and His Kingdom in our lifestyle and behavior. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
 
For those who live by faith, giving our King Jesus the glory and honor in our lives is our joy and strength. Our Governor shows us that His administration is for serving others and not for lording it over them. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 NLT
 
Allow me to make a statement concerning this world. The true purpose of a government is to serve its citizens. If the Governor of our heavenly Kingdom gives us a gift, then we are to use it in a manner that serves our fellow Kingdom citizens. We are to advance His Kingdom and mature His citizens for the Lord God’s purpose and plan. It is not about making money, filling our pockets with riches or giving us control over others. Any authority and power received is solely for the Kingdom of the Lord God. And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14
 
Remember, your faith in King Jesus is your greatest asset in the Kingdom. 

​All NKJV, except where noted.

​~~W.R. 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

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 Religious people often find it difficult to understand the concept of the Kingdom of God for one main reason:  They have been taught to see the Lord Jesus and His time on earth through a religious mindset. Understanding the Lord God’s Kingdom government calls for a complete changing of one’s thinking. Moving from a worldly view to a Kingdom viewpoint requires a total turn around in their mind. Remember what ambassador Paul stated to His citizens at Rome.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
 
The priorities of those who are of a Kingdom mindset are different from those who are of a religious and worldly mindset (remember that religion was created by mankind). Many of the things that the world values most are regarded as worthless in the Kingdom of God. The standards for evaluating greatness are very different between the world’s standards and the Kingdom of God's standards. “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:34-36
 
The world system judges greatness in terms of how much money, power and influence one has, while the Kingdom sees greatness in humility and selfless service. Remember, those with a worldly mindset cannot understand the Kingdom concept, especially those who are rich in things.  Just look at the rich young ruler:   Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
 
“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’”
 
The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
 
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
 
But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
 
When Jesus saw this, He said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Luke 18:18-25 NLT The Lord Jesus knew that the ruler’s riches meant more to him than the Kingdom of God. Riches on this earth are temporary, but the Kingdom that the Lord God offers is everlasting. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31
 
From a worldly perspective, things are an end in themselves. People seek the acquisition of things to satisfy their own selfish desires. They try to fill the emptiness in their hearts as well as to impress others. Their self worth is measured by their possessions and their worldly successes. All that is to advance their status and standing in the eyes of their society. Now on the other hand, for Kingdom citizens, money and things are a means to an end, never for selfish gratification but tools that enable us to bring blessings to others and advance the Lord God’s Kingdom on earth.
 
Be aware of how things can entice us. Mankind is motivated and preoccupied with the pursuit of things. There are few things in this world that are more seductive to the heart of mankind than the lure of materialism. Just take a look around. That lust for material things is even in our churches!  
 
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 
 
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:6-11
 
Keep in mind that people will never understand or even see the Kingdom unless they are completely born of His Spirit. Read what King Jesus stated to Nicodemus. Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3
 
People’s greed for things is one of the strongest of all motivators of mankind’s behavior often greater than even the motivators of love and family loyalty. When you feel that drive for “more” rising up within you, remember these verses, as they exemplify the concept of the Kingdom we must embrace:
 
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
 
The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good (spiritually perceptive), your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad (spiritually blind), your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
 
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
 
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
 
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
 
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:19-33

​What is your focus? What is it that you are truly seeking?
 
As always, remember that your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the Living God.

​All NKJV, except where noted.

​~~W.R. 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