To see the Kingdom of the Lord God you must first be changed from within. But while the benefits and evidence of the Kingdom of God are visible, the Kingdom itself is spiritual in nature and invisible. One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?”

Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you." Luke 17:20-21 

The very first step to seeing and experiencing the Kingdom of God is that you must be born again of the Spirit of the living God, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit." John 3:3-5 Then the Lord Jesus went on to explain the difference between the two.  Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” John 3:6-8 That transformation makes you a Kingdom citizen; for without that Spirit you are a religious individual.  There are millions of religious people all over the earth who are not filled with and tuned in to the Holy Spirit. 

​When you receive the Holy Spirit--our Governor--you are born from above. That is what makes you a Kingdom citizen, born into the heavenly Kingdom. That rebirth gives you a new consciousness and a new perception which isn't possessed by those who are outside the Lord God's Kingdom.

The ability to perceive spiritual things isn't some special ability given to those who struggle to earn it. On the contrary, it is ours by rebirth--our spiritual birth. So if you have been born from above, you have a new set of senses that enable you to detect the unseen things of the Kingdom, through the Holy Spirit.  But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Keep in mind, all Kingdom citizens behold the glory of the Lord through reading and studying His Constitution--God's Word. It is through that Word that we are transformed from glory to glory. Remember the Kingdom of God isn't a religion but a government. The representative Isaiah foretold this through the Lord God. For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7 

When you totally trust in the King's Word, you realize that the crises and troubles that surround us are temporary and soon will pass, but the Lord God's Kingdom will last forever. We are citizens of an invisible--internal--Kingdom until King Jesus returns on a cloud to be with His chosen people. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18  Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And He will send out His angels to gather His chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Mark 13:26-27 

Yes, what we are going through on an individual basis is temporary. Keep in mind, the King always keeps His promises. If He said it, it will be done. Listen to what He stated to His disciples:  Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:29-31 NKJV 

Your strength, trust, faith and confidence should always be in the Lord God's Word. In a world where social media rules and dominates most people's minds, it is vital that the Lord God's Constitution is our first priority every day.  It is eternal while everything else is temporary! 

Remember, as always, your faith in the Lord God's Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom of God!

All NLT 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

Throughout the time the Lord Jesus was with us on earth, there were three words He spoke on a consistent basis. Those words are: faith, love and obedience. When you mention the Lord Jesus or our Father God, you are bound to also mention faith, love or obedience. Another word that was used very often is the word believe. All four of these words are words of action. Here is an example from the God's Constitution. For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16  

The Lord Jesus put the word believe in a positive light from those who believe in Him.  This same word is put in a negative light for those who don't believe in Him. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. John 3:17-18 In each case, He spoke of Himself in the third person. That was for those who were around Him at that time, but we who live by faith know He was speaking of Himself.

From the very beginning, the Lord God wanted our obedience to His Word, freely given, not from compulsion.  When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:8-11 Keep this in mind, the Lord God called out to the man Adam and confronted him, because He left man in charge. Remember that obedience is very important in receiving from the Governor--Holy Spirit. It goes hand in hand with love. The King made it a point to mention that. 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 Notice the Lord said "If you love Me" and then He continued on with His requirement. Obeying His commandment is definitely being obedient. Being obedient is demonstrating your faith and love for Him. We want to obey His Word because we love Him!

Ambassador Paul, when writing to the Hebrew believers, made this reference and comparison:   It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.  And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:5-6 In essence, it is your complete trust in the promises in God's Word. Many books have been written concerning what pleases the King, but when you think about the big picture, the books become more about making money than in pleasing the Lord. What is the focus of what you are doing? Is it for the Lord, for His purpose and His pleasure?

Are you aware that the Lord God informed His servant Habakkuk that there would come a time when the righteous would live by their faith in Him. He instructed Habakkuk to write it down: Then the Lord said to me, 

“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.

Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. They open their mouths as wide as the grave, and like death, they are never satisfied. In their greed they have gathered up many nations and swallowed many peoples." Habakkuk 2:2-5

​Your total belief in King Jesus and His Word is our top priority.  For He is sent by God. He speaks God’s Words, for God gives Him the Spirit without limit.  The Father loves His Son and has put everything into His hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment. John 3:34-36 NKJV  

While here on earth, the Lord Jesus gave this command:  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV If we truly love the Lord God, we will live by our faith in Him and not allow the things in this present world to cause you concern. For I am not ashamed of this Gospel about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Gospel tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Romans 1:16-17 

Attending church services every Sunday means nothing without our faith in His Word. It is our obedience and faith to God's Word that pleases Him.  “If you love Me, obey My commandments." John 14:15 Your consistent faith in God's Word is your most valuable asset in the Kingdom of God.  It is key! The more of God's Word that we get "in" us, the more our faith is built.  It is "super food" for our faith! If you truly love Him, it is your total trust and faith in Him that pleases Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 This is a person the Lord God will use!

As it says in Hebrews, It is impossible to please God without faith!
​
Remember, your faith in the King is your greatest asset in the Kingdom!

All NLT 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 Lord always keeps His promises.  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  Ambassador Paul made this statement in his greeting to Titus: This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. Titus 1:2  In writing to the Hebrews, he also made this statement confirming what the prophet Balaam said concerning our Lord and King. God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.  Hebrews 6:17-18 

Now, knowing that it is impossible for the Lord God to lie for He is nothing like mankind and He never has to repent.  Whatever He speaks becomes Truth. We should embrace His Word and make it our priority for our very existence. Remember, it is getting closer to the end of time and we must stand tall and strong on His Word, as a beacon for the world to see. Trust in the Lord Jesus because His Father sent Him. Do you recall what ambassador Paul said in his second letter to the Kingdom citizens at Corinth? For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20

​My question to those who are fearful of bodily harm is, if you truly believe in God's Word and His promises, why would you fear?  If you truly trust in God and His Word, you should be praising the Lord God for His Word and all of His promises, for it is the foundation of our faith.  He always, without fail, keeps His Word. The problem comes when we fail to believe totally in His Word.  To stand on His Word and not waver takes faith on our part.  Often, faith is difficult for people because they have been let down by many people, especially their parents or authority figures.  When we are young, we trust people completely.  When that trust is broken, it becomes difficult to trust and have faith again, even in God's Word.  Knowing that can help us to overcome our unbelief. Read here what King Jesus said to Peter:  “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours." Mark 11:22-24 

Keep in mind, you cannot live a life any way you want and expect all the benefits that the Lord God has to offer.  Kingdom living is dependent on making God's Word our lifestyle.  Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him.

And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us. 1 John 3:21-24  

They say that the "world is the devil's playground" and that is not far from true!  This world system is under the influence of the evil one.  It is his territory. We are Kingdom citizens living in a fallen world.  It is vital that we practice righteousness (obedience to God's Word) to not become distracted or misled by all the false information that is out there.  It is only when we hold information up to the Word of God that we know if it is truth or a lie. Ambassador John put it this way:  Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. 1 John 3:9-10  Having said that, just because an individual attends a church every Sunday does not make them a brother or sister in the Kingdom.  What makes them Kingdom citizens is the Holy Spirit, our Governor. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 

There is no fear in the Holy Spirit, our Governor. 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 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 8:14-17 ​

Trusting and standing on His Word may require going through some trials and pain. Adjust your thinking and meditate on His Word. There are some religious leaders that make the claim that you will never suffer afflictions and difficulties. There isn't any truth to that! Those of us who are operating in their assignment and purpose have been through some challenges.  There are good seasons and seasons of difficulty. But God will bring us through them and use them for our good in some way. Even ambassador Paul pleaded to the Lord for his affliction to be removed. Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I must confess, I too have an affliction but it does not stop me from my purpose and assignment. I also pleaded for my King and Lord to heal me of it, and I received the same reply as my brother Paul. So in my affliction I am made strong through the power of our Lord Jesus Christ working in me!

Well, remember, your faith in the King is your greatest asset in the Kingdom!

​All NLT 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

When the question was asked of Jesus concerning who was the greatest in His Kingdom, this was His response:  Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf is welcoming Me.  Matthew 18:2-5  The Lord Jesus made it a point to use a child as the object of humility.  The child wasn't recorded as being rebellious, but submissive to His call to come to Him.  Once again, the theme of this discourse is humility.  Our King outlines several reasons that humility is essential.  Entrance into the Kingdom requires it.  In other words total surrender to His Will is a must.  Your will and desires take a back seat to the will of the Father.  His Kingdom takes priority.  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NKJV

His Word must be in you and become your lifestyle, otherwise it is optional. Attending a church really isn't essential.  It is only necessary when you want to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in the Kingdom and encourage one another, as ambassador Paul says here:  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.  Hebrews 10:25

Those of us who have been under the King's authority and power for a longer time should encourage those who have just become part of the Kingdom.  We should be a strong example. King Jesus made this statement to Peter. Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.  But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to Me again, strengthen your brothers.  Luke 22:31-32  I bring this up because Jesus was prophesying Simon Peter's denial of Jesus.  Jesus prayed for him and forgave him before he had even denied Jesus.  Then Jesus instructed him to strengthen those who were weak in their faith in Him as King.  It is important to know that King Jesus forgives when we lose focus of His Word.  He made a point of stating that He was the key to our salvation.  For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.  John 3:16-17  

While we live in the midst of a fallen world, keep in mind that transforming into what the Lord God designed us to be, is a process.  It is our responsibility to read and study His Word on a consistent basis.  We consume God's Word.  It is our nourishment and source for growth!  And it is our responsibility to act upon His Word.  Read what ambassador Paul said, Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:1-2 NASB  Yes, this is a fallen world and our minds must constantly be renewed, especially with all the social media, entertainment and internet that bombards our minds.  His Word is the foundation for reaching the Kingdom.   It is the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit that transforms us!

Read, study and obey God's Word.  Live it every day, even when it is inconvenient.  If you truly love the Lord Jesus, you will obey His Word and the Governor--the Holy Spirit--will lead you into all wisdom and truth.  He will not leave you alone to deal with the evil in this fallen world.  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. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.  John 14:15-18

Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit--our Governor--is the most important person on this earth and in this world.  He is your passport to life in the Kingdom.  Keeping the Lord God's Word is  a clear sign that you love Him. 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. John 14:23-24  

Remember, as I always mention, your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of God.

​All NLT 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

In times of crisis, we must always continue to acknowledge the Lord and give Him the praise He deserves.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.  Proverbs 3:5-6

In times of difficulty, those are the times we should always be maintaining  His praises in our life.  In all you do or say, always acknowledge His presence in your life.  Always give Him the praise.  During this time of crisis many public forums have been ordered to close their doors until this pandemic is over.  Your praise and worship of the Lord doesn't need an official meeting or to be structured corporately with others.  The Lord God wants your genuine praise, not entertainment and not a large gathering of people.  Praise Him at any given time, in any situation.  I praise the Lord in my automobile.  There are times when I have pulled over on the side of the road and just lifted my hands and praised Him for His goodness to me.  Praise the Lord!  Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heaven!  Praise Him for His mighty works; praise His unequaled greatness!  Psalm 150:1-2

Here in the United States, many call attending church a Worship Service, but in reality it isn't.  Worshiping and praising the Lord God is an every day event, or it should be.  Read what King David stated:  I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  Psalm 34:1 NKJV 

David didn't wait for an specific time to praise His Lord and King.  Has the Lord God brought you a long way?  Have you been living according to His divine Word?  Has He ever delivered you from trouble?  Shown you grace or mercy?  Then what are you waiting for?  Stop what you are doing and praise Him for His mercy on you!  Always praise our Lord and King for you put your trust in Him and He never fails!  But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  I praise God for what He has promised.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?  What can mere mortals do to me?  Psalm 56:3-4  Put your trust in Him and praise Him!  Do you trust in His Word?  I praise God for what He has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what He has promised.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?  What can mere mortals do to me?  Psalm 56:10-11

Is there a crisis in your country, in your home or on your job?  Are you facing a situation that is beyond your control?  Trust in Him and give Him your praise regardless for He is your salvation.  Stay focused on His Word and do not lean on your own understanding.  Remember the Lord God is your Creator and God.  He loves us so much that He gave His only Son that we could be accepted through faith in His Son.  That is enough by itself for us to praise Him.  We should always make our praise known to others concerning our Lord and King.  Let the whole world sing for joy, because You govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world. May the nations praise You, O God.  Yes, may all the nations praise You.  Psalm 67:4-5   Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor Him with thanksgiving.  Psalm 69:30

Your real praise comes when you are alone and there isn't anyone to pump you up.  When all it takes is remembering His mercy and goodness to you and your loved ones.  Ambassador Paul states it perfectly: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8  Praise Him not only for what He has done, but also in faith for what He is going to do!  Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Remember, your faith in the Lord God's Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

​All NLT 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