There are times when we attempt to blend the world system with the Kingdom of Heaven but it just doesn’t work. Faith and doubt doesn’t blend. Like oil and water, it just doesn’t mix. When you live according to His Word, you are walking in the Spirit. The Lord Jesus made this statement to His disciples: What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:62-63 Ambassador Paul made this statement concerning walking in the Spirit:  Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:24-26
 
When we live by His Word, we will not satisfy the lust of the flesh.  I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 When you lack the Governor--Holy Spirit--in your life, you lack the power to overcome things that would hinder you. Without the Holy Spirit, we are powerless. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 17-21 The word inherit means living in or experiencing the Kingdom here on earth.
 
Keep in mind that the culture of Heaven and the culture of this world are very different, polar opposites of each other. You cannot experience the Kingdom of Heaven if you are living according to a foreign culture. Ambassador Paul also mentioned those who have the Spirit in their lives and how that looks.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26
 
Since the Governor’s role is to lead His citizens to live according to the King’s standards not the culture of darkness. He rebukes and corrects us. He uses the internal warning system of our conscience and reminds us of the wisdom of His Word and the teachings of King Jesus. These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:25-26 He reminds you what is written in the Lord God’s constitution of His Kingdom. The more scripture that is in you, the more often He will bring it to your mind in difficult situations. Once again, remember what King Jesus.  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 Many of you left some kind of religious organization but you must remember that you are under a new master teacher. He is the Lord Jesus the Christ (remember that Christ means “anointed one”. It is not Jesus’ last name!). You are under a new culture. The Governor teaches us to relate to the Creator as our Father. We truly are foreigners in this world. We are under His guidance and protection always!
 
Remember, our greatest asset is our faith in His Word in His 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

While the Lord Jesus was here on this earth, He lived His life according to His Kingdom government. He lived according to His Father’s Will. Read what the Lord Jesus said:  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
 
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
 
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1-11
 
Now I want to be clear, while we are here on earth, we must live by Kingdom principles and are subject to His Word. Remember we are in this world but since we have been filled with His Spirit, we aren’t of this world. Ambassador Paul made it very plain when he made this statement: 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 That is how we are to live, but we cannot do it in our own strength, only when we are led by the Governor—the Holy Spirit. But some of the "fruits of the world" are fear, anxiety, worry, loneliness, depression, despair, anger and rage. I'm sure you could name more. Which fruits are growing in your life? When you go through a crisis, do people see peace in you or fear and despair? 
 
In order for us to live an effective life as a citizen of the Kingdom, we must put our total trust in the King. We must not concern ourselves with what mankind can do to us. Read what the Lord God’s constitution has to say concerning how we are to operate down here:   Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
 
So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?
 
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:5-8 NLT
 
Never fear what this world’s government can do to you. Always trust in the Lord God’s promises! He will always keep His Word. He never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. His Words and principles never change. They are eternal and don’t change with the times!
 
Now that we are converted and filled with His Holy Spirit, we are to live by His Word. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-21
 
Do you recall what the Lord Jesus stated to His disciples before the vast number of them deserted Him?  The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 NLT While we are here on this earth, living in this present world, we are to live by His Word. That is how we as citizens of His Kingdom are supposed to operate. We are to stay focused on His Word in all that we say and do. His blessings and promises are in His Kingdom. If we live according to this world’s standards, we are not living life in the Kingdom but in the world and cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord. 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. . .  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:5-8,25
 
We should never fear for our lives because He is always with us. When He has a purpose and assignment for you, He will see you through it. You are to live with radical faith in our King and trust that nothing will harm you. Here is an example of that protection from ambassador Paul:  Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Acts 28:1-6 My conclusion is this:  put all your faith in King Jesus!
 
Remember, your faith in His Word is your most valuable asset in the Kingdom.

​​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation except where noted.

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When we speak about the characteristics of the Governor—meaning the Holy Spirit and His culture—we are speaking about the qualities of our Lord, the King Himself. Since the role of the Holy Spirit (our Governor) is only to represent the King, we should be able to look at the Holy Spirit’s temperament and the way He acts and know what the King is like. This is why we should have our Governor—Holy Spirit—residing with us and in us. He is the very nature of our Lord and King. The Lord Jesus made that very clear: 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 14:16-17
 
One thing we must understand is that if we are citizens of the Kingdom, we will exhibit signs of the King’s qualities. Your life will eventually completely change, just as ambassador Paul, and myself as well! Change will be inevitable. Since our Governor reflects the qualities of our heavenly King, His characteristics are the personification of the King’s nature. Remember, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are as one and all have the same characteristics.
 
Allow me to share with you an example through everyday life. If you sit down to eat in a restaurant and the server is rude and inattentive, it will probably reflect negatively on your perception of the whole atmosphere of the restaurant. On the other hand, if the server was extremely knowledgeable, pleasant, attentive and patient, you will have a favorable attitude toward the restaurant they represent.
 
Keep in mind, a country’s culture may be summed up as its national character. In other words, it is the combination of its beliefs, attitudes, values, practices and characteristics. In the Kingdom of God, the citizens of the Kingdom should reflect the values and qualities of our heavenly government. We are to represent our King, our Lord! We who are citizens of the Kingdom walk in the Spirit. Read what God’s Word tells His citizens in His Constitution. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-17
 
You cannot serve two masters! As Jesus said, “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.” Luke 16:13  “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.” Matthew 6:24
 
Remember this, in a kingdom, the king’s character and characteristics are vastly important. In influencing and determining the state of the territory over which he rules. King Solomon wrote these words:  A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. Proverbs 28:15-16 By the way, we have a perfect King! I give Him all the honor and praise for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. On His robe at His thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:16
 
Let me be perfectly clear. If you want to be blessed by our Lord God and His Son, you must love the Lord and be obedient to His Word. There is no getting around it. That obedience isn’t in our own strength, but through the Holy Spirit working in us! Read what King Jesus replied to the woman who called out a blessing for Mary, the mother of Jesus.  As He was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless Your mother—the womb from which You came, and the breasts that nursed You!”
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:27-28 This is one of the reasons I keep emphasizing the importance of obedience to the King’s Word. The key to all your victories, to all your Kingdom benefits, is obedience to His Word. Additionally, to live a fruitful abundant life in the Kingdom we must have complete faith and trust in Him and who He is. Squash all doubt when it comes to whisper in your ear, hoping for a foothold in your mind.
 
Remember, we never had the opportunity to see King Jesus while He was here on earth. Neither did those representatives and prophets of the Old Testament. So the Lord God gave us the opportunity to come into the Kingdom through faith in His Son. 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
 
Here is another key to pleasing our Father. Read these verses carefully By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is  impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:5-6  The word diligent means done with careful, steady effort, painstaking. Faith in His Word will develop the King’s qualities in your life and it will become your new lifestyle. It is a process.
 
Always 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

If we read and study the Lord God's Constitution, our lifestyle will reflect the Kingdom culture. 

Keep in mind, culture manifests itself in the things we regard as most important.  In essence, whatever we prioritize in life reveals to others our culture.  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.  They reflected the Kingdom culture from being with Jesus.  

If we prioritize the sanctity of life, we will produce a culture that will protect the elderly and the unborn.  If that is truly part of our culture, we will refuse to allow abortion, euthanasia and the harvesting of human embryos for stem cell research.

Kingdom citizens behave and conduct themselves in a much different manner than those of the world's system.  Kingdom citizens operate by their faith in the Word of the King.  Our standards are different. They are God's standards.  The standards apply in our everyday life, revealing whether we have a culture that indulges and encourages mediocrity.  We should always strive to please the Lord God for we are His creation.  He has given us a second chance through His Son Jesus the Christ.  All we have to do is truly believe in Him.  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. 

Now, getting back to standards!  Do you take pride in your appearance or how you perform on your place of employment or is mediocre good enough?  Do you place a high premium on quality in all you do?  Or are you satisfied with just enough to get by?  Ambassador Paul put it this way:  And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father...Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.  

We should make it a priority to do our very best!  We are citizens of the Kingdom of God and His ambassadors on this earth.  We represent the Lord God to the world!  We are examples of what life in the Kingdom is.  Our standards reflects our culture.  What culture are you representing?  Your culture will never rise higher than your standards.  This is why it is so important to read and study the Lord God's Constitution.  Even though your spirit is born again, the mind has to be transformed by reading and studying His Word on a daily basis.  We must present our whole self.  Ambassador Paul made this statement, that says it all:  And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  

As a Kingdom citizen, we must keep our eyes on King Jesus because His attitude and responses reveal Heaven's culture.  We must consistently read and study the four Gospels.  

Remember this one thought:  whatever fills the Lord Jesus with joy should make you joyful and whatever brings Him sorrow should grieve your spirit as well.  The level of your moral conscience and consciousness reveals the level of your culture.

Here are some attributes of the Kingdom culture:  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!  Ambassador Paul made this statement to those Kingdom citizens who are filled with His Spirit.   So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.  The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.  But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.  That is the Kingdom citizens' culture.

And remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the Living God.

Acts 4:13   John 3:16   Colossians 3:17, 23-24   Romans 12:1-2   
Galatians 5:22-23, 16-18  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

What is character?  It is the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of a person or thing.  It is a feature or trait or characteristic.  Lastly, it has to do with morals or ethical qualities.  We all have character.  The question is, is it a good, morally upright character or is it a bad, immoral character?  Do you have Kingdom characteristics, religious characteristics or worldly characteristics?  While the Lord Jesus was speaking to a crowd, He made this statement:  
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."  NKJV

These are characteristics of a Kingdom citizen.  These same characteristics are displayed in their everyday behavior.  It is a Kingdom citizen's way of life, not part of a religious belief; or something that is put on and taken off as a piece of clothing.

Allow me to share our cultural experience when I first arrived in what people call the "Bible Belt" ("Religious Belt"), where a majority claim to love the Lord Jesus.  Many of those very people took offense with our marriage and our very presence because of the color of our skin. You could call us "Ebony and Ivory".  They call it race, but my Father only created one race, and that is the human race.  I call it CC, meaning culture and color.  In the Kingdom, your character should be clearly displayed in your every day behavior.  Be consistent!  People who are not in the Kingdom of God are "sometimes up...sometimes down".  They are blowing in the winds of their emotions, their feelings and not their faith.  But read what our King says about those who go through challenges of this world:  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  NKJV   When the King and Lord of this earth makes that statement, you can hold Him to His Word.  Look what He says your attitude should be in all of that:   Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  NKJV

​Keep in mind, if you are truly living by His Word, that will be your response to any kind of trouble or challenges.  That is because you trust in His Word.  It would be in your character, and being that you are born again and filled with His Spirit, it will be in your DNA.  

​The Lord Jesus never told them to take up their weapons when they are persecuted because of Him, yet the religious will turn to guns and their own strength to defend themselves. They have a carnal, religious character.  They trust in man more than the Lord Jesus.  “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?  But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”  They don't trust in His Word, but in what they can see!  That isn't faith, not the God kind of faith.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Remind yourself of all that He has done for you to build your faith.  Your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the living God.  

Matthew 5:3-12   Matthew 26:52-54   James 1:6-8
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 way you live your life identifies who you are and what you represent.  The way you think will be reflected in your behavior. This comes with the information you have received and have embraced. This is why you should read and study the principles and laws of God's Constitution.  Ambassador Paul made it very clear:   Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  When you embrace His Word, you will find no need for religious customs or traditions.  Why?  Because they have no place in the Word of the Lord God's Kingdom government.  When you accept God's Son, being obedient to the Lord Jesus' Word is all you need to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (the Governor).   “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."  Yes, the Governor will be with you and within you.  He didn't leave us alone here on earth.  "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."  The Holy Spirit belongs to those who love and obey Him.  The King made this statement, which applies to us today.   Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

Whenever I step out of my home, as a representative of the Kingdom, I make sure that I am on my best behavior, staying in line with His Word.  My wife and I always consult the governor (the Holy Spirit).  A Kingdom citizen in good standing is never alone and never doing it in their own strength; for apart from Him we can do nothing.  Ambassador Paul had this testimony:   Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we may boldly say:  “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?”  ​Did you note what he said about one's conduct?  In my life experience, I have seen far too many Christians with poor standards in regards to the Word of the Lord God.  Their conduct doesn't line up with the King's principles, laws or commands.  That makes them a poor representation of the King and His Kingdom.  It would be better to not represent at all, rather than to misrepresent Him.  Arlene and I would be devastated if we put ourselves in that category, so we have ordered our life around the King's Word and keep our ears tuned to the Holy Spirit. 

When you live according to God's Word, it will cause you to love and be obedient to His Son and you will be able to say what King David said here:  I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.  ​And David was "a man after God's heart" He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’  From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus.

He has left His Holy Spirit to those who obey His Word (God's Constitution).  Your lifestyle should reflect His Kingdom culture.  My wife and I are always mindful of who we are and whose children we are.  That alone keeps us in the correct behavior; for we never want to disobey our King. Remember, submitting to the Holy Spirit in every aspect of your life WILL produce fruit.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  What is your fruit saying about you?

I leave you with this reminder:  your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the Lord God, His Son Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:15   John 14:15-18, 23   Hebrews 13:5  Psalm 37:25
​Acts 13:22-23   Galatians 5:22-23

~~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 you are submerged in the Word of the King, you will be at peace.  You will have joy in the  midst of turmoil.  Before we go any further, let's talk about the Lord God's joy. In God's Constitution (God's Word) joy is an attribute of Deity.  May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works.  It is an important part of the characteristics of the Lord God.  The ambassador Paul made this statement in his letter to the Galatians:  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  This world often equates joy with happiness, but the two are quite different.   Ambassador Paul also made this statement concerning citizens of the Kingdom:  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Happiness depends largely upon what is happening around you or what is going on at the time. Things such as good health, congenial company, pleasant surroundings, etc.  Things that affect our emotions positively and bring us "up". Happiness is temporary, joy is constant.  Happiness comes from the outside, joy comes from within.  Happiness and unhappiness are like water and fire, both can't occupy the same space at the same time.  In essence, they can not co-exist together.  However, joy and sorrow can co-exist.  Joy gives the person who is a Kingdom citizen eternal hope.  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Here, the prophet Isaiah is speaking of our King Jesus:  He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.  The ambassador Paul, once again, made if very clear:  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Both ambassadors Paul and Silas, scourged and imprisoned with their feet in stocks, could hardly be described as "happy" but at midnight they sang their praises to the King, their God.   And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.  And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.  And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

Don't you just love it when the Lord God shows Himself to you?!  Kingdom living is living a victorious life, regardless of what is going  on around you. The greatest witness you have is your joy and peace under pressure.  The world doesn't understand it. A Kingdom citizen encourages others to recognize the One who created the heavens and the earth.  They had such great joy, that the Lord God caused an earthquake and not only delivered them but brought joy and salvation to the jailer's household.  

My brother-in-law and his wife lost their 16 year old daughter many years ago in a car accident.  The peace and joy they maintained through a devastating situation had nothing to do with their circumstances.  There was no chaos and their family did not fall apart.  Their trust in God shone through.  Because of their witness of peace and joy in the worst of circumstances, countless people came to Jesus the Christ.  There is no louder, more effective witness than your life.

Remember this one thing.  The kind of joy that those in the Kingdom have comes from above, not from here on earth.  It comes from the Kingdom of God.  It is given to all those who listen and obey His Word.  Living a Kingdom life is one of obedience to the King's command.  Keep in mind, Kingdom living is embracing the King's laws and principles, regardless of what is going on around you.  How is that possible?  Because you trust in the King's Word and He always keeps His Word.  

Psalm 104:31   Galatians 5:22-23; 24-25   James 1:2-3   Isaiah 53:3
Hebrews 12:1-2   Acts 16:23-34  

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
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