You shine!
 
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 
John 6:63-65  
 
When you walk by the Spirit, live by His Word and stand firmly in faith in His Kingdom, you shine with the light of His Kingdom. You take the Kingdom of God everywhere you go! Your life represents His Kingdom. Open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:18
 
Our presence as Kingdom citizens in this dark and fallen world will make an impact on those around us. The Holy Spirit—our Governor—and Kingdom principles and standards shine without us even saying a word. Remember, King Jesus didn’t pray for the world, but for those who were His:   “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.” John 17:9-10 He also prayed for those future believers of faith in Him:  “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23
 
Kingdom citizens who live and operate in this fallen world must keep in mind that we are God’s Kingdom light shining as a beacon to those who are seeking His Kingdom. Read these words of King Jesus:   “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 Now note the next verse:  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
 
We, the citizens of His Kingdom are to walk in the Spirit so those who are around us will have a standard by which to live. This is why it is so important to be filled with the Governor—the Holy Spirit. He governs us, guiding us throughout our day.  Leading us to people, where we may not know what to say or do, but He does, if we will listen! He knows their need and we are His light shining on them.
 
When someone is filled with the Holy Spirit, they will not be so easily deceived by false teachers and preachers. They will not be deceived by someone just because what they are saying sounds “good” and they present themselves as a representative of God. King Jesus considered the people as sheep.  And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34
 
My focus as a Kingdom citizen, living in a dark and fallen world, is to always be a living example to others so they will know what life in God’s Kingdom is like. They will see that they can live in this world but not allow the darkness to enter their lives and home. His Light shines wherever His citizens go! I make it my business to constantly be praying throughout my day. It is a lifestyle for me, not something I do when there is a problem. We need that open communication with the Father every day! Even now, as I write this article, it is 3:54 AM and I am steadily in my purpose doing my assignment for my King. I know I am not alone. My Lord and King has others who are obedient to His Will, not seeking after fame and fortune but only seeking His Kingdom and to do His Will. I am honored that He chose me and my wife.
 
We are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is our responsibility to conduct ourselves as living examples of life in God’s Kingdom. This is accomplished because of the Holy Spirit—our Governor—residing with us and inside of us. That is how we are a light shining in this dark, fallen world. For God is pleased when, conscious of His will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. 1 Peter 2:19-21 NLT
 
Keep in mind also, that light convicts those in this world without us saying a word. It is the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. It convicts and draws them to the Father.  Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:7-11
 
Light reveals what is hidden.  “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. All that belongs to the Father is Mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from Me.’” John 16:13-16 NLT
 
Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.  And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."
John 12:44-46

Always remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.

All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
​
W.R. Luchie
Deborah A 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

Maturity is not a matter of age, but instead, of how you choose to respond and react to various life situations. 

The fruits of the Spirit are the fruits of maturity in God's Kingdom. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a NLT So then, how do we cultivate this in our life?

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.  Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:9-10 NLT
 
One key way to a mature Kingdom life is by submerging you mind in His Word. When the Lord God spoke to Hosea concerning His people, Israel, He made this statement:  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6 The New Living translation says “My people are being destroyed because they don’t know Me.” The ONLY way to truly KNOW the Father is through His Word. Your knowledge of God’s Constitution is vital to having a Kingdom mindset, free from religious thinking. People with a religious mindset have a tendency to honor religious traditions and holidays of the world. It is so deeply ingrained in them that they equate it with having a relationship with their Lord and King, Jesus. But He only mentioned one thing to do in remembrance of Him until He returned. When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
 
Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.”
 
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
 
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:14-20 
 
You will not find anywhere else in the Lord God’s Constitution where He stated to honor other holidays, such as Easter and Christmas. These are deeply religious holidays, with worldly traditions and have nothing whatsoever to do with worshiping the King. I know that those words will offend some of you, but search the Constitution and you will discover the truth for yourself.
 
Also, churches that are truly operating with a Kingdom mindset and government don’t have a 501c3 document with the United States to operate under this country’s government to receive tax exemptions and give tax deductions. The Lord God will provide for His own citizens without the earthly government’s tax exempt status. I am a living example of that statement. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee He has given us His Holy Spirit. So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. 2 Corinthians 5:5-7
 
Our knowledge of His Word—Constitution—is vital for building our faith in the Kingdom of God.  It is only through His Word that we become stronger, not—for example—by being in a church, wearing a cross or celebrating Easter or Christmas. Make it your priority to study His Constitution every day and allow the Governor to lead your through this life. It is your faith in Him that causes you to be delivered, healed, and mature in the Kingdom. Remember the words of our King Jesus:  But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
 
When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went out into all that land.  When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”
 
And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
 
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”  Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”  Matthew 9:22-29
 
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 15:28
 
He also made this statement to those who doubted. So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
 
The other day, I was in a store, in line waiting to be served, when the woman beside me asked, “How are you?” Then she proceeded to tell me how she had just gotten over the Covid virus. I then said that I trusted my Father to always protect me. She went on to say “I asked God, but He didn’t deliver me for some reason”. 

I am sure this lady thought she had faith, but did she also doubt? She may have prayed and asked the Lord to heal her and deliver her from this virus, but did she truly believe that He would? Now, that was not for me to ask her, but surely a question she should ask herself. Did her actions overpower her prayer and her faith? Did it negate all she asked for? Your actions show what you truly believe. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”
 
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:20-22
 
In times of crisis and need, are you truly able to say “My God will supply my every need.” or “He is healing me.” and then wait for His Will to be manifest? We live in a "have it now--hurry  up--microwave" society. We are often anxious and impatient. But our Father lives in eternity, not in time. His time is not our time, But we must trust that He is well able to accomplish all He says He will do. We are let by the Governor, ask in faith, do not doubt, and wait in peace until it comes to pass. That is maturity in the Kingdom of God!  

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3:20-21  

​Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the living God.

All scriptures are NKJV unless 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

Once you realize who you really are, you will conduct yourself with a different mindset. Ambassador Paul is an example to follow. Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example… But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:17, 20 NLT

There are many who wear the religious title of Christian, but fail to study the Lord God’s Constitution. In His Constitution, the Lord Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—if we keep His Word. 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… 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.” John 14:15-17, 23
 
The problem is that many who call themselves Christian fail to study and obey the King’s Constitution (Bible). They are believers in name only, not in actions. Because of this, they fall prey to false messages and doctrines. How can they be citizens of God’s Kingdom if they don’t know God’s Constitution? They don’t know who they really are.
 
If you really want to know who you truly are through the Lord God’s eyes, read and study His Constitution. Learn what life in the Kingdom of God looks like. Learn what your rights and responsibilities are. Learn what He says about you! For example, as Jesus tells us:  “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!” John 14:12-14 NLT
 
When you don’t know who you are, you are vulnerable to the evil one’s tricks and deceptions. What better way for Satan to deceive believers than through false religious doctrine! He uses religion, money, power and sex to deceive those who claim to know the Lord Jesus. When you claim to know the King but don’t know His Word, you will fall for whatever sounds and feels good. Ambassador Paul addresses this very thing:  For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their stomach, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.  Philippians 3:18-19 
 
Keep this in mind, a citizen of God’s Kingdom is filled with the Governor—the Holy Spirit—and knows his priority according to God’s Word. Note that the ambassador Paul stated that “their god was their stomach”. I notice on social media many who are always posting the foods they eat and what they are cooking. But stomach represents hungers and appetites. What do you hunger and thirst after? Your focus reveals what you have an appetite for.  “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. Matthew 5:6 AMP
 
Understanding who you are in His Kingdom causes you to see and think in a different way when it comes to His Constitution. Remember, the Holy Spirit—our Governor—is the key to understanding the Lord God’s Constitution. Without Him, you are operating in this world on your own strength and knowledge. Again, I say, remember what our King Jesus stated when He was here on this earth. 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. John 14:15-17
 
Knowing who you are in God’s Kingdom causes you to become bold in His Word. You stand taller and speak more confidently. You have faith and do not doubt when you speak God’s Word and principles wherever you go! The apostles, now having the Holy Spirit residing inside of them, spoke boldly to a hostile crowd of religious people. Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Acts 14:1-3
 
Keep this in mind, the hostility came from their own people, yet they spoke boldly because they were of a Kingdom mindset and were being led by the Holy Spirit. They knew who they were.
 
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 NLT
 
Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the King.

All scriptures are NKJV unless 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

As Kingdom citizens, we should have a deep unshakable level of faith in the King. If you are a pastor, your level of faith in the Lord Jesus should be above all others. As a leader, those that you are teaching should be able to follow your leadership. They learn the most from what you do, not what you say. You should be able to see them grow in their faith in King Jesus. He is the only one who can connect you to the Father.  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
 
There are many people who were born and passed away from this earth who have never elevated their faith above believing just enough to attend church, but failed to grow any further in their faith to make a difference for the Kingdom. Your faith in the King will always make a difference in how you think, act, and in your decision making. Those who follow you should want to emulate you and show the kind of faith that you represent. In times of trouble and despair, your faith should shine like a beacon for the King. When there is chaos all around, your peace and faith in Him will strengthen their faith and those who are lost will want the Lord God that you serve!
 
Ambassador Paul had great faith in King Jesus. He believed who was—and is—a great leader to follow. Keep in mind, when he was called Saul and was a servant of the enemy, he did all he could to have the people of King Jesus put to death. He was instrumental in the persecution of the saints. 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. Acts 9:1-2
 
Remember, it was the leadership of Saul (who became ambassador Paul) that caused many Believers to be stoned.  When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
 
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:54-60
 
The leadership of Paul—even thought it was for evil at the time while he was still called Saul—caused many people to follow him even to the point of murder. At the time, he truly believed he was doing right.
 
It is your faith that pleases the King.  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 11:6 This is why I always say at the end of each article that your faith in the King’s Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom. Many of those who classify themselves as Christians don’t really understand what it means to walk by faith and not by sight. Enoch is a great example of faith in the King. 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. Hebrews 11:5 He had the testimony that he pleased the Lord God through his faith in Him. I would say that is a great feeling to have that testimony. What better thing could you say about someone but that they pleased the Lord? As leaders we should always have a high level of faith in our King. People, seeing men and women of great faith in times of trouble, are strengthened and their faith grows!
 
Having faith in our King is also having trust in Him. Do you recall what King David stated in the Lord God’s Constitution? Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit  your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:1-6
 
Kingdom citizens who are in good standing with the King trust in Him with their very life. They never fail to seek Him first before anything or anyone else when they are in need of help or deliverance. All citizens of the Kingdom government should be walking in the Spirit—meaning by faith in His Word. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7   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 4:17-18  Our troubles are temporary, but can be great faith builders if we will endure in faith! Have faith in your King!
 
Also, keep in mind, if you are living by your flesh you cannot please the King. He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. Romans 8:4-9
 
Remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.

​All scriptures are NKJV unless 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

First, I want to take a moment and thank my Lord and King for showing me my purpose and giving me this assignment to teach His Kingdom Gospel. This morning, He woke me up at about 4:15 AM with this message. I really appreciate my Father for allowing me to live this long to preach and teach His message, free from religious traditions. It is an honor to be able to carry this Kingdom message over the internet around the world!
 
In order to be “qualified” to preach and teach the Kingdom message, you first must be filled with His Spirit. Yes, I mean our Governor, the Holy Spirit. He will guide you into all truth. King Jesus said, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” John 16:13 
 
Note that He stated “He will guide you into all truth”. Keep in mind, the Governor—meaning he Holy Spirit—doesn’t have His own agenda, but only that of the Father. When you see men or women glorifying themselves, that is a clear sign they aren’t speaking the Lord God’s message. Again, King Jesus made that very clear to His disciples:  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.  John 16:14
 
I consider myself as ambassador Paul declared of himself as being a slave of my King and Lord. As one songwriter wrote, “You’ve got to serve somebody. It may be the devil or it may be the Lord.” I am glad to report that I serve King Jesus every day of my natural life, regardless of the circumstance. People can tell who you serve by your actions, more than your words! My wife Arlene and I are faithful to our assignment. We don’t add to the Kingdom message or take away from it. If we ever stray, we pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal that to us and make a correction of our direction.
 
King Jesus always stayed in line with His Father’s Will. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent Me. John 5:30 AMP Now if the King made this statement concerning Himself, what does that say for us? He stayed true to His assignment from Heaven. “Father, if it is Your Will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My Will, but Yours, be done.”  Luke 22:42
 
When an employee transcribes a letter for the employer, it is entered exactly as the employer said. Nothing more and nothing less. The employee doesn’t add their opinions or what they feel needs to be said. In order for one to teach the Lord God’s Kingdom message, they must thoroughly understand the Kingdom concept. The Lord God is the Author and Finisher of His Kingdom concept. When the Lord God gives you an assignment, remember the He is the Author and stay on that assignment until He gives you something else.
 
Read the words King Jesus spoke to Pilate:   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 19:36  Kingdom citizens never concern themselves about rights and freedom while living in this world. This place on earth is temporary. That is a difference between having a Kingdom mindset and a religious mindset. This world is not our home. The things of this world are of no real consequence to us. We realize that we live in this world but aren’t of this world. We only live here for as long as our Lord and King allows.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 AMP
 
King Jesus made this prayer to His Father:  Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. . .  I have given them Your Word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. John 17:11, 14-19
 
King Jesus was speaking of His disciples, but He added us to His prayer to His Father. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23
 
The words of King Jesus concerning the religious Scribes and Pharisees shows us that religion has no place in God's Kingdom. We see here how Jesus felt about religion!  They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.

“Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.  And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’

“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either." Matthew 23:4-14 NLT 
(The whole chapter is excellent! It clearly shows King Jesus' attitude  about the religious. Matthew 23)

The Lord God’s charge to His people was this:  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6 The same situation exists today to the self proclaimed people of faith, when they fail to read and study the Lord God’s Constitution and fail to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, our Governor. We need a reverence for God’s Word and never throw it around casually, using scriptures out of context to fit our personal “narrative”.
 
We must approach teaching and preaching the Kingdom Gospel as Jesus taught, circumspectly; with a reverential fear of the Lord God.  We should never allow ourselves to misrepresent Him or His Kingdom!
 
Remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.

​All scriptures are NKJV unless 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 you claim to know the Lord Jesus as your King and claim to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God you must consider your behavior on this earth.  The Lord God takes His reputation very seriously and will always honor His name. Our behavior reflects on Him. As citizens of God’s Kingdom we are His representatives in this world! The prophet Isaiah made it very clear when the Lord God was speaking through him. “For My name’s sake I will defer My anger, and for My praise I will restrain it from you, so that I do not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, yes for My own sake, I will do it; for how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.” Isaiah 48:9-11
 
I have learned to value my name and be very careful how I conduct myself both in private and in the world’s eyes.  Remember, the Lord God will always honor His promises because His name and reputation is at stake. Do you recall what He stated to Abraham? Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” . . .  And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” Genesis 12:1-3; 18:10 Notice the Lord God kept reminding Abraham of His promise to him. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Genesis 15:4-5
 
Here is where the full promise came to play:  And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6
 
The Lord God fulfills His promises for His name’s sake and His reputation!
 
We, who are of the faith of Abraham, came through the faith by believing in the Lord God’s Son, Jesus the Christ.  Our faith in Him seals it for us.  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  Keep in mind that the Lord God waited until His appointed time to fulfill His promises to Abraham, even though Abraham was 75 years old when the Lord God first promised him a son. So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Genesis 12:4 The Lord God doesn’t operate in time as we do, but in eternity. He chose 25 years to fulfill His promise to Abraham.
 
And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.  And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” She also said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.” Genesis 21:1-7
 
Read King Solomon’s words here from the Lord God’s Constitution:  A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1
 
Even in choosing those to handle the Lord God’s business, those whom the Lord God has called into leadership, must be full of the Holy Spirit—our Governor. We as citizens of His Kingdom must keep and guard our good name and reputation.

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Acts 6:1-3  Choose carefully those you place in leadership! We should be very careful in promoting others that we are being led by the Governor—Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide. We need to lean on and depend on Him wholeheartedly for guidance. If we are tuned in to Him, we will not make mistakes. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13
 
There are times when we will come under serious attack by demonic forces, but we must stand strong in our faith in King Jesus; not faith in your religion or any other religions or leaders. Remember what King Jesus stated while He was here on earth:  “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18 Also remember that His name is the key to your salvation. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 NLT
 
The Lord God will always honor His promises and maintain His reputation, for His name’s sake. All that He asks is that we believe wholeheartedly in His Son. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
 
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3
 
For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great. Psalm 25:11
 
For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is your greatest asset in God’s Kingdom.

All scriptures are NKJV unless 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 is our God, the Lord alone.  And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NLT ​That command from the Lord God holds true to this very day, nothing has changed concerning what He requires. God is eternal and unchanging. So is His Word!
 
As children of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, loving the Lord God is our first priority. Along with that is seeking His Kingdom. There should be nothing or no one we prioritize before our King and Lord; not even our children, wife, family or any religious person. For example, I have seen in recent times, mothers and fathers praising their children for their accomplishments more than they praise the Father for all He has done. Keep in mind that the Lord God is a jealous God. We see our children as a blessing from the Lord God, but they are actually our assignment—possibly our greatest assignment—from Him. But that assignment must never take precedence over the One who gave it. Do you recall what the Lord God stated in Exodus to His people, Israel? You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:5-6 Also, keep this Word in your thoughts:  For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God Exodus 34:14  I am speaking on this because we have become too comfortable with our image of the Lord God and forget the Father proclaimed in His Word several times that He will not tolerate anything to be worshipped before Him. Remember that in a kingdom nothing has priority over the king. Also remember that all of His Words are still true today, as the Old Testament gives us a clear image of the character of the Lord God.
 
Once you begin to see this, you will see more clearly what you, and others, worship above the Lord God. For example, most secular songs seem to be focused on women. This can be a form of worship. Is sex placed above the Lord God? Something to think about! His laws and principles are still the same. Remember what He told Joshua to tell His people:  Then Joshua warned the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for He is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins;  If you abandon the Lord and serve other gods, He will turn against you and destroy you, even though He has been so good to you.” Joshua 24:19-20 NLT
 
We cannot put the Lord God “up on a shelf” and bring Him out at our convenience, when we have a need. Recently, I heard it described as people who look at Him as their “genie in the lamp”. Good description! Rub the lamp and make a wish. No! He must be first if you want the greatest results of your faith in Him. Daily I am learning to put the Lord God first in my life. I love my wife, my children and my loved ones but King Jesus and His Father are first in my life. When something troubles me, the first one I contact is the Lord God, in Jesus name. He is my Creator and knows all about me, even more than I know myself.  The Lord is my light and my salvation;  Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? . . . One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. . . . When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Psalm 27:1, 4, 10-11
 
King Jesus made this statement:  “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].” Matthew 6:24 AMP
 
He created you and blessed you with all that you have, whether great or small. And He gave you an assignment, a purpose, for living! If you put Him first in your daily life, He will make you a priority, as King Jesus stated:  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
 
What have you allowed to take precedence in you life? The Lord God doesn’t say that we can’t have things or love people, but only to put Him and His Kingdom first above all.

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
 
Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word.

All scriptures are NKJV unless 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

Long before I learned the Lord God’s purpose and assignment for my life, I saw many religious institutions with the name “Kingdom” over their entrances. At the time, I didn’t think much about it. For me it was the title of their church or ministry. Now, having been guided by the Governor—the Holy Spirit—I realize that many religious leaders do not have a clue what a kingdom is. They see it as a religion—a denomination. The word "kingdom" is tossed around too loosely in religious circles, which gives people a misrepresentation of God's Kingdom. But Kingdom citizens know that a kingdom is a government, ruled and governed by one leader—a king. A king is sovereign and the supreme ruler. In God’s Kingdom the Lord Jesus is the King.  And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:  King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation19:16
 
Keep this thought in mind, our Lord’s Kingdom is not of this world. That makes us who are born again of His Spirit not of this world also. Read what King Jesus stated to Pilate:  Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
 
Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
 
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
 
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 18:33-36 Once you realize who you are in His Kingdom, you will never have to fight for yourself as many Christians have done. When you realize that your Kingdom is not of this world, then and only then you will embrace this scripture from God’s Constitution:   Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
 
Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
 
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:19-21 NLT
 
Have you ever looked for a church in your area that teaches about God’s Kingdom government? Maybe you found a church with the word “kingdom” in their name. Maybe they use the word “kingdom” on their website or even when they talk. But when you go there, you see church as usual. That’s what I’m talking about. Not all that says “kingdom” is focused on His Kingdom government and living as a citizen of the government right here on this earth. They may teach on Kingdom principles, but from the religious doctrinal perspective.

To truly understand about the God’s Kingdom as a government, I encourage you to read the first four books of the New Testament, especially Matthew 13. When you read all that the Lord Jesus said, know that it is our King speaking to His citizens. He tells us what His Kingdom looks like, how it operates and what we can expect and do in that Kingdom while here on this earth!
 
Those of you who have an “ear to hear”, allow yourself to also understand. The Kingdom of Heaven is where our Lord God resides. His throne is in Heaven.  The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. Psalm 11:4
 
The Lord looks down from Heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Psalm 14:2
 
I will be perfectly clear, only those who are filled with His Spirit are citizens of His Kingdom. That is what He meant when He told Nicodemus that “you must be born again”. Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.” John 3:5-6

Attending a church, paying tithes and attending what many call Bible study every week does not make you a citizen of His Kingdom. It makes you religious and a good member of your church. And that is fine, if that is all you want. To be a member of a church group is one thing, but to be a citizen of the Kingdom of the Lord God is being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is living in the Kingdom while here in this world, with all the rights, benefits and responsibilities of that citizenship!  Once you get a taste of it you will never be satisfied going back to church as usual.
 
I must add one more misuse of the word kingdom before I close:  Using it to ‘grow’ your business. I recently saw a prayer request (not given specifically to us) that wanted people to pray that God would send people with money, who want to grow a kingdom mindset, to their business! Study the life and teachings of King Jesus through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and find a scripture where Jesus told them how to gain wealth through the Kingdom. Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” Matthew 21:12-13 Matthew 6 tells not to be enslaved to money and how in the Kingdom all your needs are met if we first seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. The Kingdom of God is not about building wealth. Money is never to be our focus. Don’t take my word for it. Seek out God’s truth in His Constitution.  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
 
Remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.

All scriptures are NKJV unless 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 culture? What do you think of when you hear the word “culture”? Mirriam-Webster puts it this way: 1. a customary belief, social form and material traits of a racial, religious or social group. 2. the set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic 3. the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.
 
In the United States alone, there are an abundance of cultures. Worldwide it would be in the thousands. I am speaking of the way people choose to live and worship. There are many different religions and political leaders and their parties, looking to control the masses. But when you become born again of the Spirit of God, you become a citizen of His Kingdom. You become filled with His Spirit—meaning His Word. You are no longer of the present world as you may know it.  You are not part of this world or its cultures.  Your citizenship and its culture have changed. It is very important that we study the Word of the Lord God in order for us to know His Will. One complete body to present to the King.  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1  Culture is the way we live, behave and conduct our life. It is the way one thinks, which will cause them to live a certain way.
 
When you live in a Kingdom culture, you realize that there is only one King and God. We aren’t influenced by outside forces. We know He has all power and authority, both here on earth and in heaven.   And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”.  Matthew 28:18 The Lord God’s Constitution produces a culture on how to live our lives. The key component is your faith in Him and being full of His Word. It is your faith that pleases Him. In God’s Constitution it reads:  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 11:6
 
There are many religious leaders that sell books on faith. Your purchases line their pockets and caused them to be financially well off. But keep in mind, faith is our culture, it is how Kingdom citizens live and operate in this world. It is our way of life. Skip the middlemen and go right to the source for your knowledge. Read God’s Word and listen to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you; For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:9-10
 
To those who are in right-standing with the King, ambassador Paul made this statement:  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17
 
Far too many Christians depend on religious leaders to preach to them and show them the way. But King Jesus made this statement:  “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. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to 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.  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:15-18, 26-27

In order for you to operate in the Kingdom culture, you first must have a transformation of the mind.  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. Romans 12:2 NLT  No books that religious minded leaders want you to purchase can do that for you. It is only by His Word and the leading of the Governor that is the Holy Spirit. 

When you are full of the Lord God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, everywhere you go, the Kingdom culture goes with you. 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 NLT  It will change your world!
 
Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the King.

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 other day, after taking my wife to work, I saw a young man that I admire very much. He is a son of a pastor who is known widely throughout the area. My wife Arlene introduced him to me several years ago. I find magnetism in his smile and he and I always have a pleasant conversation. He is a likeable young man and a credit to his family.
 
The Governor—the Holy Spirit—had me share with him the importance of representing his name. Our conversations are always brief but inspiring. He is always respectful and listens like a faithful student. I mentioned to him how important it is to properly represent the family name. I told him to always keep that thought in mind; that whatever he does in life, he is representing his family.
 
The same holds especially true in the Kingdom of the Lord God. We are ambassadors of our Lord God’s Kingdom. For us to get tangled up in this world’s affairs is wrong and shameful. Ambassador Paul made it clear. We are ambassadors for King Jesus. What we say and do matters!  So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT Remember that the Lord God values His name.
 
Even now as I write this article, there are citizens of the Kingdom going through persecution in different parts of the world just for mentioning the name of the Lord Jesus. There is power in the name of the Lord Jesus and that stirs up the enemy! Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

Remember this, when you live according to the King’s Word, you represent Him well. There are many people who claim to represent the King and yet they are enemies of the cross of Christ. But as Kingdom citizens, we are a long way from home. Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:17-20 NLT
 
Yes, our citizenship is not on this earth, but in heaven. If you are a citizen of a country on this earth, that is one thing, but if you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God that is a completely different thing. One is temporary and the other is eternal. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31

Keep in mind that the Lord is concerned about how we represent His Son and His name. King David wrote: For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. . . Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake! . . . Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known. Psalm 31:3, 79:9, 106:8 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
 
How you represent the King in your daily life is quite important to Him. We are to represent Him according to His Word, not according to the world’s standards. How many people have rejected King Jesus because of Kingdom citizens who have misrepresented His and His name? The world’s perception of Jesus is formed by those who proclaim to represent Him.
 
Instruct the young as well as the old if they want to change their lifestyle, and represent His name well, read what God’s Constitution states:  How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have  declared all the judgments of Your mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; will not forget Your Word.
 
Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your Word. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. Psalm 119:9-19
 
Represent His name well. It is our responsibility as Kingdom citizens.
 
Remember your greatest asset is your faith in the King.

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

Your culture reveals where you came from.  Always remember that the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven is synonymous with the nature of our King. When I speak of the characteristics of our Governor—the Holy Spirit—and His nature and culture, I am speaking about the qualities of our King Himself. The role of the Governor is to represent the King. If you have the Holy Spirit residing inside your mortal body, you should be representing the King in all you do. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
 
Keep in mind that our character should resonate with the Holy Spirit as we submit to Him. We must always measure ourselves with the Lord God’s constitution, religiously known as the Bible. To do that, we must read and study it every chance we get. Only when His Word is in us can we represent His Kingdom with power and accuracy. Ambassador Paul made that very clear when writing to Timothy:  Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 AMP
 
King Jesus wants you to understand the nature of the Kingdom so you can trust it and what it means to live in His Kingdom while you are here in this present world. That is one reason He kept giving His followers descriptions of what He is like. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11  And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
 
The Lord Jesus emphasized His nature, while other leaders and kings in His day displayed the very opposite nature. Read what King Jesus said about those kinds of leaders:   At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased You to do it this way! . . . “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:25-26, 28-30 NLT
 
After making that statement, He made another to give clarity:  But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28
 
The Lord had an assignment to demonstrate how to live while we were here on this earth. He promised us that He wouldn’t leave us to deal with the evil one alone. 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 14:16-18 NLT
 
To clarify, the whole idea of knowing the nature of the King is critical. Without understanding and embracing His nature we cannot fulfill our life and purpose in the Kingdom of God. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17AMP
 
He is inviting all who hear and receive Him to become citizens of His Kingdom. He wants to reassure us of the nature of His Kingdom, not a religious organization. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Ephesians 2:18-19 NLT
 
It is the power of the Holy Spirit, our Governor in the Kingdom of God, that guides us in the culture of His Kingdom. Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 NLT
 
Remember, your greatest asset in His Kingdom is your faith in 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

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

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

Having confidence that we are citizens of the Lord God's government is a great encouragement, regardless of any situation. His Word stands strong in our lives! Keep in mind what King Jesus stated to His disciples, which still applies to us today. “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 Those words are very important because King Jesus will always keep His promise. That is a great reason to have a smile on your face and be encouraged! 

Remember, the Lord God is in no way like mankind. Do you recall what the Lord God said to His representative, Balaam? You see, Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Lord God's people, Israel--the children of promise. Read what Balaam stated to Balak, the prince of Moab:  Then the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”

So he came to him, and there he was, standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab were with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the Lord spoken?” Then he took up his oracle and said:  “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, son of Zippor! “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:16-19 

Ambassador Paul confirmed these very words concerning the Lord God's credibility. 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 NLT Keep in mind that the Lord God always keeps His Word! The promises of the King are always intact. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20 That alone is a great encouragement to stand firm on His Word. 

We, as Kingdom citizens, should always be encouraged and not allow the enemy to keep doubt in our minds. You'll notice I stated "keep doubt in our minds". The enemy will bring doubt, but we have the power to keep it out of our minds. We have the power to guard our minds through the Holy Spirit. With every thought that comes, we choose whether to reject or embrace that thought. King Jesus promised us the Governor--the Holy Spirit--and He fulfilled that promise. The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  Acts 1:1-5 Keep in mind, when the Governor came to those who were in the upper room, He came with clarity and power.  When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 

There were several occasions while King Jesus was here on earth that He promised to send us the Holy Spirit--our Governor--if we were obedient to His Word. On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:32
 
Essentially, there is no reason in the Kingdom to be discouraged because the Holy Spirit in you is greater than any discouragement! Do not allow your heart or emotions to govern your life. Study the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to govern your life and decisions.  My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 3:18-20, 4:4

Remember, your faith in the King's Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.

​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation 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 are ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our nation is God’s Kingdom. We are sent to represent our King and His government (laws, culture, and principles), no matter where we may live here on earth.
 
So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know Him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
 
And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT  We are to live in such a way that others should hunger to have what we possess.
 
It is vital that we stay in God’s constitution and walk by the Spirit. What do I mean by “walk in the Spirit”?  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. Galatians 5:16-17  The Lord Jesus made this statement while speaking to His disciples:  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 The only way we can walk and live by the Spirit is to have the Word and the Holy Spirit living in you. There aren’t any substitutes. That is what a Kingdom ambassador does. Regardless of where they go, they represent the King’s government and nation.
 
When the Lord Jesus came to earth, He represented His Kingdom in every way. Read what He told John the Baptist’s disciples. Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.
 
And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
 
Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Matthew 11:1-6  Keep this in mind, being filled with the Governor—meaning the Holy Spirit—is a prerequisite for being an ambassador of the Kingdom of the living God.  
 
Remember, the Lord Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Luke 4:1 The Lord Jesus required that His disciples were to be filled with the Governor—the Holy Spirit. Before the Lord Jesus left this earth to be with His Father, He made this statement. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  Acts 1:4-5
 
Before our Lord and King was to use Paul as an ambassador and apostle to the Gentiles, He had to be filled with the Holy Spirit. 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. Acts 9:15-18
 
Ambassadors of the Lord God’s Kingdom don’t get entangled in this world’s affairs. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you become an ambassador and the thought of death has no authority over you. You become bold in the King’s Word. Ambassador Paul was bold and unafraid of death or anything the world could do to him!
 
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,  by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
 
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 To make it more plain, an ambassador represents his own nation (Kingdom) and only his nation and its government.
 
Remember, your faith in the King and 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.

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.

​Yes! Representing the Kingdom and our King is a choice, but one that must be made. When you surrender your life to your Lord and King, you must adopt the standard and lifestyle that He requires in His Kingdom.
 
Regardless of your feelings, always acknowledge His presence and goodness toward you. Remember, as a citizen of the Kingdom, you should always be on your guard at all times because your enemy is like a roaming lion. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 
 
This time and age in which we life, the devil wants to destroy your testimony of the Holy Spirit in your life. Regardless of what goes on, we must represent the Kingdom standard and not allow the way of this world to compromise our faith in Him. We must stay in His constitution and encourage others to do the same. The world is watching and they need to see a clear difference from their world and ours! Let’s read more of what Peter said in his first letter:  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11
 
I recall what ambassador Paul stated in his letter to the Believers in Ephesus:  Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”:  Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.  Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:25-32
 
Yes, we must work, not for ourselves, but for those who are in need—meaning our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Ambassador Paul was very aware of not being selfish but helping to support the poor and those believers who were in need. “And now I entrust you to God and the message of His grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those He has set apart for Himself.
 
“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:32-35 NLT  It is imperative we represent the Kingdom in all that we say and do!
 
Remember, we own nothing! It all belongs to our Father God. You work on a job provided by Him and make good money, then you should share with your fellow citizen of the Kingdom as the Holy Spirit leads you. The Holy Spirit—which I call the Governor—will teach and guide you. “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  In essence, the Governor makes every individual a genuine representative of the Kingdom.
 
Keep in mind, on this earth, the Lord God has many citizens of His Kingdom who are ambassadors that are being transformed even as we speak. Remember, on the day of Pentecost, when the Governor—Holy Spirit—arrived, there were many languages and cultures there and they all heard the Kingdom message in their own tongue. When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
 
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitudes came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 
 
Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” Acts 2:1-11
 
In order to be a genuine representative of the Kingdom, you first must be filled with the Holy Spirit—your Governor in the Kingdom.
 
Always remember that your greatest asset in His Kingdom is your faith in Him—His Word.

​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation 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.

The gospel of the Kingdom of God was the only message that King Jesus preached. At every opportunity, He reiterated its exclusive nature. The Lord Jesus never taught or preached any other gospel message but the Kingdom of His Father’s government. His message was exclusive. Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
 
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
 
Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
 
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
 
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the Kingdom of God.”
 
And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
 
But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62
 
How often do you make a commitment to the Lord God or anyone else without first considering the cost to you in the long run—time, energy, money, priorities, commitments or inconveniences?
 
Why do we make commitments without first counting the cost of that commitment? We have not settled in our minds what is our main focus and number one priority! That opens us up to attempting to be “loyal” to many different things, pulling us in many directions. Have you heard the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none”?
 
When you have divided loyalties, you fail to focus on your number one priority. When you have a number one priority, you know where to start first.  You also know when to say no and what to put aside. Our King Jesus told us what our first priority was to be: But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33  Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
 
Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
 
“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Luke 12:22-31
 
If we want the Lord God’s best, we must learn to be obedient and focused on His commands. When we are laser-focused on His Word there isn’t any room for anything else. There are many who listen to the Word and read and study His constitution but fail to put it into practice in their lives. They have the knowledge but still have divided loyalties and weak commitments. Read what King Jesus said to a woman who called out to Him, giving a compliment:  And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!”
 
But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:27-28
 
Focus Point:  Do you recall what the Lord Jesus stated to the crowd as He taught them? “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.” Matthew 6:24 The Lord Jesus gave us only one responsibility to adhere to:  Seek His Kingdom first. That is the priority to this very day.
 
There are many individuals who follow the Lord Jesus, and some who are seeking the Kingdom of God, for what they hope to receive. If so, what they hope to receive is their first priority and where their loyalty lies. This is the exact opposite of the correct motivation, according to the Lord Jesus. The Kingdom of the Lord God isn’t a “bless me club”. We get it backwards! We don’t follow the Lord God to get Him to pay our bills. We follow Him because He is our Lord, King and Creator!
 
Focus Point:  The Kingdom priority is also our first priority in regard to our biological family and our relationships. Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they couldn’t get to Him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see You.”

Jesus replied, “My mother and My brothers are all those who hear God’s Word and obey it.” Luke 9:19-21 NLT 

Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
 
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
 
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-60  The Lord Jesus called a man who appeared to be willing to follow Him, but the man wanted to wait until after he buried His father. Keep in mind that the man felt bound by his social, legal and moral obligations to care for his parents. According to Jewish culture, to dishonor one’s parents was a gross sin. Honoring one’s parents is so important that the Lord God established it as the fifth commandment. Only the commandment to honor the Lord God is more important.
 
Focus Point:  Notice again how the Lord Jesus responded to the man’s request in verse 60:  Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the Kingdom of God.”
 
The Lord Jesus was simply stating that no priority takes precedence over the priority of the Lord God’s Kingdom government. The Kingdom is more important than family, friends, career or personal ambitions. In essence nothing is more important then the Kingdom of God!
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord God’s Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation 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.

Think about this:  The religion that is called Christianity is failing because it is divided by many factors, such as color (that the world labels as race), culture, denomination, and economic status. Why do I say color and culture rather than race? Because there is only one race and that is the human race.  Then God said, “Let Us make human beings in Our image, to be like Us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27 NLT

That unites us. Yes we are one race—human! Many people are blinded. Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:  “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” John 12:39-40  Please understand that though this is referring to the religious sect of the Lord Jesus’ day, this still applies to us in this day and time. Satan uses lies, deception, fear, and unbelief to separate the people of God. I’ll bet that each of you can think of someone whom you would have considered a friend—maybe a close friend—that has distanced themselves from you this past year. This past year has been saturated with lies, deception and fear and it has brought a great division, even among God’s people.
 
Religion is full of tradition and customs, and in most cases it has nothing whatsoever to do with God’s Kingdom. It often focuses more on manmade laws than God’s Word. Manmade laws and traditions, bring division. Read what the Lord Jesus answered when religious teachers accused Him of being possessed by Satan because He was able to cast out demons: So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." Mark 3:23-25
 
In the Kingdom, there is no division or chaos! We should all be speaking the “same language”. Why, then, would we accept divisions amongst Believers and their churches (denominations)? The Lord God, His Son and the Holy Spirit are one. Our Lord and King made this statement:  I and My Father are one. John 10:30 Remember that the Lord God has you in His hands. You are secure in Him. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. John 10:28-29 
 
The Lord Jesus came to restore His Kingdom and not a religion. In a kingdom there is only one authority and that is the King Himself. Religion separates and divides, in the Kingdom all are one under the King. It was in His prayer. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23
 
The only division is between the Kingdom and the world. When you seek the Kingdom first, you will discover that you are separating from the world and all that is connected to it. Hear what the Lord Jesus said:  “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53
 
Question to consider:  Do you find that there are many in your family that are religious but fail to live by the King’s Word? They may even have their own “interpretation" of what His Word means. Maybe they have even taken scripture out of context and blended it with the world’s current collective mindset to make it “politically correct”. If you read the four Gospels, you will see that our Lord Jesus was never “politically correct”!
 
When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, we will begin to see where we are inline with God’s Word and where we need a course correction.  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. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
 
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 14:23-26
 
Knowing what the Lord God wants from you, be diligent to read and study God’s constitution everyday. Make time—make it a priority—because it is food and nourishment for your spirit. In order for us to grow in our faith and trust in Him, we must feast on His Word daily. I would be embarrassed if  an ambassador of God’s Kingdom spoke these words to me:  There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s Word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Hebrews 5:11-14 NLT

We are living in a day when it is imperative that we model unity in the Kingdom to the world. One mind, one Word, one purpose--advancing the Kingdom of God throughout our community, our region, our nation and our world! 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
 
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion.

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore. Psalm 133
 
Remember what I always say—Your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in His Word!

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation 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 do I mean when I say this? Allow me to give an illustration. The other day while relaxing on my front porch, an acquaintance came up to me and sat down on the steps to talk. He worked nearby and we had talked before, often about the Kingdom of God. He informed me that he was still having pain in his neck, which hindered his life and work greatly. He had recently had surgery and was still having severe pain from time to time. He said that he had turned his life around from what he used to be and he would appreciate it if we would pray for him. I assured him we would. We had been praying for his healing for months, as we knew about his ongoing pain. But this day, when he sat and talked with me, out of the blue he mentioned that if the opportunity came up he would have sex with a woman, being that he was single, as long as she was also single! I will admit I was surprised! Now, what does God’s constitution have to say about having sex without being married to that person? Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:18-19
 
Do you recall when the Lord Jesus healed the man at the pool at Bethesda? Remember what the King told him when He saw him in the temple? After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
 
The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
 
Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
 
And that day was the Sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”
 
He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”
 
Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?”
 
But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” John 5:1-14
 
It is my belief that the King saw the environment or company he was keeping and that it would lead him back into a world of disobedience. The Lord Jesus was admonishing him to change his life so he would not ultimately end up worse than before his healing. Here is what I mean when I say “there’s no giving just 50 percent in the Kingdom”: We want the King’s best for our life, but don’t want to give Him our best. Have you heard the saying, “having your cake and eating it too”? That is what people want! You want His healing for your body, but don’t want to live by the King’s commands. We want all of His blessings of the Kingdom, but still want to enjoy all the pleasures of the world, while ignoring His commands.  “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 Too often, Believers enjoy the pleasures of the world, while praying for His continued grace and mercy, and wonder why their lives are filled with chaos, pain, worries and woes. What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
 
You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit He has placed within us should be faithful to Him.  And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
 
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor. James 4:1-10 NLT
 
The Lord Jesus gave the same reply to the woman caught in the midst of adultery. He didn’t condemn her. Read what He told her, just as He did to the lame man He had spoken to earlier.  Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
 
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 
 
Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
 
She said, “No one, Lord.”
 
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:2-11
 
In the Kingdom of the Lord God, there is a standard that we must adhere to and that is told in His constitution. It contains the Lord God’s laws, commands, principles, rights, benefits and responsibilities. Then He tells us to choose to follow Him. We live with those choices. Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
 
But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
 
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:15-19 NLT
 
Just like the man who told me that he was a believer, but wanted to indulge in the flesh (what God’s Word calls fornication) if the opportunity presents, be careful of the company you keep and the thoughts you entertain. Ambassador Paul writes of this very thing:  I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
 
For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28
 
Remember, your faith in the King is your greatest asset in the Kingdom. 

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation 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.

King Jesus made this command while down here on earth:  “Don’t worry!” Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Luke 12:22 NKJV Why? Because worry doesn’t change anything and it shows your level of trust and faith in God’s Word. Regardless of all the evil one puts this world through, we as Kingdom citizens are to stand tall on His Word!
 
Please note:  Most of us spend our time filled with anxiety about things we cannot change or that will never even happen. In either case, worrying is pointless. By the way, I am practicing what I teach. My faith in Him is getting stronger in His Word. Always remember, anxiety changes nothing. Anxiety consumes our peace, energy, time, talents, gifts, wisdom, strength and knowledge. It even consumes our imagination and ability to think clearly. This is why I stay in His Word and why it is vital that you do also. It fuels our faith in Him. We should have King David’s heart for the Lord God’s Word:  “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your Word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9-11 The only thing that worrying accomplishes is to make one sick, causes your blood pressure to rise, and opens the door to depression. Stress causes veins and arteries to constrict and reduce your blood flow. Need I remind you that you are filled with anxiety because you have misplaced priorities, which causes you to have misplaced faith?   Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Luke 12:24-26  
 
Focus Point:  When we realize who our true source and provider is, we will come to the realization that our total faith and trust is only for our Father and His Word. 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 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 25:3-4
 
Please note:  In the Kingdom, invisible things of the Spirit are much more real than the physical we now experience because we were made by the Word of the living God. Remember, we were a spirit before we had a body! Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.
 
By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 AMP
 
The problem we have is that we have misplaced our faith. We have changed the focus of our direction and source. Instead of looking to the Kingdom and our Heavenly Father, we look to ourselves or mankind—spouse, parent, employer, pastor, and the government—to sustain us. When you have more faith in doctors, medicine and mankind in general, your faith is misplaced and you have opened yourself up to anxiety, worry and fear! Man will let you down, the Lord God won't!
 
If you are looking to anyone or anything else other than the Lord God, our Father and King of Heaven as your source, you will struggle and your life just won’t come together.
 
Please note:  Any religion that focuses on the acquisition of things and meeting personal needs is a religion of modern day paganism. Pagan is a broad term covering many definitions, including hedonism (representing those who are sensual, materialistic, self-indulgent and worship the pleasures of life), new age, wicca, and nature worship (by placing a higher value on all of nature than God the Creator and mankind). My focus in this context is pertaining to the great focus in today’s religions on “me”. When our focus and prayer life is consistently focused on our own problems, needs, wants, pleasures, comforts and desires, we become the focus of our worship! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His Kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34 AMP
 
The Gentiles were considered to be pagans (or heathens). Our pre-occupation with material things, wealth and getting ahead in this world system is nothing short of paganistic behavior. It is hedonistic in many cases. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. 2 Timothy 3:2-5 AMP
 
King Jesus told us in His Word that all our needs are met. All we are required to do is to seek first His Kingdom! Those of us who truly know the Lord God as our Source and Supplier will not have these worries and anxiety because we are confident that He has taken care of us. Complete trust in God brings peace, no matter what is going on in the world. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matthew 6:33 AMP

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

Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word!

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
(Don't Worry Conclusion)

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