Earlier this week, I woke up with those words.  It is a word specifically to God's people.  Yes, it is time to get serious. We all have heard from many sources that this is an intense spiritual time, when  events are speeding up.  Things are getting serious.  If you are not ready to get serious, you won't want to read any further.  If you are content with half-stepping, playing church on Sunday and living like the world all week, you won't want to continue reading.  If you are content with only opening your Bible when you are sitting in church, you won't want to continue reading.  I pray that this makes you uncomfortable and discontented with your status quo.  May this be a holy piece of sand in your oyster that will cause you to create the pearl you should be.

When the United States legally recognized same sex marriages, there was a public outcry from the church against it--rightly so.  It is leading our nation to destruction. It is one more step of our nation turning our backs on God. But my focus here today is on all the believers who hide their own sin while attacking the sins of this world.  Their words fall weakly onto the ground and they set themselves up to be "outed" for their own sin that hides in their hearts and minds.  Do not believe the deception that your secret sin won't be revealed.  There comes a time when God draws back His hand of protection and we face the harvest of seeds we have sown.

 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The Ashley Madison scandal is just the tip of the iceberg.  It has destroyed marriages, caused people to commit suicide and brought church leaders to resign. But hackers making people's names and information public is not the cause.  The cause is the people who thought their secret desire for an affair would never be found out.  They believed the lie "No one will ever know, so no one gets hurt"!  

Only you know what is buried in your heart and mind.  “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked;  Who can know it?  I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.  

There is a shaking coming to the church and His people.  It has already started.  Search your heart, root out that secret "pet" sin that you enjoy too much to give up.  Repent, give it ALL to Him.  There just may be some contact info you need to delete--some accounts you need to close--some websites you need to remove from you bookmarks--some places you don't need to go--some clothes you need to throw out--some entertainment (movies, music, magazines, etc) you need to burn.  Pray about it.  God will show you exactly what needs to go.

Once you have cleansed yourself of all the trappings and temptations of your "pet" sin, fill yourself with God's Word and His presence. Never leave yourself empty and vulnerable.  Seek Him.  He will cleanse you and remove all of that from your heart and mind when you diligently seek him.  I can testify to that! 

 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

God is calling His people to walk and speak in His supernatural power.  It is time to get serious.  That supernatural power only comes from being obedient and filled with God's Word.  Rise up out of the mire and go forth in power!

Galatians 5:16-21 ESV   Jeremiah 17:9-10 NKJV   Luke 11:24-26 NKJV
Arlene Luchie

In recent months, with the changes and events going on in our nation, I have seen a heightened interest in end times, tribulation and the rapture.  People have asked where we stand in relation to these perilous days.  Here is one of the scripture passages that best shows my position:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  If you completely trust in the Lord and His plan for your life, you will not fear man or anything he tries to do.  I believe in God's supernatural protection and that we are here as long as God allows.  When you are connected to the Father and He is your life blood, no devil can separate you from Him.  It is only the dead wood in the tree that is blown away in a storm.  When you are alive in Christ Jesus and fulfilling His purpose for your life, you cannot be cut down.  I believe, with great persecution, comes great supernatural power to overcome and withstand the attacks of the enemy, but you must be one with God and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Recently, I had a dream that was unlike any I have ever had before.  I am sharing it because I want you to be encouraged and not fearful in this day!  In the dream, I was walking across a large open field.  There were many small groups of people in leisure activities as you would see in a park, except there were no trees.  Suddenly, I noticed a large formation of planes flying overhead like a flock of birds.  Just as suddenly bullets were raining down  on all of us.  We all ran for cover.  We soon found a gutted old building where we could hide.  As we hid in the darkness, I watched out a glassless window.  Soon, in the distance, I saw soldiers coming over a hill, like fire ants on an anthill.  They found us and took us captive in the building.

As I pondered this dream and prayed about it's meaning, this is what I saw:

If you ask me what I think about the coming tribulation:  When is it coming? Will the rapture be pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation or post-tribulation?  My answer is, I don't think about it.  If I trust the Lord, His plan for my life and His power to protect His children I will not worry or fear the future.  I rest in that trust.  There is peace in every situation in that trust.  He has a plan for my life, and I will be here as long as needed.  I believe these words:   “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 

So, in the months to come, remember Genesis 19, when Lot and his family were delivered from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's wife looked back and it cost her freedom and even her life.  When God protects you and delivers you from certain destruction, don't look back on that old life!   The sun was rising as Lot reached the village. Then the Lord rained down fire and flaming tar from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah, and utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, eliminating all life—people, plants, and animals alike. But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following along behind him and became a pillar of salt.

Stay connected to the Father, obedient to His every direction, sensitive to the Holy Spirit guiding you and don't look back!  No fear!  Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Proverbs 3:5-6    Matthew 24:36   Genesis 19:23-26   Deuteronomy 31:6
~~Arlene

Have you ever found yourself asking God why the wicked and/or disobedient prosper?  Why do they get rich, and overflow with material possessions?  Recently when pondering these thoughts, God changed my perspective on the difference between man's prosperity and God's prosperity.  It's all about perspective.

Those very things we view as prosperity--abundant money, houses, cars, clothes, even jewelry, material possessions--are common and without value to God.  They came out of the earth God created, so they are common.  I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.  God said He would supply all our needs, but we have bought the message that our needs often include mansions, luxury cars and fat bank accounts.  That message has left us feeling a lack that is not really there.  Sometimes our wants become needs in our eyes.  

I remember the time, almost ten years ago, when no one in my household was working.  Yet during that time, somehow we never went without.  We had food on the table and our mortgage and bills were always paid on time. It wasn't because we had a big savings account! I can not tell you how--in the natural--that happened.  That is because it wasn't natural.  It was supernatural. God always provided.  We didn't get rich, we didn't even get ahead.  We maintained until we were able to get work again.  Man's prosperity is based on earthly things and is driven by lust.  Man's prosperity brings no peace.  Man's prosperity says "more".   

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

On the other hand, God's prosperity is "heavenly minded" and spiritually based. It is what is precious in God's eyes.  Having the fruits of the Spirit is prosperity.  Those priceless things are peace, joy, self-control, etc:  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  Health, happy and whole children, a loving family are all priceless.  If you have any of these things, you have experienced God's prosperity!  How many of us can think of wealthy people who lived miserable lives of addiction, depression, drugs, and sometimes even suicide?  How many millionaires, when faced with a terminal illness, would trade all their wealth for health and more time. 

God's prosperity brings peace in every circumstance.  God's prosperity is driven by love....God's love for us and our love and obedience for Him.  

There are so many scriptures in God's Word that talk about the rich and about God's provision.  But this is my very favorite.  Verse 13 is often quoted, but the POWER is in verses 11-12.   Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.... and just a little further down in Philippians 4:  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I would far rather be healthy, happy and at peace with God's prosperity than rich with the world's wealth.  Money is a tool, nothing more.  The peace of God, that passes all understanding of our current circumstances is priceless.

 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.
Arlene Luchie

You are not called to be a 'wannabe'!  A wannabe is a person who tries to be like someone else or to fit in with a particular group of people.  No, you are not called to be someone else or do what someone else has already done.  
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  All too often, in our sincere desire to discover and fulfill our purpose, we try to work it out in our human knowledge and experiences.  We feel called to preach and spread the gospel so we put all our efforts into starting a ministry or church, get supporters, find a building, buy an RV, take offerings, and copy the "famous" ministers.  We want to be the next Jakes, Munroe, Meyer, Osteen, Bynum, White or Prince.  Without careful focus on our purpose, WE may become the focus and marketing and selling may overtake ministry.  Recently, I saw a pastor who probably has less than 150 members with a product table and a life sized poster of himself propped up against the table!  Misplaced priorities and shifting focus.

God didn't call you to be anyone else.  Your purpose is as unique as your DNA and your fingerprints.  Hear the words God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah.  The Lord said to me,  “I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.”

 “O Lord God,” I said, “I can’t do that! I’m far too young! I’m only a youth!”

 “Don’t say that,” He replied, “for you will go wherever I send you and speak whatever I tell you to.  And don’t be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through.”

Seek God for your purpose.  Pray, listen and read God's Word.  Know yourself.  What draws you?  What makes you cry?  What wrongs do you see that you want to make right?  What are your gifts and talents?  All this is part of stepping into your purpose.

Once you know your purpose, write your vision of that purpose and how you see yourself walking it out.  This becomes the standard you keep before you to measure everything that comes your way.  Everything you do, every decision you make, should be held up to the measuring stick of your vision.  It is so easy to get caught up in doing good, but not fulfilling your destiny.  

My husband and I have gone through this several times.  Several times we have been asked to do something or help in some ministry or do something that isn't in line with our purpose.  What we found was, even though it was a good Kingdom thing, if it wasn't in line with our specific purpose, it didn't go well for us.  You can feel when something doesn't "click" or flourish.  It was a good thing, but was not for us to do.  When you are in His purpose for your life, you can feel it.  If everything you do feels as if you are doing it in your own strength and you are always in lack, it may be time to re-evaluate what your focus is.  Seek God.  

We humans do not have infinite time or energy.  We must stay focused and work smart--under the guidance of the Holy Spirit!  Think of the Holy Spirit as your GPS.  When that GPS is silent, you stay straight on the current road.  Don't turn to the left or the right.  The GPS system only speaks when you get off track or when it is time to change directions.  The same is true with the Holy Spirit.  If you aren't hearing anything, stay on the path you are on.  But remember, the GPS is also silent if you turn it off.  The same is true with the Holy Spirit.  Your repeated sin will "turn off" the voice of the Holy Spirit within you.  Only you will know which is true for you.

Word--Most of us aren't called to be famous.  That's man's image. That's pride.  You can fulfill God's purpose for your life without a huge following, money, fame, and a book deal.  Some of the greatest men and women of God will never be recognized by the world.  I would far rather be in that number than to be known by man, wouldn't you?

“Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.’

Ephesians 2:10   Jeremiah 1:4-8 TLB   Matthew 7:21-23 TLB
~~Arlene Luchie

We all have stories.  We've all been hurt, misjudged, rejected, lied to, mistreated, etc... (insert your word here)!  We tell our stories to justify our unforgiveness and growing bitterness.  We want people to sympathize and validate our feelings.  On some level we believe the lie that our unforgiveness is punishing the perpetrator of our pain.  In reality, all we do is hurt ourselves.  Unforgiveness plants a seed of bitterness in your mind.  We fertilize that seed with our thoughts and words.  Before long, it has become a huge deep root of bitterness and anger that even affects our physical health!

They say that "Unforgiveness is poison you drink, thinking the object of your unforgiveness will die".  In reality, you are killing yourself and separating yourself from God.  Studies have been done on the physical effects of unforgiveness.  Some of those findings are:  increased blood pressure, chronic stress, raised LDL (bad cholesterol) and reduced HDL (good cholesterol), decreased blood flow in coronary arteries, lowered immune system, chronic pain, and even cancer!  

In an article from 2013 in Psychology Today talks says this:  Several years ago, researchers with the National Comorbidity Study asked nearly 10,000 U.S. residents, “Would you say this is true or false? I’ve held grudges against people for years.”  Slightly more than 6,500 people responded to the question.  Writing in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology in 2010, they reported that those who said they tended to hold grudges reported higher rates of heart disease and cardiac arrest, elevated blood pressure, stomach ulcers, arthritis, back problems, headaches, and chronic pain than those who didn’t share this tendency. 

In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus tells a wonderful parable about forgiveness.  The meat of this story, to me, is this passage: Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.  “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”  Our torturers are within the mind.  Bitter, unforgiving thoughts control and consume your body, mind and spirit.

But how do we forgive the unforgivable?  How do we change?  We know that it truly is a battle in our soul--our mind, our will and our emotions.  You CHOOSE to forgive.  You release them, over and over until it stops coming back.  When they come to your mind, you immediately grab that thought and squash it with the Word, just as Jesus did when tempted by the enemy in the wilderness:  (Matthew 4:1-11)  With every temptation, Jesus responded with "It is written...."  

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.  Yes, your unforgiveness, bitterness and even holding a grudge grieves the Holy Spirit!

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Yes!  Don't try to drag past hurts into your future.  There is no room for them and all that God has for you.  Your unforgiveness, bitterness and anger will hold you back.  It puts a wall between you and the blessings and divine purpose He has for you.

I can truly testify how good the peace that comes from forgiveness feels. I had every human right to be unforgiving, bitter and angry.  And I can testify that once you feel that peace, you will more quickly throw off future hurts and unforgiveness.  Once you have uprooted  a deep root of bitterness, you will pull every little seedling that pops up.  Nothing and no one is worth separating yourself from the peace and blessings that come with close communion with the Father.

In Philippians, Paul admonished two women who served with him in ministry to stop fighting. And now I want to plead with those two dear women, Euodias and Syntyche. Please, please, with the Lord’s help, quarrel no more—be friends again. And I ask you, my true teammate, to help these women, for they worked side by side with me in telling the Good News to others; and they worked with Clement, too, and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are written in the Book of Life.

Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

 Please don't allow one more day to pass without letting go of all unforgiveness, bitterness and anger that has rooted in your soul.  Peace is the reward.

Matthew 4:1-11   Matthew 18:32-35   Ephesians 4:30-32
Philippians 3:13-14   Philippians 4:2-7 (TLB)  (all other scriptures are NKJV)
~~Arlene Luchie