"For He will order His angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone."
Psalm 91-11-12
Thank you Jesus! 🙏
Arlene

Two simple words.  The Holy Spirit put those two simple words on my mind recently.  Sometimes a word is just for me, but when it stays on my mind, marinating over and over, I know it is meant to be shared.

We live in difficult days.  People are angry, cruel, offended, defensive, stressed and violent. They are also overwhelmed, hurt, fearful and hopeless.

The world is in darkness, but darkness has no power.  All it takes is light to drive it out.  Kingdom citizens are filled with the light of His presence within them.  A Kingdom citizen will never be in darkness.  When you walk into darkness, the darkness retreats! You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.  You have the power within you to make a difference in someone's life by just being kind and showing them the love of Jesus.  I didn't say to preach Jesus...be Jesus.  Be kind.

Do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Yes, be kind.  A word from the Lord doesn't have to be long or deep to be profound.  It can be a whisper that changes you and the world around you. 

When you are mistreated, be kind. 

When you are offended, be kind. 

When you are stressed or in pain, be kind.  

No matter what situation you are in, be kind.

It has nothing to do with our feelings, but His commands.  Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Recently, my husband and I met a man who is a living example of this.  His weakened body and voice showed a man who had been through great difficulties and illness.  But his face shone in a way that only comes from the Holy Spirit.  His smile was contagious and his hugs strong.  He knew no strangers.  When we told him he had made our day, he shared some of his testimony.  He told us that he should be dead and that God had brought him back three times.  He said the devil can't take him as long as God wants him here.  He was just happy to be alive and have another day to share His love with everyone he meets.  He had every "right" to be depressed and miserable.  He could have been home in bed waiting to die.  But the Holy Spirit shining through him had to chase away the darkness that would engulf the lost and miserable.  He is kind.  No one walks away from him without catching his smile and feeling their burdens being lifted.  Their darkness retreats.

Those living in the Kingdom, with the Holy Spirit guiding them, can drive out the darkness everywhere they go.  Just be mindful of those around you and be kind!

Ephesians 4:30-32   Colossians 3:12-13   Matthew 5:14-16

Shining His light for all to see...

Arlene
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

This week, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind Martin Luther and his 95 Theses.  I haven't studied religious history so my knowledge of it was only the most basic summary of who he was and what his theses meant to the history of the church.  This stayed on my mind and led me to search out some information.

This may seem far from Kingdom teaching, but stay with me, as I believe this is something we all need to know in terms of the Kingdom and the church today.

Briefly, Martin Luther was a highly educated man who felt called by God to be a priest in the Catholic church, so he began as a monk in an Augustine monastery.  As he continued in his religious studies and began to read translations of the original Biblical text, he became more and more disturbed at the stark difference between them and what the Catholic church taught.  He finally reached the point of feeling compelled to write 95 key statements pertaining to the doctrines of the Catholic church vs the original Biblical texts.

The  key points of the Ninety-five theses was:

Salvation was only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and not by any good work or money. 

Absolution from sin only comes through Jesus Christ by the believer's repentance and cannot be bought.  At that time, the Catholic church had taken to selling "indulgences" and by purchasing that you were absolved of your sin. They said they were using the money to rebuild St. Peter's Basilica.  Martin Luther said, "Why does not the pope, whose wealth today is greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build the basilica of St. Peter with his own money rather than with the money of poor believers?"  Does that sound any different from today?

The Pope had no power to get people out of purgatory.  It also allowed you to "buy" your dead loved ones passage out of purgatory.  He also challenged the very idea of purgatory.

His Ninety-five theses was published on October 31, 1517.  Even though it was written to start a dialog with the church, they wanted no discussion and labeled Luther a heretic and it ultimately started the Protestant denomination.  He wanted reformation, but got a revolution.  October 31st became Reformation day, until that day much later on was taken over by the demonic Halloween day.  Interesting how Satan works to cover up what God's doing!

This October 31st, it will be the 500 year anniversary of Martin Luther's revolutionary theses.  He did, exactly what it says in Habakkuk:   Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.  Habbakuk 2:2-3

Hear me and hear what I believe God is saying.  It is time for a new reformation. The church is drifting too far from the Gospel that Jesus taught.  The church is drifting too far from the intent of what it is to be THE church.  As with Martin Luther, we only ask for the things in the church that are not Biblical and Godly to be evaluated and changed.  Everything that is being done in the church today should be held up to the Gospel and unbiasedly kept, changed or removed.  That includes:
The way we worship (it was never meant to be self-focused, entertainment or worldly)

The way we preach (again it was never meant to be entertainment or a substitute for consuming God's Word on your own)

The way we look at money (the church and their leadership should not be accumulating wealth and property while many of their congregation live in poverty.  Saying they lack faith or haven't given enough is manipulative and callus)

The way we idolize the pastors and worship leaders.  (They are to serve, as Jesus did.  We are to have no other gods--idols--before our Lord God.)

The practice of looking the other way when church leadership lives in unrepentant sin and iniquity, merely because asking them to step down would be inconvenient and possibly financially costly.

True citizens of the Kingdom of God are called to be THE church.  Martin Luther only wanted to dialog and reform the Catholic church but their hearts were too hard-cast in religion to even listen.  They were angry and did all they could to destroy Martin Luther.  He was labeled a heretic and excommunicated from the very church he sought to change to be more like the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When he was being excommunicated, he was asked to renounce his theses and burn it.  Here is his response:  "​I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."

Oh for the church of today, 500 years later, to be reformed again!  It has drifted far from the Gospel of the Kingdom. But, as in Luther's day, if its heart is hard-cast in religion and only seeks to renounce or dilute the Kingdom Gospel, then a new church will rise from the rubble of religion.  Reformation is coming, with or without the church of today.

Over a decade ago, the Holy Spirit gave me a dream that now resonates with this message.  I was in a crumbling church with a small group of people.  There was garbage and fallen plaster everywhere.  There were holes in the walls and the air was thick with dirt.  I was so sad and mournful as I surveyed the state of the church.  Then God spoke and said "You are not here to mourn, you are here to rebuild".  The weight of that decree was overwhelming, because of the amount of work it looked to entail.

I wasn't alone in that building and I am not alone now.  If you have stayed with this article, though longer than usual, you are there too.  You are also being called to this process of reforming church as we know it. I don't have the answers, but God does.  It is time to be very sensitive to how the Holy Spirit is directing you, don't be ahead or behind His leading.  Don't worry that some may label you a heretic.  I have no problem being labeled a heretic by religion, as long as I am in line with the Gospel of the Kingdom that the Lord Jesus taught!

Stand strong on God's Word,

Arlene
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

For more information:
Martin Luther

Every once in a while, we should self-evaluate and look inside ourselves to see "how we are doing".  Today is one of those times. September 23rd, the day some say is the end of the world.  Are we still here?  Of course we are, because "no man knows the hour"!  But what if today it was the end of the world "as we know it"?  By that I mean what if today, our leaders changed and our laws changed and we were no longer allowed to attend our churches, preach the Gospel or read God's Constitution (our Bible)? That has already happened in some countries around the world! How long would your foundation be strong without those "crutches"?  How much Word is "hidden in your heart"? 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.  

Those who grew up in church often heard the parable--and sang the song--about the wise man and the foolish man.  But we weren't also taught what led up to that parable.  We know they are connected because verse 24 begins with "therefore". Read the whole story in context for greater understanding:

​“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Now, what is your foundation made of? Is it built on attending church and listening to some good teaching, or is it full of God's Word?  Is your worship based on "getting your praise on" at church and listening to praise and  worship music, or truly worshiping the King of kings and Lord of lords? If today your government said that attending church was an "illegal activity against the government" how long would your faith remain unshaken?  If they removed all "religious content" from the airwaves, how consistent would your life be with the Kingdom? 

I believe the Holy Spirit is warning God's people that NOW is the time to prepare. Now is the time to secure your foundation with His Word.  Get it in you and don't use anything else as your foundation.   It's time to throw away our crutches because we can't stand on them when those spiritual storms and earthquakes come.  They will fall and so will we.  Am I saying not to attend a church or enjoy praise & worship music?  No!  If you go to church, be a light and direct people to the Kingdom of God.  Enjoy the music and praise the Lord.  But don't believe it is your rock solid foundation.  It is merely the shifting sand under your feet.  We enjoy the way sand feels under our feet, but you don't want to build your house on it and move your family into that home.   Build your house on the Rock, Jesus the Christ, who was the Word in the flesh.  Only a house built on the Word of God will stand when the storms and shaking comes.  Get ready!

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony." 

Psalm 119-10-11   Matthew 7:21-27   Luke 21:10-13

Never stop growing in Kingdom knowledge!
Arlene
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 does it really mean to be restored? Why does it seem to be different for leaders and those in the public eye?  Why have we created a "microwave" version of restoration for them?  That version is usually driven by money and isn't true restoration in the Kingdom.  In today's world, Christians have mixed together forgiveness, trust, judgment and restoration.  They are completely separate.

As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are all required to forgive and never hold any unforgiveness within us.  We are also required to love.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you...For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love...And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.  And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.  

We forgive, we love but we are not required to trust in anyone but God. Trust is earned and that cannot be rebuilt quickly.  There is no microwave trust. Restored trust is only rebuilt as the 'fallen' person rebuilds their character and their relationship with the Lord Jesus. 

Restoration requires work and time.  No one can lay hands on the fallen one make them restored and ready to go back into their previous position...in their ministry and their family.  Trying to subvert the process of restoration does no one any good, especially not the one being restored.   When they are put back in a position of leadership too quickly, it causes them to hide their true condition and put on a good face.  They are still wrestling with the demons that took them down, but now they don't dare allow anyone to know.  They know that failing a second time will most likely be a fatal blow to everything they hold dear in their life.  If you have the gift of discerning of spirits, you will see right through their mask.  I have wrestled with that quite often.  If we say anything, we are called judgmental.  So we pray for them, in reference to what we see, unless a clear opportunity comes to speak to the one being restored.

True Kingdom restoration is focused on the fallen one's relationship with God and their family.  Restore the man (or woman) and restore the family.  Money and hard choices put a stop to true restoration.  What man restores is temporary.  Only what God restores will last.  I will share a little of my past as an example of a broken family from man's restoration:

My father was the pastor of a small church.  When I was a teenager, we had our first public "scandal" when he had an affair with a married woman in the church. Dad confessed to my Mother, then the family and finally the congregation.  Some of us forgave him--but not my Mother; some of the congregation forgave him but the rest left.  If he had stepped down from the church, it probably would have closed, he would have had to find a job and a place to live (we lived in the parsonage).  Hard choices, hard consequences.  So he continued being the pastor. Mom stopped attending the church.  He became "infamous" among his fellow pastors and church leaders, some of whom had been his friends.

​But the long-term costs were far higher.  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?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Because he was never restored, there were other women, many years down the road.  There was divorce, unforgiveness and pain.  Soon after the first scandal, even though I was just a very naive teenager, I married and left the state. Looking back I can see that was my escape.  That also ended with an adulterous husband and so much broken trust and pain.  My mother carried her unforgiveness to the grave.  His relationship with my sister was forever broken. The family was broken and never made whole again.  It adapted and changed. It was his ministry and employment that should have adapted and changed because the family should have been the priority for restoration.

Hard truth:  During restoration, a fallen minister would be far better off working as the church custodian and lawn care employee and sitting in the congregation than getting back in the pulpit.  Humility is part of a Kingdom restoration.  Be a walking, talking example of true Kingdom restoration! 

Kingdom restoration only comes through the Holy Spirit and the one being restored.  They get counseling.  We forgive, pray and love them.  The one who sinned does the work, thanking God for His grace and mercy through the process.

If you are the one being restored, remember the story of Abraham and Isaac, when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac.  Are you willing to sacrifice your ministry, your job, your economic stability and your pride to save your relationships, your family, your reputation and most of all your relationship with the Father?  Give it all to Him, trusting that if it be His Will you will get it back, better than it ever was before!  And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”  Nothing worth having is ever easy.  There are no quick fixes for adultery, addictions and all things that break trust and destroy families.  ​Some things will never be the same.  Settle that in your  mind.  Do you really want things to be the same?  But with restoration the Kingdom way, they can be better than you could ever imagine.  You may look back and thank God that you have been delivered from the life you were living, though the process was painful.

If you love someone who has betrayed you and broken your trust--forgive, love, pray and know that God is able to restore them beyond anything you can imagine or think....if they will humble themselves through the process.  Don't give up on them yet.  Pray, pray, pray and TRUST in our King Jesus for restoration.

I think this is an excellent scripture passage to meditate on through the process of Kingdom restoration:

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.

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.

Ephesians 4:32   Matthew 6:14-15   Ephesians 4:1-2   Mark 12:30-31
Mark 8:35-37   Genesis 22:12   I Peter 5:5-11

Keep seeing the Kingdom FIRST,

Arlene
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

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 

How do you feel about your job? Do you feel underappreciated... overlooked.... underpaid...treated unfairly?  Do others who do less seem to advance and prosper while you are just standing still?  Do you feel that your job is beneath your skill level?  Do you feel that carnal man rising up, seeking all you deserve?   I can certainly understand those feelings!  Many people have some, or all, of those feelings!  The carnal soul within us wants to respond by doing as little work as possible.  The carnal soul doesn't do his best work or work hard to meet deadlines when he feels unjustly treated.  The carnal soul says "why should I care when they don't?  Will I be paid more if I do an excellent job?"  

While those feelings are understandable in our carnal world, we as Kingdom citizens aren't part of that world, are we?  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.

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.  

Kingdom citizens are, to the world, peculiar.  They don't do what the world does and that seems peculiar.  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.  

Living a Kingdom lifestyle isn't just for when you are in favorable surroundings or at church.  Your Kingdom lifestyle goes everywhere you go, and that includes a hostile workplace.  Unless you CHOOSE to leave it home and be carnal, you take the attributes of the Kingdom to work with you.  And remember, if you talk to your co-workers about the Kingdom of God and Jesus but act carnal and do lazy work and even cause them to do the work you haven't done, you misrepresent the Kingdom.  Don't be a poor representative of the Kingdom! 

Whatever job you are given, do it with excellence.  If you must sweep the floors, make them spotless without complaining.  If you are just putting condiments on hamburgers all day long, do it with excellence.  Whatever you do, do it with pride, knowing you could bring it to the Lord and not be ashamed.

Everything you do on the job, you are doing for the Lord.  Remember God is your source.  He may be using that  job to provide the income, but He is always your source.  Picture handing Him your work at the end of the day to inspect.  If that work isn't your very best, it is not good enough to give to Him.  Imagine this as you work.  Would you give Him excuses for half-finished work or substandard work?  Would you take office supplies or even extra long breaks?  Would you call in sick just because you don't feel like working and want to 'stick it to' the boss?  

God is your source, your employer, your provider.  Give your work your very best effort.  Do excellent work regardless of your current work situation.  Then look to Him for your income, raises, promotions and new opportunities!  Wouldn't you far rather trust in the Lord instead of your "boss"?

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.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way...

Colossians 3:23-24   Romans 12:2   John 17:14-17  I Peter 2:9
Proverbs 3:5-6   Psalm 37:23

All for Him,

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

Many ask:  "Why am I not blessed?  Why am I stuck and not able to fulfill God's purpose for my life?"

Today I read I Corinthians 13 with a new perspective and through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. What a personal revelation!  I have always heard that chapter referred to as the "love chapter" and it was equated with the love between a husband and wife.  Yes the qualities listed in that chapter certainly should be working in our marriages, but this chapter isn't referring to marriage.  The love spoken of in that chapter is agape love.  Agape love is mentioned in the New Testament more than any other type of love--259 times!  It is a total, all encompassing love that has nothing to do with what that person does.  It is love for mankind without stipulations.  It is the love Jesus had for all of mankind.  It is being able to see beyond the things that are different, the things you don't like about someone, their sins; and see them as God sees them.  Agape love is being able to see past the wrong they have done--even to you personally--to see why they do it and feeling compassion and empathy for the person that Jesus also died for.  

Agape love is not an emotional love as phileo (brotherly) eros  (sexual, as in the relationship between a husband and wife).  It is an all-encompassing compassion and empathy for mankind, as Jesus demonstrated when He died on the cross for all of mankind and their sin.  Not only did He die for His disciples, followers and those who were good to Him and in agreement with him;  He also died for the Pharisees, criminals, soldiers and rulers who hated Him.  With agape love, you do not love because you feel love in an emotional sense.  You have compassion because Jesus died for them, whether they accept it or not.

Now, from that perspective, how much love do you show for all those you come in contact with?  What about those who have a different mindset than you? Homosexuals?  Different religions? Atheists? These days, even Christian Republicans and Christian Democrats are at each others throats!  That in no way is showing agape love for mankind.  Agape love has nothing to do with giving your "stamp of approval" to their beliefs or behaviors.  We must look beyond "their faults and see their needs".  Allow the Holy Spirit to show you the person that Jesus sees.  The Holy Spirit will give you discernment if you will change your perspective.   You will be amazed at how your heart will change toward someone you looked at as your enemy when you see them through the eyes of the Holy Spirit!

This is a VITAL concept, affecting your growth, prosperity and favor in the Kingdom of God.  Embracing a love for all of mankind and living your life daily in that manner is essential, not only to help others, but also for fulfilling your purpose and living a blessed fulfilled Kingdom life!  

Ok, so maybe we understand agape love in the abstract.  We have a mental understanding, but how do we put agape love in action?  First pray for the Holy Spirit to allow you to see people as He does.  See past their behavior, to who they really are. Agape love must be in your mind, your actions and in your heart.  Then your words, actions and body language will show compassion, empathy and kindness to them.  Jesus isn't here in the flesh anymore.  That's why he sent you to cross their path.  Be the Kingdom to them.  You aren't so angry with "them" that you think they don't deserve Jesus, are you?  Be honest and examine your heart.

Look what one encounter with the Kingdom did to Saul!  One  "road to Damascus" moment may be all they need to be forever changed.  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.

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:1-6  And Saul became Paul, who went on to write this "love chapter" of I Corinthians 13!  He went from killing believers to leading them.  Oh what untapped potential is within those you so boldly scorn! Why aren't you fulfilling your purpose and why don't you feel blessed and prosperous? Read this wonderful chapter of I Corinthians 13 from this new perspective and the Holy Spirit's direction and you will see.  

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Be blessed,
Arlene
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
​
​

We often think today's issues are unique to this generation and that we must change the way we deal with those issues. But know this:  

There is nothing new under the sun!  

That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.  Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”?​
It has already been in ancient times before us.  Ecclesiastes 1:9-10

In ministry, we deal with all varieties of sin, misery and perversion, but nothing comes that Jesus did not die for.  Nothing surprises God.  What was, is. Only the faces change.  We do not need to find new and varied ways to preach, teach, counsel or pray for them.  They are sinners in need of a savior.  They are deceived and unable to see the truth of God's Word and His love for them.  They can not see beyond their sin, disobedience and lustful desires.  They have believed the lie and embraced it as truth.

We cannot convince them of the truth of God's Word.  But we can pray that the Holy Spirit would draw them, shatter the darkness that enslaves them.  We can pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal His truth to them and convict them to repentance.   But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:21-23  

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6:44

Sin and disobedience are at the root of all our problems and misery.  If you follow an issue back to the beginning, you will find sin, rebellion and disobedience of God's Word.  We don't like to think of that, but if we are honest, that is what is at origin of all misery.  Sin separates us from God. He never leaves us, we leave Him.  Picture God's protection as an umbrella in a rainstorm of misery and woe. When we sin, we step out from under that umbrella.  He is still there.  His protection is still there.  We just need to come back!

If you feel challenged and uncertain of how to handle today's "sticky ministry situations" be bold in the Holy Spirit.  Speak the Word with the love of Christ, pray for the Holy Spirit to do His work in their lives and then trust Him to move in their lives.  Be a stable example to them of what God can do in their lives if they will only repent and submit to His will.  

Yes, there is nothing new under the sun, even in these times when it seems that the world has given itself over to all the sin and perversion Satan has to offer.

Remember this: You have the answer to this world's problems.  Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh, is the answer.  God's character and Will is unchanging. The Holy Spirit is their guide and their comforter.

Now, what is the question?

~~Arlene Luchie

www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
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All too frequently, when believers hear "Antichrist", they think of an evil man coming in end times.  But I am writing today to tell you that the Antichrist spirit is here today, wreaking havoc in the world and God's people are coming into agreement with it!

What does antichrist mean?  Anti means  opposed to; against.  Christ is the Messiah or the Anointed one.  So, it follows that the antichrist is opposed to or against the Messiah or Anointed one.  Why would any believer be in agreement with that?  Because they have compartmentalized their life into neat little boxes that are labeled "church"  "God" "work" "social life" "political beliefs" "sex life" "fun", etc..... You will not see Jesus and only present him with the boxes of your choosing, He sees them all.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,  and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

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. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
~~1 John 4:1-6

We must stop coming into agreement with the things that go against God's Word! A house divided cannot stand.  I believe this is the reason Christians are so weak and have so little respect and power in this world.  We are divided. We have unholy alliances; people who proclaim His name but do not follow His Word.  Here are just a few examples: God says that we should not kill (Exodus 20)  and they support abortion--killing innocent babies.  God says that homosexuality and sex outside of marriage is a sin (Romans 1:18-32) (Leviticus 18:22-23) and believers support laws that endorse homosexuality and themselves commit sexual sin--sex outside of marriage--fornication and adultery.  The antichrist spirit is predominant in our nation today.  God is mocked and His standards are laughed at and discarded.

His people must join in unity, lay all our differences aside, and raise His unchanging, unwavering standards for all the world to see!  That is the only way we will have His Power working through us.  It is not about you, what you feel, what the world tells you to believe, or what you think you want.  We have become our own worst enemy because we don't recognize who the true enemy is!  Far too many who proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior have joined hands with the antichrist spirit by being in agreement with the things of the world that are against God's Word.  God's Word must be so rooted within you that you will never come into agreement with anything or anyone who speaks anything that is against His Word.  

My words are not written to the world, but to believers in Christ...His church.  If you, as a believer, just got angry here and feel the urge to argue with me about 'rights', you need to read the Bible--God's Constitution--and examine your heart. That is why I write this.  Check yourself, as I do myself on a regular basis.  My purpose is not to hype God's people or make them feel good.  It is to prepare the Bride of Christ--His church--for His return.  Sometimes the most bitter tasting medicine does us the most good.  Rebuke that antichrist spirit that is taking control of our world.  Repent of anything you have said or done to be in agreement with it and raise God's Standard so all will know where you stand.  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. 
~~I Peter 5:8-9

You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.  Be strong and do what is right in His eyes!

Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Don’t toss me aside, banished forever from your presence. Don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.  Then I will teach your ways to other sinners, and they—guilty like me—will repent and return to you. ~~Psalm 51:10-13 TLB

Be blessed,
Arlene
​

They will eventually be crushed under the weight of your worship!  Only God can receive and hold your worship.

“You shall have no other gods before Me."
~~Exodus 20:3

Of course, you don't have statues of your favorite actor, singer, minister or author; but have you put them before God?  How do you put them before God? Do you spend more time thinking about them, listening to them, reading their books than you spend in prayer or reading His Word?  If you do, you have put them before God!  Who do you quote more...God's Word, or your favorite speaker/author?  Think about it...only you can evaluate your heart and thoughts.  Enjoy the music, the movies, the books and the sermons.  Learn from them, use them in your worship, but never place them above the Creator who made all that talent and gifts possible.  

Then he took the calf which they had made, burned it in the fire, and ground it to powder; and he scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it. And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?”...So the Lord plagued the people because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.~~Exodus 32:20-21, 35

But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God...~~Exodus 34:13-14

The Old Testament shows the character and heart of God.  If you love and serve God, you should desire to know His character and heart for us.

We can all list many famous secular and Christian artists and ministers we have elevated to "idol" status, who have succumbed to sin and/or died far too soon. We may not want to admit this, but many people worshiped them.  We do them no favor by putting a burden upon them that they cannot ultimately bear.

First and foremost get God's Word in your mind so that everything else that comes into your mind is measured against it for Truth.  Become sensitive to the leading and discernment of the Holy Spirit.  And ONLY worship God.  

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.~~Philippians 2:12-13

It all comes from God. Of course, we must never put anyone or ANYTHING before God, but when the object of our worship is another human, we put a weight on them they were not created to bear.  We have made them an idol and God hates and destroys idols.  Something to think about.  Of that, I want no part!

If our ministry had a million followers, I would say the same thing with far more passion and insistence!  We never want that weight put upon us.  We only want to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, teaching and spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught.  

Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Don’t toss me aside, banished forever from your presence. Don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.  Then I will teach your ways to other sinners, and they—guilty like me—will repent and return to you. ~~Psalm 51:10-13 TLB

Be blessed,
Arlene