Victory in the Word!--August

We are continuing in our weekly scripture discipline to encourage you to read and study God's Word more and also meditate on the key thoughts of our recent articles. We pray this will encourage and assist you as you grow in the Kingdom.

August--Week Thirty-Five

Article: Kingdom 101: We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members

The Lord God's purpose was to establish a commonwealth of citizens, not religious people who attend a religious institution. Understanding this is essential to grasping the concept of the message of the Lord Jesus Christ, namely the Kingdom of Heaven. As a kingdom, it is definitely a government--a nation, we are its citizens and Jesus the Christ is its King. This was the Lord Jesus' purpose. Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:42-43

Kingdoms are built upon the concept of legalities, which are extended to its citizens, offering them the rights, responsibilities and privileges that are guaranteed by the king. These are all laid out in God's Word, which is eternal and unchanging. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:35

Individuals who adhere to some type of religious group, including Christians, consider themselves members of the group which they perceive as a religious and spiritual relationship with an organization. Its members provide for the organization. Their denominational laws and standards may be based on God's Word, but the denominational leadership may rewrite and change those standards under cultural pressure to satisfy the members changing lifestyles. “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”. . . Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”

Then at last they understood that He wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:6, 11-12 NLT

Many individuals who call themselves Christians are simply religious people. Citizens of the Kingdom are legal individuals--legal in the sense that by virtue of a spiritual birth each person in the Kingdom has the rights and blessings of this heavenly Kingdom. It is the Holy Spirit living in us that teaches, leads and guides us. Listening to the Holy Spirit keeps us from a religious mindset. Remember that He is our Governor in the Kingdom! “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. . . 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. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:15-17, 23-26 NLT

I say this with conviction: we must cleanse ourselves from our religious mindsets and have our thinking readjusted so that we can take on a royal--Kingdom mindset.

All scriptures NKJV except where noted.

As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom), highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9

This week, read and meditate on Titus 3 and Psalm 75. Titus 3: Paul's letter to Titus, speaks about Godly living. Psalm 75: A praise for God's righteous judgment.

Have a victorious, fruitful week! We pray your hearts are filled with gratitude for His grace and mercy! Keep seeking the Kingdom!

August--Week Thirty-Four

Article: Having Radical Faith in His Word

Radical faith is an extreme unwavering faith that the Lord God does what He says in His Word. The proper definition of radical relates to the root of something. Having radical faith is getting to the root of God’s Word and all He has for us and that brings a radical change in our lives! Radical faith also is like ‘radical surgery’, that gets to the root of our sin and removes it. That is what it takes in the Kingdom. It is a process to reach that point. Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:12-13 NLT

Faith in the Lord God's Word is all you need to live a victorious life while you are here on this earth. So we may just as well become radical in our faith in the Lord Jesus. We as citizens of the Kingdom should be sold out to the infallibility of the Lord God’s Word—meaning His promises to His people. So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:22-24

We should always be encouraged that we will be forever with our King! That is one of the reasons we should be radical with His Word in our lives! Believe His Word to the fullest regardless what the enemy throws at us. Nothing will shake us, nothing will move us away from this life in His Kingdom! Remember we are fighting a spiritual battle. Remember what ambassador Paul stated to the saints at Corinth. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Radical faith is strong, forged in the fires of life and never moved by circumstances. It is bold! 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. Deuteronomy 31:6

All scriptures NKJV except where noted.

As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom), highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9

This week, read and meditate on Titus 2 and Psalm 74. Titus 2: Paul's letter to Titus, words of wisdom for the church today. Psalm 74: A prayer for relief from the devastation of the land by the enemy. Timely.

Have a victorious, fruitful week! We pray your hearts are filled with gratitude for His grace and mercy! Keep seeking the Kingdom!

August--Week Thirty-Three

Article: Kingdom Citizens Be Encouraged

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! “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. If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:12-15

The Lord God cannot lie. His Word was true when the Lord Jesus walked this earth, it is true now and will be true through all eternity. He never changes and we know what He has said will come to pass! “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? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. Numbers 23:19-20 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:18 NLT

There is no reason in the Kingdom of God 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

The Lord God is for the citizens of His Kingdom. What greater encouragement could there be! The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6 For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:29-31 NLT Glory! Be encouraged!

All scriptures NKJV except where noted.

As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom), highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9

This week, read and meditate on Titus 1 and Psalm 73. Titus 1: Paul's letter to Titus, talking about the role and responsibilities of elders. Psalm 73: The blessedness of trusting in the Lord God.

Have a victorious, fruitful week! We pray your hearts are filled with gratitude for His grace and mercy! Keep seeking the Kingdom!

August--Week Thirty-Two

Article: Who is the Lord God to You?

If you see the Lord God as the one true God, Creator of all, Healer, Deliverer, Provider, Protector, Father, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent; you will see His supernatural power operating in your life! Even the Lord Jesus was limited in Nazareth because the people could only see Him as the son of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter. He was “just a guy from the neighborhood”. Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” So they were offended at Him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:53-58 NKJV

Do you believe God’s Word? Then you believe that NOTHING will hurt you. You believe that you have been given ALL power over the enemy—Satan and his demons.

When I think of the power and authority of our Father, of His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit which He has given us, I get excited! When you get that revelation, you will not fear the world and all that is in it.

Focus your spiritual eyes. See Satan and his demonic angels at work in this world. Satan is a liar and an illusionist. He is already defeated and we are victorious through the Lord Jesus. Satan has absolutely no power in the Kingdom of God. He only prowls around in the world. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion (it’s only an illusion), looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9a When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use Your name!”

“Yes,” He told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. Luke 10:17-19

Fill your mind with God’s Word. Get to know Him better through His Word. If you do, you will see His hand on your life. Your prayers will be more fruitful and powerful. Walk in the power and authority of your Father God. Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]. They [who teach twisted doctrine] are of the world and belong to it; therefore they speak from the [viewpoint of the] world [with its immoral freedom and baseless theories—demanding compliance with their opinions and ridiculing the values of the upright], and the [gullible one of the] world listens closely and pays attention to them. 1 John 4:4-5 AMP

All scriptures NLT except where noted.

As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom), highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you. What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.

This week, read and meditate on 2 Timothy 4 and Psalm 72. 2 Timothy 4: Paul's last letter to Timothy, giving instructions and requests, but above all preach the Word! Psalm 72: Praise and glory for a righteous King.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9

Have a victorious, fruitful week! We pray your hearts are filled with gratitude for His grace and mercy! Keep seeking the Kingdom!

August--Week Thirty-One

Article: How to Operate in This World

While the Lord Jesus was here on this earth, He lived His life according to His Kingdom government. He lived according to His Father’s Will. So that the world may know [without any doubt] that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father has commanded Me [and act in full agreement with Him]. John 14:31 AMP “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:28-29

Ambassador Paul tells us in Galatians how we are to live, but we cannot do it in our own strength, only when we are led by the Governor—the Holy Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 But some of the "fruits of the world" are fear, anxiety, worry, loneliness, depression, despair, anger and rage. I'm sure you could name more. Which fruits are growing in your life? When you go through a crisis, do people see peace in you or fear and despair? Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

While we are here on this earth, living in this present world, we are to live by His Word. That is how we as citizens of His Kingdom are supposed to operate. We are to stay focused on His Word in all that we say and do. His blessings and promises are in His Kingdom. If we live according to this world’s standards, we are not living life in the Kingdom but in the world and cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. . . But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:5-8,25

Be bold and fearless! Hold it in your mind and spirit as you go through this week! This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9