"How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Matthew 12:34-37 

These words should bring us to our knees! "you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak."  Our Lord and King, Jesus, is telling us there we will come before Him and be judged for every idle—lazy, useless—word we speak! They are useless and lazy, but not harmless. How many idle words do we speak every day? How can we defend those words when we must give an account of why we said them?

"I'm joking." 

"I'm just kidding." 

"I didn't mean it."

"I'm just talking trash."

"I lost my temper."

"They made me angry."

"They know how to push my buttons."

              So then, what kingdom is being formed in your life with your words?

Is it God's Kingdom, or the kingdom of this world? As with building a home, at first there is only the frame and it is difficult to see what it will become until it is farther along in the building process. First it is only a frame. You can step in and go from room to room freely because there are no walls. But in time the walls are built and windows and doors are added. You can see what the house is, and there is less access in and out of the house. Eventually the doors and windows have locks. Our words are building that house every day. Then one day you will say, "Why is this happening to me?!" 

Our words have power when we speak. We may only think about that when we are praying or seeking the Father for something. We don't recognize that there is also power in those negative, idle words we speak. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NKJV 

God spoke and created the world! Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good. . . Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” Genesis 1:3-4, 6 NKJV  There are countless examples of God speaking and it was done. God didn't need to "do", only to speak. 

Jesus spoke and people were healed. He spoke and demons fled. He spoke and turned the water into wine. He spoke and the storm was stilled. He spoke and Lazarus rose from the dead. Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” John 11:43-44 

Even a Roman officer understood the power in Jesus' words because of His authority.

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 

And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. Matthew 8:5-13

Through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, Jesus said that we would do the things He has done and even greater! Why aren't we? What is holding us back? Where is that power today? I truly believe it is because our words are idle, filled with doubt and the words of this world.

"Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak are not My own, but My Father who lives in Me does His work through Me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen Me do.

“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! 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: 14:10-17 

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 NKJV

I love God's Word! It inspires me and speaks to me through the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor. But too often I find myself speaking the words of this world. God's Word is life, it restores our spirit and gives strength. The words of this world are death to our spirit and weaken us, bringing depression and hopelessness. 

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.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9 NLJV

We are building a home in a kingdom with our words. In what territory is it being built? God's Kingdom, or this world's kingdom? I am focused on getting that home, with locks on the doors and windows, firmly built in God's Kingdom. The world cannot compare to life in the Kingdom of God!

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah A. Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25

We are living in an era of heightened lawlessness, rebellion and deception. It has permeated the minds of people. It has even seeped into many churches. Now, this is not a commentary on the political state of our country. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God and as such, we must always seek to see God's Kingdom perspective! Man's laws change with the times. But God's Kingdom Constitution is eternal and unchanging.

Lawlessness is not just to commit a sin. Lawlessness is a spirit that seeks to attack all that is God's laws and principles. Lawlessness and the spirit of rebellion work hand in hand. They deceive the people and that deception is part of the antichrist spirit. Satan has been deceiving and promoting lawlessness since Eve. Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

Even when the focus may be on a government, that lawless spirit is attacking a godly principle. Satan seeks to find a way to exalt himself above God through mankind. Remember, it was pride that got him banished from Heaven and God's Presence!  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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

      As His citizens, we MUST bring our thoughts into obedience of God's Word!

Governments have laws that are created to keep order among their citizens. In God's Kingdom, we have a King and He has laws, His Constitution and His Governor (the Holy Spirit) to govern His citizens. Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:4-9

Whatever situation we face or the world's "truth" confronting us, we must hold it up to God's Word and the direction of the Holy Spirit. God's Truth never changes. If we do not hold to His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will drift and begin to embrace the shaky "truths" pushed by the world. The most deceptive "shaky truths" are those that seem "good" but exalt itself above God's Truth. Hold fast to God's unchanging standard!  Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your word is Truth. John 17:17 

Study the Old Testament to learn our Lord God's character. Know Him. Know what He loves and what He hates. When you know these things, you will be a discerner of Kingdom Truth when confronted by what the world says is truth. Do not be deceived!  “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 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 24:9-14 

Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His Kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:14 

Just one example of the world's truth deceiving the church is the churches that have embraced abortion as a woman's right. They have been so deceived by it that they do not see that they are murdering an innocent child that God already knows. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5
Knowing this scripture tells me that before we are born, we are a spirit. The world's "truth" is a lie that says "it" is nothing more than a clump of cells and it is not murder. That lawlessness has killed millions. If these words stir up anger in you, pray and ask the Lord to deliver you from all rebelliousness and lawlessness. Allow the Holy Spirit lead you into God's Truth. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

That brings us to a world "truth" that has seeped into the church—that Jesus fulfilled the law so we are no longer under the Old Testament laws. These are the Words of our Lord and King Jesus: "Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! Matthew 5:17-20 NLT

Whenever you are faced with a questionable "truth", seek your answer in God's Kingdom Constitution. What do scriptures say? What would the Lord God's character show concerning this? Examine it with a Kingdom mindset and do not allow popular opinions to overrule God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 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. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15

God has given us the freedom to choose—what we believe and do—but from those choices, we will reap blessings or curses. “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known." Deuteronomy 11:26-28

Be aware of the things that aren't only differences of opinions. It is a supernatural confrontation to see if you know who you are in God's Kingdom. Stand strong and represent your Lord and King. Speak only God's Word, not your feelings or opinions. For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and destroy him by the splendor of His coming.

This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the Truth that would save them. So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the Truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 NLT

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT

   Always look for the spiritual "engine" behind what is going on in your daily life.

Many are being deceived. Hold God's Word close. Embrace it, get it down in your spirit. Guard your heart and mind to never be deceived!

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah A. Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NKJV unless otherwise noted.

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

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone 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 will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 NKJV
 
Drifting. How does a boat end up lost and far off course?

The captain of that boat didn’t keep a close eye on the map and the gauges and make course corrections when needed. If that captain allows the boat to get just a few degrees off course, in time, he will be hopelessly lost.
 
How does this relate to our life as a Kingdom citizen? We are that boat, the map is God’s Word and the gauge is the Holy Spirit leading us through this life. The water is this world’s culture!
 
I am seeing a disturbing trend in today’s church that appears to be good but is actually a deception. That is the ever increasing focus on SELF—working on our physical, emotional and mental self. But what about our spiritual self—and most important of all, our God given purpose for life? Again, there is nothing wrong with improving yourself, but not to the point of missing God’s assignments!
 
What are you missing while you concentrate on your “self care” and self-improvement?  What are you missing as you “work through” the wounds, traumas and triggers of your past as the world says you should? What will you miss on the road to becoming your best “you”? It is a distraction. What blessings am I missing out on because I am too focused on "me" to do what God has called me to do?
 
Most importantly, who won’t hear about Jesus and His Kingdom because you need to spend your time and focus on fixing yourself?  No one’s God given purpose and assignment is to fix themselves. That is His work! Read the rest of that passage that I opened with: From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
 
Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying,“Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”
 
But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
 
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone 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 will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:21-26 NKJV
 
If you want to keep that boat on course, you don’t focus on the boat; you focus on the map and the gauge! For your life to stay on course, you must focus on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. When we don’t, we begin to drift until one day we will wake up and wonder how we ended up “there”!
 
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:3-8
 
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5
 
There are many who twist scripture for their own purpose. Are they promoting a book, counseling or ministry? What is the motivation? Study God’s Word, get it down in your spirit and pray for wisdom and understanding. My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:4-7 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
 
Listen to the Holy Spirit. That is why He was sent—to lead us and be our guide in our life as citizens of God’s Kingdom! We cannot stay on course without Him! 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 He. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from Me.’ John 16:13-15 You cannot fail. . . cannot lose with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit leading you!
 
When you have God’s Word in you and listen to the Holy Spirit you cannot be deceived. Blatant sin probably won’t deceive you, but it is those things that give the appearance of being of God that will cause you to drift! They may seem like a good thing but are not God’s Will. Be aware! Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:5 NKJV

You may say, "But what about 'your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit'"? Yes, we are to guard His temple, and keep it up. But that is talking about sexual sin, not spending our life focused on diet and exercise. A healthy diet and exercise are important, but it should not be the focus of our life! Some people seem to "worship" their own image more than the Lord God. We don't seek it, we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness.
Read what Paul says:  1 Corinthians 6:9-20 

We do not need to work on ourselves for God to use us. He uses cracked imperfect vessels. We need to give ourselves wholly and humbly to Him to use and fulfill the purpose for which we were born. When we do it in spite of our imperfections and weaknesses, God gets all the glory. People will see what God is doing through us and give Him all the praise for it because they know we aren’t “that good”! We just need to get out of our own way and let God move in our lives.

No self care, no self love, no self focus needed! When you focus on yourself, your world is very small and borders on New Age beliefs.
 
As Paul said, “That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,  even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.  Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:5-10
 
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah A. Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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

I believe we could all tell stories of times that we went through great struggles. I have heard from several people recently who are also in various kinds of "squeezing". In those times, we pray for the Lord to deliver us from those struggles, whatever they may be. We often feel it is an attack of the enemy and “blame the devil”. But in those times, we should also seek the Father for wisdom and discernment as to the actual reason for this season. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:2-5
 
For the past three months, I have been in a season of what felt like a relentless attack on my physical body. One thing after the other, things I’ve never experienced before. It led me to many times of prayer for healing, but also for wisdom as to what was happening, why and what my part was in this season. One day the Holy Spirit put the image of a funnel in my mind. Strange as it may sound, that image stayed in my mind, along with “a season of squeezing”. Then He began to show me that I’ve been up in the bowl of that funnel but now was being “squeezed” through the spout to prepare for a new assignment in my purpose! Once I got that revelation, this season of squeezing began to fade away and things returned to normal. Here is what I have learned:
 
We are born with a God given purpose and assignments, but the body and soul (mind, will and emotions) aren’t yet ready to fulfill that purpose. They require growth, preparation and maturation. Joseph is a great example of time and trials to fulfilling the Lord God’s purpose. God gave him dreams when he was only 17, but he did not become governor over all of Egypt for over twenty years! He spent thirteen of those years in slavery and prison. Genesis 37-41
 
We have a tendency to believe that because God loves us He only wants us to be happy, blessed, prosperous and without the trials and challenges of life that prepare us for His purpose and assignments! But that sounds more like a weak submissive parent than a loving Father. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.”
 
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
 
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
 
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Hebrews 12:5-13
 
Our happiness is not His first priority for our lives, but being equipped to carry out His assignments in our purpose for being here! God doesn’t give us trouble, but uses what comes to us to refine and mature us. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. 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. Romans 8:28-30
 
When troubles and trials come your way, pray for wisdom and discernment and lean in to the Holy Spirit for answers: Is this an attack of the enemy? Have I sown bad seed that has caused this? Is this an area of my life that needs correction and growth to fulfill my purpose and assignments? When you are able to answer these questions, you will know how respond.

If it is a season of squeezing, submit to His Will and you will mature and obtain all that is necessary to walk in His purpose and assignments that are divinely ordained for your life. 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.
 
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:12-15
 
Everything worth doing is hard, for a season. But in God's time you will reap the rewards. Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:7-9

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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

Writing this has been on my spirit for weeks, so I will prayerfully obey, though I've never liked talking about myself much. It is only transparency and obedience, not self-indulgence that has brought me here. I do believe that hearing what someone else's life has been like, living with the Holy Spirit, will bring greater wisdom,  understanding and clarity.

I have been filled with the Holy Spirit for sixty years now! No, I'm not eighty years old, but was filled with His Spirit when I was only seven years old. I know that is not the norm, but it is true for me. Being a "preacher's kid" (PK) I had spent a large part of those seven years in church at least three times a week. Not in a nursery or children's church, but sitting in the pew and participating. 

That Sunday when I was seven, we were all standing and worshipping during the "song service" as they used to call it. I remember that day so clearly! My hands were raised high, eyes closed, singing with tears streaming down my face. Then I began speaking in tongues. I felt the Lord's presence stronger than I ever had in my young life. I have continued speaking in tongues since that day. I tell you this in detail because no one laid hands on me or prayed for me and I wasn't at the altar. I don't think anyone even noticed what was happening to me. I don't even remember talking to my parents about it. It just felt like a very personal thing, even at that young age. I wasn't seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I was purely and innocently, as a child, worshipping God. About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 18:1-4

Looking back at my life I understand why I needed His Spirit guiding me from such a young age. There were many things in my childhood that should have "bent" me and I would not be who I am today and probably not able to fulfill His purpose for my life. If I told them all, this would be far too long! But the Holy Spirit was always leading me in the way I should go, warning me, either with words or feelings, especially during those difficult early teen years. (Also, I looked much older than I actually was, being 5'6" when I was only 12!) When I was 14 there was a 19 year old man and when I was 15 there was a 25 year old man, each pursued me, spending a great deal of time with me. I admit I loved the attention they gave me, attention I didn't get from my very busy father. Both times, as soon as they tried to turn it into more than friendship, the Holy Spirit rose up in me and turned my feelings completely against them, like turning off a light switch. Each time I immediately told them I didn't want to see them anymore and I wouldn't take their phone calls. No explanation and no giving in. The Lord protected me when my parents weren't focused on me enough to see they needed to step in. They both liked these men. In fact, when the 19 year old went to prison (non violent crime) my father encouraged me to write him. So, I was 14 years old, receiving censored mail from an inmate in the state pen! Different times! The Holy Spirit was guiding me though I didn't always realize it!

My life with the Holy Spirit has ebbed and flowed. There have been hills and valleys. Not because the Holy Spirit left, but because I "turned off the connection". As an adult, there were two times where I turned away, seeking to only do what I wanted to do. In those years, I never heard from Him, probably because I wasn't listening. The first time it was a major crisis that brought me to repentance and a rekindling of my relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. The second time, it was seeing the direction my life was going. It was spiraling down in a way I did not want to go. 

But God is SO very good to us and hears us when we repent and seek His forgiveness. I repented, asked for His mercy and grace to cover me. Then I asked Him to remove everyone from my life that should not be there. IMMEDIATELY, my phone stopped ringing, the texts and IMs stopped coming. There was no denying that God wiped my slate clean! So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:6-9 

Each time I repented and came back to the Lord, there was a profound acceleration of hearing the Holy Spirit. More dreams, more discernment, more words of knowledge. It was as though I was being "brought up to speed" so to speak! 

Life with the Holy Spirit is ever increasing wisdom and understanding. It is like being in a school that never ends because there is always more to learn. It is also ever increasing intimacy and closeness. There is a "knowing" that grows and becomes more confident and constant. Also, the Holy Spirit speaks with God's Word, and the more scriptures I knew, the more clearly I heard from Him. He reminds me of the Word I need for every situation.  “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. . .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, 26

​One other thing I have noticed over the years is that when you are filled with the Holy Spirit there will be people who may avoid you and not be able to look you in the eyes or speak to you. Don't be offended by that. Often, the spirit in them fears the Spirit in you. Be watchful and pray for them. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" Matthew 6:22-23 Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 AMP

I will end this with these points:

• He is the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor. He is NOT the Holy Ghost. A "ghost" by man's definition is described as a dead person manifesting itself to the living. The Holy Spirit was never a living human and to call Him a ghost misrepresents Him and separates Him from the Trinity of God the Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit in your eyes. 
• Know God's Word. Get it down in your spirit and the Holy Spirit will speak through it. 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 
• Don't focus on speaking in tongues. It will come. We are only to seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness. Jesus promised us that the Father would send the Holy Spirit. All He asked of us was to obey His commandments: “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. His promises will not return void. He cannot lie. So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NKJV  God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19 
• Lastly, listen. Be attentive to learn His voice and His leading. Then act on it. The more you do, the more confident you will become in knowing when you are being led by the Holy Spirit. The more you are led by the Holy Spirit and not your carnal nature, the more it will become second nature to you. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:9-14

Pray for your children and grandchildren. You are not all seeing and all knowing, but you know the One who is! I am a witness and can testify to that.

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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

Most years around October or November, I get a word from the Lord for the coming year. Last year that word was “change”. I told a friend and co-worker, “Next year this time, things are going to look very different here”. That was so true. Things had stayed mostly the same for several years, but in 2023 there were quite a few who left and new faces took their places. Many people that I know had major changes in their lives this year. It turned out that “change” was for me also and there were several changes and life looks different than a year ago!
 
This year, that word is compassion. He showed me that next year there will be an even greater need for compassion and mercy. It will be an opportunity for Kingdom citizens to shine His light that is in us by the Holy Spirit into a very dark world. We have always had that assignment and opportunity, but there will be a far greater need for it in the coming year. So many are lost, hurting, depressed, angry and most of all, deceived. “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.” Matthew 5:14-16
 
For the past several years, many Christians have been fighting and arguing with the world and their anti-Christ beliefs. But that behavior is not a good representation of God’s Kingdom. It represents our carnal, emotional nature. While I understand their motives, and have had some of the same feelings, it is not what we are called to do as Kingdom citizens.
 
First, we are not God’s “army”. He created angels as His heavenly army.  “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?” Matthew 26:52-53 Peter meant well, fighting to defend Jesus when Judas led the soldiers to Him, but that wasn’t his assignment. King Jesus won the “battle” over Satan. He finished it and went back to our Father. We are to occupy--or do business for the Kingdom--until He returns. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’  Luke 19:13 NKJV
 
Kingdom citizens are to represent our King. We are representatives and ambassadors. We are joint heirs with King Jesus, we are His children. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do; for if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
 
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba,Father.” For His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. Romans 8:12-17
 
How we respond to the world matters because those who do not know Him need to see His character through those who represent Him! Through His citizens, the world should see what life in God’s Kingdom looks like! When the world looks at us, they should not see a reflection of the character of the world! That makes us useless for the Kingdom. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matthew 5:13
 
I know that saying “Show compassion. Show mercy.” won’t make it happen. Take some time this month to focus on your attitudes and feelings. Don’t react. Pause, breathe and listen to the Holy Spirit. He is our Governor, so allow Him to govern your mind, will and emotions. Only then, respond. It is the fruit of the Spirit—self control—that will allow you to respond with mercy and compassion.
 
Remember that mercy is NOT getting “what they have coming to them”. It is not the weak person who is merciful and compassionate but the strong person. Because it takes great self control! 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. Colossians 3:12-13
 
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you. James 2:13
 
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1

Get ready! We say “What would Jesus do?” yet often don’t DO what He would do. In every situation that comes up, there is an answer in the life of Jesus. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. His life is how we represent Him to the world. That is what ambassadors of God’s Kingdom do. Jesus not only taught about the Kingdom, He was a living, breathing example of life in His Kingdom.
 
I have one more word of encouragement for 2024 to share with you:  The world is telling us that there is a financial crash coming. They talk about how bad it is going to be, filling people with fear. But remember the truth in Matthew 6. Remember that we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. His economy is our economy. His economy is not controlled by the god of this world. We are here to represent Him and His Kingdom.
 
If we will seek His Kingdom and His righteousness FIRST in our lives, He promises us:  “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
 
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
 
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
 
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” 
Matthew 6:24-33
 
God cannot lie. If He said it, it is truth! God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19
 
I can testify to that! The Father has always supplied our needs. Looking back on those times, I couldn’t even tell you how He did it. But all our needs were met—bills paid, groceries in the cupboards and a home to live in. Praise the Lord, His Word is truth! I will not doubt and can truly say: I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. Psalm 37:25 NKJV
 
Our Priorities: 

• Seeking His Kingdom
• Seeking to live by His righteousness
• Being led by the Holy Spirit
• Always remember you are a Kingdom Ambassador in every situation
• Represent His Kingdom with compassion and mercy
• Never misrepresent God’s Kingdom by acting like the world's culture
• He will meet all your needs!

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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

Without even being aware, we all view life, the world and its people, through a "lens" created by our life experiences. 

This morning I asked the Lord what He wanted me to write about. Almost immediately, this is where He took me. 

Before coming into an understanding of God's Kingdom, we view everything through a world lens. It is not our fault. It is the only lens we have.

The problem comes when we view the Kingdom of God with that lens and perspective. It is distorted and out of focus. The Kingdom of God is nothing like the world. In fact it is the  antithesis--very opposite--of this world. Well meaning Believers even approach their purpose in His Kingdom looking through that world lens. That is what He wants me to address. They approach  telling people about Jesus and His Kingdom with an attitude of building a building, networking, branding, merchandising, marketing and what the Kingdom is. 

God is not pleased. I do not say that lightly, but with reverential fear and humility. 

Often they see it as an income and occupation, but for most of us, that is not what it is meant to be. Recently I read a quote from John Bevere that really struck home:  "If you send yourself, you go in your own authority. But if you are sent by God, you will go in HIS authority."  I will add that if you go in your own authority, it will be mired in struggle and lack. 

This problem is nothing new. Jesus even dealt with it. Peter wanted to camp out on the Mount where Jesus was transfigured before them, and build three temples. Not only did Jesus not want them to build three temples, He instructed them to tell no one until after He was risen from the dead! Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” Matthew 17:1-4 & 9 NKJV 

So then, how do we begin to see our life, world, purpose, and finances through a Kingdom lens? First, we fill ourselves with His Word. Study the life of Jesus. Everything He said and did had a purpose. That purpose was to show us how to live a Kingdom life. Knowing that helps to develop our "Kingdom lens" and changes our perspective and changes the way we handle life. 

Second, we learn to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We call Him our Kingdom governor to remind all that it is the Holy Spirit that governs our lives, if we will only listen. At first that may feel foreign and uncertain, but you will become more familiar and confident.  “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. . .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, 26-27 

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 16:13-15  

This is all we need to see life with a Kingdom lens--Kingdom knowledge by God's Word and His Spirit. Jesus kept it clear and simple, if you see with your Kingdom lens, not the world's lens. He was a walking, talking example of life in the Kingdom of God, right down to His prayer to the Father as he faced the cross.  He showed us how to live in this fallen world and at the same time, be a Kingdom citizen. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:41-44 NKJV Even in His agony over what He must do, He prayed "not My will, but Yours be done". He showed us that no matter what we are going through, we should always choose to say "nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done". He is our perfect example of how our life should be handled in His Kingdom.

Jesus and His Kingdom does not need to be marketed, branded or sold to anyone. In doing that, we are actually showing that we don't truly believe. Allow the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to draw people. Jesus even showed exactly how to evangelize and reach those who are lost when He sent out His disciples--now Apostles. This whole chapter is rich in Kingdom instructions. No one got rich on this "tour"! Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins.  Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.

Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are My followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:7-20  

Luke said it this way:  If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’  But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’  I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day. Luke 10:8-12 

Focusing that Kingdom lens is a process, but soon it will be automatic and your old world lens will be put away. But one word of warning. Once you see with it you cannot unsee it. You will no longer feel comfortable listening to a feel good, self help unbiblical sermon. It will annoy you as scriptures will flood your mind in response to the untruths being spoken. You will become a "Kingdom truth meter" and that isn't a bad thing!  

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:15-19 NKJV Can you tell I love God's Word?!The Holy Spirit always reminds me of scriptures in every situation. That is my Kingdom lens!

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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

If you grew up in church or have any religious experiences, you probably have some religious filters that frame your thoughts. I certainly do, because as a "preacher's kid" I spent all of my childhood in church--Sunday morning, Sunday night, midweek service, youth service, and special services! Those experiences give us a religious mindset that, as Kingdom citizens, we work to change through the understanding that Jesus came to reintroduce the Kingdom of God which is the government of Heaven.  That is a process through studying God's Constitution and listening and being led by the Holy Spirit, our Governor.  Keep in mind, a religious spirit is a demonic spirit sent to attempt to deceive and hide the truth of God's Kingdom under religion. People may be used by this spirit out of their discouragement, frustration and disappointment over other people's lack of faith and commitment. Their self-righteousness makes them vulnerable. But how can we recognize when we, or others, are being influenced or controlled by a religious spirit and not just having a religious mindset?

A religious spirit is controlling, usurping our God given free will.
From the beginning of creation, the Lord God gave mankind the freedom to choose right or choose wrong. He could very easily have made us unable to disobey Him but He wants us to freely choose His way over the wants of our flesh and sins of this world.  But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Genesis 2:16-17 ~~~ 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! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 The religious spirit wants your obedience and submission. It tells you what you should and shouldn't do, then tries to make you comply.  If you don't, the religious spirit will dole out punishment--chastising, shunning, embarrassing, lecturing--for your disobedience. 

A religious spirit is easily angered when people don't comply.
In my experience, a religious spirit's strongest emotion is anger, always ready to come out. You've probably seen pastors who always sound angry when they preach. A famous historical sermon by Jonathan Edwards comes to mind, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". A religious spirit wants to make you "holy" by submitting to their will rather than cultivating your self control, which is a fruit of the Spirit. Anger and rage are tools used to control people. And 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. Ephesians 4:30-32 ~~~ Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:19-20

A religious spirit is a contrary, argumentative spirit.
A religious spirit is always ready for an argument, always ready to debate when they disagree. Apologetics is a religious concept and has no place in the Lord God's Kingdom government.  Don't take the "bait". Arguments are pointless and change no one's mind.  They only produce anger.  What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?  James 4:1 ~~~ Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. Titus 3:9-11 ~~~  Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 1 Timothy 6:3-5

A religious spirit grows weeds of the flesh not fruits of the Spirit.
What is the fruit in the life of the person you think is being influenced by a religious spirit?  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 ~~~ Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:15-20 Be aware!

Study the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus in the four Gospels. It is a blueprint for what is expected of Kingdom citizens. Jesus never told them to convince, coerce or lecture them into submission. He never told them how to control the people. Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"

"Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed."

“Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.  I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. Matthew 10:5-15 

Religion has never been a friend of Jesus. Remember, it was not the government who crucified Jesus, but the religious leaders.   Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring Him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find Him not guilty.” Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”

When they saw Him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

“Take Him yourselves and crucify Him,” Pilate said. “I find Him not guilty.”

The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law He ought to die because He called himself the Son of God.”

When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. . .Then Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.”

When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!”

“Away with Him,” they yelled. “Away with Him! Crucify Him!”

“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.

“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.

Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. John 19:5-8, 12-16

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1

​Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.

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