Making an Impact in This World

 

Making an Impact in This World   The Lord God’s ultimate Will from the very beginning was the fusion of heaven and earth; with earth as a colony of heaven, under the King’s leadership. Take a moment and read Genesis 1 & 2. These two realms were brought together in the Lord Jesus and thrust into the visible reality through His government. In Jesus, the Son of the Lord God, the law of the Lord God is revealed.   Religions are focused on getting to heaven, which was never the Lord God’s plan. His plan is for us as Kingdom citizens to make an impact on this world, so others will also be drawn to Him. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21 We are to continue His assignment until His return. By the way, as I see it, we have a long way to go yet. Through the years, many Christians accept Jesus Christ to keep from going to eternal damnation or just get to heaven. That focus will prevent them from fulfilling God’s purpose for being here. King Jesus didn’t come from heaven for that. He wants for you to make an impact for His Kingdom government in this world! You may feel your impact is small, but you aren't seeing the "big" picture, which may only be seen in the spiritual--unseen--realm! Think of rings in the water when you throw a stone. The first ring is small and surrounds the stone. But the largest rings are furthest away from the stone--the original source of the impact.    Keep in mind that we in the United States only see the word “ministry” in connection with a religion or religious endeavor. I must say that I thought the same. But the Holy Spirit opened my eyes and reminded me, through the United Kingdom’s example, that the word “ministry” and “minister” are actually governmental words. The United Kingdom’s government is a constitutional monarchy and has twenty-four ministries with a minister governing each department. Their top governing leader isn’t a president but a prime minister. I am always thankful for the guidance and correction of the Holy Spirit to see things more clearly!  The Kingdom of God is a government. Once you are born of the Spirit of the Lord God, you become child of the Lord God, joint heir with Jesus and a citizen of His Kingdom! What an honor and privilege! With that honor comes great responsibility. That responsibility is to make an impact on this world for God's Kingdom! You don't have to speak at sold out conferences or have a book deal for your impact to be exponential for His Kingdom! The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:16-17   For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21    For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20 As you sacrifice your body through fasting and prayer, you draw His presence, power and protection in your daily life. King Jesus spoke that unbelief hinders prayer (prayer and fasting will strengthen your faith) and some demonic forces only come out by prayer and fasting. (Be aware that there are versions of the Bible that leave out verse 21, which is of great concern to us!)  “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”   Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.   Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:15-21   First, begin to make an impact around your present environment. Home would be a great beginning. When my wife, Arlene, comes to an impasse in her life and needs someone to pray, she comes to me as her first choice. That is what a wife who has confidence in her husband’s faith in His King does. Every citizen should have an impact on their family in such a way and more.   In the Kingdom, a citizen’s lifestyle should inspire others to seek God’s Kingdom also. They should want what they see in your life by His Kingdom. That is part of the impact you should have on others. If they see your life as no different from the world, if they don’t see peace, strength and faith operating in your life, why would they seek after your Lord and King? Remember, our citizenship is in heaven and the King saved us to represent Him until He returns. That alone makes you an ambassador of the Kingdom. As an ambassador you are appointed by the King, not voted into position. You are appointed to represent the government of the Kingdom of Heaven. You are only committed to the King and the Kingdom’s  best interests. You are totally covered by His Kingdom. Your responsibility is to the Kingdom and your King. You speak the Words of your King, not your own opinions. You are totally protected by your government. You should never concern yourself about harm coming to you. There is only one thing to be concerned about . . .                  How is your life representing your King and His Kingdom?   Ambassador Paul was a great example of making an impact wherever he went . . . even to prison. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”   The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”   They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” Acts 16:25-31 NLT I want to be like ambassador Paul!   Keep this in mind, total faith in your King will truly have an impact on those around you. When the world is fearful, angry or depressed, you are at peace. When the world is bowing to the current culture, you raise the Lord God's eternal standards and represent them in your daily life. Allow yourself to be led by our Governor—the Holy Spirit. Also remember that in God’s Kingdom you never have to concern yourself with material things. Once you have your King’s assignment, you have access to the Kingdom’s wealth. Not for self gratification, but to fulfill His purpose for your life. Money is a tool to be used for His Glory and His Will to be done on earth. When the King gives you an assignment, you will never have to beg or ask others for support. We are not to seek after money but only after His Kingdom. If your response to this is to say "Money is always a struggle. There is never enough to pay my ministry's bills and meet my needs!" seek your King about His purpose for your life. You may be doing what you believe you should be doing, but it may not be what He has for you to do! Sometimes that is hard to face. Something is out of order and the Holy Spirit will show you so listen. My wife Arlene and I are examples of that and can testify that He supplies every need! We were given this assignment and we will continue to make an impact until He says it’s enough.   People need a standard to follow. They need to see someone living their life productively, with bold faith, in God’s Kingdom. They need Kingdom examples. Be that standard and example to this lost world.   “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16   Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  D. Arlene Luchie www.kingdomcitizens.org

Life With the Holy Spirit--My Testimony

 Life With the Holy Spirit--My Testimony

 

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

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.

Kingdom Transparency

 Kingdom Transparency

​Recently, I read this statement by a recovered addict: "When you're transparent about everything, it knocks the devil's feet right out from under." In other words, don’t give the devil a foothold, or place, in your life. Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27 NLJV
 
Being a citizen in right standing in God’s Kingdom requires that we do not give the devil a place in our life through secret sins and ungodly deeds. It requires that we are transparent in all we do.  But we naturally try to put on a good front to "save face". Sadly, "saving face" is more predominant in religion than transparency. Religion is far more concerned with how our outside looks rather than the condition of our heart and soul. This creates a religious façade that conflicts with what is controlling our soul (mind, will and emotions). But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7  

This façade will, in time, hinder our ability to hear from the Lord God by the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor. Jesus told them “Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear Me!  For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.  So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe Me! Which of you can truthfully accuse Me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe Me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” John 8:43-47
 
This lack of transparency, in an attempt to protect our reputation, damages our ability to influence the world in which we live. Gallup’s 2023 survey on honesty and ethics by occupation puts clergy at an all time low of 32%. Just 32% of those surveyed thought clergy were honest and ethical. You cannot lead those around you to Jesus if they don’t see you as being honest and trustworthy. Consider this:  The world is starving to see someone with an incorruptible spirit and immovable standards. They want to see someone who cannot be moved. They WANT to believe that person still exists, so they seek to tear down believers to test and see if we actually live what we preach! Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6
 
Believers must be transparent to knock the demonic realm "off its feet". They used to say "tell the truth, shame the devil". That lack of transparency and truthfulness goes all the way to many pulpits. If the pastor and their leadership aren't truthful and transparent, the members won't be either. When they see transparency modeled by their leaders, they will feel safer to be transparent. They will follow their lead!
 
I can testify to the damage done by living a religious façade. Growing up in a pastor’s family, I can tell you we weren't transparent. Being transparent could cost Dad his job so our family motto was "what goes on in this house stays in this house". That lack of transparency cost us our family, our church and it shattered relationships and reputations. Also the sad thing to me, was that the people shaming us and gossiping about us were doing worse things and keeping their sins hidden by shining a spotlight on us. That's why I became a truth-speaker. The devil ALWAYS uses the hidden things to bring down believers. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. Luke 8:17 We only deceive ourselves, because the Lord God sees all. 
 
I've always said that all the devil wants to do is to make you believe a lie. Jesus told us who the devil is:  “He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44b

What lie is he telling you?

"No one will ever know"
"Trying it won't hurt anything"
"I can stop anytime"
"He doesn't love his wife, he's staying for his kids”
"What they don't know won't hurt them"
"A little innocent flirting is harmless"
 
Little lies protect pet sins….those sins we don’t actually want to give up. The hard truth is that they mean more then our relationship with King Jesus and His Kingdom! Ouch!
 
The lack of transparency and openness about our lives is a breeding ground for hidden sins, which are open doors, allowing the demonic to wreak havoc in our lives. Face what is keeping your spiritual doors open and shut them. Repent, clean your spiritual house of all that does not line up with God’s Kingdom laws and principles and pray for His mercy and grace to cover you.
 
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. 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 unrighteousness.. 1 John 1:5-9
 
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:13-16
 
If you aren’t being transparent with people, is what you are hiding unrighteous in the Lord God’s eyes? Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
 

God's Word says "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" but do we really believe it? If we do, we will never tell a lie or live a lie. We will never tell “half truths” (which are lies) or even lie by omission. We will be truth-speakers and become averse to anything but the truth.
 
What you may not see is that your transparency may also set others free…free to be truthful and set free from the lies and hidden sins that chain them. My prayer is that they will see Jesus working in our lives and want Him in their life. Show those around you what life in God’s Kingdom looks like!
 
You are an ambassador of the Kingdom of God everywhere you go. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
 
Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with His blood—may He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

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

The Connection Between Praise and Worship

 The Connection Between Praise and Worship

 

​I must admit that I never really understood the relationship between praise and worship. It was only when I totally submitted my will to His—meaning the Holy Spirit—that I learned that the goal of praise is to create an atmosphere for the presence of the Lord God.  This is why Abraham, Moses and King David were such close friends of the Lord God! They made room for Him in their lives. He was their priority. It was their deep hunger to know and obey Him that was the foundation of their relationship with Him. I must say this is true for all genuine worshipers. They love to be with the Lord God and He loves to be with them. He shows up because they have an authentic devotion to Him and a passion for Him. Praise and worship are related but very different purpose, activities, and experiences.
 
Oh, how I love Your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of Your laws. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept Your commandments. I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to Your word. I haven’t turned away from Your regulations, for You have taught me well. How sweet Your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:97-105 NLT
 
Praise is initiated by you. Worship is the Lord God’s response to it. Praise is something you do. Worship is something the Lord God releases in you. Praise is you, building a house for the Lord God. Worship is the Lord God inhabiting it. But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

Remember this, worship cannot be generated by you. It is completely dependent on the Lord God. You may seek to enter worship through praise, but it is up to Him whether He will respond to your initiative. This is the Lord God we serve! He knows your intention. To be clear, you can’t worship Him unless you have first praised Him. I know this from personal experience. Now I know what it is to truly praise and worship my King! This is why I am sharing this with you. Of course, the praise must be genuine and focused on Him alone.  Do you recall what King Jesus stated to the Pharisees—religious leaders of that time? Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:  ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ” Matthew 15:7-9 There are many who have been disingenuous with their praise and then wonder why they are not receiving from the King; wondering why their prayers are not answered. Many churches have turned their “praise and worship” into a time of entertainment and time for latecomers to get there, until the pastor preaches. It does not create an atmosphere for the presence of the Lord God.
 
It seems that everything in God’s Kingdom comes down to “what is your focus?”. What is your motivation and purpose for what you are doing? Why are you praising Him? Who or what is the focus of your faith…your love…your praise? The Lord God doesn’t see your outward appearance, but your heart and your motive. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
 
It is easy to give a praise that lifts our soul (emotions). True praise and worship may seem tough, but the results are great because everything you need is in the Lord God’s Presence—priceless gifts like peace, joy, rest, mercy, health, provision, protection, power, victory and wisdom. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16
 
If anyone knew how to praise the Lord, it was King David. He certainly wasn’t perfect, but he was “a man after God’s heart” and that is someone that the Lord God can use to do great and mighty things in His Kingdom! And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus.
Acts 13:22-23
 
Hear King David’s heart of praise and remember that the Lord God responds to individuals who have a deep hunger for Him. As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.  When can I go and stand before Him? Psalm 42:1-2 NLT
 
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
 
For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your Presence. Psalm 21:6
 
Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!  You shall hide them in the secret place of Your Presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Psalm 31:20
 
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Psalm 34:1-8 NLT
 
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5
 
Remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom. 

All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
​
W.R. Luchie 
www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Lord God’s Presence Brings Joy and Rest

 

The Lord God’s Presence Brings Joy and Rest   I am writing the next few articles about Kingdom praise and worship to share with you what this revelation is doing in my life. I am a living example of what His power and blessing will look like in the life of a submitted Kingdom citizen. I have been led by our Governor—the Holy Spirit—to transfer this knowledge to other Kingdom seekers. When the Lord God’s Presence is in a place with you, it makes you feel so good that you want to stay in His presence for a long time. You don’t want to lose that feeling. It causes you have love and compassion for others that you may not even like. You see them as the Lord God sees them. King David knew this feeling when he stated in God’s Constitution:  You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11   Keep in mind that the Lord God’s Presence is the source of all joy. If you want to have more joy in your life, spend more time with Him,. That spirit of heaviness that has been hanging over you will lift as the Lord God changes your attitude and perspective. Yes, in His presence is fullness of joy! Seek the Lord God each day of your life until joy becomes your constant companion and you become as delighted with the Lord God’s Presence as was King David. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:10-12   Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4-5   Also, keep this in mind; the Lord God’s rest is a blessing and gift of being in His Presence. Don’t wear yourself out, trying to meet your responsibilities and commitments in your own strength. Moses did exactly that. Then he asked the Lord God to give him some assistance with the work of leading His people. Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:12-14   Remember that God’s rest was His plan from the very beginning.  And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:2-3 The Lord is God, He doesn’t get tired. He rested to show us the importance of rest in His Kingdom. It is a vital part of His Kingdom. His rest restores and strengthens. His rest brings joy and contentedness to our spirit, mind and body.   The word rest in Exodus 33, means to settle down, to give comfort, to cease, to be quiet and to cause to rest, be at rest, give rest, have rest, make to rest. The word may also mean to set one’s mind at rest. My wife Arlene has joked with to me several times, questioning whether I am “human”. That is because I fail to be concerned about some things that most would be very emotional about. I just say that the Lord God will handle it, and it is none of my concern. Sometimes my faith and trust may come across as lacking compassion, I will admit! But I take His Word quite literally and I trust Him! That gives me rest and joy. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28   In truth, this rest is a ceasing to work because this work isn’t yours. When the Lord God is with you, He is the One who does the work and you are free from the anxiety of trying to make things right. It is His Holy Spirit working in you and through you, guiding and giving strength and wisdom when you need it. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24   And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”   Then Moses said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”   So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:14-17  I would say that the Lord God told Moses, “All you need is My Presence. When I am with you, you don’t have to work so hard. I will meet all you needs and take care of all you concerns”.   The church needs to understand this Kingdom principle. Too often they become so caught up in their plans and programs that they forget who is really the head of the church. Success arrives when the Lord God shows up on the scene. Until then we are just playing church and going through the motion.   Busyness is not a fruit of the 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   “Doing” is not our first priority. “Being” in His Presence is; for in His Presence is complete joy and rest. Mary knew this:  Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”   And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42   Remember, your faith in the Lord God’s Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Peace is in the Lord God’s Presence

 

Peace is in the Lord God’s Presence   Worry comes from a lack of faith. Worry will steal your peace. As I write this article today, I think about Believers in our Lord and King, Jesus, who still worry about every little thing that isn’t going right in their lives. They may even borrow things from the future to worry about that may never even happen. I have always said that fear and faith do not mix. They may know God’s Word but it hasn’t been anchored down in their spirit and fear rises up rather than faith. The Lord Jesus’ disciples had to learn this lesson if they were going to have peace in their lives. The disciples learned this lesson one night on the Sea of Galilee.   Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”   Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”   And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Luke 8:22-25 They did not yet truly know who He was!   When you have total faith in the Lord God’s Word, you have peace and no fear of what can happen to you. When you genuinely praise Him and spend time in His Presence you will feel calm and at peace. When you intimately know someone, you trust them. This peace has nothing to do with your immediate circumstances. You could be in the middle of great turmoil and stress, but His Presence will keep you in peace. The Lord God’s peace means that you aren’t worrying about anything because you trust in Him. You know He is working every situation for your best. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 I can say that I am a living example of this. Religious people worry, but Kingdom citizens trust in their King; and they know who they are in His Kingdom. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20   I will always make it personal, because it is! Sometimes people get uptight and stress when things aren’t going the way they expect. They may rush around, giving orders, telling others what to do until everyone around is as uptight as they are. They have changed the atmosphere, spreading their fear and chaos. The problem is that they are trying to fix the problem in their own strength, rather than taking some time away to get into His Presence and just simply praise Him and trust Him. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:17-18   I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you. The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:1-8 NLT   The Lord God wants you to fully understand that you don’t have to solve your problems yourself. All you must do is invite Him into the midst of them. Just begin praising Him until His Presence starts making a difference in your situation. Then you will have total peace, total quietness in you spirit and total union with the Lord God. Total peace says “God’s Way is better than my way and if my way doesn’t work out, then it will be best for me!”   Take a minute right now and stop reading. Lift your hands right now in complete surrender to the Lord God. Praise Him for the good things He has brought into your life. You may not feel like it at this moment, but Kingdom citizens do not live by their feelings. Now is the time to make your will overtake your emotions. 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! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives Galatians 5:22-25 NLT.  Thank Him for the gift of peace He has for you. Thank Him that He is the center of your life. Thank Him for His concern for you and His never ending faithfulness to you. Thank Him that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Thank Him for His grace and mercy over your life.   Bring Him this sacrifice of praise until you sense His Presence in your spirit. Let His peace wash over you. This is what life in God’s Kingdom is like! It will make a complete difference in your being. As King David said:  Praise the Lord! For He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives His people strength. He is a safe fortress for His anointed king. Psalm 28:6-8 NLT I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1   I would also challenge you that if you find yourself talking about what the devil is doing in your life and how the ‘enemy is coming against you’, stop and praise the Lord God. There is always something to praise Him for. Get into His Presence! The enemy is nothing in God’s Presence! He is no more that an annoying gnat, flying in your face! Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered. Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away. As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God. Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name! Psalm 68:1-4a   Protecting the Lord God’s Presence in your life is absolutely essential. In essence, you are protecting yourself by making room for Him. As soon as you are aware of anything that is disrupting His Presence, activate praise and take authority over whatever is threatening His Presence and your peace. Your peace of mind demands this. Do not ignore it. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3   Without the Lord God’s Presence, we will always be looking for help. With His Presence, your soul is at rest and your labor is easy. Do you recall what our Lord and King, Jesus said? Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30   Remember, your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in His Word. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

The King Will Not Share His Glory

 

The King Will Not Share His Glory   To truly understand the Lord God, our King, we must read and study His Word. His Word shows us who He is and who we are in Him. He is our Creator, Father, Lord and especially our protector. He sent His Holy Spirit to us as our Kingdom Governor, to guide us and protect us. He did not leave us here to fend for ourselves. He left us His Spirit to dwell with us and in us, with a condition:  that we embrace and live by His Word. “If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you.” John 14:15-17 NLT Do you recall what He stated to His representative Isaiah? “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.” Isaiah 42:8  This is reason enough that He deserves all the glory! It was even the desire of His Son, Jesus, that He glorify His Father.  “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14   The Lord God’s Word is ageless, eternal and unchanging. His Word stands to this very day. It is Truth and His desire for His people! This is why you should never place anything or anyone before your King, if He is your King. And God spoke all these words, saying:  “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:1-6   But mankind is more likely to worship God’s creation rather than the Creator. Sadly, they need to see it in the physical realm to worship it—Sports superstars, actors, entertainers. God never intended that. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. Romans 1:25NLT   Remember, He is the Creator of the heavens. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 King David glorified the Lord God’s handiwork. For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33:4-9   What can you say about the Lord God? Has He healed your body, without the hand of man? I can say yes and testify to that question. I do! And give Him all the honor and glory!   When I refer to Him as Lord, to what am I referring? He is the “landlord” of everything! In a kingdom, the king owns everything in his kingdom. Those who live there live on his land, in his homes and farm his land. They drink from his well and eat his food. That is how it is in the Lord God’s Kingdom! He created this earth and everything in it. You live on His land, in His home, drink His water and eat His food! He deserves ALL the glory, honor and praise! The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them. Psalm 89:11 As the Lord God’s representative, Jeremiah, says:  But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation. Jeremiah 10:10 He deserves all the glory and praise, as no other does! So, my question today is, “Why would you depend on mankind for your healing when He made this statement—which is His command to us?” But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34   It grieves my spirit to see what many churches call praise and worship. Many have what could only be called religious entertainment, with the congregation mere spectators. Where is His glory? Real praise and worship comes from within a person. It springs from a grateful heart overflowing with praise and the knowledge of who He is. It gives my King all the Glory! Worship is what praise is all about:  Seeking the Lord God until He graces us with His Presence. Once He is present, everyone and everything else is dismissed. “What good is an idol carved by man, or a cast image that deceives you? How foolish to trust in your own creation—a god that can’t even talk! What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols, ‘Wake up and save us!’ to speechless stone images you say, ‘Rise up and teach us!’ Can an idol tell you what to do? They may be overlaid with gold and silver, but they are lifeless inside.” Habakkuk 2:18-19 NLT In our case, it is our bodies, not a building made of brick and mortar. Ambassador Paul made it very clear.  Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 1 Corinthians 6:15   Please read 2 Chronicles 5th chapter. It isn't long. Take your time, but before doing so ask our Kingdom Governor—the Holy Spirit—to open up your understanding. By the way, it describes the dedication of King Solomon’s Temple.   Remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Understanding God’s Original Intent

 

Understanding God’s Original Intent   I have touched on this subject before, but I feel led to go into greater detail today. The key to understanding mankind’s presence and purpose here on earth is to understand the Lord God’s original intent for his existence. Intent may also be described as His original purpose for which something was made. It is more important for you to know what an individual’s intention is than to know what they actually said or did. If you do not properly discern their intent, believe me, misunderstandings will follow! It is a common source of strife between people. It is vital that you understand their intent, especially from the very beginning. That is one reason there are so many confused, offended people in this world. Where purpose is not known, abuse—or misuse—is inevitable.    For example:  I have a friend that built a birdhouse bird feeder for me to put in my yard, specifically for small birds. But the squirrels kept climbing the pole, getting into it and eating the seeds. The intent was to accommodate the birds, not other animals. It couldn’t fulfill the purpose for which it was made because it was taken over by the squirrels, driving away the birds for which it was created! Understanding the original intent gives you the big picture to understand fully. If you see or hear only a part of the whole, you will misunderstand and draw the wrong conclusion. The Lord God has a purpose for everything He does and everything He has created. All citizens of His Kingdom are part of His overall plan. But too often what we can see is the tiny portion that involves us at any given moment. If you regularly start referring to the Lord God’s Constitution, which is the guidebook for life in His Kingdom, it will inform you of His intent, which will in turn, assist you in keeping that picture before you. As ambassador Paul said:  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 Our minds may only be renewed and transformed by God’s Word. His Word washes away the lies of this world and fills it with God’s Truth. It tells us of His intentions for His people and will reveal who we are and why we are here—our purpose!   Yes, to understand the Lord God’s intent, you must be filled with His Word, while being filled with the Holy Spirit, our Governor. The phrase “having the mind of Christ”, is to listen to the Holy Spirit in you. No amount of education will give you the mind of Christ (remember that Christ means “anointed one”); it is only through the Holy Spirit. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.   These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16   As I stated earlier, if intent is unknown, misunderstanding is inevitable. By the way, misunderstanding the intent or purpose of anything guarantees a waste of time, talent, energy, gifts and resources. Unless you know what the Lord God intended, everything you do will be a waste of time and energy. This is where a transformed mind comes into play. That is the problem with religion and its people. Their focus and energy is on programs, campaigns and ministries that were not the Lord God’s intent for them. Remember, religion, at its best, is mankind’s well-intended guess at the Lord God’s original intent.   God’s original intent was laid out in the beginning. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28   Note that He said nothing about a man ruling over another man. Also note the difference between dominion and domination. To have dominion is to have all authority and power over a designated territory. With that authority and power comes responsibility. On the other hand, domination is a carnal, fleshly term, describing when one takes away another’s free will and imposes their will upon them.   When the Lord Jesus came on the scene, He came to restore the Lord God’s original intent for mankind. In order to facilitate this, the Lord God prepared a special environment for mankind, a “home base” from which he would fulfill God’s intent and fill the earth with the culture of Heaven. The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. . . Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. Genesis 2:8, 15 The Lord God’s original intent was to populate the earth with mankind, who then would rule and have dominion over this planet for the Lord God, all in His Name. And the Lord God would commune with mankind. It is really that simple. Once again, He didn’t say that one man would dominate another man. That was not His intent.   Now we have been restored and empowered to commune with the Lord God through the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:9-11   Remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.   ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Setbacks on the Path to Your Kingdom Purpose

 

Setbacks on the Path to Your Kingdom Purpose

Setbacks are natural in life. I cannot think of anyone who has had a straight path in this world to success. The same is true when it comes to discovering and operating in God's Kingdom purpose for your life. Most of us, at some point have prayed for the Lord to reveal that purpose to us so we may begin to fulfill it. But the truth is, that though we are sincere, if we were shown the "job" he has for us to do, we would crumble under the weight of it because we are not ready yet. Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with Me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” When He returned to them again, He found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

So He went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then He came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, My betrayer is here!” Matthew 26:40-46 They were fervently committed to standing with Jesus, keeping watch. But their minds and bodies weren't prepared. They were willing but not able.

​Setbacks prepare you for your future.

I have an acquaintance who recently climbed part of Mount Everest. It was so interesting to hear of this challenging adventure. I learned some things! Their goal was to climb to the first base camp, which is about 17,598 ft. above sea level. To prevent altitude sickness along the way, they would hike to their day's destination point, then backtrack to the site where they would rest and allow their bodies adjust to the altitude. To climb straight up without backtracking when the altitude change was great, would most likely make them dangerously sick, needing a helicopter rescue.  

I tell that story because I see a parallel in how we should approach our Kingdom purpose for living. If we think we know God's purpose and dive in before we are spiritually, mentally and emotionally prepared, it will be more difficult and possibly even disastrous. When we move ahead of the Lord God's timing and plan, we are out of sync with His Will. Take Joseph, for example. When he was just 17, God gave him prophetic dreams about God's purpose. One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. “Listen to this dream,” he said. “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”

His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them. Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”

This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant. Genesis 37:5-11 Joseph certainly wasn't ready to be in a position of great authority and his family wasn't ready to hear this. His brothers were jealous and hated him so much they threw him in a well, told their father he was dead and ultimately sold him as a slave. What a setback! No one in his family could even fathom the thought of Joseph having authority over them! Genesis 37  

Thank the Lord God for your setbacks because He is preparing you for your Kingdom purpose and assignments. In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 

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. James 1:2-4

Distractions are setbacks

For most of us, our Kingdom purpose isn't our source of income. Where God leads, He provides. But do not assume that your Kingdom purpose is to provide your income. Most likely, He will provide through other income streams. Never let your God-given purpose become something you promote, brand or “work” to make money. Never allow money to become the focus. Daily remind yourself of what your Kingdom purpose is, once you have a glimpse of it. Money and the quest for it, can shift our focus from God’s purpose gradually until money is what we seek rather than His Kingdom and His righteousness! ​ 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? Matthew 6:24-25

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made... Pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. Philippians 3:12-19 

Setbacks are to move you into position   

Setbacks will move you into a better position for your Kingdom purpose. Looking at a single piece of a jigsaw puzzle won't show you the whole picture, but after joining several pieces, you will begin to see the "big picture". After several setbacks of "two steps forward, one step back" come together, your perspective of your purpose in God's Kingdom will become more clear. Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like Me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. Isaiah 46:9-10 

After the setback it is time to move

But to be sure you are moving in the right direction, always be listening to the leading and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor.  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

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 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. Romans 8:26-28

Move forward one step at a time, as the Holy Spirit leads. Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
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Seek only God's Kingdom

The only thing Jesus told us to seek (pursue with focus) was God's Kingdom and His righteousness. We aren't even to seek His purpose for our life. If we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, our priority is His priority and His purpose will come His way and in His time. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 

Trust God's timing

​Remember that the Lord God does not live in our time, but is in eternity. We may not understand it all, but His timing is perfect. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 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 55:8-11 NKJV

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. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Jesus spent most of His time on earth growing into His purpose for being here. There was a time determined by God, His Father. Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:  “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:  The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” 

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:12-17 NKJV Only about three years were spend in His ministry of teaching about God's Kingdom with both words and actions. In that time, He changed our world then and forever. 

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Deborah Luchie
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www.kingdomcitizens.org