Kingdom Transparency

 Kingdom Transparency

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​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


 
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​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

 

Peace is in the Lord God’s Presence

 

The King Will Not Share His Glory

 

Understanding God’s Original Intent

 

Setbacks on the Path to Your Kingdom Purpose

 

Setbacks on the Path to Your Kingdom Purpose

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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

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

www.kingdomcitizens.org

Within the Kingdom of God There is No Coexisting

 

On Earth as in Heaven

 On Earth as in Heaven


 
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The Lord Jesus taught His disciples and those who followed Him to pray in this manner: For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:  Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:8b-10

Keep in mind, with those words, He was calling on His Father to once again restore His Kingdom laws and culture on this Earth, as it has always been in Heaven. The question is what was the Lord God’s Kingdom on this Earth like? What was life like in His Kingdom colony here on Earth? Can you imagine? The Garden of Eden was a direct reflection of this supernatural realm. For one thing, it had land and territory. Every Kingdom must have territory, for without territory, there is nothing for the king to rule over. Keep in mind, although invisible, the supernatural realm of Heaven is very large and infinite. It is much larger than the visible natural realm. Eden was a physical realm with physical territory. Genesis 1
 
Eden shared a common language with Heaven. Any Kingdom or nation needs a common language or it will lose its ability to hold itself together. There must be communication and a “meeting of our minds”. Adam and Eve shared a common language with the Lord God, who was their Creator. They communicated openly with Him in a completely transparent relationship, always knowing what He expected. All of that changed when the evil one took over. He was a pretender…a master manipulator, as are many today. They became under his influence. All he wants to do is to get you to believe a lie.
 
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”
 
And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”
 
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.”
 
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:1-6

 
Mankind spoke a common language with one another for many centuries, until the Lord God confused their language at the tower of Babel.  At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language and used the same words. As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there. They began saying to each other, “Let’s make bricks and harden them with fire.” (In this region bricks were used instead of stone, and tar was used for mortar.) Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.”
 
But the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower the people were building. “Look!” He said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won’t be able to understand each other.”
 
In that way, the Lord scattered them all over the world, and they stopped building the city. That is why the city was called Babel, because that is where the Lord confused the people with different languages. In this way He scattered them all over the world. Genesis 11:1-9 NLT

 
So then, when Adam and Eve listened to the evil one, they lost their ability to understand and speak the Lord God’s language, the language of the Kingdom of Heaven. See what allowing sin and disobedience in our lives can do! That is why, when you are outside the Kingdom, you do not understand what the Lord God says and no longer know what to expect. Sin separates us from the Lord God, His Kingdom and His Kingdom Governor—the Holy Spirit. One characteristic of Kingdom life is that you can speak and understand the language of the Kingdom in a way that those outside the Kingdom cannot.  And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 
 
Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:  ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’
 

But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Matthew 13:10-17
 
Keep in mind that the Garden of Eden shared the laws and Constitution of the Kingdom of Heaven. It was to be a colony of Heaven. Their laws weren’t written down, but the Lord God had them inscribed in the hearts and minds of both Adam and Eve—the people He created—His first Kingdom citizens. They knew what He had declared and expected of them. They knew their responsibilities. He stated to them Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and cultivate it”.

He placed only one restriction on their activities. It was for their protection:  Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:15-17
 
At first, Adam and Eve had no consciousness of a moral code. They lived in perfect harmony with the Lord God. Keep in mind, there was no lying, or stealing, or murder, or sexual immorality or any other corrupt behavior that characterizes life in a fallen world. There was no sin against God. Eden and Heaven shared common values. In the Kingdom of Heaven the most important value is obedience to the will of the Lord God, who is the King. The disobedience of Adam and Eve violated not only the God’s Kingdom moral code, but also its customs and social norms. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
 
So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
 
And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Genesis 3:7-11

 
The next verses show us that from the very first sins of disobedience to God, mankind blamed someone else for their disobedience!  Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
 
And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
 
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12-13

 
This set a pattern that remains even today. But to be forgiven, we must repent. Repentance never blames anyone else for our sin. We must see our wrong, repent for what we have done and turn away from it. This is vital to know and understand, as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

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 wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:5-10 NLT


When we sin, we are actually saying that our will is greater than His Will. We think we know better what we want and need. That is a lie and deception from the devil. 
 
From this we learn that we must:
  • Take responsibility when we sin against the Lord God. We must never blame anyone else for our sin. That isn't repentance.
  • Humbly repent and change what we are doing. We must see our wrong, repent for what we have done and turn away from it. This is vital to know and understand, as citizens of the Kingdom of God.
  • Ask for His mercy to cover us, and
  • Pray Your Kingdom come and Your Will be done…” That is the greatest prayer you can pray in every situation. You are inviting God’s Heavenly Kingdom culture and laws into your situation. When that is your prayer, you are submitting your will to His. His way is always for our best, whether it turns out the way we planned or not! A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 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 8:27-28 NLT
 
Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God’s Word.

All scriptures are NKJV unless noted

W.R. Luchie 
www.kingdomcitizens.org