Our Governor--The Holy Spirit--Has All Authority

 Our Governor--The Holy Spirit--Has All Authority

Image by Ernesto Rodriguez from Pixabay

Understanding who the Holy Spirit is and that He has been given all authority in His Kingdom is very important for Kingdom citizens to know. Along with authority, it is vital to understand His role. The Holy Spirit is appointed by the King, just as governors in Roman times were appointed to a colony. Jesus stated that He would ask His Father to give Him to us.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” John 14:15-16 Note Jesus first said that if you love Him, keep His commandments—His Word. It is connected with receiving the Holy Spirit.
 
This emphasizes the importance of studying His Constitution in order for you to know His Will. We must get His Word IN us. The Holy Spirit is appointed to you as an individual to lead you so let Him lead! He leads and guides by God’s Word. 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 14:17 NLT
 
The Holy Spirit comes from the Father God, nowhere else. He has the authority of our Lord and King. The Holy Spirit, as our Kingdom Governor, knows and understands the Kingdom. He intimately understands the heart, mind, desires, will and intent of the King and carries out the Kingdom purpose in His territory. We are His territory. We are His colonies. The Holy Spirit lives and reigns in us. Consider this:  The authority that the Lord God has given us, is through the Holy Spirit in us! We don’t have authority alone, but through the power of the Holy Spirit in us! Jesus said:  Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Luke 10:19
 
The Governor represents only the King, no other nation or religion. He answers to no one but the One who gave Him that authority and assignment. He represents the King’s Will in your life. When you disobey the Lord God’s Word in any way, the Governor is grieved. Read what ambassador Paul stated to the Ephesians:  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
 
The Holy Spirit is responsible and accountable to the King only. As our Governor, the Holy Spirit is not in you to promote His own agenda. His words and guidance are only from the Lord God. So, when you see or hear religious individuals promoting themselves and their own agenda, you can know they aren’t following the leading of the Governor. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:3
 
Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit isn’t going to make you obey the King’s Word. You have to make that choice. He will assist and guide you, but it is your decision! It is His territorial assignment to oversee and facilitate the transformation of the colony in accordance to the character of the King and His Kingdom. The Governor—Holy Spirit—was given to us from heaven to sow those seeds into the culture of His citizens.
 
The Holy Spirit teaches us the Kingdom culture. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26
 
Jesus told His disciples and followers not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there until they were filled with the Holy Spirit. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:4-6
 
So they were obedient, gathering in the upper room, all of one mind in one accord, waiting to receive the Holy Spirit. When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4
 
Back in colonial times in the United States, colonization was for the purpose of conversion, changing one culture to another. It exchanged the culture of that territory for the culture of the ruling kingdom. Whatever happened in the kingdom was supposed to happen in the colony as well. It is the same with the Kingdom of Heaven and our Kingdom Governor—the Holy Spirit.
 
In converting a territory to a colony of a kingdom, the cultural values, nature, language and lifestyle changes as well. It is being transformed into the likeness of that kingdom. It is all a transformational process. That involves the body, mind and spirit. It requires reading and studying the ways of the King. It is intentional, not accidental. Then the Governor will assist you in your transformation. He will remind you often of God’s Word in the process. I can testify to the truth of that in my life! 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 NLT
 
Religion has been a great deceiver when representing the Holy Spirit. They've called Him a ghost and relegated Him to barely more than entertainment to prove they "had good church", with people running and dancing. As long as people see Him that way, they will not come into the Kingdom authority that our Lord and King created for us through the power and authority of the Holy Spirit!
​
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 Bible is the Constitution of God's Kingdom

 The Bible is the Constitution of God's Kingdom

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

​A constitution is defined as the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or country that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it. 
​
What the world knows as the Bible is actually the Lord God’s Constitution for His Kingdom. It is God's testament to His children. A testament is legal proof of the Father's will for his heirs. Bible comes from the Latin word biblia which literally means book. Just as bibliography is a list of books sited in a scholarly work.  So the Holy Bible is the holy book. But God's  Constitution tells all the benefits and laws of His Kingdom. It tells everything that its citizens need to know about His Kingdom.

The heart of all nations, empires and kingdoms is their constitution. There is no nation or kingdom without a constitution. Without it, there would be chaos with everyone doing what was right in their own eyes without a leader. In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 It is the glue that holds it together and gives it order and structure. Keep in mind that in a kingdom, the constitution is the king’s will and covenant with his citizens and his kingdom. In this country—meaning the United States—the constitution is produced by the desires of its people. Meanwhile, in the case of a kingdom, the constitution is initiated by the king and contains the desires of the king for his citizens and his kingdom. This is the primary distinction between a democratic republic and a kingdom. One cannot be compared to the other. For example, the Constitution of the United States begins like this:  “We the people. . .in order to form a more perfect Union. . .”. However, when reading the Constitution of the Lord God, it reads: “The Lord God...” This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground. . . And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. Genesis 2:5,7-8 In using the word “Lord”, He is stating the fact that He is the landlord of the whole earth. 
 
Those with a religious mindset know the Lord God’s constitution as the Bible and do not understand the Kingdom concept. They view the constitution as a religious book, which hinders their ability to see the Lord God’s Kingdom government. The constitution of any nation relates to the manner in which that government is organized and implemented particularly with regard to the way sovereign power is exercised. It lays out what the government will do and what its citizens are expected to do.

          It lays out the rights, responsibilities and benefits of living under that government.
 
In a kingdom, a governor is appointed to govern a specific territory within that kingdom. In the life of a Kingdom citizen, it is our Governor—the Holy Spirit—who leads and governs its citizens. We are the territory over which the Holy Spirit governs. “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. . . I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” John 14:15-17, 25-26 NLT For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14
 
Because you are a citizen of the Kingdom of the Lord God you are protected and provided for. A Kingdom is different from a republic. In a kingdom, all power resides with and in the king. It is the king who establishes the constitution for his kingdom. Remember this one thing, we only have to answer to one individual and we get a response if we are using the name of the Lord Jesus! When we pray in Jesus' name, we are invoking His name, His will and we are representing Him. "In Jesus name" is not some magical phrase that makes something come to pass. We pray in accordance to His will and represent Him well. We bring the Lord Jesus into the situation and ask for His help. He intercedes on our behalf. Answered prayers are for His glory! Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:12-14 
 
He is the One the Lord God sent to intercede for His citizens. It is because of the Lord Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life; For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
 
Remember, in a kingdom, the constitution is a royal contract between the king and his subjects, or citizens. It isn’t a contract that the citizens have with the king. This is a very important distinction. A kingdom isn’t a democracy. A contract generated by the people is a democracy, the complete opposite of the Kingdom of the Lord God. The royal constitution, on the other hand, originates completely and exclusively in the heart, mind and will of the King. He sets the standards, laws and principles. He presents the benefits of citizenship. He is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. On His robe at His thigh was written this title:  King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:16 NLT
 
Our Lord and King made a contract with His citizens. That contract is found in His constitution. His promises, your rights and responsibilities are all found within those pages. They are eternally His loving legal Testaments to His people. No one except the King can change that. He is eternal and unchanging. We may not update His constitution to fit our current culture. His Word is true and He cannot lie. 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 NLT
 
Remember these things as you read the Lord God's Constitution.
 
Your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God’s Word.

All NKJV, except where noted.

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Kingdom Citizenship Is a Privilege Not a Right

 Kingdom Citizenship Is a Privilege Not a Right

Image by Heiko S. from Pixabay

In the Kingdom of God, citizenship is a privilege. It is for those who seek,  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 Whoever becomes a citizen of the Kingdom is the King's choice, by the Holy Spirit. Looking back to colonial times, citizenship was so important that it wasn't automatic. Once a person was appointed a citizen, they had special benefits and protection in that kingdom. Ambassador Paul was a good example of the power of citizenship when he was detained by the Roman guards:  And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”

When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”

Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?”  He said, “Yes.”

The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”

Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. Acts 22:22-29

Once you are a citizen in right standing with the King, all of your protection and privileges are enforced. The King is responsible for taking care of you. Therefore the Governor's role in preparing subjects for citizenship is a tremendous responsibility. He has to change the way you think and your old lifestyle in order for you to function properly in God's Kingdom. That takes time, through His leading. Do you recall what ambassador Paul stated to the Roman Kingdom citizens? 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 The process of having one's mind changed is an ongoing process. Saturate your mind with the water of God's Word. Wash the world out of your mind with His Word!

The Holy Spirit is our Kingdom Governor. He has taken up residence in those of us who love the King's Word. “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:15-18 

In God's Constitution, John made this statement: For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3-5 Being born again isn't a religious term. It is what has to happen before you become a citizen of the Lord God's Kingdom. 

As it was in colonial times, the Governor is the most important person in the colony. If it wasn't for the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor, there would be chaos everywhere--which we see in abundance in the world! But if you are being governed by the Holy Spirit, that chaos will not rule over your life! When you are led by the Holy Spirit, His peace surrounds you like a wall around the ancient kingdoms we have read about. His peace keeps the chaos of the world at bay, unable to penetrate that wall, unable to get IN you! You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 Remember that earth is a colony of heaven. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men.​ Psalm 115:16

The main role of the Holy Spirit as Governor is to teach His citizens the ways of the homeland, which is heaven. This is why it is vital that we be filled with His Spirit. It is His plan for His citizens. King Jesus revealed the work of the Holy Spirit: But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you. John 16:13-15 AMP

Kingdom citizenship is a privilege granted by the Lord God. It has a process, created by God, and we cannot skip steps. In order for one to become a citizen, you must first be born again, not just a member of a religious organization. There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” We cannot even SEE the Kingdom until we are born again! If we understand this, we will understand why people do not believe when we speak about God's Kingdom government.

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water (natural birth) and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-8

Then we must be full of His Word. It is our nourishment and the language of the Holy Spirit. Know it and have faith in it!

Remember, your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in the King's Word. 

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

The King Presents Your Spouse

 The King Presents Your Spouse

Image by Claudia Peters from Pixabay

Most of my youth, I was an accident waiting to happen. Actually, most of my youth and adult life! I was a person being guided by my passion. I knew nothing of dating. Later on, I came to realize dating wasn’t the Lord God’s way of doing things. When the Lord God created Adam, He told Adam to have dominion over all, and his responsibility was to cultivate the garden and take care of it. He had an assignment. When He made Eve, He didn’t make more than one; one for Adam. And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Genesis 2:18 Also, when Mary needed a husband, the Lord God chose him for her:  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:18-20
 
Keep in mind that this was all the Lord God’s plan, not Adam’s or Joseph’s. Before starting this article, I asked the Governor—Holy Spirit—to guide my thoughts and mind in the direction He wants me to write. You see, I never actually dated my wife Arlene; in fact I never even met her in person until the Governor brought us together. I asked Him to show me who I was to marry. He did, with no doubt in my mind! Before I met Arlene, I had learned how to be alone. Contentment with being alone involves learning how to be fulfilled in your singleness. Keep in mind, a truly single person is complete physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually without dependence on anyone else but the Father.
 
True singleness is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. My question to you now is, are you concerned about finding the right person for your life? The best way to find the correct person is on the road to the Lord God’s Kingdom. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 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 6:31-34 You probably are saying that is my answer to everything! Well you are correct! I truly believe that this command from King Jesus extends to all the concerns you have in this life, even your relationships! Time and time again, the Lord God has proven this in my life.
 
The best place to find a godly spouse is on the road to the Lord God’s Kingdom. Keep in mind that seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness is like walking down the road toward a particular destination; keeping your eyes focused on the goal ahead of you. As long as we stay on the road before us, we will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and His righteousness. This knowledge comes through His Kingdom Constitution and from spending time in His presence.
 
Any time you seek people, you will be led by people. That takes your eyes off King Jesus and His Kingdom. This is a very important balance that Kingdom citizens must see. That is one of the problems with “dating”. Once you become preoccupied with someone or with seeking a spouse, you lose the Lord God’s direction. We miss His perfect Will for our life. Our emotions and desires take precedence. You step off the road to His Kingdom and whatever path you take will lead you off track. His Will for our life is so far greater than anything we could work out. It is better than our carnal wants and desires. This is why is it so important to seek His Kingdom FIRST above all else. You need a partner with the same mindset; not a religious mindset, but a Kingdom mindset. Most religious people have a worldly way of thinking. This is why ambassador Paul made this statement: 
 
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:  “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 NLT
 
To have a Kingdom mindset is to have His way of thinking. Always keep focused on God’s Kingdom. You are one with the King’s Word. I have found that my wife Arlene and I are good examples of this because it is our life’s desire.

Yes, the King presents your spouse; but you always have a choice. The choices we make determine the quality of our life. He wants us to choose His Will over our own, for our benefit. “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT
 
If you allow your emotions and passions to override the Governor’s leading in one of the most important decisions you will make in your life—a spouse to share life with—you will probably not fulfill God’s purpose for you. In our lives, it turned out that before we even met, we each prayed and submitted to His Will for who we would marry. Our will was not working out at all. God’s Will is always for the better. Trust Him and keep seeking His Kingdom in everything you do!
 
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

A Religious Spirit Hides the Kingdom Government

 

A Religious Spirit Hides the Kingdom Government   During the time that the Lord Jesus was among the people here on earth, they had a religious mindset. To understand the Kingdom mindset, one must be born again of the Spirit. Born again doesn’t mean to believe in the Lord Jesus. It is being filled with the Holy Spirit. King Jesus spoke this to Nicodemus: Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again (“born from above”), he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3   When you are born again in the Spirit it is very similar to when you were born in the natural sense. You have to learn how to live and operate in the Spirit…meaning you have to be taught by our Kingdom Governor and His Word. The Lord Jesus made it very clear when He said “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:5-6 We must learn how to live and operate here on this earth while being a citizen of His Kingdom.   Many religious people think that they are born again because they believe and have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But salvation isn’t being born again. Being born again is when we are filled with the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor. There are millions of people who attend church who think they are born again because they have accepted Jesus, when in reality they are of the same religious mindset as Nicodemus. He continued speaking to Nicodemus, showing the difference between salvation and being filled with the Holy Spirit:  “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.   Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. But if you don’t believe Me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.”   “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:9-17 NLT   Being born again is a process, just as it is in the natural. We must read and study His Word, and then you will receive His gift of the Spirit. If you truly love the King, He will give you His Spirit. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3   “If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you… Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit--He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:15-17, 23-26 NLT   When you truly embrace His Word in your heart and seek His righteousness, no religion can hide His Kingdom from you! But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 The secret is you must really want it with all your heart and mind. That is what seeking is! Seeking is not casual. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8   God’s Kingdom government is our top priority. The Government of God’s Kingdom doesn’t fit in religious and denominational boxes! Religion and its leaders are a hindrance to seeking the Kingdom of God. Do you recall when the Lord Jesus stated this?  “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13 If you ever have any doubts about how Jesus felt about the religious in that day, just read all of Matthew 23!  Here is just a short example:   Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.   “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.” Matthew 23:1-7 NLT   When the Son of God arrived on this earth, He promoted only one thing…His Father’s Kingdom. He never gave a thought to promoting a religion. He was single-minded with only God’s Kingdom government being reintroduced into the earth. He and His cousin—John—promoted His Father’s government. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”…From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17 To proclaim and promote a religion called Christianity was an idea by religious men. The first time in God’s Constitution we heard of the name Christian was when some religious men called Saul and Barnabas Christians in the city of Antioch. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:25-26   Remember, if people can name you, they will define who you are!   It was because of the Kingdom that the Lord Jesus came to earth. It was His purpose. Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:42-43 Preaching about the Kingdom of God was and is the last chance for mankind to be saved and led into His Kingdom.   I want to encourage you to evaluate your life concerning religious traditions and bylaws. Are they keeping you from the full revelation of what life as a citizen of God’s Kingdom can be? What religious strongholds are hiding God’s Kingdom government in your life? Once you have figured that out, God’s Kingdom will be revealed to you much more clearly! Once you see it, you will not be able to go back to religious traditions.   God’s Word is not a religious document called the Bible. It is a binding legal document. It is God’s Testaments to His citizens. It is His “Last Will and Testament” to His children! It is a binding contract to His people.   And remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Uniqueness of a Kingdom Minded Wife

 

The Uniqueness of a Kingdom Minded Wife   Image by □ Mabel Amber, who will one day from Pixabay ​Always remember that Kingdom citizens do not conform to the cultures of this world, which change with the wind. We are conformed only to God’s eternal Word, principles and commands. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT   But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. Genesis 2:20b-22   Man was not created out of a woman, but woman was created from man. Ambassador Paul also spoke of this:  For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 1 Corinthians 11:8-9   In this world system, there are many “romantic” songs that are sung concerning the woman. In some cases, they actually seem to worship the woman above the Lord God. I was once in that position. But those are people who fail to know the Lord. The more sensitive you become to the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—the more clearly you will see things that are wrong in your thinking and life. It is the only way we will be changed and conforming to God's Word. Adam wasn’t ignorant of who the woman was concerning himself. He made this statement:  And Adam said: This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Genesis 2:23   A wife that is Kingdom minded is submissive minded to God’s Constitution and to her husband; not subservient but submitted to the Holy Spirit and to understanding her husband’s responsibility in leading. What makes her unique is the fact that she always looks to be in right standing with the King. She has one allegiance and that is to the King and His Word. She submits to God’s Will and trusts her husband does also.   Remember that the origin of the woman is that God created her out of man. She is who she is because of what God took out of the man; and mankind is a spirit because the Lord God is Spirit.  And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:26 Therefore, all of mankind must stay connected to the Lord God in order to have a spiritual life.   The other day, Arlene and I were having a simple conversation concerning bacon. I like bacon but she cannot stand even the smell of it. I told her that sometimes she can be a “pain”. She replied, “You can too.” I mention that conversation because a man really can’t get upset about what his wife says or does because a Kingdom minded wife learns from her Kingdom minded husband! Do you recall what ambassador Paul stated to the Ephesians in God’s Constitution? So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:28-32 I realize that whatever I say to my wife, she learns; whatever I give her, she will nurture, grow and give back to me in far greater quantity!   A husband should love and care for his wife as he would love and care for himself because she is unique and given to him as a true partner. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself Ephesians 5:25-28 NLT   Here is another reason that a Kingdom woman and wife is unique:  She may be smarter and have more education, work a very prestigious job, and make more money than her husband. But in order for him to fulfill his role, she needs to submit to his leadership. A leader needs someone to follow him. Now how many women/wives—religious or worldly—do you know who would submit to that? It goes against our world’s culture. Also, far too many men have abdicated the leadership role because it comes with great responsibility! Read what ambassador Paul said to the Believers in Ephesus:  And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of His body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-24 NLT   Kingdom wives and women are unique because they live by the King’s Word regardless of the situation. Her submission is an act of the will, a choice. A woman should submit to her husband not because the man says so, and not because society says so, but because of her purpose and her submitting to the will of the Lord God. In this way, she enables her husband to be a leader, thus fulfilling his purpose also.   There is an evil spirit in this world that causes people to rebel against leadership and all authority. It says “You can’t tell me what to do.” We have all heard it, thought it or said it at some time and place. It is an epidemic in today’s world but we must work to drive it out of our life in God’s Kingdom. It has no place there. Some of you may be feeling this right now. We will either choose to embrace that thought or reject it. The Lord God always gives us the opportunity to choose. That rebellious attitude is rooted in pride. We are to humble ourselves as Jesus did. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a  human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.   Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-8 NLT  If we humble ourselves, He will exalt us in His time.   Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10   Always remember, a woman isn’t any “less” than her husband; however, for the Lord God’s purpose, it is her position to submit to his leadership. Do you know why most marriages and relationships in many societies aren’t working? It is because they refuse to accept their role and position. Also, it is because far too many people do not know the true meaning and responsibilities of being a leader.   God’s Kingdom is one of very detailed order and structure. This world does not follow God’s order and structure. Even too many churches are out of God’s order! We in God’s Kingdom should seek to be in order with the Father. If we want to be in right standing and prospering in His Kingdom, we must follow His order and structure.   I find that the greatest prayer I can pray is “Not my will Lord, but Yours!” in every situation.   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

Our Father and His Function

 

Our Father and His Function   Image by Lorraine Cormier from Pixabay Several weeks ago, in the month of February, I was attacked with a serious illness. I realized something was wrong with my body when I could not get up from the floor after falling from my chair! I didn’t know what was wrong so I called on my Father and King. While I was laying on the floor I called on the Father to ask why. My son had my wife call for an ambulance. Again, I wasn’t as concerned about my condition as much as “why me Father?”. That was the question on my mind. The enemy had attacked my body and had been attacking my mind for some time but my Father’s Word was all in my heart. I recall what King David stated in the Lord God’s Constitution:  Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 It is vital to stay in the King’s Word because in times of trouble, it isn’t the time to start searching for a Word. When His Word is planted in the heart and mind, in times of trouble, the Word comes to you with wisdom and comfort. Keep in mind that our King is the Creator and most of all He is a Father to us all. If we haven't had a good father relationship while growing up, it is hard to see the function of a father. That makes it difficult to relate to our Heavenly Father. A father leads, guides, teaches, provides for and protects his children. He does that out of love. Looking back to my health crisis, before they took me to the hospital, they spent quite a while working on me inside the ambulance. I had no idea how ill I was until days later. I believe that I was in my Father’s care and He sent the right people to help me, but still I questioned why. Once I arrived in the hospital, they treated me like royalty. I am not the type of person that was ever sick. This was all a first for me! I have always been blessed with good health.  His Word, hidden in my heart, answered my question. He brought it to my mind:   Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 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 8:27-28 I must trust in Him that this would be used for His will and His purpose! He didn’t bring the sickness upon me, but it would be used for His Glory and no glory would go to the enemy. My Father used the enemy’s attack on my body for His good. The question remained, “Why here? Why did I have to be admitted to the local hospital? Isn’t there a less painful to fulfill Your Will?” I wasn’t thinking about dying, only what was my Father’s purpose for my life here? The next day it became more clear of His purpose. There was a young nursing student who was assigned to care for me. She was a student at a local university and you could say that I was her “test subject”. As she spent time in my room, I began speaking about my Father and the Kingdom message that His Son came to share and deliver mankind. For a whole day, she kept coming back to my room, wanting to know more about the Kingdom.  I finally realized while she was sitting in the chair or on the bed, she was taking notes as I spoke about the Kingdom. She was asking questions also! I do not know what her purpose and future will be, but I do know that I had a divine appointment with her and it took a great deal to get me to that appointment! The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 NLT   I didn’t realize how ill I really was until I heard about a young man with the very same illness and he was still so weak from it! When you are talking about God’s Kingdom government, have a purpose and a God given assignment, the devil will try to stop you and slow you down immediately. But the King promises He will never fail. 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. I will call a swift bird of prey from the east—a leader from a distant land to come and do My bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it. Isaiah 46:9-11 NLT When you find yourself out of your normal position in life:  in a strange place, an unusual situation, randomly placed with people you would never have normally been with, know that you have been placed there by your Father. There is an assignment or a lesson for you...probably both!  Trust Him and follow the Holy Spirit's leading. Do not be so focused on your current situation that you miss your assignment! One of the best examples of what I am saying is Paul and Silas, when they were thrown in prison. What a terrible situation! It would be normal for them to bemoan their current state. They were beaten, thrown in prison and their feet locked in stocks! Any person would be miserable and depressed. Some would curse God. But that was not their assignment.  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.”  And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. The next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer, “Let those men go!” So the jailer told Paul, “The city officials have said you and Silas are free to leave. Go in peace.” But Paul replied, “They have publicly beaten us without a trial and put us in prison—and we are Roman citizens. So now they want us to leave secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves to release us!” When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. So they came to the jail and apologized to them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave the city. Acts 16:25-39 NLT Not only were they bathed, fed and set free, but the government officials who put them there apologized and begged them to leave their city! God's purpose was fulfilled and they were vindicated! Every assignment from the Lord God doesn't come with a loud voice and a "Thus says the Lord"! Sometimes it is being placed in difficult, uncomfortable situations that are beyond your control. Your greatest assignments and greatest victories may come after your greatest pain. Be ever watchful and aware!  I know that my Father allowed that sickness for His purpose. He gave me great favor with the staff, who treated me as royalty. I represented my King and Father as His ambassador, speaking always about things concerning the Kingdom government. He helped me to keep at peace and be kind and appreciative when I felt at my worst. All for His Glory and His purpose! Always keep in mind that the Lord God—our King and Father—is a jealous God. Never put anything or anyone above Him--not even your own comfort or desires. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 He wants all your attention, obedience and praise. He deserves all the credit and honor.   Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Understanding Who You Are in the Kingdom

 

Understanding Who You Are in the Kingdom   Image by Jean-Christophe Bouvier from Pixabay Understanding who you are in the Lord God’s government is very important. Jesus was never sent here on this earth to start or create another religion called Christianity. He didn’t give His life for that. He never stated or implied that those who believed in Him should be called Christians. When the Lord Jesus first came on the scene, His very first message was that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 The Lord Jesus was focused on His message from His Father. Even His earthly first cousin John was in one accord—in line with His message. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:1-2 It is all about His Kingdom. A kingdom is a government, not a religious organization, as most would have you believe.   For many years—the majority of my life—I thought I was a religious person, part of a religious organization, known as a Christian. That was all I knew. It was only when I started to study the Lord God’s Constitution for myself, rather than only knowing what I heard preached, that I realized who I really was. The first time I ever read the word “Christian” in His Constitution was in Acts 11, after Jesus had left this earth. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:25-26   It was then that I first realized that the disciples didn’t call themselves Christians. King Jesus never told them they were Christians. The people around them saw them and called them Christians. They took the name after Jesus the Christ. The word Christ means the “Anointed One”. To understand who you really are, you must go back to your second birth. King Jesus stated it like this:  Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3 NLT   In order for you to become a citizen of His Kingdom, you must be born again by His Spirit; in other words, being filled with His Holy Spirit. Too many people who say they are Christians do not actually understand who the Holy Spirit is. Many join a church, participate in praise and worship and consider themselves Christian. That is all true, but in order to become a citizen of God’s Kingdom one must be born again, filled with and governed by His Holy Spirit. This is the reason we say that the Holy Spirit is our Kingdom Governor. We are led by His Spirit and He is Governor over our territory. We submit to His governing will! Jesus made it very clear; if you aren’t born again you can’t even see the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water (natural birth from our mother’s womb) and the Spirit (filled with the Holy Spirit), he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8   Religion has combined this with “accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior”, while skimming past the importance of being filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life; For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17   We cannot be “good enough” for life in His Kingdom on our own without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is only by submitting to His Will that we are able to grow and mature in His 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!   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 This is how we come into the full understanding of who we are in His Kingdom!   My wife Arlene and I are ambassadors of His Kingdom. We are not religious at all. We stay in His Constitution—His Word. Ambassador Paul put it perfectly: But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Philippians 3:20a We only speak things concerning our Kingdom government. We speak the words of our King. Once you are born again, you must learn the ways of the King, by reading and studying His Word. By submitting your will to the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—He will lead you into all Truth. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all Truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-14   Remember: If you allow people to name you, they will define you.   That is what they did back in Antioch. They named Paul and Barnabas by calling them “Christians”. From that point on others embraced it also.  Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Acts 26:28 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16 At no times did the Lord Jesus ever called His disciples “Christians”. It was other people, who named them. That is my point. Understand who you are! If we were supposed to be called Christian and create yet another religion, wouldn’t that have been the focus of our Lord Jesus? He was focused on God’s Kingdom and what life in His Kingdom looked like!   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

Clarity and Focus on Your Kingdom Assignment

 

Clarity and Focus on Your Kingdom Assignment   Image by József Kincse from Pixabay ​Many years ago, while living in Brooklyn, New York, I was involved in sports. One of the people I greatly admired was a basketball player by the name of Michael Jeffrey Jordan. I not only admired him for his skill on the court, but also for staying focused on his purpose and his assignment. He didn’t allow anyone to get him involved in anything other than his craft. That is one of the things that made him so great as a player. There were many that thought he should get involved in the civil rights movement, but he stayed focused on his assignment and craft. To this very day many consider him the greatest basketball player of all time, including myself. He always gave his parents credit for his success, especially his mother Deloris. It was stated that she “constantly kept him focused on what things were good in life”. He is a great example of how important it is to know your purpose and to never lose focus on it and your assignment! Without that focus, you will never accomplish what your have been purposed to do.                             As I think back on my life, I recall my mother made me attend church, in sickness and in health! It was attending church that caused me to seek the Kingdom. I needed answers and the preacher didn’t have them. So I began seeking on my own! But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33    If you want to be successful in your assignment, you need to pick your priorities and stay focused on God’s purpose for your life. King Jesus is our example of that throughout His time here on Earth! Even when He was twelve years old, He was focused on His purpose for being here. When His parents lost him, here was His response to their worry: And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49 Focus! Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:42-43    That is what we, as ambassadors of His Kingdom, are called to do. Stay focused on our Kingdom government and what our King says. Ambassadors do not get distracted or speak their opinions and feelings. They represent the King. The Lord Jesus never set out to be well known or famous. He even told people not to tell people when He healed them. Here is one example: As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Mark 1:42-44  His focus stayed on reintroducing God’s Kingdom government to the world. He didn’t come to start and build a new religion. He kept spreading the Kingdom Gospel to a dying world. Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 NLT   Always remember, the Lord Jesus was on an assignment from His Father God, who is the King. He didn’t want to go through what He went through, but for the will of His Father, so be it. Three times He pleaded to His Father. His obedience was to His Father’s will. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”   He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”   Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”   Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Matthew 26:36-42   The Lord Jesus stayed focused on His assignment and purpose for coming to this earth. King Jesus didn’t allow Himself to get involved in the world’s activities. He knew He had a limited time here on earth and this was the last chance for mankind to come back to the King through His Son, Jesus the Christ. It was the appointed time and there could be no distractions. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17   We live in a distracting world, with endless input vying for your attention. We all deal with it. Always be aware that the enemy—meaning Satan and all his demons—want to distract and hinder you from the Kingdom. If he can keep you busy and unfocused he can thwart your God-given purpose. One of the easiest ways is through religion of all kinds. With religion we believe we are doing “good”, while only advancing religion but not the Kingdom government as Jesus taught. It may be good, but it’s not Kingdom! Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8   Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT ​ Remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your most valuable asset in His Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org