Teaching and Preaching the Kingdom of God Only

 

Teaching and Preaching the Kingdom of God Only   Image by StockSnap from Pixabay Since the Lord God gave me this assignment of teaching about His Kingdom, I realize that it is all that King Jesus taught and preached. I realized that He never taught about prosperity or the activities of the world. His focus was on the Kingdom of His Father while He was here on this earth. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 Even John His earthly first cousin was on the same page. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is He who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” Matthew 3:1-3   The question then arises, why are those who claim that the Lord God called them not preaching and teaching the same message? The answer is simple. They aren’t following the leading of the Governor—the Holy Spirit. Rather, they are usually taught by various religious institutions and denominations. Matthew 23 shows what Jesus said about religion. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either." Matthew 23:13 NLTT King Jesus also never taught or preached about Himself. He always gave a comparison of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:  When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he stumbles.  Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the Word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23 You need to read the above scriptures with prayer and ask the Governor to give you the understanding so you may discover your purpose. Our responsibility is to lead and encourage others to seek His Kingdom, not to seek Jesus. We are to accept the Lord Jesus and His message. He is the door to God’s Kingdom. 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 There is no other way, except through Jesus. King Jesus was never lost so He doesn’t have to be found. All He said to seek is God’s Kingdom and make it our number one priority. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33   When you make the Kingdom of God your number one priority, then all your needs will be met.  “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27 NLT   We as Kingdom citizens should be teaching consistently concerning the Kingdom and His government, just as ambassador Paul did. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God.” Acts 14:21-22   There are too many Believers that aren’t sensitive to the Governor’s leading. Keep this thought in mind, the Lord Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit from the beginning. Being filled with the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—is the only way you can successfully live the Kingdom life while you are here on this earth.  Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7   For God’s Kingdom government to truly be understood, it must be preached and taught on a consistent basis. Ambassador Paul was a perfect example of this. “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. Acts 28:23-31 Jesus talked to His disciples over and over about God's Kingdom, giving practical examples of what life in the Kingdom was like. Every parable is an example of life in the Kingdom of God!   Remember that it was so important that they understood the Kingdom message that the Lord Jesus stayed on earth forty days after His death and resurrection. The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3   We ask, why is it so important? Because living under God’s Kingdom government is our provision, protection and power while here on earth. Being a citizen in God’s Kingdom supplies all our needs. Ambassador Paul made it quite clear while speaking to the people of Philippi.  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.  Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:10-20 Remember, the Lord God uses people to bless others. He works through His citizens!   And remember also that your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in His Word. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Your Purpose vs. Your Divine Purpose

 

Your Purpose vs. Your Divine Purpose   Image by Ghinzo from Pixabay ​Are you aware of your divine purpose for your life? Everyone has a purpose and assignments, but is it our Lord and King’s purpose for your life? Is it the reason you were brought to this earth? ​Allow me to share with you the purpose that Saul the persecutor chose for his life. His purpose was to persecute the saints of the Lord God. It is what drove him. He believed in what he did and pursued it. In fact, Stephen was his first victim that we hear of in God’s Word. Stephen preached the Kingdom of the Lord God, not religion. People’s lives were changed and converted. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”   And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.   Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:3-8    It was because of the Kingdom message that Saul made it his purpose to persecute those who believed and embraced King Jesus. So he assisted in stoning Stephen. Saul made it his assignment to rid the world of Stephen and his message. Saul believed his purpose was good and he was good! The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”   Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.   As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. Acts 7:54-60 NLT  Keep in mind, this wasn’t the Lord God’s purpose for Saul’s life, but one of his choosing. Saul made it his business to become an ambassador for evil. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8 1-3   But when the King has a purpose and assignment for you in the future, nothing nor anyone can stop you from it… except you! So I will ask, is what you call your purpose your divine purpose for your life? Is it what you want to do, or what the Lord God has chosen for you to do? The Lord gave me this message:  “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.”   “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”   The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:4-8  Powerful! Divine purpose!   There are too many religious people who claim that the Lord God called them to preach, teach and pastor a church. They claim to have an assignment from the King. But where the Lord God leads, He provides! When the King has a purpose and assignment for you He will prepare you for it. You will never have to ask or beg for anything. It will already be prepared for you even before you ask. The Holy Spirit will put the spirit of giving in the hearts and minds of those He sends to give. He will draw them to you. In many cases it will be people you never even considered or from places you don’t even currently know. The Holy Spirit will bless others to bless you, just like He did with His early ambassadors. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. Acts 4:32-35   Have you noticed that throughout all the time of teaching His disciples, he never spent time teaching them how they should raise money to build their ministry and build a church or advertise to grow their church? If you have to “work it” to get money and people, it isn’t a divine purpose. That is a religious worldly mentality. Ministry has taken the supernatural power of the Lord God out of the plan. Don't make a plan and work it in your own strength! A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Ministry has become too materialist. People with a Kingdom mindset will never claim to own anything. They understand that He gives us access to whatever we need. They also know that if they don’t have access, they don’t actually need it to fulfill God’s divine purpose. These verses are the key answer, whether it is personally or ministry. His Kingdom/His righteousness, first and foremost in every decision:    “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?   “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?   “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.” Matthew 6:25-33    If you have been struggling for your needs in fulfilling what you believe to be your purpose, stop struggling and seek the Lord to reveal what your divine purpose is. It is religious training that thinks we are doing God’s work in endless struggle and without any progress. If you wonder why the Lord God isn't funding your dream, it isn't His divine purpose for you. He has something far better for you. His divine assignment may look NOTHING like what is in your imagination. For a long time, I couldn’t think ministry beyond a pulpit, teaching and preaching. But we allowed the Father to guide us step by step into our divine purpose! And He has definitely done beyond anything we could imagine!   The Lord Jesus used the very people Saul was persecuting to start on his divine purpose and assignment. They were Believers in the Lord Jesus. Saul was so mentally blinded by his purpose of persecution and murder that King Jesus struck him down with physical blindness to get his attention!  Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”   And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”   So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”   Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”   But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:10-16 Then Saul became known as Paul.   Keep in mind, before Paul could operate in His divine purpose and assignment, he had to be reborn again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Lord used one of those whom Saul persecuted to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”    Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18   You may be surprised who the Lord will use to fulfill your divine purpose!   We are created with a desire to find our purpose for living in this world. But too many become consumed with a purpose that wasn’t their divine purpose. That purpose becomes a distraction from their divine purpose. It may be good, it may be great, but not the best because it is not God’s divine purpose. Don’t settle for less than God's best. Seek Him for wisdom and direction. Then be led by the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor. Remember, it is your faith in the King’s Word that is your most valuable asset in God’s Kingdom. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Babies in His Kingdom

 

Babies in His Kingdom   Learning to eat,…speak,…and walk in God’s Kingdom! At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”   Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4   While the Lord Jesus was here on this earth, one of His main responsibilities was to teach His people how to live in the Kingdom while existing in this world. He taught them what the Kingdom of Heaven was like. Before that could happen in their lives, they had to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor. In other words, they had to be reborn into His Kingdom through King Jesus. Understand this one thing; unless your spirit is transformed by the Holy Spirit you cannot even see His Kingdom.  Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3   When you are reborn you are basically a baby in God’s Kingdom! What does a baby have to do? Learn, develop and grow! From the beginning they are learning to eat, speak and walk on their own. One day they will be independent, thriving, adult citizens. But it is a process that doesn’t happen in a day, week or month! The same is true of Kingdom citizens. You must be trained in the way of the King. King Solomon put it this way:  Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Just like your physical birth and development, the same process must occur in the Spirit. Jesus answered, “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. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:5-7 Keep in mind, at the time King Jesus made that statement, He was the only one who was filled with the Holy Spirit. John, His earthly first cousin, saw the Holy Spirit land on Him and remained in the form of a dove.  And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:32-34   It is so important that you be filled with His Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit that gives you citizenship in His Kingdom. It is the Holy Spirit that governs and teaches us as we listen to His leading and read and study God’s Constitution. The more of His Word we have in us, the easier it is to be led by His Spirit! These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 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 14:25-26   Since I have been in His Kingdom, my life has totally changed. But that did not happen on my own. I have learned to be guided by His Spirit and humbly submit my will to His. I feel great knowing that His presence is with me. With the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—we will love what God loves and hate what God hates. Yes! There are things that God hates. God’s Word is true and He cannot lie! These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:  A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19   Keep in mind that all that you are is learned traits, meaning you learned it from someone or something. It is up to you to keep reading and studying His Constitution under the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit—our Governor. Growing and maturing in God’s Kingdom must be intentional and requires action. Actively seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness requires action!   The Holy Spirit is given to those who are obedient to His Word. Ambassador Peter made that very clear when speaking to the officials.  But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32   We must learn to trust in His Word and have faith in the leading of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said to those following Him:  I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”   The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”   Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:51-58 He was speaking of His Words. We know that Jesus was the Word made flesh. He said this to separate the casual followers from the true believers. Never think that big crowds are the most important thing! It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. John 6:63-66 It is never about the crowds!   Yes, it was His Body that He gave for the life of this world! I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” John 6:51 If we eat His Words—meaning embracing His Words by faith—it is His Spirit that gives us life eternal.  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life. John 6:63    Yes, we must learn to EAT His Word…SPEAK His Word…and WALK in His Kingdom by the guidance of our Kingdom Governor, the Holy Spirit!   Remember, it is your faith in the King’s Word that is your most valuable asset in God’s Kingdom. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

How Did I Get Where I Am in His Kingdom?

 

How Did I Get Where I Am in His Kingdom?   Image by Tayyab Bashir from Pixabay This is a question each of us should ask ourselves. Take a moment to think about this. Ponder your journey. We all had a journey to get where we are in this life. Most of us had no concept of God's Kingdom government. The Lord has shown me that there are some fellow Kingdom citizens who need to hear this and will be encouraged on their journey to fulfilling their Kingdom purpose! No one’s walk in the Kingdom is a straight road. There are many turns, curves, hills and valleys, detours, rough terrain and smooth roads. Keep going!   The Lord God brought His Kingdom message to my attention when I was just eighteen years old. I was in a Bible class taught by an Elder in a Brooklyn, NY, church named Washington Temple. The scripture, Matthew 6:33 stayed in my mind from that day forward. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  But for many, many years, I had no clue about the truth of God’s Kingdom! I had no clue to what my Kingdom purpose was to be in this life. The Governor—Holy Spirit—preserved me for His purpose and His assignment just like He did ambassador Paul.  As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:3-4 It is easy to look back and see the Lord God’s protection and direction, but in the moment, we are clueless! Back in those early days, I was an accident waiting to happen! Later, there was a time that I was residing in the state of Georgia. Unbeknownst to me, the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—would lead me to meet my wife and ministry partner for the rest of my natural life. She was filled with the Holy Spirit. He had prepared her for our assignment in His Kingdom before we had even met!   You see, at that time I was asking the Holy Spirit to show me the way. I was seeking His guidance and direction. I had been single for a long time and had grown tired of that life. But the Holy Spirit had His hands on me, even though I was disobedient to His Word. But I kept knocking at the King’s door. Arlene was living in the state of South Carolina at that time and I didn’t like that state’s history. I never wanted to live there! But the Lord God has a way that is mighty sweet, and always for our best. As King Jesus stated:   “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. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:7-11 So I kept knocking. I asked Him to show me, beyond a doubt, if she was His choice for me. I met her online. In the photo I saw, she was among a group of fellow church members, out together to see a movie. She later told me that at the last moment, she was asked to get in the picture. So she stepped in with her arms wide open. It was as if she was giving me an open invitation! I knew that the Lord God had her for His purpose for my life. By the way, the Lord God used Arlene to help shape me into the man and Kingdom citizen I am today. That is what happens when you marry for purpose over passion! What I didn’t know at first was that when I was praying, asking to show me who should be my wife, she was praying that the Lord would show her to her husband. Even before we met, we were praying “in one accord”! Praise the Lord!   There is so much I could say concerning my journey to the Kingdom, but at 75, it would be far too long. And Arlene wouldn’t dare print it! Never think that you are not “good enough” to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. Look at the ambassador Paul. He had made a career out of killing Christians, until His life changing encounter on the road to Damascus!  Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.   As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”   “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.   And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!  Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”   The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Acts 9:1-9 NLT   Then God sent Ananias to pray for this Christian persecutor and he would be healed and filled with the Holy Spirit. But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”   So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said,   “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Acts 9:15-18 NLT   No one is so “bad” that the Lord God can’t change them dramatically for His purpose. Our Governor—the Holy Spirit—took a man from New York who was a sinner, living a carnal life, and molded him for His purpose.   But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 If you will do this, everything you need will be added to your life. Earnestly seek Him. You will never have to concern yourself with tomorrow. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 Keep in mind, Jesus did not say that you would have all you want and desire. He speaks of our needs.   “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:31-33 NLT   But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6   Keep in mind that the Kingdom of God isn’t a religion but a government as the Lord God spoke to His ambassador Isaiah. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a   Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the King’s Word. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Being Obedient to His Word

 

Being Obedient to His Word   Image by Andrea Pók from Pixabay ​​​People often talk about the “keys to the Kingdom”. But there is actually only this one key, with all others they mention falling under this one: Obedience to His Word. That is the key to receiving all of the Lord God’s promises. That is our focus. Reading and studying His Word is your source for entering His Kingdom. It equips you to receive from the Holy Spirit. 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 It is not even about attending church. There’s an old saying that says “Sitting in a garage doesn’t make you a car!” True! Read what King Jesus stated to His disciples. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:47-50   The Word of the Lord God is what Kingdom citizens live and operate by. It is our strength and nourishment! Many people who carry the name Christian fail to embrace His Word, though it is life! They claim to love Him but refuse to make His Word their lifestyle. As King Jesus said:  “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 Ambassador John repeated the same thing. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 So if that be the case, why are there so many religious leaders not teaching His Word? That is because many are caught up in their own religious ambitions. It is self serving to only serve up what they believe people want to hear and leave out the real ‘meat’ of His Word. There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s Word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Hebrews 5:11-14 NLT   Too many leaders aren’t being led by the Governor—Holy Spirit. If we fail to read and study on a daily basis, do we really believe that His Word gives us life? As Jesus said:  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 If that be truth, why do so many Christians focus on their bodies as a priority? Do you trust the Lord God for your health? If you trust in His Word that is a sure sign that you love Him. You cannot separate Him from His Word because He IS the Word! And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14   He has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit. That is all we need to live an abundant life in God’s Kingdom. 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. John 14:16-17   If you fail to have a Kingdom mindset, it is impossible for you to have a clear understanding of the Kingdom message. You cannot see His Kingdom clearly through religious eyes.   The Lord God’s Constitution is not a religious book. It is a guide to understanding His Kingdom. It is His Testament to His Kingdom citizens. This is why King Jesus stated:  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 know what you are seeking, think about what you are praying about. On the whole, we have gotten it wrong. We seek the things we want…money, possessions, jobs, relationships, etc. Our only focus should be to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. It truly is just that simple, and yet so hard! He must be first. The Lord God has proven this in our lives time and time again. This is the true reason why He physically came to this earth. 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   Now concerning His Word and religious material; the power of religion lies in its ability to serve as a substitute for the Kingdom and for the Holy Spirit. It hinders mankind from pursuing the genuine answer to this world’s problems. Also religion tries to do the work of the Holy Spirit. But only is able to try to control people from the outside. The work of the Holy Spirit is an internal, spiritual work. We must be changed from the inside. Then the inside will take care of the outside! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 You are not to be led and molded by man’s denominational laws. The Lord God’s way is being led and taught by the Holy Spirit. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. Galatians 5:16-18 NLT   Religion preoccupies those who are religious and hides the Kingdom of God. But here is the key. You must be seeking it to find it. Only those who are seeking will find it. “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 Do that and you will find your needs being met, even before you ask.  "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?" “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need." “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12:21-32 NLT Remember, your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in His Word. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

King Jesus--Misunderstood and Misrepresented

 

King Jesus--Misunderstood and Misrepresented   Photo by Karl Fredrickson on Unsplash ​It is 4:26 AM on a Sunday morning, as I begin this article. It is one of my quiet times with our Governor, the Holy Spirit. My mind is clear and focused on His Word. We all need times to be still and focused to hear from the Holy Spirit. We must make room for Him in our busy schedules. Make it a top priority. This is why, for me, it is always early in the morning, the “first” of my day!   Today, my mind went to King Jesus. I truly believe that no one who has ever lived on this earth has ever been more misunderstood than the Lord Jesus. People misunderstood His purpose and His mission, even though He was very clear to them of His purpose. Read what He told the men and women in Galilee:  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   Misunderstanding the Lord Jesus and His purpose has caused the Muslim to disrespect Him as the Son of God, the Hindus to suspect Him, the Buddhists to ignore Him, the atheist to hate Him and the agnostic to deny Him. But it just may be those who claim to represent Him the most—that go under the title of Christian—who have in fact misunderstood and misrepresented Him and His purpose the most. It is understandable because of what they have been taught by churches and denominations. They have the best intentions, but are discipled with religious information, created by denominations. Without a Kingdom mindset it is impossible accurately represent Him. Everything that the Lord Jesus said and did—His prayers, His teachings, the healings He performed and what many called miracles—was focused on His Kingdom, never a religion. The Lord Jesus was totally focused on His Kingdom only. It was His top priority. It was His heavenly Father’s mandate. And it should also be ours! Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:13-15 Religion is a veil that cloaks God’s Kingdom government. Remember that it was religion that called for Him to be silenced. It was religion that demanded His earthly death.  Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” John 19:4-7   Those to whom He came first--the Jews—misunderstood the Lord Jesus and perceived Him as a rebel, a misfit and a fanatic. They considered him a heretic. The original intent of the Lord God’s command to Moses was not to establish a religion, but a nation of people who would love Him, serve Him and honor Him. They were disobedient to His Word, or commands, so He sent His Son to give us an opportunity to become citizens of His Kingdom. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10   Allow me to be more specific concerning the other religious groups who misunderstand the King and His Kingdom:  The Muslim misunderstand our King as simply another in a line of prophets who was a great teacher and a good man. The Hindu misunderstands Him as a good teacher, a good man, and just another deity to add to their many gods. The atheist, agnostic and humanist see Him as a mere man, an historical figure, whom a group of misguided men made their god, an object of worship. They acknowledge Jesus existed but deny any of His miracles as well as His claim to divinity.  Of course none of these groups recognize King Jesus as the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, and King of His Kingdom.   This final group I could speak on in length. The difference here, from these other religions, is that while they misunderstand who Jesus is and His purpose, the Christian religion misunderstands and misrepresents our Lord, King Jesus. For centuries they have misrepresented Him as a founder of a religion and have transformed His teachings and life on this earth in a religious mindset, full of denominational laws, customs, rituals, and traditions. Many have even reduced His message to nothing more than an escape plan for getting to heaven, with His promises as a ‘fire’ insurance policy! What is the harm in all this, you may ask. The harm is that it hides the true purpose and plan of God’s Kingdom and King Jesus who was sent to reintroduce the good news of His Kingdom to His people. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a   “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:29-32   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   Believe it or not, the Lord Jesus had only one message and one mission—the return of the Kingdom of Heaven to this earth. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 Even His earthly cousin John had the same 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   Cleanse your mind of religious strongholds, be filled with the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—and you will see God’s Kingdom government as He intended. You will have a Kingdom mindset. When you see His Kingdom as a government, you will have a greater understanding of your life and purpose in His Kingdom! Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”   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 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 3:3-8   Remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Kingdom Versus the Government of Man

 The Kingdom Versus the Government of Man

Image by WikiImages from Pixabay

Today, the majority of all national and international problems facing our world stems from bad or poor government or religion.  This includes global hunger, health epidemics, wars, terrorism, racial and ethnic conflicts, segregation,  nuclear tension and economic uncertainty.

Throughout history, mankind's greatest challenge has been to learn how to live with himself and his neighbors.  From Africa to Australia, Asia to Alaska, or Brazil to Botswana, the situation is always the same. There is tribal warfare, racial and ethnic conflicts as well as full-scale war woven into the story of mankind.  This all progressed after man failed to listen and obey God's Word in the Garden.  In all of these social and cultural expressions of mankind, the one thing that has always evolved was some kind of authority structure, a form of leadership or government mechanism to establish and maintain social order.  To establish a social order, is to refrain from a choice society.

In a question that Jesus responded to concerning the signs of the end of the age, Jesus responded with this statement:  Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:3-14

Notice, Jesus referred in verse 14 to the gospel of the Kingdom, not the good news.  Why?  Because the gospel of the Kingdom IS the good news.  I want you to be aware, those signs which Jesus spoke of are the beginning of sorrows.  It all is a process.  In essence, there is much more to come.

We have many different leaders in that system that we call democracy or a republic, but in the Kingdom of God there is only one King and system (Kingdom).  Please note:  The need for government and order is inherent in the human spirit and is a manifestation of a divine mandate given to mankind by our Creator.  Man was created to be a ruler and therefore it is his nature to seek some authority mechanism that would bring order to his private and social world.  Government is necessary, desirable, and essential to mankind's social context no matter how primitive or modern.  This is the key reason why man continues to search for an effective way to govern himself. The fruit of the Spirit, self-control, is essential to self govern. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Do you understand why Jesus made this statement?  "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 It is the governing of our King that makes the difference.  His laws and His principles. It is all about our priorities. 

Remember, man's need for some kind of formal government structure is an outgrowth of his need for social order and relationship management. This need begins in the smallest prototype of society—the family—and extends all the way to the manifestation of national expressions of constitutional order. Nations need government.

In God's Constitution, the first book of Moses—Genesis--reveals that the first prototype of government was introduced by the Creator Himself long before the first human existed on earth. In fact it gives evidence of a governmental structure that pre-existed planet earth and the physical universe itself. Keep in mind, this expression of government structure was a result of a desire to bring order to chaos and productivity to emptiness. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.  Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Genesis 1:2-3

Here, in the Lord God's Constitution, we see that the impact of a divine, invisible, supernatural government was necessary because of disorder and chaos.  Now you can understand that the purpose for government is to maintain productive order and management.  Furthermore, the creation of mankind was also a result of disorder and the need for management.  As you read more in the book of Genesis, you will find evidence of this as one of God's motives for creating Adam. 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; but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. Genesis 2:4-6 The Lord God spoke it all into being. When the King speaks, it becomes law. Everything created was created by His Words!

Now from these verses, you will see that the Creator allowed no productive growth to take place on the planet earth because "there was no man to work the ground".  The word "work" here implies management , administration, orderly development and making fruitful.  One of the principle motives for the creation of man was to provide a manager, administrator and ruler of the planet earth.  This is why the Creator God stated it in these words:  Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26

In the Kingdom of God, there aren't any bosses, but there are managers, leaders and representatives.  Some are known as ambassadors, such as myself.  The mandate of God for mankind was rulership and dominion, but never to dominate others.

Please note: The Hebrew word, manlakah, means "kingdom" or "sovereign rule" or government. Therefore, the first command given to man by his Creator was to establish a "government" on earth to destroy chaos and to maintain order. The government is God's solution to disorder.  Because of disobedience (sin) to the Word of God in the garden of Eden, god's institution has been contaminated. Earthly governments are necessary because mankind does not self govern, lacking the fruit of the Spirit of self control!
  
W.R. Luchie 
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Drifting: The False Gospel of Self

Drifting:  The False Gospel of Self   Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 NKJV   Drifting. How does a boat end up lost and far off course? The captain of that boat didn’t keep a close eye on the map and the gauges and make course corrections when needed. If that captain allows the boat to get just a few degrees off course, in time, he will be hopelessly lost.   How does this relate to our life as a Kingdom citizen? We are that boat, the map is God’s Word and the gauge is the Holy Spirit leading us through this life. The water is this world’s culture!   I am seeing a disturbing trend in today’s church that appears to be good but is actually a deception. That is the ever increasing focus on SELF—working on our physical, emotional and mental self. But what about our spiritual self—and most important of all, our God given purpose for life? Again, there is nothing wrong with improving yourself, but not to the point of missing God’s assignments!   What are you missing while you concentrate on your “self care” and self-improvement?  What are you missing as you “work through” the wounds, traumas and triggers of your past as the world says you should? What will you miss on the road to becoming your best “you”? It is a distraction. What blessings am I missing out on because I am too focused on "me" to do what God has called me to do?   Most importantly, who won’t hear about Jesus and His Kingdom because you need to spend your time and focus on fixing yourself?  No one’s God given purpose and assignment is to fix themselves. That is His work! Read the rest of that passage that I opened with: From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.   Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying,“Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”   But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”   Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:21-26 NKJV   If you want to keep that boat on course, you don’t focus on the boat; you focus on the map and the gauge! For your life to stay on course, you must focus on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. When we don’t, we begin to drift until one day we will wake up and wonder how we ended up “there”!   Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:3-8   You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5   There are many who twist scripture for their own purpose. Are they promoting a book, counseling or ministry? What is the motivation? Study God’s Word, get it down in your spirit and pray for wisdom and understanding. My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:4-7 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11   Listen to the Holy Spirit. That is why He was sent—to lead us and be our guide in our life as citizens of God’s Kingdom! We cannot stay on course without Him! When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring Me glory by telling you whatever He receives from He. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from Me.’ John 16:13-15 You cannot fail. . . cannot lose with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit leading you!   When you have God’s Word in you and listen to the Holy Spirit you cannot be deceived. Blatant sin probably won’t deceive you, but it is those things that give the appearance of being of God that will cause you to drift! They may seem like a good thing but are not God’s Will. Be aware! Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:5 NKJV You may say, "But what about 'your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit'"? Yes, we are to guard His temple, and keep it up. But that is talking about sexual sin, not spending our life focused on diet and exercise. A healthy diet and exercise are important, but it should not be the focus of our life! Some people seem to "worship" their own image more than the Lord God. We don't seek it, we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. Read what Paul says:  1 Corinthians 6:9-20  We do not need to work on ourselves for God to use us. He uses cracked imperfect vessels. We need to give ourselves wholly and humbly to Him to use and fulfill the purpose for which we were born. When we do it in spite of our imperfections and weaknesses, God gets all the glory. People will see what God is doing through us and give Him all the praise for it because they know we aren’t “that good”! We just need to get out of our own way and let God move in our lives. No self care, no self love, no self focus needed! When you focus on yourself, your world is very small and borders on New Age beliefs.   As Paul said, “That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,  even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.  Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:5-10   And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness, Deborah A. Luchie ​ www.kingdomcitizens.org