Kingdom 102: Staying Focused on His Word in Time of Conflict

 Kingdom 102:  Staying Focused on His Word in Time of Conflict

Staying focused on His Word will result in positive chain reactions in your life. It gives you the power and authority of a citizen of God's Kingdom. It empowers you to withstand conflicts and trials far beyond what you think you could handle.

Take notice of Daniel in the Lord's service. Remember, Daniel didn't have the Governor living inside of him.  What he did possess was obedience to God's Word handed down through Moses.  “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  You shall have no other gods before Me.  You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:2-6  Daniel was obedient and focused on the Lord God's commands and principles, to the point that he continued praying three times a day, regardless of King Darius' decree.  By the way, King Darius put it in writing.  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.  Daniel 6:10

Conflicts, troubles or decrees from this world's leaders does not change the Lord God's Word.

Regardless of conflict--knowing that King Darius' decree could not be changed--Daniel knew his priority and stood on the Lord God's command.  Now, if Daniel was able to stand against that challenge  with God's Word but without the Holy Spirit in him, how much more should those who have the Governor (Holy Spirit) living within them stand strong!

Stay focused on obeying His Word and He will give us the Gift of the Holy Spirit to live effectively in this present world. Ambassador Peter made this same stand when faced with a conflict at his trial.  Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

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 5:26-32

When you start putting the Lord Jesus first in your life at all times, He will put you as a priority.  Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me."  John 14:23-24 

There are so many distractions around the world.  It is vital to stay in His written Word.  Without that word down in our spirit, we are do easily distracted and deceived.  Wrong becomes right, black and white becomes gray.  We need to put first things first:  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 If we do this, He will provide for all our needs.  By the way, again, when you embrace the Kingdom and learn to trust in Him more, you will become bold in the time of conflict and trials.  

Kingdom citizens don't fight their own battles or go to war; but they stand on the foundation of God's Word, which is Jesus the Christ.  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  Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’ Deuteronomy 20:3b-4

Remember the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  By the way, their names were changed to these Babylonian names.  But when the time came to stand on God's Word, listen to what was said to the king. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

I suggest you read the whole story here:   Daniel chapter 3

When you are filled with God's Word, you intimately know Him and His Nature.  That gives you the strength to withstand any conflict without fear or worry! 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing. You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. 

For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:10-13 NLT

Keep in mind, your greatest asset and foundation is your faith in God's written Word--the Lord Jesus the Christ.

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

The Most Powerful Person Lives in You

 The Most Powerful Person Lives in You ​

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as My Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 NLT

Living within every Kingdom Citizen and Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is the most powerful person on this earth, yet most of us do not realize it. That is because many people just don’t know who they are in Christ.
 
Before I go any further, I must say that the Holy Spirit is present on earth in the absence of King Jesus, who ascended back to Heaven and sits at the right hand of His Father. But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’  But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 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 16:5-7  And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:11-12 King David also repeated this statement. The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Psalm 110:1 The Lord Jesus is in Heaven, seated at the right of His Father. His work on this earth is finished. But He promised not to leave us alone.  I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. John 14:18-20
 
Keep in mind; the Spirit who was to come would be exactly like the Lord Jesus, except He would actually be present in all believers rather than just with them, as the Lord Jesus was. This perfectly describes the Holy Spirit’s role as Governor of God’s Kingdom and His position as Teacher, Guide and Master Gardener. He is to nurture and bring fully to life the gardens of truth in the lives of believers and Kingdom citizens.
 
The Governor of the Kingdom mediates the presence of the King. So, wherever the Governor is present, the King is present and so is His Kingdom. That literally means that since the Governor (Holy Spirit) resides in our hearts as Kingdom citizens, we take the King and His Kingdom wherever we go. When we allow the Governor to lead us, we will make a difference every single time, wherever we go. 
 
Many of us are quick to say “I know that I have the Holy Spirit”, but far less are truly conscious of the magnitude of person and power in our lives. Too many do not know Him, do not listen to Him and, depending on our cultural background, have even been taught not to expect much from Him. On the other hand, through church experiences, some only see the Holy Spirit as someone who “shows up and shows out” in church occasionally.

You may ask "How does the Holy Spirit fill me? How will I know He is within me?" He keeps it simple. The answer is found in God's Constitution. Remember what the Lord Jesus stated to His Disciples: “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.” John 14:15-17 
 
Our Governor will be with us forever. Seeing the Holy Spirit as our Kingdom Governor who governs God’s Kingdom within us, helps to envision the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If you want to grow as Kingdom citizens and to reach your fullest potential in fulfilling your mission to plant Kingdom gardens throughout the world, you must take time to get to know the Master Gardener. You must learn to listen to Him and obey. I am the true grapevine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of Mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:1-5 NLT
 
The Holy Spirit is our link between Heaven and Earth and in Him we are connected to both worlds. The Holy Spirit is the bridge between the supernatural and the natural realms. Keep in mind that the Lord Jesus moved between the natural and supernatural with no problem at all and so does the Holy Spirit. 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
 
Because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, He enables us to transcend the boundary between the two so that our prayers, praise and worship can rise to Heaven and the Lord God’s presence, power and privilege will flow down to us. In this way we may reproduce the character and culture of God’s Kingdom into this world.
 
Remember, the Holy Spirit—our Governor—is our passport; it is through Him that we have all access into God’s Kingdom. I hope now you may see how vital it is to have the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—living in you. This is why the Lord Jesus gave His believers this command:  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… But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:4-5, 8 The Holy Spirit is what they needed to fulfill the assignment that they were given.
 
Pray, be silent and listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you and allow Him to lead you. As a citizen of God's Kingdom, effective time in prayer is neither a gripe session nor giving God your to-do list of wants and needs. It is a time of communication between the Father in Heaven and His citizen on earth. Without a two way conversation, all you have is a monologue, not a dialogue. We communicate through the Holy Spirit, our Governor.
 
Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord Jesus.

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

Making an Impact in This World

 

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

Life With the Holy Spirit--My Testimony

 Life With the Holy Spirit--My Testimony

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life with the Holy Spirit is ever increasing wisdom and understanding. It is like being in a school that never ends because there is always more to learn. It is also ever increasing intimacy and closeness. There is a "knowing" that grows and becomes more confident and constant. Also, the Holy Spirit speaks with God's Word, and the more scriptures I knew, the more clearly I heard from Him. He reminds me of the Word I need for every situation.  “If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. . .But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you." John 14:15-17, 26

I will end this with these points:

• He is the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor. He is NOT the Holy Ghost. A "ghost" by man's definition is described as a dead person manifesting itself to the living. The Holy Spirit was never a living human and to call Him a ghost misrepresents Him and separates Him from the Trinity of God the Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit in your eyes. 
• Know God's Word. Get it down in your spirit and the Holy Spirit will speak through it. How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your Word. I have tried hard to find You—don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:9-11 
• Don't focus on speaking in tongues. It will come. We are only to seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness. Jesus promised us that the Father would send the Holy Spirit. All He asked of us was to obey His commandments: “If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all Truth. His promises will not return void. He cannot lie. So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NKJV  God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19 
• Lastly, listen. Be attentive to learn His voice and His leading. Then act on it. The more you do, the more confident you will become in knowing when you are being led by the Holy Spirit. The more you are led by the Holy Spirit and not your carnal nature, the more it will become second nature to you. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:9-14

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

Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,

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

Kingdom Transparency

 Kingdom Transparency

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

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

What lie is he telling you?

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

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

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