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.

There will come a time when you will feel forced to give in to some ungodly demand that goes against God's Word. This is a time of testing. Before that day comes, the issue of standing with God's Word or giving in to the world's pressure needs to be settled. That way when the time comes, you will be able to stand and not waver! 

You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:18-20 NLT

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 do 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 to 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. (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah Daniel 1:7)  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 Clash of Cultures

 The Clash of Cultures

Human governments rise and fall all of the time, but the Kingdom of God stands forever.
 
Remember King Jesus’ response when a religious group called Pharisees asked Him when the Kingdom of God would come:  Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 Yes! The Kingdom of God is within you. It's governor is the Holy Spirit.
 
For those who say that God is Lord of lords, you are saying that He owns everything by right of Him being the Creator. Those who call Him King of kings, you are acknowledging that His government and authority are above all others. As ambassador John wrote, And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:  KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16
 
When you embrace the Kingdom concept and you are filled with His Spirit, you have a whole new culture. This Kingdom culture, in most cases, will cause you separation with your family. Jesus made that quite clear. Among the religious individuals, there will be division because they will refuse to accept the Kingdom concept and message. “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53
 
The religious refuse to accept the Kingdom message even though that was all He spoke of. Keep in mind, culture is stronger than politics. In order for you to change your culture into a Kingdom culture, there must be a transformation of the way you think. Ambassador Paul put it this way:  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 That is an ongoing process.
 
Understand this, when you are born again with a new spirit, you will take on a new culture and a new way of living. Your old culture—meaning the way you used to live—meaning anything that is contrary to the King’s Word (cheating, lying, stealing, fornication--having sex without being married, gossiping, etc) That is what ambassador Paul was speaking of. Always remember that the Governor—Holy Spirit—gives you power to make the Kingdom choice. We are to make that choice over our old culture. Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. Ephesians 5:1-7
 
I can say that I am a living example of a new culture—meaning the way I behave and live. I can also say that it has been a process, not an overnight miracle! We as Kingdom citizens should always be aware of our behavior and evaluate ourselves. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5
 
Historically, religion has been the primary driving force behind the vast majority of our conflict in the world. Religion isn’t a peaceful prospect. Religious conflict isn’t restricted to Islam or Hinduism or any other ‘non-Western” religion. Christianity carries its own heavy burden of responsibility for religiously motivated conflict. Do you remember the Crusades of the Middle Ages with Christians and Muslims? Also, there were centuries of hostilities and persecution between Catholics and the Protestants. These are extreme examples of culture clashes in religion.
 
Denominations within the church are like little kingdoms of their own, with their own laws and traditions, jockeying for positions and power; fighting among themselves for their will to be done. In essence, they cause division and chaos among the saints. Jesus said, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13
 
Keep in mind, the secret to expanding Heaven’s culture on earth is to change people’s minds, to cultivate them like a garden, carefully seeding their minds with thoughts, beliefs, ideals, values and convictions of Heaven. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7  Remember ambassador Paul’s statement to the church at Ephesus:  Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT
 
You cannot continue to live in, and be comfortable with, your old culture and also be in God’s Kingdom.
 
Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word.
 
All scriptures are NKJV except where noted

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Neither Servants nor Soldiers But Sons and Daughters

 Neither Servants nor Soldiers But Sons and Daughters

It is so important to know your position in the Kingdom. How you see yourself in the Lord God’s Kingdom will affect how you live your life. That image creates a mental “posture” which will determine your attitude, behavior and even how you approach your Heavenly Father.
 
Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
 
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:1-7
 
Remember, the King of Heaven wants sons and daughters, not servants.  For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 NLT Religion produces servants.  It revels in the spirit of servitude.  Sons and daughters of the King see service as a privilege; religious people see it as an obligation.

Jesus came that we might "receive the full rights of sons".  This is a legal term or language.  It refers to legal rights and entitlements based on relationship of birth. We are sons and daughters of God.  Sonship is our right by creation.  Christ did not die to improve us; He died to regain and confirm us in His Kingdom.  The price He paid was not to make us worthy but to prove our worth. He came to restore the Father's sons and daughters to their rightful position: rulership as heirs of His Kingdom.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 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: 14-17
 
As His children and heirs, we have His authority through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.“ Matthew 18:18-19
 
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Luke 10:19
 
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:12-14
 
It is absolutely vital to know your position in God’s Kingdom. Yes, we have authority as His children. We speak with the Father’s authority but He did not call us to fight the battle. The Lord God’s angels are His heavenly army! For He will command His angels in regard to you, to protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12 AMP
 
The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything. Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out His plans, listening for each of His commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve Him and do His will! Praise the Lord, everything He has created, everything in all His Kingdom. Psalm 103:19-22 NLT
 
Jesus said, “Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?” Matthew 26:53 NLT
 
We pray and make our requests known. We pray in accordance with His Will. He sends His army to fight the battle. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear Him. Psalm 34:6-7 NLT
 
Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:12-13
 
Remember, if we are heirs and are destined to rule in our Father's Kingdom, then we had better learn to understand His Kingdom and how it operates.  We must learn how to think, talk, and live like Kingdom citizens.  The Kingdom is the most important message of our age and the answer to the dilemmas of ancient and modern man.

According to Jesus the Christ, everyone is trying all they can to find it and forcing their way through life to lay hold of it! The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. Luke 16:16 The problem is that the Kingdom has been buried under mountains of religiosity. Sort it out. Know the difference between what the Kingdom of God looks like and what religious doctrines and traditions look like.
 
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

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

The Currency of the Kingdom is Faith

 

The Currency of the Kingdom is Faith   We know that every country has a predominant culture, which refers to the particular beliefs, moral values, social customs and lifestyles that distinguish a nation or group of people that is unique to them. The Kingdom of God is no different. Kingdom faith is a distinctive characteristic of the citizens of the Kingdom of the Lord God. From the very beginning, the Lord God intended His citizens to have a culture of faith. But faith isn’t only part of the culture; it is the currency of the Kingdom of God. Just as the dollar is the currency on which America runs, so faith is the currency on which the Kingdom of God runs! Currency refers to whatever is used as legal tender in a nation. Keep in mind, no country can function without some kind of currency. You can’t purchase anything without currency. What happens when you don’t have the correct currency?  Life gets harder. You can’t buy or sell. You aren’t able to meet your needs nor your family’s needs. You may have a thousand Yen in your pocket but will not be able to buy anything in your local grocery store. You might just as well be broke. Keep in mind that in the Kingdom of the Lord God poverty is not measured in terms of the lack of money, but in the lack of faith in the King. 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   People without faith in the King are poor in the Lord God’s Kingdom. They do not have the correct currency. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”   “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-24 NLT   Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Galatians 2:16   Yes, people without faith are poor in the Kingdom of the Lord God, regardless of how much money they may have. A good analogy for this is:  After the United State’s Civil War, there were many Confederate states with wealth in Confederate currency. That currency was worthless in the former Confederate states as the United States currency was the dollar. Their only value was in starting a fire to keep warm.  Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”   So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”   He said to Him, “Which ones?”   Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”   The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”   Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect (have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies), go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”   But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:16-24   What King Jesus was actually saying to the rich young ruler was, “Do not trust in your riches, trust in Me. Then you will find true wealth” Keep in mind that earthly riches are temporary. Kingdom faith is the real treasure. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.   Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46   I want to share this one thought with you. The enemy—meaning the devil—isn’t after your money. He’s not after any of your material possessions. They mean nothing to him. He is after your faith. He knows the currency of God’s Kingdom. Your level of belief in the Lord Jesus is very important to Satan. He knows if he can steal your faith—if he can cause you to doubt—you will be spiritually bankrupt! Faith in the King gives you hope and strength to fulfill His purpose for your life. If you lose your faith in Him, life becomes pointless and without value. Spiritually bankrupt!   It is our responsibility to always focus our faith on the Lord Jesus and His Word while we are on this earth, if we are to do the work He has called us to do. So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.  And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:21-22   We’ve got to stop pursuing earthly wealth, seeking it to help “build the Kingdom”. Our Father doesn’t need us to raise money for His Kingdom. He has everything we will ever need and more to do what He has called us to do for the Kingdom of God and He will provide it as long as we only seek His Kingdom and His righteousness! “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 6:31-34   Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31   Remember, as I always say, your faith in the King is your greatest asset in His Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org