​Understanding the Kingdom Concept Part 1

 ​Understanding the Kingdom Concept Part 1

It is imperative that we understand the concept of a kingdom and its King and how they function. In modern times, there has been opposition to monarchies. That creates a lack of understanding of the original intent of a king and his kingdom. What is a monarch? The word itself means: 1. The single or sole ruler of a region. 2. The hereditary (often constitutional) head of state such as a king or queen, etc. Many have even suggested the eradication of the concept of monarchies from the modern world. This comes about through the popular uprisings against the remaining monarchies in pursuit of a democracy in the name of freedom. I must say that in some cases, it is justifiable. Some earthly kings have been cruel and evil rulers! But it is the king and not the concept of kingdom that is in error.
 
Focus Point:  This is a fallen world, full of evil and with that, bad behavior and bad information. In many instances, these kingdoms are filled with contradictions—the abuse and mistreatment of its citizens, neglecting the poor while catering to the rich, social classes, and dictatorial administrations. There certainly are evil kingdoms.  
 
Focus Point:  It is the concept of the structure of a kingdom and its king that we should understand to embrace the Kingdom of God. It is the concept that we have a benevolent King who is responsible for the well being of His citizens. He is responsible for all our needs, our shelter, our protection, and our health.  “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?”
 
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field 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 wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
 
“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 6:25-33
 
Focus Point:  It must also be noted that many of the democracies in our world today are also plagued with corrupt and ungodly laws and behaviors. Any government or kingdom that is of this fallen world, will reflect the character and values of that world. So there will be sin, greed, envy, pride, and every sin known to man. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
 
Focus Point:  The Kingdom concept is the only thing presented that was taught and established by our Lord and King Jesus Christ throughout His ministry.  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17NKJV
 
“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds:  The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s Word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s Word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s Word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Matthew 13:18-23
 
 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32
 
He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Luke 13:20-21
 
The Lord Jesus’ cousin, John, was on the same page with the same message.  In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 3:1-2
 
After the fall of man the re-establishment of the Kingdom here on earth was necessary. In fact, the message of the Lord God’s constitution and focus of the King was not on a religion named after Him, or any of the many other subjects we have magnified and preached under the heading of the “gospel” or “good news” to the world. The gospel about His Kingdom is King Jesus’ one message to the world.
 
Focus Point:  The Lord Jesus never focused on preaching about faith, prosperity, giving, deliverance or even His death on the cross and His resurrection as “the gospel”. He repeatedly promoted and declared “the Kingdom of God and Heaven”. It was His principle message. He instructed those who were to follow Him to make that a priority. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 This was His instructions to His disciples when He sent them out:   One day Jesus called together His twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.  Then He sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2  Tell everyone about the Kingdom of God (their words) and cast out ALL demons and heal the sick (their actions). He didn’t tell them to talk about healing or casting out demons, but to DO it. By doing those things, they were showing God’s Kingdom in action! Remember that! Speak about the Kingdom of God but show the Kingdom through your actions.
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Kingdom Concept of King and Kingdom

 The Kingdom Concept of King and Kingdom

​Please understand that the Lord God is the King of the supernatural realm called Heaven. It is invisible but very real. Heaven is more real than the natural realm in which we live, breathe and exist. The Heavenly realm is the source of the natural realm and is the reason mankind exists.
 
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 The Lord God created earth, bringing form where there was no form and order out of chaos. He didn’t plan for it to be empty, but for it to be inhabited. He made it very plain when speaking to Isaiah: For the Lord is God, and He created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. “I am the Lord,” He says, “and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:18
 
The Lord God’s original plan and purpose was to extend His heavenly kingdom on earth. It was to bring His invisible supernatural rule into the visible natural world. It was for this reason that He created mankind—male and female. He created them in His own image and clothed them in physical bodies of flesh, bone and blood from the dirt of this earth. He created them to exercise dominion over the earth just as He does in Heaven. Mankind was to be His representative, ruling here one earth in His name and under His authority. Keep in mind; this was all before the fall of mankind, meaning his disobedience to the King’s command. The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Genesis 2:15-17
 
The King and Kingdom are concepts that are of heavenly origin, not earthly origin. The Lord God chose those concepts to describe His plan for mankind on this earth. Remember, Adam was created as king and ruler of this earth. The Lord God created man in His own image and likeness and He was King. Adam was appointed to be a king as well. As king of the earth, Adam possessed certain unique qualities and characteristics that set him apart from all other creatures on this earth. One of those qualities is the power of choice, free will. Mankind was created with the ability to reason—to frame his own thoughts and ideas and make decisions. In this, he was like his Creator. He was blessed to have a face-to-face, one-on-one conversation with his Lord and Father God--a privilege that no other creature on earth enjoyed.
 
Focus Point:  The Lord God gave Adam the earth as his domain because a king isn’t a king unless he has territory over which to rule. Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Genesis 1:26-28  Adam rebelled against the Lord God through his decision not to follow orders and lost his earthly kingdom.
 
Focus Point:  The gifts and calling of the Lord are irrevocable. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Romans 11:29 AMP What do I mean by that? The Lord God’s original plan and purpose were still in place. Mankind’s destiny was to rule the earth. He had to retrieve his Kingdom back. When the time was right in history, the King of Heaven sent His Son to reestablish Heaven’s rule here. He sent His Son to restore man to his earthly Kingdom. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV The Lord Jesus was proclaiming one simple message: From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 NKJV
 
Focus Point:  Jesus, while on this earth, was both a human being and the Son of the Lord God so He had the authority to both restore the Kingdom and to rule it as King. It was His birthright to be King.  For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Colossians 2:9 And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception). John 1:14 AMP
 
Focus Point: As you contemplate the Kingdom of God here on earth, remember that His Kingdom is not made of dirt, wood or even precious gems. His Kingdom is within us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is through His citizens that the Kingdom of God is manifest in our world. We are His ambassadors, created to bring the Kingdom of God into this world and every situation we encounter! 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 NKJV
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

What is a Kingdom?

 What is a Kingdom?

To understand the Kingdom of God, we need a basic understanding of an earthly kingdom and how it operates. An earthly kingdom is a territory or domain governed by a king (or queen). He has absolute authority and influence over a people and has a responsibility to his subjects for their wellbeing. His dominion and authority are absolute.

Every kingdom must have a king, but it is also true that every king is automatically a "lord". A lord is defined as someone having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler. It is this quality of lordship that distinguishes a king from a president, a prime minister, a mayor or a governor.  In fact, a king's lordship makes him different from any other kind of human leader. Lordship makes the king unique. 

The most common word in scripture is the word "lord".  Keep in mind that this word does not exist in a democracy, socialist society or a republic except for the word landlord, in reference to the one who owns and rents land to others.  Landlord is the only common remnant of kingdoms in modern government and Western societies; but this concept of lord is one of the fundamental principles of a kingdom. 

Now let us speak on a king for awhile.  A king's sovereignty is absolute.  He isn't voted into nor out of office or power.  His sovereignty is by birthright--or should I say a right of birth.  The same is true of a king's lordship.  All kings are automatically lords, but not all lords are kings!

Keep this in mind--a king relates to dominion, while a lord relates to domain.  The word dominion refers to the king's authority--his power.  The word domain refers to the territory, the property, the geographical area over which his authority extends.  A king exercises his authority over a specific geographical area.  Keep in mind:  A dominion refers to a king's authority and a domain refers to his geographical territory. 

Remember that kings personally own the physical domain over which they reign.  That makes them not only kings but also lords.  Kings and property go together!

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​We should always remember that our "big brother" Jesus always focused on the Kingdom.

The Kingdom concept was born in the heart of man, placed there by his Creator as the purpose for which he was created.  Despite the fact that there were many types of kingdoms throughout history, there are certain characteristics common to all kingdoms.  The Kingdom of God, also possesses these components.  Here are some of them, so that you can understand the Kingdom concept:

All kingdoms have:

• A king and lord--a sovereign ruler
• A territory--a domain
• A constitution--a royal covenant
• A citizenry--a community of subjects
• The law--acceptable principles
• Privileges--rights and benefits
• A code of ethics--acceptable lifestyles and conducts
• An army--security
• A commonwealth--economic security, and
• A social culture--traditions, protocol and procedures

The King is the embodiment of the kingdom, representing its glory and nature. The kingdom is a reflection of the king. If the king is evil and corrupt, his kingdom will be evil and corrupt. If the king is honorable, truthful and kind, his kingdom will be also.  Authority flows from the king and the word of the king is supreme.

The Territory is the domain over which the king exercises total authority.  The territory and its resources and people are all personal property of the king.  The king by right owns all and, therefore, is considered lord over all.  Keep in mind, the word lord denotes ownership by right. Lord is only given to one who is sovereign owner.  This is why the Scripture declares in Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.

The Constitution is the covenant of a king with his citizens and expresses the mind and will of the king for his citizens and the kingdom. It is the king's written governing laws, rights, and privileges for his people. The Bible contains the constitution of the Kingdom of God, which details His will and mind for His citizens. The Bible is God's Constitution--His Testaments--to His citizens in the Kingdom.

The Citizenry is, collectively, the people that live under the rule of the king.  Citizenship in a kingdom is not a right, but a privilege, and is a result of the king's choice.  The benefits and privileges of a kingdom are only accessible to citizens and therefore the favor of the king is always a privilege.  Once one becomes a citizen of the kingdom, all the rights of citizenship are at the citizen's pleasure.  The king is obligated to care for and protect all of his citizens; and their welfare is a reflection on the king himself.  The number one goal of a citizen in a kingdom is to be subject to the king, seeking only to remain in right-standing with him.  This is called righteousness.  This is why Jesus said the priority of all men is to seek first His Kingdom. (Matthew 6:33)

The Law constitutes the standards and principles established by the king himself, by which his kingdom will function and be administered.  The laws of a kingdom are to be obeyed by all, including foreigners residing in it.  The laws of the kingdom are the way by which one is guaranteed access to the benefits of the king and the kingdom.  Violations of kingdom law place a citizen at odds with the king and thus interrupt the favorable position one enjoys with the king.  The laws in a kingdom cannot be changed by the citizens, nor are they subject to a culture change, citizen referendum or debate.  Simply put, the word of the King is law in his kingdom.  Rebellion against the law is rebellion against the king.  King David understood this principle of the royal word when he stated, in Psalm 138:2-3​, I bow before Your Holy Temple as I worship. I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name. As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.
 
The Privileges are the benefits the king lavishes on his faithful citizens.  This aspect of kingdom is very different from other forms of government.  In a kingdom, citizenship is always desired by the people because, once you are in the kingdom, the king is personally responsible for you and your needs.  In addition, because the king owns everything within his kingdom, he can give to any citizen any or all of his wealth as he desires.

A Code of Ethics is the acceptable conduct of the citizens in the kingdom and their representation of the kingdom.  This code includes moral standards, social relationships, personal conduct, attitude, attire and manner of life.

The Army is the kingdom's system of securing its territory and protecting its citizens.  It is important to understand that in a kingdom the citizens do not fight, but enjoy the protection of the army.  This is why, in the Kingdom of God, the angels are called the host of heaven.  The word host means army and identifies the angels as the so-called military component of the Kingdom of Heaven.  This kingdom concept presents a challenge to our religious thinking of the church as an army. A careful study of the biblical constitution of the Word will show that the church, as Jesus established it, is not identified as an army but rather a citizenship, a family of sons and daughters, and a nation.

Matthew 26:52-53 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?

Psalm 78:49  He loosed on them His fierce anger—all His fury, rage, and hostility. He dispatched against them a band of destroying angels.

Psalm 103:20-21  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!

Matthew 13:40-42  Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will remove from His Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

A Commonwealth  is the economic system of wealth which guarantees each citizen equal access to financial security.  In a kingdom, the term commonwealth is used because the king's desire is that all his citizens share and benefit from the wealth of the kingdom.  The kingdom's glory is in the prosperity and health of its citizens.

Please note:  Consider carefully the Word of the King of the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ:

Luke 12-22-23  Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.   Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing." NKJV

Luke 12-31-32  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. NKJV

The Social Culture is the environment created by the life and manners of the king and his citizens.  This is the cultural aspect that separates and distinguishes the kingdom from all others around it.  It is the culture that expresses the nature of the king, through the lifestyle of his citizens.  This distinction in kingdom culture is evident in the words of the Lord Jesus, when He said in the book of Matthew 5:21-22  “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." and again in Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” 

The Kingdom social culture should be evident in our daily activities and encounters. If we are part of His Kingdom, we will reflect the culture of our King! 

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

Clarity in the Kingdom of God

 Clarity in the Kingdom of God

“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others." Habakkuk 2:2 

Ask 50 people what the Kingdom of God is and you are apt to get 50 different responses! My husband has a saying, "If they can name you, they will define you." In other words, if you allow people to call you whatever they want to, they define how others will see you. That is what happened to the Kingdom of God! Since the first century believers, the Kingdom as Jesus taught it, began to change because of the way people described it. They named it Christianity and labeled it as a religion. With religion comes doctrines, interpretations of scriptures, denominations and their denominational laws, traditions and positions...and here we are. Did Jesus come to start a church while He was here? Did He tell His followers to build a church building and tell everyone to come to their church building so they could hear Jesus preach? Of course not! 

For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace, [He shall rule] on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from that time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 AMP Isaiah prophesied the birth of Jesus Christ and that He would bring His government (Heaven's government) with Him to earth. It wasn't about a religion. It was about bringing His Kingdom to earth.

Even the definition of the Greek word ecclesia was taken and modified to fit their religious definition of church. Ecclesia in ancient Greek is defined as: a political assembly of citizens of ancient Greek especially: the periodic meeting of the Athenian citizens for conducting public business and for considering affairs proposed by the council. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) They were citizens, called out to make decisions pertaining to their government. The Greek word for church is "kuriakos".  The meaning of "Kuriakos" is understood by its root: "Kurios," which means "lord." Kuriakos ("church") means "pertaining to the lord." It refers to something that pertains to, or belongs to, a lord. The Greek "kuriakos" eventually came to be used in Old English form as "cirice" (Kee-ree-ke), then "churche" (kerke), and eventually "church" in its traditional pronunciation. A church, then, is correctly something that "pertains to, or belongs to, a lord."

When King James' translators inserted the word "church" in the English versions, they were not translating the Greek word "kuriakos", as one might expect. Rather, they were translating ecclesia as kuriakos. At the time of the King James translation, religion had already named and defined Christianity and religion. Church was an integral part of that religion. (Ben Williams Library) 

As a Believer, religious beliefs and traditions are such a part of all that we know that it is difficult to separate the Kingdom from religion. Where do you start?! If you want to truly know the life and ministry of Jesus and the Kingdom of God, study the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus' instructions are clear if we listen with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Most of the time when Jesus told a parable, He began with "This is what the Kingdom is like..." or "The Kingdom is like...". He is giving us a clear image of what our lives in the Kingdom of God should look like right now.

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NKJV  This is to be our priority. Leading up to this scripture, He talks about our worries concerning all of our needs. He lets us know that none of those things matter as long as we FIRST seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. But how do we do that?

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. John 14:6  For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17  Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is the door to the Kingdom.  He died for our sins and to give us access to the Father and all God has for us in His Kingdom. We must first repent of our sins and accept His gift of salvation and eternal life. This gives us access to life in His Kingdom.

For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 14:17-18  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:22-25  We can not be righteous on our own. We become righteous through studying God's Word and being guided by the Holy Spirit living in us. The more knowledge of God's Word we have in us, the more clearly the Holy Spirit will speak and lead us.

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  Jesus tells us right here how we live in His Kingdom. It is only through the Holy Spirit.  He will teach you everything! He will remind you of everything Jesus taught! He comes from God the Father, sent to live in us and be our Governor (over God's territory--us)! We lack power in our lives because we haven't tapped into the source God gave us! We have allowed religion to name and define the Holy Spirit as the "Holy Ghost" that "shows up and shows out" at "church" and we feel goose bumps and get excited. No! The Holy Spirit is here to guide us and lead us into all the truth of the Kingdom of God. Jesus walked among the people and taught them when He was physically on this earth, but when He went back to the Father, God sent us the Holy Spirit to live IN us, walk with us, guide us and operate through us. Powerful! 

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it! John 14:12-14  Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea," and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.  But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. Mark 11:22-25  Now, as you live as a citizen in the Kingdom of God, these scriptures of just some of His promises of life in the Kingdom. You seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Come to the Lord Jesus and make your requests known. He supplies the needs of His citizens. Provision and protection are among the rights of the citizens in the Kingdom of God!

The Lord Jesus came to introduce us to the Kingdom of God. Religion renamed it, and because of that redefined it. It became something it was not meant to be. At times, understanding the gospel message of the Kingdom is like looking at the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and realizing someone has combined the pieces of another puzzle with yours. All of the blue pieces may look the same, but not all go in your puzzle, for example. But with focus and clarity the complete picture of Kingdom living while we live here now will be revealed to you!

Keep seeking, keep studying, keep praying and keep listening as the Holy Spirit leads you into all Truth!

Deborah A Luchie
​www.kingdomcitizens.org

Peace in the Midst of Crisis

 

Peace in the Midst of Crisis   Be encouraged, for your peace comes through your faith in Him, not in the circumstances surrounding you.  Put your faith totally in God's Word.  Do you recall what our King and Lord, Jesus, said to His disciples?   I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:25-27   When you have the Governor--Holy Spirit--living in you, you will have perfect peace in times of crisis.  Why?  Because you know that you have a King and a Kingdom and you are a citizen in right standing.  He promises never to leave us alone.  This is why the Holy Spirit is vital.  He is the most important person on earth.  Our peace comes from the Holy Spirit. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!  Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.  Isaiah 26:3-4   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.  No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.  John 14:16-18  When the Holy Spirit--our Governor--resides in your mortal body, He cultivates faith in your lifestyle.  Remember that faith and fear cannot operate in your body and mind at the same time; just as fire and water can't operate at the same place at the same time.  Water will overtake the fire. When you are reborn of His Spirit, you are a new person.  From that point on you must learn of Him through the Holy Spirit.  Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30  This is another reason it is so important to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  He will guide and teach you, but you first must seek to keep His Word.  “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."  John 14:15-17   Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.  1 John 5:3   Those who have peace, the God kind of peace, are those who put their trust and faith completely in His Word.  If God says it, it will come to pass.  His Word is Truth.  If you truly are born by His Spirit and following His instruction, you conduct yourself in a Kingdom lifestyle.  In most cases, it becomes a natural part of your behavior and you don't have to think about it.  For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 1 John 5:4  It is our faith in the Lord Jesus that causes us to overcome this world, not our faith in our church, pastor, minister or even in ourselves.  And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by His baptism in water and by shedding His blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with His testimony.  So we have these three witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree.  Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about His Son.  All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about His Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.  1 John 5:5-12  Remember, the Lord Jesus was the Word manifested in the flesh. 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 NKJV   ​In this world, with social media and so many distractions, it is easy to lose focus. That is why it is vital to stay in God's constitution every day.  If you want to know the Lord God's direction for your life, make His Word your lifestyle.  Remember this, the Lord God will not force you to live for Him.  It is a choice that you must make.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV  You also must choose between faith and fear.  He gave you the power of choice.  Keep this in mind, it is the devil who causes fear and chaos, so stay focused on His Word.  When you are distracted, your strength weakens. Remember, your faith is your greatest asset in the Kingdom of God. ​All NLT except where noted ​W.R. Luchie www.kingdomcitizens.org

Don't Bleed on the Sheep

Don't Bleed on the Sheep ​Dear Fellow Believers, Recently I heard this statement, one I had never heard before. "Don't bleed on the sheep."  While this letter is written to all Believers, I am speaking specifically to the shepherd more than the sheep!   Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.  Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:1-2 NLT So what does "bleeding on the sheep" mean?  It is when a pastor/teacher preaches out of their pain, issues and the sin they may be battling in their minds.  Instead of teaching them the Word of God and growing strong mature disciples, they are pouring their pain and emotional issues all over their sheep.  They are "bleeding all over them". When I heard that phrase, it reminded me of what the Holy Spirit had been telling me for weeks:  Times are growing short.  It is time for pastors, teachers, preachers and all to teach the Word of God, to get more focused on teaching and preaching the Gospel only!  We also must not manipulate the sheep for our own purposes or feed OFF the sheep.  We are charged with feeding the sheep, caring for them, protecting them from evil and leading them in the way they should go. Pastor, your sheep don't need a life coach, a relationship coach, a self-improvement teacher.  Your sheep need to get the Word of God in them and learn how to hear the Holy Spirit speak and guide them.  They need to see a strong, unshakable man or woman of God, raising a standard before them, who is saying "Follow me! This is the way we should go!"   The world is having a stronger influence on your sheep than you and your church are.  They are becoming comfortable with the sins of the world, to the point of not even believing those things are sin.  That is because God's Word is not etched in their soul.   I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NLT   Going to most churches today is akin to going to a gym to get strong and fit, but only hanging out in the smoothie bar and then saying "I don't understand why I'm not seeing any change in my body! I go to the gym every day!"  Pastors, ministers of the Gospel, are your sheep strong and courageous when they face the world?  Do they have unshakable standards and walk in the power of God's Word everywhere they go? Do they have unshakable faith and trust in God? Are they fully equipped to handle the sin and deception that is epidemic in the world?  If not, you aren't fulfilling your calling!  If you have battles of your own, get a mentor, a prayer partner; someone you may confide in and seek counsel and prayer. Your pulpit is not your therapy session.  Your sheep aren't there to minister to you.  You are there to minister to them.  We don't need any more shows.  We don't need therapy sessions.  We need sheep who are strong as lions because they are full of the Word of God.  If the world took their Bibles and their internet away, they would be quoting scripture to those who don't know the Word.  Feed your sheep for they are starved for the Word!    A third time Jesus asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep".  John 21:17  NLT If that isn't what you want to do, go become a coach, a motivational speaker, write books or become an entertainer.  But don't do it under the cover of being a pastor to spiritual leader of any sort. They don't need another "ear tickler". There is no more time to play. It is time to get serious, man and woman of God.  God has given you an assignment.  Feed His sheep.  Recess is over.  School is in session!  This is your assignment:   I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].  But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.  2 Timothy 4:1-5 AMP Read that aloud, as an oath to the God you serve, then fulfill it! Be ready, Deborah DeborahLuchie.org

Kingdom 104: His Name is All Authority and Power

 Kingdom 104:  His Name is All Authority and Power

The name of Jesus the Christ contains all power and authority.  That is the name the Lord God gave His Son while He was here on earth.  Those of us who have embraced the King, should always embrace His name.  He knows those who are His own.  “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you.  All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory.  Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold."  Even though the Lord Jesus was speaking to the Father on behalf of His disciples, it also applies to those who are citizens of the Kingdom up to this present day.  He included us as well:  “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.  I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.  Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”

The Lord Jesus and King was very clear that He has all authority.  It was given to Him by His Father in heaven and earth.  Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. All those who call on the name of God, you aren't following His command.  The Lord Jesus sits at His "Father's right hand, interceding on our behalf"!  In Jesus, His Son, God has given all of His authority and power.  Why then, do religious leaders encourage people to call on the Lord God, His Father?  I keep returning to the statement that the Lord God made to His representative Hosea.  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge,  I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.  NKJV

When you honor the Lord Jesus, you honor the Father.  In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge,  so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.  Did you catch that first part of that constitutional scripture?  In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, He has given the Son absolute authority to judge...  We will all have to answer to Him for our final destination.  Keep in mind, the Lord God has life without Himself and has given His Son that same authority and power.   “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.  The Father has life in himself, and He has granted that same life-giving power to His Son.  And He has given Him authority to judge everyone because He is the Son of Man."  I live and operate by the power of the Lord Jesus the Christ.  There is power in that name and that is the only name I call upon.

Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor
    and gave Him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Remember, your faith should be grounded in Him, and nothing else.

John 17:9-12, 20-26   Matthew 28:18   Hosea 4:6   John 5:22-23, 24-27   Philippians 2:9-11
All NLT except where noted.

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Kingdom 103: The Indwelling of His Spirit (the Governor)

 Kingdom 103:  The Indwelling of His Spirit (the Governor)

Before the Lord Jesus left to be on the right hand of the Father, He made this statement:  “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..."  Before He left, He also gave His disciples this assignment:  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,   teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  In each case, one must have the Governor (the Holy Spirit) living and abiding in their mortal body.  If you don't have the Spirit of the Lord residing in your temple (meaning in your body) you can't rightly claim yourself as a Kingdom citizen.  Why?  Because it is the Spirit that connects you to the Kingdom.  

​Keep in mind what ambassador Stephen told the high priest while giving his testimony:   “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob.  But Solomon built Him a house.  However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:  ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool.  What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest?  Has My hand not made all these things?"  Remember, we are the temple of the living God and we must present our bodies in that fashion.  The 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.  After having done that and realizing who you are, you must learn the Kingdom and embrace the Kingdom concept.  This happens by having your mind being renewed through the Word (the Lord God's Constitution).  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.  

Take notice, before John the Baptist could do anything, the Lord God filled him with His Spirit.   For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.  Without the Holy Spirit and His leading, you are doing what you think is His Will, but in your own strength and with your finite mind.  That is common with many people, who are part of a religious organization.  Kingdom citizens are led by the Spirit.  Keep in mind that the Lord Jesus was led by the Spirit.  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  The Governor (the Holy Spirit) led Him.  He didn't force Him to go into the wilderness.  The Holy Spirit nor the Lord God will not at any time force a person to do anything against their will.  The Holy Spirit is a gentleman.  Even back under the old covenant, the Lord God spoke to the children of promise (the Israelites) to make a choice of whom they would obey and give their allegiance.  The Lord God used His representative Moses.   “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’  Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil,  in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.  But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them,  I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.  I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.  

​Even in giving, you have a choice to give or not to give.   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.

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Here is what we must do.  Read and study the Lord God's Constitution and He will give you His gift.  In essence, live by the Word of the living God, which cannot be done if His Word isn't in you.  Never live by what you  may be thinking or feeling in the moment. Make the Kingdom your top priority.    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.  The Lord Jesus requires righteousness, not goodness.   What is considered good, changes with the culture of the day.  But righteousness is consistent and lines up with the truth of God's Word. What pleases the Lord Jesus?    “If you love Me, keep My commandments."  It is impossible to love the Lord Jesus and not be obedient to His Word.  Remember this one thing, the Lord God doesn't live in that building you call a church.  If you are obedient to His command, His Spirit will reside in you.  “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands."   

Always remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the Lord God.

John 14:15-16   Matthew 28:18-20   Acts 7:44-50   Romans 12:1-2   Luke 1:15   Matthew 4:1
Deuteronomy 30:11-19   Acts 4:32-37   Matthew 6:33-34   John 14:15   Act 17:24

~~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

Even Money Has Purpose in the Kingdom

 Even Money Has Purpose in the Kingdom

Where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable~~Dr. Munroe.  I believe that most of us have heard that quote in Kingdom teaching. We think of it in terms of our purpose and assignment. But in God's Kingdom everything has a purpose and is used by the Lord God to fulfill His Will; and that includes money--His financial provision. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours, O Lord, and this is Your Kingdom. We adore You as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength.

O our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us! 1 Chronicles 29:11-14 NLT

Have you ever received money unexpectedly? Money that was above and beyond your paycheck. Sometimes they call that a windfall--​a piece of unexpected good fortune, typically one that involves receiving a large amount of money. Yes! Have you ever received a windfall? Or, found that your bank account balance was higher than you thought? I have learned and can testify as a Kingdom citizen, that when that happens God has a specific purpose for it. And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 AMP And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT God is not random and He does not do things randomly.

There is always a purpose. His unexpected financial provision has a purpose. The Lord has made everything for His own purposes... Proverbs 16:4a NLT

When God's Kingdom and His righteousness are your first priority, you are a Kingdom citizen and He knows your needs before you do. He promised that if we would seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, He would supply all that we need. 

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 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?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field 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 wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“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.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:24-34 NLT

Our focus is never to be on what we need or what we feel we lack, but only on God's Kingdom and His righteousness. When we are His citizens, He always provides. We need to understand the purpose of the money He sends. If we do not properly discern its purpose, it will be abused and misused!

I can testify to this, as it has happened in my life several times over the years. Recently I was handed a few thousand dollars unexpectedly from a source I would never have expected. I would definitely call it a "windfall". Our human nature will begin to think of things we can do with this "extra money"--something we've been wanting to buy or maybe a little vacation. But I have been through this type of situation enough times to know that if my Father sent it in such a miraculous way, there is a specific purpose. About a month later, I was presented with an unexpected expense that had to be paid right away. It was for almost exactly what I had been handed the month before. God is so good...so loving and kind! He knows our needs even before they appear and makes a way where there was no way! Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 NKJV

When we don't know God's purpose for the finances--or other provisions--He gives us, we will abuse it. We will use it for our wants. Then when that surprise bill shows up, or there is a medical emergency or the job is taken away, we find ourselves in lack and must scramble to make ends meet in our own strength. In that situation, we find ourselves wishing we had held on to it! We may even wonder where God is in this crisis. God already provided but we didn't see the purpose at the time and misused it!

When you seek after money--how to get more and what you can buy with it--you will not see God's purpose for money. 

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God! 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.” Mark 10:23-25 NKJV

When I was younger, I was happy for the "windfall", I did not see its purpose, happily spent it, and later regretted it. But in the past twenty years, I am thankful that I have grown to recognize the purpose of the money and provisions that the Lord God sends. I know that something is coming on the horizon and He has already prepared the way. As God's Kingdom citizens, we aren't called to strive and struggle. We are called only to seek after His Kingdom and His righteousness. Our focus is to be more like Him. When we do that, it will become easier to see God's purpose for all the money and provisions He sends to us. 

Yes, in God's Kingdom, money has a God ordained purpose in our life. Know it and walk in His victory. I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous (those in right standing with God) abandoned or his descendants pleading for bread. Psalm 37:25 AMP

Money is a tool, just like a hammer, knife or saw. Each of these items has a purpose, when used in the right hands. Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV 

The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:21-22 NLT

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV

Deborah Luchie
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www.kingdomcitizens.org