Dear Fellow Believers,

The other day, the Lord gave me one word to think about:  Root-bound. As I pondered this, He began to show me how Believers who are learning and growing in their spirit may become root-bound. Growth is a necessary progression, but what happens when we outgrow our environment?

A root-bound plant will develop yellow or brown leaves. It will begin to wilt, even thought it is getting watered and fed. And it will stop growing. A root-bound plant will grow to the walls of it's environment (the container), then start to grow around and around, forming its own tight, solid wall. That prevents it from receiving the water and nutrition it needs to survive and grow. In time, if untreated, it will eventually die.

So then, how does this relate to our life as Believers in God's Kingdom? If you have been sincerely studying God's Word, seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness, serving in a ministry or church and embracing the teachings you have learned, be aware of becoming root-bound. Of course, not everyone will deal with this. Do you feel "watered" but still "thirsty"..."fed" but "malnourished"? Are you growing spiritually or feeling "stunted" and at a standstill? The problem may be that your current environment has become too small for what the Lord God has already planted in you. It may be time to enlarge your territory!

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.
1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

​So then, what do we do? Let's go back to that root-bound plant. 1) You can pull it out of it's too small container, cut some of those roots loose and transplant it into a larger pot with fresh soil. Or 2) You can take the plant out of that container, carefully cut it into two and put one half back into that container and one into a new container. Where there was one withering plant, in time, there will be two thriving plants.

Are you feeling as if you have stopped growing spiritually? Are you feeling critical or dissatisfied? Maybe you feel like you are treading water but not advancing. Things may feel out of sync, depressed or like giving up, as if all your efforts are fruitless and in vain.

This is an altar call of one. Be honest. You may be root-bound and the Holy Spirit is drawing you to make a dramatic change. You may need to change your environment and step out into a larger one that allows fresh growth. Or you may need to continue in your current ministry environment, but also move into something totally new and fresh. One that will allow you to grow again in your current environment and also flourish in the new one! Only you, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, can make that decision. Don't "die on the vine" from a solid wall of roots that will suffocate the life out of you. You can see new growth in your spiritual walk and ministry again. Get out of that too small container and into a new season of fruitfulness in Jesus' name!

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 2 Peter 1:8-10 

We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:9-10

I am the true grapevine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. John 15:1-4

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. Psalm 92:12-14

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9

Be ready,

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

This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you.

​If you grew up in church or have any religious experiences, you probably have some religious filters that frame your thoughts. I certainly do, because as a "preacher's kid" I spent all of my childhood in church--Sunday morning, Sunday night, midweek service, youth service, and special services! Those experiences give us a religious mindset that, as Kingdom citizens, we work to change through the understanding that Jesus came to reintroduce the Kingdom of God which is the government of Heaven.  That is a process through studying God's Constitution and listening and being led by the Holy Spirit, our Governor.  Keep in mind, a religious spirit is a demonic spirit sent to attempt to deceive and hide the truth of God's Kingdom under religion. People may be used by this spirit out of their discouragement, frustration and disappointment over other people's lack of faith and commitment. Their self-righteousness makes them vulnerable. But how can we recognize when we, or others, are being influenced or controlled by a religious spirit and not just having a religious mindset?

A religious spirit is controlling, usurping our God given free will.
​
From the beginning of creation, the Lord God gave mankind the freedom to choose right or choose wrong. He could very easily have made us unable to disobey Him but He wants us to freely choose His way over the wants of our flesh and sins of this world.  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 2:16-17 ~~~ Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 The religious spirit wants your obedience and submission. It tells you what you should and shouldn't do, then tries to make you comply.  If you don't, the religious spirit will dole out punishment--chastising, shunning, embarrassing, lecturing--for your disobedience. 

A religious spirit is easily angered when people don't comply.

In my experience, a religious spirit's strongest emotion is anger, always ready to come out. You've probably seen pastors who always sound angry when they preach. A famous historical sermon by Jonathan Edwards comes to mind, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". A religious spirit wants to make you "holy" by submitting to their will rather than cultivating your self control, which is a fruit of the Spirit. Anger and rage are tools used to control people. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32 ~~~ Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:19-20

A religious spirit is a contrary, argumentative spirit.

A religious spirit is always ready for an argument, always ready to debate when they disagree. Apologetics is a religious concept and has no place in the Lord God's Kingdom government.  Don't take the "bait". Arguments are pointless and change no one's mind.  They only produce anger.  What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?  James 4:1 ~~~ Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. Titus 3:9-11 ~~~  Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 1 Timothy 6:3-5

A religious spirit grows weeds of the flesh not fruits of the Spirit.

What is the fruit in the life of the person you think is being influenced by a religious spirit?  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 ~~~ Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:15-20 Be aware!

Study the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus in the four Gospels. It is a blueprint for what is expected of Kingdom citizens. Jesus never told them to convince, coerce or lecture them into submission. He never told them how to control the people. Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"

"Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed."

“Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.  I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. Matthew 10:5-15 

Religion has never been a friend of Jesus. Remember, it was not the government who crucified Jesus, but the religious leaders.   

Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring Him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find Him not guilty.” Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”

When they saw Him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

“Take Him yourselves and crucify Him,” Pilate said. “I find Him not guilty.”

The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law He ought to die because He called himself the Son of God.”

When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. . .Then Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.”

When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!”

“Away with Him,” they yelled. “Away with Him! Crucify Him!”

“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.

“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.

Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. John 19:5-8, 12-16

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1

Be ready,

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

(Also published on kingdomcitizens.org)
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you.

Dear Fellow Believers,
​
How you see the Lord God determines the level at which He will operate in your life.
 
If you see Him as a friend, He will operate in your life as a friend. But if you see Him as the one true God, Creator of all, Healer, Deliverer, Provider, Protector, Father, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent; you will see His supernatural power operating in your life! Even the Lord Jesus was limited in Nazareth because the people could only see Him as the son of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter. He was “just a guy from the neighborhood”.  Jesus left that part of the country and returned with His disciples to Nazareth, His hometown. The next Sabbath He began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. They asked, “Where did He get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 
 
Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters live right here among us.”
 
They were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.
 
Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, He couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place His hands on a few sick people and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief. Mark 6:1-6
 
“They were deeply offended. . .” I can imagine that they probably also added a “Who does he think he is?”! Because of their unbelief, Jesus did very little in Nazareth.

We are in a season where we must have a revelation of the power and glory of the Lord God that is available to us if we will only believe! See with supernatural eyes what is going on in our world. See it for the spiritual battle that it is. This is surely “the time of evil”. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
 
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Gospel so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
 
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:11-18
 
In Psalm 20, it says:  Some trust in chariots (made by man) and some in horses (nature, God’s creation), but we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God. Where do you place your trust? It goes on to say:  They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright. Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call. Psalm 20:7-9 AMP Yes, they have bowed down and fallen but we have risen and stand upright, because we trust in our Lord God and we know that NOTHING is impossible with Him!
 
Satan has saturated our world with fear, control, manipulation and lies that try to undermine the Lord God’s Kingdom principles and Believers’ faith. We have all seen pastors, ministers and believers, that we thought were strong in the faith, fall away. I have seen them leave their ministry and some have even said they don’t believe in God. It is sad and disheartening to see a “leader of the faith” publicly turn away. But they never truly knew Him. If they did, they would see His power in their lives.  They were caught up in “doing ministry” as their career and didn’t actually know the Lord. When you see His power moving in your life, you will never walk away from Him! I have had countless events in my life where I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt “that was my Father God!” Because of that, I boldly say that I will never doubt or walk away. I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God and all of my Father God’s power and authority are available to operate in my life in Jesus’ name!  “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
 
 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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 10:18-19 NKJV
 
Do you believe God’s Word? Then you believe that NOTHING will hurt you. You believe that you have been given ALL power over the enemy—Satan and his demons.
 
When I think of the power and authority of our Father, of His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit which He has given us, I get excited! When you get that revelation, you will not fear the world and all that is in it.
 
Focus your spiritual eyes. See Satan and his demonic angels at work in this world. And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. . . And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. Revelation 12:9 & 11 AMP Most important of all, see your Father God for who He is. Nothing is impossible or too hard for Him! Never allow your unbelief to limit His supernatural power in your life! You will be victorious over Satan and every weapon he fires at you because of the blood of Jesus on you, the words you speak and your unshakable faith in the Lord God even in the face of death.
 
Satan is a liar and an illusionist. He is already defeated and we are victorious through the Lord Jesus. Satan has absolutely no power in the Kingdom of God. He only prowls around in the world. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion (it’s only an illusion), looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9a
 
I have “scripture bombs” going off in my mind! Every time I write a little bit, the Holy Spirit gives me more! Fill your mind with God’s Word. Get to know Him better through His Word. If you do, you will see His hand on your life. Your prayers will be more fruitful and powerful. Walk in the power and authority of your Father God. Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]. They [who teach twisted doctrine] are of the world and belong to it; therefore they speak from the [viewpoint of the] world [with its immoral freedom and baseless theories—demanding compliance with their opinions and ridiculing the values of the upright], and the [gullible one of the] world listens closely and pays attention to them. 1 John 4:4-5 AMP
 
Yes! Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or intimidated. The Lord God is with you wherever you go! (Joshua 1:9)
 
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Be ready,

Deborah Luchie
​
deborahluchie.org 

All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.
kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you.

Dear Fellow Believers,

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.  For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 AMP
 
How do you know if you are fulfilling God’s purpose for your life? How do you stay on track? What if that purpose is something you can’t even imagine in your mind right now? Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. . .” Ephesians 3:20 NKJV The only way to accurately fulfill God’s purpose in your life is to be guided by and submitted to the Holy Spirit!
 
His yoke is easy and His burden is light because of the Holy Spirit working in us!
 
Let’s say you feel called to be in ministry.  Too often, we make a list of the things we need to do to go into ministry:  Go to a Bible college or theological seminary, meet and talk to lots of people. Share your vision for your ministry or church, raise funds to start a church or fund your ministry, get followers, volunteers, etc. But doing it in our own strength and limited knowledge can get you a manmade ministry!
 
The first thing we should do if we feel called to be in ministry is pray and listen to the Holy Spirit.  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 14:26   One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. Acts 13:2-3 Yes, if we will listen, the Holy Spirit will guide us to fulfill God’s purpose! He is truly our Governor—our GPS—to guide us in life.
 
Another way the Lord God guides us is through His provision. Where God leads, He provides. Inversely, if that ministry is in a constant state of lack, it is time to seek Him for direction. We may have gotten off-track or He may be leading us into a new thing. Read how the Lord led Elijah by provision and lack:   And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand,  there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”
 
 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying,  “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”
 
So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.
 
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying,  “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 1 Kings 17:1-9 NKJV The Lord God would have kept the Brook Cherith flowing and the bread and meat coming, if it were His will for Elijah to stay there. But God’s next assignment for Elijah was to minister to the widow and her son. Elijah’s provision was already planned for in his next assignment.
 
Your provision is already prepared and placed in your next assignment. If you are struggling and stressing in lack, seek Him for that next assignment! His yoke is easy and His burden is light. It is only through His strength and His guidance that we can do all that He has called us to do.
 
Without being totally submitted to the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we end up with a manmade ministry. A manmade ministry may be successful because of entertainment, talent, skills, charisma, and man’s abilities.
 
Sadly, they don’t need God, but use His name.
 
Whether a success or a failure in the eyes of man, the fruit of a manmade ministry will ultimately be stress, pride, arrogance, sin, exhaustion, depression, anger, emptiness and ultimately separation for God our Father. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV
 
We have the wrong mindset when we think of being in ministry as a vocation. For some, it will be. But for most Kingdom citizens, it is an assignment we gladly "volunteer" for. We all have a God given purpose and many assignments to fulfill that purpose; but the vocation the Lord uses to provide our income may be a secular job or career. If we stop looking at ministry as the way to make our living, it will be far easier to be led by the Holy Spirit. Our vision may become clouded by financial burdens and desires.  Open your mind to what ministry is! My husband and I are examples of what I am saying here. We have been teaching people about the Kingdom of God through this website for almost a decade now. God has always provided for all our needs, though not through the ministry. Through the ministry, He has always provided for the costs of the ministry. My husband wanted to teach people about the Kingdom of God. One day, the Holy Spirit gave me the idea of building a website.

I had never even thought about building a website before! But God!
 
You will be amazed at what the Lord God will do through you if you submit to His Will. Don’t focus on money and don’t try to put ministry in a familiar box! The God who created you knows what you are able to do more than you do. He has assignments for you that you cannot even comprehend yet. He created mankind with DNA unique to each individual. Why would there be limitations on His assignments in His Kingdom? 
 
When Jesus sent His disciples out in ministry, He told them who to minister to, where to go, how to behave, what to say and what to take with them. He gave them authority to cast out demons, and heal every disease and sickness. (Not even a mention of an "armor bearer"!) I wonder how many people would dive into ministry if this is what they were told before they went:
 
Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep.  Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
 
“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
 
“Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.  When you enter the home, give it your blessing.  If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.  If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
 
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.  But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.  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 10:5-20 Wow! What an assignment!

Assignments:  Some are positioned in front of the people to lead and teach. Some are placed among the people to nurture, disciple and care for them. Some are placed behind the people to clean up, gather what is left behind and bring order. Whatever the assignment may be, the burden is light when it is His assignment and purpose for you. He has already prepared everything you will need to fulfill it. 

Be ready,

Deborah Luchie
​
deborahluchie.org

All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you.

Dear Fellow Believers,

Last night I had a dream, barely more than a snapshot burned in mind. So I am sharing it with you. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you.

I was standing on the rooftop of the tallest building in a city. I could see a body of water off in the far distance. But at eye level, far away from where I was standing, I saw a man who looked like a jester. He was in midair, above the city as if he were standing on a glass floor. He was in a frenzy, dancing and laughing; running around chaotically. He was giddy with delight, even jumping up and clicking his heels together. He never advanced toward me and didn't even appear to notice me. I just stood  watching him. He was drunk with happiness over what was going on below him.

That is Satan right now over this world. If it seems he has "kicked it into high gear", he has. He is a master of misdirection. He wants to keep God's people distracted. He knows the power that works within God's people, even if they don't. 

This is a short message. We, God's born-again Believers, must rise above all the horror, chaos and insanity of this world to walk and speak under the power of the Holy Spirit within us! We must focus on the eternal and rise above the temporal. Focus your spiritual eyes. Pray in the Spirit, Walk in the Spirit, Speak in the Spirit, Live in the Spirit. Rise up! You are no longer of this world, but a joint heir with Jesus. Satan may have been laughing in my dream but when we wake up and understand that he is under our feet; that he has no more power than we allow him to have--he won't be laughing anymore.

Everything that has been unleashed on this world is a distraction from the real battle, real enemy, and real goal. 

Remember, God's Word says that Satan prowls around LIKE a roaring lion, not that he actually is one! 

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8 NLT

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. Romans 16:20a

 “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! 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 14:12-17 NLT

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Gospel so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

Be ready,

Deborah
​
www.DeborahLuchie.org
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Dear Fellow Believers,
It has always been important to see our lives and interactions from a spiritual focus, but in this season it is imperative to see life with our spiritual eyes! When our minds are filled with the world, we will be unable to see in the spirit what is happening in our lives. It takes a Kingdom mind (full of God's Word and tuned in to the guidance of the Holy Spirit) to view life in a spiritual focus. 

Our world is in a state of upheaval and unrest. This is especially true in America now. It is so easy in times of turmoil to get distracted and lose focus. Our minds get filled with the problems of the world and we tune out the Holy Spirit at times. I can say this has been true in my life recently. But last week, the Holy Spirit kept reminding me of a book I had bought several years ago, when I worked in my church's bookstore. I kept feeling urged to read it. The book is These Are the Days of Elijah by R.T. Kendall. I had read several chapters back when I bought it. It was so good I highlighted most of what I was reading! But, as I do with most books, I put my bookmark in it, put it in the bookcase and moved on to something else. I used to feel guilty about doing that, but I've learned that if there's something I need to see, the Holy Spirit will lead me back to it in God's timing! 

So, after several days of quiet "nudging" I took the book off the shelf to see what I was supposed to see in there. I sat down and asked the Lord where I should start. I didn't want to start from the beginning again and I didn't want to read the whole book if there was just a chapter, or passage to see now. I looked over the chapters and saw clearly that I should go to chapter 17, Evil, Justice and Mercy. I will quote the most important parts the Holy Spirit showed me. Focus your spiritual eyes and you will see why He led me there "for such a time as this".  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:17 NLT

Then God sent Elijah back to Ahab and Jezebel one more time to give them a message. He didn't send him there to get vengeance for himself, even though Jezebel had vowed to kill him, a prophet! God was sending him because of the cruel injustice Jezebel and Ahab did by getting Naboth killed and stealing his inheritance.

Give him this message: ‘This is what the Lord says: Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!’”

“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah.

“Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the Lord’s sight. So now the Lord says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! I am going to destroy your family as I did the family of Jeroboam son of Nebat and the family of Baasha son of Ahijah, for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin.’

“And regarding Jezebel, the Lord says, ‘Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body at the plot of land in Jezreel.’

“The members of Ahab’s family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures.”

(No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. His worst outrage was worshiping idols just as the Amorites had done—the people whom the Lord had driven out from the land ahead of the Israelites.) 1 Kings 21:19-26 NLT

Never think that evil goes unnoticed or unpunished. It's not important whether we see it or feel vindicated or avenged. Remember, God said, I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.’ Deuteronomy 32:35 NLT

We usually think of the Jezebel spirit as a lustful, manipulative female because of being named after Queen Jezebel. Jezebel is a powerful demonic spirit, neither male nor female. Jezebel does not only operate in churches. People usually think of a woman in the church that insidiously destroys leadership, marriages, relationships and churches. But it also operates out in the world in businesses and in government. It seeks out leaders and those through whom they can do the most damage. THAT is the spirit we need to be praying against. That is what is operating today. I believe that if it is possible, the Jezebel spirit is gorging on the power, authority and control it has loosed on our earth. The world cannot see it and will laugh at the mere mention of that possibility. But my letter is to fellow Believers, who should be seeing with their spiritual eyes and the guidance of the Holy Spirit!

Here are some characteristics of the Jezebel spirit. This is by no means a complete list, but a very good starting point.

The Jezebel spirit is:
Critical and loves to find fault

Conniving. It whispers in ears to turn people against each other and to convince others to do what it wants done.

Controlling. It dominates, takes charge and dismisses all contrary opinions.

Competitive. It is prideful and needs to be seen as the most important person with the best opinions and ideas. Even if there is someone in authority over it, it must be seen as better than that person. No one dare "get the better" of the Jezebel spirit.

Contagious. The Jezebel spirit spreads like a wildfire. Unless it is cut out at the root, it won't be stopped. It can destroy a church, business, family, government or organization if left unchecked. It must be recognized for what it is and removed.

It's not like the movies. That's theatrics. See with spiritual eyes, recognize the spirit--not the person--call it by name and pray for it to be removed. Command it to go in Jesus' name. Remind it that it has no authority and must go. It only has the authority the people give it. The Holy Spirit will lead if you ask and listen.

There is evil in our land on a level I have never experienced before. But remember what Jesus said:  The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning. Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Luke 10:17-19 AMP

If you get the opportunity, read R.T. Kendall's book These Are the Days of Elijah. The subtitle says it all: How God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things. These are surely days when we need ordinary people to do extraordinary things! Glory!

​Be ready,

Deborah
​
www.DeborahLuchie.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

Dear Fellow Believers,
We are in a refining fire season.  That is probably obvious!  I went through a season in that refining fire from last fall until just a few weeks before the COVID-19 virus hit the US, so I know how that season looks and feels!  I am changed.  You can't go through that fire without being changed!  "I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure.  I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold.  They will call on My name, and I will answer them.  I will say, ‘These are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God'."  Zechariah 13:9

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices.  At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.  Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.  My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart." 2 Chronicles 7:12-16

Sometimes God "hits the reset button" (as I put it).  God is using this difficult season to purify His people.  It is time.  Many of His Believers, the church and ministries have gotten too much of the world in them and they have become powerless.  This refining fire will remove the impurities just as it removes the impurities when refining gold or silver.  Many Believers have prayed for revival and prayed for salvations.  But, God is first allowing a fire to refine the church and His people!  I have seen many salvations that were just a number and there was no change or growth in that person.  They came into the church and found the world so why should they seek God's righteousness and feast on His Word?

We will come out of this pandemic.  Nothing takes God by surprise.  But whatever comes our way, He will use for our good!  We only have to trust Him.  But we will come out changed.  The things that should be removed from our lives and from within, will fall away.  If we submit to this refining fire we will come out more spiritually wise and discerning that ever before.  But trusting God is vital! 

There will be churches that close and ministries that will fade away.  Don't blame the devil! Not this time!  It is God's refining fire. Other churches and Believers will re-evaluate everything they do. Belts will be tightened.  Areas of ministry that aren't fruitful will be ceased. Wasteful spending that is being used on unnecessary and unfruitful projects will be stopped. In business, there is a term called "lean manufacturing".  Well, there is coming a season of "lean ministry" and the "fat" and the waste will be burned away by the refining fire.  It has nothing to do with lack, but with the church (individually and corporately) becoming humble, efficient, pure and holy before God and before the world. They will get a fresh revelation of what it is to be a steward of God's property. 

If you were expecting company to your home, would you prepare?  If you hadn't cleaned or done any laundry for months, would you receive those guests into your home without cleaning up?  First we order the natural to usher in the supernatural!  Our house needs order!  We pray for revival and that must first begin in the Believers. To ignite that revival, first requires the flames of a refining fire.  Lord remove everything from us that is not of You!  When you have been refined, you are strong and unbreakable....unshakable!  And you shine!

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.  Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.  But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.  If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.  But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

There will also be Believers and churches/ministries that will thrive after this refining fire! They have already been removing the impurities that prevent righteousness and holiness. They were quietly working with the right "materials"--Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.  Matthew 6:33  They have been humbly serving and seeking after His righteousness.

Don't mourn for what was... rejoice for what it coming!  When it is finished it will be beyond what was lost! For His Glory and for our good.

Be ready,

Deborah
DeborahLuchie.org
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Dear Fellow Believers,
Have you ever felt burdened down?  I have!  Recently I experienced the feeling of having that burden lifted off me.  I know one thing for sure, you don't realize just how heavy that burden is on you until it is lifted!  The emotional, mental and spiritual toll burdens take on us is only part of it.  There is a physical heaviness that comes with those burdens.  When God lifts them from you, it feels so light!  There is a physical relief I can't remember ever experiencing before!  Praise the Lord!  There was an old song we used to sing in church that said "I remember when my burdens rolled away; I had carried them for years, night and day.  When I sought the blessed Lord, and I took Him at His Word, then at once all my burdens rolled away."  So true!

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 ​

Along with that great burden being lifted, the Holy Spirit gave me a greater understanding of these scriptures.  We all are yoked to something.  That yoke may bind us with others, to material things and/or control us.  It controls and guides our actions, movements and decisions.  The world's yoke is so hard to bear.  It takes us places we really don't want to go, makes us do what we really don't want to do.  It also comes with some heavy burdens from the consequences of those decisions and those wrong associations.  Burdens from being yoked to the wrong people or wrong groups. Those burdens grow heavier and heavier over time!  When I was younger, I didn't understand this scripture or why we would want to be yoked or even to have burdens.  But His yoke binds us to Jesus Christ and allows the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.  The world's yoke is a hard taskmaster, cruel in the long run.The longer you carry it's burdens, the heavier they become until they become unbearable!  But the Holy Spirit is a loving and wise teacher who governs our lives if we will submit.  His burden is light and the more you submit to the Holy Spirit, the lighter it becomes.   

​“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

Remember that it is not only sinners who carry burdens.  You can be a believer, not living in sin, and be heavily burdened in fear, anxiety, unbelief, envy, worry, anger, and much more.  If you are a believer who feels the weight of burdens search within yourself to find the source.  Maybe you are yoked to the wrong people or other associations.  Ask the Lord what you need to release to be free.  Seek His yoke above anything else!
​
The burdens of the world will drag you down.  The fun and pleasure of sin is fleeting and soon becomes a heavy weight.  Sometimes that burden is so heavy it's hard to get through the day.  Can you feel the weight of sin and wrong relationships and associations?  When it becomes too heavy and you are ready to trade your yoke in for Jesus' yoke, let it go.  Disconnect yourself from the world's yoke, joined to bad associations and sinful habits.  It comes off easily with the blood of Jesus. Take His yoke and feel the weight lift off you!  

Be ready,

Deborah
DeborahLuchie.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you