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,
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
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,
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 or 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
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,  
Do you believe you are being discipled in your church?  If you look back over the past year, have you grown and matured as a Believer?  Is the church as a whole more focused on keeping the congregation entertained and comfortable or on nurturing mature, strong, resilient believers in the Kingdom of God?  

Are you in leadership in church?  What is your responsibility to God in church? I didn't say your "position" and I didn't say your responsibility to the church. What are you doing to reproduce mature, strong disciples for the Kingdom of God?   Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ.  This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.  Ephesians 4:11-13 

Lastly, what are the benefits of a congregation filled with disciples?  Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.  He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.  Ephesians 4:14-16 While you are in Ephesians 4, take a minute to read the whole chapter.  It is so rich in wisdom and truth!

When someone gets saved and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, that "gets them through the door".  But that door is just the beginning to life in the Kingdom, and that life is for now and today, not for some "glad morning"!  We bring people through that door, set them in a pew and never show them the goodness of entering into a full, mature, fruitful productive life as a disciple in the Kingdom of God.  Jesus, while He walked among us, was always teaching about the Kingdom.  He never stopped teaching and developing His disciples.  We do a disservice to the congregation when we do not make our main focus nurturing new disciples!  

Start​ with God's Word and growing in wisdom and knowledge through the Word.  Many who sit in church on Sunday, haven't learned to read and understand scriptures.  Then teach how the Holy Spirit operates in our every day lives. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to understand God's Word. Some have turned the Holy Spirit into some kind of "spooky" ghost who shows up during church and makes people act crazy.  That isn't the Holy Spirit, but mostly our emotions.  Jesus never described the Holy Spirit in the way He is being presented in many of today's churches!   “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... Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make our home with each of them.  Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me.  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. John 14:15-17, 23-26   

If soldiers were in training, would they spend their days, gathered together, watching videos, listening to music and playing games?  No.  Their lives and the safety of their nation depend on them being ready for battle--physically, mentally and emotionally.  They would be given all the tools they need to be victorious in battle.  

We owe fellow believers in our care the same level of preparation.  The state of our world should give us a sense of urgency to be prepared!  Let's turn our focus to raising up strong, unshakable, immovable, bold disciples for the Kingdom of God.  Salvation is a great start, but it IS only the beginning.  It is unconscionable to allow babes in Christ to think they are set for life just where they are.  They have a calling, a purpose, a destiny in the Kingdom to fulfill.

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  
All NLT, unless noted.

 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

Dear fellow Believers,
Think about yourself for a moment. How much of your time with the Lord--in prayer, meditation, reading--is spent focusing on yourself?  How much of your time and attention is focused on others--praying for people, discipling others, telling people about Jesus, helping people in need or serving in your church?  What began as something good--Focusing on ourselves for self improvement and growth--has grown into an almost obsession of self-focus and selfishness.  It is insidious! 

I remember when pastors began moving away from messages about salvation, service and evangelism to "self-help" messages that sounded more like personal growth therapy sessions!  It seemed like a good direction to go because people were becoming more aware of their emotional and mental states and would, with that knowledge grow into mature, productive disciples of Christ.  The problem is, we ended up with an abundance of "me Christians"!  In essence, there are many Humanist Christians who don't even know that is what they have become. 

Wikipedia says: Christian humanism regards humanist principles like universal human dignity, individual freedom and the importance of happiness as essential and principal components of the teachings of Jesus. Now, the problem with that is that it puts "me" at the center of my universe and not Jesus.  It is like taking the sun and having it rotate around the earth.  We are not the center of the universe!

Also, I have read several articles that say being self-focused may increase depression but being focused on others and helping people in some way decreases depression.  "Getting your mind off yourself" just may be good advice!  That is understandable!

People whose lives are based on selfishness think about selfish things, but people whose lives are based on the Spirit think about things that are related to the Spirit. The attitude that comes from selfishness leads to death, but the attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.  So the attitude that comes from selfishness is hostile to God. It doesn’t submit to God’s Law, because it can’t. People who are self-centered aren’t able to please God.

But you aren’t self-centered. Instead you are in the Spirit, if in fact God’s Spirit lives in you. If anyone doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, they don’t belong to Him. Romans 8:5-9 CEB

We choose churches by the way it affects us:  the worship, the preaching, the child care, etc as if we were the center of the universe. You want to go somewhere where you can "Get your praise on!", get pumped up and know your children are well taken care of.  Have you ever gone "church shopping" with the focus being "Can God use me here?"  

I'm right there with you and until recently I never thought about it.  But this year the Holy Spirit changed my focus and I began seeing from a new perspective!  Once you see it, you can't unsee it! That is why I am writing. I want you to see also! 

We've got to get our eyes off of ourselves and back on Jesus! 

​Social media and our culture have created an epidemic of self-absorbed and narcissistic people.  It has caused them to look coldly on the hardships of others. As long as we keep our eyes on ourselves, we cannot advance the Kingdom of God in our community.  How many people will never come to know Jesus because we couldn't get our eyes and thoughts off of ourselves?  That is a sobering thought.   

Yes, once you see it, you won't be able to unsee it.  Be aware of your focus.  Is it Jesus focused?  Is it focused on discipleship, evangelism, serving others?  Or is it centered on you, how it relates to your life, your prosperity, your comfort, and your happiness?  

...Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1b-2 NLT

​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

Dear Fellow Believers,
"Hold every thought captive!" Those words are so powerful! They are the answer to most of our problems. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.  (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) 

Nothing “just happens”, even though we say it does.  How many times have we heard someone explain away sexual immorality of some sort by saying “it just happened”. 

No!  It started with a thought.

In that moment that the thought slid into their conscious mind, they grabbed hold of it.  In that split second, the thought is either embraced or thrown out.  It is hardly even a conscious action.  Once they embrace that thought by thinking about it, meditating on it…yes meditating on it.  That only means to play it over and over in your mind.  When you meditate on scripture, you say that scripture over and over in your mind.  You plant it in your mind.  That also happens with a sinful trap that has been sent to you.  Playing that thought over and over in your mind plants it there.  You begin to fantasize about it--that waters and fertilizes the seed--and it grows and until it becomes an overpowering desire.  Then “it just happens”.

That is only one example.  Most of our problems and emotional misery in our lives starts with a thought that we allow to get planted in our minds.  Fear, anxiety, depression, worry, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, addictions, bad financial choices, being abusive, criminal behavior, all the way up to murder—all start with a thought that is embraced and allowed to take root in our mind.  Then we feed it and water it by continuing to think about it and even talk about it, until it is so overpowering, we can’t control ourselves! 

To develop self-control and not be controlled by your emotions and desires, when a thought comes to your mind, grab hold of it in your mind.  Now hold that thought up to God’s Word.  How does it measure up?  How does it measure up to your walk with the Lord?  If it doesn’t, immediately cast it out of your mind!  Yes, visualize your hand throwing it far away from you.  Then guard your mind from allowing it back in.  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.  (Philippians 4:8-9)

Two lies that will defeat you if you believe them:

• Fantasies are harmless because it is only in your mind and you won't act on them.  FALSE  They will get rooted in your mind and grow to the point of obsession and you will act on those fantasies.
• You can't truly control your emotions, because that is just how you are.  FALSE  Your emotions serve a purpose, but you must learn to control them and not let them control you.  Self control is a fruit of the Spirit.  It is not a gift of the Spirit, but a fruit.  Fruit must be nurtured and cultivated to mature and be beneficial.  When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
  
  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 5:19-25)

​
​Galatians says it all right there! One step at a time, stepping into a fruitful Kingdom life!  With the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can mature as citizens of the Kingdom.  We don't have to be tossed around by our emotions.  That can be exhausting and bring us so much grief and heartache.

Hold every thought captive.  Then decide if it should be part of who you are or if it should be cast out of your mind. Your mind is not the world's dumping ground!

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