Citizenship

          The definition of Citizen is a legally recognized subject or national of a state, either native or naturalized. My kids say they are American citizens and for some reason I cringe when they say that. We have an earthly citizenship for sure but our focus as Children of God is more about our heavenly citizenship. We must teach our children, “For our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself (Philippians 3:20-21).” If you haven’t notice America’s citizenship and culture are complete opposite of Jesus’s citizenship/culture. I didn’t really understand who and what we were called to be until reading and learning more about 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He mad Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

          I realized how Lucifer has tricked/manipulated us with this very concept. “In God We Trust,” placed on money which is the root of all evil. “Make America Great,” which shows pride over all others, “Black Lives, Blue Lives, All Lives Matter slogans that have only caused more anger, hostility, violence and sin. He has used politics, media and slogans/concepts that causes all to focus away from God as his strategy. I was never into politics because it never was interesting to me and I always believed all politicians are liars/corrupt. Lucifer is laughing at us right now because he has entangled us into this trap. Democrat vs Republican, White vs Black, CNN vs FOX, Liberal vs Conservative, Tik Tok, Facebook, Systemic Racism, COVID killing minorities, Topic of Abortion causing more lawlessness and taking focus away from God.

          Matthew 24, you will hear of wars and rumors of war, for nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes….all these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake…and then many will be offended, will betray one another and will hate one another. False prophets will rise and deceive man, and BECAUSE LAWLESSNESS will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. It is a genus strategy for Lucifer to use simple Slogans and Politics to cause division among God’s children. I am sure many of us reading this have gotten into arguments about politics with family or even at work. He is blinding us to get involved in matters that God does not want us to be involved with. Whenever there is doubt about something we must always turn to the WORD of God.      

          Romans 13, let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves. If we are ambassadors, it means we must follow the rules/laws of the land. The reason why there is so much lawlessness is because our focus is not on God. This world has turned its back on God and we see that everywhere. These things have to unfold just like the Bible tells us it will. If we are truly children of God, then we are obedient to God and his law. We are not protesting violently, stealing, murdering, arguing about politics, being greedy for money, breaking the law, not involved in child/pornography, prostitution, adultery etc. We are focusing on Jesus Christ and his second coming. Lucifer wants us to be involved with earthly issues because it weakens our relationship with God. We must respect and obey the law of the land as God commands, but we must not get involved with them.       

          Jesus preached in John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here.” Jesus did not let Satan tempt him when he offered all the kingdoms of the earth if he fell down and worshipped him. Then why as believers should we be concerned with the issues of this world. Christians are here to have a relationship with God, spread his testimony/our faith, gave us the Holy Spirit to heal the sick/cast out demons and prepare for his return. Never in the Bible did it mention being a Republican/Conservative or Democrat/Liberal. Do not fall into Satan’s trap! He is more desperate then ever as he knows his time is running out! He is not the greatest Deceiver for no reason, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).” It is the Blood of Jesus that has given us Salvation/Mercy/Forgiveness and Grace. 

          Titus 3 is an amazing chapter to read daily to remind us how to be act/behave during these days. Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that have been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. We are trying to get eternal life in heaven, not worry about the concerns of this mortal world! 

          Verse 9-11 is very important in terms to avoid Lucifer’s trap. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Whether you are a CNN or FOX person, shut that garbage off. THERE is not ONE PERSON OR GOVERNMENT that is capable of STOPPING the WORD OF GOD unfolding right in front of our eyes. All of this and everything that has happened and will happen is written in the Word of God. Instead of wasting time with the news, social media, FOCUS on the Word of God and continue to learn and preach the word in the way God has given you the talent. Being Red or Blue has no bearing to your citizenship in heaven, but it can cause you to lose paradise. We are foreigners to this world, when we decide to accept Jesus Christ and become Baptized and Filled with the Holy Spirit. This world will pass away and “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (Revelations 21:1).” This is our home, our citizenship that we as believers are all waiting for when Jesus returns in all his glory. The only concern/goal as True Believers is to face the judgement of God, have our name written in the Book of Life and to be able to spend Eternity with God! The alternative is our souls will be in the Lake of Fire for eternity, being tortured and tormented with no end. The world’s issues don’t seem so important when it comes to God, our Faith, Soul and Eternity. 

         I was listening to K-love this morning and a woman came on speaking about her mother who was placed in Hospice. She passed and the daughter mentioned that our “Citizenship” is in Heaven. I wrote this message a few days ago. If we humble ourselves we can hear God speaking to us and where God wants to direct our lives. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be  added unto you (Matthew 6:33).” This is all happening for a reason and God is showing us what is coming!

          

 

 

 

 

 

WAR

         God created the angels who were spiritual beings with unique roles but shared the common purpose of worshiping God and ministering to his people. Lucifer was the first angel to rebel and disobey God, which also means angels have Free Will. In Ezekiel 28:12-15 God describes the beauty of Lucifer, You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz and diamond, beryl, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship off your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.” This is God describing a perfect creation, who had everything and anything anyone could probably imagine. He was in the presence of God, perfection, yet it was not enough for him because of his Pride. He became so impressed with his own beauty, intelligence, power and position that he began to desire for himself the honor and glory that belonged to God alone. He lusted to be even greater than God and corrupted other angels too also rebel against God. Lucifer becomes Satan, witch means Adversary! His heart became sinful, “For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:12-13).” “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer, So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (Revelations 12:9-10).” 

Lucifer is not in Hell as many movies depict. Lucifer was kicked out of heaven and his demons are wandering the earth and other high places trying to deceive as many people as they can before the return of Christ. The earth was given to Lucifer as his kingdom by God. In Matthew 4:8-9, the devil offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if he falls down and worships him. This is showing Lucifer’s kingdom is on the earth, until the return of Jesus Christ. We can see in Job 1:6-7, The sons of God (angels) came to present themselves before the Lord and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” It is ironic because many are looking below/underneath them to find the devil/demons when most likely they are above us and walking the earth. He uses the internet, media and technology to spread his lies and cause millions to be lost. He uses the pulpit in church to manipulate the lost and spread his Book of Lies. 

He is not this ugly/disgusting looking monster with sharp teeth and horns we see in horror movies. He was perfection created by the one who is perfect. He will probably be a very handsome, educated, charming person similar to the Anti-Christ who he will give power over to rule the earth. For Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Satan and the fallen angels, now demons were once holy angels who ministered in the presence of God. They are skilled at counterfeiting the work of God’s servants. Lucifer knows the Bible better than most and knows how to manipulate it and we see that in many churches today. He will give authority to the Anti-Christ to rule over the earth and a prophet who will also do wonders like the Anti-Christ and deceive people to worship the Beast. These 2 beings will most likely be also charismatic, handsome, educated and rule over all the nations. They will bring peace to the world, a new religion and do signs and wonders that will blind many non-believers from the truth and damn their souls to an eternity of torment. 2 Corinthians 4:3:4, But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 

What kind of war is happening between us and Lucifer? For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). From the day we are born there is a war for our souls. God in Revelations 13:7-8 grants him (Lucifer) to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. We cannot say there won’t be a physical and/or mental component involved if we are still present during the Great Tribulation. Hebrews 10:36, For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 12:1-2, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

The best part about this WAR is that we already know the outcome. Lucifer knows he only has a short time as it says in Revelations 12:12, and he is trying to condemn as many people as he can with him. Revelations 19:19-21, And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against his army. Then the beast was captured and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. When we continue to read Revelations 20, Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up and set a seal on him so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished….Satan will be released again after the 1000 years, will try to deceive and war again only to be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. God will then judge all the people according to their works, by the things which were written in the Book of Life. 

WAR is inevitable and Armageddon is certain. Battles may be lost as believers but the WAR will be won by Jesus Christ. Lucifer already knows his fate when he rebelled against God. He wants to take down as many people as he can with the time allowed to him by God. “Therefore take up the while armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:13-20). The WAR is coming, are you ready? Which side will you be on when it occurs? 

Relationship

No man is an island entire of itself. We define relationship as the way in which 2 more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. The first relationship we see in the Bible is God and Adam. God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27). He gave dominion to man over the earth and God said that everything he had made was very good. God created the Garden of Eden and put man to tend and keep it. He allowed Adam to name all the living creatures in Genesis 2:19. God knew that man should not be alone and from Adam's rib he made a woman, Eve (Genesis 2:22). "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:24-25)." God gave Adam and Eve a paradise, where no sickness, no hunger, no shame, no sin, no pandemic, no fear and no death could ever enter the Garden. God gave everything that was good and nothing to harm them because of his love and made us in his image. There was only one rule in Genesis 2:17, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you she will not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.

Let us examine the relationship, God our Heavenly Father wants with us, which he freely gives and intended with Adam and Eve. Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” God determined the exact time of our births (Acts 17:26, Psalms 71:6). Acts 17:28, we are his offspring. He predestined us according to his purpose and chose all of us when he planned creation (Ephesian 1:11-12). We are not a mistake, for all our days are written in God’s book (Psalms 139:15-16). God offers greater gifts than our earthly father could ever offer (Matthew 7:11). God wants to bestow his love upon us simply because we are his children and he is our Father (I John 3:1). Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17). He loves his children with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). 

Matthew 6:31-33, God tells us to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall added unto you. He is our provider and will meet all everyone one of our needs. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). Philippians 2:13, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Psalms 37:4, Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Exodus 19:5, If you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is mine. Deuteronomy 4:29, states you will find God if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you have this relationship with God, you are not seeking earthly treasures. Fame and fortune are not eternal but our souls are forever. He ordained all of us to be messengers of his word and to live our lives seeking him. 

God has no limits and is able to above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). He is our Great Comforter and gives us Consolation in times of sadness and loss (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). God is there for the broken hearted, delivers those from affliction and redeems the souls of his servants (Psalms 34:18-22). He loves us so much that he gave is only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). For in Jesus, God’s love is revealed (John 17:26). God sent Jesus to die for our sins and to reconcile the relationship between Father and this sinful world. Jesus’s death was the ultimate expression of God’s love for us (I John 4:10). In Romans 8:31-32, God did not spare his own son, but delivered Him up for us all. He gave up everything he loved, that he may gain your love. God is waiting for us and want all of us to walk the narrow path and enter into heaven. Matthew 5:48, God is the perfect Father. 

We also see the relationship between husband and wife. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Hebrew 13:4). “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.  Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband rendered to his wife the affection due to her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.  The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.  Do not deprive one another accept consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self–control (I Corinthians 7:1-5).” Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and is being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:2). Colossians 3:18-25 explains what a Christian home should be like. Wives, submit to your own husbands and husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter/harsh toward them. Children, obey your parents and fathers, do not provoke your children, les they become discouraged. Do everything with a sincere heart and fearing God. Husbands should love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself (Ephesians 5:28). Finding a virtuous wife is more precious than jewels and the husband safely trusts her (Proverbs 31-10-31 speaks about qualities of a virtuous wife). Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14). 

God only created good things and is the definition of good. Lucifer wanted to be greater than God and brought sin into this world. Everything that the Bible labels as sin, God is trying to protect us from it. Sin destroys our relationship with God. God gets angry towards all sin because this behavior destroys the relationship he wants with us. The devil wants you to have a relationship with sin, because that means he becomes your Father. Lucifer wants to be God and be worshipped like God. He is jealous and hates anyone loving, praising, or worshipping God. God’s desire is for love, peace, grace, humility and harmony with Him and all of creation. God yearns to have a relationship with us, so much that he gave his only son to break the bonds of sin and death. Jesus was ridiculed, tortured, mocked and crucified for our sake and because of God’s love for us. Lucifer is trying to destroy the relationship between God and Man like he did with Adam and Eve. 

Lucifer is also trying to destroy the Family relationship between husband and wife. So many children grow up fatherless/motherless or parents are divorced/separated. God must be head of the family first and foremost. Then the father, wife and children. This is being destroyed by Lucifer currently. As per US divorce rate per 1000 married women, almost 50% of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce or separation.  41% of all first marriages ended in divorce. 60% of second marriages ended in divorce. Both marriage rates and divorce rates in the US are decreasing in 2016 but that is due to millennials choosing to wait longer to get married and staying married longer as the main driver in the decline. But that does not mean that they are not having physical/sexual relationships before getting married. As we can see pornography is up during the pandemic, dating apps like tinder and others promote sexual immorality. If there is no relationship between God and the family, then there is for sure no relationship between the husband and wife. That will lead to failure and sin every time. Apps like Tik Tok, Instagram, FB …etc take your relationship away from God and the truth. It focuses on SELF, which the devil wants us to do. When there is no relationship with God in the House, then there is no discipline, no love, no regret, no compassion, no self-control and we can lose ourselves as well as our children. 

Lucifer knows if he breaks these relationships between God, Man, Husband and Wife this is the very foundation of Christianity. Christianity is not a religion but a Relationship with God. Once that tie is severed, the devil can blind us, harden our hearts and sin will continue in our lives. Lucifer became prideful and broke his relationship with God and was cast out of heaven. He decided to focus on himself saying, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of congregation ….. I will be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:13-14). Lucifer focused only on himself, but focus on your relationship with God and Family. While the pandemic is occurring, who did we shelter in place with during this time? It is with God and Family. God is trying to show you in times of danger and trouble the relationship that lasts the test of time is God and Family (Husband/Wife/Children). God is waiting for you to reach out and ask to have a relationship with him. He does not condemn you but wants to free you from the chains of sin. He is there to listen, care, bless, teach and guide you through your Christian journey. The Bible is accessible to all and when you decide to open that book, accept Christ and begin a relationship with him by praying, your life will change forever.