Time to Get Violent!

Hello everyone,

Ever heard of experiencing days of heaven on earth? Does it sound too good to be true? Well, Jesus taught us to pray this very thing and by faith see it become our daily reality. In Matthew 6:10, He said we are to pray that His kingdom would come and His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Now, the kingdom of heaven is run on the principles and authority and power of God, with no resistance. The Bible tells us Jesus came to earth to demonstrate how to access and operate in God’s kingdom way of living in this world, where there is much resistance to it. That’s why He placed so much emphasis on living controlled by the Holy Spirit; to operate in His power, authority, and dominion, while we are in this world.  

Jesus showed us how to take authority over the devil and the elements, and made a practical and tangible exhibition of God’s goodness to all people, everywhere He went. Then…He went to the cross, defeated the devil, rose again and handed the baton over to the Holy Spirit to do His work through us!

To experience days of heaven on earth is only possible through the dominating power of the Holy Spirit that resides within us. It also requires a strong and radical commitment and determination for those who choose to live it. A determination that requires us to forcefully stand our ground and deliberately push back all resistance from the devil, who mercilessly seeks to steal, kill and destroy this inheritance we have as children of God.  

This kind of action requires a violent kind of faith! Look at what Matthew 11:12 says: “And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].”

In the original Greek, this verse conveys the idea that Jesus set up the kingdom of heaven as a powerful movement, or reign, among men; which requires of them an equally strong and radical reaction. The footnote in Nelson’s Spirit-Filled Life Bible says, “The violent, who take it by force, are people of keen enthusiasm and commitment who are willing to respond to and propagate with radical abandonment the message and dynamic of God’s reign.” 

Praise the Lord! Now that is a clear call to end all passive complacency in our Christian walk! This mentality of ‘what will be, will be’ has no place in the life of a believer who is fervent about His victory and freedom in Christ Jesus, and completing His God-given assignment here on earth.  

When Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan, they all returned acknowledging that it really was a land flowing with milk and honey. However, there was a ferocious enemy they would have to contend with to possess it. Only Joshua and Caleb were confident to go up, at once, and take the land. They knew that just as God had promised the land was good, He would keep His promise to go with them, empowering them to take it – regardless of what stood in the way.  

Caleb pleaded with the people to be strong and courageous and move forward, trusting in God’s promises. This was the only way they were going to possess the land. It wasn’t that the people didn’t want to live in the Promised Land; the problem was they had no faith or zeal to get up and do something about it. You see, God never promised His people they wouldn’t have to fight, He promised they would WIN every time they put their faith in Him and moved forward in obedience.

Years later, under the leadership of Joshua, God instructed the Israelites to take that Promised Land. They were to go armed and ready for battle (Joshua 4:13; 6:9). Unlike those before them, they were filled with courage and faith – and a strong determination to put that faith into action. As a result, God miraculously moved on their behalf and empowered them to take what was rightfully theirs. 

The same is true for every believer. We can’t remain passive when it comes to living in our inheritance. The devil isn’t going to just let go and hand over what belongs to you. You have to get violent in your faith. So determine to be so committed to the things of God that the devil stands no chance of holding anything from you. This way you will stop being fearful, know who you are in Christ, and stand strong in faith. Use your words of faith to declare what is yours, and act like someone who has the victory. You’ll put the devil on the run as you advance God’s kingdom by force!

Next week we are going to learn how to practically sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus and reign with Him in life!  

Much love,

Jenny