Taken by Force, Violence

“…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--share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]…” Matthew 11:12 AMP (italics and emphasis mine)

I have often wondered what exactly Jesus meant when He spoke of Kingdom suffering violence and that the violent shall take it by force? was He advocating physical violence? or was He speaking of spiritual violence. I am more inclined to believe on the latter; Apostle Paul speaks of the weapons of our warfare being spiritual and not carnal (2 Cor 10:4). Until the end of times, there is a constant warfare in the spirit realm.

The second we pass from the Kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God, all hell break loose. Satan attacks our mind, health, wealth, everything he can. His chief aim is to get us to go back to his kingdom. The secret is, he is a defeated foe and when we submit to God and “resist (FIGHT BACK, GO AGAINST, refuse, say no to, go contrary to) him” he shall flee. But we have to resist (violence?), God (or the Holy Spirit) will not do it for us (James 4:7)

“I believe in prosperity for I believe in God, for He gives me power to get wealth” © TJ Kyara

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Garbage in, Garbage Out

“…A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks…” Luke 6:45 AMP (italics and emphasis mine)

Every now and then we hear someone say something that is totally unlike his perceived "public" image to the surprise of everyone, sometimes including the speaker. The truth is what we speak, believe in and consequently act upon comes from what we consciously or unconsciously have allowed in our inner being (heart).

Therefore when we struggle with our speech, belief and actions (conduct/character/ behavior) not to fight them (what is coming out.)...but rather what we allow in our heart. It is impossible to believe and act in faith for God's healing, health, wealth, happiness when we allow anything else contrary into our hearts. This is why Proverbs (4:23) says we ought to keep (guard, protect, watch) our hearts with all diligence.

“I believe in prosperity for I believe in God, for He gives me power to get wealth” © TJ Kyara

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copyright 2009 Light to my path
Tim J Kyara
Husband of One, Father of many | www.timiresandassociates.com
Teacher of the Word | www.light2mypath.blogspot.com
Minister and Elder | www.christianrevivalcentreministry.org
Educator and Writer | www.centre4excellence.com
PhD Research Student | www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet

Your Move, Not His

“…God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change…” 2 Peter 3:9 MSG (italics and emphasis mine)

A fellow minister once told me that he believed whatever happens (or does not happen) is God's will and is bound to happen irrespective of his action or lack of it. He almost convinced me (with scriptures); then I thought: what is the point then for prayers, fasting, giving...what about senseless murders, innocent children dying everyday? what about when bad things happened to good people? Sadly, this minister is not alone, many people subscribe to this belief. Yet the scriptures tell us exactly the opposite.

Even though God doesn't want anyone to be lost, many will be because they choose not to accept the gift of God (acts of omission). Even though God pre-provided good works for us to work in them (Eph 2:10), we choose daily whether or not to walk in them...Your provision for salvation, health, wealth and happiness was completed before you came to being, it's your call to receive them, as you act by faith on His command daily.

“I believe in prosperity for I believe in God, for He gives me power to get wealth” © TJ Kyara

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copyright 2009 Light to my path
Tim J Kyara
Husband of One, Father of many | www.timiresandassociates.com
Teacher of the Word | www.light2mypath.blogspot.com
Minister and Elder | www.christianrevivalcentreministry.org
Educator and Writer | www.centre4excellence.com
PhD Research Student | www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet

Gilty by Association

“…righteous man should choose his friends carefully…” and “…He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed…” Proverbs 12:26a; 13:20 NKJV (italics and emphasis mine)

If you don’t understand a person, study his close companions (friends). You are not very far (all round) from your close companions. This is why Proverbs warns us to be careful on the choice of friends. In the business world they say your net-work dictates your net-worth and Paul drives the point home saying, “…do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character…” 1 Cor 15:33 AMP

Be very weary of friends who are comfortable when you are at your lowest. They pat you in the back and comfort you to accept your fate; they celebrate your mediocre and settle down with you in the average Joe camp. I for one choose to camp with friends whose success intimidates me, who pull me up and push me forward to do and be more than I am comfortable…who draw me out of my comfort zone.

“I believe in prosperity for I believe in God, for He gives me power to get wealth” © TJ Kyara