SEPTEMBER 15; THE VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE.

Matthew 11:12 ‘And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.’

DAILY READING • Luke 10:21-42; Genesis 18; Psalm 11

John Knox is known as the most famous Protestant Reformer of Scotland.
He was mentored by a fearless preacher named George Wishart who boldly peached against the evil leaders of his day. At that time, the Church in Scotland was in a sorry state and the nation was steeped in doctrinal and ecclesiastical compromise.
Because of his fearless preaching, George Wishart was arrested and burned at the stakes.
As John Knox witnessed his martyrdom he resolved to continue the work of George Wishart by speaking out against the evil in the nation.
However, realizing that he greatly needed divine help to overcome the tyrannical leadership, he embarked on fervent prayers to draw grace and strength.
John Knox is especially known for his prayer “Give me Scotland, or I die.” This was the passionate prayer of a man willing to die for the salvation of his countrymen.
Although he was imprisoned and enslaved, and often suffered under the threats of persecution, he always believed that “one man with God is always in the majority.”
Indeed the prayers of this one man heard at the throne of God became a threat to the throne of Scotland.
It was said that Mary Queen of Scots trembled whenever John Knox went on his knees to pray. She even once said that “she would rather face the armies of England than the prayers of John Knox”.
Through the many persecution and battles, John Knox refused to give up his quest. He persevered and prayed with such intensity until revival came to Scotland. John Knox led the Protestant Reformation which became a revolution that eventually delivered Scotland from its tyrannical leaders and brought positive changes to the nation.

Mathew 11:12 says “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force”.

The word “violence” suggests ferocity, passion, and intensity. As believers, we must be relentless in prayers to fight on our knees until we see the results we desire.
The Amplified Bible translates Matthew 11:12, “…a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion.”

Indeed spiritual zeal and fervency is needed to see God’s will established in our lives.

This year, there is a prophetic word over our lives.
However, we must be willing to wage a good warfare on our knees if we are to see the fulfillment.
Victory will come when we become spiritually violent against the hindrances and oppositions against our progress. It is not enough to leave the prophecy hanging dormant.
You can’t be docile when dealing with the devil. If you don’t engage violence in prayer and remain persistent, you may not see the fulfillment of the prophesied wonders for this year.
The enemy knows that if you persist, you will surely receive, this is why he has been trying to discourage and weary you to give up before your answer comes. But if you refuse to faint, it is only a matter of time before you finally reap.[Galatians 6:9].
Indeed to every sowing season, there is a reaping season.

Perhaps today, you are believing God for answers in your finances, health, family, business, relationships or for a breakthrough in a certain area; make up your mind to push in prayer until something happens.
Don’t give up on sowing seeds of prayer into those situations until you see your desired miracles. Surely, as you continue to press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory, you will soon see your harvest of blessings and manifestation of wonders.

PRAYER: Lord I thank You for the grace to persevere in prayer until I see the wonders You have in store for me. Thank You for speedy fulfillment of every prophetic word over my life this year in Jesus Name.
QUOTE:
The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222.