Lyn Bell
Dr. John Warren
Spiritual Warfare
Slaying the Giants in Your Life What are the giants in your life? David Jeremiah reminds us that we have giants in our lives like David, Moses, Abraham and others. The giants in our lives have different names of fear, loneliness, doubt, discouragement, failure, jealousy, worry, anger, guilt, and procrastination. Just like the biblical ancients overcame their giants, we too must overcome our giants. In doing so we must allow God to help us in the process in knowing that He is with us and will empower us in overcoming. Fear Fear is a major problem in the land of the giants. This giant comes in so many forms. Fear has gripped us all at some point in our lives. Thousands are affected daily in some type of fear or another. But fear is a common part of the fabric of living. Fear gives us burst of strength and speed when we need and is a good thing in a survival instinct situation. When fear becomes negative it then becomes a phobia. This is when fear and reason does match up. When fear becomes ill rational, it becomes a shackle that bind us and put us into bondage. This bondage will keep us from the routine things in life of working, playing, living and serving God. There are so many varieties of fears. This is a listing of six general categories that we face in fear: poverty, criticism, loss of love, illness, old age and death. When we read the bible we can see that those living in biblical times often were tormented by the same fears that we face today. It would seem that Christians would not have the same challenges with fear as the unbeliever instead the fears are the same. Fear does five major things in God’s will for us. It disregards His plans, distorts His purpose, discourages His people, disbelieves His promises and disobeys His principles. In the passage of Deuteronomy 1:19-21, we see that God had great plans for the Israelites in that He had given to them the land He promised. God has a plan for us and we should claim it with joyful assurance. Fear disregards that plan. We are to stop living in cowering fear. Fear brings out the worst in us. In fear we find ourselves complaining, distrustful and finger-pointing and filled with despair. In Deuteronomy 1:27-28 the spies view of the enemy was distorted by fear. In the midst of fear, our ability to reason becomes weak and our perceptions are distorted. Another effect of fear is discouragement and it can be contagious. In the case of the spies sent to survey the land in Joshua, they came back with negative reports. Ten of the twelve, and those 10 spies infected the entire camp of Israelites. This fear was so deeply entrenched it them 40 years to recover from it. Fear is quite infectious as demonstrated by the response of when fire is yelled. Everyone responds immediately. The promise of God is disbelieved when fear is on the horizon. Although the Israelites were and He reminded them of the many miracles they witnessed in the wilderness and still allowed fear to overcome them. When we are in fear or fearful, we are disobeying God. The simple phrase “fear not” is in the Bible repeatedly. Because it is stated in the imperative tense, it is a command and not an option. So when we are in fear we are simply disobeying God. In the case of the Israelites, their disobedience cost them 40 years of wandering in the desert. From this point we must face the giant of fear. In do so you must confront your fear honestly. In order to do so you must acknowledge the source of your fear. If the answer is not immediately on the surface, ask the Lord to reveal the source of your fear. Next you must confess your fear as sin. Because we already know that fear is sin, then repentance is imminent. When we repent we place this disobedient sin before the Lord and leave it with Him. After confession we must claim God’s promises of protection. God gave us the Bible which is filled with practical promises. Scripture after scripture reminds us of God’s willed and desires for us. Deuteronomy 3:16 states: Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Soaking in God’s word will keep us filled with his commandments and ready when the devil attacks When confronting fear, cultivate a closer relationship of God. It’s during the time of tribulation that you seek God more. When our lives are filled with intimidation draw closer to God receiving his love and knowing that he is there protect us. Lastly in confronting fear we must commit our lives to Jesus Christ. The largest fear to overcome is death. We can live in fear of dying, but once your life is given to Christ you realize that to live is Christ and to die is gain as written Philippians 1:21. In God we are victorious.

Destroying Your Discouragement Often life’s challenges can leave the best of us discouraged. To be discouraged means to be deprived of courage, deterred or disheartened. It also means to grow weary and we are warned in Galatians 6:9, not to grow wearing in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Repeatedly the Bible encourages us not to lose heart instead we are encouraged to pray. In order to overcome discouragement we must recognize it. The author uses the building project in the book of Nehemiah to illustrate on to destroy discouragement. Fatigue is one opens the door for the enemy to shoot in discouragement. Pushing pass reasonable limits for too long negate the positive returns. Frustration is another factor of discouragement that often leads to burn out. Burn out is when you find yourself working, but the vision is blurred or there are goals that are not clearly defined. The enemy will use negativity to discourage you. In responding to discouragement, you must cry out to God. Nehemiah prayed to the Lord at all times. The normal response is to try everything in our power and cry out to God last. He is our last resort instead of our first choice. It is good to cry to God and just let go. The next response is to continue forth in what God has given you to do. Don’t quit. Often in the darkness of discouragement, reach out to encourage others and find a filling for yourself.

Liberation from Loneliness In order to be liberated from loneliness, one must be honest about your feelings. Loneliness is real and painful. As Christians we too often gloss over the true feelings of where we are in. The fear of appearing not believers and faithful hangs to our outer shell. First we must accept God’s provision for loneliness, allow His word to fill our minds and hearts and engage with other Christians. Reach out and take his hand discover how the power of God will overcome the feelings of loneliness.

Winning Against Worry Worry comes with being human. How you respond to worry is the difference. Worry is a useless and unhealthy parasite to emotion. Its drains and depletes you. The mind of a worrier is torn between real and the possible, the immediate and the potential. The worrier attempts to get ahead by knowing then future. The problem with that is the worrier isn’t in the future and the future doesn’t belong to him. There is a difference between worry and planning or not being concerned. Worry is inconsistent, irrational, ineffective, illogical and irreligious. In fighting worry you need a system of priorities. Seek the things of God first, live the righteous life. Let the chips fall where they may for a change. When we do this, all other things will be added to you (Matt. 6:33). It’s easy to quote this, but putting it into play takes on another aspect. By rebuilding our priority system with God in the center, we will lay a foundation that will cover us from worry and stress. A strategic program brings us to the point of not worrying about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. (Matt.6:34). The Bible has four verses of weapons concerning worry. Psalm 50:15 says to call upon the Lord in your day of trouble, for I will deliver you and you shall glorify me. Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be move (Psalm 55:22). Cast all your care upon Him; for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7). Take on the six words of wisdom for worriers. Worry about nothing – pray about everything.

Guarding Against Guilt Guilt is a big giant to overcome, and one that is most invisible but heavy. It is a slow killer, but very painful. Judas died from guilt. Many mothers and fathers that abort their child lived with guilt. The agony of guilt can be found in silence, sorrow and secrecy. When we are in guilty silence we not can’t talk to people, but don’t talk to God. Then we are filled with sorrow. The secrecy causes us to isolate from others that can be of help. The backdrop for this giant is the story of David and Bathsheba. David was tormented with guilt for about a year, but God lovingly gave him an out with the prophet Nathan. To push away guilt is to that it goes nowhere. The step to recovery is to own up to your sin, instead of shifting the blame. Confession is good for the soul. Too often we lie to ourselves and lie to God as well. Our sin is hidden from us because of the lack of confession. We can hide sin so well that we begin to believe our own lies. The answer to guilt is to remove the sin. As shown by this author, David in Psalm 51 asked to be cleaned of his sin. Then the psalmist asks God to restore the joy of living a redeemed life, renewing their fellowship as well, and refocus the future.

Taming Temptation The enemy is hell bent on destroying the beauty of God’s creations. Any small opening that he can, he will use it to kill, steal and destroy. The church is not immune to temptation. Instead even in biblical times we find the people were plagued with moral failure and other sins. The enemy hammers at everyone trying to live for Christ, the pastor, deacons, church leaders and lay people alike. He doesn’t have any specific gender or age. Temptation can be very subtle and blinds us as it slowly ensnares us. Jesus too was tempted, but he never gave in, he never sinned. Temptation is not sin. That point is crucial and missed by most people. Temptation is a fork in the road. The devil is smart as we mature in the Lord he tempts us with more treacherous and subtle choices. It is important to remember as you walk along the way that the Lord will walk with you and hold your hand, pointing the right direction to go. The choices are easier, but they do bring more reward. Regardless of the temptations the devil brings, God gives you glorious sight that is reserved for those that follow him with the highest of devotion. In the measure of temptation, God is faithful in that He doesn’t allow more than we are able to withstand as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:13. God allows temptation for reasons, but at the same time measuring the capacity and setting the limits for each individual. Whenever we fall to temptation, it’s because we do so in free will, not because it has overcome us. The key is to stand firm when faced with temptation. Knowing that Christ is there and will never forsake you will give you victory every time. The test of temptation helps demonstrate our love for Christ. Without the test every now and then, what would be our measure of growth? We should walk our journey with knowledge that God provides the avenue of escape from temptation. He knows the outcome before begin, what circumstances are involved and has made provision. Hebrews 2:18 tells us that Christ suffered, just as we suffer today. He walked the earth 2000 years ago, facing all kinds of temptations and knows the choices we face. Over all our love for Christ, not just our knowledge of Him is greater than what the world offers and will over shadow those desires or temptations. When a person is tempted, there is a defining moment that allows for retreat. Whether we answer the call of the small still voice or push past it decides whether we fall or stand. When faced with temptation run and not test you will. The check list for taming temptation starts with recognizing the possibility of a temptation. Too often as Christians we think we are above temptations of the enemy and later exclaim I can’t believe this happen to me. The worst we can do is fall into spiritual arrogance, thinking we are above the law, then surely we shall fall prey. The delusion of pride and arrogance leads to the path of destruction. During times so of temptation, we must pray and be careful. Jesus encourages us to watch and pray. We must be alert, asking God for humility and awareness to the enemy’s ploys. The enemy is so good at baiting and switching that we must ask God to help us see. Without this the enemy will spring temptation upon us with warning. If not careful, it would catch us at the worst. Every day carry hazards for Christians, it’s important that we pray constantly for awareness and strength. The Bible says to stand firm, James 4:7 promises that if we resistant the devil he shall flee. Using the Word (the sword) as Jesus did to come against the devil. When he did so, the devil did depart from him. We must recognize, request help and resist. We must when to resist and when to retreat. There are times we should resist the devil and then there are times we need to run from the devil. According to Mark Twain the best way to protection yourself from the devil is to be a coward. There are times that the word cowardice is another word for wisdom. The Bible is specific in there are three kinds of sins to flee from. The first is idolatry. We should recognize that idols are anything that comes between you and God. Personal idolatry is a foundation for spiritual danger. It wears and tears at your soul. Secondly the Bible says to flee from immorality. Twice the New Testament states to run when faced with immorality. 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 2 Timothy 2:22 says to run. Sexual temptation is a demonic trump card. There is something unique and terrible about its power over people. The devil often uses this to tear down those in ministry, marriage and maturing in the Spirit. Lastly we should flee from greed. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil… (1Timothy 6:10-11). Actually this is another form of idolatry. It is quite prevalent in our society and the Bible knows how it affects even the strongest Christian. It is best to avoid temptations. If you know something tempts you, the according to Proverbs 4:14-15, don’t go there and take another route. Paul put it in Romans 13:14 that we should “make no provision for the flesh.” If this is an area of temptation, then don’t make excuses for it and don’t try to rationalize it. In our journey we must be careful of those that we walk with. Regardless to your resolve, others can and will influence you to stray from the truth. Although we need both salt and light, believers and nonbelievers, we have to have wisdom in the choosing our acquaintances and friends. The Bible states that we should avoiding being unequally yoked. Yoked is to be tied with someone. So what fellowship would have righteousness and lawlessness together? The key resolve is to take the high road. As Christians often we make a commitment to Christ, but yet walk the middle of the road with it. Most are not sold out for Christ. Yes they attend church, volunteer and perhaps read their bibles, but they haven’t given their all to Christ. Walking the middle is the most dangerous of roads. It’s the path of lukewarm faith, which really is not a path. Instead the author describes it as a jungle. When the big decisions come there is enough faith for conviction, but nothing for sustaining the conviction. We have to be determined to let nothing keep us from hearing from God. We must know that God is always faithful and it’s to Him that we should turn in the face of temptation.

Attacking Anger The world full of anger people and it often manifest in forms of rage. Anger can be elusive and so dangerous that it can become irrational, very powerful and often suddenly. Anger can’t see the consequences of its behavior. Anger is not doesn’t have fuse, on the contrary is quite short. In certain situations, the shortness of its fuse is explosive and dangerous. These days we see more short fused anger like never before. We are to the point that rage has become a challenge so that invokes fear to the point people are afraid to go outside. Anger is not only dangerous to the person it’s taken out on, but even more so to the person is angry or in a rage. There is justifiable anger, even Christ got angry and showed his anger. It’s often people rationalize that if Christ could be angry then they too is entitled to anger, to whatever degree. Today’s society encourages venting your anger on the person who put you into a bad spot. On the other hand the Bible offers no options. In fact it encourages not give any place to it. In fact the Bible says if you are angry, you just as guilty of murder. Lately psychologists are rethinking this rationale of venting anger, because it has noticed that it increases or solidifies a hostile spirit and harmful habit. The difference in the anger that we see exhibited by Jesus in Bible is that it is righteous anger and not anger from being offended of self. His actions are redemptive versus temperamental. In the case of sinful anger how does one denounce it? Anger is at some point a choice. We can’t hold on stuff as suggested by Paul. Each day we are clear all accounts and start with a clean book. We should move on. Anger feels good, so we savor it, even to the point of fantasying about how to get even or plan of attack. Nursing anger is not how God desires us to live. A grudge is like a cancer attacking the soul; it becomes poison and eventually will kill the spirit of a person. As we are warned in Hebrews 12:15 that we should not allow a root of bitterness to spring up and cause trouble, defiling the garden of relationships. Don’t allow relationships with others that are angry or sarcastic change you as a person. If you must being with others with those characteristics, be aware of the scripture that reminds of to not make friends with an angry man, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul. So instead of indulging in anger, reverse it. To reverse anger is to offer redemption instead of retaliation. There is no anger that is greater than godly grace. Grace of course is not the natural way we behave, so we have to draw on the supernatural. As a Christian we should not do what is expected, but draw upon the very nature of Christ which is within grasp through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Resisting your Resentment Resent is not current anger, but anger multiplied by time. It is constantly there, lurking beneath the surface. All the time it appears we are okay, when under it all there is a terrible resentment living. Resentment is a modern word, not found in the Bible. The Bible deals with resentment in 1 Corinthians the 13, when it describes love as not keeping any records. Love as this reference, remembers to forget. Resent robs us of many possibilities when we continually hold onto it. Resentment has been described as swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die. In holding on to resentment, we not jeopardize our health. The author outlines five steps to helping resist the sin of resentment. It is medically shown that people hang on to resentment to give themselves a feeling of superiority over the person that is being resented. In a place of resentment we become judge and jury and to move from there we have to think it through, coming to a rational conclusion of the process. Another way to deal with resentment is to write down our thoughts concerning a situation. It’s during the organization of our thoughts and emotions that we can discover what may have seemed something terrible, actually is not so bad after all. Of course getting physical, helps relief the tension of anger, as well as clearing your head. It provides an outlet in being an escape valve that doesn’t allow bitterness to backlog. The best way to rid oneself of resentment is to take it to God. In prayer you will find the way to forgiveness and God’s grace. In receiving God’s forgiveness, only helps us to forgive others. In seeing his complete love, mercy and grace, you will begin to see and feel less resentment toward others. Last the best way to resist resentment is to give it up. It is hard for the nature of the human to forgive in our own strength. It seems impossible to do so, whether its 5 months or 5 years we are trying to get free. When we realize that only God can enable us to forgive and we cry out for his help, then we are truly able to forgive.

Disarming your Doubts Often we are besieged by doubt, because of the past or present circumstances. Although we are strong in our faith, still doubt creeps in. Doubt is often the question that comes afterward the something has happened. To doubt is human. It’s during this time that we must look onward to the Lord for assistance. Doubt developments when we are alone, in solitude. Its there when darkness feeds doubt. The result often is physical illness and emotional depression that causes the body to fatigue. The thing about doubt is it never turns away from the truth. It consistently moves forward for the truth. Throughout history a hint of doubt changed the course of man’s best lain plans. It during a season of doubt that we are drawn back to Christ deepens and defines our faith by the experiences we go through. To disarm doubt we first must admit that they exist, define them clearly and then turn to God acknowledging them prayerfully. Confronting doubt is not easy as Christianity is often thought to be weaker than its accusers. There are some things about doubt we do have to deal with in terms of accepting our limitations within, silence in the Bible wherein there is no clear answer and accept the complexity of the universe as a whole.

Postponing Your Procrastination Procrastination is the thief of time. Putting off tomorrow what can be done today robs you of an opportunity to get something done! It robs you of the opportunity to be used of God. Living the life of a procrastinator says I am planning to avoid a successful life. The key to success is taking each moment as it comes and investing it the best way possible. In review the lives of successful people, you will note they all take time management seriously. Procrastination robs you of the opportunity of salvation. People everywhere every year is cut off from heaven through procrastination in terms of receiving salvation. I will get to that someday, I am going to church. Then you find yourself at the last moment not having connected at all. Procrastination has two major problems. What it procrastination does do is take into account the uncertainty in life. Tomorrow is an uncertain proposition. Scriptures encourages you not to boast on tomorrow as you don’t know what it will bring (Proverbs 27:1). By putting off today for which is promised, you don’t have control over tomorrow. Tomorrow is lazy, presumptuous and reckless. Even if we could control tomorrow, we still would have a problem with procrastination. Neither does procrastination take into account the uniqueness of conviction. As we grow in our faith, we hear God clearer. Although God is persistent, we are unpredictable, and often less sensitive to his voice. There are defining moments when his lips and our ears are in sync; when this happens it is time to act. God has a call for each us, will we respond, or put off for tomorrow. The author tells of how Billy Graham was burden to pray for Marilyn Monroe and tried to contact her to no avail. Her agent put off their meeting for another time and within two weeks she had committed suicide. Marilyn never got a chance to find peace for her soul. The author goes further to tell of D. L. Moody ending a sermon with an opportunity for those that were not saved to consider salvation. The very same night the great Chicago fire happened and many never got that opportunity for salvation. We must handle the present with honor in order to be honored by the future. A study of procrastination comes to a final truth to realize that “if you treat time well, it will return the favor.” Handle the present with honor and you will be honored by the results in the future. Because everything is made of time in some manner, every moment rests in our hands. What else is there to wait for?

Facing Failure Failure can often make or break a person’s spirit. One of our greatest success stories had a string of failures prior to success. President Lincoln had so many negative experiences before finally winning the presidential election at age 51. Failure is not something that may happen to us, it is something guaranteed to happen at some point in our lives or ministries. None of us are perfect as Paul depicts us as earthen vessels of clay, full of imperfections. No matter how dark it may seem God’s light shines through any darkness and his strength appears even more powerful compared to our weaknesses. Of course we are beset by failure more often than not, and find ourselves hard pressed on all sides. Throughout history, the best and brightest have fallen down and gotten back up. God knows who we are and our frame, in that he anticipates our failures. He is never surprised when we failure and has given us a high priest that understands our failure. Understanding the reasons for failure can is to know that we fail now in order to succeed later. When you are failure it doesn’t look like it has benefits, but it does. Christ promises that if we will suffer now in the world that we will reign with him in the next one. Our failures in incidental things precede success in important things. Although we have many failures, when we view them from a kingdom perspective, we realize that what God has allowed to fail is for the good. God always takes a failure and teach us something from it. Regardless to our failures in the present, it’s the eternal things that garnets weight. When we win at eternal truths by living them we have truly won eternal. When our outward appearances fail as we get older, it’s the inward changes that we pursue. The depth of God’s love is so broad, when we drop all pretenses, coming to him like the tax collector, manner instead of some proud Pharisee; we realize what success is truly. There are reasons to failure, but as time slips by, we recognize that failure isn’t isolated and meaningless, it just part of the process of sainthood. Although as we grow in grace, we come to recognize failure is to prepare for greater things. Paul writes that we should not become discouraged for when hope is lost, your life becomes miserable. The author states that the view from the top in our success can be blinding, but upon falling, the view from the bottom often comes with wisdom. When we fail we in order to fight what can be a giant for the rest of our lives, we must first admit failure, stand up and take ownership for whatever it is. In going forward one must admit to their past. As deal with past failures remember that all of them are not sinful. It is simply the results of the fallen nature of man. Of course if you are in disobedience, the Holy Spirit will bring conviction. In fact there will be no peace in your heart until you confess it and repent. After admittance, repentance and confession, then we can receive forgiveness. The writer of Psalm 103:10 reminds us that God doesn’t deal with us according to our sins or iniquities. In God’s infinite grace we get the opportunity to look beyond our failures. In this we are able to receive God’s forgiveness no matter how terrible the failure appears to be. It’s one thing to fail, but its folly to not receive any wisdom from it. Failure brings on the insight and new opportunities. The wisdom of A.W. Tozer says that “it’s highly doubtful that God can use a man until he has hurt deeply.” Too often failure is accepted as a way of life, instead of a fact of life. Failure is an event that took place, not the make-up of the person. Identifying yourself with failure will allow you to have a misconception of who you really are. God sees you differently than man, even how you view yourself. Unlike Peter who failed as Jesus predicted, most people would stay down in the negative defining moment. Instead Peter goes on to become a great champion for Christ. We must face the failure and receive the love and forgiveness of God. Wallowing in self pity won’t lift you out from failure. The wisest thing we can do is take our failure to God, admit, repent and rise up and walk again. It is said that a saint is just a sinner who fell down and got back up. In order to get back up again, we must be like Jonah and arise. Jonah listened to God and not the other mariners. We should not listen to others when we fail, but quicken our ears toward the master’s voice. When others point to our failures, it’s not you that failed instead it’s them because of their lack of grace, encouragement and understanding. Instead of giving up, we have to keep hustling until we win. Lastly, we have to be careful in viewing failures in others. Christ tells us not to judge others or we shall be judged the same. We should be careful in judgment based upon the outer appearance of others. We certainly should not be like the Pharisees that Christ spoke of in the parables of the tax collector, the prostitute and the beggar. So often we only respond to the visual well being of others measure them against ourselves. We don’t have the ability to measure the condition of the heart. The Pharisees couldn’t believe that long waited messiah would be a carpenter from Galilee. There perception would be of him as a King in all his glory, instead they missed moment that had spoken about in the Old Testament for years. In facing failure we discover that the untouchables, those that society deem are not worthy are the very ones that God embraces. In facing failure we discover that the untouchables, those that society deem are not worthy are the very ones that God embraces. It has been hard to face failure for as I struggle to finish this course work at such a late date. I have not ever had the energy to meet deadlines, regardless to how many balls I am juggling. Facing the fact that I could not do what I normally do was a challenge within itself, cause me physical pain through TMJ and anxiety gripping at my insides. What a spiritual battle this has been.

Journey Beyond Jealousy Jealousy is an unhealthy emotion that can eat at your soul, making you dead, even if you are living. Too often this emotion is suppressed, but it keeps rising like bile in your throat. Although envy and jealousy are often thought to be the same, there is a marked difference in them. Envy appears benign and subtle. The envious person is often the one who resents any other person that has what they don’t have. It can be quiet and sinister, often ready to rejoice over others misfortunes. Jealousy on the other had refers to having something and living in fear of losing it. It is always on the look out for a new rival. Where envy is quiet and sinister, jealousy is the opposite, it is cruel and coarse. The great writer Shakespeare calls it the green sickness. Although we are encouraged to rejoice with those that are rejoicing and weep with those that weep, when envy exists it’s just the opposite. The envious person will mourning instead of rejoicing and rejoices when others are sad. Envy finds itself lonely because you are out sync with others, and everyone else becomes the enemy. According to scripture envy is rot to the structure of the bones, in other words it will destroy what is good. Envy works inward, spoiling all trust and virtue, on the other hand, a healthy heart is good for your health. Jealousy is known to travel in circles. Quite often jealousy is the downfall of those that are steeped in materialism. The author uses Isaac as an example of how the Philistines were jealous of his prosperity. They began to covet what he had. Often covetous people are never satisfied and their eyes are usually on the possession of others, instead of their own. Power circles often are breeding grounds for jealousy as well. The Old Testament is full of stories dealing with jealousy and power. All through the reign of various kings that is the traitorous acts and the fate that followed. Even the New Testament shows the Sanhedrin jealous of the new Christians that was showing the people something different. Christians suffered mightily at the hands of the Sadducees who wanted to maintain their power. Christ had to settle the argument of who would sit next to Jesus in heaven, and he had not been to cross yet. Even the early church had rounds of jealousy, as we find Paul and Peter both wrote admonishments to the churches. Jealousy is the same in business circles too. One vice president envying another, one division competes with another create an atmosphere of jealousy. Too often the competitiveness of the world spills over into the church and the same jealous spirit hovers over the congregation. The most dangerous circle of envy travels in performance circles. In reviewing the David and Saul saga, you get a good picture of how that works. As Saul watch David rise to popularity after slaying Goliath, resentment began to tear at his heart and seeped into his soul. This resentment went so deep; Saul spent the rest of his lifetime chasing after David with the intent to kill him. Saul became so jealous at heart of David; God’s righteousness could not stay. The power of jealousy can overwhelm under the best of circumstances. This author shows jealousy among church leaders with teachers coveting classes, singers wanting solos and pastors in need of popularity. The devil in church is an excellent button pusher until a horrible spirit permeates the place. The only way to beat envy and jealousy is love and grace. Jealousy travels well into processional circles. Paul wrote from prison of how people didn’t set up churches to preach the gospel, but to damage his ministry to the people. Any one can easily give in to the green giant, particularly if you are not satisfied with who you are or your station in life. Lastly jealously travels in personal circles and one area the Bible deals with frequently. Jealously begins in the home, as shown in the beginning with Cain and Abel. There was terrible jealous with Jacob and Esau, the older brother and the prodigal son. Often there is jealous among siblings, fellowship circles, work circles, it can be found anywhere. As children of God we have to keep a watch and pray often and with honest to God to keep a reign on the green giant. One characteristic of jealous starts with the destruction of others. Jealousy can be so strong that it will drive a rational person to the unthinkable and carry out irrational thoughts. Hitler is a good example of how irrational this drive of jealousy can grow. This driving demon can push the most rational person even to murder as the case with a mother killing her daughter cheerleading rival. The deepest destruction is the person who envies. Cain killed Abel, but was totally destroyed from God’s love. Jacob’s jealously caused him many years of hardship and having to work twice as hard to get wanted desired. Although Saul was king, he destroyed himself in the end and David reign for years. Jealously eventually kills anyone that gives into it. The saying is that envy shoots at others and wounds itself, and jealously runs in circles, so it always comes back around to us. Eventually if you want to live a good life, this giant must be faced and renounce it as sin. Jealousy is not a personality disorder. Recognize how the enemy uses it against God’s people. Peter writes that we should walk away from it briskly. There are four things to do in getting rid of jealousy. First renounce it as sin, the pray for your rival, take inventory and reaffirm God’s goodness to you. Lastly rekindle God’s love in your heart. Jealousy has claimed the lives of many people, their dreams and opportunities. The author describes how evil thoughts can reign in a hospital room with to men. The patient by the window gave his roommate a vivid detail of outside. The other grows envious and when the opportunity to help his friend arrives, jealousy wins and the roommate dies. He then asks for the window bed to discover there was not park outside, but a wall. His roommate’s gift of love was dead and he too was dead in self loathing of himself. Both lives destroyed. This chapter ends with the winning story of woman whose roommate captured the heart of a man that he loved. Although she was jealous and hated the situation, she admitted it to God, prayed frequently and often with her friends, and God love and grace won, as her feelings of bitterness melted away. This book is so many giants that the enemy uses against us. It was a good book for me at a crazy period in my journey. As I struggled to finish this book, after asking for extension upon extension, I realized I need help in discovering why I could push forward. Finally I went to a therapist to discover I was burned out. I thank God for allowing all of this to happen at this time and during the course of these readings. I have found strength through slaying many giants in my life in the reading of this book. This is an area of spiritual warfare that the enemy easily attacks us, through giants of the mind.