When you think about it, and then study history to confirm it...wars between nations always boil down to taking control of a piece of land. The weaponry and strategies used in warfare has changed over the centuries, but it’s still about seizing control of land. The modern day conflict between Russia and the Ukraine is a fine example to my point.

I would submit to you that this ‘spiritual war’ or conflict we find ourselves in...is no different. And trust me, it is ‘spiritual’ in nature; this you can be sure of, whether you believe it or not (Eph. 6:10-13; 2 Cor. 10:3-5).

But the ‘land’ involved with this war is centered around your ‘heart’, and in the end, the only ones who will overcome this conflict and be victorious are the ones whose hearts fully belong to Jesus. We are either going to follow the leading of His Spirit to take control of the land, by removing everything that defiles it, or it will be seized and possessed by the devil. I should also remind us that if you have yet to truly come to Jesus, he (the enemy) already has control of it (Eph. 2:1-3; Acts 26:18). I know this may be a problem for some to come to terms with, but I know what I’m talking about here and the word fully supports this fact (1 John 5:19). Care to explain those folks in Matt. 7:22-23?

So how does this ‘removing the giants from the land’...actually play out as God’s Spirit leads us to ‘put to death’...not the Canaanite nations on the land, but those ‘spiritual enemies’ that defile our hearts? This would be a good thing to not only know, but to put into practice since Paul makes it clear...those who continue to practice murder, sexual immorality, hatred, envy, outburst of anger, gossip...etc...”will NOT...inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21); his words, not mine. (Rom. 1:29-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11;Rev. 21:7-9; 22:14-15; 2 Cor. 7:1)

When a person first comes to Jesus, they usually recognize things are not well with their soul, which is why they probably came to Him to begin with, I’m guessing. But little do any of us really know and understand at that time...just how ‘messed up’ and defiled our hearts really are (Jer. 17:9-10; Mark 7:21-23). Those Israelites who crossed over the Jordan knew there were ‘enemies on the land’ that needed to be removed, but how could any of them known to what degree until God led them in and began to remove them ‘little by little’ so they could actually take possession of the land. And they did not get to ‘pick and choose’ which enemies came off first.

I still remember vividly the first two ‘areas’ that God began to deal with in my own life when I first came to Him, and when I think back on those days...it truly was supernatural in how He worked in me. My smoking weed and my sexual immorality were the first two ‘big ones’ He made clear to me....needed to stop. And by His grace, I did, which He has reminded me often why I began to see Him work favorably on my behalf in that first year of my life walking with Him.

But for our lesson here this week, we are using the example of someone who has a ‘spirit of bitterness/resentment/unforgiveness’ residing deep in their heart. And if this applies to you, personally...well...you know who you are and I’m encouraged for you because Jesus wants to free you from that once and for all. But this lesson really applies to any area of sin in our life that has bound us. And just like folks in those AA meetings do...the first step is recognizing there is a problem...and then identifying it. God’s word helps us do that.

You know this ‘thing’ is in your heart, and you know...you need to forgive and let it go, but it’s so hard...because this ‘spiritual squatter’ has been there for a long time. And failure to deal with the ‘root issue’ has allowed him to remain...since you had ‘given him place’ (Eph. 4:27). But today...as Jesus told Zacchaeus...’salvation has come to your house’ (Luke 19:9).

This first step should be easy for you because you know already you have this problem. Lots of people remain in denial which only prolongs their torment. So the first thing you do is humble yourself and confess your sin/need to Jesus (James 4:7-10) and we are promised when we do this, and ‘draw near to Him...He will draw near to us’!. Don’t do this while you are driving or not able to fully concentrate on what is about to happen. But you cry out to God and acknowledge your sin of unforgiveness...and you agree with God and His word, as opposed to focusing on all the reasons why you have a ‘right’ to be hurt and angry (Ps. 32:3-5).

And in the very moment that you do this...from your heart, it is at that very moment that the ‘blood of Jesus’...by faith...washes over this particular area of darkness in your heart that the light of God’s word/truth has shone. Then...this stronghold, this ‘spirit of bitterness’ (which really is a ‘stronghold’) has no choice; it has to go- period! (1 John 1:6-9). And please recognize this- it is a ‘spirit’ that has maintained a hold in you...and it has to leave, provided you truly want it to go. You’d be surprised how often people ‘want’ to hold on to bitterness and resentment. So how will you know? Well, you’ll even want... to ask God to not only forgive the one who hurt you...but also ask Him to ‘bless them’ and show them favor (Luke 23:34; Matt. 5:43-45).

Now, try not to read too much into this next part... but don’t be surprised if during this exchange with God and your broken and contrite heart...that you ‘sense...something leaving’ you. In other words, I’m not saying you ‘have’ to experience such a sensation, but just don’t be surprised by it if it happens. It may be quite subtle, almost as if you barely heard someone exit out the back door of your house quietly. No...there is no need for some ‘Hollywood-style’ of ‘exorcism’ either. But we know that when we ‘resist’ the enemy...’he will flee’; and it’s not you per say...that he’s bothered by or afraid of- it’s the Blood of Jesus that causes him to tremble and seek cover elsewhere. Let it/him go. Then...be ready for peace to envelope you. Can you imagine that first breath of fresh air a prisoner takes in when he walks out those prison doors after a pardon or early release? Yeah...take it in and savor it. This will now be your ‘guide’ as you continue on walking with the Prince of Peace. (James 4:7; James 2:19; Acts 3:19; Col. 3:15; Rom. 3:17;Luke 1:79). But whatever you, don’t let your guard down...because you will be tested.  More tomorrow...