Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer

by Priscilla Shirer

them or others that are less than flattering—things you’d never want them to know that you said or found so pleasurably, provocatively interesting?

I realize how easy some of these habits and attitudes can be to fall into. But each time you detect them taking shape, both in yourself as well as in others, realiz...

Because if it weren’t for him trying to get in there and cause trouble, would any of us be feeling the need to nurse hurt feelings, harbor unforgiveness, belabor the gossip, or (for goodness sake) find a whole new set of friends? He’s the reason our team doesn’t always want to play like one.

If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that

which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. (James 3:14–16)

Jealousy—the idea of never wanting to take a backseat to someone else’s success or growth pattern. Bitterness—irritations that have simmered inside you long enough until they’ve turned into intolerable dislikes. Selfish ambition—the desire to dominate or come out looking better than someone else, even someone ...

whenever there’s any difference...

“earthly, natural, demonic.”

And while he can’t turn us into little devils ourselves, he can lure us into doing things that bear a striking resemblance.

The peace of God, preserved by the prayers of God’s people, is meant to forge us together in friendship and unite us in mission.