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The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best Opportunity
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Jesus
Congratulations! Your Goliath Has Arrived.
Enemies often seem to get in the way of our plans, leaving us discouraged and disoriented. But what if these obstacles are a part of God’s plans for us?
Our enemies - whether our weaknesses, circumstances, deep-seated sins, other people, or any other challenge—can become our stepping stool to new breakthroughs in life, if we leverage the opportunity. Just as David’s encounter with Goliath transformed him from a delivery boy to a national hero, our enemies can be a blessing in disguise - if only we recognize and face them head-on.
Human nature tells us to flee our enemies, but Ron Carpenter will challenge you to embrace them. In The Necessity of an Enemy, Ron shares engaging insights like:
• God intended for every enemy to be your footstool for promotion.
• If you want to be number one, you can’t just beat number nine.
• The depth of your battle gives you insight into the greatness of the potential God put in you, and enemies are your key to unlocking that potential.
• All battles are fought over your future, not over your past or present circumstances.
Are you ready to reach your next goal in life? Do you want biblically-based wisdom to help defeat every enemy and move with confidence to your destiny? The Necessity of an Enemy will give you the tools to change your perspective – and find meaning and purpose in all of life’s trials.
Congratulations! Your Goliath Has Arrived.
Enemies often seem to get in the way of our plans, leaving us discouraged and disoriented. But what if these obstacles are a part of God’s plans for us?
Our enemies - whether our weaknesses, circumstances, deep-seated sins, other people, or any other challenge—can become our stepping stool to new breakthroughs in life, if we leverage the opportunity. Just as David’s encounter with Goliath transformed him from a delivery boy to a national hero, our enemies can be a blessing in disguise - if only we recognize and face them head-on.
Human nature tells us to flee our enemies, but Ron Carpenter will challenge you to embrace them. In The Necessity of an Enemy, Ron shares engaging insights like:
• God intended for every enemy to be your footstool for promotion.
• If you want to be number one, you can’t just beat number nine.
• The depth of your battle gives you insight into the greatness of the potential God put in you, and enemies are your key to unlocking that potential.
• All battles are fought over your future, not over your past or present circumstances.
Are you ready to reach your next goal in life? Do you want biblically-based wisdom to help defeat every enemy and move with confidence to your destiny? The Necessity of an Enemy will give you the tools to change your perspective – and find meaning and purpose in all of life’s trials.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
67 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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May 25, 2012
The Necessity of an Enemy by Ron Carpenter Jr. has been a pure joy to read. I adore a good "pick yourself up by the boot straps" book and Mr. Carpenter delivers. The way he approaches who your enemies are and how you can recognize them for your benefit and the benefit of those around you is inspiring and unique.
We are all built with a fight or flight instinct when faced with adversities, troubles, or things that seem too overwhelming for us to deal with. All things to work together for the good of those who trust God, and in our trials and tribulations we are refined and perfected. We are given great examples of biblical people who stood in the face of adversity and fought for the sake of the downtrodden, the helpless, the weak, and ultimately for the kingdom of God. Great people such as David, Moses, Paul, Joseph and Jesus himself who was tempted by Satan, all had to face obstacles of great magnitudes that they felt and knew they could not overcome by themselves so they each leaned on a greater power stronger than anyone could imagine; the power of God. Ron captures this so eloquently in his book, The Necessity of an Enemy. When human nature tells us to run and flee from our enemies, Ron takes a different approach and tells us to run to the enemy. To embrace it and own it! Ron’s theme is basically this: "enemies are indicators, announcements, clues, that there's something great inside you yet to be born."
Leaning on insights such as all battles are fought for our future and not our past; that the battle you are facing is being used by God to give you insight to your strength and greatness God has instilled inside you, and the one I love the best is that our enemy is our footstool! I just love the imagery in that last one. It springs to mind my greatest obstacles underneath me, with me conquering it, not it conquering me.
While I read this book I found myself getting kinda angry and worked up. You see Ron has his own enemy he had to deal with and it was a great one that we have all faced at some point in our lives. The enemy is greed; greed looking to take advantage, to manipulate, to destroy and conquer you at any cost. Ron had to make a choice to face his enemy or run and tuck tail. He chooses to conquer it instead. Ron lost everything to a scam artist. His church, dignity, respect of his flock, the press mocked him, and the people in his own community and church who had loved him and sang of his love for the Lord, now mocked him, wrote hateful letters to him and shunned him. Ron could have given up, but instead he learned to lean on God even more and to now His plan is greater than ours. He used this opportunity to confront his enemy and learn from it, to re-prioritize his life and his ministry.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus
Have I peaked your interest? Do you want to read more? Well I have you covered. Simply click on any of the below links to find out more information on Ron and his book!
Web site
More Info
Read Chapter One
Author Bio
You can also see my review and others on Christian Books.com at this link:
or at Amazon on this link:http://www.amazon.com/review/R202AWOX...
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."
We are all built with a fight or flight instinct when faced with adversities, troubles, or things that seem too overwhelming for us to deal with. All things to work together for the good of those who trust God, and in our trials and tribulations we are refined and perfected. We are given great examples of biblical people who stood in the face of adversity and fought for the sake of the downtrodden, the helpless, the weak, and ultimately for the kingdom of God. Great people such as David, Moses, Paul, Joseph and Jesus himself who was tempted by Satan, all had to face obstacles of great magnitudes that they felt and knew they could not overcome by themselves so they each leaned on a greater power stronger than anyone could imagine; the power of God. Ron captures this so eloquently in his book, The Necessity of an Enemy. When human nature tells us to run and flee from our enemies, Ron takes a different approach and tells us to run to the enemy. To embrace it and own it! Ron’s theme is basically this: "enemies are indicators, announcements, clues, that there's something great inside you yet to be born."
Leaning on insights such as all battles are fought for our future and not our past; that the battle you are facing is being used by God to give you insight to your strength and greatness God has instilled inside you, and the one I love the best is that our enemy is our footstool! I just love the imagery in that last one. It springs to mind my greatest obstacles underneath me, with me conquering it, not it conquering me.
While I read this book I found myself getting kinda angry and worked up. You see Ron has his own enemy he had to deal with and it was a great one that we have all faced at some point in our lives. The enemy is greed; greed looking to take advantage, to manipulate, to destroy and conquer you at any cost. Ron had to make a choice to face his enemy or run and tuck tail. He chooses to conquer it instead. Ron lost everything to a scam artist. His church, dignity, respect of his flock, the press mocked him, and the people in his own community and church who had loved him and sang of his love for the Lord, now mocked him, wrote hateful letters to him and shunned him. Ron could have given up, but instead he learned to lean on God even more and to now His plan is greater than ours. He used this opportunity to confront his enemy and learn from it, to re-prioritize his life and his ministry.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus
Have I peaked your interest? Do you want to read more? Well I have you covered. Simply click on any of the below links to find out more information on Ron and his book!
Web site
More Info
Read Chapter One
Author Bio
You can also see my review and others on Christian Books.com at this link:
or at Amazon on this link:http://www.amazon.com/review/R202AWOX...
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."
July 30, 2017
A really good, beneficial read. I was surprised how often I was nodding my head in agreement, and how often what I was reading related directly to things going on in my life right now. I highly recommend this book.
June 3, 2012
The Necessity of an Enemy by Ron Carpenter Jr. is an interesting book. The title alone is inviting.
This book was full of a lot of wisdom, it was like reading a sermon a day. Ron Carpenter Jr. writes in a real and down to earth style. He shares all of the things he has learned in his spiritual journey. He presents things in a very matter of fact way and with humility.
I personally gleaned a lot from this book. Before reading this book, I didn't know who Ron Carpenter Jr. was. I didn't know anything about him actually, so it was refreshing for me to get to know him in his book.
Unfortunately, he has been through some pretty tough circumstances which he was completely candid about. Ron Carpenter Jr. shares his personal experiences and testimony in The Necessity of an Enemy. All the principles he writes about in his book, he has applied in his own life.
This book is very encouraging and teaches you a lot about adversity and overcoming the enemy in your life. I was inspired by Ron Carpenter's life and wisdom. He has spiritual insight based on all the trials and hardships he experienced. He generously shares how he overcame it in The Necessity of an Enemy.
My favorite chapters are "Seeing Is Not Believing", "Dream Killers" and "The Three Courts of Intimacy."
If you have been undergoing great conflict and difficulty in your Christian walk, I highly recommend this book. The Necessity of an Enemy will definitely encourage and inspire you.
In conclusion, I want to personally thank Waterbrook Multnomah for sending me this complimentary book to read and review.
This book was full of a lot of wisdom, it was like reading a sermon a day. Ron Carpenter Jr. writes in a real and down to earth style. He shares all of the things he has learned in his spiritual journey. He presents things in a very matter of fact way and with humility.
I personally gleaned a lot from this book. Before reading this book, I didn't know who Ron Carpenter Jr. was. I didn't know anything about him actually, so it was refreshing for me to get to know him in his book.
Unfortunately, he has been through some pretty tough circumstances which he was completely candid about. Ron Carpenter Jr. shares his personal experiences and testimony in The Necessity of an Enemy. All the principles he writes about in his book, he has applied in his own life.
This book is very encouraging and teaches you a lot about adversity and overcoming the enemy in your life. I was inspired by Ron Carpenter's life and wisdom. He has spiritual insight based on all the trials and hardships he experienced. He generously shares how he overcame it in The Necessity of an Enemy.
My favorite chapters are "Seeing Is Not Believing", "Dream Killers" and "The Three Courts of Intimacy."
If you have been undergoing great conflict and difficulty in your Christian walk, I highly recommend this book. The Necessity of an Enemy will definitely encourage and inspire you.
In conclusion, I want to personally thank Waterbrook Multnomah for sending me this complimentary book to read and review.
October 19, 2012
In this book, Ron Carpenter Jr. did a wonderful job of presenting how the battles we face in life thrust us into our moments of victory. He shares how personal hardships and enemies he had to face were allowed only to prepare him for future triumphs. Being that he is a pastor of a mega church in South Carolina, the book has a strong religious tone, which Ron used many biblical scriptures to validate many of his claims.
On the downside, personally, I didn't care to much for the religious tone. In my opinion, if the reader doesn't share his beliefs and views, they would have a difficult time digesting the message being presented. Which is very unfortunate, because he made a lot of great points. He was a bit repetitive on a few of his points also.
All in all though, I enjoyed reading "The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best." However, my recommendation would only be to those who are also Christians in faith or have mutual views as the author.
On the downside, personally, I didn't care to much for the religious tone. In my opinion, if the reader doesn't share his beliefs and views, they would have a difficult time digesting the message being presented. Which is very unfortunate, because he made a lot of great points. He was a bit repetitive on a few of his points also.
All in all though, I enjoyed reading "The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best." However, my recommendation would only be to those who are also Christians in faith or have mutual views as the author.
September 17, 2022
This book changed my life. Ron Carpenter gave me a whole new perspective. I have recommended this book many times to people and I’ve bought copies for people. Someone bought this book for me years ago and BLESSED my life!
Want to read
January 17, 2012I won this book as a Goodreads First Read.
December 22, 2019
This concept is absolutely brilliant. It's so simple, yet Carpenter takes it, develops it and the reader leaves this book with a gigantic dose of wise perspective for their lives. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2017
Riveting!!
This book is a must read for anyone struggle with the enemy! It was like talking to Ron Carpenter personally about my life!
This book is a must read for anyone struggle with the enemy! It was like talking to Ron Carpenter personally about my life!
April 29, 2024
This is a great concept and a great way to see things. Lots of good nuggets.
September 2, 2012
Ron Carpenter, Jr. in his new book, “The Necessity of an Enemy” published by Waterbrook Press tells us How the Battle You Face Is Your Best Opportunity.
From the inside jacket flap: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Jesus
Congratulations! Your Goliath Has Arrived.
Enemies often seem to get in the way of our plans, leaving us discouraged and disoriented. But what if these obstacles are a part of God’s plans for us?
Our enemies – whether our weaknesses, circumstances, deep-seated sins, other people, or any other challenge—can become our stepping stool to new breakthroughs in life, if we leverage the opportunity. Just as David’s encounter with Goliath transformed him from a delivery boy to a national hero, our enemies can be a blessing in disguise – if only we recognize and face them head-on.
Human nature tells us to flee our enemies, but Ron Carpenter will challenge you to embrace them. In The Necessity of an Enemy, Ron shares engaging insights like:
• God intended for every enemy to be your footstool for promotion.
• If you want to be number one, you can’t just beat number nine.
• The depth of your battle gives you insight into the greatness of the potential God put in you, and enemies are your key to unlocking that potential.
• All battles are fought over your future, not over your past or present circumstances.
Are you ready to reach your next goal in life? Do you want biblically-based wisdom to help defeat every enemy and move with confidence to your destiny? The Necessity of an Enemy will give you the tools to change your perspective – and find meaning and purpose in all of life’s trials.
When you read the Bible story of David at Ziklag you find that the enemy had burned the whole town, taken all the goods as well as the remaining people. David and his men have lost everything. He is brokenhearted and his men want to kill him. Then David rallies, asks God for restoration and God says it is his. So David and his men pursue the enemy, beat them, get everything and everyone back and much more in abundance. Without an enemy David would not have grown spiritually or succeeded in this area. It is sad to say but we need enemies. Enemies are the people, mindsets, weaknesses and situations that try to destroy our passion for God’s purpose and plans for our life. Enemies get us going, strengthen us as we fight them and then when we beat them provide us the spoils of victory. Pastor Carpenter has given us a book that will give us new thoughts of who our enemies are, why we have them and how to beat them. “The Necessity of an Enemy” is not a book that you will read once and then pack away. It is a book that will impact you on the first read and change you and then continue to change you with each subsequent re-read. It is that good! I recommend it highly!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the inside jacket flap: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Jesus
Congratulations! Your Goliath Has Arrived.
Enemies often seem to get in the way of our plans, leaving us discouraged and disoriented. But what if these obstacles are a part of God’s plans for us?
Our enemies – whether our weaknesses, circumstances, deep-seated sins, other people, or any other challenge—can become our stepping stool to new breakthroughs in life, if we leverage the opportunity. Just as David’s encounter with Goliath transformed him from a delivery boy to a national hero, our enemies can be a blessing in disguise – if only we recognize and face them head-on.
Human nature tells us to flee our enemies, but Ron Carpenter will challenge you to embrace them. In The Necessity of an Enemy, Ron shares engaging insights like:
• God intended for every enemy to be your footstool for promotion.
• If you want to be number one, you can’t just beat number nine.
• The depth of your battle gives you insight into the greatness of the potential God put in you, and enemies are your key to unlocking that potential.
• All battles are fought over your future, not over your past or present circumstances.
Are you ready to reach your next goal in life? Do you want biblically-based wisdom to help defeat every enemy and move with confidence to your destiny? The Necessity of an Enemy will give you the tools to change your perspective – and find meaning and purpose in all of life’s trials.
When you read the Bible story of David at Ziklag you find that the enemy had burned the whole town, taken all the goods as well as the remaining people. David and his men have lost everything. He is brokenhearted and his men want to kill him. Then David rallies, asks God for restoration and God says it is his. So David and his men pursue the enemy, beat them, get everything and everyone back and much more in abundance. Without an enemy David would not have grown spiritually or succeeded in this area. It is sad to say but we need enemies. Enemies are the people, mindsets, weaknesses and situations that try to destroy our passion for God’s purpose and plans for our life. Enemies get us going, strengthen us as we fight them and then when we beat them provide us the spoils of victory. Pastor Carpenter has given us a book that will give us new thoughts of who our enemies are, why we have them and how to beat them. “The Necessity of an Enemy” is not a book that you will read once and then pack away. It is a book that will impact you on the first read and change you and then continue to change you with each subsequent re-read. It is that good! I recommend it highly!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 18, 2012
The Necessity of an Enemy when reaching out in and for the Kingdom
Who wants to seek out or confront our enemies or in this case our personal demons? Can’t we just hide from them, ignore them or deal with them at our own discretion? I admit I’m a wimp at heart, I personally would just prefer to avoid pain. Perhaps it’s because daily I contend with a pain management for my various physical issues and I don’t want to take on anymore. Conscientiously I try to make choices to alleviate or minimize future pain. So the concept of the necessity of an enemy who inflicts hurt, sorrow, depression, lies, anger, fear…basically those things that make life miserable and derails many of us wasn’t something I wanted to embrace. But the title grabbed me to check out how the need of an adversary can benefit me.
In Pastor Ron Carpenter’s book “The Necessity of an Enemy” he writes and explains in an engaging manner full of examples, humor and reinforcing scripture to help demystify and take the enemy head on. Ron shares about the enemy on the outside but also the enemy on the inside. In order to have an external enemy you first have to feel the enemy’s impact which means you must be doing something right (which is encouraging) in life for your demons to be so busy. Then there is internal enemy which could be rephrased as we have met the enemy and it is within us. Ron imparts to the reader that God uses adversity to our advantage then goes on to tell us how to defeat the enemy and properly put into perspective the personal antagonist encountered in your life.
This first book by the author, culminating after his 20 years of the highs and lows of growing a successful ministry called Redemption World Outreach Center, is divided into 7 sections, totally 40 chapters (each a couple of pages) in easy to read current prose. There is a small group study guide that easily can be used as a personal devo(tional). Ron shows how to identify, overcome and defeat the spiritual foe who ultimately is trying to impact the growth of the Kingdom and the God given destiny for your life.
Prior to reading this book, I knew that you can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you. I liked this book because it reinforced that knowledge and further clarified what those obstacles are that I have in my calling as I pursue and encourage others in Christian Outreach. It doesn’t matter what the ministry is or even what the conflict you find yourself up against, this book provides good ammunition to fight the demons that drag us down.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group (www.waterbrookmultnomah.com) for this review.
Who wants to seek out or confront our enemies or in this case our personal demons? Can’t we just hide from them, ignore them or deal with them at our own discretion? I admit I’m a wimp at heart, I personally would just prefer to avoid pain. Perhaps it’s because daily I contend with a pain management for my various physical issues and I don’t want to take on anymore. Conscientiously I try to make choices to alleviate or minimize future pain. So the concept of the necessity of an enemy who inflicts hurt, sorrow, depression, lies, anger, fear…basically those things that make life miserable and derails many of us wasn’t something I wanted to embrace. But the title grabbed me to check out how the need of an adversary can benefit me.
In Pastor Ron Carpenter’s book “The Necessity of an Enemy” he writes and explains in an engaging manner full of examples, humor and reinforcing scripture to help demystify and take the enemy head on. Ron shares about the enemy on the outside but also the enemy on the inside. In order to have an external enemy you first have to feel the enemy’s impact which means you must be doing something right (which is encouraging) in life for your demons to be so busy. Then there is internal enemy which could be rephrased as we have met the enemy and it is within us. Ron imparts to the reader that God uses adversity to our advantage then goes on to tell us how to defeat the enemy and properly put into perspective the personal antagonist encountered in your life.
This first book by the author, culminating after his 20 years of the highs and lows of growing a successful ministry called Redemption World Outreach Center, is divided into 7 sections, totally 40 chapters (each a couple of pages) in easy to read current prose. There is a small group study guide that easily can be used as a personal devo(tional). Ron shows how to identify, overcome and defeat the spiritual foe who ultimately is trying to impact the growth of the Kingdom and the God given destiny for your life.
Prior to reading this book, I knew that you can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you. I liked this book because it reinforced that knowledge and further clarified what those obstacles are that I have in my calling as I pursue and encourage others in Christian Outreach. It doesn’t matter what the ministry is or even what the conflict you find yourself up against, this book provides good ammunition to fight the demons that drag us down.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group (www.waterbrookmultnomah.com) for this review.
May 27, 2012
The Necessity of an Enemy by Ron Carpenter Jr.
Ron Carpenter Jr. is senior pastor of Redemption World Outreach Center in Greenville, South Carolina. He and his wife, Hope, founded the church in 1991. Today the church has over 16,000 members and 150 community outreach programs. Their ministry includes television and web programs and more than 1,500 affiliated churches worldwide. He is a successful man who learned that enemies are necessary because we have our part and purpose in God’s plan. God uses enemies to strengthen us, test us, build our vision, and to help us become who He has purposed us to be.
There are seven parts to the book that Carpenter wrote after his own difficult time battling the enemies the Enemy put in his path.
Parts one, two, and three tell us why the enemy is necessary, who is really in control, and that being a target in the enemy’s sights is a blessing.
“Every conflict, if embraced properly, will reveal itself to you as a necessary step toward purpose and destiny.”
Parts four, five, and six tell us where enemies enter our lives, what weapons are used by the enemy, and there is always an enemy on the prowl.
“An enemy is someone who increases, strengthens, encourages, or enables an area of weakness in you that God wants to remove from your life.”
In part seven there are lessons on how to fight.
“…engage the enemy, not based on what you are seeing in your circumstances, but based on the promises–the truth–of what you are hearing in the word of God.”
“To defeat an enemy you must hear what God says and act accordingly.”
In conclusion, part eight tells us about the next thing…the spoils of victory. Victory in a battle does not mean there will not be other battles. The spoils of victory are to be acknowledged and enjoyed but our guard and focus must remain and we must be alert.
“The Enemy is there, trying to ensure that your potential never manifests itself. However, the fact that he is present means there’s something about your future he fears.”
Carpenter writes of the enemy that came into his life and set him spinning. His experience and what it cost him, taught him, and how it gave him a clearer vision of who he is and his part in God’s plan led to the writing of this book. What he writes is challenging and he sometimes is brash and can sound arrogant. But he encourages the reader to face the Enemy and do battle in spite of weaknesses knowing it is all part of God’s plan and purpose for us all.
“How bitter the battle, but how sweet the victory!”
I received this book from WaterBrook Press at no cost to me in exchange for this review.
Ron Carpenter Jr. is senior pastor of Redemption World Outreach Center in Greenville, South Carolina. He and his wife, Hope, founded the church in 1991. Today the church has over 16,000 members and 150 community outreach programs. Their ministry includes television and web programs and more than 1,500 affiliated churches worldwide. He is a successful man who learned that enemies are necessary because we have our part and purpose in God’s plan. God uses enemies to strengthen us, test us, build our vision, and to help us become who He has purposed us to be.
There are seven parts to the book that Carpenter wrote after his own difficult time battling the enemies the Enemy put in his path.
Parts one, two, and three tell us why the enemy is necessary, who is really in control, and that being a target in the enemy’s sights is a blessing.
“Every conflict, if embraced properly, will reveal itself to you as a necessary step toward purpose and destiny.”
Parts four, five, and six tell us where enemies enter our lives, what weapons are used by the enemy, and there is always an enemy on the prowl.
“An enemy is someone who increases, strengthens, encourages, or enables an area of weakness in you that God wants to remove from your life.”
In part seven there are lessons on how to fight.
“…engage the enemy, not based on what you are seeing in your circumstances, but based on the promises–the truth–of what you are hearing in the word of God.”
“To defeat an enemy you must hear what God says and act accordingly.”
In conclusion, part eight tells us about the next thing…the spoils of victory. Victory in a battle does not mean there will not be other battles. The spoils of victory are to be acknowledged and enjoyed but our guard and focus must remain and we must be alert.
“The Enemy is there, trying to ensure that your potential never manifests itself. However, the fact that he is present means there’s something about your future he fears.”
Carpenter writes of the enemy that came into his life and set him spinning. His experience and what it cost him, taught him, and how it gave him a clearer vision of who he is and his part in God’s plan led to the writing of this book. What he writes is challenging and he sometimes is brash and can sound arrogant. But he encourages the reader to face the Enemy and do battle in spite of weaknesses knowing it is all part of God’s plan and purpose for us all.
“How bitter the battle, but how sweet the victory!”
I received this book from WaterBrook Press at no cost to me in exchange for this review.
December 17, 2014
"How the battle you face is your best opportunity."
This book is not just about how to defeat your enemies and properly put into perspective the adversaries you encounter in your life. More than that, this book will bring you a message of hope. If you need encouragement about our misfortunes are positioning you to receive a divine blessing. "With God three is no pain without pain."
Important to know is that the book was written in the fall of 2011, during the worst economic climate of our lifetimes. What began as a downhill spiral in our economic times in 2008, began a divine book written by Ron Carpenter Jr.
I am not sure why I read this book at this particular time of my life other than I am on a path of transition in my career. I am going back to my Christian books to stay grounded on God's words.
I am seeking an understanding of how God uses people coming against us and situation s hat are very negative can change everything. The author, Ron, wrote this book after the FBI put him under investigation for possible criminal activity. He asked himself, "How did I end up here? Why is this happening to me?"
Here are some notes I took to remember:
In your time of transition your enemies are your stepstools. Enemies are indicators to you that God is planning movement in your life and transition is right around the corner. Your enemy will show up in the form of:
A person
A mindset
A situation
The enemy is the issue, between you that may be driving you crazy! Fight the problem not the person.
You go through pain for the sake of promotion. If you ever discover what people hate about you then will discover what is valuable about you. Talk about thought provoking.
If someone like peace, they will withdrawal from conflict.
If a person wants security, the will get upset when changes happen.
Anywhere there is disappointment, you will find a root of false expectation for something to produce what is was not designed to produce.
Someone is expecting something that goes against the grain of the other person's nature.
An enemy is someone who increase, strengthen, encourage, or enables an area of weakness in you that God wants to remove for your life to glorify him.
© 2014 Jackie Paulson
This book is not just about how to defeat your enemies and properly put into perspective the adversaries you encounter in your life. More than that, this book will bring you a message of hope. If you need encouragement about our misfortunes are positioning you to receive a divine blessing. "With God three is no pain without pain."
Important to know is that the book was written in the fall of 2011, during the worst economic climate of our lifetimes. What began as a downhill spiral in our economic times in 2008, began a divine book written by Ron Carpenter Jr.
I am not sure why I read this book at this particular time of my life other than I am on a path of transition in my career. I am going back to my Christian books to stay grounded on God's words.
I am seeking an understanding of how God uses people coming against us and situation s hat are very negative can change everything. The author, Ron, wrote this book after the FBI put him under investigation for possible criminal activity. He asked himself, "How did I end up here? Why is this happening to me?"
Here are some notes I took to remember:
In your time of transition your enemies are your stepstools. Enemies are indicators to you that God is planning movement in your life and transition is right around the corner. Your enemy will show up in the form of:
A person
A mindset
A situation
The enemy is the issue, between you that may be driving you crazy! Fight the problem not the person.
You go through pain for the sake of promotion. If you ever discover what people hate about you then will discover what is valuable about you. Talk about thought provoking.
If someone like peace, they will withdrawal from conflict.
If a person wants security, the will get upset when changes happen.
Anywhere there is disappointment, you will find a root of false expectation for something to produce what is was not designed to produce.
Someone is expecting something that goes against the grain of the other person's nature.
An enemy is someone who increase, strengthen, encourage, or enables an area of weakness in you that God wants to remove for your life to glorify him.
© 2014 Jackie Paulson
May 5, 2012
Who is your enemy?
This book clarifies and explains the answer to this question through a series of highlights and well explained points. The writings are taken from the author's experiences in dealing with and encountering enemies through his outreach as a pastor of a South Carolina Church. We, like the author, all have enemies, ones that we know are so and others we are not so sure about, but knowing this will help to make this book a necessary read for the times in which we live. Eight parts or chapters with sub chapters contained within can be read in one sitting or broken up into smaller sessions and study time. Subchapters include: A Bad Yoke, Dream Killers, Hidden Fears, Control Your Environment and Pride, these are but a few of the many subchapters that are included within the pages of the book. Also included is an extensive small group study guide but I found just answering the questions on my own beneficial.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style! It was humorous, refreshing and down to earth. I found the life stories interesting to read about and how members of his church had evolved to become as they are now. Some chapters I was able to grasp more fully and relate them to my own life while others not so much. But there were many points to learn about and a little ways into the book the information just started to click. I was entertained, well informed and challenged in my faith. I would recommend this well written book to others. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my review.
This book clarifies and explains the answer to this question through a series of highlights and well explained points. The writings are taken from the author's experiences in dealing with and encountering enemies through his outreach as a pastor of a South Carolina Church. We, like the author, all have enemies, ones that we know are so and others we are not so sure about, but knowing this will help to make this book a necessary read for the times in which we live. Eight parts or chapters with sub chapters contained within can be read in one sitting or broken up into smaller sessions and study time. Subchapters include: A Bad Yoke, Dream Killers, Hidden Fears, Control Your Environment and Pride, these are but a few of the many subchapters that are included within the pages of the book. Also included is an extensive small group study guide but I found just answering the questions on my own beneficial.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style! It was humorous, refreshing and down to earth. I found the life stories interesting to read about and how members of his church had evolved to become as they are now. Some chapters I was able to grasp more fully and relate them to my own life while others not so much. But there were many points to learn about and a little ways into the book the information just started to click. I was entertained, well informed and challenged in my faith. I would recommend this well written book to others. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my review.
August 8, 2012
This book is sooo amazing. It is something that you can use as a tool an understand it because Apostle is so down to earth in the way he speaks. Im not just saying that because he is my Apostle and I am one of his members but, its because its true down to earth ways of using your circumstances and turning towards the good of things. Isnt that what God does when bad things happen, he makes it for good of his glory.
February 4, 2013
Wooow! I walked into Barnes and Nobles to buy another book and walked out with this amazing treasure. My husband picked up a copy and never put it down. This book couldn't have come at a better time. It soothed my concerns about several issues that I was experiencing at the moment. It kind of turned my concerns into blessings. Mr. Carpenter was indeed inspired by the Holly Spirit when he wrote this book.
March 17, 2014
This book surprised me because it was so much more than I had anticipated. I knew the emphasis would be on how to overcome adversity, which it is, but it is chock full of great nuggets of wisdom. It offers practical tips and strategies as well as great spiritual insights. Ron uses effective illustrations that stick with you. I love the format of the book. Most readings are only 1-3 pages long yet each reading has really good stuff in it.
April 21, 2012
Amazing wisdom and perspective. Painful situations, difficult times, particular battles or enemies, might just be the way that Jesus prepares our hearts for growth. Some 'enemies' are absolutely necessary to propel us along the journey and for the purpose that God always had in mind for our lives. I needed this book at this time in my life!
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July 26, 2018I saw Ron Carpenter interviewed on TV about this book & couldn't wait to read it. I'm only page 50 or so but so far it has not disappointed me a all. I am getting ready to go to the next level!
May 19, 2015
Gleaned much...
June 27, 2013
Just finished it and about to re - read. Full of so many truths, hard to process in just one reading. Excellent book!
November 4, 2015
Definitely helps you to understand the good in your challenges in life. After reading this book, I don't run from my Goliaths or Judas', I run to them.
June 21, 2021
Everyone with a relationship with God needs this book in the library as a reminder of our relationship with God and to see the ability to mature in your relationship with GOD
March 16, 2012
This book is a tool to empower any one who is feeling weak or overwhelmed by the enemy
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