(You can listen to the message at www.arisechurch.tv) GIANTS. We all have them in life at some time or another. David's giant was named Goliath. What's your GIANT'S name? Maybe Depression? Maybe Debt? Maybe Divorce? Maybe Addiction? Or your weight? Or problems in your Marriage? No matter what your GIANT'S name may be, I can probably tell you how your GIANT makes you feel. How? Because most GIANTS are all the same. Here are 7 characteristics about David's GIANT, GOLIATH, that are usually true about the GIANTS we face in life. Can you relate?

1. Giants intimidate us.

A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall. Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us. This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." 1 Samuel 17:4-10

2. Giants cause us to live in fear and discouragement.

On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. 1 Samuel 17:11

… deeply shaken …gripped with fear.


3. Giants will control our lives.

“If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." 1 Samuel 17:9

Every morning and evening for 40 days the Philistine came forward and took his stand. …Goliath challenged the Israelites as he had done before. When the Israelites saw Goliath, they retreated from in great fear. 1 Samuel 17:16-24

…they were so frightened of Goliath that they couldn't do a thing. 1 Samuel 17:11

4. Giants cause us to be angry and mistreating of others.

When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." 1 Samuel 17:28

5. Giants cause us to live in shame.

David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the shame from Israel? Who is this Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" 1 Samuel 17:26

6. Giants will try to destroy you.

Goliath said to David, "Come over here, and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" 1 Samuel 17:43-44

He wasn’t just trash talking like a guy on a ball team. He was serious.

7. Giants stand between us and our future. Between us and victory.

The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. Then Goliath came out…He was over nine feet tall. 1 Samuel 17:3-4

Every morning and evening the Philistine came forward and took his stand. 1 Samuel 17:3-4

Now fill in the blank with YOUR GIANT'S name _________________________. Isn't this how it makes you feel? Isn't it time for a change? Aren't you ready to be free? Want to know how? Come to Arise Church tomorrow at 11 at Walhalla Elementary and God will show you how! By the way...

Come just like you are. Wear your jeans. We are just glad to have you. Here's what we want you to know about us. We aren't perfect. We aren't snooty. We are just REAL people like you. So relax. Come in and grab a cup of joe and a doughnut. Relax and listen to some good music led by a band. And hear a message from the Bible taught in a real, understandable, real life way. And we promise we WON'T: put you on the spot, ask you to say something, ask you to stand if you're a visitor, or throw a snake on you! Come on! It isn't church like you may think! Aren't You Ready To Arise?

1 Samuel 17:1