Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 28, 2013
“He [Goliath] said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” 1 Samuel 17:43-44
Bullies abound. They make their shameless appearance on middle school yards, they taunt insecure teenagers and they show up to scare and intimidate coworkers. Bullies think they can strike fear and submission into victims by their sometimes imposing presence. The giant Goliath railed at David, jealous of his youth, good looks and health; he threatened and despised him. Bullies use mind games to melt their enemies. They curse with shameless arrogance and pride.
Are you being bullied to do something, and so lack peace? Do you feel manipulated and shamed by an authority figure? If so, by God’s grace stand up to their idle threats. Call their bluff by saying no and trusting Christ with the consequences. You can expose a bullies blindside by challenging them with truth and killing them with kindness. Let the Lord fight your battle, as your actions will prove themselves right by your integrity. Bullies fall in the face of faith in God.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Moreover, look out for innocent people you know who are recipients of another’s angry intimidation. Stand up for them and stand with them. Yes, pray passionately for their security to be in Christ, but also become an advocate for their cause. Bullies are threatened when their coercion is challenged by caring friends. Your courage needs to choose a side so injustice does not steal your friend’s peace and security. Protect those exposed to the enemy’s idle threats.
Lastly, stand up to a bully in the name of the Lord. It is not your clever words that ultimately prevail, but the power of the Holy Spirit in your spirit, speech and deeds that prevails. Christ can change another man or women’s heart in an instant. Therefore, look to the Lord to fight your battles; He has never lost! Lay your finely crafted arguments at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to persuade your foe to do what’s right. Humble courage depends on God to bring down a bully.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father give me humble courage to stand up to those who stand against You.
Related Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:10
Post/Tweet today: Stand up for and stand with those threatened by a bully. #protect
Blessed by these readings?: pray about giving a donation, click… http://bit.ly/KArLE5
© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry
info@mail.wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com
Comments are closed.
Hi! Thank you for the Wisdom Hunters devotions! In this devotion I know the story really well and know what you are referencing but I think if a new believer were to read this, a Bible reference to the entire story would be beneficial. Thanks!
So true.
inspirational