Today, I wanted to share an article that I wrote about two years ago.  Sad but true, is how the acceptance of bullying continues to grow.  Just go to a news site and you don’t really see news anymore – what you see is what defines a bully:

Day 27 – Unfolding God’s Word 

That is the word that I woke up to this morning:  “BULLIES”

A little strange – but I have discovered that it is one of the ways God speaks to me – especially early in the morning when I first arise from bed.

What is a bully?  A blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.  Archaic. a man hired to do violence.

I thought it would be appropriate to share a few synomones for this word:   annoyer, antagonizer, browbeater, coercer, intimidator, oppressor, persecutor, and rascal.

These are words that we have seen in the news lately – not only that but we have seen them acted out.

What does God have to say about bullying?  He speaks against such things!  He warns about such people.  It is also mentioned that in the end-times, these types of behaviors will be manifested.

If you have some time, walk with me into the Treasure Rooms of God and let’s discover the Ways of God:

Colossians 3:7-9 – You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. (NLT)

As God’s children, we no longer are to be a part of this lifestyle – of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.  We should not be lying to one another.  We are putting on Christ’s ways and following in His footsteps.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 – Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (ESV)

Stay away from people who spend their time breeding quarrels – stirring up conflict.  We are not to be quarrelsome.  It is impossible to carry on a conversation with a fool.  Yes, there are those out causing strife and confusion in our communities.  It can make us fearful – afraid to stand for what is right.  But as God’s children, we no longer have to fear – we are His Children.  There are bands of Angels that surround us – those that are for us.

I love this song – Whom Shall I Fear? God of Angel Armies by Chris Tomlin

Angel Armies

The enemy is busy prowling around – stirring up strife – hate – jealousy – fear.  He is doing what he does best – Bullying!

What does God have to say about that?

Walk with me into another Treasure Room and I will show you a chest that this blog – Rest For Your Soul – is based on:

Jeremiah 6:16 – This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. (NIV)

Exodus 14:13-14 – And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”  (ESV)

Every morning as I unfold the Word of God, I seek for the words that will help me to be what God has called me to – my destiny.  Without remembering His Words it is so easy to backslide back into the messes that surround me.

I encourage you this day to remember what God has called you to – He has placed you into a community to stand for Him.  You no longer have to be fearful.  The bullies can stand in the midst of our communities and shout out and jump in your face and threaten you.  But God says to have nothing to do with it.  Don’t be pulled down into the cesspool of lies and deceits.  Find those of like minds who are children of God and then stand firm and do not fear.  That is what God says.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the reminders this morning of those who are caught up in evil and are out in our communities causing fear and strife and chaos.  Father, may I not get caught up in the “uglies.”  May I continue to stand where you have placed me and continue to intercede for those who are being beaten down, harassed.  May others see Jesus in me and see that we can stand and allow our God to fight for us.  I love you, Lord.  I ask this in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.

I pray that you have been blessed by these words.  Maybe God is allowing all the hatred to be exposed so that we can clean up our messes.  What part can you play in transforming our homes and our communities to start showing love to others?

Let’s make a difference.