Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Day 18 - The Intimidating Tongue


Day 18 - The Intimidating Tongue

"The Philistine said, 'come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!'" 1 Sam 17:44

Goliath used name calling, intimidation and threats to scare David, the young sheepherder, before their epic battle. Goliath didn't expect David's reply, "you come against me with sword, and spear and javelin. But I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defiled. This day the Lord will hand you over to me and I will strike you down and cut off your head." 1 Sam 17:45-46

The intimidator counts on his victim wilting in the face of a verbal attack. That is why you must (when appropriate) let the intimidator know you will not be oppressed or filled with fear by his threats. Usually an intimidator will back down when you stand-up to the oppression. You must let people know that your only fear is of the Lord in reverence and thankfulness.

God never meant for one person to dominate or intimidate another. In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth, the animals, the plants, fish and fowl--but not over each other. God said, "Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish, the birds and every other creature on the ground." Gen 1:28

If you are an intimidator, you need to repent and ask God to heal you. You may need to seek professional counseling to uncover the root cause. Many times, intimidators were brought up in chaotic, controlling homes or they lack self-esteem and a sense of worth. Whatever the reason, God can and will heal you! Ask Him, pray, meditate on His Word.

Affirmation: God is in control of the universe. He controls every aspect of my life. Because He has all power, I don't need to control or intimidate another to feel valued.

Amen to that! Sis Lis

No comments: