They are Not What They Appear to Be

Those Who Follow God's Light

She's Crazy excerpt from book, signs to watch for

My Battles - Brother Will Betray Brother...and a Father His Child

As told in my book, Know Your Enemy: The Christian’s Critic, I was a new Christian in 1997, on fire for the Lord, and little did I know just how hard it would be to make friends and how easy it would be to draw foes when talking about Jesus.

The following Scriptures Jesus shared with his disciples centuries ago became real in my life: “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matt. 10:22-23).

Even though I had not physically walked where Jesus had journeyed, I did have experiences with both hidden opposition and foes within plain view over the years such as in places like: my own household, neighborhood, on the job, at church, and elsewhere.  So not only have I written my faith books based on observation, research, private interviews, etc. but I personally underwent my share of life challenges.

Arguments, name-calling, backstabbing, and more abound whenever the enemy shows up.  I have seen much.  From witnessing adults physically fighting to being caught up in someone’s rage many times, I have experienced a challenging walk with Christ.  “If it ain’t one thing, it’s another…” I recall this popular phrase being said by more than a few believers as we headed into the new millennium.  

On fire for God, I went out into the public over the years sharing tracks, later my own newsletters, visited churches, shared a word of knowledge with leaders, used by God to convict others, and published online thought-provoking spiritual commentary and passages of Scripture.  From 1997 to date, eyebrows raise from skeptics, negative comments show up online and offline, and there have been times I had to go no contact with some relatives and former friends, but despite it all, my spirit continues to soar in Him!   

I received criticism to my face and behind my back for exposing some thought-provoking issues.  I was threatened for sharing convicting visions and warnings.  I also experienced frequent pain in my body during spiritual warfare, betrayal from those who claimed to love me, physical and emotional abuse, separation from children, theft, a divorce, and a couple of challenging pregnancies.  Throw in major financial losses that left two of my four children and I hungry at times (back to the welfare office I went more than I could remember), significant debt and the death of near and dear loved ones.  But God doesn't put anymore on us than we can bear, right?  Wrong!  We pick ourselves up, manage situations and get on with life!  No sense in pouting, crying, mistreating others, or pretending everything is all good when it is not.  

Keep fighting the good fight!

Photo by mauro paillex on Unsplash

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and contributor of this blog.

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Standing Up to Bullies - Your Controlling Family Members

What keeps relatives from standing up to the controlling members of their families? Fear.  God tells us in His word that he hasn't given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).  Yet, at times it is difficult to shake fear when you know a family member has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous men or women around!

Most intimidated relatives are quiet around their bullying kin.  Taking great care not to set them off, they walk on eggshells around them in their attempt to "keep the peace."  However, there are ways to stand up to bullying family members by not engaging them in any conversations, avoiding meetings where they are present, and not entering into any agreements with them such as: money lending, volunteering service, or forming business partnerships.

A bully becomes powerful because he or she feeds on others' fear.  When you stop fearing them and you are no longer concerned about what they may do to you, you become the one who is strong!  You are able to face your foe!

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

I knew of some bullying relatives who robbed other family members of their peace and quiet through intimidation, threats, stalking, and other despicable acts.  The common problem was that the victims saw what was happening to others early on, yet they thought the bullies would never bother with them after choosing to connect with controlling family members.  But they did use and abuse them too--over and over again!  Some victims had to use weapons to defend themselves, contact other family members to help and/ or get police involved.

When standing up to bullies, speak the truth but be respectful and firm:

1)  Be sure to do it when witnesses are around that are not loyal to the bully. (Matthew 18:16)
2)  Be prepared to be verbally attacked or physically assaulted. (Ephesians 4:29)
3)  Avoid going anywhere or sitting down with the bully out of public view. (Psalm 1:1, 127:6)
4)  Don't eat or drink anything they offer you. (Deuteronomy 32:33)
5)  Contact law enforcement before you agree to meet with a violent bully. (2 Samuel 22:3)
6)  Don't assume other relatives will have your back especially the ones who question why are you going to say anything to the bullying relative. (Leviticus 25:17)
7)  It's always best to avoid angry men and women rather than trying to handle issues diplomatically.  They are not friends! (Proverbs 22:4)

Nicholl McGuire is the author of Face Your Foe On Confronting the Critics

Those Who are in the Wrong, Refuse to Admit It

What it Takes to Be a Success: Move Beyond the Blame