As adults we know that a bully’s hidden secret is they are in actuality cowards. Most bullies pick their victims for one reason- they seem like an easy target. Bullies by definition are insecure or hurting and they want to take it out on someone else. We know this and yet it doesn’t make it any easier to watch. As hard as it is to watch, it’s even harder to convince our kids that the bullying has nothing to do with them being less than, but all to do with someone else feeling that way.
This is one way Satan works. He uses lies to convince us that we are unworthy of love. He tries his best to bully his way into our lives, and just like any other bully, he is nothing but a coward. Think about it…he has to feel less than because, as we know, he is. He has to feel defeated, because indeed he has been. He has to find someone to blame and pick on, or to make miserable, because he himself is miserable.
So what do we do in the face of a bully? What should our kids do in the face of a bully? Think about the advice and counsel you’d give your child when faced with a bully in school. Maybe it would go something like this…
“You are not what they say you are…you are who God says you are!”
“You are loved, special, talented, and beautiful.”
“Ignore what he says.”
“Don’t give her any satisfaction by answering back. If you ignore her, she gets no satisfaction and will stop.”
In the face of the neighborhood bully- our enemy, Satan- couldn’t we say some similar kinds of things? Can we face this bully head on? Yes we can. Can we stand up to this coward? Yes we can. Can we defeat the bully? Yes we can. Because of Jesus and the armor provided us by God, we have the power to face, stand up to, and defeat this bully. Let’s stand up to him in prayer for our kids. Let's encourage our kids to stand up to him in prayer. Let’s ARM ourselves with TRUTH, knowing that part of being ARMED means standing firm!
This Week’s Announcements:
1. We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org or Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org
2. BRING YOUR BIBLE! I’ve challenged the elementary (1st-5th grade) children to bring their own Bible each week. As we ARM ourselves with God’s Truth, one of the most important tools will be God’s Word. If you’re unsure if your child has the Bible that is appropriate for his or her age/maturity/reading level, I’m happy to be a resource for you. Contact me and I can give you suggestions about good options for your age child. Contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org
3. Registration is now open for our annual PathFinders Camping Day! Click the link below to register your 1st-5th grade child. https://stonebridgemarietta.org/events/event/pathfinders-camping-day-2/
What God is Teaching Us:
For Toddlers-3k:
Even our youngest are getting ARMED as they explore what coming to church is all about. They are learning that Church is God’s house, and about the things we do together in His house. They are learning that we play, pray, praise, and learn about the Bible. This week’s focus was prayer and how God is happy when we talk to Him.
Click the link to see the nursery lessons: This link is no longer available
For 4k-5th Grade:
We continued our new Fall Curriculum- “ARMED” on Sunday. This week’s lesson focused on standing firm and what that means as we face our enemy. Click on the link below to see the lessons for 4k/K, 1st&2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade small groups.
This link is no longer available
*Also- we are ARMING ourselves by learning a memory verse together each week.
This week’s Memory Verses:
For 2/3 year olds: “Call to me and I will answer you.” Jeremiah 33:3a
For 3k preschool: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
For 4k/K and 1st/2nd: “So obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you.” James 4:7(NIrV)
For 3rd-5th grade: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”James 4:7 (NIV)
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say...
They pray! Check out the picture of one young man STANDING in prayer during his small group on Sunday.
As nasty germs begin to stir up, nasty little viruses are beginning to show up, and kids are getting sick. After fighting off a fever for several days, one little guy developed a rash. He very seriously looked at the rash. Then looking up at his mom, he said, “Mom, I know what I have. It’s in the Bible. I have leprosy!”
All I can say to that is…let’s hope not…I don’t think my Clorox wipes will kill those germs! :)
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