Friday, October 8, 2010

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Resist

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: resist

What does this phrase mean to you? - "...resist the devil..."


"...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

"Stand firm against him [the devil]..." (1 Peter 5:9)


Let me know what you think!!


(P.S. Taking a poll: Do you like seeing the "word for the week" in the title - or do you prefer being surprised when you read the post? Appreciate your input!!)



“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

8 comments:

  1. Sharon, when I see that phrase resist the devil, I think about how is going to require some exertion on by part. I have to meet him with equal but opposite force. As for your second question, I think it's a toss up for me because the word resist drew my attention.

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  2. first, regarding your poll, either way is fine with me. In the title is nice, but if you have it later in the entry, that's fine too (I'm so easy :)

    resist - do not succumb, do not give in, give it your best shot to avoid whatever you are trying to resist; stay away from, don't allow yourself in situations where you might be tempted; and always in the case of resisting the enemy, call on the name of the Lord and his Word, always a good weapon in resistance :)

    betty

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  3. Surprise me! I'm quirky like that.

    Hmm. Resist.

    To me, it means more than something passive. It speaks of taking active measures to stand against the advancement of something.

    It also speaks to me that "that something" is aggressive in advancement.

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  4. Hi Sharon,

    When I think of the word resist, I think about someone or something being in opposition or conflict. But resistance isn't just confrontational. The Berlin wall (before it was torn down) formed an immovable barrier, resisting many who opposed it. With that in mind, I can stand firm, holding my ground and resist the devil.

    Blessings and peace.

    MTJ

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  5. Wanda - Thanks for your comment. I like how you pointed out that the word RESIST means EXERTION! Resisting requires energy, effort, and action...

    Betty - You have come up with the best definition of "resist" I've heard in a long time! So many shades of meaning. Thanks for sharing - I'm going to copy down what you said in my journal.

    Debbie - Ooooo...I liked what you had to say! Like I said to Wanda above, you have also spoken about ACTION - not remaining passive. Such a good thought. And I really like what you said about the "enemy" being aggressive in advancement - oh yeah, definitely!

    MTJ - Yes, yes! I like your idea about being an immovable object. Such a good example with the Wall! Stand firm, hold ground - those words just make me picture a soldier - (Like you said, Warrior or Worrier - let's be warriors!) Never give up, never give in...

    Thanks, everyone - great thoughts about "resist." Your comments have empowered me tonight!!

    Thanks, too, for your input on what to do about the "weekly word" - here's what I think I'm going to do. I'm going to post on Fridays WITHOUT the word in the title (Surprise element!!) and then on Saturday or Sunday, add the word to the title. That will help me keep track of the words, and will add the word to the archive section.

    GOD BLESS!

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  6. Hi Sharon,
    After reading everyone's input, two pictures come to mind. 1)I don't know if you saw the Blind Side with Sandra Bullock, but the picture of Big Mike pushing his opponent all the way out of the field came to mind when I thought of resist. 2) The second picture is like a martial arts stance when you plant both feet apart, dig your feet in, lean forward a bit and brace yourself for the onslaught of a fight. :-) Resist!

    Like the others, either position of the word for the week is good for me.

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  7. Beverly - Hi! Thanks for stopping by. I haven't seen that movie, but my mom did, and she says it's one I've GOT to see! Your description really put a picture in my mind, though - love it! The martial arts image is great, too - I'd love to deliver a few karate chops to that old "nemesis" of ours!
    Hope you had a good day.

    GOD BLESS!

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  8. Both the Berlin Wall and the one about The Blind Side put pictures in my mind too.

    I love it when I can "see" a concept.

    And I'm glad that it's going to be a surprise. Like a little kid am I... Good grief.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)