Friday, October 11, 2013
"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 question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!
And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!
Today's word: resist
What does the word resist mean to you?
What are some things you resist doing for other people and/or the Lord?
Why do you think we resist God's leading and His ways?
What are some very practical ways we can resist the enemy?
*(Even though the verses about putting on the armor of God are AWESOME, I want to know what that armor looks like - for YOU!!)
Let me know what you think!!
"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesians 6:13, NLT)
"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
(1 Peter 5:9, NLT)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, ESV)
DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:
Jesus and the Father are united as one, and those who believe are united with them. The Resurrection is confirmation of these things...Life is new...Few Christians feel Resurrection power coursing through them, but according to the Word, we are one with the risen Lord...[That means] we walk through trials and tribulations with an ability to overcome them. Today's troubles are tomorrow's trophies for those who are filled with God's Presence. Recognize the power at work in you and choose to live in it.
*Enable me to live my life in Resurrection power.
(Devotional from: "The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional" by Chris Tiegreen, c. 2011, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)
"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:
"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.)
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In truth? Although my head knows the correct concept of resistance, I often apply it incorrectly. Too often, I "resist" by trying to run away. (Running IS my weapon of choice half the time, after all...) In contrast, the scriptures carry the picture of one STANDING FIRM. The Greek word doesn't mean to run away, either. It means to set yourself against. You can't be "set against" if you have turned tail to run.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, my head and heart both know that so I guess when I try to run and hide from evil, I'm actually resisting God and his word just as much as when I resist it in other ways.
I can't find any scripture where God tells us to run and hide. If anyone has some, I would love to see it. (Because I would like some scriptural permission to run don'tcha know.)
What I find when I search all seems to say the same thing: To stand and set myself against the devil, and HE will do the running. I think I do this best when I hunker down in God's Word and really, really study it. For me, the more I study, the harder I stand. Even when what I'm studying has no obvious connection to the situation I'm trying to resist, the studying plants my feet and sets my spine. I have the sword of the Spirit planted more firmly in my hand after every study session, and when your weapon becomes bigger and stronger in your eyes, it's easier to plant yourself and face down the enemy.
I also think God shows us over and over the importance of fellow resisters. The resisters I want standing with me aren't just the prayer warriors, either. I want them, and I also want the fellow Word searchers. I need to bounce scripture off of them and let their iron sharpen my iron. When I do those things, I seem to be able to stand more firmly and resist.
Rambling, but those are my initial thoughts. I'll be thinking about this on and off all day because right now, my resistance is at an all time low.
Thank you, I've been thinking about miracles and about resisting the devil this week.
ReplyDeleteJust hopped over from Spiritual Sundays.
Sharon:
ReplyDeleteI started to comment, and then read Debbie's comment. I have nothing to add to what she said... it covers my thoughts and then some! Resisting and not running... oh boy!! I love that.
Don't you miss Debbie... I sure do!
Great word, and I'll be thinking on it all weekend.
Hugs!
I find myself resisting speaking up, sharing my faith, giving a testimony, etc, out of fear of embarrassment or rejection, I guess. I forget that I am NEVER alone, but Holy Spirit is always with me in these situations...and it is up to Him to touch someone's heart with the truth of God's Word.
ReplyDeleteResisting is a tough thing Sharon - sometimes I can resist what I need to and other times I really struggle. sandie
ReplyDeletejust flying out the door...going up north....but wanted to pop in first and say hi and wish you the best Sonday ever. Hope you have a great one Sharon....
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon At the moment I want to resist irritation and stress, Not doing too well, Yes I need the armour of prayer and reading and studying God's word, why is it when we need it the most it is the hardest to do, Well, guess i know some of the answer to that
ReplyDeleteResisting........I think of that verse in the Bible...Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. It seems the best ways for me to resist the devil is to speak scriptures aloud....use my believer's authority to rebuke the enemy...and focus more on Jesus than my circumstances.
ReplyDeleteFear can get in the way of me being obedient to God...resisting His commands for me. Not good to wrestle with God :)..... Good post to ponder, Sharon.