***It’s Sunday evening and you just passed 500 comments on this post. YOU DID IT, GIRLS! Honestly, this is the most exhilarating thing I’ve ever seen. As you know, we’ve posted Scriptures many times, especially through our 2009 SSMT, but this is the first time we’ve had a theme like this. These verses will stand a woman to her feet and put a shout of praise on her tongue. Let’s remember this spot, Siestas, so we can return to it many times. As my grandmother used to say, “It’ll cure what ails ya.” Memorize the date of the post – 3/6/10 – and turn back to it any time you need Christ to fill your sweet soul with an extra measure of divine strength. Thank you so, so much for your participation here.
ORIGINAL POST:
I slept until 8:30 this morning! I can’t even remember the last time! I am so hyped up and happy I hardly know what to do! There ain’t no estimatin’ how different the world can look when we get a little sleep. Sometimes when we think we need a new man (I’m not thinking that right now, just using an example), a new job, a new set of kids, a new house, or a new friend, we may just need a nap. Maybe you can work one in today.
OK, Girls, I have a weekend assignment for you. I am so jazzed about our on-line journey through SLI and I am very happy with how it’s going. Please don’t misunderstand this to mean I’m not. I’m THRILLED with the honesty you guys are expressing and I hope you’ll keep it up. This is a safe place. But I agree with one of our sisters who said something like, “Let’s pour it out here but let’s get it dealt with and get out there and be strong.” All the moaning about how hard it is only makes it harder. Breaking Free will nearly kill you but then, if you stick with it, like many of us out here have, God will use it to turn around and heal you. We have to press through and not be so easily discouraged. Our attitudes will make or break us. Let me say just as quickly that so many of you have been tremendously encouraging in the journey even through the difficulty of what we’ve had to face. We just want to band together and reach out and pull some sisters up on their feet here.
Ladies, the devil knows that if we’re too scared to even face our insecurity, we’ll never get freed up from it. If we just put the book down because it’s too heavy, how are we supposed to get up? (No, you didn’t say you were putting it down and I’m so thankful for that. But I’m convinced it’s what the enemy’s trying to get some of us to do.) We can’t deal with what we won’t face. GIRLS, WE CAN DO THIS. Are you telling me it’s harder to face it and get over it than it is to deal with it day in and day out, letting it minimize us and make fools of us and mentor the next generation to be just like us? Not to me, it’s not. I’m a whole lot happier today than I was this time a year ago. Please, keep up the honesty and let’s work this thing out together but, if you are in Christ, stop giving yourself so little credit. YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES. We can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us. Let’s honor what He’s done for us by doing what it takes to accept it to the marrow of our bones. The question will ultimately be this: Do we believe what God’s Word says enough to act on it?
So, that brings us to our weekend assignment: (And this is not only for the ones going through SLI. All of us could use this.) Look up Scriptures that have to do with strength and power and victory and write some out in a comment to this post. Be sure to put the reference and the translation because your sisters will want to know where they can find many of them. Try to limit your comment to the actual Scripture so that we can read one after another and claim them for ourselves through the power of Christ in our inner man.
THEN, ladies, get on here and read some of them OUT LOUD. Restate them in first person between You and your God.
I’ll get us started with one I’m saying almost every morning right now. Isaiah 52:1 NIV says…
“Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength.”
I say it out loud and picture myself right then putting on the power and might of Christ like a coat. Sometimes I might even stretch my arms like I’m pulling them through sleeves. Go ahead and think I’m such a weirdo. It’s a well established fact but I have loved it and it’s working and, anyway, I think that kind of stuff makes God grin. I’ve used it in my journey to be physically restored after my surgery and through the pain of a badly herniated disk but it is just as pertinent to our present journey toward soul-deep security.
Your Siesta Mama loves you. This is how I would talk to my own daughters when they were growing up. They could well tell you that I only put up with “This is sooooooo haaaarrrrrddddd” so long. “It won’t be near as hard when you get your tail up and do it.”
Go for it, Girls! Get your tail up and do it. Let’s clothe ourselves with these:
Anonymous 
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Hebrews 1:3 (New Living Translation)
3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Hebrews 2:18 (New King James Version)
18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Consider it pure joy, my sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that YOU MAY BE MATURE AND COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING!
James 1:2-4
"If I say, "My feet are sleeping", your loyal love, O LORD, supports me. When worries threaten to overwhelm me, Your soothing touch makes me happy."
Psalm 94:18-19
I so agree with sleep – this Thursday was down in the dumps, took a long nap – in the sun – and Friday felt like I could face life again! :~)
"I can do all things though Christ who strenthens me."
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
"… they trusted and YOU delivered them." !!! – Ps 22:4b(NIV)
"Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand." Ps 20:6 (NIV)
Exodus 13:14 "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:"
Exodus 15:13 "Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation."
will return with script but I had to offer this encouragement first. Thank you for posting your pics of the moore-land. As I read that chp I felt my feet creaking across your ancient floor boards. God is doing some AWESOME things in my life right now….the devil is workign overtime trying to destroy much it. I have had some knock down arguments with him. I am noticing insecurity in my 7 year old daughter and am determined she will NOT have me as an example any more.
Cmon ladies. If Beth can write and share it. We can walk the journey!
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.
Nahum 1:7(NASB)
For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and earth derives its name, that would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19(NASB)
David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.
1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV
Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.
Genesis 18:14 NIV
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted.
JOB 5:9 NIV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Dearest Beth,
I am so new to the Word and memory work, I wouldn't know how to begin to find scripture relating to God's strength and power. How will I ever learn? I thank all of these knowledgable sisters who have replied–(I plan look these up, highlight them and write them in a spiral.) Thanks for letting me be honest in this safe place. You are a dear! Celeste <><
Ephesians 3:16 – 18 NIV
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with POWER through His spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have POWER, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
Micah 7:8 NASB
Do not rejoice over me,
O my ememy.
Though I fall I will rise;
Though I dwell in darkness, the
LORD is a light for me.
Amen!
Habakkuk 3:19(NAS)
"The Lord God is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places."
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
NIV study Bible
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and apporve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
NIV study Bible
My absolute favorite verse. I spoke it this morning as I trained for a 1/2 marathon:
Phil. 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
NHRA BARB said…
"…This is what the Lord says to you:'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's…Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.'"
Thank you Thank you Thankyo!!! I am teaching for the First time after being waylaid with depression and I am so so ugh…insecure to get out from behind this computer and into the lives of people…thank you!!! God highlighted this verse especially!!! PRAISE HIM!!!
"Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR YOU."
Jeremiah 32:17, NIV
"He is my constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all of this to those who fear Him."
Isaiah 33:6, NET
"For God has not given you a spirity of timidity, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind."
1 Timothy 1:7, NKJV
Psalm 73:26
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." amen.
Pam in San Diego
Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
Ezekial 37:4-6 NLT
Get your glory, Lord!
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
"In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." 1 Peter 5:10
Just posted this on my blog this very morning along with a reminder of the story you shared about Gabriel in Esther.
When I did some studying on this scripture I found this jewel in the Key Word Study Bible.
It said that the coupling of two Greek words only appear in this passage. Working together they mean that after suffering, Jesus comes and makes us not only stronger in the midst of trials, but He empowers us to “become even more resolved to believe truth.”
WHOA! Love that!
Blessings to all my Siestas!
Dori
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. Ps. 3:3
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. Ps. 3:3
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY!!
Pasalm 91:1 NIV
The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.
Judges 6:12b
Melana 🙂
OH! And oh yeah…this one that God gave me during my quiet time yesterday!! It doesn't say strength in this translation, but it definitely gives that impression!
"Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time–pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something."
2 Thessalonians 1:11 The Message
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
John 16:33 Amplified version
Praise you, Jesus!
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.
Psalm 91: 4-5 NIV
Exodus 14:13,14
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again (fill in the blank with what your Egyptian is!) The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Then this song comes to mind – “Be still and know that He is God – Be still and know that He is holy – Consider all that He has done – Stand in awe and be amazed – Know that He will never change – BE STILL . . . Be still – Be speechless . . .”
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."
Isaiah 30:15 (Message)
Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on Me.
This is to Celie: I'm praying for
you. I know you miss your son. That
is such a sweet thing that God gave
you, His word written by your son! God is so good to give us things like that! I'll be praying for you
tomorrow, as well. Rest in our
Father's arms. I love you, my
siesta!
rtreolEphesians 6 :10 & 11 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Psalm 60:11-12
Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.
With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies!!
Galatians 3:3-6 (The Message)
2-4Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God's Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren't smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!
5-6Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God.
I love this whole Gal. passage and I LOVE it in the Message! Wow!
This one is near and dear for this gal who has battled with anxiety attacks for the last couple of months…freedom is near though!
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but DIVINELY POWERFUL for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."
2 Cor. 10:3-5 NASB
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31
She is clothed with strength and dignity. she can laugh at the days to come!
Prov 31.25 NIV
Judges 6:14 (The Message)
14 But God faced him directly: "Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven't I just sent you?"
Going in the strength God has given me,:-) Stacey
And He will be the stability of your times,A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge.
Isaiah 33:6 (NASB)
For God did not give me a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:17 NIV (I personalized this verse when I learned it)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Oh Yeah! Thanks Siestas!
I Printed out all these comments…good little book for me to carry around and to share!
2Corinthians 10: 4-5 NIV
THE WEAPONS WE FIGHT WITH ARE NOT THE WEAPONS OF THE WORLD. ON THE CONTRARY, THEY HAVE DIVINE POWER TO DEMOLISH STRONGHOLDS. WE DEMOLISH ARGUMENTS AND EVERY PRETENSION THAT SETS ITSELF UP AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHIRST.
Eph. 1:18-20 NIV
18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Rev. 12:11 AMP
11And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].
Romans 9:21-23 NIV
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Philippians 3:9-11 AMP
10[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [[a]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
11That if possible I may attain to the [[b]spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
2 Cor. 12:9 NASB
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
katiegfromtennessee:)
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
2 Kings 6:16 NIV
(Elisha talking there)
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou wilt stretch forth Thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Thy right hand will save me. THE LORD WILL ACCOMPLISH WHAT CONCERNS ME; Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Thy hands.
Psalm 138:7-8 (Emphasis mine)
NLT
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as sure footed as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Habukuk 3:19
For the world offers only a craving for physcial pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our acheivements and possesions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become tired and younge men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
2 Samuel 22:33 (The Message)
Is not this the God who armed me well,
then aimed me in the right direction?
(thought the rest of verse was too good not to include.)
Now I run like a deer;
I'm king of the mountain.
He shows me how to fight;
I can bend a bronze bow!
You protect me with salvation-armor;
you touch me and I feel ten feet tall.
You cleared the ground under me
so my footing was firm.
When I chased my enemies I caught them;
I didn't let go till they were dead men.
I nailed them; they were down for good;
then I walked all over them.
You armed me well for this fight;
you smashed the upstarts.
You made my enemies turn tail,
and I wiped out the haters.
They cried "uncle"
but Uncle didn't come;
They yelled for God
and got no for an answer.
I ground them to dust; they gusted in the wind.
I threw them out, like garbage in the gutter.
You rescued me from a squabbling people;
you made me a leader of nations.
People I'd never heard of served me;
the moment they got wind of me they submitted.
They gave up; they came trembling from their hideouts.
Stacey
…Do not be afraid of the enemy;[earnestly] remember the Lord and imprint Him [on your minds], great and terrible, and [take from Him courage to] fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes. (and yourselves, of course)
Nehemiah 4:14b Amplified Bible
Isaiah 40:29 NIV
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Thank you Father!
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV