***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:
Jo 
John 16:33 (The Message)
I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I have conquered the world."
NO weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord
Isaiah 54:17 NIV
Praying for you right now, Celie.
Great idea, Stacy Minor! I was thinking about doing the same thing! How did you do it? Did you cut and paste them all to a word document or can you just print them out from here? (Obviously I'm not a computer wizard but I am NOT insecure about it.)
Hi, Amanda! I'm on here, too. I can't wait to see you later. Did you finish your tea? Grin.
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Gal 6:9-10 (MSG)
the Lord WILL satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and WILL strengthen your frame. you WILL be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail! is 58:11 NIV
in YOUR strength i can crush an army, with my God i can scale a wall… He makes me as sure-footed as a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights… You give me YOUR shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me. You stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not turn. psalm 18:29, 33, 35, 36 NIV/NLT
He's GIVEN us the road, we HAVE the truth, we have His own strength to stand up with! let's rise up and walk it, siestas! 🙂
I used my NIV for all of these except the couple I marked with "CJB" (Complete Jewish Bible-see biblestudytools dot com parallel Bible section) because I really liked that version's expression/translation of the particular verses.
Strength(1 for stronghold too!):
Prov.31:25- She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Psalm 18:2-The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 105:4,5-Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced…
Psalm 84:5-Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
Joshua 1:9-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."
Power:
1 Samuel 17:47 a&b->All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's,…"
Judges 6:12-When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."
Genesis 50:24-Yosef said to his brothers, "I am dying. But God will surely remember you and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov."**(CJB-Complete Jewish Bible/I chose this version for this verse because of things I've relearned in lesson 7 of Beth's Believing God Bible study about God's remembering, not only in reference to God's promise of His power to deliver them out of Egypt as foretold in this verse)**
Micah 4:8-As for you, O watchtower of the flock, O stronghold of the Daughter of Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to the Daughter of Jerusalem."
Philippians 4:13-I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Micah 5:4-He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
Victory/Power:
Habakkuk 3:18&19-still, I will rejoice in ADONAI, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. ELOHIM Adonai is my strength! He makes me swift and sure-footed as a deer and enables me to stride over my high places. For the leader. With my stringed instruments.**(CJB-Complete Jewish Bible version)**
Zephaniah 3:17-The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zechariah 4:6-So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
John 1:1,2,3-In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
Diane
40
Ogden, Ut
divorced
Celeste, I am so glad you are on here! I love nothing on this earth more than walking with somebody just starting out! This is a RICH LIFE right here, Sister. Get those markers out and jump in.
To Celie:
Sweet Sister. I will go to our Father on your behalf. The anguish you've endured is my worst fear. How awesome that you have a scripture that meant something to him to cling to! Gave me goose-bumps when I read that. Those that love the Lord WILL be together again! I hope that God rests peace in your soul tomorrow and you feel His presence with you in a very special way.
(The angel) said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel,(SIESTAS) for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words."
Daniel 16:12 NKJV
Our words are heard girlfriends…SHOUT "EM OUT!
We can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?"
Hebrews 13:6 NLT
Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.
Nehemiah 8:10 (AMP)
(Now that will preach…)
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:28-31 NIV
AMEN!!!!!!!
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;
When I fall, I will arise;
When I sit in darkness,
The LORD will be a light to me.
Micah 7:8
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more[certain], now that we are reconciled, that we will be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion) through His [resurrection] life.
Romans 5:10 Amplified Bible
Thank you Sweet Mama Beth needed this so much today.
Psalm 121:5-8
5- The Lord watches over you the Lord is your hade at your right hand.
6- the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.
7- The Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life:
8- the Lord will watch over your coming and your going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:5-8 NIV
I need this verse because I need to know the Lord will take care of me and watch over me and that He is my shade and that He will keep me from all harm including me harming myself with insecurity and allowing things in my life that cause insecurity in my life. I need to put these verses on my bathroom mirror to see them everyday and every morning.
Habakkuk 3:19 (Amplified)
The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28 KJV
For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
Psalm 18:39 NKJV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's tricks. Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. Ephesians 6: 10-13
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for!
When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me!
Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed! (don't y'all LOVE that part!)
I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back… bring you home… You can count on it!" (Oh I love that too… bring you home! : ) we can count on it!)
Jeremiah 29:11-13(ish) Message
This is SO refreshing! Thank you! : )
"My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He ALONE is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I WILL NEVER BE SHAKEN."
Psalm 62:1-2 / NIV
What's so fun about this one ladies is…it's kind of rhythmic. Check it out!
We're rockin' our freedom ladies!
"…the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits." Dan. 11:32
Becky
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. (Proverbs 14:26, NASB)
"I 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, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms" Eph. 1:18-20 NIV
I just clicked on the original post, so it should just your current blog entry and all the comments that followed and hit print and out it came!
Ah, thanx Stacey Minor!:)
"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
"In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people, and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate."
Isaiah 28:5,6 ESV
"For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.' But now, O God, strengthen my hands."
Nehemiah 6:9 ESV
"I pursued my [insecurities] and destroyed them, and did not turn back until they were consumed. I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise; they fell under my feet. For you equipped me with strength for the battle."
2 Samuel 22:38-40a ESV
My fave:
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7 (Amplified Bible)
Wow..these are great! I just jumped on this wagon, BUT I bought the book last week for me and one fer ma best bud. I am just finished with chapter 7. I didn't think it was long at all. I guess because I was so interested in realizing that I ain't da only fool out dere! (grin) I am ready for the healing side now. Can't wait fer chapter 8! Oh, a funny. The jacket said on the back something about buying the book because I saw the word "insecurity". I was at Wally World and I lol'ed right there in the book aisle. I thought, "Naw, I got it cause I saw a big ole pic of my girl!" You have blessed me for years. I am ready for the promised land called "Security." Thanks, Beth!
Exodus 15:2a—The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise Him. NLT
I Chron. 16:11—Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. NIV
Psalm 18:1-2a—I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. NIV
Psalm 46:1—God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. NLT
Psalm 103:2-4—Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. NIV
Deut. 31:8—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. NIV
Eph. 3:20—Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. NIV
Col. 2:6-7—And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to Him. Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done. NLT
Heb. 12:12-13—So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong. NLT
I Love this one!!
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name you are mine.
When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through to fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am The Lord, your God, The Holy One of Israel your Savior."
Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV
One of my precious memory verses!
YES LORD!!
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 24v14 (NIV)
"You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet."
Psalm 18:39 NIV
"With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies."
Psalm 60:12 NIV
"Summon your power, O God ; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before."
Psalm 68:28 NIV
Heavenly Father,
Be with this amazingly great group of women who you have called by name, for your purpose to participate in the So Long Insecurity study. Lord-you know each and every one of our struggles and you know exactly what each of us needs this day. Father I pray for your mighty strength and power to be poured out over us to bring us to the place of victory you need us to be in.
Amen
Well, look at you! Thanks, Stacy Minor!
Siestas, this is what I call the ULTIMATE SPIRAL.
In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.
Ps 22:4
NIV
Putting on a coat is one of the hardest things for me since my surgery last week. It takes effort and what an awesome metaphor for my situation.
Why does resting when you've had surgery so hard? I can't wait to start reading more of "Insecurity" b/c my brain fog is going away and God is sharpening up so much for me. HUGS!
In my haste I got wrote mine incorrectly (although it has helped me learn it)
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27v14 NIV
These are all from my 2009 Siesta memory verse scriptures! Didn't even realize how many are about God's strength and victorious power! Thanks, Beth for this homework- just the motivation I need!
I will lie down and sleep in PEACE, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged by the teask for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. 1 Chronicles 28:20
He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. 2 Samuel 22:20
Don not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which trandscends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Consider it all joy my "sisters" when you encounter various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete lacing in nothing.
James 1:2-4, nasb
What then shall we say to these things? If GOD is for us, who is against us?!
Romans 8:31
"God's word is better than a diamond,
better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You'll like it better than strawberries in spring,
better than red ripe strawberries!"
psalm 19:10 (Message)
Is there anything more GUARANTEED than His word!?! Today has been a WIELD IT day!!!
From David's Song of Praise –
2 Samuel 22:32-33 NIV
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Thank you Jesus!
Thank you Beth for weekend assignments ;).
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."
Revelation 12:10-11 NKJV
Words of life, words of peace, give us hope, give us strength.
In this world where 'er we roam, ancient words will guide us home.
(form the song "Ancient Words")
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion… FOREVER!!!
Psalms 73:26
This so Rocks!!
God is Awesome! I'm so excited right now I can't even sit right!
Siesta Mama, you are so right….this is definitely the best spiral ever!!
"She is clothed with Strength and Dignity, she laughs at days to come" -Proverbs 31:25
So, I might have already read the book, but I love this and I have it written on all my notebooks that I take to class. I don't think LOVE adequately describes what it means to me though 🙂
Also, on behalf of a few thousand young women at Liberty University, I think you should know we would love if you came and spoke here at some point in our college careers 🙂
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many souls." – Genesis 50:20