***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:
thirstingforsomething 
In light of SLI chapter 8…
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
Psalm 22:4-5, NLT
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV
Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors
through Him that loved us.
Romans 8:37
Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
Ps. 51: 8, NKJV
"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." Isa.41:10 NIV
"Oh my soul, march on in strength." Judges 5:21 NKJ
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD is your God who goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you." ~Deuteronomy 31:6
"The LORD himself goes before ou and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~Deuteronomy 31:8
"Though an army besiege me, I will not fear; though a war break out against me, even then I will be confident." ~Psalm 27:3
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." ~Psalm 27:13-14
"I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them." ~Isaiah 42:16
"The course of my life is in Your power; deliver me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors. Show Your favor to Your servant; save me by Your faithful love." ~Psalm 31:15-16 (HCSB)
"'They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the LORD." ~Jeremiah 1:19
"So we say with confidence, 'The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" ~Hebrews 13:6
"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated…" ~Isaiah 54:4
"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 40:29-31
"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
HE is a Savior and a DELIVERER, and He works signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
Daniel 6:27
"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." Deut. 31:8 NIV
Lori in SW MO 🙂
Beth,
This morning when I woke, the words, "Awake, awake! Put on your strength!" came to mind. I was tempted to turn over when the words, "Throw off everything that hinders" quickly followed. I knew it was a call to push off the covers, get out of bed, get on my face, and get in the Word. My flesh didn't like it one bit, but my heart did.
In my reading I came across a sweet verse on strength that I don't recall seeing before:
"It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace."
Hebrews 13:9b ESV
Be blessed today.
Ephesians 1:19-23 (New Living Translation)
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
2 Timothy 1:7 (New King James Version) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Nichole
Nashville, TN
"For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." ~Proverbs 3:26
"For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." ~Proverbs 3:26
Somebody give me some verses for when I look in the mirror and all I tell myself is how ugly I am.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghten you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Young's Literal Translation: Micah 5:4
And he hath stood and delighted in the strength of Jehovah, In the excellency of the name of Jehovah his God, And they have remained, For now he is great unto the ends of earth.
New International Version:
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.
Beautiful Anonymous –
Psalm 45:11 tells us that.."The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord!"
He loves you, created you and is enamored with your beauty! Let His love embrace you this morning!
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB)
"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."
1 Corinthians 15: 57-58 (NIV)
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my brothers (& sisters!), stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul."
Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV
One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised
Joshua 23:10
"Do not fear, for i have redeemed you. i have called you by name. you are mine. when you pass through the waters, i will be with you. and through the rivers they shall not overwhelm you. when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. for i am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior." ~Isaiah 43:1-3
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
Isa 58:11 NLT
He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him.
Isa 33:6 NLT
I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2 NIV
Mark 12:24 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. NLT
plain and simple this is my mistake! I doubt his power!
Call me goofy but I'm singing Aretha Franklin (really loud and high I might add) FREEDOM (and with a little oprah tone) and then I am deaf from jammin to Travis Cottrel singing "DO IT LORD" and it's because I can taste it, smell it and see it coming. . . FREEDOM.
If you knew me a year ago, you would have had nothing to do with me. You would have NEVER thought I could be a Chrisitan. I was in such hurt, betrayal and of the worst kind. It was a betrayal methodically planned out to destroy me. It ALMOST did. You know WHY? Because I let it (as always) HAVE my security! I GAVE IT AWAY. I never knew I have the POWER of Choice granted by GOD ALMIGHTY Himself. No one is taking this again and I'm FO SHO not giving it away EVER AGAIN! I made such a fool of myself in this BUT God wouldn't get me here today to want me to dwell on that!
For believers that are being so honest and getting out that the pain of hurt and betrayal is just keeping the chains locked – PLEASE consider doing the new and revised BREAKING FREE by Beth Moore. This would be excellent with SLI book. I promise you, you will do a study of betrayal that will FINALLY and ONCE and FOR ALL let you know, it does hurt to be betrayed big time! You will learn that Christ Himself literally had to experience just that. I'm talking about a well, thought out plan to really hurt Jesus. It DOES hurt but this isn't the end of you. There is a story in the study that will break down Tamar and I gotta tell you, I balled! I balled because once again – I felt UNDERSTOOD. I think sometimes, we need so much to really get to the point we feel understood. God does understand and He will show you He does in the study. If I could grab Beth and squeeze her cheeks off I would in gratitude because it's her way of bringing to light these true events that took place that had I known – I would be a different woman!
I had to hop on here again this A.M. before I leave for church and after reading Rebecca post my heat broke to read that to I am another victim of sexual abuse at an early age as well and I am in my 50's as well Hang on to the Lord sweet one Jesus is there He is your strong tower He is your solid rock!!!!!!!
I will be praying for you if you need someone to talk to you can email me at [email protected]
I know the book is hard I had to put it down a few times myself but in the long run God will win He loves you so much.
Blessings to you
Carol
CAROL
by "break down" Tamar – I mean study!
And PRAISE GOD! I AM A DIFFERENT WOMAN
Had to add after reading my post! : ) But that's NOT insecure LOL : )
Lord, my God, you are always with me. Mighty One, you are a warrior winning victory after victory in me. A Savior, who saves! You take great delight in me. With your love, you calm all my fears. You rejoice over me with joyful songs. Zeph. 3:17, (Erika's paraphrase/prayer)
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:3-5 NLT
Erika
But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony
Rev 12:11
For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Psalm 18:31-32
NKJV
yall are great! I not only needed this because I was starting to feel very discouraged by the SLI disscussion group, but also I'm dealing with a lot. The annivesary of the passing of my father is March 17 and I was feeling really down in the dumps. Not anymore! grin.
"So is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Isaiah 55:11 NIV
Kaye
Lilburn, Georgia
2Samuel 22:33 NIV
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect"
Joan
Portage, MI
"The Lord is my light and my salvation-
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life-
of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1
Romans 8:35.37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ….No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Beth, your obedience to Christ is such an inspiration to me. You continue to put yourself out there until the last one gets it. And with SLI, bigger circles are "catching" your contagious love for Him. Surely, the Lord is coming soon. Love you, my friend! Annette
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
2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Father cast your eyes upon me!
When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.
Psalm 138:3 (NIV)
These were in my Bible reading THIS morning…
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deut 31:6
"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you, He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deut 31:8
"May the beloved of the LORD dwell in security by Him, Who shields him all the day, and he dwells between His shoulders." Deut 33:12
"The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and He drove our the enemy from before you, and said, 'Destroy!' So Israel dwells in security…" Deut 33:27-28a
These are some verses I journaled a while back, and came across this morning…
"O my soul, march on with strength!" Judges 5:21
"How blessed/HAPPY is the man whose strength is in YOU (the LORD)!" Psalm 84:5a
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Gal 6:9
"And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you won't become lazy, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith & perseverance!" Hebrews 6:11-12
These are 3 verses I memorized in 2009 as part of the SSMT:
"The LORD is my strength & my shield; my heart trusts in HIM & I am helped." Psalm 28:7
"The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace." Psalm 30:11
"…He gives strength to the weary… those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength…" Isaiah 40:28-31
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of HIS might."
Ephesians 6:10
Yes!!! LOVE taking this journey with all of you! Thank you Siesta Mama Beth!
Psalms 37:4
Delight I say delight yourself unto the Lord, and HE will give you the desires of your heart!!!
slight embellishment 🙂
The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.
1 Sam 10:6 NIV
This is so awesome!! THANK YOU everyone!! Read the verses out loud! I was just reading, and then started reading out loud (like the directions!!). It makes a BIG difference! 🙂
Thank you Stacey Minor for directions on how to print these. I had wondered how to do that too.
Pamela
The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19 NLT
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NKJ
"Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right and redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!" Isaiah 35:3, The Message
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; HE IS MY FORTRESS, I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my Mighty Rock, my Refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; POUR OUT YOUR HEARTS TO HIM, for God is our Refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Pet. 1:3 NIV
I love you O Lord my STRENGTH. My God 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.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am delivered from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3 NIV
These verses have gotten me through many long nights. I especially love the opening line, I love you O Lord my strength
Psalm 86:11-17 MSG
Train me, God, to walk straight; then I'll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord; I've never kept secret what you're up to. You've always been great toward me—what love! You snatched me from the brink of disaster! God, these bullies have reared their heads! A gang of thugs is after me— and they don't care a thing about you. But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. So look me in the eye and show kindness, give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child! Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, As you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.
1 Chronicles 29:10 MSG
David blessed God in full view of the entire congregation: Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You've raised yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from you, you're ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name.
Micah 3:8 MSG
But me—I'm filled with God's power, filled with God's Spirit of justice and strength, Ready to confront Jacob's crime and Israel's sin.
Isaiah 40:29 NIV
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
I have 2 Romans 8:37 And yet in ALL these things we keep on GLORIOUSLY CONQUERING through Him who loved us. Williams translation
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God who leads me on from place to place IN the train of His TRIUMPH, to CELEBRATE HIS VICTORY over the enemies of Christ; and by me sends forth the knowledge of Him, a stream of fragrant incense throughout the world. Coneybeare