Hello, Siestas! My name is Diane Vaccaro, and I live in Fresno, CA. I’m a pastor’s wife and a mom of 3. I’m honored to share my verse today in a more formal way than usual. Often in our family we talk about how reflecting on scripture is paramount for transforming our hearts. God’s living Word can do more than we could ever imagine if we only give it time to seep into our thoughts and heart for a moment or two… or ten. It’s in those moments of reflection that I’m open and available to consider how the verse applies to my own life and heart. A quick read often leaves me with a short memory of what I’ve read, and a missed opportunity for revelation of who God is and how he loves. Memorization isn’t the goal, but a tool to continue to mediate on the Word, wherever I am, and ponder it, repeating it in my mind and mouth so that it becomes part of me.
Here’s my verse:
Diane – Fresno, CA
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
What I love about this verse is that it brings together God’s attributes as a mighty warrior and as one who delights, even to the point of singing over me. Strength and tenderness. He is a God that can take on my enemies without neglecting the tender and vulnerable places of my heart. And I’ve got an enemy…I don’t know about human ones, but I’m confident that The Enemy is always on the hunt. It is part of being a believer. It’s part of my life in ministry.
As I reflect on this verse I wonder where I’m trying to be the warrior instead of letting God do the fighting. I wonder if I fight fights that aren’t mine, neglecting the ones God has put before me for victory if I’d only fight.
And I wonder if I’ve become so distracted that I miss the singing. Has God been singing over me a melody so sweet while I’ve been straining to hear the world’s approval? I really want to hear the song of God. The world’s song pales in comparison.
One day I was alone in my car and not listening to music (both are seldom). I was praying and pleading and at one point simply asked God, “Do you delight in me?” This verse was pulled from somewhere in my memory as if to say, “Yes, I delight in you. You bring me great joy. I’m singing over you.”
Mighty God, my prayer is that you would set my feet in the direction of my battles, that I would fight with courage and bravery, knowing that you will supply all I need. Show me when I try to fight battles meant for you. I want to duck when your sword comes crashing through, bowing to your will and power. Quiet my heart and soul that I would hear you – hear your direction and your joyful singing over me. I want your song to be the soundtrack of my days.
My prayer is that you, Siesta, will experience the Mighty Warrior and the songs of delight that he sings over you today.
Ashley
Royal Oak, MI
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8 NIV
Cheryl in Fairhope,”Do not let me have evil desires,
or participate in sinful activities with men who behave wickedly. I will not eat their delicacies.”(Psalm 141:4) NET
Barbara from Wisconsin.
8. If I ascend into heaven, you are there;
If I lie down in Sheol, there you are.
(psalm 139:8. NAB)
Lindsay ~ Bangor, Maine
“But you, keep your head in all situations…”
~2 Timothy 4:5a (NIV)
Laura Hagedorn, Rib Mountain, WI.,
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Beverly
Isaiah 40:28 ESV Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28 ESV)
Tammy, Deer Park, WA
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:14-15 ESV
Ruth-Anne, Garvagh, N.Ireland
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
Jamie Marsh, Las Colinas, TX
Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your family far away. For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. (Psalms 45:10-11 NLT)
Jody from Sarcoxie, MO says:
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11
Karen Roberson, Cullman, AL
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Hannah Hancock from Winter Haven, FL
“bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
-1 Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV)
Kim Safina
Central Coast California
But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6
http://kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Hi Diane Vaccaro, I am Blessed by your words and scripture verses.
Carol Rice – Deer Park, TX
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Deborah C.
Atlanta, GA
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
Isaiah 43: 18-19a (The Message)
South Carolina
1 Peter 1:22-23 ESV
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
Deena- Colleyville, TX
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14 NIV
Jennifer Brosdahl, Menahga, MN
“Bear with eachother and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossions 3:13
Julie P Tierra Verde FL
Ephesians 3:17 NET
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love,
Diane w, Troutdale, or john 14:21, nlt ..those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my father will love them and reveal myself to each of them.
Jill Hill from Houston, TX – James 1:4-5 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Emily Tohlen – Kansas City
. . .that you being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17b-19 ESV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
Christy Kirby, Plano, TX: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)
Jamie, Coupeville, WA
Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23, NASB
Natalie, Houston
…to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7 ESV
River Falls, WI
My dear brothers and sisters, take not of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19, NIV
Cindy from Sisters Or says: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1Peter 5:8 NIV
Melodie, Fort Mohave AZ
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” James 4:10 NIV
I Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You were bought with at price. You are not your own. Therefore honor God with your body.
Jan Strickler, Cypress, TX
Isaiah 50:7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced.
Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
Windsor Mill, MD
James 1:4-5, NIV
Let perseverance finish it’s work so
that you may mature and complete,
not lacking anything
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should
as God, who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Desirae Blythe Uniontown, Kansas
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Palms 73:26
Dana, Avon, Indiana
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Sandra, Anchorage, AK
Psalm 27:14, NIV
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Jennae, Clovis CA, NIV Proverbs 31:19-22 “in her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”
Carolyn, Terrace BC Canada
Psalm 62:2 NIV
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Liz Kelley, College Station, Tx
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get His help and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
James 1:5-8 (The Message)
Natalie – San Diego, CA
I John 2:2 (NKJV)
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Sandra, Rock Hill, SC
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2 NIV
Daura Crawley, Conway, AR 1 Corinthians 13:7-9 ESV
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
Angela Brown, Rogers Ar.
For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you! (Isaiah 41:13 AMP)
Kelhe Hatfield – Larkspur, CO – Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Cathy Pernsteiner Clarkston, WA “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” NIV
Julie, Albuquerque
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Ashlyn Crawley, Conway, AR Romans 12:9-10 ESV
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Rita, Sevierville, TN
Psalm 112:7 NIV
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Holly H., Frisco, TX
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14, NIV
Linda W. from Tomball, TX
“Keep steady my steps according to Your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133 ESV
Christy, Cape Girardeau, MO. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)