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.
Kathy, Los Gatos, CA Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Karen, Clarksville, “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:17 HCSB
Plano, Tx. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
Jamie, Dallas, TX. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
-Ephesians 6:12,13 NKJV
Deborah Flora, Sawyer, KS
I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:17 NKJV
Darcy – Albuquerque, NM
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my rock and my redeemer. -Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Indianola, IA “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
Leslie from Elkhart, IN
My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2 (ESV)
Kristy Sanders; Madison, Ms; 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV ” No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Christy Brey, Jackson, MO
For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities. (James 1:11 HCSB)
Terri Fullerton, Abilene, TX “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you…” Eph 3:16,NIV
Betty Jane Pedigo
Franklin Ky
NIV Eph.4:2…”Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,bearing with one another in love.”
jackie moore, brookville ohio
In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Psalm 34:6-7 (NLT)
Brenda Ammons, Byhalia, MS
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.” Psalm 91:15-16 KJ
Rebecca Holmes, Birmingham, Alabama
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:8-10 NIV)
North Richland Hills, Texas
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT
Ruth A. Sparta,MI
Wait for the Lord; be Strong, and let your heart
Take courage; Wait for the Lord
Psalms 27:14 (ESV)
Moulton, Alabama: “You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 NIV
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)
Susan Smith, Helena, Mt.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Rom. 15:5
Elmwood, Tennessee
“My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.” Psalm 73:26 (GNT)
Lawton, Okla
Isaiah 40:25 NIV To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
Mary from Bluford, IL
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Lynne VP Des Moines, Iowa
“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
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love.
Eph. 3:17 Esv
Shanon, Shelby, MT
“For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.” Isaiah 43:3 ESV
So teach us to number our days so that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Ruth Somers, Baton Rouge, LA
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:15, KJV
Lori B, Renton WA
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Yvonne Gearing – Kingman, AZ
There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19 ESV
Tilley Hawkins, Franklin, TN
“Indeed, you are my shelter, a strong tower that protects me from the enemy.”
Psalm 61:3 (NET)
Peg Suveg, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV)
Nikki Gack, Park Rapids, MN
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10 NIV
April 15, 2015
Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You’ll treasure its sweetness deep within; you’ll give it bold expression in your speech. To make sure your foundation is trust in GOD, I’m laying it all out right now just for you. I’m giving you thirty sterling principles— tested guidelines to live by. Believe me—these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you. (Proverbs 22:17-21 MSG)
Alyssa K Mochen
Rio Rancho, NM
God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. 1 Peter 4:10 NIRV
Monica Mudde, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Ephesians 3:17a (NIV)
Mark 10:27 NIV
With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.
Leslie Hudson
Corvallis, Oregon
Seek the Lord abs his strength; seek his presence
continually.
Psalm 105:4 ESV
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
John 1:16 ESV
Marcene, Watsonville, CA “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called, His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:18, NLT
Jamie McClary, Columbus, OH
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek His presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11
Liza Kirschner – Monmouth Junction, NJ
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Susie, Harrisburg, PA
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
~ Habukkuk 2:3 NIV
Mary Saul
Houston, TX
Psalm 25:8 NIV Good and upright is the LORD:
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
Cheryl, Concord, NC
” but it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord, that I may declare all your works. ”
Psalm 73.28 NKJV
Amanda, Westfield, NC
…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 (NIV)
Melissa H., London, ON, Canada
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17, ESV).
Eleanor MacKay, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
that you may know what is the hope of His calling,
what are the riches of glory of His inheritance in the saints.
Eph. 1:18, NKJV
let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
Sandra Hicks, Houston, Tx.
“For God delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His Beloved Son (Yeshua Jesus)!!!
Col. 1:13 NASB