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.
Andrea Thibodeaux, Carencro, LA
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)
Amanda, Santa Clara, CA
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
Psalm 62:5(NLT)
Jennifer Tinsley, Indianapolis, IN. “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6
Jen from Wyoming
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love.
Ephesians 3:17 ESV
La Grande, Oregon
I plan to memorize Colossians 3:12-17 over the next few months.
Colossians 3:12 NKJV
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Ariana McKee, Boise ID. Let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Mathew 5:16. ASV
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength”
Isaiah 58:11 KJV
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
**Sorry! It is Isaiah 30:15**
“In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength”
Kezia Lewis, Krabi, Thailand. “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 (NKJV)
“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 KJV
Houma, Louisiana
Gina, Thomaston, Ga
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 NIV
Kerry from Houston, TX
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
Carrie from Cary, NC
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV
I am once again grateful for the end of a successful tax season. Helped many people, especially my friend Gail, and am blessed to have the ability to assist others.
May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my redeemer NIV Psalm 19:14 Ingrid Johnson glen Allen, VA
Pati, Macomb,MI
Hebrews 10:25 ESV
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Nancy Bradshaw
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV
Wendy – Lakewood, NY
Psalm 73:22 NLT
I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
Psalms 116:1 HCSB
I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy.
Janell Dixon, Virginia Beach, VA
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Darlene Colson Herod, IL for April 1
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
Penny Vian. OK
For Gavin…
John 14:1-3 KJV
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Kris Braun, Shakopee, MN
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15 NIV
Dana- Newnan, GA
Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn
Jackie, Versailles, KY
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion for whom no one cares!'” Jeremiah 30:17 (ESV)
Nancy. Redkey
When I am afraid I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Tess
Cartersville, GA
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (Hebrews 1:3 ESV)
Muriel(Ontario)Romans 8:11 (NIV)
And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.
Rebecca Norville
Virginia Beach, VA
Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.
(Philippians 2:14-16 HCSB)
Irene, White Pigeon MI
Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 NCV
Irmo, SC
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are my ways your ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 NIV
Kyleigh Porter Raleigh, NC
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3,4 (NIV)
Hendersonville, TN
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
Rachael Sol from Marietta, GA
Romans 12:12 HCSB
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, Because God has said, “Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Emily Johnson
Maumelle, AR
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26
Sherri Bosely
Rolesville, NC
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen.
Kathy from Chandler,OK “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
Bonny Hansen
Mitchell SD
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. (Isaiah 40:28 NIV)
Emily Griffin, Tifton, GA: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 (ESV)
Susan Chung, Long Island, NY
“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5 NIV
Sandie from Red Deer, Alberta
“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world can not give. So don’t be troubled or afraid”.
John 15:27 NLT
Michelle K, New Baltimore, MI:
I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come? My help comes from The Lord, who made Heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV)
Lisa Zink
Chickasha, OK
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Cindee Johnson Portageville, Mo
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV
Lana, Bryant, AR “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. (Psalm 139:15 NIV) “
Jodi, Sweetwater, TN -“Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Lynda Martin, Jacksonville, AR
Psalm 61:2 NIV
“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.”
Kandis Nucla, Colorado
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Prov 22:4 (NIV)
Kristy McIntyre, Eugene, OR
1Corinthians 9:24 NASB Do you not know those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 10:9-10 ESV
martha loyd
houston, tx
Susan, Knoxville, TN
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 NIV