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.
Debbie Smith Westerville Ohio
Isaiah 41: 10
fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ESV
Erin Hall, Magnolia TX, Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5 NIV)
Ingrid from Omemee, Ontario, Canada
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Col. 2:6-7, NIV
Crystal & Reese, Canton MI
Psalm 84:8 – NLT – O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob.
Vonda, Thortown, IN
Eph 3:14-15 ESV
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,”
Amanda, Marion, IN
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” II Peter 3:18
Amanda
Pittsburg, KS
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
Debbie, Forest City, NC
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. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Brandi Mincey, Hope Mills, NC
Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured more than enough contempt.
Psalm 123:3
(NIV)
Kathy | Jamesville, NC | The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17
He has taken away my judgments! I am overwhelmed. Praise the Lord, the Lamb, Jesus Christ!
Vicki, Wilmington, NC
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1John 5:14 NKJV
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:24 NIV
Lisa Pauls
Lake Jackson, TX
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV
Ruthie , San Antonio, Tx
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1(NIV)
psalms 145 vs 18
KJV
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him,to all that call upon him in truth.
connie thornton
Elberton Ga
Roni- Demopolis, Alabama- “It is You, You only, that I have sinned and done what is evil in your sight. So You are justified when you speak and blameless when You judge” NASB. PSALMS 51:4
Rebecca M., Clifton, NJ. “Because your steadfast love is better than life, mu lips will praise you.” Psalm 63:3 ESV
Amy, Westminster MD
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV
Tessa Clark, Jefferson City, MO
James 1:2-3
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
ann from Mandeville,la
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,Lord,my rock and my redeemer.
The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God, it does not submit to Gods law nor can it do so.
Romans 8:7. NIV
Carolyn, Hermitage, TN
“A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back”
Proverbs 29:11 NKJV
Lindsey Buchanan St. Augustine, FL “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 NIV
Matthew 7:13 NIV
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
Linda Hunter, Lumberton, TX
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NLT
Melanie Groff, Katy, TX, “nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. “Romans 8:39 (ESV)
Springfield, Ohio
Romans 13:8; New Living Translation (NLT)
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
Judy 0 Huntsville, Al – Psalm 34: 14 – Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Cathy, Houston, Texas. Do not owe anyone anything except to love one another for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 HCSB.
Patty Pierce
Searcy Ar
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)
Mary Sandifer, Indian Head, MD
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:27 (NASB)
“May The Lord, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as He has promised.” Deuteronomy 1:11 (NIV)
Rhonda, Houston TX
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
1 Samuel 12:24 New International Version (NIV)
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Rachel J. from Cincinnati, OH:
1 Samuel 17:37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” (1 Samuel 17:37 NIV)
Teri Heikkila, Grand Rapids, MN
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.”
John 15:7 NIV
Evansville, IN
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)
Brown City, MI. Zechariah 9:12 Return to your walled cities, safe and secure, O hostages of hope. I announce today that I will restore to you twice as much as what was taken. (The Voice translation)
Liane – Harlowton, Montana – For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)
CPsalm 145:18
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Ruth – Madison, GA
Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face, you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Job 11: 13-18 NIV
Mark 12:31, NKJV
“And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”
Michelle Vardeman, Russellville, AR
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:7 NIV
Dora Polk Matthews, Mo
Psalm 9:1 ESV
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
Caroline Hucks
Conway, SC
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:5-6 NKJV
Fran, Jackson, TN
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV)
Jennifer, Fort Worth,Tx
Zephaniah 3:17 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.
Karen Johnson
Bingham Lake, MN
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
Gwyn Cummings, Rowlett, TX
Psalm 85:11 NIV
“Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.”
Misty Brandon, San Antonio, TX
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
1 John 2:27 NLT