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.
Vivienne B, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31(NLT)
Jody Bowhay in Huntsville, AL NIV
Psalm 16:1
“Keep me safe O God, for in You I take refuge.”
Kassi Rushing- Ridgeland, MS (I forgot to post #7,so this is #7 & #8!)
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV)
Linda, Johnstown, Pa.
“For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” — 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV)
Cheryl Paganelli, Medford, New Jersey
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves
Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” ~Mark 11:26, NASB
Letha Miller. Cullman, AL. Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13. ESV
Hey on here from Huntsville AL.
Stacey Belton, TX
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your Word. Psalm 119:147 NIV
Sarah M., St. Louis, MO
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV
Linda in Chester, VA
I love the Eternal; for not only does He hear my voice, my pleas for mercy, but He leaned down when I was in trouble and brought His ear close to me. So as long as I have breath, I will call on Him. Psalms 116:1-2 (Voice)
Tricia, Tuscaloosa, AL
Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Ps 46:10 (NIV)
PSA 106:14-15 NIV
In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them.
Nathalie Van Hoorebeke, Birmingham, Uk
“Dwell in Me and I will dwell in you
[live in Me and I will live in you].
Just as no branch can bear fruit of
itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.
John 15: 4 Amp
Amanda Porter. Kansas City, Missouri. “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”. -2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)
Joan, New Windsor, MD.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Sissy Youngblood, Ruston, Louisiana
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 NIV
Laquita Hunter, Athens, Tx. “..that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16 ESV
Juanita, Boston
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
Psalms 13:6
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
NASB
Perri Lee, Shallowater, TX
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
~ Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Erin Beil, Sneads Ferry, NC
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2
Theda Dawson
Front Royal,VA
1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV
for the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
Vanessa Lipsit, San Antonio, TX
Philippians 4:4 NLT
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again, rejoice!”
Kaye from Hamburg,AR
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. ( I Sam. 12: 24)
Jennifer. New Boston, Texas
Galatians 6:9 NIV
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Terri Assael – State College, PA
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and earth is named, that according to his riches in glory that you may be strengthened with power from his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love Ephesians 3:17 (continuing from vs 14) ESV
Laura D, Cleveland, OH. 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)
Tracy, Sidney, Ohio
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Kristin Funston, Memphis, TN
“Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalm 100:3 ESV
Debi Detroyer, Emmett, MI
“I will lift my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Jill Holamon, Early, TX
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13 NASB
new King James Version
Matt 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.
Amanda,Dothan Al
“We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV
Pam from Lubbock,Texas claims
Philippians 1:6
…being confident of this very thing that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Lou Verner, Mineola, Texas “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spririt within me.” Psalms 51:10
Patti, Tampa, Florida
No one has ascended to heaven but He Who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man Who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:13-15 NKJ
PS: Diane, your post and verse resonate! Thank you so much.
Karla Smith, Columbus, OH
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Carrie Smart, Liberty, TX
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us…” Galatians 6:9,10 (NIV,MSG)
Tessie Mayo, Brownwood, TX
“Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22: 37-39
Brenda Russell, Hendersonville TN
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Isa 26:3 TLB
Sherry Chong, Orlando, FL “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 NIV
More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ Phil 3:8.
Last in my series. This has been so rich and rewarding. Thanks for challenging me.
Kristin, Ft. Worth, TX
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
Jaime G. ~ Wilson, NC
Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience”
Colossians 1:11 NIV
Debbie Johnson
Orlando
Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV)
“I sought The Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
Kerry, Nederland TX
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
Psalm 91:9-10, NLT
“He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:10 (NIV)
Jamie C. Irvine, Ky.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)