Greetings, sweet Siestas. It is with the largest lump in my throat imaginable that I introduce myself and share my heart with you, a most tender and humble heart as I type these words. I’m Melanie Toups, and my husband, Jerry, and I live in Bridge City, Texas. Our son and daughter-in-law, Jerrad and Cody Toups, live in Houston and are the parents of our darling grandbaby, Cally. Our daughter and her husband, Jacqueline and Josh Elliff, live in Arlington. Besides my salvation, my sweet Father has loved me most well in the lives of my children. Most well. Jerry and I worship at First Baptist Orange; I serve as principal of Kountze Elementary School and also teach at Lamar University’s junior college, LIT, in the evenings. Facilitating ladies’ Bible studies, primarily Beth’s studies, for the past 10 years is one of my greatest joys.
In 2009, I began memorizing Scripture through this very blog and have continued for six years. I’ll never be able to fully express the profound, life-changing impact this has over me every single day. I love His Word like no other love in my life. Last fall I began asking Him with much anticipation, “Father, what do You have for us in year seven?!”
Our Connection Group recently began “Time of Your Life” by Andy Stanley, and during the first session, I whispered to a friend that Psalm 90:12 would be my first memory verse in 2015:
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
This verse challenges me greatly in how I redeem the time He gives me. Andy discusses the cumulative value of investing small amounts of time in things of worth over a long period of time. (My first thought was the immeasurable worth of Scripture memorization.) I’d been asking for His guidance in laying aside a current commitment to better serve Him, and this verse took my breath away. When I dug deeper into ‘wisdom’ (Hebrew ‘chokmah’) in my Bible’s lexical aids, I found it specifically refers to ‘prudence’ in this passage. Prudence – wise in handling matters; skill and good judgment in the use of resources. Yes. Psalm 90:12 is for me.
This verse also speaks to me in seasons of wait. While we believe Him to be faithful as we await answered prayers for loved ones, relationships, jobs, etc., let’s serve Him and intentionally seek daily glimpses of His glory in the wait. A favorite set of commentaries by Charles Spurgeon, “Treasury of David”, contains this statement regarding my verse, ‘When the heart seeketh, it findeth, as though it were brought unto her, like Abraham’s ram.’ Ahh. Breathtaking. This is for me.
I’m in such need of His loving-kindness. Each morning, my knees hit the bedroom carpet for my Manna time (‘quiet time’ – necessary, daily nourishment from Him) and then again knees on the floor behind my office desk, desperate to live under His authority to have His anointing over whatever the day holds. (Warning: you may look like a bobble-head doll popping up if someone opens your office door without knocking. Smile!) But what carries me throughout each day is His Word, verses memorized to fill my thoughts and speak aloud while walking the halls of my campus or the hallway of my home. And on stressful days when my thoughts seem to continually cycle ‘grumble/confess/repeat’, I beg Him to please ‘work in me to will and to ACT according to His good purpose’ (from Philippians 2:13, emphasis mine).
So, let’s do this! Your heart will soar at His faithfulness! He will use you to encourage coworkers and family with verses penned to notepads and text messages. Learn verses with friends (in 2014 I invited Facebook friends to join a group and was overwhelmed at the response); recite them during your morning commute. My work commute is 90 miles roundtrip, and my spiral is my copilot. Recently I spoke at a local ladies’ retreat and discussed Scripture memorization. Today I saw the pastor of one of the participating churches, and he was excited to share the difference Scripture memory is already making in his congregation. Applause for Him alone! He. is. most. worthy.
Thank you, precious Beth, for your incredible generosity in allowing me to honor Him through your ministry. I love Him more because of your obedience to His calling. I love you.
So excited to read YOUR verses, my friends!
P.S. In case you missed it, we have a new SSMT app!! Check it out here: SSMT App Launch
Tammy,
Lusby, MD
Proverbs 3:24 (NIV)
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Andi Crumrine, Rockwall, TX
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. (1 Peter 1:8 NIV)
Donna, Yadkinville,
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Valerie
Denver, Colorado
…and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength,
Ephesians 1:19 (NIV)
Cindy Cannon, Otterville, IL
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV)
Hi Melanie! That was my first verse this year also!! Too Fun!
Jules Lane
Foothills of the Rocky Mtns, Colorado
“Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” ~ Psalm 103:5 (KJV)
I love it!
Heather Smith, Nashville, TN
“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
Alice Hinckley, Dallas, TX: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
–Phillipians 4:6-7 NKJV
“The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10NLT
Suzanne Bailey, Harrisville, RI
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
Psalm 39:7 esv
Meredith from Columbus, OH: “For you delivered me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life.” – Psalm 56:13 (HCSB)
Maureen, Pascoag, RI
Be careful then how you live,
not as unwise people but as wise.
Ephesians 5:15
NRSV
Meagan Smith, Longview, TX- Romans 11:36 (NIV) “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
Thank you, Meagan, this is the one I was looking for to use this time.
Gina Rosamond, Ca
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:5 ESV
San Bernardino Ca.
Teach me to do your will for you are my God may your good spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10 Niv.
Michelle, Fort Collins, CO
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also Kay aside every weight and the sun that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the author and perfected of our faith ”
Hebrews 12:1-2a (NRSV)
Janene Ford, Henley, MO
“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25 NASB
Ruth – Sherwood, OR, “I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:8 (CEV)
Lauren, Pittsburgh, PA
“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
Vickie S, Chesapeake, VA: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:6-7 NIV
Julie/deer park,Tx Titus 3:2 NIV to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Krista H. Winchester, VA
Psalms 62:5-8 HCSB
Rest in God alone my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.
Heather Michalec, Valparaiso, Indiana
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 (NASB)
Teresa, Walla Walla, James 4:7-8a NLT “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”
Jennie, Denham Springs, LA
“…Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 NLT
“You can make this choice by loving The Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life.” Deuteronomy 30:20 NLT
“‘My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.'”
John 17:15-17 NIV
Marla, Cordova, TN, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 NIV
Rachel, Mt. Carmel, PA – “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” – Eph. 3:16-17a, NIV
Dawn, Mount Olive, NC
James 1:2 NIV
“Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever yo face trials of many kinds,”
Susan, Portland OR
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6 NLT)
Diane Hotchkiss from Cypress, TX
I John 4:4 (ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Renee, Rockford, MI
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Psalm 5:12 (NIV)
Sharon from Van, TX
“Then I would not be put to shame when I consider your commands.” Psalm 119:6 NIV
Jill Lynch, Mission Viejo, CA
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Martha, Cocoa, FL
Psalm 50:15 NLT
Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.
Cheryl, Roswell, NM
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)
Sheri
Georgetown, TX
Who is a God like you, who pardons our iniquities and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in unchanging love.
Susannah Hotchkiss from Cypress, TX
Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Michelle Baylerian, Greenville, WI
“from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” Ephesians 3:15 ESV
Louise at Irvine, CA
Matthew 12:34B – For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh! (KJV)
Terri Sickles, Richmond, MO
James 4:6 ESPN
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. “
Rhonda Davis, Huntsville, TN
1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV)
Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Elizabeth Thompson, Florence, AL, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;” Romans 12:6 NASB
Karen Roberson, Cullman AL
Psalm 117 NIV
Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol to him , all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Allison Montague, Bedford, TX
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.” For His Spirit joins our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we are His heirs.” -Romans 8:15-17a
forgot to mention that’s from the NLT
Kay Martin
Tupelo, MS
“If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.”
1 John 1:6-7 NIV
Amanda Largo Fl
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8
Sorry, forgot to state version NKJV
Nanette Smith Jacksonville TX
Thy Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:11 NAS
Debbie Mills, LaVergne, TN “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Prov.25:28 NIV