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
You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:2
Ellen Dark, Sarnia, ON “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3. NIV
Shannon Porter, Gipsy, MO
John 14: 1-4, KJV
1) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: it it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3) 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.
4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV
Houston, Texas
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. (NIV)
Pam Pruett, Clarksville, Arkansas,
Every good and perfect gift is from above,coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
Tillsonburg, Ontario
2 Corinthians 9:8 MSG
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.
Becky Morrison Marietta, GA
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me.
Psalm 51:7-10 ESV
Janet, Columbus, GA: “Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” -Matthew 7:10, NIV
This is the way, walk in it. Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Patty W.
Talbott, Tn.
Now I will triumph over my enemies who surround me! I will offer sacrifices in his dwelling place and shout for joy! I will sing praises to the LORD! Ps. 27:6 NET
Ganise, Ottawa, Canda
“Thus says the LORD, the God of [__] your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will heal you.” 2 Kings 20:5 (KJV, 2000)
“Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a, NET
Kim L., Colonial Heights, VA
As for me, I am in your hands, do with me whatever you think is good and right.
Jeremiah 26:14 NIV
Suzanne Kragt. Eden Prairie MN
How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. (1 Thessalonians 3:9 NLT)
Rms.12:2 NIV-
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Brandy Wohlers/ Prattville, AL
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1John 3:16 NKJV
Jeannine Anderson, Pelican Rapids MN. Psalm 37:4. ESV. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Brenda Gerber Grafton, OH
Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Judith, Scott, Louisiana
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Diane Stanko
Wilmore, KY
“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)
Angela Wagner, Pittsburgh, Pa
“But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere”. James 3:17, ESV
“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph owe me.” Ps. 25:1-2, NIV84
Tanya Smith
Kenosha Wisconsin
Ephesians 2:6,10
For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus
We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good works he planned for us long ago.
New Living Translation
Jesus looked at them and said “with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
Trust in the Lord!
“Look! God is my Savior. I am confident and unafraid, because the LORD is my strength and my song. He is my Savior.” ~ Isaiah 12:2 GWT
Rachel, Plano, TX “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)
Joni Woodward, Port Neches, Tx. “To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph owe me.” Ps. 25:1-2, NIV84
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NIV
Kristin Robbins, Fort Worth, TX
Debbie Fitzpatrick, Bossier City, LA
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 1 Thessalonians 3:11 NIV
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
Ephesians 2:6 NLT
For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
Elizabeth Stafford Prairieville,LA.
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which yours fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell, But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15. (NKJV)
Deb McGuire, Wayland, Iowa
18. Remember ye not the former things;, neither consider the things of old.
19. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it ? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43: 18-19 KJV
Gina, Olathe,KS
Romans 12:21 NAS
“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good”.
Carol
Carthage, NY
whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Ephesians 3:15 NIV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16: 11
ESV
Mandy Blake, Proctor WV
Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. (Psalms 107:8-9 NLT)
Vonnie Baker
Marble Hill MO
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
” Ii can do all thing thru Chirst who strengh me”. Phil 4:13 NKJV
Shauna K., River Falls, WI.
Hebrews 4:14 (NIV): For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Angela Pisel, Hickory NC
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV)
Karen Stark
Tallahassee, FL
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6 ESV
Jan Witt, Rockwall, TX
Psalm 73:26 NET
My flesh and y heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.
Sheila H., Steinbach, MB, Canada
Colossians 3:17 NASB
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to Him through God the Father.
Karen – Las Vegas, NV – Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10 NASB
Lexington, KY Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalms 143:10 NLT)
Sarah, Kingwood, TX
Now that we have God’s approval by faith, we have peace with God because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done. Through Christ we can approach God and stand in His favor. So we brag because of our confidence that we will receive glory from God. Romans 5:1-2 (GWT)
Kathy from Chandler, OK “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV)
Becca Williams, Irvine CA
Psalms 143:10 NIV
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”