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
Barb McCafferty, Elizabeth City, NC
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ” Mark 11:24-25
Renee Cloutier, Lansing, MI “So that your faith may not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” 2 Corin 2:5 ESV
Amanda Hodge, Sherman, TX
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 KJV
Dawn, Chambersburg, PA
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out! Romans 11:33 (NIV)
Charlotte
Philadelphia Ms
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4: 18
NIV
Jennifer, Fort Worth
1 Corinthians 13:2 “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ” NKJV
Proverbs 19:23 NLT
Fear of the Lord gives life, security and protection
from harm.
Ella Kelly, Farmington, NM
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Anita Siecker, Purcellville, VA
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires;
but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Romans 8:5 NIV84
Christina Cole, Irvine, CA
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Ronda from Tennessee
” from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,”
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
Jenni- Minnesota
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
Charmaine, Miami, FL — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 NIV
Vanessa Thompson-Texarkana, TX.
For to set the mind on the flesh is death,
But to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Roman 8:6 (ESV)
Jenny O, Tucson,AZ
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us.” NIV
Tanya Crouse, Floyd’s Knobs, IN – For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
(Psalms 84:11, NIV)
Ella Roemer, Gillespie, IL “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NIV
Debbie Nelson Hot Springs,Arkansas
John14:6 NIV
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Chris Wheeler Bend, OR. Look to the Lord and his stength ; seek his face always Psalms 105:4,NIV
Jennae England, Clovis CA, NIV Proverbs 31:15-16 “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it. Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
Lissa
Flowery Branch, GA
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Sarah Putnam, Greensboro, NC
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” -Psalm 139:6 (NIV)
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NIV)
Amy M, Fifty Lakes MN
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:3-4 NKJV
Albuquerque, NM
Psalm 139:6
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it”. KJV
Westminster, CO
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh
Galatians 5:16 (ESV)
Wanda Calderwood
Crofton, Maryland
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Ephesians 3:14 NKJV
Janet Poore, Paola, KS
“Teach me to do your will for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 NIV
Shelly Elston, Portland, OR
“from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.”
Ephesians 3:15 (ESV)
Gina, Upper Hutt, NZ.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7 NLT
Julia, Whidbey Island, WA: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Eph 3:16 NIV
Michelle K, New Baltimore, MI
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
Rebecca
Owasso OK
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want.”
Philippians 4:12 NIV
Robyn Cross Blue Springs, MO
If we live by the Spirit,
let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
(Galatians 5:25 ESV)
Kim Emmerich
Dickinson, ND
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Matt. 5:7 ESV
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Proverbs 14:26 (NIV)
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
Sarah K, Lincoln, NE, “Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of Him to whom you belong?” (James 2:7 NIV)
Amy Howard, Petal, MS
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NASB)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Karen Coppley Clemmons NC
Luke 6:27,28 ESV
But I say to you who hear, love your enemies,do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything
1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
Tracy Chapman
Andice,TX
1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV
“you were bought with a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Sharla Robertson, Granbury, TX
“Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79 MSG)
Mary Reed, Kansas City, MO – [Psa 139:6 NKJV] 6 [Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot [attain] it.
Elizabeth Pannell Buford, GA
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
Gail, Tumalo, Oregon
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17-18 NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father, (Ephesians 3:14 NIV)
Sarah W.
Port St. Lucie, FL
Proverbs 9:10 ERV
Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord. Knowledge of the Holy One leads to understanding.