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
Kristen Grant, Sanger, TX
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us and eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison”
2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV
And I needed this bonus one…
“You’re a much neater person healed than you would have been well.” -Beth Moore
Wendy Fischer, Milo, IA
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:2 NIV
Carla Armstrong, Harlingen, Tx “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Dana Nance
Blue Ridge, Tx
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19 NIV (1984)
Teri Heikkila, Grand Rapids MN
“”Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:12-13 NIV
Gloria Huffman Freeport,FL
You will keep in perfect peace him his mind is steadfast because he trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Beverly, Vicksburg, MS
Ephesians 3:12 NIV
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Monica
Cheyenne, WY
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NIV
Jan McClure Lexington, KY
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit
He prunes , that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2 NKJV
Sarah Rumfield, Tomball TX
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 ESV
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Betty, Brown City, Michigan. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15 : 13 NIV
Dee Dee Fernandina Beach, Florida
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Angel Buff – Chattanooga, TN
“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.” (Psalm 18:30, NLT)
Rona Howard, Fort Worth, TX
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:14-16 (KJV)
Cait McCoy, Masontown, PA. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Kris Braun, Shakopee, MN.
As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 22:31 NIV
Kristi, Moira, NY
If you continue in My word then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. John 8:31b-32 NASB
Carolyn Medlin Oceanside Ca
He is your Praise; he is your God, who performs for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes
Deuteronomy 10:20 NIV
Kathy, Middleburg Heights, Ohio Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on firm footing. psalm 243:10 NLT
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Sloan
Atlanta, Ga
Giovana Cavarretta, Boca Raton FL
The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT)
Matthew 28:6 NIV
He is not here, He is risen, just as He said. Come and see where He lay.
Kimberly Humphrey, Hattiesburg, MS. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” James 1:2 NIV
Colossians 3:17
and whatever you do, weather in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV
Kathryn Davis Norcross, GA – For he will command his angels concerning you [me] to guard you [me] in all your [my] ways; they will lift you [me] up in their hands, so that you [I] will not strike your [my] foot against a stone. Psalm 91: 11-12 NIV
Dorelle Hogan, Hot Springs, AR, “And, are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24 (NIV)
Lynne Goldade, Seattle, WA
I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints. Philemon 1:4-5 NASB
Lindsay ~ Bangor, Maine
“…they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
~Isaiah 40:31b (NIV)
Bobbiejo Grimes Louisville,Ky
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,but the Lord weighs the hearts. NKJV Study Bible
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Bethany in Jacksonville, NC
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV)
Sherri Henry, Emory, TX
Late again . . . but I persevere!
March 1 verse: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end. NIV
So true, makes me want to cry!
“Therefore, Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Kelli Smith
McKinney, Tx
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful
for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Susan Holman, Farmington, MO
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Sherri Henry, Emory, TX
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. NIV
Joan G, Allentown, PA
Hear, my son, and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many. Proverbs 4:10 NASB
Louanna Werchan Miller, Monticello, IL
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 NASB
Vonda, Thorntown, IN
1 These 5:16-18 NIV
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Alice’ H., Pineville LA
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Dawn Moore Conway, AR
Matthew 6:21 HCSB
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Carrie Lyons Homer Glen, IL
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 NLT
Courtney Dougan, Gainesville, GA: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Brenda Rowland, Mint Hill, NC
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one. NKJV
Lisa B. Taylorsville NC. Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Cindy Matter
North Potomac, MD
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16 NKJV
Bobbiejo Grimes Louisville,Ky
Every way of a man is right in his eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts. Proverbs 21:2 NKJV Study Bible
Peggy, Queen Creek, AZ “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Ps 62:8 NIV
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13, NIV
Christy from Holland, MI
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Margie Davis, Beaverton, Oregon. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV