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
Julie Kauth, Goodyear, AZ
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of the holy child Jesus. Acts 4:30 KJV
Gail Irwin, Thousand Oaks, CA
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 tangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Abigail Winkleman, Akron, OH
1 Samuel 12:24 (ESV)
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Ambria gates, wiggins, Mississippi
Romans 8:28 NIV
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.
Romans 8:28
“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (NAS)
Michelle B. McComb, MS
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10 NIV)
Carmen, Summersville, WV “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
Proverbs 10:19
NLT
Connie, Iowa, NKJV Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
March 15, 2015 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 NIV
Tessie Mayo, Brownwood, TX
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.”
Jackie Watson from Marietta, Ga. “Do not let your hearts be trouble. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1 NLT
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
– Colossians 3:1 ESV
Remind me each morning of Your constant love, for I put my trust in You. My prayers go up to You, show me the way I should go. I go to You for protection, Lord; rescue me, from my enemies. You are my God; teach me to do Your will. Be good to me and guide me on a safe path. -Psalm 143:8-10 GNT
Tammy Cosby / Siloam, NC…..Matthew 4:4 Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (NIV)
Debbi Myrtle Beach, SC. If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV
Hanna Wahlbrink
Lexington, Ky
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will put my hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:24(esv)
Bethany Mowat Evart, Michigan So that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 HCSB
Susan Davis, Lawrenceville GA
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. NLT
Lindsay Newman, Prophetstown, IL. “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 NIV
Pam Sue, Spring, TX
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (Ephesians 3:15 ESV)
Carrie, Liberty, TX
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Sherri Zingarelli, Galena, OH:
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:20 NIV
Shanda G., York, PA: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit,” Matthew 27:50, NASB.
Sandy Daugherty, Danville, KY
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been
assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
2 Timothy 3:14 NKJV
Shawna, Bates City MO “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 NIV
Tiffany Jones, Valparaiso,IN
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn; he will never go back on his promises.
Romans 11:29 (TLB)
Annie, Milton, WA
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil. To give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11, ESV
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. -Romans 1:16. NIV
BUT they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles: they shall run and not be weary: they shall walk and not faint ISAIAH 40: 31
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 ESV
I’m in Hot Springs, Ar.
Dawn in Monett, MO
Nahum 1:7 NIV
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him.
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:27 NIV)
Keely in Hermann, Mo learned, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
Jennifer Lane, Grand Rapids, MI
Isaiah 66:2 NIV
Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.
Brittany Watson Marietta, Ga
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 ESV
Selina B. Barbourville, KY.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in His throne.
Revelations 3:21 KJV
Candice from Wallingford, PA “from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” Ephesians 3:15 ESV
I will praise You Lord, with all my heart; before the ” gods ” I will praise You.
Psalm 138 : 1 ( NIV )
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
God made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV)
Amy Spry
Dothan, AL
John 14:26 NIV
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.
Renee DeJarnette, Alexandria, KY
Isaiah 65:24 (RSV)
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 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. Col 3:12-13
Kimyetta H., Jonesboro, GA
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
Philippians 2:1 (NIV)
Angie Hampton,TN 1 thessalonians 5:12-13 NASB
But we request of you,brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
Megan; Goodlettsville, TN
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me; the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 (NIV)
San Clemente, CA
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV
Christine Caris, Newfield, NY
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose”
– Philippians 2:13 NIV
Megan Hall, Americus, GA “You shall serve the Lord your God,and He will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sicknesses away from among you.” Exodus 23:25 (ESV)
Patrice in Albuquerque
“God, I Love ❤️ living with You!
Your house