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
Vonda Schwarz, Bertrand, NE
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7
Polly New Port Richey, FL
Many are the plans in a person’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Cedarville, OH
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Bettie Tolar
Pasadena, TX
March 15, 2015
Mark 12:24 NIV
Jesus replied, ‘your mistake is that you do not know the scriptures and you don’t know the power of God.’
Luanne Neely, Marshall, TX. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21. NIV
Sandra Arnold, Paris, Tennessee
“I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His Word do I hope.”
Psalm 130:5 (NASB)
Shannon Smith, Dawsonville, GA: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Casey Middleton, College Station, TX
He has showed 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
MIchelle – Spokane, WA. “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 ESV
Fenton, Ashburn, VA “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:23 NKJV)
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. Psalms 11:27. NIV
Jennifer James Katy, TX “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,” Ephesians 3:17 NIV
Sherry, Deer Park, Texas
It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
Psalm 19:6 NIV
Amy 7634
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Tim 4:18 (ESV)
Jedonne Given, Nashville, TN “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
Galatians 6:9 NASB Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Cara Baird in Fountain, CO
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:5-6 ESV
Jill Holamon, Early, TX
Not for us, O Eternal One; this glory is not for us—but for Your name because of Your loyal love and truth. Psalm 115:1 VOICE
Cindy from Sisters Or
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-(ESV)
Amy-St Pete, FL
Isaiah 8:11 NRSV
“For the Lord spoke thus to me while His hand was strong upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people…”
Mary Ruth Franklin
Lanexa, VA
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
2 Peter 1:4 NASB
April of Stanley, NC
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 KJV
Cara Roberts, Byron, Illinois. “Rejoice in The Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.” Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
Lisa, Newark DE
I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.[c]
I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
But I do not excuse the guilty.
I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;
the entire family is affected—
even children in the third and fourth generations.” Exodus 34:7(NLT)
Susan, Fayetteville, GA
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved,” Hebrews 10:39
Taryn Crabill, Temple TX. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NLT.
Jackie Noblesville, IN
Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.
Proverbs 14:26 NLT
“So that we confidently say, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me.”
Hebrews 13:6
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
Tami, Louisiana
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30) NIV
Julia Tillman, Clovis, NM
Romans 8:32 NIV
He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
Stephanie Cozart, Cisco, TX
Psalm 143:10. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. KJV
Becky, Elkhart, KS Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe.
Wendi drop Kennebunkport, ME
“From whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives it’s name”
Eph 3:15 NIV
Julie Patrick, Florence, SC
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord , and whose hope the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:7 KJV
Shelley Candy, Bainbridge,P.A
Oh Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them. (Isaiah 25:1, NLT)
Marty, Clarksville, TN
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in Him will I trust.
Psalm 91:2. JKV
Kaylee Taylor; Stephenville, TX
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen; to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6 NIV
Cheryl Paulsen, Portland OR
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23. HCSB
Jen Massara, Albany, OR “I will walk among you; I will be your God; and you will be my people.” -Leviticus 26:12 NLT
Allison H.
Wilmington, NC
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,”
Philippians 3:13 (NKJV)
Janet Bell
Pinson, AL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.
Ashley, Abingdon VA
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 NLT
Sue M from Kalamazoo, MI
Remember, He has identified you as His own. Ephesians 4:30 NLT
Kristi Dean, Westmont, IL
Colossians 3:6 NLT
God’s terrible anger will come upon those who do such things.
Jamie Marsh, Las Colinas, TX
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. (Hebrews 11:1-2 NASB)
Sandi H. – Holt, MO – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Linda W. from Tomball, TX:
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV)
Janelle MacKay Malta, NY
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Donna, Indianapolis, IN ~ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NIV)