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
Emma, Alaska, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:24 ESV
Heather Johnson, Minneapolis, MN
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said; “Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Allie Schielack, Houston, TX- “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
Stephanie from Houston, TX: “…from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Ephesians 3:15 (NIV)
Ruthy Parish Stratton,CO. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV
Tina from Pendleton – Matthew 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Rebecca, Waterloo, ON, Canada
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1: 12-15 (NLT)
Sandy, Bowie, MD “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:17 (KJV)
Joan, New Windsor, Md
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)
Julie Webb City, MO
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 27:1 NKJV
Melanie
Midland, MI
Those we served before are dead and gone. Their departed spirits will never return! You attacked them and destroyed them, and they are long forgotten.
Is.26:14
Donene O’Dell, El Paso, Texas
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)
April Lytal Claremore, Oklahoma
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
Ashley Edwards- Chelsea,Alabama
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
LINDA
MONTANA
NKJV Ps 91:12-13
Ps 91:12) I their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13) You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra. The young lion and the serpent you shall trample under foot.
Jen I. Eaton,OH
Jeremiah 29:12 “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Robin, Leo, IN, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Phillipians 2:3 NIV
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 (NRSV)
“The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.”
NIV Exodus 14:14
Monte Armstrong, Dickson, TN. “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. ~Psalm 23:1~ NKJV
Taylor T., Grovetown, GA,
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Romans 14:19 (ESV)
Malinda Hiles, Hurst, TX
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Susie McNeely Rusellvile Ar
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1 NIV)
Kim Burnett – Harrisburg, PA
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits”. Proverbs 18:21, ESV
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14 NIV
Mary Jo Wheeler, Las Vegas, NV
“…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Pet 3:15 (NASB)
Tanis, Cranbrook
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. Ephesians 3:15
Angie Wilt, Kansas City, Missouri. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
1 John 5:14-15 ESV
Vicky McPhail, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38 NIV)
Rhonda Butler, Jackson, Tennessee, The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm, Exodus 14:14, NLT
Brodie, Weatherford, Tx
Isaiah 41:19-20 NLT
I will plant trees in the barren desert— cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine. I am doing this so all who see this miracle will understand what it means— that it is the lord who has done this, the Holy One of Israel who created it.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 ESV
Margaret – Salem,VA
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:5-8 ESV)
Laura – Morgantown, WV
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” – Dueteronomy 6:4,5
Mallory, Fort Smith, AR
Romans 15:13 NIV
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.
Regina Orr, Floydada, Tx.
My 13 yr. old daughter had this scripture written on her arm in sharpie marker this week. I love it as well.
~From the end of the earth I call to You when my hear is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2 (ESV)
kelley
Prattville, AL
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT
Leigh Ann, Atlanta GA
Search me, God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Arin- Wichita KS
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Katie Moran
Arlington, TX
Colossians 3:16(NIV)
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Dawn Atwood, Colleyville, TX
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, James 3:17, NIV
Ann Cremar -Toledo Ohio
Psalm 5:3 NKJV
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.”
Alicia Coffey, Hutchinson, Kansas – Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10 NIV)
Gigi Smith
West Milton
Isaiah 54:1 ESV
Sing O barren one, who did not bear, break forth into
Singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of
Her who is married, says the Lord.
Diane, Hemet, CA
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
Colossians 1:11 NLT
Jessie, Chittagong, BD
“And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ Jesus, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NLT)
La Grande, Oregon
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Frances, Orange, TX
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Hi sweet friend. So wonderful to see your name as I’m reading through verses and praying for Siestas. 🙂