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
Sherree, Lilburn, GA
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15 ESV
Kris P., Huntington, IN
1 Peter 1:15 (NIV) “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”
Kathy, Lake Jackson, Texas
from The Parable of the Lost Coin
“I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s Angels over one sinner who repents.”
Luke 15:10 HCSB
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Cor. 12:9-10, ESV
Cindee Schnekloth–Eldridge, IA
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Jodi
Thibodaux, LA
Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. (Isaiah 44:3 NIV)
Meagan, Burke, VA.
“But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16, HCSB
Abby, Cincinnati OH
“As God chosen ones, holy and beloved clothes yourselves with compassion kindness humility meekness and patience.”
Colossians 3:!2 NRSV
“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)
Brooke Rosetti, Wiggins, MS
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (Isaiah 48:17 NIV)
Suzie, Pennock, MN
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5 NIV
Susan Miles, Jonesboro, Arkansas
James 3:17 niv
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.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ”
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Paula Rutherford, Decatur, Tx–Philippians 3:12-14 KJV (Continuing through the book of Philippians)
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Sara J, Midland, TX
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. (Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV)
Arlington, TX
Psalm 29:11 NIV
The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and contrite heart-These, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17
Sorry…NKJV
Susan Jasper, TN
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth”
3 John 1:4 (NIV)
Abi Copeland Springfield, MO
Isaiah 55:11 “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (NIV)
Carrie Gill, Tyler, TX,
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”
Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV)
Stacy, Ruston, LA
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NLT
Julie, Madison, MS
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Eph 3:17-18 NIV
Sandra Kelly, Laramie, Wy
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
Psalm 147:11 NIV
Pam, Augusta, GA
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinth 4:7. NIV
From Cornelius, North Carolina: Ephesians 3:16 ( NIV). ” I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being.”
Kathy, Milan TN
“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?”
Psalms 27:1 KJV
Lois, Southbury, CT
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:18 NIV
Tina
Gulfport, Ms
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (Matthew 6:27)NIV
Wendy Williams. Shreveport, LA
Psalms 107:9
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
ESV
Shana, Dequincy, LA
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Elaine, Poplar Bluff, MO
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “. John 15:4 NLT
Hillary Dickey, D’iberville, MS. “If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV
Jeremiah 31:3 ESV
The Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Tori Mays
Elmer, La
Sara Wheeler from Alexandria, AL
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38
NIV
Julie Holloway, Lafayette, LA
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
Laura, Englewood. For the one who obeys the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.
James 2:10 NET
Pam Coleman
DeLeon Springs, Florida
“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Burke, Va. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14
Kate K., Lafayette, IN
“Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.”
Psalm 90:14 NLT
Michelle Moultrie, Birmingham, AL “In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for…” 1 Kings 3:13 HCSB
K Miller – Denton, Texas
2 Peter 3:9
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.
Tanya Beard, Cullman, AL
I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from persecutors-rescue me!
Psalm 7:1 (NLT)
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
“for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see–”
Colossians 1:16a NLT
Angie Gates, Wiggins, Ms
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NIV)
You are my God; teach me to do your will. Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path. (Psalm 143:10 GNT)
Mickie, Arab, AL
Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
Tyra – Atlanta, GA
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4 NIV
Heather. Grand lake la. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 NKJV)
Jamie McClary Columbus, OH
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Grace Niceville, FL. Matthew 6:34 (NIV). ” therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”