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
Erin George, Columbus, OH
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
The Lord has really been putting his finger on this lately for me – what is my hope in? Does it anchor me? I’ve got my anchor out, but it’s not the whole way down – firm and secure.
Carrie Donnell Tallmadge, OH
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 ESV
Proverbs 16:9 KJV
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Gipsy, MO
Linda in Chester, VA
“When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:13 (CEB)
Lori – Mountain View, WY
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today! – Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
Lindsey Krauss, Hudson Valley, NY
James 1:17 ESV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Grand Lake, LA Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19 NKJV)
Emily Griffin, Tifton, GA. “All these things my hand has made,and so all these things came to be,declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:2 (ESV)
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32
Beverly Reeder, Columbus,Ms.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God that if we ask anything according to his will ,
he hears us. 1John 5:14. NIV
Sandra Jones from Knoxville, TN- Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Isaiah 49:15 KJV
Beth, Lititz, PA
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Ginny White – Orofino, ID
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 (NIV)
Suzanne, Odessa, Florida
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12, NIV
Sophia 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.”
San Juan Capistrano, CA
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)
Emily, Heath, Ohio.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Megan Bollman, Fargo,ND
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”
Psalm 119:114 ESV
Libby Noland, Clinton, MO
Mark 7:18-19 NIV
“Are you so dull?”, He asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him unclean?For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach and then out of his body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean”.
I know it’s 2 verses, but I really wanted 19 and it didn’t make any sense without 18.
Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
“I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Springfield, MO
Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.
Hosea 6:3 TNIV
Sunni Sutphin Mount Airy North Carolina Ephesians 4:14 as a result, we are no longer to be children tossed here and there by waves, and carried about that every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming
Lee Ann Wimer, Norman, Oklahoma
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekiel 36:26-27
Teri Wray, Wake Forest, NC
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
Short and powerful reminder…
Scherri, Calvert City, KY
“The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.” Psalm 45:11 NIV
Sonia Kibe, Morrilton, AR
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
Alyssa K Mochen
Rio Rancho, NM
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 NLT
Hello, My name is Lori and I live in Medford, Oregon
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11 NIV)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:13 NIV
Lindsey houston tx
Anita Thompson, Miami, FL
The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; Num 6:25 (NKJV)
Anne Roline, Morristown, TN
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Casi, Lebanon, TN, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” Psalms 143:10 NLT
Anna, Indiana
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)
Clearwater, FL
Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already
Given.
John 1:16 NIV
Patty from Northern Virginia : Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10 NIV
Karen- Trussville, AL
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (NIV)
Jodee Walker, Mountain View, WY “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 (ESV)
Diana Plyley, Fountain, CO
“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all if your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 ESV
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Col 4:2 NIV
Jennifer A.
Gulfport, MS
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. may Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 HCSB
Sugar Land, TX I pray that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.
Ephesians 3:16 NIV
Carolyn Deevers, Dardenne Prairie, MO
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Jan @ Kansas
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your Word.” Psalm 119:114 NASB
Katie Burke, Tampa, FL
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 NLT
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.”
Jeanne Barr St. Petersburg FL
Deut 31:8 NIV
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor foresake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouarged.”
John 14:1
“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
Roanoke, TX
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40 NIV)
Shaunte Macarages-Fayetteville, NC
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!. Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10 ESV
Stephanie Volkmer, Tulsa Ok.
*Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.” (Isaiah 55:5 NKJV)