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
Leona, Fort Langley, BC “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La
Janet Anderson
Edmond, OK
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Eugene, OR
Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
~Matthew 6:34 HCSB
Linda Herrera, Colorado Springs, CO
“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
Amy, Hobe Sound, FL “or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” I Cor. 13:5 ESV
“You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely,
O LORD.” Psalm 139:3-4
Tracy Singleton, White lake, mi
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalms 143:10 NIV
Wendy. OKC OK.
Psalm 105:4New International Version (NIV)
4 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
Trish – Cover, SC. Romans 8:10 NIV
But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
Andrea Hicks, Fort Worth, TX
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV
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
Cheryl Morris, Oklahoma City, OK ESV I Corinthians 6:19, 20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body”
Lora Hart Pueblo,CO “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Psalm 43:3
“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)
Sallie Russ, Greenwood, SC
“I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12 NASB
Jennifer Egbert Emporia, KS ESV I Corinthians 6:19, 20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body”
Joanne Verzi from Austin, TX: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Lindsay, Tennessee
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NASB)
Auburn, AL
In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Psalm 86:7 ESV)
Jenn, Frederick CO
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Cecilia Bramhall, Pflugerville, TX
Romans15:13 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.
I Thes. 2:13 NIV
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
Susanna Greenville, TX
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning. For in you do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk. For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143.8 NKJV
Misti Robinsom, from Houston, TX:
He is before all things, amd in him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:17 NIV
Paula, Oklahoma City, OK
Watch over your heart with all diligence,for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23. NASB
Kyndra, Houston, TX Psalm 48:14 “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” NIV
Pflugerville, Winding Shore Ln, Texas
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
[Romans 8:28] NLT
Jenni Neal, Dunn, NC
“Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”
Ephesians 3:15 KJV
Rosa-Plano, Tx: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10 ESV
Kelly, CA
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 minds in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Desiree Reimer
Calgary, Alberta
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Ephesians 3:16 ESV
Erin, Lolo, MT
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Psalm 139:4 NIV
Jeanise Newsom, Flynn, Texas.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 NIV
Sherry Fisher, Murray, KY
1 John 3:6 “Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.” (NLT)
Lynn Greene, Shelby, NC. “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 NIV
Judy Vitters, Columbia,SC
“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)
Jill Knight, Fort Ashby, WV
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. II Timothy 2:13 NKJV
Jenny Ann Arena
KC, Missouri
Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived,God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Helen Roseberry, Riverside, CA,
“and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”
Isaiah 61:3 NIV
Laura from Bedford, TX
Psalm 27:1-3 (HCSB)
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident.
Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM: Proverbs 6:18-19 (continued from last pick of Proverbs 6:16-17) a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. (NIV)
Judy from Lake Charles, LA
“For you are all children of light,
children of the day. We are not
of the night or of the darkness.”
I Thessalonians 5:5 (ESV)
Deut. 4:35 NIV “You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God, besides Him there is no other.”
Suzanne Allan, Alix, Alberta, Canada
Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye-salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
Revelation 3: 17,18 (NASB)
Liz N Santee, CA
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Mark 5:34 (NIV)
Susie Handy, Swampers, LA
“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Suzy Zumbro, Anchorage, AK
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Elizabeth Steed, Rockwall Texas, Luke6:36-38
“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.” NIV Luke 6:36-38
Amy Toney, Houston TX: “Do not be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36 NIV)