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
Pam Williams, Olive Branch, MS
For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16 ESV
Alison Wagler, Vancouver, Canada.Psalms 28:7 NASB
The L ord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.
Lisa McIntosh, Calgary,Alberta
“‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ” Matthew 4:16. NIV
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him”. (Philippians 2:13)
Hi, Brenda! You have chosen one of my favorite verses! I haven’t heard this translation before. Which is it?
Thanks!
Amanda, Chesapeake, VA, ‘Love The Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your strength.’ Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Audra, Boise City, OK.
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an abundance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Kristine Penn. Benton, Arkansas
“then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God”. Mark11:22 (NLT)
Jennifer Behnke, West Palm Beach, Florida.
As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. Galatians 6:14 NLT
Duvall, WA
Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. Psalm 26:2-3 NIV
Jenni, Birmingham, AL
“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go for to You I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Melissa, Williston, ND
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
-Psalm 103:1-4 NLT
Joyce Lobmaster, St. Louis, MO. “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Psalm 37:3 NIV
Lacey T., Kirbyville, Texas
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 NIV)
Peggy Jenkins . Lanett, AL
For this very reason I kneel before the father, from whom His whole family in heaven & on earth derives its name. Ephesians 3:14,15. NIV
Karissa, Martinsburg, WV
Ephesians 3:12 NIV “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Melissa, Sacramento CA
Revelation 2:4 “But I have this against you; you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
Jessica deLinde, Encinitas, “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)
Debi, Chesterfield, Va
Psalm 31:5. NIV “Into your hands I commit my
Spirit; deliver me Lord, my faithful God.
Lindsay Roe Houston, TX: Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14
Liji Oommen, Columbus, OH
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. Jer 33:14 (NIV)
Susan Canham, Bismarck ND
Ephesians 6:12, NIV
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Lori Leija- Austin, Texas
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV
Bethany, Magnolia, TX
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.”
James 3:17, NET
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”
Hebrews 12:1b-2
Carolyn Tarman – Jetmore, Kansas
“……for not everyone has faith. But The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 2-3 (NIV)
Anna Cate, Murray, KY
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:12-13 NLT)
Laura Graves
Charleston, SC
1 Thessalonians 2:8 HCSB
We cares so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”
Wendi Klaiber, Simi Valley, CA
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can ale your stand against the devil’s schemes. Four our stubble is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)
I Samuel 25: 41b (ESV)
“Behold, Your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord.”
Debbi Hawney – Bothell, WA
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV
Jeanne Gammon, Renton, WA – It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24 NASB)
Lisa Cooper, Fort Worth, Texas: “May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.” 2 Thessalonians 2:17. The Message
Lindsey Osburn, Hamshire, TX
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Kersti Kelly, Jacksonville, FL
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
1Cor 16:13. NLT
Peggy, Corpus Christi, TX
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV
Mesquite, TX
Job 42:10 NIV
After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
I am praying for my friends!
Kayla Smith
Denton, TX
And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. Joshua 14:10-11
Teresa, Roanoke, VA
He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the pit;
He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness;
Your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103:3-5 HCSB
Amy-Jo Girardier, Nashville TN
Philippians 2:13 NLT
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Tammy Hudik, Delray Beach, Florida
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7(NIV)
Karen Smith, Denton,TX
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV
College Station, Texas
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Kristina Davenport, Lake Jackson, TX
I do not treat the grace of God meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Galatians 2:21 NLT
Lauren Hance, New Orleans soon to be Houston
Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, Psalms 105:5 ESV
Lisa Laney, Arab, Alabama
Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is The Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8. HCSB
Kristi Skeen, Katy, TX. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
Psalm 33:13 (NIV)
Dana Jennings, Boone, IA “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NIV
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
And when she had said this, she went away and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, “The Teacher is here, and is calling for you,” –John 11:28 NASB
Amy from North Wales, PA:
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.” Proverbs 11:12 NIV
Jamie, Tyler Tx
Psalm 1:4 NIV
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.