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
Amy Hayes, Rockwall, TX
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Autumn, Lubbock, TX
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:5-6 (ESV)
Proverbs 4:26
Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
Mary, Atlanta – So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
and all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22 KJV
Ruth Augustine, Sparta, Mi :Psalm 84:10For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God then dwell in the tents of wickedness.ESV
“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Psalms 33:4 (NIV)
Holly Tabor, Nixa, MO
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV 1984
Deborah Meabon, Warren, PA
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
I command you to Love one another. John 15:17 NLT
Karen, Lynnwood, Wa
Psalm 42:8 NIV
“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.”
Amanda Teske, Chandler AZ
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience
Colossians 3:12 ESV
Rachel H., North Alabama,
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14 ESV)
Debbie Hoover, AL. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, (Ephesians 2:1 NIV)
Gina, Pueblo, CO
The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence.2 SAMUEL 22:3
Anne from Round Rock, Texas
May the words of my mouth
And the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in your sight
O Lord my Rock
And my Redeemer
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Cindy Landrum, Bridge City, Texas
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.” Psalm 139:7-8 (NASB)
Laguna Niguel, CA
James 2:13 ESV
“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Kristin from Dunmor, Ky
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Shelly, Corpus Christi,Tx
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NKJV
Holli from Corona, Ca. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Ann, Hurst, TX
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV
Erin, Joplin MO
“Fools show their annoyance at once,but the prudent overlook an insult.”
Proverbs 12:16
Ruth Somers
Baton Rouge, LA
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. Micah 7:8, KJV
Joanne Delanoy, Leduc, AB, Canada. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
Gina, Portales, NM
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Psalms 119:11 (NKJV)
Mechelle from Clarksville TN
“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Roman 8:1
Lori – Seymour TN
Matthew 11:29 (the message)
Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Peggy Crews, Starke, FL
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Megan Loscher
Quincy, IL
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 105:4 ESV
Courtney Kelly, Starke, FL
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Judy Madison
Beaumont, California
So teach us to number our days that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NASB
Cheryl Couperus, Redlands, CA
Psalms 103:19 (NIV)
“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”
Theresa Anderson, Grove, Oklahoma
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:6 KJV
Pam in Chiangmai
Rev. 4:11 ESV
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
Tamara Henderson; Gardendale, AL; “The Lord you God in your midst, The Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
Luke 21:15 (HCSB) for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict
Angela McCracken, San Diego, California. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Marybeth Pettitt
Connell, WA
So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Alicia L. Clinton, Balch Springs, TX,
‘in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ Proverbs 3:6
Lauren Warner, Austin TX “Hold on to the patter of wholesome teaching you learned from me-a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 NLT
Andy Spray – Centreville, VA
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Callie, Nashville, TN, “from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” Ephesians 3:15 ESV
Lindy, Scott LA
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Mallory P. Jackson, TN
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22 ESV)
Rebecca, Las Vegas, Nevada. “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. (Hosea 6:1 ESV)
Leslie Brown, Denver, CO
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Jonae Grinage, Irving, TX Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.(MSG)
Abi Welch, Luverne, AL. For my husband that is overcoming orthostatic tremors! “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Wendy Houston, Rocklin CA.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 NIV