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
Carla Kaney Adel, IA
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ISV)
Susan, Andover, KS. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
(New American Standard Bible – NASB) 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Nitsa, Eugene, OR. “And He said, My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 NAS
Shelley Meyer, Katy,TX
The LORD bless you and keep you;
Numbers 6:24
ESV
PSALM 60 : 4 NKJ
YOU HAVE GIVEN A BANNER TO THOSE WHO FEAR YOU,
THAT IT MAY BE DISPLAYED BECAUSE OF THE TRUTH.
Corrir Crouch, Silsbee, Texas
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Kiva, Irvine, CA
Psalm 86:12 “I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.” NKJV
LeAnn Nichols. Spring, TX.
Jeremiah 9:20
“Now, you women, hear the word of the LORD; open your ears to the words of His mouth. Teach your daughters how to wail, teach one another a lament. “
Debra Fuller Peoria Arizona: make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:16-17 NLT
Mission Viejo, CA
May the Lord bless you and protect you,
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you,
May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
Numbers 6:24-27 NLT
Lori in Chiang Mai Thailand
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. Ephesians 3:15 NIV
Kim Peterson of Vista, CA
Mark 3:10 NIV…For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.
Patty Shore Bend, Or For by the grace given me I say to every one of you :Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you Romans 12:3
Tirsa Pittaway, Bloemfontein South Africa
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
“from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,”
Angela Brown, Rogers AR
Put first things first. Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home. (Proverbs 24:27 AMP)
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. (Romans 15:13 NIV)
Lisa, Las Vegas, NV
1 John 5:14-15
14 And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.
Vancouver, Wa
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father. Ephesians 3:14 NASB
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:38 KJV
Colleen, Mae Sot, Thailand
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
James 3:14 ESV
Brooke McGillivray, Monroe, Oregon – Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. NIV
Lorraine Moen, Surrey, BC
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15 ESV
Rebecca Baker – Las Vegas, NV
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV).
Tamara Wetsit, Las Vegas, NV (NKJ) Psalms 71:6 By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You.
Tina Pitts, North Richland Hills, Texas
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV
Jenn Loewen, Gresham, OR
Song of Solomon 8:6 KJV
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy as cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Erin from Kennewick, WA
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ~ Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
Natalie, Kirkland, WA
but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:24 (NIV84)
Shari Schock, Steilacoom, WA
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (ESV)
Anne Chen, Cerritos, CA “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalms 34:8 NKJV
Eek- I hope I’m not too late! It’s technically yesterday still in California! (It’s Monday morning here)! 🙂
Jenny, Central Asia, ESV, Psalm 139:14 “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Tina Shelton -Richmond, TX
A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
Ecclesiastes 3:2. NIV
Emily, Olympia, Wa
“Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
Kelly Sonderby, San Clemente, CA
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Lori Stout
Claremore, Oklahoma
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Anita Livingston – Odem, Texas
“There are some things that the Lord our God has kept secret; but He has revealed His law, and we and our descendants are to obey it forever.” Deut. 29:29 TEV
Debbie, Trenton Michigan
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philipians 4:19 NIV
Laura Grassi, Denver, CO Ephesians 5:14b-17 ESV
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Julie, Chezterland, OH
“Foe whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
Romans 14:23b (ESV)
Stefani Scheppmann, Mukono, Uganda “Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire besides you. My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26
Dianne Detrick, Magnolia,Tx
James 1:27 (NIV)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Beth Coker. Medford, OR.
Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Psalm 147:1 ESV
Nanette Sword, St. Cloud, FL
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NKJV
Verse #6 March 15, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Deb H from East TN
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NLT
I posted yesterday at 1:55 but on wrong site.
Karen, Dallas, TX:
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pleasing, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-
think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV 1984)
Stacie; Lee’s Summit, MO
For as the rain cometh down and snow from heaven; and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth and make it come forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it. -KJV
Jennifer Henderson, Raleigh, NC; Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corin 13:8, ESV
Elizabeth Mitchell- living in Haverhill, England- “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,” Ephesians 3:17 NKJV
Leah Adams
Blairsville, GA
1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NKJV)
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,