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
Kathy King Woodstock, GA
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. (Psalms 62:6 NLT)
Tammy Minnick
Vilonia, AR
Kim Haines, Ashland,ME
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He
will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his
love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17. NIV
Robyn, Alexander City, AL
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Deb in Windsor, CT:
“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 4:29, NIV
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.” Matt.7:7 (NIV)
Kim, North East, PA
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:55 (NIV)
Sherry Stewart, Winston-Salem, NC
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:25
HCSB
Linda Neufang – Efland,NC
Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Phil 1:6 – ESV
Cathy from Keller, TX
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. (Proverbs 2:10 NIV)
Stacy Boerboom
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
“Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” Colossians 3:6 NIV
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
Cristy, Prattville AL. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10. NIV
Judy Campbell says: For we are not fighting against flashy-and-blood enemies but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT
Charlotte B., Seymour, Texas “from whom every family in heaven and earth was named,” Ephesians 3:15, ESV
Jill Miller, Akron, IN “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56:3 NIV
Anita Pattison
Kendallville, Indiana
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Ephesians 4:2 NLT
Barbara, Fredericksburg, VA
For this reason, I kneel before the Father.
Ephesians 3:14 NIV
Heather Varon, North Richland Hills, TX,John 16: 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. NIV
Terri, Stonewall, LA
Daniel 3:17 NIV
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.
Lori, Edenton, NC
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will lase forever.
2 Cor 4:18 NLT
Jamie Martin, Judsonia AR, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and live and self-control” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Fort Gibson, OK
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. (Deuteronomy 5:11 NIV)
Erin Burke from Arlington, TX.
Proverbs 31:30 (CEV) “Charm can be deceiving and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised.”
Stephanie. Birmingham, AL
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
Louise Cason, Bloemfontein, RSA, Galatians 6:2: “Share each other’s troubles and problems and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (NLT). God expects us to search Him in community not in isolation.
Gwen of Doylestown, PA
Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 NLT)
Stephanie Allen, Ft Worth Tx. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing;” Philippians 2:14 NAS
Melanie Groff, Katy, Tx, And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Serena Hood, Charlotte NC
“Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” (Micah 7:8 NLT)
i sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor woman cried, and the Lord heard her and saved her out of all of her troubles. Psalm 34:4-6 ESV
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
(Romans 11:33 ESV)
Roni- Demopolis,Alabama “For I know my transgressions, and my sins are ever before me” Psalms 51:3. NASB
Sheila Oakes
Cary, NC
Job 38:8&9 NLT
Who kept te sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness?
Tracy Fahs, Lake St. Louis, Mo.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,and praise your glorious name.
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
1 Chronicles 29:13-14 NIV
Tiffany Hunsberger
Osceola, IN
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 ESV
Cathi Lucas, Newark, Ohio. “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” Psalm 105:1. ESV
Gwen, Auburn, AL
“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
Stephanie in Hamburg Ar. As the scripture says, No one is righteous – not even one. Romans 3:10 NLT
Angela
Midlothian, Texas
Matthew 17:20. NIV
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will
be impossible for you.
Nicole, Jonesboro, AR:
“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2 NIV)
Carol Stainbrook, Kimberling City, MO
“If you fail to do what you know is right, you are sinning.” James 4:17 (ERV)
Ashley Reed, Austin, tx – “Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ -which is far better – but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.” -Phil. 1: 22-26 (HCSB) – Continuing memorizing Philippians
Susie Johnson, Bloomington, IN Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3 ESV)
Nancy Riordan from Pittsburgh, PA
Ps. 3:3. ESV
But You Oh God are a shield about me, my Glory and the lifter of my head.
Marla Ritter, Benton, AR: “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
Amy Cooper, Murfreesboro, TN
John 3:30, NIV
“He must become greater, I must become less.”
Heidi, DeLand, FL: 2 Peter 1:4, NIV – “Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
Melissa Roehrich, Bismarck ND
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
1 Peter 5:8 Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.