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
Selena Rosetti, Wiggins, MS
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. NIV
Selena Rosetti, Wiggins, MS Psalms 16:8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken. NIV
Kathy B Austin, Texas
Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord know it completely. You hem me in behind and before and lay your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:4-5
Also, in a previous comment someone suggested the app scripture typer. This is a wonderful app to use for scripture memorization and has helped me immensely. I am tackling Eph 4:14-19 using this app.
Annette, Bonaire, Georgia
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; Colossians 3:12 NKJV
Stephanie, Paris, Texas. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7, NIV
April, Seymour, TN For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9 NLT)
Hannibal, NY Isaiah 54:17 NLT
No weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!
Audrey, Ohio
Psalm 119:32 TNIV
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Dawn, South Bend Indiana
understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
Proverbs 1:6 NIV
Jill Hill, Houston TX – Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Proverbs 4:24 ESV
Leigh B. – Miami, OK
However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. John 6:37 NLT
Dawn Tolley, Appomattox, VA: “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29, NIV)
Kristie Terpstra, Montgomery, TX: “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
Terri Tripp from Winchester, VA:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Kerry Babb, Houston, Texas
“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)
Debi Carroll. Wills Point, TX
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.
Phil. 2:3-4 NIV
Jennifer, Denham Springs, LA
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness… 2 Peter 1:3
Cassandra Johnson, Kingston,MA
Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him will I trust.”
Fran Thomas, Jackson, TN
There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 MSG
Rebekah Gardner , harrisburg, nc
” people do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4
Linsey Buchanan St. Augustine, FL “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 NIV
Lake Jackson, TX
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)
Patricia McNeily, Miamisburg, OH
Zeph 3:17
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.
Fran, Stedman, NC
“”Take a good look at God’s wonders – they’ll take your breath away.”
Psalm 66:5 The Message Bible
Joanna Trauger, Greer SC
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
Midlothian, Texas
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Barb from Richardson, TX
2 Corinthians 5:21. NIV
God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us,
So that we might become the Righteousness of God.
Rene’ Pingel, Cape Girardeau, MO
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
Kristi from Monroe, NY
1 Peter 5:10 ESV
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Fredericksburg, VA
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Kim Joyner, Poplar Bluff, MO. “So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. ” Colossians 1:10 (NASB)
Megan Shoemaker, Stevens, PA
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9, ESV
Joshua 1:9 NIV, “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.”
Alana Beaver Falls, PA
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)
Psalm 63:7 ESV
for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
Christy, St.Clements, Ontario. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Amy Gossen
Springfield MO
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:13 NLT)
So teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Cindy from Powdersville, SC
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT.
Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath. Psalm 116:2
DeAnna. Greenville SC
Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance! Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey! (Psalms 51:12 NET)
Stephanie M. Smith, Indianapolis, Indiana. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 ESV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Philippians 2:3 NIV
Amy Friedl, Beaver Dam, WI
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV
Joan DeKoekkoek Portage, MI
” Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. ” Psalms 37 : 4 NIV
I tried commenting on the Facebook page,yesterday, but I don’t see it so I’m trying here.I love the new app!
Barb Duncan, Lakeland, FL. Philippians 1: 19 TLB. “I am going to keep on being glad, for I know that as you pray for me, and as the Holy Spirit helps me, this is all going to turn out for my good.”
Shawna, Boise Idaho
Hebrews 13:15 HCSB
Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name.
Jen Dakin, Kenton, OH
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Sherry Struck Springfield, IL I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love, with unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. Jeremiah 31:3 NLT
Traci, Vadnais Heights, MN
Daniel 3:8 (NIV)
“But even if He does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Lord, give me eyes to see idols in my life and a sword to slay them…Your Word is life to me.