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
Kim, Richmond, TX, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;” 2 Peter 1:5
Lubbock,TX
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 NIV
Samantha Gallant Marion, IN
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.”
Colossians 4:5 (NLT)
Beth Schwandt
Riverside, CA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Lara Kerris, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Numbers 23:19 (NASB)
“God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent;
Has He said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Connie Colston, Waxahachie, TX
My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. Psalm 63:5 NASB
Kari Turner
Charlottesville, VA
“To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3 AMP)
Cheryl, Warsaw, IN
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
Psalm 19:10-11 (NLT)
Calgary, Alberta
Psalm 25:1 ESV
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
Let me not be put to shame;
Let not my enemies exult over me.
Sara from Omaha, NE
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
John 15:6 NIV
Diane, Wilton, CT
Jesus said, “Come”. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
Pattie Jager, Holland MI
25 Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1 NIV
Martha Stephenson
Olive Branch,MS
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:1b&2
NIV
1 Corinthians 6:17, 19-20 ESV
But he who is joined with the Lord becomes one spirit with Him…or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your won, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Aryn M., Beaverton, OR. I’m posting two verses this time since I missed the March 1st post because I just had my 5th baby at the end of February. I need God’s Word more than ever! 🙂
John 6:27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (NIV)
Psalm 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. (NIV)
Pat S., Lago Vista, TX
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Kelley, Houston, Tx
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NKJV)
Kathy Land, Shattuck, OK
They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.
Psalm 145:6 (NIV)
Vanessa Canter, Johnson City, TN
Proverbs 31:26 NIV
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Cheryl Adams- Hephzibah, Ga.
But whoever listens to me will love in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Prov. 1:33
Tammy Holley
Sugar Land, TX
“from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
Ephesians 3:15
Shannon Potts, Cibolo, TX.
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4 (NIV)
Hello Cibolo SIesta! Just saw your post and it encouraged me to see your verse and know another sister from Cibolo is here. Blessings on you as you hear Him answer you,mr rom His Holy Hilll.
Rita, Splendora, Tx
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9. NKJV
Brenda Wilken from Eureka, MO
I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
Job 19:25 NIV
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, (Psalm 92:14 NIV)
Renee Hui, British Columbia,Canada
Psalm 31:24 NIV Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Sheri ~ Lexington, SC
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 (NIV)
Allison Rains, Benton, LA
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:16~ NIV
Kelly L., Merritt Island FL
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 NIV
Alison Staggs, Jackson, Mo
James 1:9-10 (niv) The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position because he will pass away like a wildflower.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God
NIV
Jena Shockley, Ruston, LA
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” Psalm 139:6 NIV
Ephesians 3:17-19
New International Version (NIV)
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ravonne McCray, Little River, TX “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Carolyn, Dover, Ohio
“from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Eph 3:15 NIV
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
Vicki Graham, Corinth! TX
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV
Michelle Slomp from Okotoks, AB, Canada
In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5 ESV
Amanda Singleton, Drexel, NC
Romans 12:10 ESV “Love one another wirh brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Alice, Lichtenvoorde, Holland
“Zoek rust, mijn ziel, bij God alleen,
van hem blijf ik alles verwachten.
Hij alleen is mijn rots en mijn redding,
mijn burcht, ik zal niet wankelen.”
Psalm 62:6,7
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Ephesians 3:14. For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father, from every family in heaven and on earth is named, (continuing on from the comma from March 1st)
Kimberley, Brisbane, Australia
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassionate never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Deborah (Debbie) Burdzy, Calgary AB. Canada
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that
we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Becky, cleveland tn
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
My verse is God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble
Psalm 46:1 NIV
Psalms 5:11. NLT
Angela Dedman, Murfreesboro, TN. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
Tracey Fulton
Mocksville, NC
Isaiah 40:8 NKJV
The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
Jo, Columbia, Missouri
The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher. (Luke 6:40 NIV)