Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 6!

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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

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4,994 Responses to “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 6!”

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Comments:

  1. 2051
    Kim Morris says:

    Kim, Richmond, TX, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;” 2 Peter 1:5

  2. 2052
    Pam says:

    Lubbock,TX
    He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 NIV

  3. 2053
    Samantha Gallant says:

    Samantha Gallant Marion, IN

    “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.”
    Colossians 4:5 (NLT)

  4. 2054
    Beth Schwandt says:

    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

  5. 2055
    Lara K says:

    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?”

  6. 2056
    Connie Colston says:

    Connie Colston, Waxahachie, TX

    My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. Psalm 63:5 NASB

  7. 2057
    Kari Turner says:

    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)

  8. 2058
    Cheryl says:

    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)

  9. 2059
    Brenda Frezell says:

    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.

  10. 2060
    Sara Ellis says:

    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

  11. 2061
    Diane Maudsley says:

    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

  12. 2062
    Pattie Jager says:

    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

  13. 2063
    Martha Stephenson says:

    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

  14. 2064
    Anne Trulock, Madison, GA says:

    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.

  15. 2065
    Cheryl, Austin says:

    So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.
    Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

  16. 2066
    Aryn M. says:

    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)

  17. 2067
    Pat S. says:

    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)

  18. 2068
    Kelley says:

    Kelley, Houston, Tx

    In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
    Your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NKJV)

  19. 2069
    Kathy L. says:

    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)

  20. 2070
    Vanessa says:

    Vanessa Canter, Johnson City, TN

    Proverbs 31:26 NIV
    She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

  21. 2071
    Cheryl says:

    Cheryl Adams- Hephzibah, Ga.
    But whoever listens to me will love in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Prov. 1:33

  22. 2072
    Tammy Holley says:

    Tammy Holley
    Sugar Land, TX
    “from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
    Ephesians 3:15

  23. 2073
    Shannon Potts says:

    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)

    • 2073.1
      Bonnie Webb says:

      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.

  24. 2074
    Rita says:

    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

  25. 2075
    Brenda Wilken says:

    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

  26. 2076
    Sharon Davidson says:

    They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, (‭Psalm‬ ‭92‬:‭14‬ NIV)

  27. 2077
    Renee Hui says:

    Renee Hui, British Columbia,Canada

    Psalm 31:24 NIV Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

  28. 2078
    Sheri Byers says:

    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)

  29. 2079
    Allison Rains says:

    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

  30. 2080
    Kelly L. says:

    Kelly L., Merritt Island FL

    “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
    Matthew 5:7 NIV

  31. 2081
    Alison Staggs says:

    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.

  32. 2082
    Angela Martin says:

    Philippians 4:6
    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God
    NIV

  33. 2083

    Jena Shockley, Ruston, LA
    “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” Psalm 139:6 NIV

  34. 2084
    Kathy Long says:

    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.

  35. 2085
    Ravonne McCray says:

    Ravonne McCray, Little River, TX “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

  36. 2086
    Carolyn Stutz says:

    Carolyn, Dover, Ohio
    “from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Eph 3:15 NIV

  37. 2087
    Robin Rexroad says:

    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.

  38. 2088
    Vicki Graham says:

    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

  39. 2089

    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

  40. 2090
    Amanda says:

    Amanda Singleton, Drexel, NC
    Romans 12:10 ESV “Love one another wirh brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

  41. 2091
    Alice van de Beek says:

    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.”

  42. 2092
    Jane Seward says:

    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)

  43. 2093

    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.

  44. 2094
    Deborah (Debbie) Burdzy says:

    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

  45. 2095
    Becky says:

    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)

  46. 2096
    chris says:

    My verse is God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble
    Psalm 46:1 NIV

  47. 2097
    Robin Rexroad says:

    Psalms 5:11. NLT

  48. 2098

    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

  49. 2099
    Tracey Fulton says:

    Tracey Fulton
    Mocksville, NC

    Isaiah 40:8 NKJV

    The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

  50. 2100
    Jo says:

    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)

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