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
Gay
Round Rock, Tx
“You hem me in – behind and before; You laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, to lofty for me to attain.”
Psalm 139:5-6. NIV
Lynn Watson Hurst, TX
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
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.
Jeanette Hall, Fair Oaks, CA
Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Psalm 119:165 NIV
Houston, TX
“If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you, no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” -Psalm 91:9-11
Patti Broer, Summerset, SD “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3, ESV
Jackie Brantley Rockledge FL
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 HCSB)
Robin Elliott, Mobile AL
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
Robbyn, Frisco, Texas
Habakkuk 3:19 (HCSB)
“Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!”
Christine, Greenville, SC “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NASB)
Nadine
High Point, NC
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.
2 Peter 1:4
NIV version.
Sherry Pearcy
Meeker, Oklahoma
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. (Psalm 103:6 ESV)
Penny, Loganville, GA
Psalm 92:1-2
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High;
To declare Thy lovingkindness in the morning,
And Thy faithfulness by night.”
NASB
Houston, TX
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30, NIV
Pat Socolofsky, College Station, Texas. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3. ESV
I totally can’t remember if I posted for verse 5, so hope it’s okay if I post 5 & 6 today!!
Susan, Cartersville, GA – (verse 5) “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7, NKJV
(verse 6) “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.” II Timothy 1:12, NKJV
Adrienne
Jasper, TN
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 NIV
Proverbs 16:24English Standard Version (ESV)
24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Janice Pitchford from Abbeville, AL
“I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)
” Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25 ESV
Melanie Anderson, Groesbeck, TX
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV
“Consider it all joy my brethren, when you encounter various trials,”
James 1:2, NAS
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NET
Brandy A, Cross Anchor SC
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a persons strength. Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)
Hailey Boone, Wilmington, NC. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
Leslie G – Warner Robins, GA
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Rochelle – Bryan, TX
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
forgot to write my scripture reference…
Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV
Laura Sumpter, Salem,OR Nehemiah 8:10, ESV
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat
and drink sweet wine and send portion to anyone
who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our
Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord
is your strength.
Mona Huston, Bossier City, LA Romans 8:28, NIV, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Sheilah, Melbourne, FL
Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and unified in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, CHRIST, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Shannon, Columbia, SC
“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 36:7 (NIV)
Allison, Houston, Texas
Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. – psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Psalms 105:4 (NIV)
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Holly Smith
Monument, CO
1 Timothy 4:15 NET
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not
faint.
Isaiah 40: 31
Salt Lake City, Ut
“Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
michelle
Franklin, TN
I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2 (HCSB)
Cherie: Pocatello, ID “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NLT)
Bobbie Lutz
College Station, Tx
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Diane from Chespeake, Va.
Psalm 32:7 (NLT)
“For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory. “
Deb Bryan, Tampa FL Colossians 3:12 NLT
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Kathy, High Point, NC
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
Deb Rowzee, Brandon, MS
“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.”
John 16:33 NKJV
If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.
Job 36:11
Lisa Williams – Houston, TX
make my joy complete by your unanimity, possessing the one love, united in spirit and ideals.
Philippians 2:2 NAB
Ann, Ventura, CA
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
~Mark 16:15-16 NIV
Tara Duhon , Grans Lake, LA-
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6 NKJV)
Dana from Avon, IN
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Thanks Melanie Toups!
Smithfield, NC
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4 (NLT)