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
Colossians 3:2-4 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. NLT
Margie, Starks,La
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.
Psalm90:12 NASB
Leslie Dorrough – Longview ,Texas
Since the day we heard about you , we have not stopped praying for you and asking God To fill you with the knowledge of His Will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9
Judy Ingalsbe
Edmond, OK
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Spepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20,21 NIV
Port Neches, TX
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
Deborah Flora Sawyer, KS
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 HCSB
Paige Storlie, Amarillo, TX
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45 NIV
Michelle, Warner Robins, GA
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NASB
You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. 1Timothy 4:6-7 msg
Brenda Zabriskie from Salt Lake City, Utah
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Anita Wilkes, Glen, MS
Though an army besiege me my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
Psalm 27:3
Dr. Wilma Ann Arant,Swartz, LA: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” John 20:1 NIV
Sandy, Brookshire, Texas ” For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the son of disobedience,” Col 3:6
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. Psalm 139:1, NIV
Hannah, Fuquay, NC
Brittny, OKC, OK
We are human. But we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not wordly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Cor:10:3-5
Kathy, Danvers, MA
Philippians 2:13 NIV
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
jplosz Tierra Verde FL
from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. (Ephesians 3:15 NET)
Jennifer, Dallas – Psalm 34:8(ESV)
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Alyssa Ethington, chandler, AZ “I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. -Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
Madeleine Corrales: Into this grace which we stand ,and we rejoice in the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that afflictions produces endurance, Romans 5:2-3 HCSB
Sabrina~Houston
from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Ephesians3:15 NIV
Joanne Hill Orange TX
Teach us to number our days aright, that we mat gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NIV
So excited to find your name and verse, my sweet sister in Christ, neighbor, and mission trip buddy! I love you.
Debbie Jones New Carlisle, Ohio Mark 8:34 (NIV) Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow ne”.
Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.
Crystal, Andrews, NC, – 2 Cor 3:4-5 “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” ESV
Karen Roberts, Brighton, CO
“And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.”
Isaiah 30:20
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 NIV
Mary Fadel
Preston, MD
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 ESV
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
Heather – Fort Worth, TX
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Courtney, Houma, LA
Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves.He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring you quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy.
Zephaniah 3:17, HCSB
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (NIV)
Karen Cosmano, Vista, CA. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4
Hillary, Plano, TX.
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name” Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV
Pam – Kountze, Tx.
Be Still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10 NKJV
Steph Siegel, NJ
“You will do everything you have promised; Lord, your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun.” Psalm 138:8 GNT
Mary Saul
Houston, TX
Psalm 25:6 NIV Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Daniel 9:18 NIV
Christian McEndarfer – Tulsa, OK – “In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Lee from IN- ESV Psalm 90:5 “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day”
Falyn Hall – LaGrange, GA
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. (Psalm 37:4-5 ESV)
Kim Foley- Arnold, MD
For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 NIV
Lisa Newman Hernando, MS
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17 ESV)
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. John 3:21 NIV
Kathryn Luedtke, Sherwood Park, AB
Galations 2:20 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Amber Payne, Longview, TX
Ps 143:10 AMP Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV
Connie Eugene, OR “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. It is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell.” NKJV James 3:6
Don’t fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from a snare.
Proverbs 3:25,26 (HCSB)
Jeanni – Westland, MI
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lamentations 3:25 KJV
Indianapolis, IN
For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. (Romans 6:9 NIV)