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
Lucille Goins, New Bloomfield Mo.
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18 NKJV
Susan, Knoxville, TN
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 NIV
Doretta, Ada, OK
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.
Matthew 11:29 NIV
Kinsey, Tulsa OK
“I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope.”
Psalm 130:5 AMP
Kara Webb, Lafayette IN
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV
Brooke, Mobile, AL-
“The creator of everything in Heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.” -Ephesians 3:15-16 NLT
Nicole Gelvin
Blue Ridge Texas
“A cheerful heart makes you healthy. But a broken spirit dries you up.”
Proverbs 17:22 NIRV
Keely Hagan, Sturgis, KY: “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight (for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives).” Isaiah 59:19b (amplified)
Angie Keeting, Lee’s Summit, MO
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 NIV
Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 CEB
Beth Aldrich, Cary, NC
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Col 3:12-15 (NLT)
Virginia -McKinney, Tx
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NIV
Carla, Coweta, Ok. “the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.” Ephesians 3:15 (NLT)
The wise prevail through great power and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Proverbs 24:6 (NIV)
Tracy Carden
Whitesburg, TN
Tracy, Kountze, TX.
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NASB
Melody, Castle Rock, CO
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed.
— Psalm 34:5 (HCSB)
Melani Shock, Alexandria, Louisiana:
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”
Brenda Jochum, Kearney, NE. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” Colossians 3:12 (ESV)
Lorie Herinckx, Portland, OR
“Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing?”
Isaiah 44:10 NIV
Jerrie – Longview, TX
Isaiah 58:13-14 (NIV)
If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Amanda Barron, Dothan, Al
“But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience even with the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:16 NLT
Terri from Mechanicsville:
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
1 John 3:11 (NIV)
London Sommer, Denham Springs, LA
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. James 2:18 NIV
“…Whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies –in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 ESV
Jennifer Perkins Longview, TX “As for Me, this is My promise to them,” says The Lord: “My Holy Spirit shall not leave them, and they shall want the good and hate the wrong–they and their children and their children’s children forever.” Isaiah 59:21 Living Bible
Ashley – Royal Oak, MI
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” – Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
Heather, Hempstead, TX
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
– Psalm 16:5 (NIV)
Jennie Strope, Enid OK
I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3 ESV
Psalm 90:12 NASB
So teach us to number our days,
that we may present to You
a heart of wisdom.
Amanda Fletcher from Winchester, VA – I apologize, I have slacked on posting here, I was so blessed by the conference this weekend in Atlantic City, NJ and I am recommitting myself to post here. I am working on memorizing God’s promises. Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
MaryJo ~ Plainfield, IN
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Kim from Hickory, NC
And the fruit of righteousness
Is sown in peace of them
That make peace. James 3:18 KJV
Jeanna Romans, Bel Air, MD
Colossians 3:12 KJV
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering
Beverly, Lexington, KY
I am counting on the Lord, yes I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His Word. Ps. 130.5. NIV
Magan Lewis, Lakeway, TX
“For they themselves report concerning us
the kind of reception we had among you
and
how you turned to God from idols
to serve the living and true God
and
to wait for His Son from heaven
whom He raised from the dead
Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Woohoo! Finished first chapter. Thank You, Lord, for writing Your words on our hearts!
Sue-Iron Mountain, MI
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5 (NIV)
Melissa, Sulphur, LA
“What does ‘He ascended’ mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions?” Ephesians 4:9 (NIV)
Beverly Welch, Dallas, NC
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
Jeremiah 17:7 KJV
Connie, Moss Bluff, LA
“What does ‘He ascended’ mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions?” Ephesians 4:9 (NIV)
Liz Yarbrough/Atlanta GA
Psalm 51:12 NIV
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Vikki Bobb, Merritt Island, FL:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Michelle, Chesapeake, VA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Julie, Rancho Cucamonga
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,
and I will hear you.
(Jeremiah 29:12 ESV)
Kathleen. Saint Joseph Michigan
Psalm 40:3
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They would put their trust in the Lord.
NLT.
Lonnie Hall – Brunswick, GA
James 3:9-10
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Kristine from Welland ON
“When we trust in Him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. ”
Ephesians 3:12 MSG
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV
james 1:5 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask GOD, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it Will be given to you.
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved. For thou art my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 KJV
Kristin, San Marcos, CA ” from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
Eph. 3:15 NIV