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
KIMBERLY MCCLURE, PALMDALE, CA
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS FOR ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERY SITUATION, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD, AND THE PEACE OF GOD, THAT TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.
PHIL 4:6,7 NIV
THIS IS A SCRIPTURE WE PROBABLY ALL KNOW BUT IT MINISTERS TO ME IN A KNEW WAY TODAY AS I FACE A VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN MY LIFE AND GOD HAS RENEWED THE DESIRE TO CONTINUALLY BE IN PRAYER AND TO TRUST HIM FULLY.
Erin Boling- Denison, TX
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—
Ephesians 3:20 AMP
Jennifer Prochnow, Springerville, AZ
I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you, declares the Lord, and bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile. Jeremiah 29:14 NIV
Kelly J from Reno, NV
Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 NIV)
Rolanda Hairston, Ft. Worth, TX “Not to us LORD, not us but to your name be glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” psalms 115:1 NLT
Becky Roddenberry, Brunswick, GA
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)
Becky Burns, Beaverton OR
And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who lives in you. Therefore brothers, we have an obligation but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it
Romans 8:11-12
NIV
Vicki, Surprise AZ
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Karen, La Vernia, TX
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” NIV
Valerie Weber, Wadsworth, OH:
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.”
Psalm 130:1-2 (NIV)
Kim Lee, Faison, NC: But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Beth Kellett ~ Calgary AB Canada
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “ LORD, I am coming.” (Psalms 27:8 NLT)
Suzy from Cedar Falls, IA
1 Peter 4:12 NIV
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Elsie – Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Danielle, Garden City, KS
But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
From Mt Vernon Wa ‘Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 NLT
Indianola, IA “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV)
Shari from Rancho Viejo, TX.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4 (ESV)
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23-23 NIV
Joy Schilli
Anna, TX
For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:12
Holman version
Lisa Jensen, Lyman, WY
Psalm 86:12 (NIV)
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart, I will glorify your name forever.
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-
Ephesians 3:16-17 ESV
Michelle Engberg Eagan, MN
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~1John 1:9 ESV
Tami J. Fall City, WA
Lamentations 3:23 HCSB “They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness!”
Andrea S, Fort Worth, TX
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path”
Proverbs 3:5&6 KJV
Debbie
Huntsville, AL
Psalm 39: 7
“And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.”
Robin, Greenwood, IN
So teach us to number our days that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 90:12 ESV
Crystal in Colorado Springs, CO
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4 NIV
Rhonda Anderson, Harlan, IA
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV
Ally, Spokane WA
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering;”
Col 3:12 NKJV
Rebecca Enriquez, Orlando, FL
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13, NIV
Cathy, Russellville, AR
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Michelle Crane, American Canyon, CA “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)
Beth, Columbia, MS
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (KJV)
James 1:5
Sharon Gaudet, Rochester, NH: “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4(NKJV)
“He has shown you, oh man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 NIV
I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
Psalm 34:1 (NIV)
Vonore, TN
Susan Atkinson, Arkadelphia, AR
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Ps.37:23-24 NLT
Jill, Greeley, CO
Her mouth speaks from that which fills her heart.
Luke 6:45 NIV
Fareen
Las Vegas, NV
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV
Lake Forest, CA
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Fran, Gaineeville FL
John 1:9 NIV
The true light that gives light to everyman was coming into the world.
emi, white house,tn: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14 ESV
Kathryn Todd. Katy, TX
1-Hear my cry O Lord; attend unto my prayer 2-From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock is higher than I. 3-for thou hast been a shelter for me and a strong tower. Psalms 61:1-3 (KJV)
Evangeline Williams , Houston Tx
Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the Lord and call out to him!
Tell the nations what he has done! ERV
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.
(John 14:1 ESV)
Megan, St. Louis, MO
“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Kat
Edmonton, AB Canada