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. 2651
    Sheryl Ponsness says:

    Sheryl Ponsness, Portland OR
    “My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:2

  2. 2652
    Nancy Coffey says:

    Nancy Coffey
    Barboursville WV

    Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
    Galatians 6:9 NIV

  3. 2653
    Donna Spiegelman says:

    Donna Marina, Ca

    And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
    Philippians 4:19 NKJV

  4. 2654
    Ally Velderman says:

    Ally Velderman, Memphis, TN.
    “We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.” Proverbs 16:9 MSG

  5. 2655
    Libby Smoot says:

    Libby, Strasburg VA

    “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

  6. 2656
    Amanda says:

    Amanda from Olive Branch, MS

    “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

    Colossians 4:6 (NKJV)

  7. 2657
    Melanie says:

    Melanie Bishop, Winter Springs, FL
    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)

  8. 2658
    Meagan Dowler says:

    Meagan Dowler Fairbanks, AK The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Psalm 19:1 ESV

  9. 2659
    Sharon says:

    Sharon, San Antonio TX: “Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:7 (CEB)

  10. 2660
    Elizabeth Cory says:

    Elizabeth Cory, from Macomb, MI

    I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
    Psalm 138.2 NIV

  11. 2661
    Shiffra says:

    Shiffra Kalamazoo, MI
    Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV) “And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your G-d ask of you but to fear the LORD your G-d, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul,”

  12. 2662
    Nikki McCauley says:

    “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

    1 John 4:18 NIV

  13. 2663
    Valerie says:

    Hudson Oh I Cor. 10:13
    No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

  14. 2664
    Donna Knoght says:

    Donna Knight. Belton, KY
    “Teach me to do your will for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 NIV

  15. 2665
    Rachel says:

    Rachel- Cumming, GA

    Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
    Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

  16. 2666
    Kelly says:

    Kelly A, Rogers AR. “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”” Mark 16:15 NIV

  17. 2667
    Kathleen Noisette says:

    Kathleen, Ontario Canada

    Then Jesus declared: I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. NIV

  18. 2668
    Jaime says:

    Jaime Weaver, Klamath Falls, OR

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
    Romans 1:16 NIV

  19. 2669
    Melanie Miller says:

    Melanie Miller, Armuchee, GA
    But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

  20. 2670
    Tracy V. says:

    Tracy V., Danville, IN

    Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
    Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

  21. 2671
    Tonsy Cheek says:

    Tonsy Cheek Connersville, Indiana.
    “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 KJV

  22. 2672
    Sarah knight says:

    I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

    Clinton ms

  23. 2673
    April says:

    April, Lexington, KY James 1:5 NASB “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

  24. 2674
    Dena K. says:

    Dena K. from Columbus, OH:
    Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (‭Psalm‬ ‭25‬:‭5‬ NIV)

  25. 2675
    Cathi Blate says:

    Cathi Blate. North Canton, Oh

    Whoever listens to Me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
    Proverbs 1:33 NIV

  26. 2676
    Molly says:

    Molly Brant, Plano TX
    It is good to give thanks to the Lord & to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare your lovingkindness in the morning & Your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-2 (NASB)

  27. 2677

    Angelia J. Poole, Charlotte, NC

    “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him.” Isaiah 64:4 (NKJV)

  28. 2678
    Heather Boone says:

    Heather Boone
    Hineston, LA
    Though I speak with the tongues of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
    1Cor. 13:1
    ESV

  29. 2679
    Whitney says:

    Whitney from Russellville, TN
    Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content. Phil. 4:11. ESV

  30. 2680
    Robin Murray says:

    Robin Murray, Arlington, TX

    Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matt 7:7 NIV

  31. 2681
    Gay Beck says:

    Gay Beck, Plain City, OH

    He has showed you, O 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)

  32. 2682
    Wendy says:

    Wendy P. Milwaukee, WI

    Psalm 37:4 ESV “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

    So sorry a day late!

  33. 2683
    Kelhe Hatfield says:

    Kelhe Hatfield, Larkspur, CO – Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19 NLT

  34. 2684
    Brooke Shands says:

    Brooke-Deatsville, Al
    Romans 8:19 NIV

    For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

  35. 2685
    Sherilyn says:

    Sherilyn, Warsaw, IN
    The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.
    I Timothy 4:9

    (part of my verse by verse memorization of I Timothy 4:6 – 16)

  36. 2686
    Peggy Rush says:

    Peggy Rush, Independence, MO
    Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.
    Ezra 8:21 NKJV

  37. 2687
    Melissa Weseloh says:

    Melissa Weseloh, St. Louis MO
    In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
    who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
    Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)

  38. 2688
    Michelle says:

    Michelle, Schertz, TX
    “Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous- with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit ( the humble, who rate themselves insignificant) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Matt 5:3-AMP

  39. 2689
    Sandra Woodard says:

    Sandra Woodard, Columbia SC
    “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.” 1 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV)

  40. 2690
    Marcy Eldridge says:

    Edmond, OK
    For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ NLT)

  41. 2691
    Kim McCool says:

    Columbus NC. Philippians 2:14-16 ESV
    “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, …..”

  42. 2692
    Christy Geraldo says:

    Bonney Lake,Wa
    “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His”
    Daniel 2:20 NKJV

  43. 2693
    Jamie says:

    Colorado City TX “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV

  44. 2694
    Vickie Heerema says:

    Vickie Heerema Pella, Iowa
    Do not put out the spirit’s fire
    1 Thessalonians 5:19

  45. 2695
    Bobbie Miller says:

    Romans 6:4 NASB

    “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

    Granddaughter Alisa, age 14, was baptized yesterday. Praise the Lord!

  46. 2696
    Anita Vogelaar says:

    Anita Vogelaar, Ede, Holland

    De Heer is mijn herder, het ontbreekt mij aan niets.
    Psalm 23:1 NBV

  47. 2697
    Dana says:

    Dana
    Clarksville, TN
    Hebrews 3:13 NIV
    “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

  48. 2698
    Rebecca says:

    Rebecca from Oklahoma – The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭29‬:‭29‬ NIV)

  49. 2699
    Alice Ward says:

    Alice, Chesapeake Va.

    2Corinthians 1:20 NIV
    For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.

  50. 2700
    Brenda Stoneking says:

    Hebrews 10:11-12 NIV

    Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

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