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
Soozi. Lexington, KY. 1 Peter 4:8 (MSG): “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.”
Kathy P. Des Moines, IA [Love]…”does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;”
1 Cor 13:6 (NASB)
Regina – Salado, TX
But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.
Job 19:25 (NLT)
Janie Phillips, Indianapolis, IN. 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
Christy, Conifer, Colorado
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be abel to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
I Chronicles 29:14 NIV
Aimee Taylor, Hemet, CA “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance” 1Peter 1:14 NKJV
Cathy
Lebanon, OH
Psalm 139:6 “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (NLT)
Katie Carruth, Charlotte, NC. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Shantha, Lincoln, RI
Jackson, TN
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
James 1:9-10 (NIV)
Julia Petrie, Independence KY
For NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE with God!! Luke 1:37
Alesha
Charlotte, NC
“But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.
I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”
Job 23:10-12 NIV
But as Scripture says: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 GWT
Donna Brassfield, Claremore, OK
John 14:26-27 (NIV)
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I’ve said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Rachel
Columbus, OH
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think”
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Sherry Cunningham
Perry, Georgia
‘In the beginning God created
the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)
Heather B. from West Hartford, CT. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
“Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ (the Messiah) – which will bring you unto life eternal.”
Jude 21 (Amplified Bible)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
Deb Lancaster, PA
Psalm 90:12 NASB
So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom
Kristen Gardner, NC
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus…And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7+19 NIV
Peggy Yorktown, VA
Matthew 5:27- 5:30 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
Proverbs 11:27
“He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.”
Summarized : Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold.
The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. Psalm 45:11 NIV
Christy Brey, Jackson, MO
Verse #6- “But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6 HCSB)
Keron Privon, Eagle, Idaho
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:14 ESV
Cece, Gilbert, AZ
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; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
Beth Stofregen, Laguna Hills, CA
“from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” Ephesians 3:15 (ESV)
for You are great and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Psalm 86:10
Galatians 5:16 I say be guided by the Spirit and you won’t carry out your selfish desires. (CEB)
Denise, Madison, Al.
1st Cor 13:6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.(NIV)
Traci McNally, Evansdale, IA
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Johnn 8:12 NIV
Karen Urbandale, IA
“O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple.”
Psalm 48:9
“complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ”
Philippians 2:2 ESV
Dale Dyer, Georgetown, OH
Luke 6:38
” Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”
Carolina, Corpus Christi, TX
The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in Truth.
Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
Susan, Richmond, VA
Mandy Asheboro, NC
NIV “In repentance and rest is your salvation;
In quietness and trust is your strength”
Jammie Burwell, Spring/Klein, Texas
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
Darla, Benton LA
Proverbs 11:24 ESV “One gives freely yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want.”
Fort Mill, SC
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV)
Oops, I forgot to put the reference Isaiah 30:15
Since I did that, I will say- this verse has really been “Key” to really have faith and trusting God throughout the day…when I start off the day repenting, resting in the Lord, and being quiet before Him….and also putting the armor of God on every morning-Ephesians 6:10-18
Paige Woodard Mitchell
Minden, La
“For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (HCSB)
Alisha from Hoschton, GA
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 NKJV
Karen Miller, Reading PA
Lord, I cry out to You; Make haste to me!
Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.
Let my prayer be set before You as incense,
The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 141:1-2
Arcadia, CA “The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.” Isaiah 33:5 (NIV)
Rebecca, Akron OH
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
Shannon, Rogers, AR “from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,” Ephesians 3:15 ESV
Ria Agterhof-Hinloopen
1 Korintiérs 6: 11 NBV
Sommigen van u zijn dat ooit geweest, maar u bent gereinigd, u bent geheiligd, u bent rechtvaardig verklaard in de naam van de Heer Jezus Christus en door de Geest van onze God.
Stephanie, Dayton, OH
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
Proverbs 27:17 NKJV
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Milan, MI