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. 2851
    Kristie D says:

    Psalm 90:12, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

  2. 2852
    Kendra Huckabee says:

    Kendra Huckabee, Seymour, Tx “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (ESV)

  3. 2853
    Jan Horne says:

    Jan Horne
    Bossier City, LA

    Psalm 89:1-2 NIV
    I will sind of the LORD’S great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faitfulness know through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
    Psalm 89:1-2 NIV

  4. 2854
    Tina Huffman says:

    Tina, Zalma, MO So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

  5. 2855
    Tracy says:

    Psalm 51:1, ESV, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.”

  6. 2856
    Lenna Chaffee says:

    Lenna Chaffee, Tomah, WI
    Phil. 4:5 (NIV)
    Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

  7. 2857

    Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

    Amos 3:7 NIV

  8. 2858
    Ruth says:

    Metamora, IL

    And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    Colossians 3:17, NIV

  9. 2859
    Sarah Campbell says:

    Sarah, Greenville, MS

    “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8, HCSB

  10. 2860
    Carrie Breitzmann says:

    Carrie B, Princeton, MN

    “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ”

    2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

  11. 2861
    Melissa Teakell says:

    Melissa Teakell, Wichita, KS

    Teach us to number our days aright,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

    Psalm 90:12 NIV 84
    (Timely with BSF and my beloved grandfathers entry into heaven!)

  12. 2862
    Leslie Young says:

    Leslie Young
    Wisner, La.

    We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

    2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

  13. 2863
    Linda Sargent says:

    Linda, Gaylord, MI Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11 NIV

  14. 2864

    Matthew 19:26 NIV

    Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

  15. 2865
    Marilyn says:

    Marilyn, Dearborn, MO.
    So teach us to number our days that we
    may get a heart of wisdom.
    Psalm 90:12 ESV

  16. 2866
    Cindy says:

    Cindy, Beaumont, TX. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

  17. 2867
    Wendy Bashor says:

    Wendy Bashor – Lone Butte, BC: Lord the God of Heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments. Nehemiah 1:5 (NIV)

  18. 2868
    Sharon Seagle says:

    For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
    Luke 9:24-27 ESV

  19. 2869
    Stephanie says:

    Stephanie
    Pawleys Island, SC
    Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear but like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. — Isaiah 51:6 (NIV)

  20. 2870
    Bobbi Mooney says:

    Bobbi Mooney, Houston, TX

    Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

    The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
    My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

  21. 2871
    Charmaine Smith says:

    Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7, NIV

  22. 2872
    Ashley Baker says:

    Ashley, Sugar Land, TX

    “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”
    Joel 2:25a ESV

  23. 2873
    Dana says:

    If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

    John 15:7
    NIV

    Dana
    Boerne, TX

  24. 2874
    Debi Foreman says:

    I Chronicles 29:14 But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from your hand we have given You.

  25. 2875
    Allison says:

    Allison, Austin
    “This is I command you to love one another”
    John15:17 NET

  26. 2876
    Jordan LaRoche says:

    Jordan LaRoche, Kingwood, TX

    Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)

    “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.

  27. 2877
    Kandy Hall says:

    Kandy Hall, Huffman, TX

    Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)
    For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

  28. 2878
    Peggy says:

    Peggy, Sweetwater, TN
    There will always be some who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them. Deuteronomy 15:11 GNT

  29. 2879
    Rene Sandifer says:

    Rene Sandifer, Overland Park, KS “Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” (‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭13‬ ESV)

  30. 2880
    Sara Middleton says:

    Sara Middleton, Kingsville, TX “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col 3:23-24, NIV

  31. 2881
    Louise Blount says:

    Lou Blount Colorado Springs CO
    ” And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” Romans 5:5 NIV

  32. 2882
    Paula says:

    And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Philippians 1:9

  33. 2883
    Anna Rostock says:

    Phil 3:13 (NKJ) from Boise, ID

    “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”

  34. 2884
    Julie says:

    Julie McGirk, Prescott, AZ
    “I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 ESV

  35. 2885
    Vonnie Myrick says:

    March 16 2015 Portland Texas 78374
    Romans 13:8
    Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

  36. 2886
    Nell George says:

    Nell, Gallatin,TN
    Proverbs 19:21NIV
    Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.

  37. 2887
    Natalie says:

    Natalie, San Diego, CA

    1 John 1:9-10 (NKJV)

    9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

  38. 2888
    Becky Martin says:

    Becky – Lawrenceville, Ga

    “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
    And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

    Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)

  39. 2889
    Meredith Clark says:

    If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
    2 Chronicles 7:14
    NKJV

  40. 2890
    Fran Scott says:

    Fran Scott, Stafford TX Mark 11:25 KJV

    And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

  41. 2891
    Tara says:

    Tara, Eustis, Fl So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)

  42. 2892
    Sharon says:

    1 Samuel 12:22 For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.

  43. 2893
    Beth Buzzello says:

    Beth-Northridge, CA

    Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

    John 16:24 NIV

  44. 2894
    Angie says:

    Angie-Whittier

    Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

    Mark 12:30 (NIV)

  45. 2895
    Hannah Huneycutt says:

    Hannah Huneycutt
    Mt. Pleasant, NC
    Psalm 113:2 (NIV)
    Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.

  46. 2896
    Stephanie Taush says:

    Stephanie Tausch
    Helotes, Tx
    In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ NIV)

  47. 2897
    Joy says:

    Joy, from Iowa~ “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends. Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw out all the spoiled and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our Gardener, God, landscape you with the word- making a salvation
    garden of your life.” James 1:19-21 The Message

  48. 2898
    Karen Mitchell says:

    Ps 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
    NASB

  49. 2899
    Beth says:

    Beth Evans, Jamestown, NC
    Jeremiah 30: 17 NASB
    ‘For I will restore you to health
    And I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the Lord. (Yahweh)

  50. 2900
    Megan Passarella says:

    Megan Passarella, Waupaca, WI
    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” Isaiah 43:2 NIV

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