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
Gloria Staker, Springfield, Ohio. ” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1Peter 3:15 NIV
Andrea Pixton, Antioch, CA “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” NLT
Anna from MO
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19
Michelle, Winchester VA
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
i missed last time; hope I can still participate?
Susan McCoy, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
You bet, Susan! It’s still early to catch up!
Karen, Dripping Springs, TX
And this is my prayer: that you love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Philippians 1:9 NIV
Patti Egbert, Brush Prairie, WA
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Psalm 91:5 NLT
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night
Nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Laureen Plageman Prince Albert, Sk
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with
a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:12 (ESV)
Letha Miller. Cullman, AL. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ESV
Lois Kinman
Lewisville, TX
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Epheaians 6:11-12 NIV
Brittany Mabe, San Diego, CA:
Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 4:4-5
Dora Polk Matthew, Missouri
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Veronica Lemon, Temple, TX
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:1-3a (NASB)
Jude 1:24 NKJV
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
Noreen, Cleveland OH
Jude 1:24 NKJV
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
Jinga, Royal Palm Beach
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,but a kind word cheers it up.
Rachel Grantham; Raymond, MS
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.–Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)
Laura, Aurora, MO Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. James 1:19 NIV
Kim
Lakeland, FL
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Trina Combs, Fayetteville, AR
“I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.” Psalm 16:8-9 NKJV
Betty Jane Pedigo
Franklin ky
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” Ephesians6:9 NIV
Chaundel –Lake Forest, CA
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Metairie, LA
” He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘ My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. ‘ For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fearthebterror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall ay your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place–the Most High, who is my refuge–no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come hear your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Because He holds fast to me in love, I will deliver Him; I will protect Him, because He knows my name. When He calls to me, I will answer Him; I will be with Him in trouble; I will rescue Him and honor Him. With long life I will satisfy Him and show Him my salvation. ”
Psalm 91
I love this passage of scripture. I hope you will enjoy it as well!
Life Ap. Bible-Revelation 3:11
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one will take your crown.”
Darl, Bakersfield, CA
Psalm 27:8 ESV
“You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
The version for my scripture in the ESV version. Forgot that in my post.
Metairie, LA.
Cynthia T ~ O’Fallon, MO ~ I could have no greater joy than to know my children are following the truth. 3 John 1:4 (NLT)
Reanna, Cypress, CA
Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. ESV
Janis Slatter
Auckland, New Zealand
I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.
Hosea 2 v 20 NIV
Dee Shera – Jacksonville, Florida
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:16-18 (NIV)
Vicki
Murfreesboro, TN
Psalm 105:4 (HCSB)
“Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always.”
Casey Gaines, Springfield, MO
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)
Shannon
Daviston, AL
Psalm 86:12 (NIV)
“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.”
Orlando, FL
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!” Psalm 40:16 NLV
Misha McGIll, Arroyo Grande, CA
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Kayley Hibbert Camp Point, IL
NIV
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:3-4)
Roswell, Georgia By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV)
Faith Tausch
Helotes, Tx
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
Sara Weick, Jonesboro, AR
1 Peter 4:8- “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may lift you up in due time.” (NIV)
Heather Wilkinson
Springfield, VA
Eph 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.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Rebekah, Ralph, AL.
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (esv)
Charné, Secunda South Africa: I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. PSM 119: 58 Niv
Jill Smith, Eugene, OR
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth;” Exodus 34:6 NASB
Deborah – Nashville, TN
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16 (NIV)
Rebecca Stewart Julian, NC “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Donna – Burleson, Tx
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
(Psalms 91:1-2 NKJV)
Valparaiso, Florida
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
kathy from leesville, la So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” -Romans 8:18 (NIV)