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
Diane Jackson-Riverside, CA
“I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” 2 Sam 24:24 nasb
Kimberly Sutor, Burlington IA: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. – James 1:6-8
Towson, MD
Galatians 5:1( ESV )
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Ruth Baca, Modesto, CA
I KEEP ASKING that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Lisa H, Bloomington, IN
Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. Romans 15:7 (GNT)
Angie Martens, Charlotte, NC
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV)
Alethea Savannah from Houston, TX
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV- For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
“Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ”
1 Corinthians 11:1 (HCSB)
Becky
May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.
1 Thes 3:12
Draw near to God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith, cleansing us from a guilty conscience, holding to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:21-23. NIV
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS “A man’s steps are established by the Lord and He takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 HCSB
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksviging, present your request to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Westerville, Ohio
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength: He makes my feet like the feet of a deer – He enables me to go on the heights.”
Hab.3:19 NIV
Ingrid from Omemee, Ontario, Canada
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Is. 33: 6 NIV
Judy Dreeszen, Clay Center, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” Philippians 1:9 NLT
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Pennie Marshall, Lincoln, NE
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Heather Colorado Springs, CO The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 103:6 NIV
The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you, in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 NIB
“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Eph. 6:17 (ESV)
Natalie, Houston
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalms 23:1-3 (NIV)
Christene from London Canada
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Paula Rambo, Rowlett, Tax
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Hebrews 6:19 NLT
Mary from College Station, TX
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 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.
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Psalm 27:11
Sara, St. Louis, Missouri:
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
Chicago: “Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6
Morgan, Arlington VA
” But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow,[a] do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Habkkuk 2:3 (TLB)
Phil 2:14, “Do everything without complaining and arguing,…” (NLT)
Linsey Courtney, New Haven, CT
I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be more fruitful.
John 15:1-2 (NIV)
Jess Isler, Atlanta, GA
I am the Lord, the God of every person on earth. Nothing is impossible for me. Jeremiah 32:27 NCV
James 1:26 NIV
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Laura, Greenbrier, AR “I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” Psalm 101:2,3 ESV
Becky Bigbie, Highland Village, Tx
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22 NLV
Allison B, Pleasanton, California.
Philippians 3:10 (NIV) I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.
Melaina – Watertown SD
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37 NLT
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James1 v 2 & 3
NIV
psalm 33 vs 1 KJV
Rejoice in the lord,oh ye righteous;for praise is comely for the upright.
Melanie-Farmington, MO
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
Jody Bowhay in Huntsville, NIV
John 15:5
“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.”
Sonya Polino, Meriden, CT – 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. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NLT)
Kirsten Pierce, Boones Mill, VA. “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalms 63:7-8 NIV
For this world is not our permanent home, we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
Hebrews 13:14 NLT
“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:7-8)
Andrea, Highlands Ranch, CO: “And I pray that you, bring rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:17b-18 NIV
Pam, Wilmington, NC
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 NKJV
Gail Jones
Decatur, TX
Proverbs 11:3 NIV
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Heather Morgan
Waxahachie, TX
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Mary Margaret Cockroft
Madison, Mississippi
“And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.”
Galatians 3:27 NLT
Aloha From Hawaii!
Mark 12:29 (NET)
Jesus answered, “The most important is, “Listen Israel, The Lord our God, The Lord is one,