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
Melanie Hawkins of Houston, TX
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
NIV 2 Corinthians 1:5: “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”
Andi, Boston, MA
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4, NIV
Jana Troy, KS
Psalm 143:10 ESV
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good spirit lead me on level ground!
Susan, Bristol, WI
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
Ephesians 1:18
Mary Ellen, Wichita, KS- “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
Lori Grundy Petal, MS
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and a new life through the holy spirit. Titus 3:5 NLT
Kailah Brost – Auburn, CA
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not , for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 ESV
Linda Water Valley, MS
Philippians 3:13 – 14 NKJV
But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Linda Water Valley, MS
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Moriah, Washington, IL
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Matt 11:25-26 NIV
Psalms 94:18-19
“When I said, My foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
He has shown you, O mortal, 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)
Amanda, Genoa City, Wi
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” PS. 46:10 NIV
Michele ~ Kenosha, WI
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
II Corinthians 4:17 NIV
Paola Hernandez, Pinellas Park, Fl
Psalm 86:7-8 ESV
In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
Mary Fanara, Independence, MO
And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption
1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV
Jill Erickson
Findlay, Ohio
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Jill Moss, N. Scituate, RI “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV
Jennifer Kinsler – East TN
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:16 KJV
Linda Gammon, Blue Springs, MO
Psalm 36:7 ESV
How precious is Your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
Amanda, Calgary, Alberta
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 ESV
Sylvia S. Collinsville, IL
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Pam, Brighton, CO
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Tamara, Austin, TX
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8. NIV
I stretch out my hands to you,my soul thrists for you like a parched land.Ps.143:6 ESV
Susan Reagan, Coppell, Texas:
“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Evy Hamm, Arcadia, CA “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
“And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:4 NAS
Annette, Richmond, TX
Psalm 73:26 NET
My flesh & my heart grow weak, but God always protects my heart & gives me stability.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. PS 103:8
Kathy
Madison, CT
1 Samuel 12:24(ESV)
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Debbie, Fort Thomas, KY
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:1-2 NIV
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Cor 1:25 NIV
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)
Erin, Littleton CO:
Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
Psalm 16:1 NIV
Psalm 71:14New International Version (NIV)
14 As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
liz gladstone or
Barb, Medina, Oh
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
Rom 12:6ESV
Stephanie H., Fort Worth, TX.
Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Lee Ann Kelley, Fairhope, AL
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12. (NASB)
Claudia, Raeford, NC All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. (Psalm 25:10 NIV)
Madeline – Katy, TX
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Beth Smyth, Perth Western Australia
Galatians 5:25-26 The Message
Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
Erica from MI
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.”
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
Amanda Carter
Ocean Springs, MS
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
James 2:10
KJV
Jodi, Sundown TX, But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5 NIV)
Cindy b, Alton NH
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ESV
Rose K., Oneida, TN–‘He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.’ 1 John 2:9 (KJV)
Florence N, Toronto, Canada
Ephesians. 2:8 NLT: God saved you by his special favor (grace) when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Carroll, Ohio. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans”. NIV
But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears and He will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13, NIV)