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
Donna Walters, Hartsville, South Carolina —
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. Psalms 62:5-6 (HCSB)
leah
Fort Worth, tx
With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9 KJV)
Martha Buckner Brentwood TN
Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24 NASB
leah
Fort Worth, tx
I didn’t put the first half.
Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. (Isaiah 26:8 KJV)
Westerville, Ohio
Lamentations 3:25
“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”
Colleen – Phoenix, AZ – James 1:12 (HCSB)
Blessed is the man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
cathy Clark, Colfax,LA-And whenever you turn to the right or to the left, Your ears will hear this command behind you; “This is the Way, Walk in it”. Isaiah 30:21
Angela McGinnis Brockport, NY
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fail.
Psalm 55:22 NIV
Teresa, Tyler TX
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
Kaylie Hodges, Vega TX
(Sorry I’m so late! It was in my spiral on the 15th!)
Ephesians 4:1
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worthy of the calling which you were called.”NKJV
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:25-26 ESV)
Jenny, Greenwood, IN
“As pants the deer for water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. I thirst for God, the living God; when will I see the face of God? Tears are my food both day and night. All day men say, “Where is your God?” My soul’s poured out as I recall How to God’s house I led the crowds with joyful songs to keep the feast. My soul, why so cast down, disturbed. Hope now in God; I’ll praise Him still. He is my help, He is my God.”
Psalm 42: 1-5 (42A The Book Of Psalms for Worship)
Emily Ince -Danville, Va
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. NIV
Marsha R. Lexington Park, MD
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
Psalm 148:5 NIV
Rhonda, Houston TX
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NIV
(This verse ends with ,…but you would have none of it.” Lord, delete this ending from my words and actions today!)
Leah Kirksey, Camden, Arkansas
“He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7 NKJV
“From whom his whole family
In heaven and on earth
Derives it’s name.”
Ephesians 3:15 NIT
Sheryl, Rocky Mount, NC “Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6 NLT
Debbie H. St. Paul, MN
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16: 11 NIV
For no word from God will ever fail. – Luke 1:27 NIV
Mary, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)
From central PA “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18 (ESV)
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14 KJV
Sandy
Oak Grove, LA
Donna, Ponder,Texas You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Mary Sandifer, Indian Head, MD
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.”
Colossians 4:6 (NASB)
Charlene Sarver, Cookeville, TN
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Should be ESV.
Debbie – Atascocita, TX – Romans 12:12 (HCSB)
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”
Jenny T – Midland, TX
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13 ESV)
Debbie B. Marietta GA
But I , with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, “Salvation comes from The Lord”.
Jonah 2:9
Wooster, Oh
Ephesians 5:15,16
Look carefully how then you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Tara G.
Sherwood, AR
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Carly Andrews, Colleyville, TX
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NIV
Beth – Cowpens, SC
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 2:1-2 (ESV)
Deanna – Harwood, MD. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)
Dina, Orlando, FL; Ps. 32:10, NIV: Many are the wores of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.
Carolyn, Chicago, IL, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. I Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Vicki Bolton Lubbock, TX
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow His instructions have good insight.
His praise endures forever.
Psalm 111:10 HCSB
Amelia – White Bear Lake, MN
Romans 8:1 NIV
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13, TNIV
Whoops forgot to add- Caitlin, Windsor, Canada 🙂
Billie, Greenville, KY “But of the Son, He says, ‘Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever, the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.'” Hebrews 1:8-9 ESV
Liz from Hilliard:
“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
Broken Arrow, OK “Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” Psalm 90:12 (HCSB)
Pam Hunter Asheville NC So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Nikki McGregor, Radford, VA
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:22 NASB
Cindy S. Walker, Clear Lake area of Houston, TX, “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Marianne Gerrard
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” Eph 1:7 ESV
Mary, Chandler, OK
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
1 Sam. 11:24 ESV
Mindy Habelt, Williamson, GA
Isaiah 40:31 New King James Version (NKJV)
But those who wait on 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.
Jennifer Colbaugh, Gainesville, GA
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness , that you may be feared. Psalm 130: 1-2 ESV