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
Meredith Harvie – Houston, TX. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5,6 “trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
NASB
Jennie Marie Knoll- DeWitt, Arkansas
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
You will keep him in perfect peace. Whose mind is stayed on You.
(Who trust in You- NASB)
Amanda Grant, Calgary, Alberta, Canada-
Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (Psalms 27:13-14 NLT)
Charlene
Alabaster, AL
James 1:5 (NKJV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalms 143:10 NLT)
Sarah Philpott, Siloam Springs AR
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1(NIV)
Melissa Droegemueller
San Antonio, TX
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 8:58 ESV
Lisa Godwin Alpharetta, GA
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Cendi R.
Bakersfield CA
Luke 24:45 NIV
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Morgan Aiello, Discovery Bay, CA
” A gentle word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Ephesians 1:13-14New International Version (NIV)
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Elburn, Il
Vickie Ingle, Indio, CA, For we are HIS workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should wak in them. Ephesians 2:10
Melissa Kocurek – Houston, TX – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Nina, Stigler, Psalm 18:4-6
The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
5 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
Mitzi
Kannapolis, NC
For this reason I kneel before the Father,
Ephesians 3:14
Stacey, Tomball, 2 Samuel 22:3-4
My God is my rock in who I take refuge. My shield & the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge & my savior from violent men you save me I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise & I am saved from my enemies
Maureen, Royal Oak, MI “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure. whatever is lovely. whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Susan Thomson, Crockett, TX
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:10 NIV
TJ, Clinton, OK
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NIV)
Sarah – Appleton, WI
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12, NLT
Jen from Round Rock, TX
Colossians 1:9a NIV
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will…
Linda, Johnstown, Pa.
2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Dana Goodwin. Ashland, KY
1 Timothy 1:5 NLT
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith.
For we are HIS workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Heather G.
Fredericksburg, VA
John 1:16 NLT
From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
Lauren from Steinbach, Manitoba
“God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (CEV)
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.
Kristy from Shelby, NC – “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” James 1: 19-20 (NIV)
Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
1 John 1:8-9. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Amy
Montezuma, IN
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
Dale says
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge. “
Abbie, North Platte, NE
Titus 3:6 “whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (ESV)
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5 NIV
Teri Campobello,SC
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18 NIV
Eniola, Lagos Nigeria
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
Joshua 1:9 NIV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Lisa Jones Andalusia, Al
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”
Gwen, Earth TX
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (CEB)
We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Zechariah 4:6
6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
Nancy, Houston TX
Christ accepted you so you should accept each other. This will bring honor to God! Romans 15:7 ERV
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.”
Annette Jennings
Pearland, Tx
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
Galations 2:20 NIV
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Janis Nelson, College Station, Texas. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1Corinthians 13:4-5
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.