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
Whitney Amos, Temple, Tx
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
Melanie from Cape Girardeau, MO
Romans 12:16 (ESV) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Rose Gillespie
Hot Springs, AR
“And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.” Psalm 9:10 KJV
Amy King, Little Rock, Arkansas. “Go ahead and prepare for the conflicts, but victory comes from God.” Proverbs 21:31 TLB
Mary, Fort Worth, TX
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV
(By the way, God had put it on my heart to memorize this scripture a couple of weeks ago. It was such a sweet affirmation and treasure from God to see that the encouragement blog post was about this very verse! Thank you for the blessing of your words and for being faithful to pass along what the Lord gave you.) ❤️
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this with me! I so love His sweetness in this.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything y prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. and the eace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Kamea Hope, Ontario, CAN
“You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.”
Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
Codie Chevalier, Loudon, NH
“Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” Psalm 115:3, ESV
Joanie, Richmond, Virginia
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.
Jennifer
Lancaster Pa
For God who said, “let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT
Patti Knobbe from West Point, NE.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” Philippians 3:14-16
‘Oh come let us sing to the Lord; Let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation!’
Psalm 95:1 NIV
I know I am behind but better late then never
Kelsey Waverly Iowa
And Mary Said: My Soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed
Luke 1: 46-48 NIV
I am so sorry I am this late.
Karla K, Broomfield, CO
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction: be persistent in prayer.” – Romans 12:12 HCSB
Ridgefield, WA
from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. Ephesians 3:15 NIV
Lillian Palos, Fort Worth, TX
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body” I Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Elizabeth in Midland, Texas
Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV
…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Nancy Sticht, St. Augustine, FL
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (NIV)
Laurie Burton
Amarillo TX
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Prov 3:5-6 MSG
My mother passed away yesterday and this verse so exemplifies her walk with the Lord for the last 30 years that she was so sick from MS.
Philippians 4:11-12 ESV Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned whatever situation I am in to be content. I know how to be low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have the secret of facing hunger and plenty, abundance and need.
Oh goodness, Dee Ann. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. May Jesus be so near.
Joy Bergquist
Wichita, KS
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 ESV)
Stephanie B – Springfield, MO
Psalm 23:3 NKJV
[3] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Maria, Louisville, Ky
Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
(I SO need these verses with my teenage son right now!)
Late….
Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved.
Proverbs 16:3
Mauri Sparks, Queen City, TX
“Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 HCSB)
Patty, Shelton, WA
“…Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” 2 Sam.7:8b, NIV
Jenni Johnson, Murray, KY
“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NASB
Jennifer Swift, Oklahoma City, OK
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
2 Thes 3:3 ESV
Katelyn, Jackson, TN
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)
Piper
Hickory, NC
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
Psalm 46:5 kjv
Becky Cynthiana
Psalm 116:7 NIV
Be at rest once more O my soul for the Lord has been good to you
Janice
Arcanum, Oh
Put on the full armor of God so you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NASB
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Ps 90:12 NIV
O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. Matthew 26:39
Jennifer Tribbie, Columbus, OH
“Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10 NIV
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Dee Remick, Zeeland, MI From NIV84
Psalm 139:6 “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
Redfield, AR
Psalms 90:12 (NKJV)
[12] So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
[Switched to Melanie’s verse from my planned one; appropriate & needed after my husband’s unexpected weekend in the hospital (he’s better now)]
Karen, praying for you and your man tonight. Believing Him for complete healing.
Madelin, Thousand Oaks, CA
Praise be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Lori…Columbus, GA
Psalm 139:17-18
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Candis Oswalt South Bend IN Second time of three I will be posting these same three verses. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passseth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Eph 3: 17-19 KJV.
Kathy
Albuquerque, NM
Hosea 10:12 NASB
Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
Robin Grega, Elizabethtown, KY
Philippians 4:9 NLT
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you
Inspired by your verse; it’s just what I’m needing.
Jennifer Talsma, Stratford, ON, Canada. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV
Cassie Davis, Orange City, FL
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 ESV)
Tami; Denver, CO:
For the mountains may move and the hills disappear,but even then my faithful love for you will remain.My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
Isaiah 54:10 (NLT)
Stigler, OK Let the PEACE of CHRIST rule in your Hearts. Colossians 3:15 NLT
Cathy Hare – Rowlett, TX
“Only fear the LORD and sere Him faithfully with all your hear. For consider what great things He has done for you.” I Samuel 12:24 ESV
Carrie from Cary, NC
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Tina Hinson
Okinawa, Japan
Trust I the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:3-4
NKJV