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
Jeanine, Augusta, GA
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)
Darcy, Spokane, WA
“And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 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.” Romans 8:27-28 (NIV)
Jill- Plano, TX
New International Version- 90:12
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Cindy-Richmond,Texas. Phillippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (NIV)
Joan Colby – Richland WA
“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 NIV84
Nancy Bradshaw Melbourne, Florida
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor. Ecclesiastes 7:12 NIV
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Rhonda McKamie – Oklahoma City
Ephesians 5:13 – But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, NIV
Dee, Prescott AZ
For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16, ESV
Ana from Dayton, TX
Romans 8:29 (The Message)
God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him.
Cathy, Hot Springs Village, AR
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Kristen Schwark, Indianapolis, IN
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
~Psalm 23: 1-2 KJV
*Virginia Beach, VA
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
(Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)
Shannon Davidson, San Juan Capistrano, CA “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” NIV Ephesians 3:20-21
Patti, Tampa, Florida
Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He siad to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:50-51 NKJ
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 (NIV)
Marge-Chili, WI
For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV
Marian Garcia Springfield, MO
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;not as the
World gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled,
Neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 NKJV
Connie Walker, Houston, TX, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 17:3 NIV
Laurie O, Milton, GA
For this I labor, struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works within me.
Colossians 1:29, NIV
Vicky, Winchester, Hampshire, England.
“You yourselves have seen … how I carried you on eagles wings. Obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”
Exodus 19:4-5. NIV
Lori Thompson
McKinney, TX
1 Cornithians 6:12
“I have the right to do anything” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but I will not be mastered by anything.
Lynette Cumming, GA
“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.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Chris Ann Grotzinger, Houston, Texas
As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:36-37 (HCSB)
Susan Paine, Hillsboro, KS
NIV Philippines 3:11: “and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Keri Laurila, pawtucket, RI…1Peter 3:12 – The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.
Karen Frost. Southside,AL. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
Judy White Birmingham, AL
” if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5,6
Nathalie Van Hoorebeke, Birmingham Uk
Teach me to do your will,
for You are my God.
May your gracious Spirit
lead me forward on a firm footing.
Ps 143:10 NLT
Jennifer Deibel, Vienna, Austria
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9, ESV
Kari White, Fulton SD. “I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2. NIV
Amanda King Bastrop Tx
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything,but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
LaMoniqué J. Katy, TX “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ ” (Acts 4:11 NIV)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Ricole Rice, Minot ND
“I say be guided by the Spirit and you won’t carry out your selfish desires.”
Galatians 5:16 CEB
Donna, Bakersfield, CA, Colossians 1:5-8 (NIV)
“the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,[a] who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[b] behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.”
Katie Nicholls- Tucson, AZ
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Psalm 143:10 ESV
Catlett, VA
“Happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves; so do not despise or reject the correction of the Almighty.”
-Job 5:17 Amplifird Bible
Jen from Wyoming
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
Karla in Leverett, MA
On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
Colossians 3:6 ESV
Jamie Stellingwerf Paramount, Ca
“I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. Psalm 130:5 NLT
Deb from Ohio KJV exodus 14:14 The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace.
Cathy, Houston, TX. March 1 — I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3, NIV.
March 15 — I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls. Jeremiah 31:25, The Message.
Sacramento, CA
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before
his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2 NIV
Melissa Fancher – Marble, AR –
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – NIV
Teri, Lakeway, Tx
If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31b. NAS
Sandy Smith, Holiday, FL. Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8) This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Rhonda Nelson Grapevine, TX
“Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
I am going to memorize Psalm 139. I started this passage last week, learning a few verses each week.
This week: Psalm 139:4-6Psalm 139:4-6 NIV
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord , know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”