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
Paula, Colorado Springs, CO
“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.”
Psalm 95:1 NASV
Jamie Cook, Fort Worth, TX “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
Lorraine, Ketchikan Alaska
“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The LORD is my Helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?'”
Hebrews 13:5,6 NASB
15677 Barbee St
Bobbie Schultz, Fontana, California
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 Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Amy, Arlington, VA, “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
“the heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to lips.” Proverbs 15:24 NKJV
Janessa Ford, Davao City, Philippines. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Pslam 100:4, NKJV
Stephanie Teahn, Lafayette, OR
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
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.
at home again in Karuizawa, Japan
He brought me forth also into a broad place. He rescued me because He delighted in me.
Psalm 18:19 NASB
carla van hemmen, Ede, the Netherlands:
Daarom buig ik mijn knieën voor de Vader, die de vader is van elke gemeenschap in de hemelsferen en op aarde. Ephesians 3: 14 en 15.
Welcome, Carla from the Netherlands ! ! !
Love, in Christ Jesus, Jennifer
Christy McCreight, Arlington Tx. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free John 8:31-32 NIV
Margie N. Jackson Mo. Psalm 4:5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. NIV
Pam D., Hendersonville, TN. While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything. It has promise for this life now and the life to come. I Timothy 4:8 CEB
Anna Lange, Mobile, Alabama
Romans 6:5-6 KJV
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Angie Diemer, Battle Creek MI. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands. NLT
Lou in Mineola, Texas
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Angela Krempl, Oklahoma City, OK “And the Word became flesh,and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NASB
Kimberly Balles Rolling Meadows, IL
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Phil. 4:9 NIV
Sarah
PORTALES, NM
Lamentations 3:57 ESV
“You came near when I called on you; you said ‘Do not fear'”
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Robyn Windsor, Lebanon Missouri, Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. (Psalm 112:5-9 NIV)
Totally forgot to post my verse for 3/15 even though I had chosen it. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12 NIV). Gretchen Sawyer, Tomball, TX
Pam Campbellsburg In. Maththew 7;8 For everyone who asks receives..and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.. NKJV NSFL
Psalm 150:6
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.
Anitra, Dickinson, TX
Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Proverbs 3:1-2. Niv
Mona – Rome, GA
“and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19 NIV)
Candice from Houston, Texas – “The tongue has the power of life and death…” Proverbs 18:21 [NIV]
Bethany Sullivan from Converse, IN
I haven’t posted the last couple times, but I have been learning verses. So I’m just going to put them all on this post! John 15:5-9
” I am the Vine and you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them up and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified in this, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.”
Cindy Mohr, Marion, IL
Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippines 1:27 NIV
Lori, Ft. Walton Beach, FL
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Carolyn, Conroe, TX
“And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
– Micah 6:8 (NASB)
Pam Heath, Flint, TX
Psalms 19:14 NIV
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Reedemer.
Lorie Thorpe Palm Desert,CA Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it. EVS
Jamie, Crossett, AR
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23 NKJV
Lori Newton, Powder Springs, GA
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, an dthat your joy may be made full.
John 15:11, NASB
Jacksonville, FL
Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
1 John 4:10 “in this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins.” NASB
Jackie Q., Deltona, Florida
What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You.
Psalms 56:3 AMP
Ginger Charles Town, Wv
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
NIV
Terri G, Corinth, TX
Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death –
they are like the new grass of the morning:
Psalm 90:5 NIV
Lisa Corbin,KY
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my Glory, and the One who lifts my head.
I was crying to The Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His Holy mountain.
Psalm 3:3-4 NASB
Linda Mayes Webb City, MO
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 8:28 NIV
Houston, Tx
Romans 12:2, HCSB “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.’
The law of the Lord is perfect,[c]
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple; ESV Ps19:7
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Leah, Raleigh, NC:
Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has for you. ~Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Michelle, Omaha, Nebraska
I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil 1:3 (NIV)
Jana Dawn Bott
Wardsville, MO
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
Rissa,Clarksville, Tn.
Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or
Think according to the power that works in us- to him be glory
In the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Eph. 3:20-21
Barbs, Harare, Zimbabwe.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor 4:8-9 NIV
Welcome, Barbs, from Zimbabwe ! ! !
Love, in Christ Jesus, Jennifer