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
Ranessa Jones Bloomington, il
James 1:20 (NIV)
Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that Gid desires
Tammy Galligher Pensacola, FL For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11 NIV
Emily C., Castle Pines, Colorado. “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:3 (NIV)
Amy Storms
Joplin, MO
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:2-3 (NIV)
Claudia Wadzinski, Franklin, TN “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. ” Proverb 31:25 NLT
Shelley, Georgetown, KY. “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 (NIV)
Kristie Allen Birmingham Alabama Be Wise in the way you act towards outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Col 4:5-6 niv
I’m so late this time. Real sorry!!!
Meggie, Winnipeg, Canada
“For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.” Psalm 145:13-14
Joyce Kortze, Rockford IL “The Lord be exalted. He takes pleasure in His servant’s well being.” Psalm 35:27 NIV
Kristen, Boulder, CO
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseens is eternal.”
2 Cor. 4:18
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26 NIV
Verse #6
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26 NIV)
Jennifer, Norfolk, VA
Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear Him. With them He shares the secrets of His covenant.
Psalm 25:14 (NLT)
“I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted. ”
Job 42:2 NIV84
But you, LORD, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15. NIV
If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV
Eph 3:15
EST
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5 NIV
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Cindy/Midland
Katie Davila, Tomball, TX
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Psalm 55:1 (ESV)
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” -Romans 8:6
Houston, TX
And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7, ESV
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3 ESV)
March 15 and April 1
Cindy in Raleigh NC
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it.” Hebrews 12:2 The Message
Charlotte Nix, Jacksonville, Florida. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a KJ
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. ” Proverb 31:25 NLT
Lori Moritz, Cedar Park, TX.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 NIV
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.”
Psalm 91:4
PatWilfong, GreenBankWV,
“I am the good shepherd:_ ”
“-I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.”
Saint John 10:11, and Ezekiel 34:16, Authorized KJV, and, Quotated from Ancient Little Book, on May26, “Daily Light On The Daily Path.”
Kathy | Jamesville, NC | For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB
Shelly Hough
Gordon, Texas
James 5:7-8
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
ESV
The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. — Matthew 7:25
Sue, Kingsport, TN.
“Let all that I am praise the LORD;
may I never forget the good things He does for me.” Psalms 103:2 NLT
Lauri, Glen Rock, PA “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
Stephanie Burch, Carrollton, VA
You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him who He sent. John 5:38 NASB
Karen F., Brandon, FL.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46: 10, NIV
Lora Kygr, Memphis, TN “In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; In the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. ” Psalm 5:3 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12
Casey, Henrietta
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
Terra Mueller, Broomfield, CO
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength Mark 12:30 NIV
Winston Salem, NC
1 John 4:21 NIV
And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
“…your perserverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. God’s judgement is right and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering”
2 Thessolonians 1: 4-5
NIV
JoAnne ~ Casper,WY ~ Colossians 3:23 NKJV
And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23 NKJV
Moreen, Sydney Australia
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:3 NKJV
Arlington, TX
1John 4:18NIV
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Melissa H., London, ON, Canada
“from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” (Ephesians 3:15, ESV).
Alyssa, Columbus, MS: I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NLT
Las Vegas, NV
38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” – KJV