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
Barb of Crown Point
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. – Romans 5:5 NASB
I sure need this now, I’ve lost my job, my husband’s job is in jeopardy, his health is poor due to stress from all this and he is now on anti depressants, my 19 year old daughter is being difficult and hurtful and selfish. It’s hard to find a new normal being the parent of a 19 year old live at home college student.
I know others are going through much worse but it’s a lot for me now, hope and faith is what i am clinging to. I now He will see us through. Romans 5:3~5 is my verse for this time and “god-centially” our sermon yesterday was on hope.
We are so glad to know how to pray, Barb!
Barb, I am praying for you this week. He sees you!
Luke 9:23 ESV
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Sissy Waycross
“Si teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart if wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 NASN
Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
krystal ward
teague, tx
his divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 peter 1:3 NIV
[God]is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Jamie from Phx Az: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God. 2nd Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Kathy B., North Wilkesboro, NC
Jami Carey, Fishers, IN
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
II Peter 2:5-7 NIV
Janice, Springville, Al
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:11 NLT
Maaike Veerbeek.The Netherlands. Dordrecht, “Alle dingen zijn mogelijk door Hem die mij kracht geeft. Fil4:13, GNB
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV)
Lauren Gross
Pineville, LA
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NKJV
Nicole Powell in Plains, Texas
All Scripture is God0breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…
2 Timothy 3:16 NIV
Misty, Calhoun, Ga
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 14:1 NIV
Jennifer, Etowah, NC
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 ESV
Michelle H, Lansing, MI
Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.
1 Cor 10:23
LeaAnn Goodman, Lexington, KY
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Tracy-Aurora, CO
Acts 17:24=The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. (NIV)
Danae Allen, Portland, Oregon
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8 NLT
Chelley- Muskegon, MI
He has showered us with His kindness along with all wisdom and understanding. Eph 1:8 NLT
Diane, Fresno, CA
Ephesians 4:12 ESV
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
JoAnn Heath – Houston, TX – No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 NIV
Leslie, Norwood Young America, MN
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Psalm 51.6, ESV ~ Key verse from Sacred Secrets
Sarah Franke – College Station, TX James 1:5 (NIV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Michelle Gibbs, Austin, TX
Ephesians 3:14 NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father.
Laura, Mckinney, TX
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Onda Jenks, Morgantown, WV- “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (I Cor. 1:18 NIV)
Pembroke, Ontario – Canada
He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in the darkness and light dwells with Him, Daniel 2:22 (NIV)
Mickey, Blue Springs
But Mary was keeping within herself all these things, weighing and pondering them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 AMP
How blessed is the one whom you choose and allow to live in you palace courts. May we be satisfied with the good things of your house, your holy palace. Ps 65:4
Jen Allen, Broomfield, CO
“Love the Lord your God will all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 NIV
Niki haney. West Liberty, ky.
“You drew near on the day I called on you, and said, ‘do not fear!'”. Lamentations 3:57. NKJV.
You, my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13 NIV
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Kali Binkley, Jefferson City, MO – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” Isiah 41:10 NLT
Jenna, Franklin, TN
“from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name” Ephesians 3:15 NIV
“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
Julie Richardson, Grand Rapids, MI
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.—Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Pam- Wassenaae, the Netherlands
If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth. 1john 1:6 CEV
Troy, Ohio
Ephesians 1:16-17 NIV
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers. I keep
asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of
wisdom and revelation, so that you may know
him better.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Eph.6:10 (NIV)
Saint John, NB Canada: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6. Version unknown
Angel, Folsom, LA … It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
**I know I am very late, I apologize – still want to get it up here, though.**
Proverbs 10:19; New Living Translation (NLT)
19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Eph 1:17-20
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Marilyn Andrews, Piedmont, OK
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
Boise, ID
Duet 31:6
Karen Cortese, Fort Sumner, NM
“But I will hope continually and praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14 ESV
But He knows the way that I take. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold. Job 23:10
I so love seeing your name and this verse, my dear Jesus-loving, rejoicing-together, squealing-over-His-faithfulness friend! Prayed for your and your sweet kiddos this morning.