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
Hebrews 12:3
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I think I forgot to enter last 2 week’s verse.
Christy Elkhart. IN
Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Psalm 42:8 KJV
Late, forgot to post
Stacey Doran tunnel hill ga
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10 NIV)
People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy. Eccl 5:20 NLT
Better late than never, right?! 🙂
Ephesians 3:15 (NET)
from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named.
Sharon Bolton
Bowling Green, KY
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God
Matthew 5:9 (NASB)
Lori K., Leander, TX “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Arlene C. from Georgetown, Texas: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
Julie Myers
Rutledge, TN
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10 (NIV)
Anna Yancey, Fort Collins, CO
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3 ESV
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Darlene Colson Herod, IL
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV
Michelle Bentham – Granbury, TX
I think it is quite possible that March 15th slipped by and I forgot to post my verse…
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” – Romans 8:3 (NLT)
Ashley from San Antonio, TX
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:6-7, NLT
Cindy Medina
Cedar Hill, TX
By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Chrust has come in the flesh is from God;
1John 4:2. (NASB)
Tammy Embry
Athens, AL
Cause me to hear Thy loving kindness in the morning;
for in Thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk
for I lift up my soul unto Thee.
~ Psalm 143:8
Morgan Roberts, Brandon, MS
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” John 4:34 ESV
Clearwater, FL
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. NIV Galations 6:9
Alison- Jackson, Mo
The brother in humble circumstances out to take pride in his high position. But the brother that is rich should take pride in his low position because like a wildflower he will wither and pass away. James 1:9-10 niv.
Christina Hixson, New Boston, Tx. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV
Heather Hart – Seymour, TX.
“For this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” ~ 1 Peter 2:21
Tapanga Bois, Bradenton Florida. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people,but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)
Sarah Caldwell, North Richland Hills, TX
Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way, your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them. ~Ephesians 4:29 (VOICE)
Paula, Dalhart, Texas
“But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Ann, Cataula, GA
Psalm 73:26, The Message
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful.
Judy Coles, Orangeville, ON
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distesses. Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins. Psalm 25:16-18 ESV
Sherry Spencer, Momence, IL
“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.”
Psalm 31:14&15
Susan, Sydney, Australia, ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. ‘
Psalm 28: 7a NKJV
Ann Arbor MI
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9,10
Kathy, Tucson, AZ
“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
Rose Richardson, Fullerton, CA
Romans 12:9-13 (NKJV)
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Julie Wagner, Nederland, TX
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
Diane Perkins Rickford Mi
I’ pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16 NIV
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV
Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sharon Meekins
Charleston, SC
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:12-15 ESV
And I pray that you being rooted & established in love may have powe togetherr with all the saints to grasp how wide & long & high & deep is the love of Christ.
Ephesians 3:17b, 18
NIV
Linda Ney from Gahanna, Ohio
Psalm 148:6 NIV
He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a
decree that will never pass away.
Matt. 6:33-34 NASB
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Susie, Harrisburg, PA
We demolish arguments and every pretension that puts itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
I realize that I forgot to post this on the 15th, but I did have it written out! I’ve also posted half on FB and half on the blog, I hope they still count…I guess they do count to me 🙂
Debbie Robson, London, Ontario, Canada
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:15&16 ESV
Barbara, Washington, NC
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 NIV
Leslie, Effingham, IL
“Wives, Submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:22 NIV
Linda Grantham from Raymond, MS
ESV Psalm 63:1 “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirst for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Albuquerque, NM
Psalm 139:7
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? KJV
Telena Haneline, Maryville, TN
“For assuredly, I say to you, that whoever says to this mountain, Be romped and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”
Melissa ~ Black Creek, GA
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (Ephesians 3:14-15 ESV)
Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord FOREVER, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting ROCK. NASB Lynn in Dyersburg, TN
Dawn Whiteford – Batavia, OH
Matthew 28:18 (NIV)
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Romans 10:13
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”