Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 6!

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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

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4,994 Responses to “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 6!”

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Comments:

  1. 4751
    Nicole Grey says:

    Nicole//Dallas//NLT “Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6

  2. 4752
    Melonie Blackwell says:

    Jas 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
    James 2:1. ESV

  3. 4753
    Kathy Ray says:

    1peter 5:6,7
    Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up
    in due time .
    Cast all your anxiety on Him because
    He cares for you.

  4. 4754
    Inez Barnes says:

    Inez Barnes
    Hamburg AR

    Matthew 7:12. NIV

    So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you for this sums up the law and the prophets

  5. 4755
    Deana Stackpole says:

    Unionville Tennessee
    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
    2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV

  6. 4756
    jami says:

    shelby, nc

    “I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear, And will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1 NAS

  7. 4757
    Katie Grace Sadler says:

    “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness ,and
    all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

    “He was despised and rejected- a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. He was despised and we did not care.” Isaiah 53:3 NLT

  8. 4758
    Aretha Gearhart says:

    Aretha Gearhart, Council Bluffs, IA Ephesians 1:19, KJV. and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power

  9. 4759
    Deby Cummings says:

    Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
    “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

  10. 4760
    Stacy says:

    Stacy, Greenfield, Indiana

    However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

    Acts 20:24 (NIV)

  11. 4761
    Donna Mina says:

    Donna Mina, Norman, OK

    Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
    Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. (‭Psalms‬ ‭143‬:‭8‬ NLT)

  12. 4762
    Groovewoman says:

    “from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,”
    ~Ephesians 3:15 ESV

    Hollie
    Granbury, TX

  13. 4763
    Donna G says:

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
    Psalm 19:14 ESV

  14. 4764
    Cindy Rader says:

    Cindy
    Sulphur, LA

    James 1:7-8 (HCSB)
    That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. And indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.

  15. 4765
    Aimee says:

    Aimee – Highland, IN
    Psalm 1:1b NIV “…or stand in the way that sinners take or set in the company of mockers.”

  16. 4766
    Yvonne Wheeler from Santee, California says:

    The sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. Isaiah 50:4 NLT

  17. 4767
    ashlie black says:

    Missouri city, TX
    “Do not let your adorning be external- the braiding of the hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands.” (1 Peter 3:3-5 ESV)

  18. 4768

    Lindsey Gibson Soddy-Daisy,TN, Psalm 3:3 NKJV,But you, O Lord, are a shield about me My glory, and the ONE who lifts my head.

  19. 4769
    Lori says:

    Lori
    Bangor, Maine

    The Lord you God is in your midst; He is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; He renews you by His love; He shouts for joy over you.

    Zephaniah 3:17 (NET)

  20. 4770
    Meleah says:

    Meleah Spencer, Springfield, MO. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12. NIV

  21. 4771
    Jenn DeVille says:

    Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
    Psalms 51;10

  22. 4772
    Vanessa Peacock says:

    Vanessa Peacock Augusta, Georgia

    God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you. 2 Thessalonians 1:6

  23. 4773
    Kim says:

    Kim H., McKinney

    Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)
    I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

  24. 4774
    Becky Montague says:

    Winder, GA
    Colossians 3:6 “For it is because of these things go that the wrath of God will come on the sons of disobedience.” The verse seems out of place unless I quote verses 1-5!

  25. 4775
    Peggy Jenkins says:

    Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us.

    Ephesians 3:20. NIV

  26. 4776
    Kristi says:

    Kristi from Anchorage Alaska:

    Colossians 1:12, NLT

    May you be filled with joy,[a] 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

  27. 4777
    Linda Grantham says:

    Linda Grantham from Raymond, MS
    ESV James 1:12
    “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 this who love him.

  28. 4778
    Michelle Weihing says:

    Michelle Weihing Frisco, TX
    Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

  29. 4779
    Laurie Anthony says:

    Laurie – Albany, Ga.
    Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
    Matthew 6:21 NIV

  30. 4780
    Sandy says:

    for the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. NIV Romans 8:6

  31. 4781
    Suzanne Allan says:

    Suzanne Allan, Alix, Alberta, Canada

    It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,” nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”; but you will be called, “My delight is in her,” and your land, “Married”; for the Lord delights in you, and to Him your land will be married. Isaiah 62:4

  32. 4782
    Regina Nations says:

    Regina Nations,Lancaster, Ca
    NIV~ Ephesians 4:31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger,brawling and slander along with every form of malice.

  33. 4783
    Rhonda Green says:

    Rhonda. Anderson, Indiana

    Psalm 19:7-8
    The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
    NIV

  34. 4784
    Lisa Formby says:

    For we walk by faith, not by sight.
    2 Cor. 5:7 ESV

  35. 4785
    Charlene says:

    Charlene, Waterloo, ON
    Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
    John 17:3 (NIV)

  36. 4786
    Cathy Ackel/ Athens,La. says:

    Our days on earth are like grass;like wild flowers we bloom and die.

    Psalm 104:15

  37. 4787
    Elizabeth Ackel/ Athens La. says:

    The wind blows and we are gone like we had never been here.

    Psalm 104:16

  38. 4788
    Liliana Potenza says:

    Liliana Potenza, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL The eyes of the LORD run through the earth, to show himself strong for those who trust him.” (2 Chronicles. 16:9 ESV)

  39. 4789
    Colette Wheeler says:

    Matthew 10:28 ESV, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

  40. 4790
    Janet tucked says:

    1 John 2:16

    For all that is in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions. Is not from the father but is from the world!

  41. 4791
    Libby Montez says:

    Libby Montez
    Lake in the Hills, IL

    “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives do I give unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
    John 14:27, ESV

  42. 4792
    nat.hawaii says:

    isaiah 30:21 NIV
    whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “this is the way; walk in it.”

  43. 4793
    Sarah Moen says:

    Sarah Moen Fairfield Me
    Those who trust in the Lord are like mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
    Psalm 125:1 NIV

  44. 4794
    Peggy Bonine says:

    The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
    He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
    Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

  45. 4795
    Whitney says:

    Whitney Payne, LaGrange, GA: James 1:26 (NIV84) – If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

  46. 4796
    Laura Naiser says:

    Laura Naiser, Georgetown TX

    John 16:33, NIV

    I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

  47. 4797
    Allison Bayles says:

    Allison Bayles, Katy,
    Hebrews 4:14,niv

    Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

  48. 4798
    janice griffin says:

    Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on you. Because he trusts in you.NKJV

  49. 4799
    Liliana Potenza says:

    Liliana Potenza, Ponte Vedra Beach, 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. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

  50. 4800
    Rebecca & Emma says:

    Rebecca & Emma Jamerson, Hallsville, TX

    Emma
    ” LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.” Psalm 131:1, KJV

    Rebecca
    “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans8:11, KJV

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