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
Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him. Deuteronomy 11:22
Suzanne Allan, Alix, Alberta, Canada
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
Natalie, Cumberland Gap, TN
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God not of works, lest any man should boast.
Jennifer B, Plano, TX
That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
James 1:7 NIV
Beverly, Cumberland Gap, TN
Ephesians 6:15 (KJV)
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Shannon Smith Dawsonville, GA
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
to Him be glory in the church & in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever & ever. Amen
Ephesians. 3:21 NIV
Scarlett Flynn, Round Rock, TX
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, NIV)
Nancy Huebner, Spring Hill, TN
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again my a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10 KJV)
And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.
Malachi 4:6 New King James
Liliana Potenza, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails” Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Leah Harvey, Alexandria, VA “Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” Luke 1:45 NIV
Suzanne Allan, Alix, Alberta, Canada
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 (NASB)
Hilary
Orlando, FL
1 John 4:6
We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
Ruth Garmon
Kaufman, Texas
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 (KJV)
Melinda. Rowlett, TX
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, (Ephesians 4:2 ESV)
Joan, La Vernia, Texas
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 ESV
Cara
Umatilla, FL
Psalm 139:6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, & by His wounds we are healed.
Isiah 53:5
The righteous cry out and the Lord heard them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalms 34:17-18
Haven’t had access to a computer, so am leaving 4 comments: May 1, May 15, June 1 and 15th.
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
Zephaniah 3:17a NIV
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17b NIV
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5 NIV
Ivy Morrison, Dayton TX
James 4:12 NIV
“There is only one Lawgiver & Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?”
Liliana Potenza, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl, “This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight (Philippians 1:9 NIV)
Laura Hall
Kyle, Texas
“But I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
(Galatians 5:16 ESV)
Michelle Matlock, Queen City, TX
Proverbs 21:23 Watch your words and hold your tongue, you’ll save yourself alot of grief. MSG
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 (NKJV)
Janice Tham, Tulsa. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
Pat-Dallas, Tx
Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.
Psalms 112:1, NKJV
Keelie Ferguson, Gunter, TX “in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 ESV
Suzanne Allan, Alix, Alberta, Canada
“I love Thee, O Lord, my strength.”
Psalm 18:1 (NASB)
Kay – Richmond, Va.
“If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” Spanish – “El que no permanence en mi es deschado y se seca, como las ramas que se recogen,se arrojan al fuego y es queman.”
John 15:6 NIV
Rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth
1Cor 13:6
KJV
Charlene
Norcross GA
Jessica, Vicksburg, MS. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:25-26 (NIV)
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
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children
Ephesians 5:1. NASB
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Linda from Raymond, Ms
James 3:16 NKJV
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
Lili Potenza, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8 NIV)
Shanen Pankrez, Grapevine, TX
For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly poeple, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only sovereign and Lord.
Jude 1:4
Listen to me Oh house of Jacob, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made and I willbear; I will carry and I will save.
Isaiah 46: 3-4
Casey, San Antonio, TX. “LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1 NIV
Leah Harvey, Alexandria, VA “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind’.” Matthew 22:37
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.
Lissa, Greenville, SC
He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:5 NLT
…and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:6 ESV
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God
Ephesians 4:17-19 (NIV)
Lauren
Fort Worth, TX
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalms 9:9 NLT
Jennifer
Fort Worth, TX
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Sherry, Jay OK
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV