Rumors

Rumors are dainty morselsthat sink deep in one’s heart.

Proverbs 26:22

Rumors. If it wasn’t for rumors, there’d be a lot fewer magazines in the grocery store. Our proverb today says that rumors taste good, but they go down deep in us. I really wish this proverb wasn’t true, but it is, and we know it. Think about it. If we listen to a tidbit of gossip, as much as we hate to admit it, it does capture our interest. Part of us may be thinking, That is a mean thing to say. That’s probably not true. But somehow that tidbit does stick with us. The next time we see that person, we do have a jaded view of her. And because of that, maybe we don’t trust her like we did, or if she’s been a friend, we distance ourself.

Isn’t this just one more evidence of Satan’s handiwork? I wonder when we will ever become more astute and stop falling for his insidious devices? If there was ever a scheme from the pit of hell, it’s gossip, especially among the family of God.

What would happen, really, if all of us—all of us as women of God—what if we banded together and just boycotted all passing along and all listening to gossip? What if we all wore buttons that said, “Just say no!”? You might be thinking, That will never happen. Well, maybe everyone won’t join us, but you know what? That doesn’t stop us from saying, “Okay—for me, I’m done with it.” Just say no, and Satan will have one less pawn in his wicked plan.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Be aware: there are some nasty rumors about God floating around out there too. And who is the perpetrator? It is none other than the enemy of our souls, the father of lies, Satan himself. You might not even realize how his lies have gone deep within your own heart. Do you doubt God’s love for you? Do you wonder if he hears your prayers? Do you question if his plans for you are real and good and practical in this day and age?

Let him speak words of truth: “I love you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV). “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV). “[My thoughts toward you] . . . outnumber the grains of sand” (Psalm 139:17-18).

One Year Bible Reading

Lamentations 3:1-66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 26:21-22