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To: Kathy in Alaska

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list


September 20

Stopping Rumors

Bible in a Year:

Do not spread false reports.

Exodus 23:1

After Charles Simeon (1759–1836) was named the minister of Holy Trinity Church in Cambridge, England, he faced years of opposition. As most in the congregation had wanted the associate minister to be appointed rather than Simeon, they spread rumors about him and rejected his ministry—even at times locking him out of the church. But Simeon, who desired to be filled by God’s Spirit, sought to cope with the gossip by creating some principles to live by. One was never to believe rumors unless they were absolutely true and another was “always to believe, that if the other side were heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.”

In this practice, Simeon followed God’s instructions to His people to cease the gossip and malicious talk He knew would erode their love for each other. One of God’s Ten Commandments reflects His desire for them to live truthfully: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). Another instruction in Exodus reinforces this commandment: “Do not spread false reports” (23:1).

Think of how different the world would be if each of us never spread rumors and false reports and if we stopped them the moment we heard them. May we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us speak the truth in love as we use our words to bring glory to God.

By:  Amy Boucher Pye Reflect & Pray

What has helped you when you’ve faced opposition? How do you react when you hear gossip?

Jesus, help me to speak Your truth in love. Give me words that bring peace, grace, and encouragement.


4 posted on 09/19/2020 5:03:43 PM PDT by The Mayor (I am outraged at your outrage toward the outrage!)
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To: The Mayor

Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustennance for body and soul.

A Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.

Hope you got some good rest. How’s the new truck?


14 posted on 09/19/2020 5:42:09 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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