Gossip

"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much." (Proverbs 20:19 NIV)

"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with on who flatters with his lips." (Proverbs 20:19 NKJV)

A gossip is an idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others (definition from dictionary.com). A gossip includes telling others what someone has told you in private (revealing secrets) and making statements that defame someone's character and reputation (slandering/backbiting). A gossip betrays trust and destroys friendship. Listening to gossip is just as bad as spreading gossip. "Anyone who will gossip to you, will gossip about you." (Unknown) Gossip is sin; it's unkind and unloving. We are to avoid anyone who talks too much, flatters with his/her lips, and/or cannot keep secrets because they are insincere and not trustworthy. We are not to mingle with talebearers, babblers, and flatterers. They are a danger to us. "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin." (Proverbs 26:28) "Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet." (Proverbs 29:5) Let's also make sure that we ourselves guard our tongue and don't become talebearers, babblers, and flatterers. Let's make it a habit to walk away from gossip and from conversations that aim to tear others down. 
"Gossip is saying behind their back what you would not say to their face. Flattery is saying to their face what you would not say behind their back." (Unknown)
 
Prayer: Abba Father, please help me not to gossip and not to listen to gossip. I want to be a trustworthy person whom others can confide in and feel safe. Please enable me to guard my tongue. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision

I never get tired of listening to (or singing) "Be Thou My Vision." The words were translated from the 8th century Irish hymn by Mary E. Byrne (1880-1931) and versified by Eleanor H. Hull (1860-1935).

This hymn means so much to me because it is not only one of my all-time favorite hymns, but also my heart's desire and my prayer!

Note: Please turn off my playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the videos.

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18

Lord, please give me your vision, passion, and compassion!  Please help me to know You more and to be more like Christ.  In Jesus's name, I pray.  Amen!

Previous Songs:
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone

Filled Up with Powerful Fuel

I feel so pumped up from memorizing Bible verses. I enjoy doing it but often I neglect to do so (I still read/study God's Word daily) because of the busyness in daily life (plus homeschooling 3 kids). Well, I have recently been motivated by the Bible Bee challenge on Facebook (to memorize 1,507 verses). I am too old to participate in the Bible Bee but I've taken on the challenge for fun. I would like to encourage you all to take time to memorize the Scriptures which is powerful fuel for energizing our soul. In the future, we may not always have religious freedom in this country. If the Bible were to be taken away from you, the verses you have memorized would be there to remind you of God's love, mercy, and faithfulness, assure you of God's power and providence, encourage you, comfort you, guide you, and feed/nourish you (spiritually). Fill up with this fuel while you can!

"I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119: 10-11

"How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:103-105

"Too difficult," you say?
"Not an excuse," I say! If your brain is working, then you can memorize Bible verses. How many movie lines can you quote? How many song lyrics do you know by heart? How many ad slogans are stuck in your head permanently? You get the point. Sadly, some parents/teachers make their students memorize poems, famous political speeches and documents, etc. but never or hardly encourage them to memorize the Scriptures. It gives me great joy to see my kids delight in the Lord and His Word.

"Too busy," you say?
"Not an excuse," I say! Do you still eat your meals even on the days you are busy? If you take care of your body by taking in nutrients through eating your food everyday, why would you not daily feed yourself with God's Word and be willing to starve yourself spiritually? Without taking in God's Word daily, you will get weaker and weaker spiritually. Therefore, reading/studying the Bible each day is very important. Now...think of memorizing Bible verses as eating snacks throughout the day. Snacks give us extra boost of energy and sustain/fulfill us until our next meal. Bible memorization is similar but even better :)...keeping us energized throughout our lifetime (once in a while, we may need to review what we've already memorized because forgetfulness does happen to some of us :)).

Tools that Help
- You can find helpful resources, ideas, and tips at the Scripture Memory Support website.
- Integrity Music's Scripture Memory Songs (There are many CDs and cassette tapes to choose from. Here are some examples.)


- Steve Green's Hide 'Em In Your Heart (Bible Memory CDs or Music Videos) Vol. I, II

- NIV Kids Club Sing Along Scripture Songs (CDs or videos): Psalms, Proverbs, Colossians


If you know of other tools that may help us in memorizing the Scriptures, please share in the comment section. Thanks and have fun hiding God's Word in your heart!