Mitchell Landress

During the sermon last week I gave a brief definition of gossip. That definition was correct, but because I made the statement in passing it probably could use a little elaboration. I defined gossip like this: Gossip is not a lie, but rather the truth spoken in a way that is neither loving nor helpful. The word gossip comes from the Greek word psithyristas, which sounds a lot like a disease you need to get a shot to cure. It may be just as bad. The definition for that word is: derogatory information about someone that is offered in a tone of confidentiality; a rumormonger; a tale-bearer. I also said that Christians sometimes couch their gossip in the form of a prayer request. This may be hard to discern, because we have to sense whether the person offering the prayer request truly cares about the person’s well being. So here are a few questions that can help us avoid gossip: • Do I really care about this person? • Do I truly desire to see them helped and will the sharing of this inform...

Despair. That is the one word that bests describes the sentiments of David in the forty-second Psalm. He describes his soul as thirsty, his God as absent, and his enemies as mockers. It is hard to imagine a worse feeling. In the midst of this despair David pens words that appear a bit peculiar. Twice in the psalm he says: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? (Psalm 42:5a, 11a) Essentially he is speaking to himself. In the midst of his despair he speaks to his own soul and instructs his own soul how to deal with despair. What are his instructions to himself? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5b, 11b) David tells himself to hope in God in the midst of despair, because God will not ultimately leave his child in despair. Eventually God works every situation for our good and for his glory. Have you ever felt despair? Speak to your own soul these words; Hope in God! Things will not always be as they are now. Love ...