Devotion
Let Your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No”
Chipo Biti
Back in the times of the Old Testament, people used to swear by oaths in order to show how serious they were. Some would swear by heaven, others would swear on their own lives, while there were those who swore on God. The problem with these oaths was that they were often broken and people were condemned for being unable to stick to their word. James was trying to set people free from this bondage by encouraging them not to swear by anything - no matter how much they wanted to prove the gravity of their seriousness. He simply stated that it would be better for a person to answer with a "Yes" or a "No". Nothing more and nothing less.
It would be good for us to follow in this example too. People in this day and age also try to prove their trustworthiness by swearing on all kinds of things - including their mothers' lives. There is no need to subject yourself to such bondage. If you are keen on proving your trustworthiness strive to be a person of integrity by following through on your word. There is no need for you to resort to dramatic oaths in order to prove to a person that they can trust you. Things happen. Life happens.
In the event that you are unable to come through on the oath, you will appear to be untrustworthy. Save yourself the trouble and answer frankly. Let your "Yes" be "Yes" and let your "No" be "No". Do not create a trap for yourself by attempting to make vows and oaths you are not certain about. You are not required to do so.
Prayer
It would be better for you to stick to simplicity. It is far more effective than theatrics. If a person still doesn't trust you after you have given them a frank answer, leave it at that. Do not attempt to wind yourself in trouble by rising to their bait.
Let your actions speak louder than your words.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
