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.
Devotion
Resurrection
Frances Taylor
Doubt is normal. It was there in Paul's time and it exists today. Maybe it is more prevalent today than it was in Paul's time because there are so many people trying to discourage people from belief in God. The pagans of Paul's time believed in gods, they just didn't all know God. Today many claim that there is no God. They believe that scientists will soon be able to explain everything about how the world was created and answer any other question we might have. See, no need for God! And if there is no God then no heaven and no resurrection. If this is true then why bother depriving ourselves of all the pleasures we can get just because Christianity says love of God and of others should come first. But, there were too many people who witnessed Jesus after his resurrection. Too many people who were willing to die for the sake of Jesus and his teaching. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't die for a lie. And I doubt that they would either. So, as ...
Morning Prayer
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Inspiration
Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms and guises. This 'salvation' may for some include the diversions of drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or in the form of false prophets offering quick fixes. Often, the worst perpetrator may even be ourselves once we forget God is in the driving seat. Thus, it is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation in the eyes of our heavenly father. It is only with our faith in the Lord, and not in oneself or other false prophets, that we may find grace.
Prayer
Our Lord in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, and hallowed be the sacrament between man and your majesty. Lead me not into the temptations of false salvation, or to heed and follow the words of lost prophets. Help me find the courage to ...
Night Prayer
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Inspiration
We are confident regarding our salvation and eternal life, no matter what evil afflicts us. Paul knew he would die soon and was not concerned because he had hope in the promise of salvation and saw nothing but gain in the details of God's plan for His life. We experience many hardships in this earthly life and continue to praise God. We understand that He loves us unconditionally and trust His wisdom regarding each moment we've been gifted here on earth.
Prayer
Dear God, we praise You during our struggles because we have faith in Your plan. We will continue to trust Your wisdom all the days of our life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
