DEVOTIONS

Monday, March 6 – “For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The Bible is intended to make you ponder, wonder, ask, seek, learn and grow.  The word of God forces you to ask questions of yourself, your world, your relationships, your wants and your desires.  Honestly and sincerely answering these questions will always be painful.  But since when has anything in this life, that’s worth anything, ever been experienced without some pain?  Growth is always painful. 

Tuesday, March 7 – “Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of God.  I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:12) Your words matter.  Why would you swear falsely, in the name of God?  Why would you swear to God that you will or will not do something?  The answer: You really want the other person or persons to believe what you are saying.  Makes sense.  You have good intentions to keep your promise and you want others to also believe your good intentions.  But let me ask you another question:  If you always told the truth, if your “Yes” meant “Yes” and your “No” meant “No”, why would you have to swear to God for someone else to believe you?      

Wednesday, March 8 – “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.  All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.  Otherwise you will be condemned.” (James 5:12) This is a lofty goal.  For there are countless situations where you feel that you can’t be honest.  You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.  All of us understand this.  Yet, how then do you deal with James’ words?  How do you respectfully, tastefully, lovingly and honestly let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No”?  The answer:  One conversation at a time.  Today, set a goal to let your “Yes” be “Yes” or your “No” be “No”, in a respectful, tasteful, loving and honest way, one time. Every journey starts with a single step. 

Thursday, March 9 – “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3) There’s always a “serpent” out there somewhere.  The culture teaches you that it’s okay if your “Yes” doesn’t always mean “Yes” or your “No” doesn’t always mean “No”.  Always leave your options open.  For you never know what next situation is going to pop up, that will change your perspective on your current situation.  Understandable right?  Well, where then does it stop?  If your “Yes” doesn’t mean “Yes” in one situation or your “No” doesn’t mean “No” in another, how can anyone believe that your “Yes” ever means “Yes” or that your “No” ever means “No”?

Friday, March 10 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) Today set a goal to only speak words that build up, as opposed to tear down.  When talking to someone, think about how your words can build them up.  When talking about someone, think about how your words can build them up.  For your words matter.  Not only to who you are talking to but also to whom you’re talking about. 

Saturday, March 11 – “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.” (Numbers 30:2) Ladies, you aren’t off the hook, just because this verse was written in a patriarchal world.  Simply put for everyone, let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No”.  If you say you’re going to do something, do it.  If you say you aren’t going to do something, don’t do it.  Be a person of your word.  The people in your world may disagree with what you think, what you believe or what you do.  But don’t let anybody in your world think that you aren’t a person of your word.