Day #73

My prayer is that we continue to place ourselves in God’s hands daily.  I pray that He stretches us and squeezes us and that we grow from it.

Please read James 5:12.

What does this verse tell us?  Please write it out in your journal.

Above all that we have learned so far about our actions in times of testing or suffering, we should be most aware “our WORD.” 

"Our WORD" on what we say WE WILL or WE WILL NOT do, or be, is of vital importance in our walk with God.  It shows the world the type of character we have… good or bad… solid or wishy-washy… to be trusted or to be questioned. 

NOTE:  Please keep in mind that the verses we are reading today do not mean that all oaths are displeasing to God.  Please read…

-         Romans 1:9

-         2 Corinthians 1:23

-         Philippians 1:8

The oaths, or swears, that we are focusing on today are the ones that we use to manipulate others into believing us, when history may have proven that our WORD stinks.  After all, if what we said actually meant something, would we really have to swear?

Please read Matthew 5:33-37.

At no point should we as believers have to swear to prove that “our word” is good.  Using phrases like “I swear to God,” are unacceptable.  Actually, swearing on anything is unacceptable (ex.  Grandma’s grave, the dog, your sister’s life).  The message is clear, let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no.  If you are a person of good character, these are all the words you will ever have to use for people to trust you.  End of story!

TARGET of the DAY

What about us?  Is our WORD good?  Do we follow through with our commitments?  If we have to talk people into trusting us by using flashy swearing or bribes, this should be a huge NEON sign of poor character within us.  Our word is so crucial in our walk with Christ!!  Do we want respect?  Then we should keep our word and do what we say or shut our mouths all together.