PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jul
21

Lip Service and Heart Commitment

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. James 5:12
Observation
This is a pretty serious “Above all…” closing to a letter. Following guidance James give to not grumble against each other, be patient in suffering, considering the example of prophets like Job, who was steadfast with the help of our compassionate and merciful God!

Then James says… Above all… don’t’ swear - watch what you promise or commit to. Let your yes be yes, your no, be no. When we waffle, we condemn ourselves not to mention the accusing spiritual enemy heaping guilt and more condemnation upon our souls. James instructs us about our words earlier in his letter. Words are powerful. Words connect to our hearts. The kind of words we use, give others a glimpse into our heart condition.

Application


Have I experienced when someone either promised something to me or led me to believe that I was to receive a gift or desire of my heart? Yes. And the difficult part of this is when it fell through or the person didn’t follow through. It seemed to have been a lofty, over promised word. Plenty Lip service - little heart commitment.

What if I were to be a person who always follow ed through with my YES’s and No’s. I would be called a man of integrity. I need to make sure I’m being careful what I promise or commit to. I want to be a man of integrity, especially as a husband and father. I’ve said it before….“Yeah Hunnee or kids… I’ll be right there to help or to play….” But 30 minutes later, I’m still stuck doing “my thing.” From the simplest of promises to the most serious commitments - I must - I must - I must…. make sure my Yes’s and No’s are God led! May my Lip service be chained to a heart commitment to be A God promise keeper.
Prayer
Help me Spirit of God!! Thank You for being so true, so truthful, so pure in all Your promises. You are the King of being a Covenant Keeper! Help me to be like You!

Devotions for July 21

2 Kings 18,19
2 Chronicles 32
James 5

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