James 5:12b – Let your "Yes" be yes and your "No" be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (NRSV)

2 Corinthians 1:17b – Do I make my plans according to ordinary human standards, ready to say "Yes, yes" and "No, no" at the same time? (NRSV)

A news service interviewed me after I returned from Africa, asking about life in ministry, to which I answered, "I've never been bored. I've found that when I say 'Yes' to things, doors open. The more I say 'Yes', the more doors open. When I said 'No', doors closed, so I learned to say 'Yes'."

"Yes" can be such a wonderful word when used in the context of following Jesus Christ. We always need to say "yes" to every invitation from Jesus to obey Him. "Yes" indeed opens doors, some unimaginable before that first tentative step following Jesus. I've said "Yes" to many invitations and tasks that "ordinary human standards" would mock, and I've said "No" to a number that would have forwarded my position and prestige. There have been very few regrets for the "yeses" I've given and the "noes" that closed certain doors. I don't know where the next "yes" will take me, but I do know the One who says "Follow me", and my prayer, as always, is that that journey forward will keep me close to Christ.

Think about the open opportunities before you as you begin your day. Many things that require consent will present themselves as the day proceeds and you need to know when a "yes" and when a "no" is best for your journey of faith. Maybe my prayer for today will help guide your way!

Prayer:

Discerning God,
help me consider this day
how I live my life
and how I choose the direction I take.

Do I make my plans according to ordinary human standards,
ready to say "Yes, yes" and "No, no" at the same time? (2 Corinthians 1:17b)

Discriminating God,
help me understand
how crucial are the words I speak to others
as I seek relationships in my life.

Let your "Yes" be yes
and your "No," be no,
so that you may not fall under condemnation. (James 5:12b)

Disturbing God,
help me to find clarity in my relationship with You,
with others, and maybe especially with myself.

Let your word be "Yes, Yes" or "No, No";
anything more than this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37)

       – Written by Kenn Stright, posted on re-Worship.

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About the author:

Kenn Stright <kennethstright@yahoo.ca>
West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, Canada
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