SPORTMOM E-votional by Janet BrownYES...and NO
Giving both a YES and NO answer to any question certainly confuses the person asking. Part of the question may evoke a ‘yes” answer while another part requires a ‘no’ thus causing a quick yes-no answer! This is immediately followed with a lengthy explanation as to what we mean. Oh, the challenges of a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
‘No’ and ‘Yes’ are words quickly said, but they need a great amount of thought before you utter them. Baltasar Gracian, Jesuit Priest in the 1600’s
Being true to our word, may require purposeful pause before putting our tongue in motion. It’s often tempting to fill an awkward silence with words when we are searching for the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Giving a simple non-compromising and true response can become a habit if we are unafraid of the dreaded moment of silence.
“…with every ‘yes’ in your schedule, there is an equal and opposite ‘no’ reaction. When I said yes to another speaking engagement, I said no to another family dinner. When I said yes to another meeting, I said no to my girls’ volleyball game. When I said yes to another book tour, I said no to taking a walk with my wife.” Max Lucado
On the other hand, the importance of quick decisions are a hallmark of sports. Saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the pressure-filled moments of a competition makes the difference between success and failure when the scores are tallied. A halting decision will bring certain disaster. Athlete’s are exceptional at making high-risk and game-changing decisions.
Jesus spoke about the use of YES and NO answers in what His “Sermon on the Mount”…
Say only yes if you mean yes, and no if you mean no. If you say more than yes or no, it is from the Evil One.. Matthew 5:37 NCV
Here we are reminded to be exact when answering questions. Speaking out of both sides of our mouths will only cause confusion. The Apostle Paul speaks boldly of his intention in this matter…
Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth—a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you’re wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his. 2 Corinthians 1:17 The Message
God is true to His Word answering our prayers with the simple ‘yes’ of things working out or the ‘no’ of closed doors. The very nature of His ‘yes’ includes a strong “in-my- time” component while His divine ‘no’ can leave us with a “you've got to be kidding” response! Living out His will means acceptance of His ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for guiding me with your YES and NO answers. I want to be as true to my word as you are to yours. Let me say what I mean with a simple ‘yes‘ or ‘no’ while reflecting priorities that honor you. In Jesus Name, Amen
Blessings…as you say what you mean with simple YES and NO answers.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 EleMar - Portland, OR 97224
Giving both a YES and NO answer to any question certainly confuses the person asking. Part of the question may evoke a ‘yes” answer while another part requires a ‘no’ thus causing a quick yes-no answer! This is immediately followed with a lengthy explanation as to what we mean. Oh, the challenges of a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
‘No’ and ‘Yes’ are words quickly said, but they need a great amount of thought before you utter them. Baltasar Gracian, Jesuit Priest in the 1600’s
Being true to our word, may require purposeful pause before putting our tongue in motion. It’s often tempting to fill an awkward silence with words when we are searching for the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Giving a simple non-compromising and true response can become a habit if we are unafraid of the dreaded moment of silence.
“…with every ‘yes’ in your schedule, there is an equal and opposite ‘no’ reaction. When I said yes to another speaking engagement, I said no to another family dinner. When I said yes to another meeting, I said no to my girls’ volleyball game. When I said yes to another book tour, I said no to taking a walk with my wife.” Max Lucado
On the other hand, the importance of quick decisions are a hallmark of sports. Saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the pressure-filled moments of a competition makes the difference between success and failure when the scores are tallied. A halting decision will bring certain disaster. Athlete’s are exceptional at making high-risk and game-changing decisions.
Jesus spoke about the use of YES and NO answers in what His “Sermon on the Mount”…
Say only yes if you mean yes, and no if you mean no. If you say more than yes or no, it is from the Evil One.. Matthew 5:37 NCV
Here we are reminded to be exact when answering questions. Speaking out of both sides of our mouths will only cause confusion. The Apostle Paul speaks boldly of his intention in this matter…
Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth—a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you’re wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his. 2 Corinthians 1:17 The Message
God is true to His Word answering our prayers with the simple ‘yes’ of things working out or the ‘no’ of closed doors. The very nature of His ‘yes’ includes a strong “in-my- time” component while His divine ‘no’ can leave us with a “you've got to be kidding” response! Living out His will means acceptance of His ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for guiding me with your YES and NO answers. I want to be as true to my word as you are to yours. Let me say what I mean with a simple ‘yes‘ or ‘no’ while reflecting priorities that honor you. In Jesus Name, Amen
Blessings…as you say what you mean with simple YES and NO answers.
©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 EleMar - Portland, OR 97224
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