Episode 99 — Matthew 5:33–37 — Let Your Yes Mean Yes

Hey everybody, I’m so glad that you are here today. It has been almost 31 years since I graduated from Bible College and my favorite thing from my time at Lincoln was the friendships that I made. I am still amazed at the people that God has put into my life. Now we get to experience this with our daughter, Kylie at Ozark Christian College. I am amazed and privileged to get to know the people that God is putting in her life. I am excited to introduce one of them, Payton Dellevoet. Payton is a passionate storyteller, and connector who brings energy and authenticity to every conversation. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s in Youth Ministry at Ozark Christian College and he especially enjoys the time he spends with the high school students at his church. 
Welcome to the mic, Payton Dellevoet.

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Payton and it’s amazing to be here with you today.
Today is April 9.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
We carry so much around every day — financial worries, relational stress, anxiety about the future, and the pressure to succeed.
Now is the time to set those things down for a few minutes and enjoy some time with Jesus.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, make me honest.” 
As you exhale, pray: “Let my words reflect my heart.”
Do this three times, t hen rest in His presence.

Read
“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.  (Matthew 5:33–37, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase that surprises or challenges you?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear these words again, not as a legal restriction on language, but as an invitation into a life of simple, trustworthy honesty.

Meditate
In Jesus’ day, people had developed elaborate systems of oath-making — swearing by heaven, by Jerusalem, by their own heads — as a way of signaling when they really meant what they said. The implication, of course, was that their ordinary words couldn’t always be trusted.
Jesus cuts right through it: just say yes or no, and mean it.
What He’s describing is a life so rooted in integrity that special oaths become unnecessary. When your character is consistent — when people know that your word is your word — you don’t need to dress your promises up with elaborate guarantees.
This is countercultural. We live in a world of fine print, of hedging, of saying what we think people want to hear. But Jesus calls us to something simpler and far more demanding: just be honest. All the time. With everyone.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Are there areas in my life where my words have become a way of managing impressions rather than expressing truth?

Respond
Jesus, I want to be someone whose word can be trusted — not because I’m trying to build a reputation, but because honesty flows from a heart that’s been shaped by You. Where I’ve been careless or calculating with my words, forgive me.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Keep One Promise You’ve Been Putting Off
Today’s habit is a direct response to this passage: think of one promise, commitment, or “I’ll get to that” you’ve been letting slide — and follow through on it today.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Maybe it’s a text you said you’d send, a task you promised to handle, or a conversation you’ve been avoiding. Whatever came to mind just now — that’s probably the one.
When you follow through, you’re not just checking a box. You’re practicing the kind of integrity Jesus is describing — a life where your yes means yes and your no means no. You’re building the kind of character that doesn’t need oaths because your consistency speaks for itself.
Before you do it, pray: “Lord, let this small act of faithfulness be an offering to You.”

I have one ask of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today? One person at a time will grow this podcast to help more people walk with Jesus.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.