Yes

S - “But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us-by me and Silvanus and Timothy-was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:18-20 NASB

O - The promises of God are yes "in Him." The "in Him" is the sole focus of Paul's speaking and living. The "Him" is Jesus … Jesus the person not Jesus the concept. The "in Him" is NOT primarily a description of status but of relationship, person to person. Religion puts its focus on principles and status while the Kingdom is focused on a person and relationship. This is why Jesus answered the question about doing the work of God the way he did. “Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."” John 6:28-29 NASB

A - Religion taught me to put my trust and confidence in principles from Scripture and in a status based on promises. The problem is that the principles and promises are not self-contained. They are yes ONLY in a person. They are not yes in the concept or plan regarding a savior from heaven but literally in his person. He's not offering amnesty but adoption; not a change in status but in personal experience and ongoing relationship. Religion tells us to believe Scripture and then teaches us to live contrary to its teaching. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)." I am not to lean on my own understanding of promises and principles but on a person in whom all of them are already yes. He is eternal life and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, not to principles, promises or concepts. His call and invitation remains the same "follow me."

P - God who relentlessly loves the world,

I accept your invitation and focus to follow Jesus unto the life that is really life. He is the good news and only in him are your promises yes. Thank you for offering, giving, your very self to all people and asking for all to return the favor. I say yes to you this day and every day. Thank you for letting us live and pray in Jesus (the person not a status).

Steve