Zeal for Good

Sometimes you’ve got to be zealous for what is good and not worry about the outcome. When I go out on a limb, I ask myself, “What is the worst thing that could happen here?” Usually, it’s not that bad. It’s things like, “I’ll be embarrassed”—well, that’s nothing new. Or, “I’ll lose their friendship”—risky, but many times by taking a stance you earn their respect and strengthen your friendship.

Then, I consider, “What is the best thing that could happen if I do this zealous, good thing?” Lives could be improved, hearts could be changed—it could be incredible!

Excerpted from Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs

Daily Reflection:
What zealous passion is God calling you to act on?

God Says “Yes”

When I am in a moment of deep prayer, feeling close to God and in tune with his Spirit, I find myself nodding a lot. “Yes, Lord, yes!” We know he can be trusted because what he promises becomes reality.

What a different picture this paints from the “thou shalt not” God that many people imagine him to be. To be sure, those “thou shalt nots” are still in Scripture and still his commands. But the emphasis in the New Testament is on the “thou shalls” and on the fulfillment of his many promises to those who love him.

God has said “Yes!” to you.

How will you answer him today?

Excerpted from Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs

Daily Reflection:
In what ways has God said “yes” to you?

Self-imposed Guilt

Some of us have an internal “guilt table” to determine how badly we should feel:

Falling asleep during the 6:00 P.M. news. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Sending store-bought cookies to school . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Forgetting to pick up child (first time). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Forgetting to pick up child (second time) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

If too many tasks and not enough time sounds like life at your house, the solution is as close as Sesame Street. Just practice [ … ]