On Guilt and Conscience

"If a person sins and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, even though he does not know it, he is guilty and will be held responsible."1

Do you ever feel guilty about things you shouldn't feel guilty about and not feel guilty about things you should feel guilty about?

I do? Why is this? A major reason is that we tend to think in terms of guilt as an emotional response that comes from our conscience. This, however, can be misleading.

Keep in mind that guilt in the Bible is a legal term—not an emotional one. If we do what is wrong in the eyes of God, we are guilty regardless of how we feel. That's also true of our legal system. If I break the law, I am guilty whether I feel guilty or not—or whether I get caught or not. For some, guilt is more a fear of getting caught.

On the other hand, conscience, while very important, is a learned emotional response. The word conscience comes from "con" meaning "with" and "science" meaning "knowledge." Thus conscience means "with knowledge."

We were born with the ability to learn what was right and what was wrong but the programming of our conscience came largely from those who shaped our formative years. For some a legalistic parent, church or religion gave them a very punitive conscience. At the opposite extreme, a loose-living parent or teacher failed to give any meaningful programming to a child's conscience.

As adults, to have a healthy conscience we need to reprogram or reeducate it to make sure it is in harmony with the source of all truth and knowledge as to what is right and what is wrong—that is God's Word, the Bible.

Based on this knowledge, the important thing is to always do what is right regardless of how we feel. As we consistently act in this manner, little by little (over time) we will reprogram our conscience so it is in complete harmony with the will and Word of God.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your Word, the Bible, that instructs me in how to behave and live. Please help me to re-educate and reprogram my conscience so the way I feel will be in direct harmony with your Word. And then, help me to live in harmony with your will so I will always have a clear conscience. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Leviticus 5:17 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Whatever your cross!!!!

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain ....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready,
To answer your call ...
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
A word from His lips, can calm every fear ...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, in dawn's early light ...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
To give you His grace, and send you His love ..
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, "God always sends rainbows ..... after the rain ... "

To get out of difficulty, one must usually go through it !

Still the Best Policy

"We will lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly—and so become more and more in every way like Christ."1

Sadly, there seems to be a sad lack of truth in high places these days (in many low places, too). However, truth is eternal. It will always win out in the long run. Once an individual or a business company becomes known for not always telling the truth, he or it will never be trusted.

Personal honesty always pays off. And, in the long run, so does corporate honesty.
Some time ago Donald Douglas was competing with Boeing to sell Eastern Air Lines its first big jets. Eddie Rickenbacker, who headed Eastern at the time, is said to have told Douglas that his specifications and claims for the DC-8 were close to his competition on everything but noise suppression. He then gave Douglas one last chance to out-promise Boeing on this feature.
After consulting his engineers. Douglas reported back that he did not feel he could make that promise.

Rickenbacker replied, "I know you can't. I wanted to see if you were still honest. You just got yourself an order for $135,000,000."2

As Christians we are instructed to always speak the truth in love. Always in all ways!

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be totally honest with myself, with my loved ones, friends, and business contacts—and especially with you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. St. Paul (Ephesians 4:15, TLB).2. The Pastor's Story File.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Be Prepared

"Prepare to meet your God, O Israel."1

Terry George, director of ACTS work in Australia recently told how, at a special community fire safety meeting, the attendees were reminded that they live in one of the highest fire risk areas in Australia. Because of this, they needed to be well prepared ahead of time should their area be consumed by a bush (forest) fire. This was particularly pertinent at this time when so much of Australia was experiencing extreme drought conditions.

Terry and Lynne live right on the edge of Adelaide's bush land in a delightful natural setting where they often see koalas, kangaroos, echidna, rosella parrots and many other birds and small creatures in their back yard. Because of the severe drought Terry was recently giving a kangaroo a drink from his garden hose. All of these things are a thrilling experience and as such it is all too easy to forget the dangers of their surroundings.

The first question the rural fire officers asked was, "Do you have an action plan in case of a bush fire?" Terry realized that he didn't and was determined to make sure that he did for the protection of their home but especially for the safety and survival of himself and Lynne.

He was also reminded of the vital importance for all of us to have an action plan in place for when we come to the end of our life's journey. God's reminder to ancient Israel to prepare to meet God also applies to each of us. God's Word also reminds us that "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment."2

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that your Word not only reminds me that I need to prepare now for when I meet you face to face, but also that it shows me just how I can prepare by accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Help me to make sure that I have done this and am fully prepared to meet you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: For help to make sure you are prepared to meet God read "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

1. Amos 4:12 (NIV).
2. Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Great Love!!!!

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP,
WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND,BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, He BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE.

WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

"A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST ." HE BEGAN. "WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.

THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED."

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE,
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.

THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY,

"GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE.

HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT.

THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES.

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.
HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH.

"THE FATHER," HE CONTINUED, "KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. "

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US.OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE."

WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE.

"THAT WAS A NICE STORY," POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM, "BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN."

"WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE," THE OLD MAN REPLIED GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, "IT
SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT, I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. YOU SEE.....

I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND."

Seek First the Kingdom

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33 AMP).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What are you aiming at and striving for in life today? Are you seeking first His Kingdom? The Bible says that His Kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. When you seek righteousness, which is God’s way of doing things, you are seeking the Kingdom. When you seek peace, both in your heart and in your relationships with others, you are seeking the Kingdom. When you choose joy and invite the Holy Spirit to direct your steps, you are seeking the Kingdom. And just as this verse says, when you make God’s Kingdom a priority, all things will be given to you. What are all things? That’s everything else. That’s provision. That’s health. That’s strength. That’s direction. If you’ve been putting other things first, make the decision right now to change and seek God’s way. Put His Kingdom first. As you do, you’ll begin to experience fulfillment and peace in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heaven Father, thank You for Your Kingdom which is righteousness, peace, and joy. I choose to seek Your Kingdom today. I choose to seek Your way of doing things. I invite You, Holy Spirit, to direct my steps and keep me close to You always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Credit: Today's Word with Joel and Victoria