It was Mom’s “Day-A-Way” and Jake and Dad were having the time of their lives. As soon as she left, the games began and were non-stop until it was time for lunch.

After lunch it was time for a nap. But the activities of the morning were so intense that Jake could not settle down. Shades drawn and lights out were not enough. He’d climb out of his bed and look for Dad expecting the fun and games to start again.

Finally, in desperation, Dad decided to lay down with Jake, expecting eyes to become heavy and sleep come to his rescue. After a few moments, Jake sat straight up in bed and said proudly, “This isn’t working either, is it?”

God in His eternal wisdom gave each of us a conscience – a moral compass that signals what is right or wrong. No matter where we go in the world, from one culture to another, people know deep inside what is right or wrong. All societies have laws that keep people together and set limits on what is appropriate or how to treat others.

And even though we, as well as others, know what is right and what is expected of us, we desire to do what is wrong. God has planted His standards on everyone’s heart and when any heart becomes troubled - for whatever reason - it is His Holy Spirit beginning to do His work to begin convicting us of our unrighteousness and turn to Him.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for “early warning signals” that alert us to Your standards. Make our hearts very sensitive to Your laws and convict us when we do wrong. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 2:15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) (Read more...)

For several weeks a radiologist had suffered with a painful stomachache. Noting his discomfort, his associate suggested that he have a series of x-rays to rule out any problems.

He agreed to this plan and was assigned a number by the clinic. The next day he was examining a nameless x-ray that he did not know was his. Suddenly he cried out, "Contract this person immediately. He has inoperable cancer."

Unfortunately, many of us have feelings of discomfort and disease. We are uncomfortable and troubled. We hear sermons, read Scripture and even pray but get no satisfaction or relief.

Peter wrote that it is important for us to keep our "conscience clear." It may mean that during those times in our lives when we feel no peace or comfort, joy or satisfaction in Christ, that His Holy Spirit is saying, "Take an x-ray! Look carefully for the sin that it causing you this pain." If we examine our lives carefully, God will help us find the sin.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for all the warning signs You give us to let us know when we need to repent. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

While managing the Washington Senators, Gil Hodges learned that four of his players had violated the team curfew. Calling the team together he said, “I know that four of you have violated the team curfew, and I know who you are. Now, I don’t want to make this an issue, but you know the penalty for doing that. So I am going to leave a box on my desk and you guilty ones put your hundred dollars in the box and we’ll drop the matter. I want to see $400 in that box in the morning!” The next morning there were eight one-hundred dollar bills in the box.

Our conscience is one of God’s greatest gifts. If we live according to His Word, it enables us to distinguish right from wrong, good from bad, the sacred from the secular.

Paul said that he took “pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” He lived his life in constant awareness that one day there would be a resurrection followed by a judgment of both the just and unjust. He refused to be found doing anything that would dishonor His Lord and Savior.

There are many instances in the writings of Paul where he talked about his final accounting before God. He lived his life constantly reminding himself and others of that fact. Perhaps we would do well to do the same.

Prayer: Father, may we live life in light of eternity, always realizing that You will judge us all on that day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Acts 24:16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

While managing the Washington Senators, Gil Hodges learned that four of his players had violated the team curfew. Calling the team together he said, “I know that four of you have violated the team curfew, and I know who you are. Now, I don’t want to make this an issue, but you know the penalty for doing that. So I am going to leave a box on my desk and you guilty ones put your hundred dollars in the box and we’ll drop the matter. I want to see $400 in that box in the morning!” The next morning there were eight one-hundred dollar bills in the box.

Our conscience is one of God’s greatest gifts. If we live according to His Word, it enables us to distinguish right from wrong, good from bad, the sacred from the secular.

Paul said that he took “pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” He lived his life in constant awareness that one day there would be a resurrection followed by a judgment of both the just and unjust. He refused to be found doing anything that would dishonor His Lord and Savior.

There are many instances in the writings of Paul where he talked about his final accounting before God. He lived his life constantly reminding himself and others of that fact. Perhaps we would do well to do the same.

Prayer: Father, may we live life in light of eternity, always realizing that You will judge us all on that day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Acts 24:16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.