Victory247

“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man”  Acts 24:16 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul was on trial before the authorities because he was falsely accused. People were bothered by his strong faith and his zeal to help others understand that God is loving, forgiving, and intimately interactive. Interestingly, the people most bothered were the “religious”. They liked having God in a box of rules of do’s and don’t’s.

Paul was inspired and called of God to spread the news that they can experience a personal relationship and interaction with their Heavenly Father through trusting Jesus(see “Start the Victory” atop victory247.org). Paul did what he knew was right. Paul said what he had to say. Paul attempted to walk and act the way he knew he should. Paul confessed his wrongs daily, then continued to do what he knew was right.

When we live this way, God gives us a ‘clear conscience’. A clean feeling on the inside even when others may not like us. A little voice that tells us when we are wrong so that we can merely confess it to God and proceed ahead toward our goals in life. A clearness of thinking even when times are hard. A secure feeling of being convinced that the God of the universe not only can take care of us, but that He truly is proud of us.

We are all on this quest to have a productive and successful life (not just talking financially). The our social and inner rewards are so much greater when our goal is to attempt, while leaning on God’s power, to please Him, admit our stupid mistakes, and help others. The goal of pleasing and manipulating people to feed our “wants” will deplete our souls. Will tarnish a clear conscience. The famous author and comedian Bill Cosby once stated; “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, in the midst of all the confusion of living, please teach me to focus on pleasing You. Give the strength to walk with You even when I feel “unliked”. Help me avoid participating and saying the things that are expected by others, yet are wrong in Your eyes. Thank You for the blessings and clear conscience that only come from You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.