God’s commands to us are actually given to the life of His Son in us. Consequently, to our human nature in which God’s Son has been formed (see Galatians 4:19), His commands are difficult. But they become divinely easy once we obey. Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 ; also see Ephesians 4:23).God always instructs us down to the last detail. Is my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do? “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” (Ephesians 4:30). He does not speak with a voice like thunder— His voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive to Him is the habit of being open to God on the inside. When you begin to debate, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” You are on the wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever it is— drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear.

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May 13 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, once again Chambers sets the bar very high….. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 ; also see Ephesians 4:23). …Of course I SHOULD be living in perfect harmony with God’s Son that my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and I should be able to quickly prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God. But that is not how it has been working (or not working) for me Lord. I have tried to be more disciplined, gritting my teeth and willing myself to higher standards. But that does not seem to work. And I wonder if it ever really works for anyone.

And God says…”Have you noticed that when you are surrendered and connected you are transformed, not out of self-discipline or your own “higher self”? Do you know that the very best you can do does not (and never will) measure up? Even if you were able to set your focus and discipline and for a while obey out of your strong sense of obedience, do you know it does not measure up? When you try to do the right things, you do not. Have you noticed how in trying to control your fears and lust that you just give them more strength and power? Have you noticed that whenever you promise yourself that you will “do better”; the results are at best short term? But when you surrender your self-discipline to Me, and seek our connection…. you are transformed.  Change does actually occur. And when you take over and demonstrate your humanity and lack of discipline, know and believe that my love, grace and mercy fills the gaps. Trust in Me with all your heart, do not rely on your own discipline or understanding and I will make your paths straight…..and you can live with a very clear conscience.”