Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; John 16:8 WEBThere I stood with my head down, too ashamed to look around me, and every fiber of my being telling me to run out of the door. I spent a lot of time looking at the floor in those days, and I avoided making eye contact when attending church. I felt so ashamed to be there because of my past. Oh, I had been saved and baptized, but I was saddled with baggage and being ridden by the enemy like a packhorse. I was carrying shame from the past, and it was a heavy load.
Jesus came to convict the world of sin, but I often see people walking around bound by shame because of something they did twenty years ago, repented of seventy seven times, and they still feel like God is mad at them over it. I have been there.
Let me tell you this: God does not look at you like that. When you repent of something, it is gone.If you asked God about it again, He will not know what you are talking about because He has put your sin as far as the East is from the West (Psalms 103:12). When God forgives you, He means it.
To Convict means: to expose, lay bare, to detect, to reveal your mistake to you. When you repent, it is gone.
To Shame means: to humiliate, dishonor, and to disgrace. Fear and shame are tools of the enemy. They are like bullies and will not leave without a fight, but when you decide to face them, they will flee.
Conviction is good and says: 'What you did was wrong. Apologize and don't do it again.' It will shape you into a better person.
Shame is evil and says: 'You are what is wrong.You are no good, and you will never be any good. Look at what you did.Why don't you just quit.' The purpose is to get you to give up and drown in defeat.
When you stumble, repent, tell God you are sorry about that, and then lift your head up and stand tall. Know that you are forgiven and washed as white as snow.As far as hanging your head down in shame, stop it! Never give into that trap. How can you ever lead others to Jesus when you look so miserable yourself? The joy of the Lord is our strength. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Shame will only keep you back from what God has for in store for you. Let it go and never fall into that trap.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for forgiving me. Please set me free from the chains of shame that try and cling to me. Lead me into all that You have for me to do here and let Your light shine in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Happy Sunday! Don't forget that our RHM Live weekend service is happening today at 10am EST! We will be continuing our online Bible Study with Luke, Chapter Nineteen. To find out more or join us this morning, go to this page:
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Love you both too keep me in your prayers. I am going through a storm and my family just wants me back. I have to do what I need to to get my health back like I use to have. Thank You <3
God bless you
Continuing to pray for you, sister, He will get you through this <3!
Amen
Awesome!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for forgiving me. Please set me free from the chains of shame that try and cling to me. Lead me into all that You have for me to do here and let Your light shine in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen... Funny you should talk about shame today.... I was just admitting to my husband how I feel shame and guilt when I am having anxiety over something....like I am ashamed for not being able to control my emotions. Silly old enemy filling my head with lies! Stand behind me Satan! I am in the mighty hands of my Father where you cannot touch me!!!! Thank you pastor<3 God bless
Amen, Lord, please show us each day who we are in Your Kingdom!
Amen <3
Amen! I spent almost one year trying to tell others about how God has delt with my passed. I have quite a passed and I did not seem to be able to stop doing the things others could. When I learned why God sent the Holy Spirit and what His true purpose was, then I was able to stop doing the things I had been doing. I love to share what God has done in my life, I hope soon it will start to help others.
We are always blessed by your testimony, Jim <3!
Thank you Jesus for all your love.Please help me to forget passed things and focus my mind on you.I love you. Amen
Amen. <3
Ty and Amen
In Jesus name, Amen, thank you Lord for your forgiveness.
I want to live in Gods peace!
Agree! Amen <3
Amen, Thank you God for your Forgiveness
Amen! What a wonderful and mighty God we have.
Amen Father for Your forgiveness, keep me as white as the snow to do Your work. I'm a sinner but Your promises will lead me to be saved again. Praised be the Lord.
Thank you Lord for forgiving me and please help me to forgive and not hold grudges. You forgive and blot out our sins, and yet it is so hard for us at times to forgive and keep on remembering the past. Please help me by the power of Thy Mighty Spirit to forgive, move on and forget the past,in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior I pray, Amen!
I Agree, Amen. :-) Thank you for sharing, Liesel. <3
So great! Thank you.
As I understand, those that have repented and accepted Jesus will not be condemned or judged for their past sins, as Jesus took our sins apon Him on the cross. That was the purpose of it. He died as a sacrificial lamb for our sins. We will be judged for rewards, the treasure in heaven that we have put up, and some will have more than others. :)
Amen! Thanks for those words Pastor Dion. :-)
Good point you made, Perry. Thank You! :-)
Thank you for asking it helps me a lot with all I've been going through. Thank You! Beautiful Picture of you and Karen. Such a beautiful couple. God Bless You Both. <3
Amen!
This could Not be at a more Approprite time. I do not do the things I want as Paul has stated in Romans 7:15-20. We all try to please God but will always fall short. Shame and Fear can tear a hole in us and prevent us from getting back on our feet. I pray that God turns us that struggle in the Right Direction, indwells in us and brings Good out of Not So Great Choices. If there is one thing I have learned, that would be to lift other's up by sharing your stories and restoration. Lord cover and forgive us for our shortcomings and create a New Spirit in us to carry on untill we meet face to face. Amen P.S. Go Eagles (Soarrrring)
I agree thanks Christie, for you words of prayer for all. Amen <3
Amen Lord
Amen!
Amen It took me awhile to be able to know in my heart of hearts that when I repent it is as far as the east is to the west for me it took some practice and some time. Today is so much easier and drama free I love my life today and I love myself cause Im a child of the KING!!! sincerely Scott R.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for forgiving me. Please set me free from the chains of shame that try and cling to me. Lead me into all that You have for me to do here and let Your light shine in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen <3
Thank you Pastor Dion for todays devotion. :-)
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father, I thank You for forgiving me. Please set me free from the chains of shame that try and cling to me. Lead me into all that You have for me to do here and let Your light shine in my life. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Shame does hurt many..it hurt me.