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 WEB.When I first started attending church, I often stood with my head down, too ashamed to look around me. Every fiber of my being told me to run out the door. I spent a lot of time looking at the floor in those days, and I avoided making eye contact. I felt ashamed to be there because of my past.
Oh yes, I'd been saved and baptized. Yet, I was saddled with baggage and ridden by the enemy like a packhorse, a beast of burden. I carried shame from the past, 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. Though they have repented of it seventy-seven times, they still feel like God is mad at them over it. I've been there.
Let me tell you this: God doesn't look at you like that. When you repent of something, it is gone forever, and it never comes back. If you asked God about it again, He wouldn't 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 actually means it.
To Convict means: to expose, lay bare, to detect, to reveal your mistake to you. The feeling of conviction urges you to make something right, and when you repent, it is gone.
To shame means: to humiliate, dishonor, and disgrace. Fear and shame are tools of the enemy. They are like bullies, and they will not leave without a fight. Yet, 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're 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 trying and to drown you in defeat. Shame will spiritually paralyze you and make you ineffective.
When you stumble, repent, tell God you are sorry about it. Then lift up 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 in store for you. So let it go and never fall into its 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. Amen!Note: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.' (John 5:14) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
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Amen
Amen. Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your forgiveness and Mercy. Amen
Amen!!
Amen
Thank you Jesus for all our blessings and forgiveness of our sins. Amen
Thank you Lord Jesus for repentance and forgiveness. Amen.
I know I've been there too...God has worked on my life and saved me from many obsicles even death. I look back and see all The Lord God has done for me. I Thank Him and Praise His Name. Jesus is truly my Best Friend.The Lord God has been Full of Mercy and Grace. Thank God for His Forgiveness. He has changed my life. I'm so Thankful for His Love.
Amen thank you Father for your forgiveness mercy and GRACE your love is amazing !!
Yes yes l want to walk with you lord in jesus name amen
Amen!
Thank you God for forgiveness because it gives us hope. Praise God Praise Jesus Amen
Thank You Father for Your forgiveness! Your will be done in my life, Amen.
Amen!
Heavenly Father I thank You for Your forgiveness 'cause I have sin, thank You for Your love and care. That Your grace descent on us and to lead us to be a better person. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen. Praise the Lord, Amen.
Excellent devotional reminder to reflect on it Pastor, God bless you both, Amen.
Thank You Father For Forgiving Me And My Family Amen Good Morning Everyone
Thank you Lord for setting me free and picking me up and loving me ! Thank you Lord for your forgiveness and your strength to believe ! Thank you Dion and Sylvia for such a good word! Amen
Yes, amen Lord
Amen!
Amen! Thank you, Pastor Dion, for today's awesome message. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but once we repent we are forgiven and God washes us clean as though we never sinned. This is wonderful news but the enemy, otherwise know as Satan, doesn't want you to know that you are washed clean and forgiven. Satan reminds us every day of our shortcomings and our sins. He never wants us to forget what we have done so that he can shame us and if all we feel is shame we will never forgive ourselves or be able to lead anyone else to Christ. We all need to hear that we are forgiven. God's forgiveness is the best news we have received all day> Praise you Jesus for redeeming us and setting us free from sin/
Thank you Pastor Todd for on time message
in Jesus name i ask, amen