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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

There 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: RHM Live

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