In my time alone with God this morning, I read a couple of interesting passages from Daniel and 1st John.

As Daniel is praying (Daniel 9:8 NLT), he says: “O LORD, we and our kings, princes, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.”   As I read this, I was convicted personally.  I felt shame for some attitudes and things I’d said the previous day; and then I thanked God too for my forgiveness and cleansing.  As Daniel continued praying he said: “But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.” (Daniel 9:9 NLT)

Do you ever feel shame for your sin?   It may be something missing far too often in our lives.  Shame was a sign of a repentant & humble heart in Daniel.   It should be the same for us.  And in the midst of that shame we can turn from our sin/rebellion and turn to God to receive mercy, forgiveness — grace!

Then I read a verse we kept on our refrigerator for years  (don’t know what happened to it – but it needs to go back on the frig again).   It talks about shame too.    1 John 2:28 NLT says:  “And now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.”   

The one thing that breaks our fellowship with Christ is sin; choosing my way instead of His.  So how’s your fellowship with Christ right now.  If Jesus returned today – would you be able to stand before Him in confidence & courage – or shrink back in shame because you’ve not been living in fellowship with Him?    We kept that verse on the frig as a daily reminder of what’s important and how we should live that day.  I plan to put it back on the frig; maybe that would be a good choice for you too.