What a privilege to sit with You this morning, Father. That You would want to take time to be with me, the fact that You love me enough to do so, is almost beyond comprehension. Thank You…

Hebrews 12:1 (<<click here)

  “… strip off every weight that slows us down…”

Baggage…we all have this tendency to want to lug it around – at least spiritually. But why do we do that? It’s sure not something we enjoy in life! When I travel, and it’s time to move my suitcase, I sure don’t want to carry it or drag it any further than I have to. It’s heavy. It’s bulky. It’s cumbersome. It just slows me down and keeps me from experiencing my travels.

So why do I do it spiritually? Sometimes they’re not very big but I feel more comfortable having them with me – little security blankets. For example, it’s very easy for me to over analyze. Should I say this, do that, will they laugh with me or think I’m weird. Will it show I care or drive others away? Not a lot of weight but it sure slows me down.

“Unmentionables” can be a problem, too. They’re not something we want others to see but quite often they’re there. We get tangled up in them and they can cause us to fall. Addictions trip us up for sure – drugs, alcohol, porn, gambling.

“Collectibles” aren’t something we would normally take on a trip but spiritually we can make a habit of it. We can’t seem to let go of the guilt of our past – things we’ve done, things we’ve said, Lord, if we’ve asked You to forgive us then they are no longer of concern to You. Help us to cast them aside.

Lord, help us drop the baggage. We don’t need any of it for You provide all we need.

May 25th, Wed, 5:56 am