HEBREWS 12:1AMP ~ “EXCESS BAGGAGE”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of [a] witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us. 

Over my many years of travel and in general, I have learned to pack light and purposely take as few bags as possible because it affords me the opportunity and convenience of being able to carry my luggage onto the plane with me.  However, occasionally out of necessity and due to the length of my stay, I am required to bring “excess baggage.” In the natural, excess baggage is cumbersome to move, costly to carry, tiresome on the body, slows you down, must be checked, and sent to baggage claim.  In the spiritual sense, excess baggage can mask itself as stress, worry, anxiousness, anger, hurt, or any other “unchecked” feelings or old emotional scars from the past, and can be costly to your future, health, and spiritual well-being.

The Apostle Paul’s words in the book of Hebrews, are an encouragement for Christians to “strip off”/eliminate/ get rid of any and all unnecessary excess baggage that weighs down or prevents us from effectively running this Christian race victoriously or being effective for Christ!  This Holy season of Lent is the perfect time to focus on and be intentional about repenting and allowing God to strip you of moods, habits, attitudes, thoughts, or behaviors, that drain your energy and joy of living for Christ!   

Through the invitation extended in 1 Peter 5:5TLB, “Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you,” we have the blessed assurance that we can unload excess baggage to the only One who is able to carry it and us, through. Hallelujah!!!

Blessings & Favor,
Pastor Holmes

#40 ~ March, 2020