"Casting all your care upon Him;
for He careth for you." -- 1 Peter 5:7

As much as I hate to admit it, I'm carrying around a little extra weight these days.

I just haven't had as much time to workout as I once did.  With raising a family and running a business and being involved in ministry...

...there just doesn't seem to be a consistent place in my schedule for exercise.

So, the extra pounds have kind of snuck up on me. They were added a little here and a little there, until they are at the point where I know I need to get back in shape!

Having realized that, I knew there was only one place that I could turn -- so I bought a weight bench and have begun to lift weights to work off the extra baggage, tone up and get myself back into shape.

I can already see a difference.

You know, sometimes we add extra weight physically, like I've been talking about here.  But, there are also times when we add "weights" spiritually too.

Know what I mean?

"Weights" like sin.  And worry.  And fear.  "Weights" like uncertainty.  And hatred.  And anger.  Things that weigh us down like bitterness and jealousy and pride.  Things like hurt feelings and depression and discouragement.

Are you there this morning?  Have you looked in the spiritual mirror and realized you need to get back in shape? Christian, there's only one place to turn...

...to Jesus Christ!

You see, Jesus "lifts weights" all the time.  He lifted the weight of our sins upon His back when He took up the cross and went to Calvary.

As the "Prince of Peace", He lifts the weight of fear and worry and anxiety.  

Yep, Jesus lifts the weight of discouragement and anger and bitterness and any possible extra baggage we're carrying around.

And He takes them and discards of them immediately. No waiting around for results.  No lengthy process like losing weight physically.  All you've gotta do is turn to Jesus and say "Lord, please lift this weight.  I'm tired of carrying it around."

And you'll see a difference in your spiritual health immediately.

Christian, are you carrying around any extra spiritual weight today?  Any unconfessed sin?  Any fears or worries or anxieties?  What about bitterness or pride or jealousy?

Are you carrying around any extra baggage today?

Why not take it to Jesus.  And give it all to Him.  Let Him do a wonderful work this morning and free you from what is weighing you down.

He's waiting.  And He's ready to lift some weights.

Will you let Him?

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!