Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. HEBREWS 12:1 (AMPC)

 Many of us are looking obese in the realms of the spirit because we are carrying unnecessary weight. You see every time we allow sin into our lives weight is added. Every time we compromise our integrity weight is added. Every time we lie, gossip and cheat weight are added. Every time we live in unforgiveness, hate and bitterness weight are added. Every time we operate outside of the will of God weight is added. Every time we delay in obedience to God’s Word and instructions weight is added. Every time we allow ourselves to be controlled by lust and negative habits weight is added. Every time we submit to the appetite of the flesh weight is added. For someone reading this right now, the Lord is looking at you and wondering how did you get to this point? How did you come to this place where you have lost all form of spiritual discipline? How did you give in to all the appetite of the flesh. And the Lord is saying to you now strip off the weight. Nothing is more dangerous and can delay our movement to the opportunities God has made available for us like unnecessary Weight and Sin. The bible says

Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and [a]overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. JAMES 1:21 (NKJV)

You see, any life outside of God’s standard of Holiness is a life that is overweight in the Spirit. The way an eagle must look a certain way for the wings to carry her, so also, we must look a certain way for the wings of the Spirit to carry us. God cannot carry you in your iniquity and in a life outside of his ways and his standards. Sometimes we don’t even know the unnecessary weight in our lives. The heart of man is hidden from man. You don’t know what is in your heart until the Lord allows situations and circumstances to reveal it to you. There are things that are not evil, but they are weight that can hinder us from receiving everything God has promised us. Don’t be selective when it comes to the Word of God. Embrace the whole counsel of God concerning your life. Ask God for grace to receive today with meekness the engrafted Word of God that has the capacity to transform your life. Drop every negative habit, and lifestyle that wants to stop you from receiving the best that God has for you

Prayer of the Day: Father in the name of Jesus, I ask that you begin to reveal to me the unnecessary weight and the sin that has been tripping me off.  Reveal to me where I need to shed in order to soar. Lord, have your way in my life and teach me how to depend on you in all things and in all ways.