Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Especially when there is going to be a large crowd watching, it’s a good idea to shed any extra body weight and don lightweight clothing that will not inhibit or slow movement in any way. The race itself will be hard enough without having to carry additional weight. Successfully making it to the mark with a winning time takes more than just strength and nourishment. It takes getting rid of any unnecessary hindrances.
This isn’t just our own little venture here. The journey of faith is an extension of all those who have gone before, participating in the completion of what they’ve begun. Every leg of the journey has their observance and cheering with a sense of urgency that we get to God’s destination and purpose before time runs out. Like the physical race, though, our spiritual course requires the removal of anything that would weigh down and slow progress. In total submission and consecration before His throne, this will occur as powerful weight removal brings freedom to make great progress with joy. Beyond the intentional areas of fasting, the Spirit will bring long-term loss of weights that weren’t even known. And, the course that He's set will be run to its best destination by the power of the Holy Spirit, much to the gratification of our many onlookers.
"As by the Spirit my eyes look clearly at the image of who I really am in the Word, I, along with the rest of His body, steadily lose my old character to look and sound more and more like the One I behold there.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Revelations 4:11
“I was once far away and separate, but in Christ I have been given direct access to the Father together with all of His people.”
Philippians 4:13
"As I delight in the way of the Lord, His wisdom guides and orders my every step."
Psalm 37:23
"The gladness and joy that overwhelms me as I meditate on the Word in the Spirit is medicine to any brokenness in my spirit.”
Proverbs 17:22
“Because in Christ I am a sower, cheerfully giving bountifully into the kingdom, I also harvest a great blessing from the seed sown.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
Song - Your Image