He travels so much that it seems like he is always packing suitcases. With
the luggage laid out on the bed, he begins: This "little thing" and that
"little thing." He never thinks he is packing much until he tries to pick it
up. It weighs a ton! Walking with it seems impossible; running with it would
be absurd.

Yet that's exactly how "weights" of pessimism and negativity which block
your relationship with God, are established. Bit by bit, this "little
thought" and that "little thought" that isn't of Him gets shoved into the
"suitcase" of your mind.

Each small act of choosing your own negative or pessimistic thoughts over
His thoughts of faith and hope add one more weight. Soon your soul is so
oppressed that fellowship is lost. In the night you doom the next day by
deciding, "Things won't get any better. Tomorrow will be just like today.
What's the use?"

God wants to set you on the road to freedom tonight. He wants you to start
throwing off those weights of pessimism and get back in the race! He's
telling you, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before
us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."  (Hebrews
12:1-2)

Before you sleep tonight, think of one "weight" (pessimistic attitude) that
you will refuse to carry anymore. Then call on the Lord for His strength and
throw it off! Tomorrow you will rejoice in freedom from oppression.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8)

Heavenly Father, I want to get back in the race. I want to cast off every
negative thought and every pessimistic attitude that denies Your hope and
blocks fellowship with You. Make me aware of the weights I am not even aware
of, and show me how to replace them with a clear vision of the positive
potential I have in You in Jesus' Name, Amen.
www.btinternet.com/~hiscoming