Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - Losing Weight for the Holidays

"I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, 

not to spend My time with those who think they are already good enough." 

Luke 5:32 

     We all have a few extra pounds we could lose to make the holidays more meaningful.  Dr. Luke passed along a prescription from the Great Physician that, if taken to heart, will prepare us to enjoy a lighter, brighter season.
     We need to:
   
1. Drop the gavels and stop judging others to lose the weight of being judged. 
"Stop judging others, and you will not be judged." Luke 6:37a


2. Throw the thought machine overboard that cranks out criticism to avoid the weight of its force as it comes back on us like a boomerang.
"Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you." Luke 6:37b


3. Let go of the grudges we carry so the freedom of forgiveness can rush through us. 
"If you forgive others, you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37c


4. Kiss those heavy masks of hypocrisy goodbye and loosen the logs in our own eyes.  
"How can you think of saying 'Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye." Luke 6:42


Father, we're obsessed with our physical weight when You look on our heavy hearts and see the obesity of sin. It seems the only exercise we get sometimes is pointing our fingers and flapping our jaws. Forgive us, Lord, and help us love sincerely, purely and with hearts freed from these old ways. Cleanse us from all that hurts You and that keeps us from being like You. Guide us to let go of burdens that weren't meant for us to carry. May we sacrifice judging, holding grudges, plotting revenge, and masks of hypocrisy in favor of resting in Your God-ness and Goodness.  
In the Name of Jesus Who called us to
"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:29