Welcome to Refresh Your Faith!

Thank you for visiting with us today.

This is the place where you can sit back, relax and receive the benefits of a spa visit—renewal, refreshing, rejuvenation—without leaving the comforts of home.

It's also the place for you to discover fresh ways of connecting with God.

So, choose the services you'd like today and come back soon.

Enjoy!

Yours in Christ,
Joyce M. Averils

Spa for the Soul

Extra Baggage Costs

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
— Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV)

Many airlines are now charging fees for services that used to be free. For instance, snacks and beverages will cost most coach passengers, as well as anyone redeeming frequent flyer miles. The fees do not stop there, however, because most American airlines are now charging fees for checked bags. And if you happen to go over the 50 pound limit, extra baggage fees kick in.

Just as there is a cost for extra baggage in the physical world, there is one in the spiritual world. Have you ever stopped and measured the cost of carrying around your baggage?

Extra baggage can be anything we are holding on to that we need to let go of — unforgiveness, anger, past hurts, forgiven sins and regrets are just a few. Some of us are carrying around matched sets of baggage. We can find it difficult to let these things go, but that is exactly what Jesus wants us to do.

In Matthew 11:29-30, He says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." If you are tired, worn out or burned out because of the baggage you are carrying around, Jesus wants you to come to Him. When you spend time with Him and joyfully give Him your cares, He will show you how to find peace and rest.

There may not be a monetary fee for your extra baggage; however, there is a spiritual cost. Extra baggage can cost you in peace of mind, spiritual growth and your relationship with God. Jesus wants you to travel lightly in this life.

Too often, the baggage we carry around becomes normal for us. We come to accept our circumstances as the way life is supposed to be. God never intended for you to live in bondage to anything, including extra baggage. It is time to unpack some bags. Make today the day that you stop paying for extra baggage.

My Challenge to You This Week

If you are carrying around extra baggage, make the decision to take those things to the altar and leave them there. Jesus is waiting with arms wide open. He will show you how to find rest and lighten your load.