A week or two ago I was making a list of things to do before we took an extended trip. It included 1) Disconnect outside hoses, 2) Turn down thermostat, 3) Lock windows and doors, 4) Winterize cars, 5) Turn off water heater, and many other items. When we return, that list will be on the kitchen counter where I left it with all items crossed off.
We make lists because we want to remember things, and we’ve learned we cannot always trust our memories. Martin Luther made his list of 95 reasons why the church needed to be reformed and follow the Bible. Yesterday at worship on All Saints Sunday, we remembered a list of people who have died during the past year in that congregation.
And now in south Texas, sadly, there is a list of people who died in church because a man committed the evil act of murder. God, too, has His list of Ten Rules which people must follow instead of their own sinful ways. To ignore or deny them leads to our destruction.
Lists help keep us organized. With them we remember, prioritize and accomplish things. Lists can help us do the right things in life. For example Apostle Paul had his list of nine Fruit of the Spirit: “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Against such things there is no law,” he wrote in Galatians 5:22-23.
Sometimes we misplace our lists or forget to take them with us. What good is a grocery list if it’s left at home? What good is a list of things to do if we don’t intend to do them? God wants us to remember the important things, for instance, that He is God, that we need Him, and we should love each other and know His Word which tells us of His Son Jesus who died to forgive us so we can live with Him in eternity.
Last week my sister-in-law wrote me a nice email with some good lists in it. It concluded with this list of three. I think they are worth memorizing.
We make lists because we want to remember things, and we’ve learned we cannot always trust our memories. Martin Luther made his list of 95 reasons why the church needed to be reformed and follow the Bible. Yesterday at worship on All Saints Sunday, we remembered a list of people who have died during the past year in that congregation.
And now in south Texas, sadly, there is a list of people who died in church because a man committed the evil act of murder. God, too, has His list of Ten Rules which people must follow instead of their own sinful ways. To ignore or deny them leads to our destruction.
Lists help keep us organized. With them we remember, prioritize and accomplish things. Lists can help us do the right things in life. For example Apostle Paul had his list of nine Fruit of the Spirit: “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Against such things there is no law,” he wrote in Galatians 5:22-23.
Sometimes we misplace our lists or forget to take them with us. What good is a grocery list if it’s left at home? What good is a list of things to do if we don’t intend to do them? God wants us to remember the important things, for instance, that He is God, that we need Him, and we should love each other and know His Word which tells us of His Son Jesus who died to forgive us so we can live with Him in eternity.
Last week my sister-in-law wrote me a nice email with some good lists in it. It concluded with this list of three. I think they are worth memorizing.
1. The NICEST place to be is in someone's thoughts.
2. The SAFEST place to be is in someone's prayers.
3. The VERY BEST place to be is in the hands of God.
2. The SAFEST place to be is in someone's prayers.
3. The VERY BEST place to be is in the hands of God.
Now there are some things worth remembering!
Rev Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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