Start Fresh with a List
January 23
Did you make New Year's resolutions? Charles Swindoll, in The Finishing Touch, writes...
"Invariably, a new year prompts us to make our own list of things deserving our diligent attention and pursuit." He goes on to suggest a godlier guideline than what the world might have a tendency to tip us toward. Looking towards those who have gone before us he records lists made by Moses, Paul and Peter.
Moses' List (Exodus 19:3-17)
Don't ever place substitute gods before the Lord your God.
Don't make an idol out of anyone or anything.
Don't take the Lord's name in vain. It is holy.
Remember to observe a Sabbath rest every week.
Honor and respect your dad and mom.
Don't murder anyone for any reason.
Never, ever commit adultery.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Never lie or give a false impression.
Don't covet another person's image, benefits or belongings.
Paul's List (Galatians 5:19-23)
Stay away from the things which flesh produce, such as immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, arguments, jealousy, angry outbursts, heresies, envyings, drunkenness, and running around with the wrong crowd.
Emulate the things which the Holy Spirit produces, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Peter's List (2 Peter 1:5-8)
Be a diligent person.
Don't waiver in your faith.
Be known for uncompromising moral excellence.
Enlarge your reservoir of knowledge, keep learning.
Stay balanced: guard against extremes.
Persevere
Make sure you godliness is free of hypocrisy.
Treat others tactfully, graciously.
Let your Christian love flow, let it flow, let it flow!
Those are quite the lists! Not is our power can we stay within them, but in the Lord's power it is possible!
Pray:
Lord, we look up to the mountains and say, "Where does my strength come from?" Then we know it is not from the mighty mountains, but from You who created not only those mountains but the heavens and the earth! How blessed we are to have a King who will not let us stumble and who never sleeps, but keeps a watchful eye upon us, protecting us from every evil. Guarding us when we leave and when we return. Loving us and encouraging us when Starting Fresh is the best option! Whatever list, changes or hurdles we face today, we know we do not face them alone. Hallelujah! What a Savior in whose name we can come humble to You through prayer. Amen
