Lists!

Lists! Do we make them? What are they for? Shopping lists bring together the items we want to remember when we get to the store. "To Do" lists remind us of tasks we wish to get done and may even be useful in prioritizing what needs to be completed most if there is not time to complete the list. We may have a prayer list, a goal list, a friend list, a "Things I want to do before I die" list, and this list could go on.

Lists can be a good thing. In a few words listed down a column we have a concise reminder. Lists can provide an easy at-a-glance means of keeping in focus what is of greatest significance. Reading through the Scriptures we even find lists that are of great significance. God gave the ten commandments to the nation of Israel. ( Exodus 20:3-17) Jesus gave the eight beatitudes to those who came to listen to His teaching. ( Matthew 5:3-10, though the eighth's principle continues through verse 12) Both of these lists alone could change the whole dynamic of things in this world if they were understood and properly applied.

It is interesting to note that the ten commandments were listed by God on stone while we might consider the beatitudes would be well to be written on our hearts, which is actually where God stated His law would be written. (i.e. Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10) Isn't it on the heart where God truly desires His Plans and Will to be written so that they will be remembered and carried out? However, where do we write our lists and with what?

Perhaps we recognize how our plans at times need to be adjusted in order to fit into what God seems to be bringing about. Therefore we might consider a pencil -- with a good eraser handy -- could be the proper writing utensil for making our life list. Certainly, living faithful to God, getting to Heaven, and striving to help others join us on that path could be written with permanent marker. Such should always be kept in view. Nevertheless, we don't always see everything God may take us through and have us do along the way.

James exhorted. . .
"(13) Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit' -- (14) yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (15) Instead you ought to say, 'IF THE LORD WILLS, WE WILL LIVE AND DO THIS OR THAT.'" ( James 4:13-15 ESV)

Listing God glorifying life goals is a good thing. However, we do need to bear in mind that "IF THE LORD WILLS" those varied things will be accomplished as we go about living our day-to-day lives. As we plan, let us allow it to be the Lord Who establishes our steps. ( Proverbs 16:9) In this way we will fulfill what He most desires for us to accomplish during our relatively short journey in this realm.

Have a great day SEEKING GOD'S GUIDANCE IN PRIORITIZING OUR LIFE!
Carl

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