Today is the day for lists.  This morning at breakfast I made a short grocery list.  There are a few things we’re out of and need from the grocery store—milk, bread, OJ, mint chocolate chip ice cream (I probably would have remembered the last one without a list.)  My second list involved a number of phone calls I need to make.  Then finally I just came up with a list of things I need to remember to do this week.  Now if I don’t lose the lists, I may get all of this stuff done.

All of this list making got me to thinking about some of the lists we find in the Bible.  If you check off  most of the items on these lists, I guarantee you’ll have a great week.

Moses’ List (Exodus 20: 3-17)

1. Don’t ever place substitute gods before the Lord your God.
2. Don’t make an idol out of anyone or anything.
3. Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain.  It is holy.
4. Remember to observe a Sabbath rest every week.
5. Honor and respect your dad and mom.
6. Don’t murder anyone for any reason.
7. Never, ever commit adultery.
8. Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
9. Never lie or give a false impression.
10. Don’t covet another person’s mate, benefits, or belongings.

Paul’s List (Galatians 5: 19-23)

• (Stay away from the things which are produced by the flesh, such as) … immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, arguments, jealousy, angry outburst, heresies, envyings, drunkenness and running around with the wrong crowd.
• (Emulate the things which the Spirit produces, such as …love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NASB)

Peter’s List (2 Peter 1:5-8)

• Be a diligent person.
• Don’t waver in your faith.
• Be known for uncompromising moral excellence.
• Enlarge your reservoir of knowledge; keep learning.
• Stay balanced; guard against extremes.
• Persevere.
• Make sure your godliness is free of hypocrisy.
• Treat others tactfully, graciously.
• Let your Christian love flow.

(Charles Swindoll Paraphrase)

Just to report, we received over $1,000 for Haiti Relief on Sunday.  Our Missions Committee added to this amount and sent a check for $2,000 to World Hope (our Wesleyan Relief Agency)  that is already on the ground meeting needs and saving lives in this devastated region.  Thanks for your unselfish generosity.

Also, just a reminder that we have lots of meetings and activities going on this week.  (check the website www.parkwaywesleyanstaunton.org) Don’t forget the Mountain Ridge Ringer’s Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction this coming Saturday night, January 23rd from 5:00—8:00 PM.

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry