Day 72: Boundaries

Reading: Proverbs 7:1-5

When rules are laid out for us, we may feel constricted and not free. But when there are no rules, that is the case. When we watch or play football, the rules of the game keep it structured and fun. If there were no rules, no one would know what they were doing and there would be disagreements all over, constricting the motion of the fun. The same goes with the rules for life that God has laid out for us. He shows us in His Word how to live because He loves us and doesn't want us to have to face the consequences of life. This Proverb is pretty straight forward on how important the rules are to keep close to our hearts, as they will lead to a better life.


Reading: Luke 1:1-25

We see the amazing examples of people all around us who know the boundaries and happily follow them, probably not even thinking about them. We see how the book of Luke is opened by Zechariah and Elizabeth, both people who have good standing with The Lord. They, unable to have children pray and ask for a child, and we see how God grants them with that request. When we do our best to follow The Lord and His rules, we will be blessed in one way or another. God uses this couple to bring one of the greatest people in the Bible into the world, John the Baptist. When we have God's will and not ours in mind, He will use us to do His work and bless us through it. We can ask for things, and know He will bless us if it is in His will. Keep the commands of God close, as they are your guide.


Reading: Leviticus 26:14-27:34

In not obeying God's commandments, we can make life quite sticky for ourselves. The hard part is when we shove God and His rules away, and then blame Him when we get into trouble. Ouch. Seems a little self-righteous. Bit even when we get mad at God for the things we get ourselves into, we will always be able to turn to Him for help. He is always there with welcoming arms, when we're ready to go back to Him. God really lays out what the consequences of not following His rules are in the end of Leviticus. It is a big deal to the love God gives us that we follow the rules to reciprocate that love back to Him. He knows what is best for us, and wants us to have a successful life in Him. Nothing in this world will ever give us the satisfaction that only He can give. People disappoint, things break and get old, but God's love and mercy are new everyday.


Boundaries in life may seem restricting and not free enough for us, but the harsh truth is that without them, we are left wandering astray without a purpose. God lays out rules because He loves us, and wants us to live life to the fullest. Rules are a response to God's love, not the way to it. Boundaries set us free.