Setting Boundaries: Boundary Benefits
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful
inheritance. . . You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:6, 11 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Living within God's boundaries provides a joy and fulfillment that we cannot find outside his loving care. David recognized this and said it beautifully in today's scripture. Let's look at just a couple of the many scriptures about the blessings that are ours when we stay within God's boundaries.
God's love can reach and bless us most when we stay within his boundaries.
Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Jude 21 TLB
God's boundaries call us to take care of our personal health and emotional state.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Consider this …
The Bible sets many boundaries, but they are all in our best interest. The rich young ruler discussed in the following scripture did not understand that.
Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’”
The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But when the man heard this, he became very sad, for he was very rich. (Luke 18:18-23)
When this young ruler asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life, Jesus set some boundaries for him: Follow God's commandments and sell all his many possessions and give the money to the poor. But the young man could not accept all those boundaries. His wealth had become a stumbling block. Perhaps if he had just been willing to sell everything, he might not have been required to do so. He was unwilling to follow Jesus totally and went away sad when he could have had the joy of living within God's boundaries.
This boundary Jesus gave him was for the man's own good. Apparently, his riches had become too important to him and prevented him from putting God first and being free to become the man God designed him to be . . . and to fully enjoy God's blessings.
Jesus knows each of us intimately. He loves us and wants only the best for us. He sets boundaries in our best interest--boundaries that will help us be truly free and live in the joy and peace that come only from him.
Prayer
Lord, help me remember that your boundaries for me are in my best interest. Help me put you first in all things. Thank you for the blessings that come from living within your boundaries. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
