Agreeing with God: God’s Boundaries

Today's Scripture

"The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them." (Psalm 19:7-11 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

Walking with God means agreeing with his boundaries . . . and staying within them. 

In the Bible are many commandments and instructions. They set boundaries for us. We may respond to those boundaries in several negative ways. Surely that doesn't apply to this situation. . . . It won't hurt to step outside that line this once. . . . That just doesn't seem fair. . . . I know God wants me to do it this way but I just don't think I can. . . . I really don't care. I want to do this.

Been there?

But walking with God means agreeing with him and all his commandments. Agreeing means obeying.

Consider this …

Why so many boundaries? Just to see if we will obey?

Today's scripture makes it clear that those boundaries are for our good. God set them out of love for us. Read back through the passage. His commands are perfect, trustworthy, right clear, true, fair, desirable, sweet, and a warning.

When we follow his commands our soul will be revived . . . we will gain wisdom . . . we will receive joy and insight for living. And we will receive a great reward.

He has even promised to help us obey.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the Bible. I thank you for the blessing and protection of your commands. Help me to obey. Help me to always agree with you . . . obey you . . . and walk with you. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Stepping into Freedom: A Christ-Centered Twelve-Step Program by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This twelve-step program is suggested for use in support groups, recovery groups and home groups. It offers help for anyone struggling with a life-controlling problem like drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling or workaholism. 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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