Boundaries & Plans

In my world of Real Estate, I’m constantly aware of boundaries because all properties have them. The location of the boundaries make the properties work well for the buyer or not work well. I remember trying to sell a property that had a goofed up lot with an easement attached and then the boundary line came too close to the house. The house was a good price, but was undesirable because of the boundary lines.

I think boundary lines help us function as a society and culture. I know that here in the US, our boundary lines of relationships are often pretty relaxed. Still there are certain things that are “out of bounds”. For example, I have personal space and I get very uncomfortable when a stranger invades my personal space – like talking too close to me.  There are boundaries with strangers. I’m OK with my wife or my children in my personal space – they are allowed.

The Lord has established boundaries for us to function within. These boundaries are for our own good as well as the good of others.  His plans for us include us living inside the boundaries that protect us from harm and help us to walk in His way. He gave a word to His chosen family regarding boundaries and plans. Check this out…

2 “I have chosen only you


    out of all the families of the earth,


so I will punish you


    for all your sins.”

3 Two people will not walk together


    unless they have agreed to do so.

4 A lion in the forest does not roar


    unless it has caught an animal;


it does not growl in its den


    when it has caught nothing.

5 A bird will not fall into a trap


    where there is no bait;


the trap will not spring shut


    if there is nothing to catch.

6 When a trumpet blows a warning in a city,


    the people tremble.


When trouble comes to a city,


    the Lord has caused it.

7 Before the Lord God does anything,


    he tells his plans to his servants the prophets.

8 The lion has roared!


    Who wouldn’t be afraid?


The Lord God has spoken.


    Who will not prophesy? (Amos 3:2-8 NCV)

I want to trust in the Lord with all my heart – my ideas – my plans. I want my choices to come out of that trust in Him. I want to flourish within the boundaries He has for me. The boundaries are not restrictive as some might perceive – in fact they are very expansive and wide open! I have learned so much about God’s heart by learning about the boundaries and why they are there. In studying the boundaries, I understand His plans for me!

Pressing On!

Dwayne