Boundaries

A boundary is a visible mark designating a limit. A bound is the limit itself and may be an imaginary line, but a boundary is a mark that reveals that line. So just because we make a mark and call it a boundary doesn't necessarily mean that is the real boundary. In other words, God establishes the true boundaries and limitations of all habitations.1

"and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;" Acts 17:26-27.

Boundaries are important for they determine areas of authority and responsibility. Everyone has a personal boundary. God's design is for you to have your own life you are responsible for and have authority in. This is your free will. There are boundaries (laws) in society that keep people safe and keep a community within certain bounds. Some communities have ordinances about things that others do not. Then there are state and federal laws which create certain bounds as well.

The above Scripture tells us that God determined mankind's boundaries so they would seek Him, perhaps touch Him and find Him. The boundaries we have are supposed to be for the purpose of maintaining a relationship with God within those boundaries. You can have boundaries in your personal life that keep you in relationship with God. For example, spending time in prayer and study of the word, and abstaining from sinful behavior. A community can have boundaries that ensure people are free to worship God as they desire. Laws and ordinances are made, and enforced, to protect those boundaries.

Our first responsibility is within our own boundaries--personal, family, community etc. and it's important we seek the Lord for His will to be done within those boundaries. Within these boundaries we worship Him and grow in intimate relationship with Him. Yet that's not to say we become shut off from those outside our boundaries. 

Father God, I pray for the people of Waterford to recognize the boundaries in their life--personal, family and community. I pray You reveal the wisdom of Your ways to all in this community. Help us with our responsibilities, and help us see the joy in these areas as well. I pray for safety, protection and freedom within our families and community so we may worship You and live our lives the way You have designed for us to. I pray for our neighbors as well, and those people and cities around us that are struggling. We pray Your path to freedom becomes clear to them and that You help them on that path, in Jesus' Name, Amen!

1 Noah Webster 1828 on-line dictionary. 1828.mshaffer.com retrieved 8-16-2014
Re-prayer September 9, 2011