Do not move an ancient
boundary stone set up by your forefathers.
Proverbs 22:28
It could have been a catastrophic mistake. I did what I
consistently tell others not to do. I failed to close the screen door of
our mountain home. When my husband came in several hours later he saw the door
open and a big squirrel sitting on the door step.
Of course I have been teased mercilessly. I’m constantly telling
people to close the doors or we’ll have squirrels in the house. Fortunately the
curious little fellow did not come in and neither did any of his friends.
I’ve heard stories of the terrible way squirrels wreak havoc in
people’s homes. They’re very wily and difficult to catch. They chew things and
steal things and make a mess of everything.
Screen doors serve as boundaries to protect us from a lot of
pests and varmints. Without them we couldn’t enjoy the fresh breeze bringing in
the wonderful scents of our mountain surroundings, free from the worry of
unwanted visitors. In the same way, God’s word places boundaries in our lives,
providing us with the protection we need from things that have the power to
destroy our lives, robbing us of the blessings of obedience.
Just as I warn my family of the dangers of squirrels in
the house, God’s word reminds us of the dangers of allowing things like unclean
thoughts, wrong attitudes, bad habits and temptations of the enemy into our
lives.
The enemy sneaks in when we remove God’s boundaries and whispers
things like, “Just this once won’t hurt,” and “If you’re careful no one will
find out.” Those little lapses become habits and one day someone discovers the
havoc in our private life and everything we have worked for is in jeopardy.
It is necessary for me to hide the word of God in my heart on a
daily basis so sins don’t creep in and destroy all I’ve been blessed with. I
hear His voice warning me to keep the boundaries where He set them. I don’t
want those bad habits creeping in any more than I want squirrels in my house.
Vow today to close any doors in your life that allow bad habits
to enter in. When you keep the boundaries where God set them you will see His
blessings.
© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman
About the author:
Norma
Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years,
her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches
Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and the New Mexico
Christian Novelists. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New
Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.
Connect with
Norma:
Book Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-my-dreams-norma-gail/1119606864?ean=9781941103173
Thank you Norma for a great devotional to read over my morning coffee.
ReplyDeleteBlessjngs!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
You are so welcome, Connie! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
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