Daily PresenceSample

We have some quirky rules in my house. For example, my husband is no longer allowed to use “funny” accents before 7 am. You may think, “what on earth?” But trust me, it’s a necessary rule.

You’ve probably heard it said, “rules exist for a reason.” They exist because it’s all been done before! Yes, my husband is a morning person and thinks speaking in an Australian Bushman accent is a great way to say “good morning”! Let me tell you, I need a cup of coffee before I go on a trip to the Outback. :)

As I read through the long list of regulations in Deuteronomy, I can hardly believe these things wereactuallyhappening to these people! The specificity of circumstance is almost laughable. It’s obvious that many of these stories were closely related to situations the Israelites had already faced.

God didn’t just come up with a bunch of crazy ideas and begin instructing His people to do random things. These wild events were already happening as a result of the “evils” of mankind creeping into Israel and festering in the hearts of its people. These rules were set into placeafterthey were needed. This shows me that even now, God isn’t just concerned with keeping His childrenfromsin but also purging any destructive thing already existing among them.

I am so thankful that even after I mess up, God is there to help me clean up the mess! I am broken, but even in the aftermath of wrongdoing, His Spirit guides me to set new boundaries and grow into a stronger Christian. As I face new challenges He meets me with new guidance and mercy. I am reminded of this verse:

Micah 6:8

8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.