OUT OF BOUNDS | Haven Today

By Sodwana Bay

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” ISAIAH 30:21 Within a few days of my incarceration, I was re-introduced to the phrase “out of bounds.” I had previously heard this term in golf where it means “a limit one must stay within or else pay a penalty.” But here, “out of bounds” means an inmate is somewhere he is normally allowed to be but not at a time when he is allowed to be there. It may be at the health clinic without an appointment, at the dorm when he is supposed to be at work, or at the library without a pass. Any time we inmates are somewhere that we are not supposed to be, we are “out of bounds.” God gives us as believers many clear out-of-bounds markers in His Word-things like sexual immorality, greed, and filthy language are never okay for His followers. But even within those boundaries, we have a responsibility to use our freedom wisely, and to be where we’re supposed to be when we’re supposed to be. The hedge of protection He places around us distinguishes us as His children. The Lord lovingly guides us, never letting us slip from out of His bounds. Source: OUT OF BOUNDS | Haven Today Originally posted 2016-02-17 17:23:31.


I’m glad in God…

By Sodwana Bay

I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles. Philippians 4:13 MSG Originally posted 2016-02-16 17:58:49.


We’re a free people…?

By Sodwana Bay

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. Ephesians 1:9-10 MSG Originally posted 2016-02-12 19:42:38.


I’ll never let you down…

By Sodwana Bay

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? Hebrews 13:5-6 MSG Originally posted 2016-02-09 17:32:36.


2 Timothy 1:7

By Sodwana Bay

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,but gives us power,love and self-discipline. Originally posted 2016-02-05 10:44:52.


John 14:27

By Sodwana Bay

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Originally posted 2016-02-05 10:39:15.