"Bound to the Word"

"I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end." (Psalms 119:112)

  If it is not this way, then it is no way at all! John speaks very strongly to this fact in 1 John 2:19, saying, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." In other words, it was not only their choice, but it was God's doing also, to prompt them out of the congregation or church body, as to filter out those that did not belong. Quite simply, some people attach themselves to Christ for selfish reasons and reasons that do not stand the test of fire. You know that old saying, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Well that is pretty much how it works; those that cannot take the pressure from the trials and testing, will depart. The unfortunate thing, is that they sometimes will take some with them that do not know any better. That is the most important part of this law; if we are going to consider this to be a law or instruction in the way to obey God's precepts, statutes, and ordinances. God's Word must always be the lamp for our feet and the light to our path; if that is not how we view His Word for our lives, then it is extremely easy to be taken off the path and miss the trouble we are walking into. The most important witness to the power behind living in obedience to this law, is the fact that every situation or circumstance that we might find ourselves in, if we ended up there by following God's statutes, then we are 111% covered under His protection! No matter what! Paul was not blowing smoke when he said that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God, if we truly love Him...

"Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shinning like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy." (Philippians 2:12-18) NLT