Walking along the Narrow Way

This is today's message from a daily devotional I subscribe to called Grace Gems. It really spoke to me so I wanted to share.

Walking along the Narrow Way

(Arthur Pink, "The Narrow Way")

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction--and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life--and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Walking along the Narrow Way, means for the heart and life to be constantly regulated by Christ's holy teaching. It denotes a steady perseverance in faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus; overcoming all opposition, rejecting every temptation to forsake the path of fidelity to Him. It is called the "Narrow Way" because all self-pleasing and self-seeking is shut out. It is right here that the testing point is reached. Unto the natural man, it is much easier and far more pleasant--to indulge the flesh and follow our worldly propensities. The Broad Road, where the flesh is indulged--is easy, smooth, and attractive! But it ends in "destruction!" Though the "Narrow Way" leads to eternal life--but only FEW tread it.Multitudes make a profession and claim to be saved--but their lives give no evidence that they are "strangers and pilgrims" here on earth, and that their "treasure" is in heaven. They are afraid of being thought narrow and strict. Satan has deceived them--they imagine that they can get to heaven by an easier route, than by . . . denying self, taking up their cross daily, and following Christ! There are multitudes of 'religionists' who are attempting to combine the two "ways," making the best of both worlds and serving two masters. They wish to gratify self in time--and enjoy the happiness of Heaven in eternity. Crowds of nominal Christians are deluding themselves into believing that they can do so--but they are terribly deceived! The reason why so few will enter Eternal Life--is because the multitudes are not seeking it in the way of God's appointing! None seek it aright--but those who pass through the Narrow Gate--and who, despite many discouragements and falls, continue to press forward along the Narrow Way.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction--and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life--and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Check This Out

Please follow this link and read the post my friend Kristian wrote on a blog I follow. I highly recommend adding this blog to your blogroll if you have not done so already.

http://tinyurl.com/lgmdhz

75 Days

I know, it has been a while since I've posted, but I have had so much going on lately. As you know I just recently flew across the world to teach English in Asia. It was such a wonderful and life changing experience that it is hard to put it into words. I will try to have some pictures and more details up ASAP. Thank you again for all your prayers and support!

So I was looking at my wedding account on theknot.com and it tells me that Brandon and I will be married in exactly 75 days! Wow! The reality that I will FINALLY be a Mrs. in less then 3 months is slowly starting to sink in. As you can imagine, wedding planning has been fun, yet extremely stressful at times. But this experience has made me realize just how blessed I am to get to spend the rest of my life with such an amazing person.

My first Shower was this past Saturday and it was absolutely lovely. My mom drove all the way from NC to be here with me and I was pleasantly surprised by the great turn-out. I can not thank the ladies who hosted the Shower enough for their hospitatlity in doing this for us. It is times like these that make you realize just how important good friends and family really are.

I love you all so much and I thank God for each new friend, old friend, family member and family member-to-be. You are a huge blessing and I am so thankful to have you in my life!