Distinct and Separate Ways
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13, 14.
These roads are distinct, separate, extending in opposite directions. One leads to eternal death, the other to eternal life. One is broad and smooth, the other narrow and rugged. So the parties that travel them are opposite in character, in life, in dress, and in conversation. Those who travel in the narrow way are talking of the happiness they will have at the end of the journey. . . . They do not dress like the company in the broad road, nor talk like them, nor act like them. A pattern has been given them. A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief opened that road for them and traveled it Himself. His followers see His footprints and are comforted and cheered. He went through safely; so can they, if they follow in His steps.
In the broad road all are occupied with their persons, their dress, and the pleasures in the way. They indulge freely in mirth and revelry, and think not of their journey’s end, of the certain ruin at the termination of the path. Every day they approach nearer their destruction, yet they madly rush on faster and faster. . . . When it is too late they see that they have gained nothing substantial. They have grasped at shadows and lost eternal life. . . .
A form of godliness will not save any. All must have a deep and living experience. This alone will save them in the time of trouble before us. Then their work will be tried, of what sort it is. If it is gold, silver, and precious stones, they will be hid as in the secret of the Lord’s pavilion. But if their work is wood, hay, stubble, nothing can shield them from the fierceness of Jehovah’s wrath. . . .
Those who are willing to make any and every sacrifice for eternal life will have it, and it will be worth suffering for, worth crucifying self for, and sacrificing every idol for. The far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory outweighs every earthly treasure and eclipses every earthly attraction.
That I May Know Him p. 303
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Prayer Requests
—– Please pray for Jan who has a brain tumor. She had a second seizure yesterday.
—– I ask for prayer for my Daddy, Art. He has been diagnosed with cancer and is looking into what kind of treatment he wants to have done. His courage is good and I know he has been such a blessing to my Mother since she is still in bed and needs your prayers too. It seems like she keeps having some sort of accident….falling etc to set her back. I love them both and it makes me sad to see them having problems with their health. I have faith that God will help and be with them. They are such a blessing to me. Rhonda
—– I need to ask all of you to keep Ewelina in your prayers. Last week we found out that she has a 4cm lump on her thyroid, a nodule; about the size of a walnut. This week she will be getting blood work and a biopsy done. Please pray for Ewelina to be strong, courageous, and most importantly, for her to have positive results with the testing. Jonathan
—– Prayer request: ACLU has filed a suit to end prayer from the military completely. They’re making great progress.. The Navy Chaplains can no longer mention Jesus’ name in prayer thanks to the ACLU and others. Doug
——sad update—Eli, age 19, has lost his battle with leukemia. Please pray for the family and friends as they mourn his passing. Rose
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Dear Friends,
Recently, we received a wedding invitation from a young lady whom we have known since she was five or six. Since it is taking place on the west coast, we will be unable to attend, but next month they will be in town for a wedding reception, so we will be able to wish them well at that time.
I’m sure the wedding will be perfect and many friends and family will be attending as well as helping make the day special. Just as friends and family will be sacrificing time and money to make their wedding something special, so our Heavenly Father has sacrificed everything for us and is planning a celebration for the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Rev 19:9) Think of it! The Great Creator of the Universe “gave His only begotten Son,” the Lamb Who takes away our sins. (John 3:16; 1:29), for us that we may join in that Heavenly wedding celebration. What a sacrifice! What great love He has for us! Yet how seldom we think of all He has done for us and thank Him for it. How He longs for a thankyou gift from us—the gift of our whole heart. He pleads, “give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Prov 23:26
Our Dear Saviour’s first miracle was at the wedding in Cana. (John 2:1-11) Moreover, He used a wedding to illustrate great principles of His kingdom. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matt 25:1-13
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:2-14
May we be ready when the Bridegroom comes. May we be clothed with the spotless wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness. May we all partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb is my prayer. (Rev 19:9)
Rose