I've been studying the book of Matthew for quite a while now. At the moment I'm on Chapter 7, verses 13-14.
Matthew 7:13-14 (AMPC) "Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. [Deut. 30:19; Jer. 21:8.]"
When you read scriptures like this one, there is a tendency to gloss over it and assure ourselves that we are entering the narrow gate and all is well with us. But that my sisters is deception! I'm not saying you aren't "entering through the narrow gate and on the straitened path", I'm saying don't rush through this scripture!
Why? Because there is a warning at the end of verse 14 – "few are those who find it." Jesus does not strike me as a man who was careless with His words. So if He is saying "few find it", then we should heed what He is saying. And that begins with asking the Holy Spirit how does this relate to me?
If you have made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life, then you have nothing to fear, but that doesn't let us off the hook (so to speak). Jesus said, "few are those who find it." I don't know about you, but that implies someone needs to help them find it!! AND, that is where you and I step in. My sisters, who has God placed in your circle that you should be leading towards the narrow gate? There should always be someone!! Maybe it's a family member, a friend, or a colleague? Whoever it is, they need you to NOT be silent, but to show them the way to the "narrow gate!" No excuses, even if you are an "introvert or shy", we all need to ask the Lord to give us the boldness, the words, and timing!!
I love you!
Pastor Cathy
- Friday, August 30th is the meeting for Life In The Middle! This group is specifically for women ages 30-49 and meets every 1st Friday at 7pm at various locations. NOTE: This month, they’re planning to attend the 2024 Icing Women’s Conference together as a group! They’ll meet on Friday at EMIC at 5 pm to carpool to Dallas.
- Sunday, September 1st is when Bridge Moms meet to cook the meal for our Bridge Young Adults group. We cook every 1st & 3rd Sunday. 2:30pm-6:30pm / Prep to clean up. This group requires a food handlers license (license fee reimbursed upon completion). If you are interested in joining, please reach out directly to Pastor Cathy: cgrigg@emic.org
- Wednesday, September 4th is our Radiant Bible Study. Enjoy the Word of God and good teaching with other women of EMIC. We meet every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Hospitality Room at 10:30 am.
- Thursday, September 5th is our monthly Radiant Book Club meeting. We meet every 1st Thursday at 12:15 pm in the WordWorks Bookstore. The book selected for our September discussion is Angels by Charles and Annette Capps. Register today and discover hidden written treasures you may have never chosen on your own, as well as special perks for being a member – did I mention it’s free to register! Registration has its perks! You must be registered in the Radiant Book Club to get the discounted price of 15% off the books we will be reading! We have other surprises that come with membership! YOU DO NEED TO ATTEND to get the most out of your membership!
You can register here: Radiant Book Club
For information on any of our groups, email women@emic.org. Also, if you are ever in need of prayer, please call our prayer line at 877-281-6297. Or, if you need pastoral counseling, call the church office at 817-252-2900 to schedule a time to meet with me.
You are LOVED!
Pastor Cathy
