180/365: The Narrow Path to Winning

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

When you put in the work, develop the good habits and kill the old habits - you will find unbelievable satisfaction in your life of faith and walk with God.

God deserves your best and requires your best everyday, every hour. You can do it - stay focused.

Get to that narrow gate! Talk to God about the old habits.

GO DEEPER: Judges 2: 16-19

Next Step: Is there an old habit you find difficult to lrave behind?

Ari

on 07/02/2023 at 06:00 PM

Thank you all. Praise God.

Omar A.

on 06/29/2023 at 05:53 PM

Praying for you Robert, Mark, and every other brother reading this. That we continue to follow our Lord and His ways through the narrow path. That when we fall we get back up and continue to seek Him. Your ways not ours, Your will not ours, for Your glory, not ours. In Jesus name!! Amen!!

Paul

on 06/29/2023 at 05:51 PM

This is a great reading and makes me think about delayed gratification. The things we want are not visible and ultimately mean nothing if I keep placing “easier things “ in front of the goal. I look back on my entire life and try to do the things that others aren’t willing to do. I’m going to mess up but that’s really apart of the process.

Old Dude

on 06/29/2023 at 05:15 PM

What if that "gate" is more narrow than we think? LIVE BOLD.

Robert McFaddin

on 06/29/2023 at 03:21 PM

Working on changing several habits. The hardest right now seems to be overeating. I also know that I developed a habit over the years of checking out women’s bodies. I know I’m better at not doing it, but I want and need to be even better. It’s been such a habit that at times I don’t even know I’m doing it. Prayers please.

Tim Debronsky

on 06/29/2023 at 03:06 PM

Wow Mark that’s amazing! Amen. Great job! Keep the streak going.

Ashley Jarvis

on 06/29/2023 at 02:48 PM

This reading brought to mind the scripture Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man (who places his faith in wealth or status) to enter the kingdom of God.” I’ve learned the eye of a needle is a term they used when referring to a very small and short gate to Jerusalem. In order for camels to pass through, they would have to have all equipment and bags removed, then get on their knees to crawl through… Picture that, and how humble a camel would appear entering the city. In my own journey, I have experienced just how freeing and rewarding it has been to let go physically, and especially emotionally, to worldly riches. True freedom is getting to a place in our journey where our reliance no longer lies in relationships or wealth. Once this place of freedom is reached, once we’re walking that narrow path, careful not to reach out and cling to things or people for our true comfort, we experience perfect peace. Only reliance (faith) in God for our comfort and security brings this peace, because He is the only worthy and perfect and never faltering source of comfort. And only then, can our relationships with other people be truly selfless, loving others on the way God lives us, with no expectations in return because we don’t “need” the love returned. Ironically, this is also the only place I’ve ever been able to truly receive the love others have tried to show me 🙏🏻

Mark

on 06/29/2023 at 02:38 PM

I am 38 years old. My first experience with drinking alcohol was at 13. In my high school years, I binge drank nearly every weekend. In my late teens and 20s, that turned into practically daily. For the past 10 years, I was consuming a case or more of beer each night. I’ve tried to quit multiple times my own way—each time resulting in crawling back. I rededicated my life to God in February of this year and as I type this message, I am 135 days sober. You can be healed of your addictions and bad habits brothers. Seek Him first. God is good!

Brandon Pembleton

on 06/29/2023 at 02:08 PM

That wide path is full of tempting short term things. There’s even a psychological term for it called the hedonic treadmill. Which is simply the pursuit of things that bring pleasure but pleasure is fleeting so living a lifestyle that’s all about pleasurable things turns into a treadmill of constantly needing new things to spark that brain circuitry up. From the drug addict that must get there fix day in day out to the executive who feels the need to constantly purchase new expensive luxury items it’s the same things firing up. I’ve been there and it was exhausting. Never quite feeling any real satisfaction in anything. It was hell and the road to it was indeed very wide. This new road is narrow. It requires constant discipline of mind body and spirit to stay focused. It is absolutely worth it though and that discipline and dedication has brought more satisfaction than anything ever has in my life. If I pursue anything today may it be Gods guidance in a world filled with fake instant promises. Thank you for always guiding me God. May I be dedicated to You and Your word today. I love you God amen 🙏

Boyce Moses

on 06/29/2023 at 01:54 PM

The wide path has such appeal and lures many in, but in the end is destruction. Stay focused on the Cross and Jesus and stay on the narrow path. The reward at the end is unimaginable. Love you Jesus! 💛🤎💚💙

michael f vinning

on 06/29/2023 at 01:37 PM

Sure when you reach my age, u can bet there are some things that have been solidified into the system that aren’t so great-like my tendency to get angry and stress first when things go sideways: I always manage to get to the place of peace where I should’ve started but it takes a bit. Like yesterday it took nearly 3 hrs to cut the grass (a 1 hr job) bc had to stop 3 times and repair the mower…it’s so frustrating but we can’t afford a new mower, BARELY making ends meet-but the fact is our ends do meet and so many have it worse so I should be thankful from the start rather than huff n puff and curse about how hard life is for 30 minutes before inviting Jesus in to calm me and then thanking Him for my hard life and busted mower bc it could always be worse!!! I love you Jesus, forgive me, change me!

Christopher Preece

on 06/29/2023 at 12:26 PM

There are a couple of old habits I battle with but one more than anything else. I’m praying for God to take them all away.

Jim

on 06/29/2023 at 11:50 AM

thank you

Eric Winkey

on 06/29/2023 at 10:33 AM

Thank you!! I’ll be praying also.

@ Mr. Arnold

on 06/29/2023 at 10:01 AM

Thanks for keeping this app going. May God bless and keep you. Praying for you also.

180/365: The Narrow Path to Winning

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