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John 15:19 'I have chosen you out of the world'
Fellow pilgrims, the heavenly way we travel is more or less a lonely way. We have, at most, but few companions. It is a "little flock," and only here and there we meet a traveler, who, like ourselves, is journeying towards heaven. Because the way is narrow, entered by the strait gate only, and humiliating to the flesh, there are only a few (Matt. 7:14), under the drawings of the Spirit, who find it.
If true religion consisted in a 'mere profession' then there are many on the way to heaven. If the marks of true conversion were merely an orthodox creed, excited feelings, or denominational zeal, then there are many who 'find the way.' But true pilgrims are those with broken hearts; those who are poor in spirit; those who mourn for sin; those who know the music of the Shepherd's voice; those who follow the Lamb; those who delight in the throne of grace; and those who love the place of the cross (Gal. 2:20). [from "Solitude Sweetened" by Octavius Winslow; 1808-1878]
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Pop quiz: Are you chosen? You think (Rom. 8:16)? Are you "out of the world"? Really (Gal. 6:14)? Are you traveling the 'narrow' way? Are you sure (Luke 13:24)? Do you know the drawing of the Spirit of God? You do (John 6:44)? Have you come by the way of the cross? You did (Rom. 6:6-7)? Then...are you dead and is your life hid with Christ in God, as in Col. 3:3?
Only a true pilgrim can answer all those questions in the affirmative - how about you?
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Hebrews 11:13-16 'These...confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth...For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country... a better country, that is, an heavenly'









