Narrow and Beautiful

Sister Rose was stopped at the gate of heaven, and confusion filled her face. “What is going on here?” she asked. “My name is Sister Rose Agatha, the General Choir Director of the Association of Christian Choristers in my country. What do you mean I’m not qualified to enter?” The angel looked at her calmly. “I’m sorry, ma, but the gate has been shut against you. Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). She felt offended. “Sir, with all due respect, you must be mistaking me for someone else. I served God all the years of my life on earth. Do you know how many choir groups I headed? How many crusades I was invited to? I was very popular.” “The Kingdom of God is not about popularity,” the angel replied. “What quality of service did you render to God? Was it for His glory or to please men? Remember, ‘For we must all stand before Christ to be judged… each of us will receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body’” (2 Corinthians 5:10). “An...

Valentine’s Day just passed and we saw love displayed in different colors. Some people just got proposed to. Some were promised unending love. Some broke up. Some got back together again. Some swore never to love again. And some have even concluded that love is synonymous with money. The world has painted love in many confusing and sometimes misleading ways, but one truth remains steady and unshaken—God’s love is unwavering, constant, and unconditional. It is nothing compared to the love of men. Human love can be beautiful, but it can also change. People disappoint, promises are broken, and feelings fade. But God’s love does not fluctuate with seasons or emotions. “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease” (Lamentations 3:22–23).  His love is not based on how well we perform or how lovable we seem. “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). That means He loved us at our worst, before we ever ...

No matter what situation you are in or how heavy life feels right now, remember that you are not alone in the battle. When challenges rise and the road feels uncertain, God steps in as your defender and your refuge. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Even when everything around you seems to be falling apart, His presence remains steady and sure. Even if it feels like everyone and everything is against you, God’s power is greater than any opposition you face. When voices rise, when doors close, and when circumstances seem overwhelming, trust that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). His strength speaks louder than every obstacle. Even if you have lost hope or feel deeply discouraged, God sees your tears and understands your silent prayers. He draws close to the brokenhearted and lifts those who feel crushed in spirit. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). In y...

  “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”  Psalm 119:160 Every day, we are constantly faced with a choice—what will we believe? Will we hold on to the truth found in God’s Word, or will we accept what we hear around us? The voices are many: social media narratives, negative thoughts, gossip, fear-filled opinions, and assumptions that quietly shape our minds if we are not careful. What we believe eventually defines us. The things we allow into our hearts and minds shape our actions, our confidence, and even our faith. This is why it is important to ask yourself: What am I accepting into my life daily? Is it God’s truth, or voices that contradict what He has already said? Scripture makes it clear that the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). His strategy has always been the same—to twist the truth and plant doubt. Which of his lies are you holding on to? What lie has he told you about your future, your marriage, you...

  “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.”  Proverbs 13:16 A woman once lost a major opportunity at her workplace over an issue that could have been easily avoided. She had a disagreement with a colleague who teased her about something personal. Instead of staying calm, she reacted emotionally. What started as an argument quickly escalated into a physical fight. Unfortunately, her manager walked in at that very moment. The shock was deep because this same woman had been highly recommended for a top leadership position by someone who knew her as a minister in church. As Christians, we must be mindful of how we act—our words, our reactions, our attitudes, and our approach to situations. Our faith is not meant to be displayed only on Sundays. It is not enough to lift holy hands in church and then become a completely different person at work, at home, or in public spaces. Christianity is not a switch we turn on and off. Are you the...

  “For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” Psalm 61:3 There are moments in life when fear grips our hearts—times when situations feel tense and overwhelming, and we are anxious that something bad might happen. In such moments, we long for safety, assurance, and a place where we can truly rest without fear. A fortress is a strong, secure place built for protection. It is designed to shield those inside from danger, attacks, and harm. In biblical times, a fortress was a high, fortified structure where people ran to when enemies approached. It was not easily shaken, broken, or penetrated. When David described God as his fortress, he was declaring that God is his ultimate place of safety—stronger than any physical defense. God is a fortress to all who call on Him for help. Scripture reassures us that “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). When we run to God in prayer and trust, we are not e...

We are grateful for the gift of a new year and for how far God has brought us. It is only by His grace that we are here today. Thank you for being a part of Narrow and Beautiful in 2025. As we step into 2026, we do so beautifully and confidently through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we begin this new year, let us not forget that Jesus must remain the center of our lives. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement, resolutions, and pressures that come with a new year, but our focus should always gravitate toward Him. When God is first, every other thing finds its proper place. You may have many plans and goals for this year, and that is good. However, those plans will truly prosper when they are committed into God’s hands. Scripture reminds us to commit our ways to the Lord and trust Him to act (Psalm 37:5). When God is involved, our efforts are strengthened by His wisdom and direction. The failures, disappointments, or unfinished goals from last year do not define you. T...