Day of Transaction
Jerry begins by emphasizing the importance of the present moment as a "day of transaction" and an "hour of decision" where God calls us to make important choices. He highlights that God orchestrates these decision points in our lives, providing grace to guide us. Using the metaphor of a "straight path," Jerry encourages us to seek the narrow path that leads to life, emphasizing the importance of a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. He reminds us that the Christian journey is not meant to be easy, but rather a process of training and discipline that prepares us for the Kingdom of God. Just as a soldier endures rigorous boot camp to become prepared for warfare, Christians must embrace the challenging path of discipleship, trusting in God's guidance and surrendering their self-will to His. Jerry stresses the need to recognize and learn from God's discipline, even when it comes in the form of difficult people or situations. He illustrates this point with a personal anecdote of navigating a challenging trail in Arizona, where he was initially so focused on the difficulty of the path that he missed the breathtaking views. Similarly, we can become so caught up in our struggles that we fail to see God's hand at work and the beauty He is cultivating in our lives. Jerry concludes by encouraging us to "fight the good fight" of faith, relying on prayer and God's power to overcome obstacles and finish the race strong, keeping our eyes fixed on the ultimate reward of reigning with Christ in His Kingdom.
- The present time is a time for decision making. We must decide to follow God.
- God orchestrates the difficult times in our lives.
- The Christian life is a difficult, narrow path.
- We must die to self and allow God to have his way in our lives.
- We must stay the course, endure to the end and finish the race.
13 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
