The valley is a low place by Tim Taylor, February 7, 2020. The prophet Joel warns that the "day of the Lord" is coming. He says it is a day of darkness and gloominess. He says it is a terrible day. Yet in the midst of this dark time there is a people who come forth like of whom the world has never seen. It is the army of the Lord. These are the ones who heed the voice of the Lord. In Joel 3:12 and 14 the prophet says that God is bringing everyone to a valley. It's a valley of judgment and it is also called the valley of decision.
Situations are occuring every day which brings each one of us to a place where we have to decide what to do. A decision is a judgment. The question is, whose judgment does this scripture refer to; God's judgment or mans? I submit to you, the answer is both. Bear with me and hear me out.
The Culture War Occurs in the Valley of Decision
A valley is a low point between the mountains. Today, we've had issue after issue arise. One one side is the counter culture to God's word and on the other side are those who contend for the truth. They meet together in the valley of decision. Some might even call it the valley of contention where opposing thoughts collide.
The size of the mountain is based upon the number of people as well as their thoughts about an issue. The more elaborate the deception, the more people who buy into a decieved way of thinking the bigger the mountain. On the other hand, the more people that understand and practice the truth the bigger the mountain of truth.
Paul the apostle reveals that a stronghold refers to our way of thinking often revealed through our arguments. He says in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,..."
There are situations today for which each of us must decide where we stand. It's common for most of us to respond as Joshua did in Joshua 5:13 where he says, "Are you for us, or are you for our adversaries?" Are you on my side or their side? The response of the one Joshua asked reveals an essential truth. In verse 14, "So he said, "No, but as the Commander of the army of the Lord I have come." This is revealing.
The issue is not, is God on your side? But rather, no matter what the issue, the real question is, are we on His side. Does our opinion align with His?
The valley is the low point between two conflicting mountains of opinon. It's where the culture war occurs. The question the wise person asks is, "where does the Lord stand on this issue? What does He think? "
Valleys Exist Where Two Conflicting Opinions Meet
Situations are occuring every day which brings each one of us to a place where we have to decide what to do. A decision is a judgment. The question is, whose judgment does this scripture refer to; God's judgment or mans? I submit to you, the answer is both. Bear with me and hear me out.
The Culture War Occurs in the Valley of Decision
A valley is a low point between the mountains. Today, we've had issue after issue arise. One one side is the counter culture to God's word and on the other side are those who contend for the truth. They meet together in the valley of decision. Some might even call it the valley of contention where opposing thoughts collide.
The size of the mountain is based upon the number of people as well as their thoughts about an issue. The more elaborate the deception, the more people who buy into a decieved way of thinking the bigger the mountain. On the other hand, the more people that understand and practice the truth the bigger the mountain of truth.
Paul the apostle reveals that a stronghold refers to our way of thinking often revealed through our arguments. He says in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,..."
There are situations today for which each of us must decide where we stand. It's common for most of us to respond as Joshua did in Joshua 5:13 where he says, "Are you for us, or are you for our adversaries?" Are you on my side or their side? The response of the one Joshua asked reveals an essential truth. In verse 14, "So he said, "No, but as the Commander of the army of the Lord I have come." This is revealing.
The issue is not, is God on your side? But rather, no matter what the issue, the real question is, are we on His side. Does our opinion align with His?
The valley is the low point between two conflicting mountains of opinon. It's where the culture war occurs. The question the wise person asks is, "where does the Lord stand on this issue? What does He think? "
Valleys Exist Where Two Conflicting Opinions Meet
There are issues and situations that arise every single day. It can be a personal issue, a family situation, a business issue, an entertainment issue, or a political situation. The scripture in 2 Corinthians 10 reveals that where stongholds of thinking exist there is a warfare that occurs. It is a contest between two opposing views. The low points manifest where the two ways of thinking clash. Here's a few examples below.
These clash of ideas were orginally introduced through the spiritual war that spilled from heaven to earth in Revelation 12 when the devil and his angels were expelled from heaven. You will find that in John 8:44 Satan, the devil, is introduced as the father of lies and as a deceiver. His name also means slander and false accuser. These characteristics are his modus operandi and 1 Timothy 4 reminds us of the signs of this time. Paul says that some will depart from the faith as they give heed to decieving spirits and doctrines of demons.
Jesus on the other hand will only speak the truth and so should we, His disciples. In John 8:32, John 1:1 and in John 14:6 you will find Jesus introduced as the Word of God and the truth. The truth is absolutely critical. With this in mind lets take a look at a few examples where there are two opposing views.
These clash of ideas were orginally introduced through the spiritual war that spilled from heaven to earth in Revelation 12 when the devil and his angels were expelled from heaven. You will find that in John 8:44 Satan, the devil, is introduced as the father of lies and as a deceiver. His name also means slander and false accuser. These characteristics are his modus operandi and 1 Timothy 4 reminds us of the signs of this time. Paul says that some will depart from the faith as they give heed to decieving spirits and doctrines of demons.
Jesus on the other hand will only speak the truth and so should we, His disciples. In John 8:32, John 1:1 and in John 14:6 you will find Jesus introduced as the Word of God and the truth. The truth is absolutely critical. With this in mind lets take a look at a few examples where there are two opposing views.
Doctrines of DemonsMarriage - Sex & Gender
Life & Abortion
Lawlessness verses Lawful
| The Truth & God's WordMarriage - Sex & Gender
Life & Abortion
Lawlessness verses Lawful
|
Beware of the Blind Leading the Blind
This is confusing to some for "the Church" seems to have people fighting for both sides. There are people who call themselves Christians who vehemently defend the Democrat Party's position on marriage, transgender issues, anarchy, not obeying laws, abortion and impeaching Trump. Then there are those who defend marriage, fight for life, contend for truth and obeying laws and they see Trump's actions very differently.
How is this? I submit to you it is blindness. Jesus warned us about the blind leading the blind and reserved His harshest rebukes for blind religious leaders who were leading people astray.
It's obvious where I stand on these issues. How did I discover where God stands on an issue? First, I know the word. I've read it every year at least once plus I study it regularly. Because I know the word I also know the modus operandi and character of Satan and his minions therefore it makes it easier to identify the real root issues in each situation.
The Problem - Exalting Your Opinion Over God's Decision
Here's the problem with blind deception. When people choose to believe the lie to long this is what happens. They can't see and what they do see is twisted. It's how they end up calling evil good and good evil. The scripture also reveals:
We need to discover what God's word says about each issue. We do this through the written word and through the spoken word. According to the polls, only 11% of those who claim to be Christian have even read the Bible through one time and I'm guessing those who actually pray (talk and listen) regularly is even fewer.
The Bible tells us God's thoughts and His ways. His spoken word revealed during prayer will never contradict His written word. The written word is meant to the studied with Holy Spirit, God Himself speaking to you. 1 John 2:27 says, "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."
There are so many who call themselves Christian who rarely pray except when they are in trouble. They don't listen. They read the word even less and rarely visit Church much less actually engage in serving Christ within His house. These kind of sheeple are easily controlled and manipulated by our adversary. They are ignorant of God's word and are easily deceived.
Are You Led by God's Word or by Your Feelings?
These are the ones in danger of exalting their opinon over God's decision. Many are very sincere but here's the truth. You can be sincerely wrong. Many are led by feelings. That's the same thing as those who've built their house on shifting sand instead of the truth. Feelings can change. The truth, the foundation, the Rock of God's Word, never changes.
While there are many who walk by their feelings today, there is also a holy remenant. They are spoken of in Joel 2. It's a people like whom the world has never seen. It's the Lord's army. This remnant's minds have been transformed by regular encounters with God's word and His presence daily. They are grounded the Word and their hearts are set on His presence. These have their feet upon the rock and they shall never be moved away from the truth.
The question is, when you come to your valley of decision, how will you decide? Will you judge based upon your feelings, a deception, your opinion or will it be based upon God's word?
You see, God's decision is already revealed in His word. The consequences of not aligning with His word is already decided too. The only question is, what will we decide when we enter the valley of decision? 1 Peter 4:5 reveals that everyone will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead and in John 12:48 Jesus says that it is the words that He has spoken that will judge us.
Understanding God's Judgment
Many don't understand God's decisions. You see, when God delivered Israel out of Egypt in Exodus God made one judgment. He decided to deliver Israel. To the Egyptians that decision was perceived as judgment whereas to the Isaraelites it looked like mercy.
One decision but two differnt experiences. Their personal experience depended upon their decision. It depended upon their judgment. Did they choose to stand with the Egyptians who enslaved and persecuted Israel or, did they choose to stand with Israel?
So when an issue arises today, when you come to your valley of decision, what will you do? Will you exalt your opinion over God's decision? Or, will you choose to discover where Christ is on the issue and align with Him?
The Day of the Lord is coming upon all who are high, proud and lofty. It is day of darkness. It is a day of destruction and very terrible. The Day of the Lord is near the valley of decision. But for those who fear the Lord:
Malachi 4:1-3
“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“That will leave them neither root nor branch.
But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
You shall trample the wicked,
For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet
On the day that I do this,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
Personally, I'd rather discover where God stands on an issue and stand with Him, alone if necessary. This time is temporary. Eternity is forever. I choose to make my decisions with eternity in mind.
How about you?
How is this? I submit to you it is blindness. Jesus warned us about the blind leading the blind and reserved His harshest rebukes for blind religious leaders who were leading people astray.
- Luke 6:39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?
- Matthew 23:15-16
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it."
It's obvious where I stand on these issues. How did I discover where God stands on an issue? First, I know the word. I've read it every year at least once plus I study it regularly. Because I know the word I also know the modus operandi and character of Satan and his minions therefore it makes it easier to identify the real root issues in each situation.
The Problem - Exalting Your Opinion Over God's Decision
Here's the problem with blind deception. When people choose to believe the lie to long this is what happens. They can't see and what they do see is twisted. It's how they end up calling evil good and good evil. The scripture also reveals:
- Romans 1:21-29 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,... who exchanged the truth of God for the lie... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers...
- 2 Corinthians 4:2-4 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
- Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
We need to discover what God's word says about each issue. We do this through the written word and through the spoken word. According to the polls, only 11% of those who claim to be Christian have even read the Bible through one time and I'm guessing those who actually pray (talk and listen) regularly is even fewer.
The Bible tells us God's thoughts and His ways. His spoken word revealed during prayer will never contradict His written word. The written word is meant to the studied with Holy Spirit, God Himself speaking to you. 1 John 2:27 says, "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."
There are so many who call themselves Christian who rarely pray except when they are in trouble. They don't listen. They read the word even less and rarely visit Church much less actually engage in serving Christ within His house. These kind of sheeple are easily controlled and manipulated by our adversary. They are ignorant of God's word and are easily deceived.
Are You Led by God's Word or by Your Feelings?
These are the ones in danger of exalting their opinon over God's decision. Many are very sincere but here's the truth. You can be sincerely wrong. Many are led by feelings. That's the same thing as those who've built their house on shifting sand instead of the truth. Feelings can change. The truth, the foundation, the Rock of God's Word, never changes.
While there are many who walk by their feelings today, there is also a holy remenant. They are spoken of in Joel 2. It's a people like whom the world has never seen. It's the Lord's army. This remnant's minds have been transformed by regular encounters with God's word and His presence daily. They are grounded the Word and their hearts are set on His presence. These have their feet upon the rock and they shall never be moved away from the truth.
The question is, when you come to your valley of decision, how will you decide? Will you judge based upon your feelings, a deception, your opinion or will it be based upon God's word?
You see, God's decision is already revealed in His word. The consequences of not aligning with His word is already decided too. The only question is, what will we decide when we enter the valley of decision? 1 Peter 4:5 reveals that everyone will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead and in John 12:48 Jesus says that it is the words that He has spoken that will judge us.
Understanding God's Judgment
Many don't understand God's decisions. You see, when God delivered Israel out of Egypt in Exodus God made one judgment. He decided to deliver Israel. To the Egyptians that decision was perceived as judgment whereas to the Isaraelites it looked like mercy.
One decision but two differnt experiences. Their personal experience depended upon their decision. It depended upon their judgment. Did they choose to stand with the Egyptians who enslaved and persecuted Israel or, did they choose to stand with Israel?
So when an issue arises today, when you come to your valley of decision, what will you do? Will you exalt your opinion over God's decision? Or, will you choose to discover where Christ is on the issue and align with Him?
The Day of the Lord is coming upon all who are high, proud and lofty. It is day of darkness. It is a day of destruction and very terrible. The Day of the Lord is near the valley of decision. But for those who fear the Lord:
Malachi 4:1-3
“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“That will leave them neither root nor branch.
But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
You shall trample the wicked,
For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet
On the day that I do this,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
Personally, I'd rather discover where God stands on an issue and stand with Him, alone if necessary. This time is temporary. Eternity is forever. I choose to make my decisions with eternity in mind.
How about you?
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