The Valley Of Decision
1. Multitudes In The Valley Of Decision
2. What Will I Put On Today?
3. Put On The Armor Of Light
4. Put On The Whole Armor Of God
5. Put On The New Man
6. The Shepherd’s Decision
7. Moses Made The Right Choice And Changed Lives
8. The Prodigal Son Chose To Go Back Home
9. Rehoboam’s Consultants
10. “What Shall I Do Then With Jesus?”
11. Almost…
12. Some Decide To Follow Jesus
13. “Come And See”
14. What Looks Good Is Not Always The Best Choice
15. “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”
1. Multitudes In The Valley Of Decision
Michael has been teaching Sunday School from the Old Testament books of prophecy. When he came to the book of Joel, I told him that the verse I like in that book is Joel 3:14. “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” I want to look at some decisions we have to make, and also some of the men and women in the Bible that had to make important decisions.
2. What Will I Put On Today?
One of our first decisions of the day is what we will put on. It is determined in part by what we are planning for the day. We have clothes that we wear to work, clothes for church, clothes for vacation, and clothes for different seasons. So, sometimes this might be a long, drawn-out decision. When I used to go help my Dad work in the fields, or around the barn, I didn’t wear the same clothes I would wear if Mom and I went shopping. I want to begin these devotions on “The Valley Of Decision”, with some verses in the Bible that tell us some things we should put on. Just as we choose what we will put on to wear in the morning, we can choose to put on these things from God’s Word. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27) The clothes we wear, the words we say, the things we do, the places we go, should all reflect Christ! “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Corinthians 10:31)
3. Put On The Armor Of Light
Paul told the church in Rome that it was “high time to awake out of sleep.” We could say that same thing emphatically today, “It’s time for us to wake up!” The world is in darkness, and we are to put on the armor of light. We can see the Apostle’s urgency in these words. If it was important for them, “knowing the time,” back then, just think how much nearer we are to the Lord’s return. The world is dark, but we have the Light of the Lord. Just as we choose to put on the right clothes in the morning, let’s also choose to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and walk in His Light.
“11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” (Romans 13:11-14)
4. Put On The Whole Armor Of God
Many are familiar with the armor of God in Ephesians 6. I just want to share a few thoughts. In verse 10, notice that our strength and power is in the Lord and His might. We have no power in ourselves against the evil in this world. The next verses remind us that we are not enemies against one another. We need to keep our focus on the real enemies of Christ. In verse 13 we see that we need the whole armor of God, and sometimes it takes all we have, just to stand. What do we do then? “Stand therefore…” Paul continues with the armor, wrapped around us in truth, with a breastplate of righteousness. Our feet prepared to take us to spread the gospel of peace and a shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Let’s not forget our helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Just as a soldier would not go into battle without his armor, let’s not go through our day without the armor of God, always praying and watching.
“10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
5. Put On The New Man
When I reach into the closet to find what I want to put on, I usually pull out the same skirts and tops. I have had them for years and years and although they may look a little worn, they are so comfortable I wear them over and over. Eventually, they get so worn or torn or stained that I can’t wear them anymore. When I finally buy something new to wear it feels good to wear a new outfit. When we get saved we have to “put off the old man with his deeds”, and “put on the new man”. Paul has some really great examples of what we are to put off, and what we are to put on. Then he says, “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” I hope you will take time to read the verses below and strive to put off the old man and put on the new.
“8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:8-17)
6. The Shepherds’ Decision
Do you realize that Christmas is only three months away? I want to look at the Christmas story found in Luke 2. We see that the shepherds were not hesitant in their decision. They were in the field keeping their sheep at night when the angels came unto them suddenly. The angels proclaimed that a Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. The shepherds were not hesitant to go to the Savior. They said, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” They were ready to go “now”, “even unto Bethlehem”. It didn’t matter the hour or the distance. Next, we read, “And they came with haste…” They were quick to make the decision and quick to go to the Savior. And after they saw Him, they told others and all “wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” If you have never met Jesus, the Savior, I pray that you will call on Him now. Don’t wait until it is too late. Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, came from heaven to be born and live and give His life to pay for our sin. Don’t let anything keep you from coming to the Savior now. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sin and believe on Him. That decision would make this your best Christmas ever.
“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” (uke 2:8-18)
7. Moses Made The Right Choice And Changed Lives
Today we see a man of vital importance that God used to make a difference in the lives of the Israelites. They were in bondage, working as slaves in Egypt to build cities for Pharaoh. The Old Testament, from Exodus to Deuteronomy, is filled with scriptures following the life of Moses. Jochebed, Moses' mother, hid him in a little ark in the river and placed his sister, Miriam, there to watch over him. The princess found him, and Miriam said she would get someone to take care of him for her, and went to get her mother. When he was old enough the princess took him to live and study in the palace. Because his mother had taught him of God, Moses knew to make the right choice. Look at these verses in Hebrews 11:23-27.
"23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible."
Moses fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian and God called to him from the burning bush, while he watched the sheep on the backside of the desert. With the rod of a shepherd, God used Moses and Aaron his brother, to bring the great plagues on Egypt and convince Pharaoh to let His people go. And as a shepherd leads the sheep, Moses led the Children of Israel through the wilderness. Moses chose to follow God, "as seeing him who is invisible" and came to know Him "face to face". "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel." (Deuteronomy 34:10-12) When we make the choice to follow God, "than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" then it will make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.
8. The Prodigal Son Chose To Go Back Home
We have a great example of a son who made the wrong decision and left home with his inheritance, and wasted it all. “When he came to himself”, he made the decision to go back home. His father was waiting for him and rejoiced to see him and celebrated his return. This is a great lesson for us today. If you have strayed away from your heavenly Father, please know that He is waiting for you to come back home. You may have made some wrong decisions and gone away from the Lord, or you may have just neglected the things that matter and now find that you aren’t as close to the Lord as you used to be. He is waiting for you. We can’t undo decisions we made in the past, but we can make the right decision today.
“11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:11-24)
9. Rehoboam’s Consultants
David was a “man after God’s own heart” and he was king over Israel after the death of King Saul. His son, Solomon, began to reign after King David. God asked King Solomon what he desired, and he told the Lord he wanted wisdom. Not only did God give him great wisdom, but also riches and honor. King Solomon had many wives and I don’t know how his son Rehoboam was chosen to be the next king, but he did not have the wisdom of his father. Jereboam and the people went to King Rehoboam and asked that he make their burdens lighter and they would serve him. The king consulted with the old men that stood with his father and they said that if he would speak good words to them they would be his servants forever. He also took counsel of the young men that had grown up with him.
“10 And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.
11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.” (I Kings 12:10-12)
Do you know which advice the king followed? He decided to do as the young men said. Israel was split into Judah and Israel. When we have big decisions to make it is important to ask the Lord to show us His will. It may help to ask advice and consult with others, but choose those who follow the Lord in wisdom and knowledge.
“16 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
17 But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.
18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.” (I Kings 12:16-18)
10. “What Shall I Do Then With Jesus?”
Recently I wrote on Pilate with his question, “What is truth?” Today I want to write on another question Pilate asked. “Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.” (Matthew 27:22) “What shall I do then with Jesus?” If we look again at John 18:38 we see that Pilate found no fault in Jesus. “Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.” If we move on to the next chapter we see that Pilate repeated twice more, “I find not fault in him.”
“4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.” (John 19:4-6)
What do you do with Jesus? It’s not enough to believe that He was a good man. Pilate believed that, and he sent Jesus on to be crucified. We must believe that Jesus is God’s only begotten Son and that He died to pay for our sin. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sin, and turned away from sin, to live for Christ? Pilate made the wrong decision. I hope that you will make the right decision today.
11. Almost…
I have often talked about Felix and Agrippa in these devotionals. The Apostle Paul was in bonds but that didn’t stop him from telling the gospel message. Listen to what decision Felix made in Acts 24.
“24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:24-25)
How many people today hear a good sermon where the gospel is preached and they stand at the pew trembling, but they say within their heart… not today. Maybe they want to live the way they want to live a little longer and they think they will ask Jesus to save them when they are old. It is sad because the convenient time may never come. When they harden their hearts to the Holy Spirit, they may not ever feel the power of the Spirit calling to them that way again.
When Paul spoke with King Agrippa, he also tried not to make the decision. His answer was, “Almost…”
“27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:27-28)
And again there are probably many people today who think they might want to become a Christian. Their hearts are almost ready, but not today. Please don’t wait for a convenient time, or be almost persuaded. Now is the time. If you don’t make the decision to ask Jesus to save you, then you are making the decision not to. We are not promised tomorrow. The Lord could come today and it will be too late.
12. Some Decide To Follow Jesus
I was around 8 years old my Grandfather Moyer P. Beasley was preaching about the rich man and Lazarus. “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” (Luke 16:24-25) The Holy Spirit showed me that I was lost and I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and save me, and He did. The Lord has been with me all these years and I am thankful that He saved me and that He lovingly guides me and leads me through His Word and Holy Spirit. As I begin reading through the New Testament I notice many who decided to follow Jesus. We have seen how some say, “almost”, or wait for “a convenient season”, as many still do today. It is great to see some who immediately decided to follow Jesus!
“8 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” (Matthew 4:8-22)
“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9)
13. “Come And See”
It is interesting to read how Jesus chose His twelve disciples to follow Him. When Philip found Nathanael and told him of Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael seemed skeptical. He asked, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.” Nathanael made the right decision and became one of the twelve who followed Jesus. Maybe someone told you about Jesus and you are also skeptical. You may ask, “Can any good come from following Jesus?” Jesus can save you and give you peace and joy. He comforts us when we are sad, and gives us strength when we are weak. I could go on and on about all that Jesus does for me. Here is the invitation, pure and simple, “Come and see.” If you live in the High Point area of North Carolina, come and visit Pine Grove Baptist Church, 6308 Modlin Grove Road. If you want to know why I enjoy church so much, “Come and see.”
43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:43-51)
14. What Looks Good Is Not Always The Best Choice
God blessed Abram with great riches in silver and gold and cattle. When Abram went to Bethel, the place of the altar he had made at the first, Lot went with him also. They had such an abundance of flocks and herds that the land was not able to bear them, and their herdman argued and fought for the land. Abram told Lot to choose the land he wanted and they would separate themselves from each other. Lot looked out over the well watered land and chose the plains of Jordan. He chose what looked like the best place to live. We can’t always make our choices on how things look. Sodom was a wicked city, but we read that Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” Abram went to Hebron and built an altar to the Lord. Lot made a poor choice on what looked like the best choice. Maybe he never really planned to enter into Sodom. But he saw that it looked good, and chose to go in that direction. In Genesis 19:1 we read that “Lot sat in the gate of Sodom”. This was a great position in a city. We know the rest of the story. God sent His angels to tell Abram of His plans to destroy the city and Abram asked if He would destroy it for 50 righteous people in the city, then 45 righteous, all the way down to 10 righteous people in the city. And the Lord could not find even 10 righteous people. Lot finally escaped from the city with only two of his daughters. His wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Lot paid dearly for his wrong choice. When we are at a crossroads in life, we shouldn’t just go down the road that looks the best. It is best to start at an altar, and ask God to show us the right direction, and He will guide us.
10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” (Genesis 13:10-13)
15. “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”
God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. Joshua followed the Lord and just before he died he charged the people to serve the Lord. “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15) He started out serving the Lord and he finished his life serving the Lord, at 110 years old. Notice how the people answered Joshua. “And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” (Joshua 24:24) At this point in time, the Children of Israel made the right choice to serve the Lord. Now, look later in the book of Kings. “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (I Kings 18:21) Many times in the Bible it is clear that if we don’t choose to follow God, then we are choosing not to follow God. Who are you choosing to follow today?
