June 25, 2015 (Joel 1-3; 2 Timothy 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. There the day of the Lord will soon arrive.” (Joel 3:14 NLT)
Observation: The book of Joel is a picture of the judgment of God yet to come. Joel gives terrifying examples of what God’s judgment will look like and urges people to turn from their sin and turn back to God. Joel instructs parents to teach their children about the events that have taken place in history. Pass the story down from generation to generation so they will know the way of the Lord and will avoid the mistakes of those before them. Yet near the end of the book of Joel we find thousands upon thousands waiting in the valley of decision. What are they waiting for? Who are these people? Could they be your friends, your coworkers, fellow church members, and even you? The day of the Lord is coming; will He find you washed in the blood of Jesus or waiting in the valley of decision?
Application: Each of us will stand before God and give an account of our lives, none are exempt. But when that day comes where will God find you? Will your soul be found standing in the valley of decision or will it be found surrendered and subjected to Christ completely? What about your friends, coworkers, and neighbors; have you told them about the coming day of the Lord? What about your children, if the day of the Lord comes in their lifetime will they know what to expect, and will they be ready? How can they be, if we don’t take the responsibility of sharing the Word of God with them seriously? The judgment day of the Lord is coming and we all need to understand the severity of God’s final judgment. We need not only understand it and know about it, but we need to be sure we have received the hope that God has offered to see us through it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, so many I know are currently standing in the valley of decision. Help us understand the need we have to be delivered and set free. Give me the courage to tell those I come into contact with about the coming day of your judgment. Help me teach my children your word and prepare them for what is ahead. In Jesus name, Amen!