DECISION TIME
Today’s Reading: Joel 3
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
In Israel at the southwest end of the Dead Sea this valley can be seen, which leads into the Jordan Valley wilderness.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Joel 3:14, 16b
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
…But the Lord will be a shelter for His people,
and the strength of the children of Israel.
The “decision” made concerning the multitudes gathered in the “valley of decision” is to judge the Gentile nations. In Joel 12:12, God says through Joel what will happen in the valley, “I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.” To Israel, Jerusalem and Judah, God, the righteous Judge, whose decisions are always just, decides to give “shelter,” “strength,” “security,” “holiness,” “prosperity,” “a future,” and the Judge will “acquit” His people of all “bloodguilt!”
The nation state known as Israel was restored by the action of all the security counsel member countries of the United Nations, and almost unanimously by the entire membership of nation states represented there. This happening, unprecedented in the history of the world, took place just 68 years ago. Joel prophesies that “The Day of the Lord is near!” Joel tells us to watch for signs in the sky. What astronomers, and those who observe carefully see, will indicate God’s pending action. Jesus Christ, as the greatest Prophet, spoke of “signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars.” He said that when these things “begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near!” (Read Luke 21:25-36).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, in Your prophecy about the happenings just before Your “coming in a cloud with great power and glory,” I am to “take heed!” You warn us against carousing, drunkenness, and the “cares of this life!” (Luke 21:34). Help me, I pray, to hold lightly to the things of this earth, and to give my highest priority to the things of eternal value. In Your Name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
This past Friday I called an all night of prayer for the ministry of Crossroads. During the night we read together 50 quotes which were dug out of books by Dr. Jay Dennis, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lakeland, Florida. Here are three of those.
“Prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure, and disappointment, let us answer God’s standing challenge, “Call unto Me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3). – J. Hudson Taylor
“The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” – Samuel Chadwick
Those who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in last place the remainder of the day. – E.M. Bounds
Yours for strong consistent prayer,
David
WOW amazing words may each day begin with something lie this Father you are good.
I am in love with today’s scripture and quotes about prayer–thank you for sharing them, dear David. Yes, let the weakling say, “I am strong!” We come quickly, all nations from every side, and we assemble in prayer. Oh bring down your warriors, Lord! Yes, let the nations be roused. For You, Lord, are a refuge for Your people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. We, the saints, adore You! Blessings to all prayer warriors, as we gather to worship our Lord, today!
O taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
Keeper of my Heart, Mercy Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK2LMz5cU6A
I was @ a prayer night via Morris Cerullo group Friday night & the emphasis was also on prayer.
Yes, The Power of Prayer! Thank you David!
Have a blessed day in the Lord all you saints.
The sun-burst picture, how majestic…thank you Reynold!
Lord help us to be more diligent in our prayer life. Help us want to strengthen our relationship with you through prayer. Baruch Hashem Yeshua haMaShiach.
Indeed, blessed be the name of The Lord, amen and amen.
This message spoke volumes to me just now. I did not read blog early this morning as I usually do. Being on vacation messes my quiet time up. Thank you David for today’s message. It is one I need to come back to often. Blessings all.
Amen! David & Fellow bloggers! Great scripture and quotes about prayer. Had a friend call me a week ago and we had a great time of united prayer on the phone.
Amen! Many blessings to all you bloggers! Have a wonderful day!
I agree on the need to pray for Crossroads. It is not the same any more and somehow there is the sense of Holy Spirit undergirding not felt the same way as before. May the Lord do a new thing to bring new living water spiritual life to the program and the entire YesTV channel. I watch not that often any more. Since the times of airing change all the time it is another aspect that is a bit an unhappy one, at least for me. But we need to pray for new love, faith and hope. God never runs out of resources.
I sincerely believe what 100 Huntely needs is sections where Ron & Anne have apart as well as Reynold & Cathy(I know they are not in Canada). This is not a criticism of others who host on the TV program, but their(Ron, Anne. Reynold, Cathy)ministry is needed along with the others. Also it should still be a hour long program with testimonies and special musical numbers, etc.
Whatever happens, I will continue to watch the program and I will still continue to support this ministry.Supporters do not pull back just because you feel things should be done differently. That would be wrong.