The Valley of Decision

I am beginning to think I just might be at a crossroad in my life....

Am I going to go on fighting for the truth to be exposed.... am I going to push on in the faith and doing what I believe is right in my spirit no matter what I lose in the flesh?

I have recently had a stern warning from the dark side to stop doing what I am doing and either return to the dark fold or suffer the consequences....

While I am not afraid of their threats and warnings it has caused me to pause and take stalk in what I am doing and how I am presenting myself as a believer and follower of the Faith, representing my Father and His Son.

Am I presenting myself in a real, honest way? Am I leading people to Him in what I say and do? Am I doing all I can as a believer to serve, love and forgive others?

I can not say that I honestly do all of these things all the time. I often struggle with the flesh and find myself angry at God.... angry at the one I want to serve with all my heart.

Yeah.... I sometimes get mad at GOD....I often wonder why He has kept me alive at all. I am always fighting my flesh... I am always wanting things I can not have....My children, grandchildren, a home where I can plant a real garden and raise animals, a reason to paint again, etc. I often struggle with wanting more and feeling guilty for wanting it.

I love my hospice work and am grateful for it... I love the people I am allowed to care for. I love my husband and the blessings of the few of my children and grandchildren I am allowed to see and talk to and I love the critters I have been allowed to have. I love the few things I can grow in pots and the chance to even be able to write this blog and try and encourage others.

But I have to be honest.... I struggle with my life. Growing up in abuse and Satanism and seeing death on a regular basis was not my idea of a wonderful life. I am still a human and a woman and I have dreams and hopes like everyone else.
I have always tried to be optimistic but I am a realist as well. I have days when I see the glass half full and many days when I see it half empty.

I guess what I am trying to say here today is... I am human, I am real, and please no one out there ever think that I am perfect and always feel strong, standing on a mountain shouting praises to the Lord. My Father often gets my rants, my questions and my cries. But He gets the real me.... I know He loves me anyway. I know He already knows how I feel and He loves me anyway....all of me...in the flesh. Just like He created me.

So that is all for today...thanks for listening..

Judy

Reading: Joel 3:12-14



THE VALLEY OF DECISION



Pruning brings separation. For example, there is a separation from that which is dead in our lives. It brings clarity as to what our real purpose is. We are not here to please ourselves, but to bear fruit for the good pleasure of the one who owns and oversees us.

We have been considering how pruning and preparation can become points of testing. Sometimes we are to walk in the fields of humanity, other times we are to take the very tools we may use in the harvest and use them as weapons against the enemies of God and His people. Sometimes we are called to fight the battle that rages in our own souls.

In Joel, it is talking about the war that is coming at the final countdown to judgment. There will be no pruning, just the impending reality of war and judgment.

The judgment will be full and complete as the sickle is put into the harvest of humanity. The separation will be obvious, as multitudes must face their own crossroads as to what side they will choose.

The harsh reality is that people already stand at these crossroads. They may not see the impending war, but there is an impending judgment that awaits them. They stand at the crossroads as to what path they will take. Will they take the broad path to destruction or the narrow path to denial, death and resurrection?

As those who are coming to maturity, we must recognize these crossroads. The best way to discern a crossroad is that a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit will ensue. The question will be between having our way or giving way to what is right and acceptable to God.



Prayer: Lord, we stand at a crossroad when it comes to wickedness and righteousness. Lord, give me the resolve to choose the narrow way. Amen.

©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for
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