The Valley of Decision

Illustrating a Truth of Truth or Consequences

All scripture citations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.

We live in a real world that is also a moral and spiritual universe.  Every thought, word and deed whether good or bad, right or wrong, intended or unintended, has consequences in our lives and in the lives that surround us.  Blessings - the positive consequences—abound whenever we consciously or unconsciously "do the right thing."  The "curse of the law"—the negative consequences—arrive when we depart from God's way or God's truth (Deuteronomy 27-28). The "Valley of Decision" we face is not just a onetime choice to follow God. We are in that valley and faced with that choice every moment of the day whether we realize it or not! Will we live by His truth or will we "choose" to suffer the consequences?

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days." Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Prayer

Father, wherever I have believed that I can live without consequences, forgive me. I renounce that false view of Your world and of my life. Whenever I thought that You were punishing me by what You allowed as my consequences, forgive me for shifting the blame for my own choices to You. I take authority and responsibility over my life. Thank You that You have given me sovereignty over my heart and have placed me with freedom of will in a real world. Help me to listen to Your Word, learn from my consequences and turn to Your ways.

Next Illustrated Truth

Keys to the Kingdom
Illustrating the truth about our access to freedom and our entry into the Kingdom of God.