The day of the Lord is near in the Valley of Decision (Joel 3:14). Through the prophet Joel, (Joel 2, 3) we know that the Lord is raising up an army that will once and for all destroy the works of the devil and bring about the greatest harvest the earth has ever seen.

God’s Spirit is leading us, the church body, into the Valley of Decision. And He is asking, "Are you going to be a history-maker or will you choose to stay in the valley of complacency?" God wants you to choose Him, once and for all. He wants you to decide to know Him. He wants you to choose to abide in the secret place of His presence atop His Mountain. On the mountain, there is no wavering, and no room for the lukewarm. There’s no compromise, and no half-hearted efforts to know Him. It’s all or nothing. He’s roaring from Zion, and the heavens and earth shake (Joel 3:16). He’s shaking His people for the end-time harvest. The raisins are drying in the vineyard, (Joel 3:13), and He must spend His time wisely, or lose the harvest. He’s asking, "Will you make the decision? Are you willing to lose your life to gain mine?

How about it? Are you ready for radical change in your life? Make the decision to go for God, and it will wreck you. But in a good way. When you make drastic decisions, drastic change happens! Will you choose communion with Him on the mountain; a triumphant, conquering, victorious life and become a member of His army for the end-time harvest? Moses found God on the mountain; He’s there, waiting for you to make your decision to ascend it.

Do you dare venture up the holy mountain to meet God, face-to-face as Moses did? Moses found God there.

Recently, the Lord gave me a very clear vision of His Mountain, and the Valley of Decision, and I want to make that revelation known to you as it relates to the end-time army He’s raising up. Never before has it been more important to draw closer to Him in intimacy and relationship, as He prepares us for end-time battle.

One day, not too long ago, the Holy Spirit’s presence filled my room, and I sensed the Spirit of revelation’s presence. Suddenly, there was a soberness to my spirit, and I knew that I was about to be shown something remarkable.

Just as I was about to ask Him what it was He wanted to share with me, I found myself standing atop the tallest mountain I had ever imagined. This mountain didn’t have a crest at the top, but a ridge that stretched for miles across. The air was thin, yet I could breath easier than I ever had before. It was overcast, and I saw birds flying in the distance, but all was quiet.

"Where am I?" I asked. I sensed the presence of someone beside me, though I couldn’t see who it was. I sensed the presence of an angel, and when he replied I recognized it as the distinctive voice of one who came from the presence of my Father. "This is the Mountain of God,’ he said, "…and this is the Bride prepared for His Son."

A multitude of people instantly appeared standing in front of me, lined shoulder-to-shoulder. They were positioned at the very edge of the ridge and the line went on for miles. I edged closer to the line and as I did, the entire group shot their hands skyward and began to shout. It startled me at first, but as I continued to watch and listen, the shout became clearer. It was a cry for war, a cry for vengeance, and a cry of love. The entire "army" I MEANT SPORADICALLY, AS IN THE ARMY SHOUTED OUT OF UNISON AND IN NO CERTAIN ORDER, I GUESS THAT COULD BE SPONTANEOUSLY AS WELL. spontaneously shouted, "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" It was evident they shouted in several languages, but there still was a sense of unity in their cry.

As the passionate cries escalated, I sensed they were receiving something through their passion and desperation that strengthened them, and then I saw rays of light explode from their chests as though the very glory of the Father burst through their hearts. I was amazed that though each one was unique in his or her cry, and in how they expressed their desperation for Jesus—there was an overwhelming sense of unity—more than I’ve ever witnessed before. The glory poured from their hearts as their arms stretched out to the sky. It overwhelmed me as I realized that this was an entire generation that was more dedicated to the cause of Christ than I could ever have imagined. It thrilled my soul and I wanted to stay there forever.

As I continued to focus on them, I started to fall or fly down the face of the mountain toward a valley. It was a swift descent and suddenly, about halfway down, I stopped. My vision became almost superhuman; sharp and focused on what lay thousands of feet below. There were millions of people in the valley, who appeared to be oblivious to the mountain and to me surveying the scene.

Without even asking, my guide soon spoke, "This is the Valley of Decision." I had never heard the phrase before and I wasn’t exactly sure what it meant, so I examined the scene closer.

As I peered into the valley, I saw deals and decision underway. Leaders and dignitaries shook hands and signed papers. Businesspeople conferred with one another. Everywhere I looked decisions, decisions. I also sensed that there was urgency in everyone, but most didn’t seem to know why. I also saw families praying together and elder boards, deacons meetings, and apostolic councils meeting. There were many that seemed lost to, and unaware of, their surroundings. They just roamed the valley and didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Some were frantically searching. They ran around and talked to everyone. They appeared to be in desperate search of something, but not knowing what it was.

Then I saw two kingdoms clashing, but no one was aware of it. There were angels and demonic forces in large numbers among them. The hordes of hell gathered to my right. They were grotesque and of different sizes. They whispered things to people, and congratulated their decision. But on my left, the heavenly host tried to drag them away from the hordes of hell. Some of the people were willing to go, some resisted, and some remained confused. Again on my left, a crowd gathered at the base of the mountain, and assembled at the start of a trail that ascended the mountain side. One-by-one, each person stepped away from the crowd and ascended the mountain. When I looked up, I saw millions ascending.

As each would reach the top of the mountain, I watched as they would make their way amongst the army already assembled that I had originally seen at the ridge of the mountain. As they filed in amongst their fellow soldiers, I watched as each would lift their hands to heaven and the glory of God burst out of them as it did the others. This is where the journey had begun. I was back on the top of the mountain. This is where the goal. The mountain of God is the heart of God.

The sons of Issachar were part of David’s army and the Bible declares that they "…had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…" (1 Chronicles 12:32) Because of the acceleration of the plan of God in the last few years, I believe it is more important now than ever for the church to understand where we are as a body. The revelation imparted to me in this vision, was the understanding that the nations of the earth are now in a place of decision. The gray area that much of the world has lived in is thinning. God is calling nations, cities, and His church to make a decision. Soon we will no longer wonder whether a nation is for God or not. We will no longer question if The United States is truly "one nation under God." Even now, nations are making decisions to align themselves with Israel or to align themselves against God’s holy nation. There can no longer be compromise in the church or lukewarmness in our lives. Everyone is presented with a decision.

The church has not been all that God has called it to be. It hasn’t decided to truly take up the cross, because if so, then there’d be drastic change. Yes, there have been decisions made, but they’ve been decisions of the mind, and not the heart.

In this time we’re living in, God presents a question to the church and to the nations, "Are you going to follow Me, or Satan? Are you going to be part of the generation I am raising up, or not?"

When I had this vision/encounter, I had no idea that the Valley of Decision was actually prophesied about in Scripture. I searched the Word for some clarification on what exactly the Holy Spirit had showed me. I was amazed to find the prophecy of Joel 3 because the details there are so similar to the ones in my vision, and it provided further clarity and confirmation. I could hardly contain my surprise when I read verse 14, "Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the L ORD is near in the valley of decision." and then the beginning of the chapter, "For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem." The events of the rest of this chapter actually take place at the time of Joel 2. Now, beginning in Joel 2:28, we find the great outpouring of God’s Spirit upon all flesh, great wonders in the heaven and earth, and a great revival coming to the remnant of the Lord.

These things are happening at the same time that God is gathering the nations to the Valley of Decision. We are beginning to see the first fruits of the great outpouring of Joel chapter 2. It began at Pentecost and now the complete fulfillment is upon us. All flesh will soon encounter the glory of the Lord.

As this great outpouring begins, we pick up in Joel 3:2, "I will gather all the nations, and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and my heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations…"

In my vision of the Valley of Decision, there were representations of every nation in the earth. I saw every race, tribe, and tongue represented. This verse says they are being gathered to the Valley of Jehoshaphat where the Lord will enter into judgment with them. This valley may prophetically be the same as the Valley of Decision in verse 14. Jack Hayford’s commentary in The Spirit Filled Life Bible remarks on the verse:

In Jewish tradition this [the Valley of Jehoshaphat] is thought to be part of the Kidron Valley between the temple and the Mount of Olives. "Jehoshaphat" means "Yahweh is Judge." This, therefore, may be a symbolic place of judgment and decision rather than an actual place in Joel’s mind.

This valley is a place of judgment. In fact, this valley will be "ground zero" for the return of Christ. Since it is situated under the Mount of Olives and the Bible declares, "And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east…" (Zechariah 14:4)

Jesus Christ, the Righteous Judge, sits here to make judgment on the nations of the earth. Judgment is not something to be feared by the righteous, but should actually be welcomed. As the fire of God comes to judge, we will find that the impurities, those things that are found to be unrighteous, will be judged and done away with. All that will remain are the righteous things of God (Matt. 25:31–46). God is sending His judgments during this time to help us, (the church), and even the nations to make the right decision.

Even though I now live in Abbotsford, British Columbia, I am originally from Mississippi—right in the heart of the devastation of hurricane Katrina. A couple of weeks before the hurricane I told my wife that I was worried about Mississippi and the gulf coast region. The Spirit had shown me four regions of the United States that were going to come under His judgment. He had also shown me that the elements would be used to bring cleansing and purity to those regions. I remember telling her that I was worried that a hurricane beyond what we have seen was coming. As I sat at a hotel in Kampala, Uganda watching the news, I knew that what God had spoken had happened. I didn’t realize it would happen so soon. This is an example of the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The gulf coast region now has a decision to make. The judgment of God has actually caused an awakening. Even those that have lost everything, must look to the Lord and make that decision. The judgments and "birth pangs" (Matt 24:8 ISV) are happening closer and closer together. There is acceleration in the plan of God right now. Everyone is being called to the valley. All nations are being gathered and everyone must stand before the Lord and make their decision.

"Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the L ORD is near in the valley of decision" (Joel 3:14). We are all in the valley and we all have a decision to make. For the Bride of Christ and for each believer individually, I believe the keys to the decision we must make lies within the pages of John’s revelation, specifically with the seven churches spoken to in Revelation 2 & 3. We could look at each of the seven churches and find decisions that the church must make, but I believe we find the chief in Revelation 3:15, 16. "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."

There are many interpretations and different mindsets relating to the book of Revelation, but as Jesus speaks to the seven churches, I believe they are a representation of the state of the body of Christ as we draw closer to the end of the age. With this prophetic church of Laodicea, Jesus confronted their lukewarmness. As we are being gathered to the Valley of Decision, the Righteous Judge is now confronting our lukewarmness. Are we a church that has a fire that cannot be quenched? Are you one that, (as with the prophet Jeremiah), is so on fire that your mouth can no longer stay shut? (Jeremiah 20:9)

Jesus was asking this church to make a decision. This church was walking in a "gray area". They weren’t sure if they truly wanted to follow God. They really didn’t know if it was worth the price. Jesus said that it was better to be cold than hot, better to make a decision than not. Today, the Lord wants to know whom He can count on. History makers of old always had passion and fire. No matter the circumstances or cost, they gave their lives to establish God’s kingdom.

The world can tell the difference between a church that is fiery hot and those that are simply lukewarm. Are non-believers set on fire when they come to your local church? Is the fire on your life hot enough to destroy the kingdom of darkness?

Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, this fire is available to you. It comes first with a decision. (Pastors, for your church to be set on fire it starts with a decision on your part.) The Holy Spirit is ready and waiting for you to make that decision. As Jesus rebukes the church for their lukewarmness He says in verse 19, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." May a decision to ignite and be on fire. Repent before God for lukewarmness and watch the Righteous Judge set you ablaze!

Remember in Joel 3:2, that there was first a gathering of all nations. In the book of Matthew 25:32, we find another account of the gathering of the nations. Jesus spoke beginning in verse 31: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats." I believe the destinies of nations are being determined now.

As I looked into the Valley of Decision, I saw governmental leaders shaking hands and making decisions. I saw militaries and wars. These wars looked to be worldly in the natural, but I knew them to be spiritual in nature. I also saw peace treaties signed and wars declared. In talking about the end of the age, Jesus also said: "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places." (Matt. 24:7)

Nations are rising against one another. Those that are choosing to be nations that align with Israel and seek to know God are coming into conflict with the nations that are under the spirit of Babylon. In the coming days nations will find it increasingly difficult to align with the ways of God and continue to have peace with the rest of the world. This makes these imperative decisions that much harder. Some nations find themselves in a gray area, but this will not last very long. God is not only bringing His church to this decision, but nations as well. Some will be sheep nations, and others, goat nations. The judgments of God are upon us. I believe the Lord is going to give increasing favor to His prophets to speak to kings and presidents. These prophets will be bringing prophecies of decision. In the same way that Daniel brought knowledge of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, these prophets tell of God’s statutes and give a nation a vital decision to make. (Daniel 4).

As we look back to Joel 3, verse 9 begins "Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say ‘I am strong.’" Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O L ORD . (Joel 3:9–11). God is gathering His nation for war. He is not one to enlist a draft, but He gives us the decision. We know that Joel’s army is being gathered and that there will be an end-time generation to fulfill the Great Commission and destroy the works of darkness for good. Sometimes we believe that simply because we are born-again that this entitles us to be part of this army. Since the Garden, God’s heart has always been, and will continue to be, to preserve our will. He has never forced anyone to follow him. He has always given us a decision. We must make a decision to join God’s army. We, as a church, can choose to cower in the corner or to fight. It is up to us.

As I recall my vision, I remember the looks on the faces of those who had decided to follow God with their whole hearts. First they looked up, and then they looked back into the valley. As they did, their eyes opened wide and the confusion and destruction behind them seemed to register. Their faces reflected the revelation that the day of the Lord was most certainly upon them.

As they took the first step ascending the mountain, they knew that at the top of this mountain was the safety of His secret place.

Let’s look back to verse 14 of Joel 3: "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the L ORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. The L ORD also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the heavens and earth will shake; but the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So you shall know that I am the L ORD your God, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain…" (Joel 3:14–17.)

As this end-time revival grows with intensity and the glory of the Lord begins to cover the earth (Habakkuk 2:14), darkness will also increase in the earth: "For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the L ORD will arise over you and His glory will be seen upon you" (Is. 60:2).

As the judgment of God comes and the final decisions are made, nations and cities will either find themselves dwelling in the glory of God or overcome by the darkness of the enemy. Those that fix their sights on the mountain of God will find themselves in the His protection. Only those that are found righteous are safe from His judgments. The place of His protection is this mountain.

The ultimate destiny of those ascending the mountain was the top, the place where my journey began. This was the place where the warriors were gathered. This was also the place where the saints of God, filled with His glory, would execute judgment on behalf of God. This is our destiny. This is our decision: To leave the Valley of Decision and ascend the mountain of God. To finally lay aside those things that hold us back and step into the heart of the Father. Here is what Scripture says concerning the mountain:

God’s glory poured from the mouths of those who’d ascended the mountain, "Jesus! they cried victoriously. These ones will fill the earth with God’s glory. Creation is crying out for these ones. (Romans 8:19) We have been looking for this generation, those that will make a decision to ascend into the heart of the Father.

Soldiers, if we choose to fight from anywhere but the top of the mountain, we will fail. We must remain in the secret place. This is the only place that we can be safe from the judgment to come. This is the only place where His presence will surround us and the anointing will flow freely. These that were standing on the ridge had the very presence of God pouring out of them. This is the anointing that would set the nations free. We can see the anointing that flows from the mountain if we look back at our text, Joel 3:18: "And it will come to pass in that day that the mountains shall drip with new wine, the hills shall flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; a fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord and water the Valley of Acacia."

I love the desperation that I see in people these days. God’s people are so hungry for the anointing, but so few are making a decision to pay the price to get it. It is only by ascending this mountain and the leaving the valley of compromise and lukewarm living that we will find the true anointing. We must first begin by embracing a life of holiness and cleansing our hearts: "Who may ascend into the hill of the L ORD ? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitful" (Ps. 24:3, 4).

It is also from this mountain that the children of God sit with Him to execute judgment as His representatives: "Then saviors [those who have been saved; deliverers] shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s" (Ob. 21).

Without ascending to this mountain we remain stuck in the valley. Everyone left in the valley is vulnerable to God’s judgment. They cannot be used because they have not made the decision to be used. Most feel that the mountain is too steep and the price is too high. The truth is that the hardest part is the decision. Once that decision is made, God has access to show Himself strong. Until that time, we are susceptible to the ways of the world and the lust of the flesh.

As I mentioned before, it has always been God’s heart to preserve our will. This is the very essence of who we are and why we are in the battle we are in. God desires for a people to give themselves fully to Him through a decision that is made in their hearts. His desire has never been to force His will upon us or to even turn our will into His. Because of the greatness of His love, He wants us to choose. This is what the valley is all about. The reason that multitudes, in fact all the nations of the earth, are in the Valley of Decision is because of the love of God. This has been His plan from the beginning, to give us the choice.

This sounds like a no-brainer, right? However, people are quick to raise their hand and say, "Yes, I’ll make the decision," and sometimes they make it more than once. But They find themselves back in the valley. They thought they made the decision, but it was a decision of the heart that was made with the head.

This decision isn’t something that we can make lightly or at a moment’s notice. It’s a serious one that will alter our lives. It will cost us everything. It is worth contemplation. It is worth heart searching, "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matt. 22:14).

I remember looking at those who were just reaching the top of the mountain. I remember seeing them look to the valley once more and then looking to those who were standing beside them. Before they could even wonder why they hesitated to come to mountain, I saw the God’s glory hit their souls like a lightning bolt. As soon as that glory hit, a fresh hunger struck my spirit. As I came out of the experience, I was already crying out to God. The glory that filled these ones was something that I had never seen or heard of. Some thing special was taking place and I wanted to be a part of it more than anything I had ever desired. This glory that is coming, we’ve never seen anything like it. God is offering it to you.

Even now as I look to heaven, I see those that are calling you to the top. I see the great cloud of witnesses that surround you and the heavenly hosts that are cheering you on. I see the bloodstained Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth, the One who made the ultimate decision for you. They’re beckoning you toward the mountain. You are not alone and Jesus has made every provision for you to make it to the top. Will you choose to leave the valley and ascend the mountain? At first, as it did with Moses, the mountain looks scary, but there are others who have already made it. They’re cheering you on," But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant…" (Heb. 12:22–24)