The Valley Of Decision


The smell of smoke seemed to have been seeping through the vent up on the ceiling, as I entered the “sick call requests” from inmates in the computer for that morning.


“Code Red!,” blared over the radio. [It means any movement was not allowed anywhere in the facility except for the deputies if they were needed to go to a particular place].


“All available deputies! Please 87 [meet] B blocks! Riot in B blocks!”


B block’s tv was perched up high in one corner of the unit. The news was being shown and one inmate wanted the deputy to change the channel to something that he wanted to watch. The request was denied.


That inmate became belligerent and with a razor blade from his shaver, managed to pull it out in an instant. He unloosened one socket and exposed some wiring. Rubbing it with some pieces of paper, smoke billowed until a small fire became visible. As other inmates saw what he did, feeling the excitement of adrenaline, of power, of control, other inmates joined in.


Not long after, most of the housed inmates started yelling profanities, trashing whatever their hands could lay on, destroying any property that belonged to the county’s jail: beds were torn, styrofoam cups were strewn all over, papers were thrown into the air and some were fed into the small fire that made it grew a little bit more. More smoke filled the block, until it found its way through the vent which was also connected to the jail’s medical clinic. Others started throwing feces and urine outside the bars, thinking that doing so would prevent any deputies from approaching their unit.


The order was given for them to stay on their designated beds or they would face an even tougher punishment, as some other deputies started showing up within a matter of seconds, some donned with anti-riot gears. Pepper sprays were released into the atmosphere of that block, temporarily halting the dangerous revelry and stopping the rioters from doing any further damage. The painful mists caused a bad sting to their eyes and a burning sensation to their inner throats, that breathing made it harder for some.


Soon after, everyone was under control and was put on a “lockdown”. They were kept in their individual cells as some hidden bars came down and separated each man from each other. The bars prevented the on-going riot and served as a protection for the custody staff.


Every participants knew they were in deeper trouble this time. They were being filmed by one deputy so that there was a solid evidence of “who did what”. The once strong display of unity in causing troubles was now replaced with fear of the known consequences of what they just did. The loud, proud mouths were sealed, as beads of sweats started appearing on their brows and foreheads. Some attempted to utter their apologetic remarks. But too late! Most of them were in it! Those that didn’t participate would be spared. But the ones who rioted would be punished “big time”.


Like the inmates in trouble awaiting their punishment, Joel also described the same situation where there was a lot of people waiting in the “valley of decision” or “judgment”…


“Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. It is there that the day of the Lord will soon arrive.” - Joel 3:14


All of us will face judgment. The dead, the living and even those that are yet to be born. Has someone warned you about the consequences of your sins? Would you rather continue living in your own rioting with your wanton manners or would you rather stay put and listen to the One Who told you to stop living that wanton kind of life and surrender to Him?


Yes, you may continue the rioting but if I were you, I wouldn’t wait until I get to that “valley of decision.” For Someone is recording our rioting and it would be too late to say “I’m sorry” by then.


And the punishment will be “big”….

13 comments:

  1. What a shock it must have been for some of those inmates to be caught and videoed red-handed. What a shock it will be for many of us to realize the same thing at the last day!

    Fortunately for the faithful, their tape is destroyed! What a blessing of grace.

    Another profound warning here - watch out who we follow. Relieved and thankful must have been those inmates who exercised the sound judgment to not follow the leaders and get involved in the rioting. That is wisdom!

    Good post.

    wb

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  2. Amen, great truth spoken here my dear sis, bless you.

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  3. Rosel,

    At some point in time, we will all be on video to see our lives exposed for what they really are when that day of judgement comes. I would rather be caught doing something good and for the will of God than just sitting there going along with the ride with someone else.

    Great analogy in this story and I am sure it will go out and multiply and bring about God's conviction to those that need to hear it and bring about salvation instead of punishment for those willing to listen and take heart!

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  4. Wow what a story Rosel! I can only imagine how quickly once they were under control that these men began to panic! Just as I a sure many will do on Judgement day....
    I pray hearts will be turned back to the Father. He is waiting to save, forgive and restore!!

    love you and thanks for asking about my shoulder. It hurts! Not much I can do about it right now tho.

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  5. This is so true. God will not be mocked and our sin will find us out. We all have a responsibility to pray and share Christ's love before that big day so all can hear before its too late.

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  6. I love what Warren commented about the grace of God destroying the tape of those who accept Jesus. It almost just makes me want to cry when I thing about all that Jesus did for us, removing our sin and all traces of it. How could God be so good? We deserve to be caught red-handed and punished for all of our evil ways, BUT GOD! If not for his love and mercy, we would have to suffer the same kind of judgment as these inmates and it will most definitely be "big"
    This was a fantastic evangelistic story Rosel. I pray it touches many people.
    Love, Christy

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  7. oh, wow. I just can't even imagine that things like this really happen! Great story with such a great message about mercy.

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  8. I love your conclusion..but I must confess that as I read your post about the inmates, it reminded me about what hell will look like. When God removes His common grace from all the people in hell....they will become more and more evil throughout eternity. It is a frightening thought.

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  9. To be in a valley of decision is never too easy. It is the wisdom of God that will give us assurance that it will be fine.
    God bless you, Rcubes. :)

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  10. I would rather not be a rioter!! I am afraid I go there, sometimes! Still trying to overcome being human and fighting the battle of sin.

    Thanks for being a prayer warrior. You are a blessings to so many.
    Andrea

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  11. Powerful truths gleaned from this story!

    Blessings and love to you dear sister. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. Rosel,
    You are a wonderful writer. God has truly gifted you with so many gifts. I love this post! Oh how the tape rolls and how God will only see the good part when reach Heaven. I love you my friend. Please be careful at work. I am praying for God to protect you. Rosel thank you my sister in Christ for what you do for the Lord. Tonight is the night I speak for HIM. Thank you for your prayers.
    Your sister in Christ,
    Bren

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  13. I am always gripped when I read your posts of life inside a prison. I find the tought of being locked in one to be utterly terrifying. Although this is not exactly on topic, I think of countries like China where many Christians are in maximum security prisons for preaching the gospel. They are housed with men and women like the ones you describe. They are beaten and threatened and mocked and degraded...only God keeps the total fear from their hearts!

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

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