The Day of the Lord: Part One By Joel M. Killion E-mail: joel@innerlifeministries.com Web-site: innerlifeministries.com
	Personal Forward & Disclaimer The phrase - “the day of the Lord” - is found twenty-one times in the King James Version of both the Old and New Testaments.  Each reference exudes a sobering impartation for every generation who “hears” them with the ears of their heart. If you are unprepared to examine the kindness “and” the severity of the Lord Jesus Christ (His whole Person) - to “see Him” as He really is, as very few have - you may want to set this script aside (Rom. 11: 22).   But, of course, it’s up to you. I pray that the eyes of your understanding be quickened through the power of the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation.  Only then will you be able “read” and “hear” this discourse with the grace of the “same” Spirit who inspired each and every verse within it. Introduction The day of man, through the expressions of “his own” mind, has governed and infected, like a virus, the majority of history from the very beginning, starting with Adam.  Humanism, atheism, worldliness and religion, in all their “self” glory, have polluted the church world, cursing it with subtle, yet serious, blindness. “The gospel of Jesus Christ” has been mixed, over and over again, with “the interests of men,” thereby changing “the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man” (Rom. 1:23, NKJV).  The “preferences” of mortal men have replaced the Word and will of God Himself to such a degree that the “standard” of Christ is almost extinct (Matt. 15:3-6; Mk. 7:8-9, 13). The genuine Gospel of Christ has been displaced with “another gospel” which represents “another Jesus” with “another spirit” (2 Cor. 11:4, KJV).  The Lord has been “watered down” by so many “views” over the ages that He no longer resembles Himself and “this” is the “god” whom many “christians” now serve (Gal. 1:6-11). Humanistic philosophies, idle fancies, the “good ideas” of men and plain nonsense, which disregard the straight teachings of Christ and serve well the political notions of men, have crept in, as “little foxes”, and spoiled that which was meant for glory and beauty (Song. 2:15; Gal. 1:10-11; Col. 2:8). False doctrines and double-minded commitment have crippled what was once noble, honorable and good.  The doctrines and deeds of the Nicolaitans (those who “rule the people;” Rev. 2:6, 15) have enabled, softened and damaged what was once whole and strong. False shepherds who were and are self-appointed and self-anointed, have limited God in the hearts and minds of His people by ministering an incomplete, politically-correct, man-centered, need-oriented, Devil-glorifying, lukewarm Gospel – this is “The American Gospel.” Political agendas and man-centered programs have taken “center stage” over pure and simple “thoughtfulness” toward what pleases God alone.  Spiritual sensitivity to the Lord and His purposes, which can “only” be found in the stillness of “waiting” upon the Lord in silence and prayer, is rare in the land (see Ps. 25:5; 145:15; Isa. 64:1-4).  Religious leaders are so consumed with “their agendas,” that room for the moving of the Spirit is almost laughable. Things must change.   These issues, among many others, must be “dealt with” before the “church” is capable and worthy of bringing about real, lasting reformation as an instrument of the Kingdom. The deep recesses of the human soul (man’s mind, will and emotions), which have been abused and misused in “the day of self,” must be adjusted and healed by the glory of a better day.   This is our only hope. The Lord is sanctifying (setting-apart) and preparing a people for “His name” in these days; He has been doing this since the beginning.  The price which must be paid to live in the High Calling is not easy, nor is it cheap.   The day of the Lord is the day of the “preparation” of a people who thoroughly possess the nature and life of Christ Himself; this is the length, breadth, height and depth of His purpose in this day. This essay is about that preparation. The Day of Decision The Day of the Lord is His day because it belongs to Him.  It is not my day or your day – it is His day. And because it is His day, He is orchestrating it according to His Spirit.  In other words, His Day is the full, unadulterated consummation of His will and desire.  In His day, He does things as it pleases Him.   Therefore, you and I do not get a vote. The Day of the Lord is a day of decision in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14).  This is the day in which we will “choose” whom we will serve (Josh. 24:15).  The days of smooth, hollow words, fence-riding and broken promises will come to a sudden stand-still as the judgments of God enter in upon the people of God.  The rending of “the garment” (the passing, external “show” of repentance) will be replaced by the rending of “the heart” (the genuine breaking of the inward heart of men); an inward conviction will overwhelm and overthrow the slimy hypocrisy of a pious, outward appearance. This is the day that the spirit of Elijah will make a confrontation, demanding a verdict, drawing a line in the sand of our indecisive humanity: 1 Kings 18:21, KJV: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. …How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him… (NKJV) …How long are you going to waver between two opinions? he asked the people. If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!...  (TLB) …How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him… (RSV) …How long go ye limping between the two sides?... (ASV) …How long will you hesitate between two opinions?... (NAS) …How long are you going to limp unto two diverse opinions?... (AAT) …How long will you hobble on this faith and that?… (Mof) …How long will you sit on the fence?… (NEB) …How long will you straddle the issue?… (NAB) …How long will you lean to both sides?… (Ber) …Will you never cease to waver between two loyalties?... (Knox) In Matthew 6:24 (AMP) Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other…” Joel 3:14, KJV: Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. This is what it is really all about – the purging of mixture. All double-mindedness and duality, which is idolatry, must be dealt with (James 1:8; 4:8; Deut. 22:9- 11).  The foundations of our hearts must be entirely surrendered to the hand of the Lord. No longer will our vision be split between God and the devil or “the New Man” and “the old man” for we will see “only” God and behold “only” the New Man (Christ Jesus).   No longer will we speak apart from His Word or act contrary to His will.  Our eyes will be set, like a flint, on Him and His good pleasure alone. Before it is all said and done, the Lord will have a people whose thoughts, words and actions are single toward Him “only” (Matt. 6:22; Acts 2:46; Heb. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 4:1-4; Rom. 1:23, 25). Multitudes are in this place of indecision.  “All the people” (1 Ki. 18:21) are riding the fence, limping between two loyalties, unable to make up their minds.  The valley of decision is overflowing at this very moment with those who have “many” lovers (attachments and affections). The Lord is calling out to the “multitudes” within the Church. He is calling them, like Joshua: “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve…” (Josh. 24:15, KJV). But while “many” are being called, “few” are being chosen because “few” are willing to pay the price in order to be genuinely chosen (Matt. 7:13-14; Matt. 22:14; Lk. 13:24); few are willing to leave the valley and ascend the mountain; few are willing to step out of the boat and onto the water; few are willing to entrust the “entirety” of their lives to Him Who is worthy of their trust. From the very beginning, the choice has always been between “two ways”: “…The way of life and the way of death” (Jer. 21:8, AMP). There never has and never will be any other choice besides these two. There is no middle-ground and there is no other way.  There is no “Plan B.” In Deuteronomy 30:15 and 19 (AMP), Jehovah made an eternal statement to His people which is still being given today: “See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil…I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” This is the everlasting call of God upon every “believer” in every generation.  Yet, in His mercy, He has graciously given us “the key:” “Choose life.”   God wants us and our children and the generations after us to “live.”  Therefore, if we make the right choice and “choose life” then we will have life, live under His “blessings” and live – but it is our “choice.” In Matthew 7:13-14, (AMP) Jesus made a public statement in His Sermon on the Mount concerning “the way of Life” and “the way of death” - He said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and MANY are those who are entering through it.  But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life and FEW are those who find it. [Deut 30:19; Jer 21:8.]” Now, let’s read this same passage in the Message Bible: “Don’t look for shortcuts to God.  The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time.  Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.  The way to life — to God! — is vigorous and requires total attention.” Many are now treading upon the way of death because it is personally convenient - it is wide, comfortable, politically-correct and user-friendly.  “Multitudes” are on this path because all their friends are “doing it” and all their needs are met as they stroll at “their own” pace on this very appealing thoroughfare.  Many are crowding this path even now because it is “easy-going.” The way of death will never require anyone to “change their lifestyle” for it is, by nature, “broad-minded,” tolerant and flexible, perfect for the “selfish.” However, the way of Life is altogether different.  It is “narrow,” but it is even narrower than you think.   And it is “straight,” completely devoid of any and all “dis-honesty.” Many, whether they know it or not, go through “great pains” to avoid “the way of Life,” even though it “leads” to Life, because it is not according to “their” personal liking - it is hard and rough, “contracted by pressure” and tribulation.  This way does not, at all, cater to the “un-Holy Trinity” of “I, Me and Mine.” Those who avoid “the path of Life,” do so unknowingly, completely unaware of what they are doing. Certainly they want “life,” but when they start down “the road of Life” and see all that is “required” of them, they turn around and head the opposite direction toward “death.” The sole purpose of this walk-way is to transform each and every person who walks upon it as they progress nearer and nearer to the goal of the Life of the Lord.  The “broad-mindedness” of “self” is slowly but surly replaced by the “narrow-mindedness” of Christ.  Every “crooked” ideal and concept is “straightened out” (Isa. 40:3-4).  Everything which does not agree with the will and intent of the Lord Himself is adjusted until His will is “all” that rules. The Sword of the Lord works as a laser on the path of Life to penetrate deep within the intricacies of our mind, emotions and will; He deals very carefully with the roots of our thoughts, feeling and desires, “…exposing… sifting… analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12, AMP); every hindrance which keeps us from the Lord is dealt with. Every “barrier” between us and His goal for our lives is removed. Nothing within the context of our lives “is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13, AMP). But again, with these “two ways” in mind, the Lord Himself, in the midst of it all gives us the key, commanding us to be “fierce” (violent) in our “selection” as we ponder “both ways:” “Strive to enter by the narrow door [force yourselves through it], for MANY, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24, AMP; also look at Matt. 6:33 and Heb. 4:11).   Many will “try” to enter, but will not be “able.”   Are you “trying”?  If so, know this: “Trying” is not sufficient.  You must “strive.”  You must use “force.”  You must be “violent” (Matt 11:12, KJV). Yet, even so, few will “find” the way of Life; fewer will walk it; and fewer will endure to the end.   But he who endures to the end, will be saved (Matt. 10:22).   Click here to read part two of the Day of the Lord.