While in a time of prayer, asking the Lord about his heart for his people this year, I heard these words – line of demarcation. I began to seek why these specific words. A line of demarcation is defined as a specific establishment of separating two groups or things. A border line dividing two distinct things. I sensed the Lord saying, This year will be the year when God’s people need to make distinct decisions about where they stand in the culture, their relationships, their families and their lifestyles.

The Lord is asking his sons and daughters – “Which side are you on?” Over the past three years, we continue to see darkness and evil rise-up daily. Yet, at the same time, many people are returning to the truth and what is good. There’s a very clear distinction between light and darkness, good and evil – a line of demarcation.

The Lord is saying, You need to set up your own personal distinct lines and choices for what you will accept or not accept in your lives this year. But choose carefully. Choose your friendships and relationships carefully. Choose what teaching you will listen to in your churches and communities. Choose the books you read and the conversations you will be a part of. Choose your thoughts, words and actions carefully. There will be distinct lines you must draw and choose where to stand. It will be made clear but you have to decide.

When the Lord brought his people into the promised land, they came to this same point of decision. Before settling into their homelands, Joshua set up a line of demarcation for God’s people, saying:  “So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols…Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve…But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

Remember who you are in Christ, the Lord is saying. You are a new creation, the old life has gone and a new life has begun. Remember the early days when you learned about Christ as a new believer. You remained faithful. So don’t throw away your confident trust in me now. Remember the great reward it brings to you, to trust in me and follow me. I am making a distinction in the world and I am calling my people to a life of purity and holiness. I will begin to use those who call me Lord as a powerful influence in every sphere of society. There will be a clear line of demarcation, a distinct separation in the lives of many who choose me. The world will see a purified people of God and come running to experience healing and wholeness in Him.

The Lord is saying, Remember my words are true and I keep my promises:  “How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They will be generous, compassionate and righteous. These people who come to me will not be overcome by evil and they will be long remembered. They will not fear bad news because they confidently trust the Lord to take care of them. They will be confident and fearless and have victory over their enemies. Their good deeds will be remembered forever, and they will have influence and honor. But those who do not choose me but choose wickedness instead, will be infuriated and their hopes will be thwarted.” (Psalm 112)

This is the year of decisions. When the time comes, today, tomorrow, or next month – choose where you will stand. Those who choose the Lord will be filled with joy, but those who choose wickedness will have no hope.

“Joyful indeed are those whose God is the LORD.” Psalm 144:15

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward.” Psalm 143:10
 
2 Corinthians 5:17, Hebrews 10:32, 35-36,