Today’s devotion builds on yesterday.

“From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders… all these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NLT)

“You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:3 (NIV)

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Day 2: The Issachar Mindset

In the message, we are introduced to the tribe of Issachar. While other tribes were recognized for their physical weapons or numbers, the men of Issachar were distinguished by their spiritual sensitivity. They possessed a unique ability to understand the times they lived in so they could know exactly what to do.

We are living in “very chaotic, troublesome times,” described in the message as a world where many are being lost. Just as Jesus chided His disciples for being able to predict the weather while failing to recognize the spiritual seasons, we are called to look beyond the surface. We must understand the parallels between our current day and the “days of Noah and the days of Lot”.

The goal of this mindset isn’t to create fear or to set specific dates for the return of Christ. Rather, it is to move us out of “spiritual slumber” and complacency. When we understand the times—recognizing that the “labor pains” of nature and society are increasing in frequency and intensity—we are motivated to be “effective for the kingdom of God” while we are still on this earth.

“I see major earthquakes coming… worldwide disasters that we’re witnessing right now, I see as labor pains in nature, which are becoming more and more frequent and more intense.” ~ David Wilkerson

“The signs of the times are everywhere for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The question is not whether the end is near, but whether we are ready.” ~ Billy Graham

In a world of “contextual drift” and “confusion” (Babylon), the Issachar mindset requires a logical and evidential approach to the Word of God. We must be like the Bereans, reconciling what we see in the world with what is written in the inerrant Truth of the Bible.

• Ask yourself: Am I more concerned with knowing the “day or the hour,” or am I focused on understanding the “season” so I can be effective today?
• Action Step: Look at the news or your local community through a spiritual lens today. Instead of reacting with fear to the “shaking” going on, ask the Lord for the wisdom of Issachar to know “what to do” in response.

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Heavenly Father,

We come before You today acknowledging that we are living in “very chaotic and troublesome times”. We recognize that the world can feel like a “crocodile-infested” river, where many are lost and the “shaking” of nature and society feels increasingly intense.

Lord, we specifically ask for the Issachar anointing over our lives today. Grant us the spiritual sensitivity to look beyond the surface of the news and the noise of “Babylon”. We do not want to be like those who can predict the weather but cannot interpret the spiritual seasons.

Wake us up from any “spiritual slumber” or complacency. Instead of being paralyzed by fear as we witness these “labor pains” in the earth, motivate us to be “effective for the Kingdom of God” while we are still here.

We thank You that even when the world is in confusion, You have given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind to navigate these last days.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Counselor and King, Amen.