Date: Tuesday, March 14th, 2025

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” 1 Chronicles 12:32

Thought for the Day: A good understanding of the times puts you in command of the affairs of life.

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Welcome, beloved, to this day, the 14th of March, 2025, in our year of Dominion! As we navigate the currents of this month, I decree that you shall experience all-round dominion in every area of your life, in the powerful name of Jesus. May your steps be ordered by the Lord, and may His favor surround you like a shield.

Today, we delve deeper into a principle that is fundamental to our walk with God: the necessity of understanding the times. This is not merely a matter of intellectual curiosity; it is a spiritual imperative. The Scripture, in 1 Chronicles 12:32, highlights the pivotal role of the sons of Issachar, whose understanding of the times positioned them as strategic leaders in Israel. Their ability to discern the seasons and know what Israel ought to do gave them authority and influence.

The Tapestry of Time: Seasons and Moments

Life is not a linear progression of events; it is a tapestry woven with seasons and moments, each with its unique purpose and significance. To truly thrive, we must learn to discern these seasons and moments, aligning our actions with God’s divine timing.

The concept of “times” in Scripture goes beyond mere chronological markers. It encompasses the kairos moments, the opportune times when God’s purposes are ripe for fulfillment. These are the moments when heaven intersects with earth, when divine opportunities present themselves.

The sons of Issachar understood this distinction. They were not merely observers of the calendar; they were interpreters of God’s timing. Their understanding was not based on human wisdom but on divine revelation. They were attuned to the Spirit of God, allowing Him to guide their discernment.

Dominion Through Discernment: Taking Charge

A good understanding of the times empowers you to take charge of your life. It provides clarity, direction, and purpose. When you know the season you are in and understand what God wants to do in your life, you can make informed decisions and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

This understanding is not limited to national or corporate leadership; it applies to every aspect of our lives. Whether in our families, careers, or personal lives, discerning the times allows us to align our actions with God’s will and experience His blessings.

On the other hand, the lack of understanding of the times can lead to captivity. Ignorance of God’s timing can result in missed opportunities, wasted efforts, and unnecessary suffering. It can leave us vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to derail God’s purposes in our lives.

The Lament of Jesus: A Call to Awareness

Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people did not understand the times. Luke 19:41-44 records His poignant lament: “And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”

Jesus’ tears were not merely an expression of sorrow; they were a prophetic indictment of the people’s spiritual blindness. They failed to recognize the “time of their visitation,” the moment when God was offering them salvation and peace. Their lack of discernment led to their destruction.

This lament serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of spiritual ignorance. It underscores the importance of cultivating spiritual sensitivity and understanding, allowing us to recognize God’s timing and respond accordingly.

Cultivating Spiritual Sensitivity: A Lifelong Pursuit

Beloved, you need spiritual sensitivity and understanding to have command and exercise dominion in life. This involves cultivating a deep connection with the Holy Spirit, who reveals the mysteries of God’s kingdom. It requires a commitment to prayer, meditation on the Word, and a willingness to listen to God’s voice.

Spiritual sensitivity is not an innate ability; it is a cultivated gift. It is developed through consistent communion with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to sharpen your discernment and illuminate your understanding. It involves being attuned to the subtle promptings of the Spirit, recognizing His guidance in your daily life.

This cultivation involves:

Prayer: Spending time in prayer allows us to connect with God and receive His guidance. It opens our hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and enables us to discern His will.

Study of the Word: The Bible is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It provides wisdom, guidance, and revelation. Consistent study of the Word allows us to understand God’s principles and apply them to our lives.

Fellowship with the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our guide and counselor. He reveals the mysteries of God’s kingdom and empowers us to walk in His ways. Cultivating fellowship with the Holy Spirit involves listening to His voice and obeying His promptings.

Seeking Godly Counsel: Seeking wisdom and counsel from godly mentors and leaders can provide valuable insights and perspectives. It allows us to benefit from the experience and wisdom of others.

Paying Attention to Signs: Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for their inability to discern the signs of the times. We must be attentive to the signs of the times, both in the world around us and in our personal lives.

Living in Alignment: Practical Application

How can we apply this principle of understanding the times in our lives?

Personal Reflection: Regularly reflect on your life, seeking to discern God’s timing and purpose. Ask yourself: What season am I in? What is God calling me to do?

Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans that align with God’s timing. Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans as God reveals His will.

Seizing Opportunities: Be alert to the opportunities that God presents. Seize these moments of kairos, knowing that they are divinely ordained.

Avoiding Distractions: Be mindful of distractions that can derail you from God’s purposes. Focus on what is truly important, aligning your priorities with God’s will.

Trusting God’s Timing: Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with your own expectations. Be patient and wait on the Lord.

Assignment and Prayer: Embracing Divine Timing

Assignment:

1. Cry out to God in prayer to grant you an understanding of the times and seasons of your life.
2. Commit yourself to the consistent study of the Word to know the mind of God for each season of your life.

Prayer:

Father, I receive spiritual sensitivity to understand the times and seasons of my life. Deliver me from every form of spiritual insensitivity and lack of discernment, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

For Further Understanding:

Get this message: Understanding the Secrets of Dominion.

Quote:

A person at the top is believed to do better than others or be greater than others in a given field of endeavour.” Culled from the book, “30 Secrets to the Top” by Dr. Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

Amazing Fact: Airplanes are designed with special tires that can withstand the high speeds of take-off and landing.

Prophetic Declaration/Word: Receive the grace for fresh discernment and sensitivity in the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. May the Lord illuminate your path, and may you walk in the fullness of His timing. Amen.