IN TIMES LIKE THESE
“And of the children of Issachar, who were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. They understood the importance and temper of the times, and knew the best course for Israel to take.” (1 Chronicles 12:32)
“Hypocrites! You can discern the weather by interpreting the appearance of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this present time? Why can’t you interpret the meaning of the times in which you live?” (Luke 12:56)
“As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it saying, “Ah, if only you knew that eternal peace was within your reach and you turned it down. Now it is too late…you did not recognize the time and season of your visitation; you did not recognize your opportunity when God offered it!”
(Luke 19:41-42, 44)
With Jesus’ joy, I welcome you into a new Redeemed-calendar year. It is therefore not out of place to wish every one of us a happy new year. Glory to God. I also want to congratulate myFather’s House for the success of the inaugural edition of the recently held Summer Fest. Indeed, God is doing great things among His people.
Welcome to the month of September. I believe that every one of us is walking in a newer and higher dimension of the Spirit of Excellence. Never again will we be associated with mediocrity, nor will we be relegated. The Lord makes us an eternal excellency and a joy to many generations! (Isaiah 60:15).
So, what is the Holy Spirit saying? The children of Issachar, according to 1 Chronicles 12:32, were said to have an understanding of the time, and therefore knew what Israel ought to do per season. We are in the days of God’s power and the outpouring of His Spirit (Psalm 110:3; Joel 2:28-29); we are in the latter end of the last days. We are in the days where the love of many will wax cold, but we are also in the days of new beginnings. For some of us, it is the start of a new phase—whether in school, career/work, relationship, or ministry. Remember that 2025 has been prophetically declared to be a landmark year; our year of exceeding abundant grace. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is calling us to an awareness of the times that we are in. Hence, our prophetic focus for September 2025 is In Times Like These.
The hymn, “In Times Like These,” written in 1943, was inspired by the uncertainty and despair of World War II. The words of that hymn still hold true even in our days. There is much uncertainty, wickedness and chaos in the world. There is a war going on for the souls of our children and for the souls of the redeemed. We are in a time where people have itching ears, and would rather believe the lies that support their depravity than the truth that confronts their sin. Conversely, we are also in the days of the outpouring of God’s Spirit. We are in the days of the uprising of an exceeding great army (Ezekiel 37:10; Joel 2:7-8). In view of all of these and more, what then is expected of us?
In times like these, make sure you have Christ in your boat. Now is not the time to assume that you are a Christian. Be sure that you are in Christ; that your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock. Make no assumptions about your faith or that of your children (2 Corinth 13:5); be sure of what you believe (2 Timothy 3:14). Colossians 3:16 admonishes us to have a rich deposit of God’s word in our hearts. Ps 119:9,11 tells us that it is having God’s word in our hearts that keeps us from living a life of sin. Beloved, take responsibility, and work out your salvation. Build strength and stamina for the journey ahead (1 Kings 19:7; Proverbs 24:10). For those who are going through a difficult phase, times like these call for trust. Trust is what you do when you do not understand. In times like these, trust God’s character and His intentions. Trust His ability and capacity; trust His word. Understand that those problems will pass (2 Corinth 4:17-18). So hold on to God, and let His word be your source of stability.
In times like these, do not walk alone. There is no social-distancing in the kingdom. Community is essential, especially in these last days (Hebrews 10:25). Brethren, be intentional about fellowship. Even more importantly, be intentional about the kind of company you keep (1 Corinth 15:33). What kind of books, movies, songs do you keep company with? What are you letting into your spirit? Times like these calls for caution (1 Corinth 10:12).
For those going back to school, or starting a new career/job, times like these call for showing up. You now have the Spirit of Excellence, so take responsibility for your life and for the tomorrow you wish to see. Be the best, be diligent; whatever you do, do it well. For the parents, times like these call for having necessary back-to-school conversations. It calls for an adjustment from the summer routine. Set your children up for success; instill in them sound biblical values. Invest time and resources on them. For those who are working, times like these call for deferred gratification. Do not sacrifice your tomorrow for today’s enjoyment. Make wise financial decisions. Be strategic with your time and relationships.
Finally, in prophetic times such as this landmark year, make the most of opportunities as they present themselves. Jesus wept over a city that could not recognize the time of their divine visitation (Luke 19:41-42, 44). God is set to show up in a unique way this September in our upcoming Impact ‘25 conference. It is therefore wise to make the most of His appearing. Take this time out to settle things with God. This is a time of refilling, so come thirsty and be expectant.
Our monthly series on Sundays is: “In Times Like These 1 - Prepare for the Journey”; “In Times Like These 2 - Go in This Thy Might”; “In Times Like These 3 - Strength for the Journey”; and “In Times Like These 4 - Do Not Walk Alone.” God bless you!