A CHILD OF ISSACHAR?: OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL, 2ND JANUARY 2019

MEMORISE:
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1 John 5:20

READ: 1 Chronicles 12:32

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.

MESSAGE

As we start another year, it is pertinent for us to have an understanding of the times we live in, in order for us to succeed. The good thing about understanding is that it belongs to God (Psalm 147:5). 

Today's memory verse reveals that one of the reasons why the Lord Jesus Christ came to this world is to give us understanding. How then do we gain access to the understanding that has been freely given to us? Psalm 119:98-100 says:

“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.”

From this scripture, it is glaring that we need to meditate on the word of God this year if we will walk in the understanding that comes from heaven. No wonder God told Joshua that in order for him to succeed, the Book of the law should not depart from his mouth; rather, he should meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8).

The children of Issachar were men who understood the times they lived in. Now, more than ever before, this is an attribute that every child of God should possess, especially in these end times. We thank God we have the Bible available in all kinds of languages and media. 

It is our sure aid for understanding the signs of this dispensation. In it, the Holy Spirit warns us of the nature of the end times, saying in 1 Timothy 4:1-2:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

Beloved, to speak lies is evil enough, but to add the character of hypocrisy to the speaking of lies is a double tragedy. Our Lord Jesus Christ also said in Matthew 24:24:

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

In order not to be deceived by the different schemes being propagated by the devil in the  world today, the elect of God by grace must have an understanding of the times they live in just like the children of Issachar. 

As a new year begins, many prophecies, predictions and projections will be given by different types of characters. As a child of God with understanding, you must be very careful not to be receptive to them all. Anchor your expectations on the revealed truth in the Bible, and you will live a life of freedom and good success in this new year. 

May the Lord continually be with you in Jesus' Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please give me the understanding I need to succeed this year in Jesus' Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Matthew 4-5, Isaiah 1:18-2:5

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 2: OH JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED

1 O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

2 O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

3 Oh let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.

4 O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

5 Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Saviour and my Friend.