One Los Angeles pastor, working in the heart of Skid Row and leading sheep from all walks of life is warning Christians across America to start living for the imminent return of Christ. You’ve probably heard of a few “signs of the times,” but what does it mean to have the discernment like the sons of Issachar?
“It’s hard to know the beast when you’re in the belly of the beast,” Pastor Troy Vaughn says in a Charisma magazine interview. In 1 Chronicles 12:32 it says, “From the sons of Issachar, those having understanding of times and what Israel should do: 200 of their captains with all their brothers at their command.”
In every era of history, there is a unique set of circumstances plaguing the minds of the people. In 1 Chronicles 12 that circumstance was the death of King Saul and the future reign of David. The sons of Issachar perceived the tension in the moment and analyzed what was happening in Israel. They used that wisdom to fight with the rest of David’s army at Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him.
“As the sons of Issachar were able to discern the times and the custom they lived in. We should understand that this world we live in is coming to a climax. That’s why I sense an urgency swelling up in the people of God right now to be diligent about sharing the word of faith with the world,” Vaughn says.
The tactics of the enemy are pervasive and strategic. “The enemy has had thousands of years to prepare his strategy to take over the kingdoms of the world. We just come on the scene, we are here 80 years, 100 years, and we don’t really understand how cunning and baffling the system is at distracting us,” Vaughn continued.
Here’s how you should stay postured amid the troubles facing our world today:
- Stay in the Bible. Prioritize getting in the secret place for yourself. The day is long gone where you can rely on the secret place of your pastor or friend to get you through life. Many are deceived and false prophets are lurking around every corner ready to draw you in with one twist of the scripture. You need to know the Bible and God’s voice for yourself.
- Stay in fellowship. Commune with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible tells us that we see in part. We need to rely and lean on one another as we hear from the Lord, make decisions and fight to stay encouraged.
- Stay mindful at what He is having you to do. God is always at the peak of His power, there are no shifting shadows around Him. Don’t take your eyes off the path laid before you to look at the bait of Satan. There will be distractions, whether at work, home or in the church. Flow with God, don’t let minor troubles bring you down. He will lead you and guide you in the path of righteousness.
“Every day when you get up, you have to say ‘Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus. Is this the day?’ It’s hard to do when you wake up and you’ve got bills to pay, you’ve got school tuition, you’ve got stressors in your family,” he says. That is why we read the words written to us in the Bible as constant reminders that the Bridegroom is coming back from His Bride. He is busy preparing a place for you and I. Don’t lose hope, God is on the move.
Tune in to the rest of the interview with Pastor Troy Vaughn here.
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Shelby Bowen is an assistant editor for Charisma Media.
