* The Men of Issachar “understood the times” and knew what Israel should do.

* In a time of crisis, the person who knows what to do will emerge the leader.

* EX: Maintenance guy on 911

* Backstory - God sent prophets to warn His people to stay in line.

* EX: Dad at men’s event - “would you mind talking to my boys?”

* God sent a host of prophets who not only warned of judgment (Babylon) but gave them words of encouragement as well.

* A prophet’s role:

* They gave insight on what was coming and instruction on what to do.

* Different times called for different messages.

* The key was “understanding your times!”

* In Joel 3:10 God was summoning the nations to battle - “Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears.”

* The instruments of peace are made into implements of war.

* The tools of the trade become weapons for the deliverance.

* The lessons we learn and the skills we acquire by being in the workplace are what God uses as tools to extend His kingdom and weapons to defend His kingdom here on this earth.

* Jesus recruited “workplace” guys to be His disciples.

* Peter fished for fish to prepare him to fish for men (lights, not lures).

* EX: Painter at men’s event.

* In Isaiah 2:1-4 God sent a different message (referring to life in his Millenial kingdom).

* We take comfort in the fact that this day is coming, where we no longer have to battle anymore but all we do is build!

* But that’s not the case today!!!

* Today is a day for NEHEMIAH!

* In the time of Nehemiah, he arose a leader who equipped people with two things:

* A trowel to work with.

* A sword to fight with.

* They were to BUILD and BATTLE!