In this week's installment of my Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I'll direct your attention to an obscure verse in 1 Chronicles. 12:32. It says "the men of Issachar... understood the times and knew what Israel should do."

These people took the pulse of their surroundings and assessed what the people of God needed to do. In the same way, we should observe and analyze our times to better understand what strategies we should pursue in order to fulfill our purpose.

In our staff meeting on Wednesday several of our group mentioned how they felt about watching the TV coverage of the rally in Chicago. Thunderous applause showed the mood of those gathered to hear Barack Obama give his acceptance speech.

No matter how you feel about the election, it is clear that people are looking for solutions. The mood of our nation has been one of near-hopelessness. Various internal concerns as well as international problems have Americans scared and in great need of security.

As Christians in our community, we want to be like the men of Issacar. People who understand the times in which we live and can recognize how the people of God need to respond. This is a time of opportunity. Our country needs hope and we are hope-brokers!

This series of messages gives us the chance to address some hot topics that are on people's minds. Why not bring a friend to learn about our hope in Christ.