Rise Up, and Fear Not!

Arise and shine for the light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.  Isaiah 60:1

Today, we want to share a devotion we received and hope it will give you encouragement.  It is time to Rise Up!  It is time to set aside fear!  It is time to move forward with boldness and courage!

Times are very tough, and fear is impacting in a lot of lives.  We are beginning to see the challenging times that we have been preparing for.  God hasn’t just prepared us to store food so we can eat during a global food shortage.  We have been called for a purpose.  We are to be overcomers, untouched by recession and all that we read or hear in the news.  God holds our future and we are safe and secure in the palm of His hand.

It is time to step-it-up-a-notch and move to a higher place and take a higher position.  When a solider has been hurt and wounded in battle, he may be slumped over and walk with a limp.  However, after a time of rest and recovery, he can walk straight and stand up tall.  The Lord is calling us to rise up and stand tall.

We are living in challenging times and what used to work, doesn’t work anymore.  For instance, there was a time you could put ten dollars worth of gas in your car and drive all day.  Those days are over and so is casual Christianity. You can’t go very far on ten dollars; it takes $80 to fill my tank and it takes more to fill my spirit.  A ten minute prayer time or a ten minute time in the Word will not work.

I believe we are living in a time when we must know God and His Word like never before.  You must know who you are and realize the authority God has given you as His child.  You are a citizen of the Kingdom, a joint heir with Jesus Christ, and therefore you should be living by a higher standard.  The kingdom of God is at hand.   He has put His Word in our heart and He expects us to use His Word to speak life into dead things, and hope into hopeless people.  This is a time to arise and shine for the light has come.

Encourage those who have fear.  Share the Good News of a loving God who has offered His Grace and Mercy, and will never leave us or forsake us!

 

Am I too late to get Prepared?

My family has been in preparation for many years.  In fact, I started preparing before it was cool to be a prepper!  That means absolutely nothing except, I’ve been watching, listening, and preparing for a long time .

Years ago, I heard a preparation call and started on a journey that I assumed was all about survival and a self-sustaining lifestyle.  I was looking forward to preparing by learning about gardening, food storage, and emergency preparedness.  I never imagined that preparation would be so intense – but then again, when we began this journey most people didn’t even fathom a need for preparation.

Today, things are much different.  People all over the world are beginning to see the need to prepare, and are asking “Am I too late to get prepared”?  They aren’t quite sure what to prepare for, but they sense that something is happening in the world – and they better get ready for it.

My simple answer to the question  of whether it is too late to get prepared is… absolutely not!.  But that comes with a disclaimer that there is a limit of time, and once that time runs out – there will no longer be the option for preparation. I believe their is an increasing intensity of events, and the preparation window is beginning to shut.  Time is running out.

According to the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13 the five virgins who are prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival are rewarded and the five who are not prepared are excluded.  Hear the Word…

1. Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,

4. but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5. But while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6. And at midnight there was a cry made “Behold the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!”

7. Then all the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

8. And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”

9. But the wise answered, saying, NO, lest there not be enought for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.

10. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!”

12. But he answered and said, Assuredly I say to you, I do not know you.”

— Matthew 25:1-13

 

In the days ahead, I will share some of the steps we took to begin our journey toward preparation.  For now, the most important first-step is to ask God to change your heart – so that you are prepared to greet the Bridegroom when He arrives.

Are you Prepared for the Collapse?

Okay, here it goes – I’m certain I’ll be labeled (again) as some crazy conspiracy theorist, or perhaps a gloom and doom preacher. Feel free to label me whatever you feel is appropriate. I’ve been called lots of things before .

First of all, let me state that I do believe we are heading toward a collapse. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that I would say that and be completely alone in my statement. Today, however, there are many people who now seem to agree with me.

This is not intended to be “gloom and doom” but a reminder that we must be preparing. I can not fathom how anyone can go through a day without the Faith in knowing the coming Messiah.

So why do I think there will be a collapse? Well, everything I’m seeing tells me so. You see, for a long time America has been the greatest financial powerhouse on the planet. Today, not so much. We are about to lose our lunch. Those who have held to a faith in the government structure will soon be very disappointed.

At this very moment the government wrestles with this issue of raising our debt ceiling. Basically, we have to borrow more money to keep us floating. At some point (which I believe is now), you simply can not continue borrowing above your ability to repay.

I certainly pray for our leaders and appreciate their hard work on this matter. It’s a very, very, difficult decision and one that will create major issues regardless of which way it goes. I recognize the difficulty. You see, I contend that regardless of the vote – we are heading for a collapse. Heed the call to prepare!

The US government likes to borrow money rather than make the tough choices of which programs to cut. We have become a Country of Entitlements and have continually fed the animal until it is very difficult to wean. The more we feed it, the closer we come to our own demise.

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Stop Looking Back! Now is the time to look forward

I am convinced that there is going to be an increasing intensity of difficulties that we must face.  As times get more difficult and events become more intense, it is increasingly important that we prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

In the last several years of my life, it seems that I have been (and continue to be) led through a “purging process”.  This process has been painful, especially as I tried to hold onto many things that I had accumulated along the journey. Now I realize, the purging is helping to lighten the load I am carrying so that I can better maneuver during the times ahead.

One of the areas that has been impressed upon me to purge, is the emotional baggage that has often been a weighty distraction.  Hurts from broken or failed relationships, insecurities, and guilt from personal failures have all been obstacles to my movement forward.  I have spent far too much time struggling under heavy emotional burdens that are completely unnecessary and are hindering me from being tightly focused on preparation for the path ahead.

Preparation is not as easy as I once imagined. Certainly, it can be easy to put a few things in storage and to learn some new skills, but the more difficult part of the journey is the process of transitioning. Habits that have been accumulated and comforts that have become a part of life – are now being altered. It is a necessity, because the journey ahead will not allow for the status quo.

Some of the greatest challenges that I am facing in my preparation call, occurs because my family circumstances are changing and we are forced to deal with discomforts. It has been difficult, but also quite enlightening as I realize the training is a valuable part of the preparation process. I welcome the training now, so that we can be firm when things around us may be wavering.

Tragically, too often family relationships are altered or broken simply because individuals could not handle transitions that emerged suddenly. For example, a lost income may force multiple changes in a lifestyle which may result in friction, anger, and blame – that ultimately impacts a relationship. If the relationship has been built on certain comforts or perhaps expectations, a sudden change in circumstances may unfortunately bring disharmony. Conversely, relationships that are God-anchored and nurtured on unconditional love can withstand difficult changes.

It is vital in the preparation process that individuals strengthen the foundation of their relationships and begin the process of growth through transitions. If we fail to purge ourselves of some emotional baggage now, when stressful times appear – we will not be adequately prepared to weather the storm.  We need to quit looking back, quit feeling entitled to certain comforts, quit expecting others to supply our needs, and begin preparing for the beautiful journey ahead.  Ask God to begin preparing you for the times ahead and rest assured… He will prepare you.

But be warned…from my experience, preparation will not look like what you expect.

 

Prepare: The Increasing Intensity

My wife and I are blessed with three beautiful children.  My youngest is about to be 21 years old.

I had the incredible joy of experiencing the birth of each of my kids, and welcoming them into their family.   I was with my wife at every moment during the labor.

We often joke about the moments of labor, and how I tried to comfort my wife during the contractions.  It was certainly a painful experience for my precious wife, but also a beautiful time in our lives.   Most parents can relate to the difficulties of the birth process and the incredible joy that followed.

There is a growing intensity in everything right now.  To me, it is a reminder of the labor pains that we went through as our beautiful children were preparing to join our family.  They started with minor discomforts, and intensified quickly – as the time of their arrival drew near.

Our Messiah shares that during the last days we will experience difficulties, and then related them to the pangs of labor.  Obviously, I believe that means we will see increasing intensity as we draw nearer to His return.

“For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”  Mark 13:8  NAS

I often think about the events that led up to the birth of my children.  What if I had not taken my wife to the hospital as she was entering into labor.  What if she and I had delayed in our preparations for our children?   It seems to reason that things would have been extremely difficult.

Preparation is vital – especially now in the beginning of the birth pangs.  The new birth is coming soon, and we have no more time to delay.

Preparing the wrong way

I’ve been talking about preparation for a LONG TIME – far longer than most people even considered preparing. Like many of the current preppers, I’ve been called an “alarmist”, fearmonger, ignorant, silly, and a few other choice words.

Today, “preparation” is a very common discussion – and there is actually a whole movement of people called – “preppers”. I’m finding out that preppers consider themselves different from survivalist – kindof a survivalist lite.

Many people are now saying they received a “call” to prepare. I felt that same call many years ago, and actually was one of the first to coin the term “Preparation Call” – as I believed that God was preparing some people for an important time. There are now tens of millions of references to the term “Preparation Call” on the web.

Today, there a millions of people who assume preparation is all about “storing up food, buying a grain mill, and getting a cow”. While those things are important, unfortunately, most people still COMPLETELY miss the point.

There are people who assume they are getting prepared because they put a closet together provisions in anticipation of a chaotic event in the future. Certainly, it is VERY important to get provisions in place, but that is only the surface – and most people are still falling dangerously short of what is really needed.

What I see many people doing right now is almost as dangerous than if they didn’t do anything. They operate with an “Intellectual Faith”, and call it preparation. Their provisions have in some ways become their security and have given them some measure of comfort for their fears – as they ready themselves for the coming storm. Again, I contend they are missing the point.

In my humble view, if I carry preparation too far and assume that my efforts will somehow control an outcome, then I am likely putting my faith in my works. I am personally trying bring keep the boat stable in the storm, rather than rely on the only One who can truly calm the storm.

Bottom line is – preparation is not at all what most people think. People are on-edge, fearful, and are wound pretty tight as they anticipate a coming calamity.

Consider this…

When the quake hit Japan and then the subsequent concern about nuclear fallout, within a few days – the shelves in NC were completely depleted of Potassium Iodide. I live some 6,700 miles away from the catastrophe, but people in my town rushed to protect themselves from the fallout. Do you think people are a little bit on edge?

Even as the government said there are no health risks for people in the US, droves of individuals ignored those hollow statement and ran to get protection. You think people anticipate our government as being too untrustworthy?

Now, I submit to you… those who have been in preparation were the main people who ran to get the Potassium Iodide. Oops… they must have forgotten to get that one on the list of items they were supposed to have as part of their prepping.

So, what if a major radiation leak happened at one of the facilities in your area? (Please don’t call me an alarmist or assume that I am suggesting that is coming – it is a hypothetical question). Do you think all of the preparations and food storage would be safe from such an event?

Preparation is FAR more than just storing food and provisions. If you store a closet full of food, and a disaster wipes out your home – what do you have now to be prepared with?

“Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part and it shall not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

I believe Yah wants us to be preparing so that we might be better able to share with others. For me, the first step in preparation is to strengthen my Faith in HE who is able to calm the storm. Right now, it is vital that we strengthen our relationship with Him as well as bonding stronger with those we love and serve every day.

Why make plans if God Controls my future?

This is a paradox that I have pondered many times.  I plan for the future, yet my plans are often altered (and even hindered) because of past fears and selfish comforts.  I sometime find it frustrating when the baggage of the past weighs on the whole concept of preparation.  How can I adequately prepare, if I am manipulated by fears?  How can I wisely get ready for potential discomforts, when my weak and selfish flesh always presses me for comforts?

I know that God is sovereign, and I also know by Faith that my future is in His hands.  That, however; is another area where I sometimes run into a paradox in my thinking -  If God has ultimate control of the outcome of my future, why should I be planning anyway?  Why would God call me to prepare if He already knows what the future holds – and already has a plan and outcome set for my life?

I have asked the Lord this question often in my daily quiet time with Him.  Early-on, I often struggled with the thought that preparation may be nothing more than a manifestation of my fear of things that I discern are coming.  Why would I be called to prepare, if I am also called to live by Faith?  If I am preparing, does that mean I am no longer living in Faith?  After all, Faith is often going where we are uncomfortable and perhaps confronting giants with little more than a rock and a sling.

The more I walk through this preparation process, the more I find that God seems to be preparing me, rather than me preparing for some other outcome.  He continually teaches me that many will not be prepared for some struggles ahead, and they will panic when the waves come – rather than staying focused on the Savior.

So, the preparation call seems to be as much an exercise in faith and obedience, as it is truly getting ready for a future calamity.  I find that through the difficulties of preparation, I now spend more time looking to Him for guidance – and less time wondering if I have stocked enough ammo.

So, I have learned some things as I’ve traveled on this journey of preparation.  I can’t say I’m pleased with what I’ve learned about myself, but I can say it has been quite revealing.  In many ways it has exposed me to some personal vulnerabilities that needed to be dealt with.

I felt the “call” to prepare over 30 years ago.  For the majority of that time I had developed assumptions about what preparation would actually look like; storing water, planting gardens, hunting, developing new survival skills, etc.

The fact is, preparation has been completely different than I imagined.

Preparation, is an act of obedience.  God called Noah to prepare and build an ark so that he and his family could be saved.  I’m pretty sure Noah wondered why he was called to prepare, especially knowing that he would look pretty foolish building a huge boat on dry land.  I’m also pretty sure he felt humiliated as people confronted him daily and ridiculed him for his silly project.  Ultimately, Noah was rewarded for his faithful obedience to his given assignment.

Here are some of the lessons I have learned in this journey.  I will expound more upon them later:

• Preparation and Prayer should be INTIMATELY related.  Never undertake preparation, without first seeking the Lord.
• Effective preparation will not be self-focused, but will always include others.  Preparation serves the needs of others.
• Preparation is important, but is also very fragile.
• Preparation is based on Faith:  It is the commitment to things hoped for in the future, and is based on the evidence of things visible in the present.
• Preparation does not determine the outcome of the future – but it does direct many actions in the present:
• Preparation is only partly a rational process.  Discernment, faith, and calling all contribute to the preparation process.
• Preparation motivates us by pointing attention and effort to a hopeful outcome.  It helps us shift from problems to find solutions, turn limitations to possibilities, and changes despair to hope.
• Preparation is often a value-based undertaking.

Quit looking back, it’s time to look forward

As times get more difficult, it becomes increasingly important that we prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. In my life, it seems that I am being led through a “purging process”. This process has been painful, especially as I tried to hold onto many things that I had accumulated along the journey. Now I realize, the purging is helping to lighten the load I am carrying so I can better maneuver the times ahead.

One of the areas that has been impressed upon me to purge, is the emotional baggage that has often been a weighty distraction. Hurts from broken or failed relationships, insecurities, and guilt from personal failures have all been obstacles to my movement forward. I have spent far too much time struggling under heavy emotional burdens that are completely unnecessary and are hindering me from being tightly focused on preparation for the path ahead.

Preparation is not as easy as I once imagined. Certainly, it can be easy to put a few things in storage and to learn some new skills, but the more difficult part of the journey is the process of transitioning. Habits that have been accumulated, and comforts that have become a part of life – are now being altered. It is a necessity, because the journey ahead will not allow for the status quo. Read more

Preparing For the Best

All over the world, things are tough right now for a lot of people. If you have listened to the news at all, you have likely experienced discouragement with all the terrible things you may have heard or read. In fact, literally as I was typing this post I received word that a business colleague had taken his own life. Obviously, there is a lot of suffering right now all over the globe.

On a personal level, things been extremely difficult for my family over the last several years. In recent months, I have spoken to many people who are also experiencing great pain. I have come to the realization that every friend and family member I know, are dealing with some type of health issue, financial issue, or some other very difficult struggle.

Many years ago, it was laid on my heart the need for preparation. I left a great income and moved my family to North Carolina based on this call to prepare. Unfortunately, I’ve spent the majority of my last four years struggling and wondering “why” things have been so miserable. Read more

The Greatest Need for Preparation

There is no greater entertainment on the planet, than sitting in an airport.  I travel quite a bit, so I actually get entertained quite frequently.  I love watching people rushing about trying to get to their destinations.  It never fails that there is always drama with people missing flights or haveing their flight delayed. 

I watch the different ways people handle the stress, and how they interact with people around them – or with the flight crew.  I can’t help but form an opinion on what must be happening in their lives by how they handle the difficulty.  I’ve actually seen several instances where police have been called to intervene with the unruly and frustrated individual. 

As I look at faces I encounter at the airport, I’m reminded of the tremendous hurt that seems to be spreading across the world.  The difficulties of a global economy that seems to be in ruin, terrorism, wars and rumors of wars, and of course, natural disasters all over the world.  Many of the faces I see are people without hope and are afraid of an uncertain future.

The Bible teaches that the difficulties we see today will increase as the time of our Kings return grows closer.  As John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, many are now called to be in preparation for His soon return.  Everywhere I go I seem to have divine appointements with people who have felt a “Preparation Call”.  Many aren’t quite sure what they are to do, but they want to connect with others who are in preparation. 

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