by Joseph | Feb 9, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Offered By: Jeff Rowland
Four times in the scripture the bible says, “The just shall live by faith.” This is an imperative declaration. It doesn’t say that we might live by faith, but it says the just SHALL live by faith. This implies many things. Faith is the ultimate key to the victorious Christian walk. It doesn’t matter what you are facing in life, if you are walking in faith you are setting yourself up to see miracles in your life.
It is possible to go into an unhealthy extreme in this area as well. If faith becomes the object of our goal instead of the object of faith, which is Christ, then you will fall into extremes that will lead you into misapplying scripture. The power that becomes manifest in the believers life is as a result of who we have faith in and not faith itself.
I want us to consider a key element associated with faith in this article and let it encourage us to begin a lifestyle of faith that will bring us into fullness in our relationship with Christ.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hope for.”
Faith can be viewed in a two-fold manner. It is an action as well as an attitude. James says that faith without works is dead. Therefore there must be action to faith or it is a dead faith. Paul lists faith as a spiritual gift in his writings to the Corinthian Church.
People who have the gift of faith walk around in an attitude of faith most all of the time. Going back now to the first line of verse 1 of Hebrews 11, we could say that our actions or attitude of faith, then we have the verb is. This makes faith a present tense action or attitude.
Next we have the word, substance. Substance defines faith as the reality of the object of faith. So then, actions and attitudes of faith are the present tense reality of things hoped for.
Hope can be defined as the future tense of faith becoming sight. I have the hope of heaven because I have been redeemed by Christ’s blood. My hope is yet future. However, in this verse we can say that the actions of faith are the present tense reality of things that are yet future in our lives.
Speaking from a spiritual perspective we can say that faith takes what is yet our future hope and places it into our present day. I can enjoy the joys of heaven while on earth through faith.
This verse goes on to say that faith is the evidence of things not seen. That is it is the proof of what is invisible. Through the eyes of faith we can see things that before we could not see. This being the case we could say that unless our faith is strong we will not see the things that God wants us to see. We will be blinded to it. I wonder how many are walking around in darkness now even though they have been saved but their faith is weak and they are blinded to spiritual realities that could be right in front of them.
This truth from verse 1 would bring us to a question that should be asked. How do we strengthen our faith? Verse 3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Verse 3 gives us the basis for faith building.
Romans 10:17, “So then, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
(more…)
by Joseph | Feb 9, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Many people have felt the call to begin preparing and collecting supplies for several years. There has been a growing concern for the need to prepare, as recent world events have created increased awareness with the need to prepare.
There are many forums and networks now available for people to discuss preparation, and to learn new skills that will be helpful in the future. There is little doubt that people need to begin getting more serious and focused to adequately prepare for their family needs.
Some people who have already started preparing and collecting supplies have a pretty good idea of things they will need in the event of an emergency or a long-term crisis. Obviously, they are storing food and water and are collecting general need supplies like: first-aid kits, basic tools like flashlights, waterproof matches, firearms, and radio communication devices. (more…)
by Joseph | Feb 9, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Right now, people all over the world are beginning to sense the need for preparation. I’ve talked to many who do not know exactly “why” they are needing to prepare, but they just believe something is coming – and they need to get ready.
When I first heard a call to prepare, it was hardly commonplace to hear anyone speak of preparing. In fact, if you talked too extensively about preparation you were considered an “alarmist”. You may have even been shunned and outcast as some type of radical conspirator.
Today, preparation is a fast-growing discussion. So much so that a lot of people now consider it a fast-growing “movement”. Preparing has also become a vibrant marketing niche!
While I am certainly delighted to see more and more of the population sensing a “Preparation Call” and taking action, I do have some personal concerns with what I’m seeing in this new fast-growing “movement”. Now, I will admit that I do see the Preparation process as much more of a Godly calling than most people do. I personally can not separate the spiritual realities from the day-to-day preparation actions. In fact, in my journey the day-to-day and month-to-month actions are a direct result of what I believe God is assigning for us to do.
So with that, please understand that my views are completely intertwined with what I believe is the ultimate Spiritual reality. While we are in preparations for whatever difficulties that may be ahead, the more important aspect of preparation is the soon return of the Messiah.
My concerns now involves the trend that I see emerging. The “Preppers Movement” is now becoming quite a growing marketing niche. Businesses and entrepreneurs will attempt to dictate the direction of the niche, by clever sales and marketing tactics that are designed to induce spending and profits. While I am not at all opposed to Free Enterprise, I do take issue with the cheap imitation of purpose that often emerges as a result of financial greed.
So, my warning is: Preppers Beware! Preparation is not supposed to be a carefully designed marketing trend to increase profits. Be careful as you engage in the process of preparation. Understand the purpose behind your actions, and do not be driven by a crafty sales-pitch designed to entice your action to purchase. There are no short-cuts in preparing, and you simply can’t make a quick purchase and be done. Preparation is a process. A journey that takes us through the winding path of personal change. It may be a difficult path, so buckle-up, pray without ceasing, and be prepared for where God will lead you.
by Joseph | Feb 9, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
In the difficult and turbulent times we are facing, families are changing. In many ways the change is ultimately very good. I believe it is pushing families to be more cohesive and sensitive to each other. Families are somewhat forced to draw closer together in order to work through the tough times and fears. Obviously, family congruency is an important part of the preparation process.
I have heard many stories of how my grandparents raised their children to help around the homestead. It seems to have been common practice (and necessity) that families worked together to maintain the farm – and to survive. Times were tough, and families drew on the strength of each other to get through the turmoil.
With our modern improvements and advancements in technology (such as television, internet and cell phones), family ties have been impacted. Also, there is a catastrophic falling-away from the moral principles, teachings, and values that governed our homes. The divorce epidemic in our society has destroyed the peace and stability of the family unit. Children who once had the influence of their mother and father, now were getting influenced and guided by care-givers outside the home.
As a result of our moral decline, today many adults are simply ill-prepared for the difficulties that we now face – and will become increasingly intense. The first devastating impact will occur as our economy continues to deteriorate and force us to make difficult choices for our survival. The modern family that has been flush with entertainment options and toys, will likely find new economic challenges. A growing number of families will be forced to alter their entertainment habits (out of necessity) which may actually bring families together for alternative activities.
Another factor is the growing need for families to work together on multiple-family living space. Every week, I am hearing more-and-more families are being forced to have relatives move-in with them in order to cut expenses. Adult children are returning home in order to save on expenses. Certainly, it creates some discomforts – but, it does force families to revisit their relationships and work together for survival.
The fears of the unknown, are creating stress and hardship on everyone. Parents are struggling to hold things together, and kids are wondering what will happen in the future. It’s a painful time, but… a great opportunity for families to draw closer and feel the security of their love for each other. Things are not quite as difficult when you feel like you have someone with you regardless of how tough it gets. That’s where family comes in. (more…)
by Joseph | Feb 9, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
What a time we live in! With what I see every day, I truly believe the end must be near. I don’t want to come across as overly pessimistic or negative. I am very sensitive that the topic is tough for folks – especially as we continue to battle with a pandemic, record high inflation, nuclear threats, and food shortages. People are looking for hope – and here I come and dash that hope with a claim that the End must be near. The fact is, I think most folks have pondered that thought.
I must state that for many years I’ve heard so many preachers and doomsday folks proclaim … “The End is Near”. That message has gotten louder with every difficulty that our world has faced over the years. Today, it is blaring! The Bible makes it clear that the closer to the return of the Messiah, the more turbulence, famines, and wars we would see. No-one knows exactly when that will occur.
In my life-time I have never seen the intensity of difficulties like we’re now seeing on a global scale. Wars and rumors of wars are a daily reporting. Pandemics, famine, shootings … you name it, and we’re seeing it like no other time in history.
I personally believe we will soon be engulfed in another major war, NOT because the media says so – but because the stirring of anger and bitterness is rampant.
The toxic attitudes and callous abrasion has taken over our politics – and our churches. As I went to the store today, I noticed so many people who’s countenance showed that they were bothered and worried. You could hardly draw a smile out of them. There seems to be so much anger and resentment in the hearts of people.
The Bible clearly proclaims that in the last days, this is what it will look like. I can’t read the following scripture without seeing this very clearly and active in our world today. You don’t have to look much farther than Social Media to see this very vividly.
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.
2 Timothy 3:1-3 (NLT)
I certainly do not claim to know “when” the end will come. I know this … there are a lot of folks making “prophetic” claims based on signs and dreams they’ve had. We must be extremely careful with what we are hearing and seeing. The Bible makes it clear that in the last days there will be FALSE PROPHETS who will come and deceive many.
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24 NIV
For me, I do believe the end is near. I believe we are also about to enter the most turbulent time we have seen in our Country. We should be preparing ourselves and strengthening our families. Be Careful who you follow – and get Prepared!
by Joseph | Feb 9, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Yesterday, a member of my family called me an “Alarmist”. I really was not aware that I am an alarmist, so it came as a bit of a surprise to me. In fact, I didn’t even know what an alarmist was- or what the role consisted of. So, being the good alarmist that I am… I looked it up.
Here’s what the dictionary definition of an alarmist is:
“a person who tends to raise alarms, esp. without sufficient reason, as by exaggerating dangers or prophesying calamities.”
Perhaps my family member knows something about me that I don’t know. Or, maybe it’s possible that my actions and communications have been misinterpreted by those who disagree with my insights. To my knowledge, I haven’t exaggerated the dangers that we face – nor have I prophesied destruction. In fact, by definition the alarmist will raise concerns without sufficient reason. If you have done any research into what is happening on a global scale – there is certainly sufficient reason to be prudent in preparation.
I am not screaming in the streets that we are all doomed, but I do believe we are facing some serious challenges ahead. My call is not to warn people that the end is near, rather to encourage people to prepare for the difficulties that may lie ahead. The Bible is very clear that the King is soon coming – and we need to prepare for His arrival. There will be some difficult events as we get closer to His arrival. If a call to prepare for that is an alarm, well, so be it.
The reference that I was an alarmist came because I referred to the fact my family had just received a shipment of supplies – much of it for our pantry. Here’s a picture of some of our shipments…
The “alarmist” comment speaks more about where we are as a society, and really, the very lack of family discipline that has led us as a society to some of the difficult issues we are facing. We’ve become a spoiled people, who expect immediate gratification and constant entertainment. We have learned that we can squander our resources, and borrow to replace what we’ve depleted.
It is folly to assume that we can continue to live without ultimately paying the debt for our greed and obsessive lifestyle. Make no mistake about it we will reap what we sow. That’s not an alarm, that’s a fact!
