Seeing Him who is invisible

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.”

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Modern Preparation Strategy and Supplies

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…)

Preppers beware!

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.

Turmoil is Changing Families

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…)