Doomsday Survival or Preparation Call?

Doomsday Survival has become quite a popular topic with today’s media and politicians.   It is a telling sign that more and more people are concerned with events that are happening all across the globe.

Unfortunately, the concerns that people face are often fueled by the media in the form of fear.  News outlets and others often sensationalize events that are happening, in order to boost their following.  Regrettably, fear has proven to be a powerful agent in driving revenues.  The internet has made information immediately available so it has become very easy to follow events all over the world.  I suspect if the internet was available during the great World Wars or during the global depression, there likely would have been an even greater movement of people preparing for the ultimate destruction of society.

Certainly, (more than ever, in fact) I believe we all need to prepare, but I really do not believe that preparation should be a reaction to fear.  I personally am not interested in perpetuating fear or pushing a message simply to help drive revenues.

Today, “Preppers” is a popular name that is used to identify those who are somewhat involved in some type of preparation act.  I am not a big fan of the term Preppers, but I do understand the attempt to identify people who are a part of the preparation journey.  I have just never particularly appreciated how we have grown so accustomed to classifying people into categories, or sub-categories.  Our history is littered by too many terrible acts against people who were visibly identified, labeled, and branded as they were placed as a member of a certain group. Read more

Prepare Your Heart

I have such an incredible family.   My wife and children have been such an inspiration and support.

My oldest daughter shared this with me, and it is so pertinent to the Preparation Call and to the theme of this site.  I hope you enjoy…

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.  Titus 3:1-2

This is such a spectacular verse!  You may not be a Christian or of the same beliefs, but there’s no denying that the above verse can be applied to everyone’s life.  It just isn’t something we always want to hear, is it?  Especially in the heat of a moment or time of frustration or those periods when you want to just isolate yourselves and take care of your own. But take a moment to really let that sentence sink in.

I find that the section in particular that sums up the entire verse is “to be ready to do whatever is good”.  To be ready!  That’s another way of saying ‘prepare’. Everyone should be ready to do whatever is good, not only in the easy times, but more so in the difficult times.  To be considerate, peaceable and gentle toward everyone!

As you take this journey and are preparing, you cannot neglect your heart. Preparation is a process that should go deeper than solely learning which alternative shelter to choose or how to store enough food.  This is a journey that takes heart and you cannot lose a grip on your foundation. Yes, learn all that you can and prepare in the physical and external sense of the word. Yet always remember that external circumstances can quickly shift.  Put your hope in the living God and not in how well you prepare. So that then you can be ready to do whatever is good even in the most difficult moments.

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!

 

Turmoil is Changing Families

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. Read more

A World War is Upon us

WARNING!

I believe a World War is fast approaching and it is becoming increasingly essential that we are getting prepared.

Before I share some thoughts, let me start by saying that I post this with a very heavy heart. I struggle that many people may find the comments I will share to be disturbing or painful. Certainly, it is not my intent to discourage anyone or bring fear. On the contrary, I know we have a Redeemer – and in Him we have Life Everlasting. The purpose of this writing (and the blog in its entirety) is to hopefully provoke actions in preparation.

As I begin sharing a few things, I encourage the reader to pray.  Draw close to God and ask Him to carefully prepare you and open your heart to what He wishes to change and establish in you.  Ask Him to give you wisdom and discernment.

The things I share here are only my opinions – based on what I believe God has laid on my heart.  I suspect that many of my comments will be viewed as controversial and perhaps even a bit alarmist. I am fine with that, as I am only sharing what I believe I am supposed to share.

Years ago, I received a “Preparation Call”.  I am not a theologian and in Sunday School had never heard of a “Preparation calling” being something that was available or desired.  So, my preparation call was somewhat bizarre.  In fact, the calling came at a time when things were very prosperous in America – and long before anyone even heard of terrorism.  Our economy was robust, and outlook was encouraging.   To get a preparation call during that time was just weird.  But… I just felt that God laid on my heart to begin getting prepared, and be ready to help others get prepared.  So whatever that meant, I have since tried to live in full surrender to it.

Now… wherever you go, it seems that more-and-more people are getting prepared.  People “feel” something is coming, and they are trying to find answers on how to prepare.  Unfortunately, there are people who are now using this new heightened sense of concern to spread fear and worry.  Some are even using fear to profit.   They call themselves “modern day prophets”, when in fact they are only after modern day profits.  God will bring them to task.

So, back to the point of this post.  Again, let me emphasize that I firmly believe a World War is coming, and it is vitally important that we are preparing ourselves and our families.  I believe it will be quite an intense time for everyone.  For those who have ignored the call to prepare, it could get frightening.

There are many, many people out there who believe a battle in the Middle East is brewing.  I not only think it is brewing, I believe it is imminent.  The Bible alerts us of the importance of this are in the final days, and it is becoming more obvious by the moment that we are seeing the stage being prepared for war. Read more

A Time of Increasing Intensity

In my lifetime, I have never seen such despair and ambivalence. People are afraid and many are losing hope. The times have impressed people to begin living more simple lives, and to prepare.

In fact, many people have felt a call to prepare and to be ready for the difficulties that are approaching. Those difficulties could be in the form of political or economic crisis, or they could be a catastrophic natural event like an earthquake or drought. Whatever the difficulty, countless families are now seeing the importance of preparing.

My family has been in active preparation for years now, although I’ve shared often that it is not what I assumed it to be. When I originally started on the journey of preparation, I assumed it was all about storing provisions and learning how to plant a garden. Certainly, those were/are important in the process of preparedness, but the real need of preparation is much greater.

God is calling us to a deeper Faith in Him. We can, and should, be better prepared for events that will impact us in a major way – but more than that, we need to be steadfast in our Faith. We need to be prepared to meet our God.

As we simplify our lives and look for ways to sustain our families in emergencies, we should also be preparing and softening our hearts to hear from God. Store the Word of God in our hearts, so when the times of troubled waters come – we are prepared.

“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” Psalms 69:1-3

Economic Collapse and our rush to war

Preparation is now taking on a new and vital importance. For those doubters who have scoffed at the need or call for preparation, I hope you will soon arise from your sleep.

Many people never thought that the world and domestic events would push things to the point of where we now find ourselves.  It is an amazing time to be alive!  Prepare to meet thy God!

World events are changing very quickly with daily reports of wars and upheaval all over the globe.  Everything is becoming more intense and will continue to intensify as we draw ever closer to the end of the age.

As I look over the events of the day, there are some amazing things that are happening – yet, most people do not seem to take notice (or perhaps prefer to ignore them).

Economies all over the world are failing (especially in the West) and people are taking to the streets in protest.  Countries are selling their assets just to stay afloat and perhaps survive a few more months.  Are we so ignorant to believe that a few changes will suddenly and effectively change the ultimate outcome?  I am not an economist, but I just believe it is folly to assume we can continue “economy kiting” with more bailouts.

The more I see that is happening, the more I am convinced that people must expedite preparations.  The world economy is in peril, and many leaders believe the best way to stimulate the economy is for war to emerge.  When you look at the events all over the globe, it’s not a stretch to see that the US and other Countries are positioning and preparing for war.

Within the next six months it will likely not shock many people to see the US expanding operations and engaged in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, or Pakistan.  In addition, it seems highly likely that Israel will be pressed on its borders, with significant new rocket terror from all fronts. Read more

US Government Warns of Revelation Apocalypse?

As we continue with the assignment of sharing the need for preparation, it seems we are now joined by the US Government in proclaiming the need to prepare for the Last Days Apocalypse.

In fact, in a recent and popular post on the Center for Disease Control site there was a somewhat disturbing article entitled “Preparedness -101:  Zombie Apocalypse“.

Do you think the US Government knows something they are not fully disclosing to a sheepish public?  Well of course they do.

I am quite sure the title of this recent article was carefully chosen to create attention and interest from a generation that seems to be strangely fascinated with the horror element and the spread of death through viral interactions.  I certainly understand the desire for the Center for Disease Control to market their message of preparedness and certainly recognize the need to alert people of the need to prepare for difficult events.

However… as I read the article on the CDC website it does not really impact me as simply an attention-grabbing horror show fantasy.  The fact is, the Bible has already disclosed the events that will unfold and has given us warning that we should be prepared for such events.  Why are we now so surprised that even secular Governments are beginning to recognize the times that we live?

In the Book of Revelation we read:

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.  Rev. 6:8

I believe it is quite ironic that the US Government CDC website used a viral death plague as an apocalyptic description.  The CDC urges us to get prepared because such a scenario is not out of the question.  The fact is, the Bible has already given us this warning.

Governments regularly shout the message to their people to get prepared for earthquakes, famines, flood, disease, unusual weather events, and terrorism.  We regularly hear of wars and rumors of wars, and even receive warning of impending disasters in the heavens (increasing solar flares, meteors, comets, etc). Read more

Prepare by Resting

As God pours out in these Last Days, it becomes incredibly important that we draw closer to Him.  We need to listen carefully to what He is saying to us during this hour, and certainly immediately act upon His words.  He is now shouting from the Heavens.

I firmly believe we are entering a time of increasing intensity.  Events all over the world will seem magnified to a much higher degree and masses of people will be fearful and confused.  They will seek answers and many will be led astray by the “experts” who will attempt to explain the events as a physical phenomenon.

Even personal emotions will become increasingly intense.  As the foundations of the earth are shaken, so too will the foundations of our person be shaken.  We are being prepared.  I believe that which is at our core – fears, anger, frustrations-  will begin to see increasing intensity.  We will even see intensity in our relationships.

There is going to be turbulence in the world, and there is going to be increasing turbulence within the hearts of people.  The preparation process is more than gaining a simple understanding,  or perhaps following a task list.  For me, the Preparation Call is less about stocking supplies, and more about surrendering to the reality that God is our refuge and strength.

As we are faced with the difficulties, it is vital that we turn to the One who loves us in a way that goes beyond definition.  His love is deeper than our knowledge of personal comforts or intense pleasures.  His love goes beyond the temporal issues we see in time and extends into eternity.

When turmoil comes, it is important to find a restful place that is quiet and peaceful, but more than that, a place where you can experience the presence of God.  He wants a relationship with us, and wants us to rest in Him.

This is my resting place forever.” (Psalms 132:14)

According to Psalm 132:14, God has established resting places, literal places that are His resting places.  God is calling each of us to find a quiet place, a resting place where we can get alone to spend time with Him.   As you prepare, make sure to find a time to Rest in Him.

In the story of Noah, when the world was destroyed by the flood, the first thing Noah did was send a dove out to find a place to rest.

“Then he (Noah) sent forth a dove to see if the waters had decreased from the surface of the ground. But the dove found no resting place on which to roost, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were yet on the face of the whole land. So he put forth his hand and drew her to him into the ark” (Genesis 8:8-9).

Noah represents God, and the Ark represents the safety of the presence of God. Only when you enter into His presence will you find that place of peace and rest.

Trust Him to lead you to His resting place.

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.

 

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