by Joseph | May 7, 2024 | Preparation, Sharing
In our world today, we are constantly faced with news of discord, conflict, and unrest. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about the future. However, as believers in Christ, we have the assurance that God is with us, even in the midst of life’s storms.
The Bible is filled with accounts of individuals facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. In Mark 4:35-41, we read about Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm arose. The disciples, filled with fear, woke Jesus, who was sleeping in the boat. With a simple command, Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, revealing His power over the elements and His ability to bring peace in the midst of chaos.
Just as Jesus brought peace to the disciples in the midst of the storm, He can bring peace to our hearts and minds in the midst of the discord and turmoil we face today. When we fix our eyes on Him and trust in His unfailing love and mercy, we can experience a supernatural calm that transcends our circumstances.
However, it is not enough to simply seek peace; we must also heed God’s promises and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus teaches, “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” (NASB)
By building our lives on the solid foundation of God’s Word and putting our faith into action, we can withstand the storms of life. We must prioritize our relationship with God, spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and surrendering our lives to His will. As we do so, we will find the strength and resilience needed to face any challenge that comes our way.
The Apostle Paul, no stranger to hardship and adversity, reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)
As we navigate the storms of life, let us cling to the promises of God, seek His peace through prayer and thanksgiving, and prepare our hearts and minds by building our lives on the firm foundation of His Word. May we find comfort in knowing that no matter what challenges we face, God is with us, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Joseph Report: The turmoils are going to increase. The battles are going to rage and become more difficult. Anger and bitterness will continue to ramp-up and divide people. There will be struggles, global health fears, and famine coming to the land – and America will soon see far greater discord and terror. The reality is, we must heed the call to prepare and lean on God for our strength. As the world around us grows darker, we must shine brighter, holding fast to our faith and trusting in the One who is able to keep us through every trial and tribulation. Let us not grow weary in doing good, but let us persevere, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (Galatians 6:9).
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, recognizing the discord and unrest that surrounds us. We pray for Your peace to fill our hearts and minds, even in the midst of the storms we face. Help us to trust in Your unfailing love and mercy, and to build our lives on the solid foundation of Your Word. Give us the strength and wisdom to face the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. As the world grows darker, help us to shine brighter, holding fast to our faith and trusting in You, our unshakable anchor. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We thank You for Your faithfulness and the assurance that You will never leave us nor forsake us. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
by Joseph | May 5, 2024 | Preparation, Sharing
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
In times of impending calamity, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and hopeless. However, as believers, we can find comfort, strength, and hope in the promises of God’s Word. The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who faced tremendous adversity yet emerged victorious through their faith and trust in God.
One such example is Joseph, whose story is found in the book of Genesis. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and later falsely imprisoned, Joseph remained faithful to God. He used his God-given wisdom and discernment to prepare for the coming famine, not only saving Egypt but also his own family. Genesis 41:33-36 says, “Now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance. Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and let them guard it. Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine.”
Like Joseph, we too can prepare for the challenges ahead by seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. We can find hope in the knowledge that God is sovereign and in control, even when our circumstances seem dire. As we trust in Him and follow His leading, we can experience His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Moreover, we can draw strength from the promise found in Romans 8:28, which states, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This verse reminds us that even in the midst of trials and tribulations, God is working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect plan for our lives.
As we face the uncertainty of the future, let us hold fast to the hope we have in Christ. Let us prepare our hearts and minds through prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and wise action. May we, like Joseph, remain faithful and obedient to God, trusting that He will guide us, provide for us, and ultimately bring us through the storms of life.
Remember, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'” – Psalm 91:1-2
by Joseph | Apr 28, 2024 | Preparation, Sharing
In today’s world, it seems like every day brings a new crisis. From natural disasters to economic troubles and even global pandemics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. As Christians, we know that God is in control, but we also have a responsibility to be prepared for whatever challenges come our way.
However, many of us have become complacent when it comes to being ready for emergencies. We see so many warnings and scary scenarios on the news and social media that we start to tune them out. We might even start to believe in conspiracy theories that make us feel like preparing is pointless. This kind of thinking is dangerous and can leave us vulnerable when a real crisis hits.
The Importance of Wisdom and Discernment
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:6-7, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
As Christians, we need to approach preparedness with wisdom and discernment. We can’t just believe everything we hear or read, especially when it comes to rumors or theories that seem too good (or too scary) to be true. Instead, we need to seek out reliable information from trusted sources and experts.
This means looking to our church leaders, government agencies, and reputable organizations for guidance on how to prepare for different kinds of emergencies. It also means being critical thinkers and asking questions when something doesn’t seem right.
Learning from the Past: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 25:1-13 about ten virgins who were waiting for a bridegroom to arrive. Five of them were foolish and didn’t bring enough oil for their lamps, while the other five were wise and prepared.
When the bridegroom was delayed, the foolish virgins ran out of oil and had to go buy more. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived, and the wise virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast. The foolish ones were left outside.
This story teaches us that we need to be ready at all times because we don’t know when Jesus will return or when a crisis will happen. If we’re not prepared, we might miss out on important opportunities or even put ourselves and others in danger.
Practical Steps for Christian Preparedness
So what can we do to be prepared without falling into complacency or conspiracy theories? Here are some practical steps:
- Pray for wisdom and guidance from God (James 1:5).
- Study the Bible and learn from examples of readiness and preparedness (like Noah building the ark or Joseph storing up food in Egypt).
- Make a plan with your family for different types of emergencies (fires, floods, power outages, etc.).
- Put together an emergency kit with essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, first aid, flashlights, and batteries.
- Stay informed about potential risks and hazards in your area, but be discerning about the sources you trust.
- Get involved in your church and community to build relationships and support networks before a crisis happens.
Remember, being prepared isn’t about living in fear or hoarding resources for ourselves. It’s about being wise stewards of what God has given us and being ready to help others in need.
Trusting in God’s Protection and Provision
Ultimately, our hope and security come from God, not from our own efforts or stockpiles. We can trust in His promise to provide for us and protect us, even in the darkest of times.
Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges or hardships, but it does mean that God will give us the strength and resources we need to persevere.
As we navigate these uncertain times, let’s remember to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s be wise and prepared, but let’s also trust in God’s love and grace to carry us through whatever storms may come.
By staying anchored in God’s Word, connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and committed to practical preparedness, we can overcome the dangers of complacency and be ready to shine God’s light in a world that desperately needs it. May we be found faithful and wise servants, always ready for our Master’s return (Luke 12:35-40).
by Joseph | Apr 26, 2024 | Preparation, Sharing
The recent FDA report on the widespread presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in U.S. dairy cattle should be a wake-up call for every American. While the government and public health authorities work to contain this emerging threat, it is crucial that individuals and families also take proactive steps to prepare for the possibility of a severe pandemic. The H5N1 strain of avian flu, which has now been detected in our food supply, has a staggering human mortality rate of over 50% in past outbreaks. If this virus were to adapt to spread efficiently from person-to-person, we could face a global catastrophe that dwarfs the impact of COVID-19.
In light of this terrifying prospect, it is essential that every household develop a comprehensive pandemic preparedness plan. This plan should cover the basics of survival during an extended crisis: food, water, shelter, security, and medical supplies. Aim to stockpile at least a three-month supply of non-perishable food and a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. Ensure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit, a supply of any prescription medications your family needs, and over-the-counter remedies for flu-like symptoms.
Beyond the basics, your pandemic preparedness plan should also consider the unique needs and circumstances of your household. If you have young children, elderly family members, or individuals with chronic health conditions, make sure you have the specialized supplies and knowledge to care for them during a prolonged crisis. Think through how you would handle extended school and business closures, job losses, and supply chain disruptions. Have a communication plan to stay in touch with loved ones and stay informed about developments in your community.
It’s also crucial to prioritize hygiene and sanitation in your preparedness efforts. Stock up on soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and personal protective equipment like gloves and face masks. Develop rigorous habits of handwashing, surface cleaning, and social distancing that can help slow the spread of infection. Consider setting up a designated isolation room in your home where sick family members could be cared for while minimizing the risk of household transmission.
Mental and emotional resilience will also be key to weathering a severe pandemic. Take steps now to build coping skills, strengthen social support networks, and attend to your family’s mental health needs. Resources like books, games, crafts, and exercise equipment can provide essential distraction and stress relief during extended lockdowns.
Beyond preparing your own household, it’s also important to get involved in community-level pandemic preparedness efforts. Reach out to your local emergency management agency, health department, or community organizations to learn about existing plans and volunteer opportunities. Advocate for greater investment in public health infrastructure, medical readiness, and support for vulnerable populations. The more we can build resilience and strengthen social cohesion before a crisis hits, the better we’ll be able to weather the storm.
Preparing for a severe pandemic is not about fear-mongering or paranoia. It’s about taking a clear-eyed look at the very real risks we face and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The H5N1 avian flu threat is just the latest reminder that we live in an interconnected world where new pathogens can emerge and spread with frightening speed. By investing in individual and family preparedness now, we can build the resilience and self-sufficiency needed to face whatever challenges may come.
Of course, no amount of personal preparation can fully shield us from the devastating impacts of a severe pandemic. Ultimately, we will need a robust and coordinated global response to contain the spread of deadly pathogens and mitigate their worst effects. But by taking responsibility for our own pandemic readiness, we can reduce the strain on overburdened public systems, increase our odds of weathering the crisis, and contribute to a more resilient society overall.
The time to start preparing is now, before the next pandemic strikes. Don’t wait until store shelves are empty, supply chains are disrupted, and hospitals are overflowing to start thinking about your family’s survival needs. By taking action today, you can gain peace of mind and a sense of empowerment in the face of an uncertain future.
Remember, preparedness is not just about hoarding supplies or hunkering down in isolation. It’s about cultivating the knowledge, skills, and social connections that will see us through even the darkest of times. It’s about recognizing our shared vulnerability and our shared responsibility to look out for one another. By working together to build resilience at every level – from the individual to the global community – we can face the existential threat of pandemics with courage, compassion, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
by Joseph | Feb 15, 2024 | Sharing
In the difficult times we find ourselves, it becomes necessary to look beyond the perils and find hope and joy. If we continue to dwell in the uncertainties of the looming conflicts, economic downfalls, and harsh realities, we may become callous and hardened. It’s not always easy but with the Call we have before us – we need to Have the strength to Endure.
The journey through life’s hardships can be daunting, leaving us feeling weary and burdened. However, the Bible offers us profound encouragement and a promise of divine strength to endure. Isaiah 40:31 NIV states, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse is not merely a promise of physical strength; it’s an assurance of spiritual vitality and resilience. Placing our hope in the Lord doesn’t exempt us from difficulties, but it does equip us with the strength to overcome them. Like eagles that soar above the storm, we too can rise above our challenges when we draw our strength from God.
Embracing this promise requires a shift in perspective. Instead of fixating on the magnitude of our problems, we are called to focus on the greatness of our God. When our hope is anchored in Him, we tap into an inexhaustible source of strength and endurance. This divine strength enables us to face life’s difficulties with courage and perseverance.
Being prepared for life’s challenges involves more than physical readiness; it encompasses a spiritual readiness that comes from a deep-rooted relationship with God. As we cultivate this relationship through prayer, meditation on His word, and obedience to His guidance, we find ourselves equipped and empowered to handle whatever comes our way.
Scripture Reference:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Prayer:
Lord God, in times of weariness and struggle, remind me to place my hope in You. Renew my strength and lift me up on wings like eagles, so I may soar above life’s storms. Help me to run with perseverance and walk with unyielding faith, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. In Your mighty name, I pray, Amen.
