John’s writing in the book of the Revelation is an amazing look at the revelation of Jesus Christ and gives us a great look at a God encounter.  I believe that we desperately need a God encounter each and every day in order to stay focused in our life on the things of the Spirit.

The definition of an encounter is described as; a meeting, particularly a sudden or accidental meeting of two or more persons or bodies.  I have watched through the years people who suddenly have a God encounter.  I have also seen those who accidentally walked into the presence of the Holy Spirit and were transformed and changed in an amazing way.  I believe the church of today needs a fresh encounter with the person of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
There are four dimensions I want us to consider in this article concerning John’s encounter with Christ recorded in Revelation 1.
1.     THE CAUSE OF THE ENCOUNTER. (VS 10)
John says, “I was in the Spirit on the Lords day.”  What does it mean to be in the Spirit on the Lords day?  I have seen many in the 21 years that I was a pastor come into the church in the spirit.  However, some wasn’t in the Holy Spirit, but some other spirit.  To be in the Spirit means that you are under the control of the Spirit.  This can only happen when you lay down your agenda and perspective of what things are suppose to look like when people are under the control of the Holy Spirit.  God does what He does simply because He can and chooses to do so.

A careful study of the history of real revival reveals that it isn’t about getting every line of doctrine correct though doctrine is very important.  Revival isn’t about getting everyone clean enough, though walking clean before God is very important.  Revival seems to be about people getting desperate enough to lay down every agenda they have and simply allowing God free reign in their life at that very moment.  Let’s evaluate how the cause of John’s encounter.

• His sensitivity to the Spirit- We can only develop a sensitivity to the Spirit by allowing Him to control us.  This comes through the Word and prayer.

• His sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit- John says he heard a great voice as of a trumpet.  Developing sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit must begin with the willingness to stop talking long enough to hear Him speak.

We cannot ignore that it was the preeminence of God that brought John to the Isle of Patmos to begin with.  John would have never chosen this for himself.  Many times we need the hand of God to put us in place to receive the touch and power of God.
2.     THE PERSON OF THE ENCOUNTER (VS 11-16)
In reading these verses we cannot draw but one conclusion, and that is that John was hearing and seeing the Lord Jesus Christ himself.  A God encounter brings attention to no one but Christ.  It isn’t brought about by a preacher.  Normally revival is attended by the most unlikely of preachers.  It isn’t brought about by anything other than the will of God and the waiting of the people.  The upper room was filled with people who were simply waiting on the promise of God.  It is a hungry for Christ and Christ alone that brings about a fresh encounter.  Notice what is learned from verse 11.

• Christ declares who is doing the speaking- “I am the alpha and Omega, the first and the last.”  Only one can fit this description.  In this description many things are implied.  He is the A to Z and everything in between.  The all sufficient one is implied.  The originator and the finisher of all things.

• Christ declares what John must do- Write down what you see. This thought implies that we should capture and preserve the things we receive from the Lord.  We often have a tendency to devalue the things that the Lord gives to us.  Obedience will always follow an encounter with God.

• Christ reveals himself to John-  Anytime there is a God encounter the revelation of Christ to His people captivates their attention and their heart.

It is the person of Christ that we need an encounter with.  We have had preaching, singing, teaching but what we need is the person of Christ to be manifest in our lives and among the body.
3. THE EFFECT OF THE ENCOUNTER. (VS 17)
“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.”  There was a physical manifestation as a result of the encounter.  This is what most people find distasteful.  Just because there are physical manifestations does not mean that people are really encountering God, neither does a God encounter always include a physical manifestation.  We read about things like this and somehow it is alright.  But when we see these things happen before us we then have a tendency to pull back.
I’m reminded of what Jonathon Edwards wrote in his diary.  He said, “God send us a revival without any flesh.”  What a noble thought this is.  All wants a move of God without any obstructions or mess to have to deal with.  However, time went by and nothing seemed to happen.  A later entry in his diary said, “God send us a revival flesh and all.”  Jonathon Edwards realized that revival comes upon fleshly people who are going to respond at times in flesh.
4. THE PURPOSE OF THE ENCOUNTER (VS 17)
The removal of fear was what God did for John in this encounter.  This I believe is what enabled John to write with boldness the way He did.  We have the book of Revelation today because of an encounter John had with Christ.
Conclusion:  God has a purpose in reviving His people.  God has a purpose in you having a real encounter with Him.  There are things deep within your spirit that needs to be pulled out of you for the body of Christ.  Without an encounter with Him we may never realize our calling and what God wants to release to the world that is in you and you alone.

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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. 

In my experience, the greatest need for preparation involves the family.  As I always see people rushing about and watch their interaction with their family members – I’m so reminded of the need to draw closer to family.  Many families do not even communicate, as they are too busy texting or talking on cell phones.  How can we prepare for difficulties ahead, if we don’t prepare our families by building a stronger relationship?

Don’t know what to do to start preparing?  Begin by strengthen your relationship with your spouse and children.

The post The Greatest Need for Preparation appeared first on Joseph Report.

My preparation journey has been a transition from a 1.3 million dollar mansion in California, to a much more remote area in a very small home that is on land that has been in my family for several generations.  I have shifted from a lifestyle of riding in limos and eating at fancy restaurants, to enjoying a peaceful morning harmony of chirping birds, wind whispering through the trees, and farm animals cheerfully welcoming the sunrise.  The stream on the property keeps this morning orchestra in perfect cadence as the restful water tumbles over the smooth rocks – flowing gently toward the river below.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit a local shop owner in our town.  He had been a merchant for many years, and was lamenting about the fall of his business.  He had been extremely successful, but the last three years had been brutal for him – and he was bitter.

The business this merchant had successfully built over the years was beginning to reflect “the shift” in what people value as a treasure.  His wares were once considered a collectible investment that brought comfort and pleasure to the possessor.  Now, as people are impacted with a changing environment – his trinkets are becoming worthless.

I believe a similar “transition of treasure” will be required of most people during the preparation process.  For some, it will be a difficult transition simply because their heart remains with treasures that have defined our comforts.  In my journey, the Lord began to shift what I have valued as a “treasure”.   I firmly believe that one of the most difficult (yet required) elements of preparation is embracing the changes in what we truly place value in.  We can either embrace the transition of treasure, or we can wage a feeble struggle that will ultimately take us down a path of defeat and bitterness.  Either way, the change will happen – whether we want it or not.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  (Luke 12:35).

As I continue to prepare, I believe we all need to continually take personal inventory of the things that truly reflect value to us.  I reflect on how changes (perhaps drastic changes) might impact the items that have been labeled as a “treasure.”

Every day I am more convinced… Our real treasures can not be acquired by a purchase.

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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.

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For years, I really didn’t fully understand much about the economy and how it worked. I just got a paycheck, deposited it into my bank, and paid my bills. When prices went up, usually I got a raise at work so I really didn’t notice too much difference with how much money I had left over each month.

Of course, that was before I felt the call to prepare, and began really grasping things that were going on. We’re still learning on the journey but, certainly there is a much-better understanding of some very important difficulties – and why we must prepare.

Over the years, I’ve heard people state they have confidence that our Government leaders will ultimately make the right decisions regarding our economy. While I certainly pray for our leaders and believe most of them serve with good intentions, I simply have lost confidence in the way “politics” is now impacting the decision making process.

It has become obvious to more-and-more people that we are heading for very perilous times. I have started discussing the need to prepare for economic collapse, and especially the potential for hyperinflation.

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:1-2

In order to really understand how to best prepare (and especially what we will discuss in the days ahead), you need to have a solid grasp on what hyperinflation is. In simple terms it is tied into inflation levels that are extremely high and out of control. They are well beyond the norms of inflation.
As a result of hyperinflation prices increase rapidly. This causes many of complex concerns. There are basic things we all need and those seem to what the price increases hit the hardest.

For example when you go to fill your car up at the gas station you may find that it has jumped by several cents per gallon. Sometimes those jumps are as much as ten cents per gallon overnight too. This can increase the budget in your household for fuel substantially.

We all have to eat and the cost of food continues to increase during hyperinflation too. When you buy food items at the grocery store it is going to be much more than before. Due to the increased costs of supplies it also means you can plan on paying more when you dine out.

One of the other significant areas of the budget where you will see increases are in utilities. Most of us have seen several spikes and increases in the costs of utilities over the past couple of years. It is tough due to the fact that we need water, heat, and cooling available to us. We also need electricity so we feel that we are at the mercy of such companies.

Due to hyperinflation it is very hard for many households to make ends meet. They find their costs for necessities goes up and so they have less disposable income. For those on a fixed income or low income who were just getting by it is now virtually impossible.

Households are cutting out extras and that is why so many businesses are having problems too. When a household can barely meet their required expenses they aren’t spending on items that they consider to be wants or luxuries any more.

The terminology that experts use for hyperinflation is… a period of time when the cycle of inflation continues to grow so rapidly that there isn’t any real balance in sight for it.

When you have an increase in costs that is very fast, there is no controlling it, and prices are continually increasing with large jumps you have more than inflation to deal with – it is hyperinflation. It is very unusual but it does happen and it is something that the US dollar could be heading towards.

In order for hyperinflation to be present without a doubt one of two things must occur:

• If the accumulated inflation rate of the past 3 year period is equal to or more than 100%

OR

• The accumulated rate of inflation is more than 50% over a one month period of time.

Even though there are historical standings of hyperinflation hundreds of years old, no one studied it and gave us solid information about it until 1956. A book by Phillip Cagan called “The Monetary Dynamics of Hyperinflation” was a huge release that showed people some of the reasons why it happens and to give them an understanding of the process.

A great deal of what is found in this book has been given credible backing by economic specialists. They have studied the foundations of the US dollar and the economy. They don’t argue with what Cagan offered in that very enlightening book.

However, that doesn’t mean our Nation now has all of the answers of how to prevent high inflation and hyperinflation from occurring. The good news though is that the government and all citizens have access to information that can help them to identify the signs that may indicate that hyperinflation is going to happen.

It can help use to take action that will change the course of history. Most people don’t think much about economics or the economy of the USA when things are going well. When they turn the other way though people are fun of panic over it and they are ready to place blame.

Taking responsibility for the economy is a role we all need to step into. Too often citizens feel that their hands are tied and they have to make do with what is going on. Yet they have decisions about buying commodities such as gold, reaching out for credit that is offered, and how they will handle their own finances in tough economic times.

Have Faith in God.  Pray for our Leaders.

The post More Preparation Insight on Hyperinflation appeared first on Joseph Report.

I remember growing up during the cold war and hearing regular news reports about the rising potential for World War 3.  Families lived in fear that a global nuclear war would break out and end life on the planet.

In today’s world, it seems there is an even greater fear impacting families.  War is still happening across the globe, but that’s not the only worry.  The looming threat of a coming global disaster is becoming increasingly evident.  Global Pandemics, Famine, Climate disasters, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion are all contributing to a potential catastrophe that very well could have devastating consequences for humanity. The effects of these issues are far-reaching.

In our own Country, the disagreements and divisions among people is being stoked by politicians and media and ultimately is boiling towards a catastrophic conclusion.  Even Churches and places of worship are being utilized to foment anger and distrust.  The unavoidable reality of this increasing discord is the coming pain and suffering.  Make no mistake – it is coming.  We must prepare.

While I don’t particularly enjoy sharing a doomsday commentary, the fact is, we have known these difficulties were coming long ago.  Scripture has warned us repeatedly that we would face this day – and that we needed to be ready.  The difficulty for many is – denial.  We want to have hope that these are just difficult times like other generations have experienced – and we will be able to navigate through.  While I do know there is hope for salvation – I also believe there is a coming calamity the likes of which humanity has never experienced.  We must prepare.

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Global Spread of Infectious Diseases: A Significant Threat

Need Better Preparedness and Response Measures for your Family

The global spread of infectious diseases is a huge concern and will continue to be a significant threat to global stability. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the rapid spread of infectious diseases, causing widespread illness and death, as well as significant economic disruption.  I remember going to the grocery store shortly after local governments put restrictions in place – and finding absolute chaos and fear.  Shelves were emptied of essentials as people rushed to get items they needed for their family.  The supply chain disruption exposed another area that is an obvious concern going forward.  Regardless of the real truths of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact remains … We must prepare.

Changes to Climate: A Threat to Humanity

Unpredictable Weather Patterns and Rising Sea Levels

Regardless of where you land on the subject of climate change, the fact seems to be that there are increasing climate disasters.  We need to accept the fact that these disasters are going to be more numerous and more intense.  We must prepare.

One of the most pressing global threats facing humanity today is climate change. The effects of climate change are being felt around the world, with unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels, and threats to food security being just some of the consequences. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, leading to loss of life and livelihoods.

There is so much more to share…

The news media has an endless supply of negative broadcasts to grab attention.  While I do not appreciate the barrage of disturbing presentations, the reality is, the potential for global disaster is a very real and urgent issue that requires immediate attention and preparedness. Whether it is natural climate emergencies, economic failures, pandemics, or global war, we must prepare.

The most important step is to heed to words of Scripture.  Join with a Body of believers who know and share the true Messiah.  Prepare your family for the things that are coming.  Getting better prepared will help during times of chaos and uncertainty.

The post The Looming Threat of a Global Disaster: An Urgent Call appeared first on Joseph Report.

For our heirloom seeds, we have found an excellent resource:  Landreth Seeds

For Grains and grain milling supplies we, of course, order from our own storehouse:  Millers Grain House.

For de-hydrated whole foods, there is no better resource that offers top quality, and organically grown:  URI International

The post Ordering supplies, and Supply resources appeared first on Joseph Report.

Years ago, the “Preparation Call” was not a popular calling. People considered us weird and extreme. Some members of my extended family called me an “alarmist”. But… at that particular time things seemed okay in the world, so people assumed all would be well.

Fast forward to today, and you see a completely different story. People are concerned with what they read in the news every day. People are afraid, and wondering what the future holds.

Even as things seem to be falling apart, I am confident in the One who has my heart. I am encouraged with the following words from Scripture…

Fear thou not; for I am with you: do not be dismayed; for I am your God… (Isaiah 41:10)

I do not know all that is coming, but I do believe we have some very difficult times ahead. In the USA, I believe we will be entering into a time where our Constitution will be in a serious crisis. That will cause further fear, chaos, and turmoil. The time to prepare is now, and to draw closer to Yah – the One who freely gives us His Grace that we might be saved.

It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8,9)

The day is upon us. Prepare.

The post What do we NOT know? appeared first on Joseph Report.

My intent, is not to scare – but to impress upon folks the need to prepare. I realize the “get prepared” message is a bit ambiguous, and certainly there are people and groups out there that are pressing extreme views and radical ideas. Some are purposefully preying on the fears of individuals. The preparation call I have felt for over 10 years, is not about having fear – rather, it’s about being able to stay calm and deal effectively during the coming crisis.

We have developed a society of convenience and comforts. We get up-to-the minute news by clicking a mouse and have been conditioned to expect information in 30 second soundbites. We keep up with friends and celebrities and often base our relationships with people by reading a two-sentence post on twitter. In so many ways, we have become shallow and overly self-pleasured.

Take away our current comforts and self-consuming pleasures, and many people will struggle to adjust. Add an economic meltdown, world food-shortage, 25% unemployment, war, and martial law – and you can pretty well count on widespread chaos.

I believe we are headed for a major worldwide event. Everywhere I go, I speak with people who are sensing “something” coming. There is a foreboding impression on the minds of many, that our world is getting ready to drastically change. For me, preparation means getting ready as best I can spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Preparation begins by first looking to Father God for guidance, comfort and wisdom. When my kids were young, they would run to daddy to protect them when they were scared of something. We need to do the same. Our Abba is calling us to rely on Him, and we need to spend time drawing closer to Him now. That should be our first step in really beginning to prepare.

Preparation is not fear. I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, so I do not need to be afraid. Then why prepare? I’ve struggled some with this question, and have come to the conclusion that… there will be many who do not have the peace of God. Their lives will be in turmoil, chaos, and fear. There will obviously be a great opportunity to share the love and saving message of Christ (Yeshua). In Him, there is the peace that passes all understanding. In Him, there is the ultimate eternal preparation.

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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).

Are these messages that are being shared by the Governments of the world helpful or is there a hidden motive behind the increasing alerts?  I think the answer is probably – both.

Now, my assignment and call is not to spread conspiracy theories.  In fact, I think most conspiracies survive and thrive based on creating fear and discord.  That is not the foundation of the preparation message I believe the Messiah would have us share.

But… I do have some thoughts that I will be sharing in the days and weeks ahead on this “new movement of Government preparedness” efforts.  While I do not wish to spread fear, I do believe it is prudent that we are discerning of tactics that may be deployed.

So, what do we do for this viral apocalypse?  Do we react in fear and stop living and planning for the future?

Absolutely not!  More than ever, today we need to prepare for our future.

Contrary to the message that many preppers are spreading, preparation should not simply be a reaction to fear.  It should not be a task list for those who feel they must have ultra-control in order to feel secure.   Certainly, we must get provisions in place and plans in order, but preparation is far more than simply putting a strategic plan together.

In addition to planning and provisions, we should prepare by strengthening our earthly relationships, and especially drawing closer to the Eternal God.

Bottom line… prepare to meet thy God.

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