by Joseph | Feb 25, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
As things continue to intensify and people struggle with the uncertainties of the times, it is important that we continue preparing – and especially getting prepared spiritually.
Recently, my sister wrote a daily devotional on “Spiritual Maturity”. I thought it was very good and certainly timely with what is going on now in the world. I’ve shared on the topic before, but I think her points certainly warrant repeating. I will share some of the main points of her article below.
Fulfilling the call of God on your life – and also getting prepared for future difficulties – will require spiritual maturity. If we examine what Solomon had to go through to prepare to build the house of the Lord, we gain insight into how the Lord prepares us and trains us up. King David wanted to build the House of the Lord, but God told him that Solomon would be the one who would build the House. Even though David was probably disappointed, he began helping Solomon prepare himself for the task. In 1 Chronicles 29:1 David said, “Solomon is yet young and tinder” (inexperienced), in other words he had not matured yet. King David knew Solomon was inexperience and would need to mature in order to accomplish the call on his life.
Right now as our world faces growing uncertainties, many people are living in fear and panic. Unfortunately, many people have simply been oblivious to the need to ready themselves for difficulties – or may have ignored the preparation call. We live in a world of immaturity. We live in a time when the adults have more toys than the children and most people don’t want to grow up. The first step to spiritual maturity comes as the worldly desires are put aside and the work of the kingdom becomes a priority.
(more…)
by Joseph | Feb 25, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Every day it seems more-and-more people are concerned and are beginning to prepare. Some are not quite sure what they are preparing for, but I hear most say they are preparing for disaster.
I heard a preparation call more than 30 years ago. At the time, I didn’t quite understand what it meant to “prepare”, but I tried to just step on Faith. As it turns out, what I assumed was preparation is far more intense than I ever imagined.
The urgency and importance of preparation has never been more critical. As I hear comments from US Government leaders and see the direction we are headed as a Country, I realize that we are racing toward difficulties and disasters that we have never encountered before. The arrogance and audacity of hope founded on intellectual ascent may soon unleash peril upon us – if there is not repentance.
The stunning developments that are now unfolding impress upon me the urgent need for people to prepare. I believe there is an increasing intensity coming that will shake the foundations, especially if our leaders abandon Israel.
On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. New International Version
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Prepare, because the day of the Lord is upon us.
by Joseph | Feb 25, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
With all the anger, fear, and violence around us, is it even possible to love in times like these?
With every new day there seems to be more pain, suffering, and dissension amongst peoples. Innocent lives are taken by those who are driven by their own anger, hatred, intolerance, or extremist views. How can we love in times when people are so consumed with themselves that they easily discard others – even family – when the relationship becomes an inconvenient burden?
We have to find ways to build relationships regardless of the lies that are hardening hearts and feeding self-preservationists. We must never allow our efforts in preparedness to drive us to an isolated and ultra-protected lifestyle – dependent only on ourselves. Being self-reliant in our lifestyle does not mean we must be self-focused to the exclusion of all others around us.
The truth is, if we are to find redemption in these difficult and uncertain times we MUST find love – and find the courage to share it. I see the necessity to love – as part of the Preparation Call. If we continue to harden our hearts toward others and deteriorate in our ability to love without conditions, I believe our lives will deteriorate into further bondage. We are creatures created for relationships and to nourish those relationships we must have some reasonable ability to love. Isolating ourselves will ultimately destroy us.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
“Preparation Call, and the need to share love” is not a suggestion that we should simply ignore the importance of preparedness and self-reliance. By no means can – or should we – ignore the obvious responsibility to prepare our families for the things ahead. The Bible clearly shows the importance of being prepared and understanding our responsibility of serving and loving others. Preparedness is journey of Faith – and not a path that we walk in fear.
If you really listen carefully, you know that there is and abundance of fear and concern all over the world. It seems that families (all over the globe) are pushing their preparedness planning because they see the uncertainties. With bleak economic times, unemployment, natural disasters, rumors of wars, and distrust in politicians and government, people are very concerned about what lies ahead. In every economic and social standing, families are beginning to prepare in anticipation of major disruptions in their “normal” life routines.
Unfortunately, what I am hearing is that many people are rushing their preparedness as a reaction to fear and, in some cases, conspiracy mongering. In fact, many families are pushing forward with their preparation efforts because they are now hyper-sensitive to anything that sounds like doomsday news or end-of-the-world sensationalizing.
It seems with every news report that is released, more-and-more people are beginning to join the self-reliance and preparedness movement because they already sense that something is coming that will change life (as we know it) forever. Certainly, in many ways that is a good thing. I firmly believe we should all be getting prepared and more self-reliant, but I still have concerns about the path of fear that many families are jumping-on as they begin their preparedness.
Now more than ever, I see it is vital to prepare and to do so with courage and hope. Contrary to what many critics suggest, Preparedness is not a pessimistic lack of hope for the future, but on the contrary, is very much an optimistic and prudent approach in protecting our families for what God has in store for us ahead.
So, with all the anger, fear, and violence around us, is it even possible to love in times like these? The answer is an emphatic, YES. We must.
by Joseph | Feb 25, 2026 | 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 25, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
To keep me on track with my own preparations, I keep an updated list of my own activities and needs. It certainly helps me stay focused.
These are in no particular priority order, and this is not a complete list:
- Have started a vintage and heirloom seed (and seed potatoes) bank. Vegetables and flowers.
- Stocking URI products (dehydrated whole-food powder) for nutritional needs (has a 2 year shelf life)
- Currently ordering food items (ie. grains, canned goods, beans, etc) for long-term storage.
- Ordering food storage containers (food grade) for grains and dried food.
- Looking to install alternative energy source – (ie. solar power)
- I will continue working hard on my job, and trim expenses as much as possible to strengthen my financial position.
- IMPORTANT… Establishing an online income training system to help others transition to having the ability to earn income, without traveling. Helps tap into other economies all over the world.
- Stocking and upgrading hunting supplies (ammo, backpack, etc.)
- Stocking wood for heating/cooking. I am not concerned we will lose electricity, but am sensitive that we will need to conserve economic resources during a difficult economy.
- Establishing a supply of batteries (including rechargeable) and flashlights
- Searching for dehydrator and water purifier
- Installing wood heater in office and looking at installing a hand pump for well
- Preparing climate controlled storage for food/seeds
- looking at livestock options
- Working on developing barter system
- Looking to establish home meeting group to locally connect with people who are preparing.
- Maintain my blogsite to share my views on what is going on and where I believe things are headed. The site will be primarily information and content based – and will help with connecting and networking with others. By networking with like-minded people, I believe it will help in finding additional resources for supplies/information. It will also be an opportunity to encourage others and share Christ.
by Joseph | Feb 25, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
I’ve heard it said many times by many people that only the strong shall survive. From experience over the last 19 years of Pastoring, I have never seen this statement lived out in reality. There is always some set of circumstances and situations that ultimately destroy the strength of the human spirit. Fear seems to be the ultimate culprit of our demise.
In the beginning when Adam and Eve were in the garden yielded to sin, the first response after their disobedience was fear. They hid themselves. In other words their strength was gone. Our struggle with fear is well documented throughout scripture. It must be pointed out that thtis is the goal of enemy that we hide from God. Therefore, we can say that fear is one of the fundamental tools that Satan uses against us.
(more…)
