by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
People are now talking freely about “preparation”. Many do not know what they are preparing for, but many now feel a “leading” to prepare. It really doesn’t take much to see that “something” is about to happen, and those who are called – need to be ready and especially prepared to share and assist others.
I speak with people daily who are beginning to prepare. They are storing up food, water, and other provisions, and are establishing plans to help them cope during times of difficulties.
Now, I’m extremely pleased to see people beginning to prepare. There is a preparation urgency, so I believe it is important – on many levels.
But, also…
I believe it is essential that we prepare in our relationships. We must pray that Yah will bring our families to a place of preparation. Those who are emotionally fragile, will have a very difficult time during a crisis period. Those who have an “intellectual faith” will struggle in understanding why Yah is allowing such pain and suffering to happen. We need to be continually seeking the Father, and resting in the knowledge that He alone is in control.
I believe our preparations and storage are tasks that we all should undertake, however, we should not look on our provisions as our security. Our security is in He Who has called us to this moment, that we might share with those who will be afraid and hurting.
Our preparation in learning how to store food is just a task. If we are gripped by that which causes fear, and tremble with the chaos around us – we serve little purpose in sharing the hope of He who as given us His grace. If we are to share peace, we must have peace. The drama of chaos must be insignificant – as there will be many who will shudder during the storm. Those who are called to prepare will have the great blessing of offering comfort to those who are afraid – because we know the One who calms the storm.
I believe there is a time of great chaos coming to this land. Whatever the events that will create uncertainty, are only temporal. I also believe we face a constitutional crisis that will cause great troubles and struggle. It will be time like no other.
There is an urgency to prepare now. Pray without ceasing. Prepare your hearts and minds. Prepare your relationships. Be ready for that which you cannot plan or control.
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Emergency preparedness is an important part of taking care of your family. In addition to preparing for a possible natural or man-made disaster, by taking care of water and food storage, and having a first aid kit, you should also take steps to ensure that your finances will not be overtly affected by a wide scale situation, and that you will have enough funds on hand that will allow you to be mobile if needed. There are many different things that can be done to make you sleep easier at night, but the following are a few basic steps that should not be overlooked.
A big part of emergency preparedness is having cash available. This doesn’t mean funds in a savings account, money that in a normal situation would be easy to withdraw; it means actual cash that is hidden somewhere in your home that you can access if there is an emergency situation. If the power goes out throughout a large urban area, and for a long period of time, then credit card transactions and direct debit from your account may not be possible. If that is the case, then your foresight to have emergency cash on hand will serve you well, as it will probably be the only form of payment accepted.
After the situation has been resolved, then the next step is fixing the problems and confusion that occurred. Your emergency preparation should have involved making backup copies of all relevant data related to your finances. On an external drive, you should regularly backup any recent transactions made online, and your credit card information. The idea here is that even if there is a massive power surge that fries your computer, followed by a power failure, once things have been restored to normal you should be able to hook your external drive to an unaffected computer and recover all your data.
Another important step to being prepared for an emergency is having financial records and important contact numbers and names of people in a safe place. In fact, this information should ideally be stored in more than one place, in the event that the first location is compromised. Safe locations could involve an external hard drive, a safety deposit box, a home safe, or some other hidden location. Once the situation has been resolved, these records can be accessed and used to make a quick transition back to normal, and they can often suffice as evidence in case the original data has been lost or damaged.
It is hard to anticipate every eventuality, but one major part of emergency preparedness will always involve money. Make sure you have cash available for buying things even when there is no power, and make sure that you have a backup of financial records stored somewhere safe. It is not just the crisis that you need to prepare for. You need to make sure that when it is over that you and your family will be able to successfully survive the aftermath.
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
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.
To me, preparation is not about fitting within a certain society niche or group. Preparation is a journey, and a movement. It is a community of people taking action and often coming together to prepare themselves for living – regardless of the circumstances they may face. In my Faith, preparation is not particularly about special survival skills in a doomsday scenario, but far more about being ready and prepared for the soon return of the King of Kings. It is about having oil in the lamps awaiting the Bridegroom.
It is ultimately pointless for me to rant about a simple term used for identification. I am fine with anyone who wants to call themselves a Prepper, survivalist, hoarder, or whatever. Over 18 years ago I heard a Preparation Call that has impacted my life in a profound way. My desire is to remain faithful on the journey of that call, and to prepare my family and others for the difficulties and joys that lie ahead.
Doomsday Preppers
Doomsday Preppers is a new show on the National Geographic Channel. The show follows the lives of Americans who are preparing for the end of the world as we know it. Unique in their beliefs, motivations, and strategies, preppers will go to whatever lengths they can to make sure they are prepared for any of life’s uncertainties. And with our expert’s assessment, they will find out their chances of survival if their worst fears become a reality.
by Joseph | Mar 2, 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 | Mar 2, 2026 | Sharing
“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” – James 1:2-3 (NASB)
This Scripture was shared with me many times during times when I was dealing and struggling with (what seemed to be) overwhelming difficulties. I must confess, at the time of the struggles I didn’t actually want to be encouraged – rather I preferred to whine and complain about my challenge. Later, I began to really see that the trials and hurts did, in fact, produce wisdom and an endurance that has helped me navigate situations with greater joy. I’m so thankful for that.
Have you ever felt like your life was spiraling downward despite your best efforts to live righteously? Perhaps you’ve wondered why difficulties seem to multiply rather than subside, even as you strive to follow God’s path. If so, you’re not alone. The story of Joseph provides us with one of the most powerful testimonies of maintaining faith, joy, and forgiveness through seemingly endless trials.
Consider Joseph’s journey: A favored son suddenly thrust into slavery through betrayal by his own brothers (Genesis 37:28). Just when he establishes himself in Potiphar’s house, false accusations land him in prison (Genesis 39:20). Even after interpreting dreams for fellow prisoners who promised to help, he is forgotten and left to languish (Genesis 40:23). At any point, Joseph could have surrendered to bitterness, resentment, or despair. Yet he chose a different path.
The Power of Perspective
“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.” – Romans 8:28 (NASB)
Joseph’s story teaches us that our perspective in trials matters more than the trials themselves. Despite his circumstances, Scripture repeatedly tells us that “the LORD was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2, 21). Notice that God’s presence wasn’t manifested by immediate deliverance, but by giving Joseph success within his difficulties. In Potiphar’s house, in prison, and eventually in Pharaoh’s court, Joseph excelled because he chose to serve with excellence rather than wallow in self-pity.
When we face our own valleys, we must remember that God’s presence doesn’t guarantee absence of trouble, but rather purpose within trouble. Joseph’s trials weren’t random acts of misfortune; they were stepping stones to his destiny.
The Choice of Joy
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
Joy in trials seems counterintuitive, perhaps even impossible. Yet Joseph demonstrated that joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but on our connection to God’s bigger picture. Even in prison, Joseph noticed the downcast faces of others and reached out to help (Genesis 40:6-7). This shows a heart not consumed by its own troubles but still capable of serving others.
In our own struggles, choosing joy doesn’t mean denying our pain or putting on a fake smile. Rather, it means anchoring ourselves to the truth that our current chapter isn’t the end of the story. Like Joseph, we can choose to believe that God is weaving something beautiful through our difficulties.
The Freedom of Forgiveness
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.'” – Genesis 50:19-20 (NASB)
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Joseph’s story is his radical forgiveness toward his brothers. When he finally had the power to exact revenge, he chose mercy instead. This wasn’t just a momentary decision but a settled stance of his heart, as evidenced by his reassurance to his brothers even after their father’s death (Genesis 50:21).
Forgiveness freed Joseph from the prison of bitterness that could have trapped him long after his physical imprisonment ended. It allowed him to see God’s sovereign hand in his journey and to participate fully in God’s redemptive plan.
Preparing Without Paralysis
“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” – Proverbs 22:3 (NASB)
Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams led to unprecedented preparation for coming hardship (Genesis 41:34-36). This teaches us an important balance: while we shouldn’t be paralyzed by fear of future difficulties, we should be wise in preparing for them. Joseph’s preparation saved not only Egypt but also the very family that had wronged him.
In our current times, we may see storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Like Joseph, we’re called to:
- Prepare practically while trusting spiritually
- Stay productive without becoming paranoid
- Plan prudently without losing peace
- Store up resources while maintaining generosity
Living in Victory Today
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NASB)
Joseph’s life reminds us that victory often looks different than we expect. True victory isn’t the absence of battles but the presence of God’s peace and purpose within them. Joseph’s ultimate triumph wasn’t just his elevation to power but his transformation into a vessel of God’s redemptive plan.
As you face your own trials today, remember:
- Your current circumstances don’t define your destiny
- Joy is a choice that becomes a strength
- Forgiveness frees you to fulfill your purpose
- Preparation is an act of faith, not fear
- God’s presence is more valuable than immediate deliverance
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, like Joseph, we face battles that sometimes seem endless. Help us to choose joy even when we don’t feel it, to forgive even when it’s difficult, and to trust Your sovereign plan even when we can’t see it. Give us wisdom to prepare for future challenges while maintaining peace in our hearts. Help us to see our trials not as obstacles to our purpose but as preparation for it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NASB)
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Sharing
In an era where uncertainty seems to be our constant companion, where global challenges emerge with startling frequency, and where leadership often appears to falter, the biblical account of Joseph speaks with remarkable relevance. His story isn’t just about colorful coats and dramatic family reconciliations—it’s a masterclass in divinely appointed leadership during times of unprecedented crisis.
Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace wasn’t a simple rags-to-riches tale. It was God’s strategic positioning of a leader who would save not only Egypt but the known world from catastrophic famine. “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). This profound understanding that God had orchestrated his path, despite its painful twists and turns, became the foundation of his leadership approach. Have you questioned the difficulties you face and wondered if God was using the tough times to prepare you for something unique and important?
Consider the modern parallels: We face potential food insecurity, economic instability, climate challenges, and social upheaval. Like the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Joseph’s time, we see cycles of abundance and scarcity. The question isn’t whether challenges will come—it’s whether we have leaders positioned and prepared to navigate through them.
What set Joseph apart was his divine appointment. “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Pharaoh asked his servants (Genesis 41:38). Joseph’s leadership wasn’t born from political maneuvering or social climbing. It came from God’s sovereign placement and the spiritual wisdom that accompanied it. When Pharaoh sought understanding for his troubling dreams, Joseph’s response was telling: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer” (Genesis 41:16).
This humility, combined with divine enabling, became the cornerstone of Joseph’s administrative genius. He implemented a systematic approach to resource management that would make modern economists take note: “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” (Genesis 41:34).
Today’s leaders would do well to note that Joseph’s preparation wasn’t reactive—it was proactive. He didn’t wait for the crisis to hit before developing solutions. During the years of plenty, he was already building infrastructure for the years of lack. “Joseph gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities” (Genesis 41:48).
But here’s where Joseph’s story becomes particularly relevant for our times: His leadership wasn’t just about stockpiling resources—it was about creating systems that would sustain communities through crisis. The distribution system he established wasn’t based on favoritism or political allegiance but on need and wise stewardship. “The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth” (Genesis 41:57).
Consider the implications for modern leadership. We need leaders who:
- Recognize Divine Appointment: “And those whom He predestined, He also called” (Romans 8:30). True leadership begins with understanding that our position is a divine trust, not a personal achievement.
- Lead with Spiritual Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach” (James 1:5). Joseph’s interpretation of dreams wasn’t mere intuition—it was divine insight applied to practical problems.
- Plan Systematically: The seven years of abundance required as much leadership as the seven years of famine. “Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27).
- Build Sustainable Systems: Joseph’s leadership created structures that outlasted the immediate crisis. “The land became Pharaoh’s. As for the people, he removed them to the cities from one end of Egypt’s border to the other” (Genesis 47:20-21).
The application for today’s world is clear: We need leaders who can see beyond the immediate horizon. The challenges we face—whether environmental, economic, or social—require Joseph-like wisdom to build sustainable solutions. This isn’t about fearful hoarding or panic-driven responses. It’s about wise stewardship and divine preparation.
Joseph’s story reminds us that true leadership isn’t about personal advancement but about being positioned by God to serve others through crisis. His elevation to leadership wasn’t for personal glory but for preservation of life. “For God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7).
What’s particularly striking about Joseph’s leadership is how he maintained his spiritual integrity while operating in a secular environment. He didn’t compromise his faith while serving in Pharaoh’s court. Instead, he allowed his faith to inform his administrative decisions. This is a crucial lesson for believers in leadership positions today—one can serve in secular institutions while remaining true to godly principles.
The challenges of our time call for Joseph-like leaders who can:
- Interpret the signs of the times with divine wisdom
- Implement systematic solutions with practical application
- Maintain spiritual integrity while serving in secular contexts
- Build systems that serve the common good
- Lead with both compassion and competence
As we face our own seasons of plenty and scarcity, the call to leadership remains the same. God is still in the business of positioning people strategically for times of crisis. The question is: Will we recognize our divine appointments and step into them with the same wisdom, courage, and systematic approach that Joseph demonstrated?
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place… And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Though spoken in a different context, these words echo the truth of Joseph’s story—God positions leaders strategically for times of crisis.
As we close, consider this: Joseph’s preparation for crisis didn’t begin when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. It began in the pit, continued in Potiphar’s house, and was refined in prison. Each stage was preparation for the leadership role that lay ahead. Similarly, our current challenges and positions might be God’s preparation for greater responsibility in times of crisis.
The call to leadership in times of crisis isn’t just for those in high positions. Like Joseph, we may find ourselves positioned “for such a time as this”—whether in business, government, education, or community leadership. The question is: Will we recognize God’s positioning, embrace His wisdom, and implement systematic solutions for the challenges ahead?
