by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Shared by: Jeff Rowland
John 1:29, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Very often we find ourselves talking to a friend who is going through a difficult time in their life and can only say one thing. “Well just trust the Lord.” Sometimes there is nothing else you can say. Even though we know from the Word of God that every trial has purpose which is to bring us more into the image of God’s Son, we still don’t have answers that can bring comfort.
In Mark chapter 9 Jesus said to the father of a demon possessed boy, “If thou wilt believe, all things are possible.” The father said to Christ, “I believe, help thou mine unbelief.” The man was saying, “I have faith, but my faith is weak.” How many can relate to this time in our lives? How many times have we all felt this way? How often does are faith weaken in a situation that last for a long period of time? The bottom line to this thought is that it is possible to believe and doubt at the same time.
Consider for a moment the man John the Baptist. The courage of this man is recorded in the Bible in many different ways. In Matthew 3:2 we hear the message of John ring out with passion and conviction saying, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This was the message that was to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.
In Matthew 3:7 it is recorded who this message is going out too. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” We find John calling the religious leaders of that day a generation of snakes. Later in Matthew’s account of the life of John the Baptist we find John calling out the sins of the political leader of that day. John had declared that Herod the governor was in adultery with his brother Phillips wife. This kind of bold courageous preaching is what we need in our day today.
In John 1:29 we have John’s confession of who Jesus was. By his confession John is embracing his calling and purpose in ministry. John was sent to prepare the way. John was to bear witness of the light, he was not the light. In John’s confession he declares 3 things;
- Who Jesus was- He said, “Behold the lamb of God.” John gave understanding beyond what he even knew. He signifies that this Jesus was the God’s lamb of sacrifice.
- What he came to do- He said, “Which taketh away the sin.” John was looking forward to the ultimate aim of God which was to remove man from his sin.
- Who it would involve- He said, “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” John is inferring that Jesus was the Savior not just of the Jews, but also to the world. This philosophy was not even heard of at that time, however John was speaking it forth. Johns commitment to Jesus was seen when his crowds were going away and following Jesus. John responded to this by saying, “He must increase but I must decrease.” (more…)
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Offered by Jeff Rowland
Understanding that Elijah’s life was marked by miracles, there are certain principles drawn that we can apply to our lives today.
- In order to appreciate the flood of the Spirit we must go through many dry times. We can all agree that there have been some dry times for the church. However, we need to understand that God can sustain us even when we are alone. Though a corporate move of God may not be happening where you are, we can enjoy the flood of the Holy Spirit in our own life. How often has all of us heard the call of the Spirit to come away from among the crowds and simply be alone with Him, that we may be refreshed in the things of God. During the drought Elijah was kept by the brook Cherith where water was in abundance. Indeed God can prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies.
- To be sustained it takes more than human ability – it takes supernatural intervention. Nothing in the experience of Elijah could be understood as coming from his own power. Supernatural intervention comes when all natural sources are exhausted. It is not a question of IF we will face things we have no answers for, it is WHEN we face things we have no answer for that we are perfectly set up for an intervention on a supernatural and divine level. Elijah did not know how God would provide, he had to walk by faith facing situation that only God could deal with.
- God will operate and provide through people you never thought he would use. Could Elijah have known that a little widow would be used of God to provide for him the food he would need? The reason we miss so much in our spiritual journey, is because we have so devalued one another that we cannot receive but from certain ones that fits the image of what we think God will use. (more…)
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
I’ve been talking about preparation for a LONG TIME – far longer than most people even considered preparing. Like many of the current preppers, I’ve been called an “alarmist”, fearmonger, ignorant, silly, and a few other choice words.
Today, “preparation” is a very common discussion – and there is actually a whole movement of people called – “preppers”. I’m finding out that preppers consider themselves different from survivalist – kindof a survivalist lite.
Many people are now saying they received a “call” to prepare. I felt that same call many years ago, and actually was one of the first to coin the term “Preparation Call” – as I believed that God was preparing some people for an important time. There are now tens of millions of references to the term “Preparation Call” on the web.
Today, there a millions of people who assume preparation is all about “storing up food, buying a grain mill, and getting a cow”. While those things are important, unfortunately, most people still COMPLETELY miss the point.
There are people who assume they are getting prepared because they put a closet together provisions in anticipation of a chaotic event in the future. Certainly, it is VERY important to get provisions in place, but that is only the surface – and most people are still falling dangerously short of what is really needed.
What I see many people doing right now is almost as dangerous than if they didn’t do anything. They operate with an “Intellectual Faith”, and call it preparation. Their provisions have in some ways become their security and have given them some measure of comfort for their fears – as they ready themselves for the coming storm. Again, I contend they are missing the point.
In my humble view, if I carry preparation too far and assume that my efforts will somehow control an outcome, then I am likely putting my faith in my works. I am personally trying bring keep the boat stable in the storm, rather than rely on the only One who can truly calm the storm.
Bottom line is – preparation is not at all what most people think. People are on-edge, fearful, and are wound pretty tight as they anticipate a coming calamity.
Consider this…
When the quake hit Japan and then the subsequent concern about nuclear fallout, within a few days – the shelves in NC were completely depleted of Potassium Iodide. I live some 6,700 miles away from the catastrophe, but people in my town rushed to protect themselves from the fallout. Do you think people are a little bit on edge?
Even as the government said there are no health risks for people in the US, droves of individuals ignored those hollow statement and ran to get protection. You think people anticipate our government as being too untrustworthy?
Now, I submit to you… those who have been in preparation were the main people who ran to get the Potassium Iodide. Oops… they must have forgotten to get that one on the list of items they were supposed to have as part of their prepping.
So, what if a major radiation leak happened at one of the facilities in your area? (Please don’t call me an alarmist or assume that I am suggesting that is coming – it is a hypothetical question). Do you think all of the preparations and food storage would be safe from such an event?
Preparation is FAR more than just storing food and provisions. If you store a closet full of food, and a disaster wipes out your home – what do you have now to be prepared with?
“Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part and it shall not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
I believe Yah wants us to be preparing so that we might be better able to share with others. For me, the first step in preparation is to strengthen my Faith in HE who is able to calm the storm. Right now, it is vital that we strengthen our relationship with Him as well as bonding stronger with those we love and serve every day.
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
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. (more…)
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Shared by Jeff Rowland.
It’s hard to talk about preparation without talking about provision. Where our faith resides will determine where our provision will come from. As well, our fear will define what we lean toward for our provision.
Part of proper preparation is to move from fear to faith. We need understanding from a responsible perspective on the times we are living in and then the proper perspective on where our provision comes from.
A casual observation of the things that are happening in our world should lead all of us to the same conclusions. We need to prepare. However, if we inundate ourselves with the information that comes to us from the news outlets through all the various media then we can end up in great fear. Although fear is a motivator to get us to action, fear can also corrupt our spirit. Proper preparation should take fear away not add to our fears.
We understand that from the beginning of recorded time fear has played a major factor in the affairs of man. The first response to sin when Adam rebelled against God was fear. He said, “I hid myself because I was afraid.” Therefore fear finds its source in wondering away from God’s prescribed order.
While responsibility would teach us to do our due diligence to prepare in the manner that many our teaching concerning the ability to sustain through the chaos that is certainly ahead, we must not forget how to prepare our spirit. You can have all the necessities laid in store but if your spirit is broken then hope is gone and there is no life. This is not God’s plan for his people, Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” We must move from fear to faith in order to have life that is joyful and victorious in times of trouble.
Fear seems to touch believers and unbelievers alike. I have never seen fear and concern in the hearts of people more than today. Unbelievers that have their faith in government, money, security of jobs or relationships, now understand that all of these are crumpling and they no longer can find strength in any of their sources of faith. Believers alike have exhibited faith in every source that unbelievers do because most have just a mere profession of faith in Christ instead of a genuine relationship with Christ which brings about real faith in him.
For years I have preached that God has already given us the provision before the need arrives. I’m reminded of what Jesus told the woman at the well. She was caught in the forms and cultures of her society. She cited the feelings that Jews had toward the Samaritans and wondered why Jesus would have anything to do with her. Jesus said, “drink of the water that I give you and you will never thirst again.” The provision that comes through faith in Christ can prepare you not only for eternity but also for life today. If we understood His power and the release of His power through the His Spirit in us I believe we could move from fear to faith and be able to bring order to a chaos that most can’t even imagine.
Amos the prophet of old said, “Prepare to meet thy God.” Jesus said “I go to prepare you a place.” The prepared place is for a prepared people therefore get plugged into His provision and your preparation can be complete in him.
Rev. Jeff Rowland offers more insights on Last Days Preparation on his website at: www.jeffrowlandministry.com
by Joseph | Mar 2, 2026 | 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).
