by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Sharing
Few stories in Scripture illustrate the profound impact of our associations more powerfully than that of King Solomon. Here was a man who began with extraordinary wisdom, so much so that “men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34, NAS). Yet even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, eventually fell prey to the influence of those he surrounded himself with.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, NAS). Ironically, Solomon himself wrote these words, yet his life would become a cautionary tale about the transformative power of our associations. In his early years, surrounded by godly advisors and focused on building the temple, Solomon’s wisdom flourished. But as he accumulated foreign wives who “turned his heart away after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4, NAS), even his legendary wisdom couldn’t withstand the daily influence of those who pulled him away from truth.
This profound lesson becomes especially relevant as we consider our own journey of preparedness. In a world that often mocks readiness and dismisses careful planning, the people we surround ourselves with can either strengthen our resolve or slowly erode our determination. Solomon’s story teaches us that no amount of knowledge or wisdom can compensate for the subtle influence of those closest to us.
Consider the contrast in Solomon’s life. Early in his reign, when he surrounded himself with those who supported his divine purpose, he accomplished the magnificent task of building the temple. His wisdom attracted seekers of truth from across the nations. But later, when he allowed his inner circle to be dominated by those with different values and priorities, even the wisest man in history found his judgment compromised.
This pattern repeats throughout Scripture. When we look at successful preparation, we rarely find lone wolves. Moses had Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms during battle (Exodus 17:12). David had his mighty men. Even Jesus, in His earthly ministry, gathered twelve disciples around Him. The lesson is clear: significant preparation and purpose require a supportive community, but that community must be chosen with wisdom.
Let me share three essential principles for building a positive circle of preparation:
- Guard Your Inner Circle Solomon’s decline began not with outright rebellion but with gradual compromise in his closest relationships. “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals'” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NAS). In your preparation journey, be intentional about who has the closest access to your heart and mind.
- Seek Those Who Strengthen Your Convictions Early in his reign, Solomon surrounded himself with those who supported his mission to build the temple. These relationships reinforced his godly purpose rather than undermining it. “The one who walks with wise men will be wise” (Proverbs 13:20, NAS). Look for people whose presence strengthens your commitment to preparation and wisdom.
- Build Relationships Around Shared Values Solomon’s foreign wives brought their gods with them, creating competing values within his own household. In your preparation community, seek those who share your core values and understanding of the times. “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3, NAS).
The practical application of these principles requires discernment and courage:
- Evaluate Current Influences Take an honest inventory of your current associations. Are they strengthening or weakening your preparation efforts? Are they building up your resolve or eroding it?
- Make Necessary Adjustments Sometimes, like Solomon should have done, we need to lovingly but firmly adjust the level of influence certain people have in our lives. This isn’t about rejection but about wise boundaries.
- Actively Seek Positive Connections Look for those who demonstrate wisdom in preparation without panic, who approach readiness with hope rather than fear, who balance practical action with spiritual insight.
Remember, Solomon’s decline didn’t happen overnight. It was the gradual result of daily influences that slowly pulled him away from his original wisdom and purpose. Similarly, our preparation efforts can be gradually strengthened or weakened by those we spend time with.
The beauty of building a positive preparation circle is that it creates mutual support. When one person’s strength fails, others can step in. When one person’s resources run low, others can share. When one person’s wisdom is challenged, others can provide perspective. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NAS).
As you continue your journey of preparation, let Solomon’s story inspire you to choose your associations wisely. Are they strengthening your resolve or weakening it? Are they contributing wisdom or spreading fear? Are they encouraging action or promoting paralysis?
Remember that even the wisest among us need the support and accountability of like-minded companions. Solomon’s story isn’t just a warning about negative influences; it’s a call to actively seek and maintain relationships that strengthen our commitment to wisdom and preparation.
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NAS). Let this ancient wisdom, written by Solomon himself in better days, guide you as you build your circle of preparation, knowing that in the right community, we find strength, wisdom, and hope for the journey ahead.
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Unless you have lived on a different planet over the last couple of weeks, you know things seem to be in turmoil. It seems that every person you talk with, are quite concerned with what is going on.
Leaders all over the world are making statements to try to calm their people, as they recognize the panic that threatens to spiral out of control. Leading financial “experts” from leading economies are apparently working behind the scenes to coordinate a global financial rescue effort in an attempt to keep the financial markets from complete meltdown.
This week, the President of Franc – Nicolas Sarkozy – made the statement that he hoped a “New World” would emerge from this chaos.
Scotland’s leading Newspaper published an Article on this “New World Order” citing the new Global co-operation, Nationalization and State intervention – were changing our world.
Even Opec has called an emergency meeting to try to deal with the plunge of oil prices which is putting oil producing economies in turmoil. With the world economy on the brink of a global depression, the need for oil products has diminished significantly.
So what does this all mean? (more…)
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
The Great Depression was a global crisis that started in most Countries in 1929 and ending at different times in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Obviously, most people have heard of this significant economic downturn, as it was the largest and most important economic depression in modern history.
The Great Depression started in the United States, with the general view of historian identifying the stock market crash on October 29, 1929 as the origination date. It’s interesting that the end of the depression in the U.S is associated with the war economy of World War II, beginning around 1939.
With the economic difficulties facing our world now, many people are not referencing the Great Depression and are concerned we are fast-approaching another serious Depression. As fear grips people all over the globe, their is a further deteriorating impact on our economy. International trade plunges, as people begin to cut back on purchasing. Employers are forced to trim their work force, which causes a tax revenue decline in governments – and impacts services.
Our dependencies on comforts and obsessive “need” for more “things” has been the catalyst for this recent financial unraveling. I’ll take it further, and proclaim it is our pride and self-serving hypocrisy that is bringing this destruction on us.
In fact, I firmly believe we are seeing the beginning of a permanent change in our lives. Judgment is upon us, and it will begin in the household of faith. Those who can hear, be prepared.
The lavish lifestyles of ministries will be exposed, and fall into ruin. Be prepared, believers,
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Okay, so we know we need to prepare. I still have people asking me… “prepare for what?”. Years ago, I felt that God issued a “Preparation Call”. Now, there are more-and-more people are hearing that call, and are now taking action.
Every day, I see bizarre things that confirm to me there is a major need to be prepared. I just believe there are major changes. Things are not right in our world – and I am convinced we are heading toward some major upheavals.
Do you ever wonder what our Governments know, and are keeping from us? My trust is in the Lord, not in this earthly government. I believe a government will deceive citizens if it suits their agenda.
Interesting news today… The US Government is now beginning to prepare us for a catastrophic event. It makes me wonder exactly what the Government may know. Why is it important to understand how to deal with an earthquake now? Seems to me this is a bit strange.
Read the article Government Preparing for Earthquake.
So, what does it mean?
It means, prepare. Prepare by drawing close to the God who loves you just as you are – without conditions. Prepare by loving your family and helping them to prepare. Draw near to those you love, and especially draw near to the One who brings Peace and Joy and Life.
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
My family has been in preparation for many years. In fact, I started preparing before it was cool to be a prepper! That means absolutely nothing except, I’ve been watching, listening, and preparing for a long time :).
Years ago, I heard a preparation call and started on a journey that I assumed was all about survival and a self-sustaining lifestyle. I was looking forward to preparing by learning about gardening, food storage, and emergency preparedness. I never imagined that preparation would be so intense – but then again, when we began this journey most people didn’t even fathom a need for preparation.
Today, things are much different. People all over the world are beginning to see the need to prepare, and are asking “Am I too late to get prepared”? They aren’t quite sure what to prepare for, but they sense that something is happening in the world – and they better get ready for it.
My simple answer to the question of whether it is too late to get prepared is… absolutely not!. But that comes with a disclaimer that there is a limit of time, and once that time runs out – there will no longer be the option for preparation. I believe their is an increasing intensity of events, and the preparation window is beginning to shut. Time is running out.
According to the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13 the five virgins who are prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival are rewarded and the five who are not prepared are excluded. Hear the Word…
1. Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
4. but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5. But while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6. And at midnight there was a cry made “Behold the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!”
7. Then all the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
8. And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”
9. But the wise answered, saying, NO, lest there not be enought for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.
10. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!”
12. But he answered and said, Assuredly I say to you, I do not know you.”
— Matthew 25:1-13
In the days ahead, I will share some of the steps we took to begin our journey toward preparation. For now, the most important first-step is to ask God to change your heart – so that you are prepared to greet the Bridegroom when He arrives.
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Are there difficult days ahead? Will there be food shortages, drought, and famine across the land? What can I do to be prepared?
These are some of the questions I hear regularly from people as I am out-and-about.
Understandably, people all over are very concerned about what is going on in the world and are looking for ways to be prepare their families for the future. Even the very wealthy are preparing for an uncertain future, as they are constructing elaborate “bug-out” facilities to provide safety for themselves and their families.
Obviously, I believe Preparedness is important. In fact, throughout scripture we see how God offers preparedness planning. Whether it was a flood or famine, God gave instruction to prepare. Those who heeded the Call and instruction, were saved.
Regardless of what is ahead, I have great hope for the future. That hope if firmly planted in our Returning Messiah.
20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
PSALM 33: 20-22
As we consider what may be coming in our future, there are prudent things we can (and should) do to prepare. One of those things is to consider food storage. Here are some seven suggestions for storing fresh food longer:
Experts say the average family throws out nearly 15 percent of all fresh foods they purchase each year. Depending upon where you live and the time of year, which could add up to quite a bit of money. It is important to find ways to store fresh food for longer. Here are seven ways to accomplish this.
- Homemakers of years past had a root cellar to place root vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots. They may have also used the root cellar to store home canned goods. Perhaps you do not have a root cellar, but you can use the same basic idea. The goal is to keep these vegetables in a cool, dry place that is out of direct sunlight. Storing them in the refrigerator will actually make them spoil quicker. An alternative is to store root vegetables in paper bags stored in the cabinet. Be sure to keep onions and potatoes separate or they will spoil.
- Cheese is another food that spoils if not used quickly. Wrap cheese in wax paper before storing it in the refrigerator. This will allow the cheese to breathe but will not allow excess moisture to reach it. Be sure to keep each type of cheese separate from the others to stop flavors from mixing.
- Fresh herbs are similar to cut flowers; they need water to stay fresh. Keep herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley on the cabinet in a glass with about an inch of water. On the other hand, non-leafy herbs like thyme, sage and rosemary keep best if stored in a moistened paper towel and then put in a reusable bag. Put the bag in the refrigerator.
- Canning fruits and vegetables is another way to store them for a longer period. Home canning really is not difficult and you know what you have added to the foods. Store-bought canned goods, however, may contain chemical preservatives to maintain freshness. Jelly, jam, sauces, fruit halves or vegetables can be stored for a year or longer if they are processed correctly.
- A vacuum sealer is also a good investment for storing food. This option may cost more than others, but vacuum-sealed foods can last for months past the normal storage time. When you vacuum seal the food and then place it in the freezer, your storage time increases even further. A quality vacuum sealer will cost between $100 and $300, but they are definitely worth the price when you consider how much food you can save.
- If you have stored as much of your food as you can and you still have fresh fruits or vegetables that are starting to look too ripe, find recipes that will use the food rather than letting it go to waste. Your family will enjoy a great meal and you will have saved money by keeping the food out of the trashcan.
- Finally, if you do find some of the food is too far gone to eat, do not simply throw it away. Start a compost pile for all non-protein leftovers or foods that have gone bad. Composting the food will at least provide nutrition for the soil in a flower or vegetable garden.
By using these seven ideas for storing fresh food longer, you can save money, keep food out of your trashcan and in the stomachs of those you love.
Get a Free Subscription to PREPARE Magazine
