10 Practical Steps That You Can Take To Insulate Yourself (At Least Somewhat) From The Coming Economic Collapse

Most Americans are still operating under the delusion that this "recession" will end and that the "good times" will return soon, but a growing minority of Americans are starting to realize that things are fundamentally changing and that they better start preparing for what is ahead. These "preppers" come from all over the political spectrum and from every age group.  More than at any other time in modern history, the American people lack faith in the U.S. economic system.  In dozens of previous columns, I have detailed the horrific economic problems that we are now facing in excruciating detail.  Many readers have started to complain that all I do is "scare" people and that I don't provide any practical solutions.  Well, not everyone can move to Montana and start a llama farm, but hopefully this article will give people some practical steps that they can take to insulate themselves (at least to an extent) from the coming economic collapse.

But before I get into what people need to do, let's take a minute to understand just how bad things are getting out there.  The economic numbers in the headlines go up and down and it can all be very confusing to most Americans.

However, there are two long-term trends that are very clear and that anyone can understand....

#1) The United States is getting poorer and is bleeding jobs every single month.

#2) The United States is getting into more debt every single month.

When you mention the trade deficit, most Americans roll their eyes and stop listening.  But that is a huge mistake, because the trade deficit is absolutely central to our problems.

Every single month, Americans buy far, far more from the rest of the world than they buy from us.  Every single month tens of billions of dollars more goes out of the country than comes into it.

That means that every single month the United States is getting poorer.

The excess goods and services that we buy from the rest of the world get "consumed" and the rest of the world ends up with more money than when they started.

Each year, hundreds of billions of dollars leave the United States and don't return.  The transfer of wealth that this represents is astounding.

But not only are we bleeding wealth, we are also bleeding jobs every single month.

The millions of jobs that the U.S. economy is losing to China, India and dozens of third world nations are not going to come back.  Middle class Americans have been placed in direct competition for jobs with workers on the other side of the world who are more than happy to work for little more than slave labor wages.  Until this changes the U.S. economy is going to continue to hemorrhage jobs.

The U.S. government has helped to mask much of this economic bleeding by unprecedented amounts of government spending and debt, but now the U.S. national debt exceeds 13 trillion dollars and is getting worse every single month.  Not only that, but state and local governments all over America are getting into ridiculous amounts of debt.

So, what we have got is a country that gets poorer every single month and loses jobs to other countries every single month and that has accumulated the biggest mountain of debt in the history of the world which also gets worse every single month.

Needless to say, this cannot last indefinitely.  Eventually the whole thing is just going to collapse like a house of cards.

So what can we each individually do to somewhat insulate ourselves from the economic problems that are coming?....  

1 - Get Out Of Debt: The old saying, "the borrower is the servant of the lender", is so incredibly true.  The key to insulating yourself from an economic meltdown is to become as independent as possible, and as long as you are in debt, you simply are not independent.  You don't want a horde of creditors chasing after you when things really start to get bad out there.

2 - Find New Sources Of Income: In 2010, there simply is not such a thing as job security.  If you are dependent on a job ("just over broke") for 100% of your income, you are in a very bad position.  There are thousands of different ways to make extra money.  What you don't want to do is to have all of your eggs in one basket.  One day when the economy melts down and you are out of a job are you going to be destitute or are you going to be okay?

3 - Reduce Your Expenses: Many Americans have left the rat race and have found ways to live on half or even on a quarter of what they were making previously.  It is possible - if you are willing to reduce your expenses.  In the future times are going to be tougher, so learn to start living with less today.

4 - Learn To Grow Your Own Food: Today the vast majority of Americans are completely dependent on being able to run down to the supermarket or to the local Wal-Mart to buy food.  But what happens when the U.S. dollar declines dramatically in value and it costs ten bucks to buy a loaf of bread?  If you learn to grow your own food (even if is just a small garden) you will be insulating yourself against rising food prices.

5 - Make Sure You Have A Reliable Water Supply: Water shortages are popping up all over the globe.  Water is quickly becoming one of the "hottest" commodities out there.  Even in the United States, water shortages have been making headline news recently.  As we move into the future, it will be imperative for you and your family to have a reliable source of water.  Some Americans have learned to collect rainwater and many others are using advanced technology such as atmospheric water generators to provide water for their families.  But whatever you do, make sure that you are not caught without a decent source of water in the years ahead.

6 - Buy Land: This is a tough one, because prices are still quite high.  However, as we have written previously, home prices are going to be declining over the coming months, and eventually there are going to be some really great deals out there.  The truth is that you don't want to wait too long either, because once Helicopter Ben Bernanke's inflationary policies totally tank the value of the U.S. dollar, the price of everything (including land) is going to go sky high.  If you are able to buy land when prices are low, that is going to insulate you a great deal from the rising housing costs that will occur when the U.S dollar does totally go into the tank.

7 - Get Off The Grid: An increasing number of Americans are going "off the grid".  Essentially what that means is that they are attempting to operate independently of the utility companies.  In particular, going "off the grid" will enable you to insulate yourself from the rapidly rising energy prices that we are going to see in the future.  If you are able to produce energy for your own home, you won't be freaking out like your neighbors are when electricity prices triple someday.

8 - Store Non-Perishable Supplies: Non-perishable supplies are one investment that is sure to go up in value.  Not that you would resell them.  You store up non-perishable supplies because you are going to need them someday.  So why not stock up on the things that you are going to need now before they double or triple in price in the future?  Your money is not ever going to stretch any farther than it does right now.

9 - Develop Stronger Relationships: Americans have become very insular creatures.  We act like we don't need anyone or anything.  But the truth is that as the economy melts down we are going to need each other.  It is those that are developing strong relationships with family and friends right now that will be able to depend on them when times get hard.

10 - Get Educated And Stay Flexible: When times are stable, it is not that important to be informed because things pretty much stay the same.  However, when things are rapidly changing it is imperative to get educated and to stay informed so that you will know what to do.  The times ahead are going to require us all to be very flexible, and it is those who are willing to adapt that will do the best when things get tough.

Where There is No Doctor and Dentist – Free Download

By Ray Gano

As you know I am greatly concerned with a coming social collapse due to economic default of the dollar.

One of the things that will greatly be effected is medical help. Understanding how to treat medical issues when there is no doctor around is going to be critical.

Perhaps the two most well-known books available for this type of information are the Where There is No Doctor and Where There is No Dentist books put out by the Hesperian Foundation. These books — especially Where There is No Doctor — have become the “bible” of primary health care for community health workers and villagers in poor countries around the world and popular among the preparedness community.

Tracye and I now own both these books and they have helped us greatly.

I believe that when social unrest coupled with "Bank Day", one area that will be greatly effected as well as diminished will be medical treatment.

Typically these books go for around $12 each on Amazon but now you can download them free directly from the Hesperian Foundation:

Where There is No Doctor -
http://www.hesperian.info/assets/WTND/doctor_whole_book.pdf

Where There is No Dentist -
http://www.hesperian.info/assets/wtndentist_2009/WTNDentist_2009.pdf

What You’ll Learn

Both books use simple language and hundreds of drawings (not world-class illustrations by any means but they do their job) to teach the layman about recognizing, treating and preventing common illnesses and injuries – it goes way beyond simple first-aid information.

Here’s a sample of some of the information you’ll learn:

Where There is No Doctor

- How to properly administer medicine and dosage instructions
- The proper methods of injecting medicine
- How to deliver a baby
- How to heal without medicines
- Guidelines for the use of antibiotics
- Home cures
- Medicinal plants

- Homemade casts
and more…

Where There is No Dentist

- How to properly examine and diagnose dental issues
- How to treat cavities, abscesses, infected sinuses, and more
- How to prepare and insert homemade fillings
- How to inject inside the mouth
- How to safely and correctly remove a tooth
and more… 

I highly encourage you downloading these books right now as well as purchasing the literal books themselves. You do not know if you will have access to electricity or your computer or not, so having both on hand is very important.

If you have purchased TEOTWAWKI -City Version, these two books as well as other important ebooks, articles and videos are part of that data dvd.

It isn't going to be the cool gear that you have that helps you in the hard times, it will be what you know that will make the difference.

Become The Gray Man

By Ray Gano

A man who can blend in to any scene or situation without standing out , hiding his skills and qualities. Source - urbandictionary.com

Becoming the gray man, it will be an important skill; a skill you will need in the future days to come. You will need to learn how to blend into your environment, look like everyone else, and become the "average looking Joe."

But what makes you different is that you are alert to your surroundings, you suspect everyone that comes within your 20 foot perimeter and you are ready to react if need be. The real mission is to just be left alone while putting off that "sheepdog" disposition instead of being one of the sheep.

You are not some weekend warrior or paramilitary nut, you are just like everyone else except your every day carry gear probably includes keys, cell phone, wallet, wrist watch.... a folding lock blade knife, multi-tool, pepper spray, maybe even a flashlight and if you are C&C licensed, a handgun with an extra loaded magazine.

This is today and you have adapted to the "new normal" that we now call America.

Crime, looting, blocked roads due to riots, muggings, theft, rape and murder. These are more common place today than the days of yesteryear.

Luke 22:36 (KJV) Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

We live in a time where going to the mega-mart or the grocery store is an act of bravery, determination, logistics and security. No longer is it just running to get a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs.

Not that way in your area yet? Just wait.

How To Be The Gray Man

Look around, what are all the guys wearing? Now I am focusing on the guys because I am a guy. Ladies, this is for you also, take my examples and adapt them to what you would wear and so forth.

Here in the Texas Hill Country, the majority of men wear some sort of "cargo" shorts. They go to just above the knee and tend to be a little baggy. Beige, brownish red, or blue jeans tend to be the color of choice.

For a shirt, one will wear a common "T" shirt that is lose fitting sometimes with a pocket on the left breast. Or if they want to dress it up a little, a button up short sleeve. Usually some sort of cotton print.

When it gets close to hunting season, around the beginning of August, the "Real Tree" cammo "T" shirts become the norm. See here in Texas, hunting is a big deal and everyone gets in the mode. It also helps that the local Walmart sells these cammo "Beefy T's" for only $6.00 each.

On his feet, are ankle socks or rolled over tube socks under sneakers or some form of work boots.

Finally the common baseball cap on top of the head and sporting sunglasses.

This is what an "average Joe" looks like when he is in his casual dress out on the street.

This is how I dress, except I try not to wear loud logo based shirts, no jewelry except my wedding ring, nothing that makes me stand out.

If someone asked about you, could they describe you or would they be describing just about everyone else, the average Joe?

How you DON’T want to dress

Like I said You don’t want to attract attention towards yourself. Don't wear bright colors or "haute de couture" fashion, nothing that makes you stand out.

Example: Here in Texas everyone thinks of the cowboy. We have a lot of cowboys walking around, but they are not dressed in the "A" typical cowboy dress.

The cowboys here are not wearing the long sleeved shirt with fringes dangling, no 10 gallon cowboy hat, nor fancy rhinestone pants. Everyone imagines the average cowboy looks like Roy Rogers or Hop-along Cassidy but they don't.

The average cowboy looks just like the person that I described above except that he probably wears some sort of work jeans. Come fall and winter here in Texas, we all look like the average "cowboy."

Once in a while you will see someone wearing a cowboy hat. Straw cowboy hats are acceptable for guys over fifty during the summer time. During the winter everyone switches from straw to a black felt hat.

Believe me, if you step out of this mold, you will get noticed and that is not what you want to do.

If you are a prepper, you do not want to be dressing in some sort of combat BDU pants, army boots, and definitely no shirts with paramilitary sayings like "death from above" or pictures that you see at all the gun shows. This is a dead give-away and shouts "HEY... Look at me, I am a weekend warrior."

Become The Gray Man

Become the average Joe, blend into your surroundings. But walk with a purpose and be alert to what is going on around you.

While you want to look like the average person, you want to project a demeanor about you that tells the wolves "to leave you alone, you are not one of the sheep, don't mess with me."

See, the sheep will not notice you, just like real sheep, they do not really notice the sheepdog. But the wolves will see you. Wolves are cowards and seek out the weak, frail and innocent. They do not want to have to work too hard, they want to be in and out and be done with the job.

So while you don’t what to be wearing some neon sign blinking " GUN... GUN.... GUN … KNIFE … KNIFE … KNIFE … with an arrow pointing at you; you want to be acknowledged as someone who is alert, aware and not some soft target.

How you achieve this is by training yourself. Look like you are someone alive, not some drained zombie who stairs at the ground, shoulders slumped as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Make eye contact and smile at people, greet them and wish them a good day or just a simple nod of the head will do.

You don't want to seem like some bodyguard type either. You know the guys with the little curly tube sticking out of their ear, dark Ray-Ban glasses, constantly scanning, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. That is going overboard.

I bring up the Mega-stores because that is where America shops, it is also where the wolves hang out for some quick prey.

When walking in the parking lot, have a determination to your step, enter Mega-Store and look the greeter in the eye, nod your head say hello and smile. Then take a basket, eye the cashier and the customers checking out, assess if anyone is out of place then move on for that gallon of milk, dozen eggs and a few extra boxes of ammo.

BUT for example… if you enter the store, scan the area and notice someone wearing a trench coat and it is 90 degrees outside. This should raise your red flags. If this happens, step up the pace and move into the store, get out of the general area and do your shopping.

Every Day Carry - What I wear

I do not want to go into much detail in this article as to Every Day Carry (EDC), that is for another article, but for your E.D.C. kit carry what you want. The items above are what I carry and I don't look like I am wearing Batman's utility belt either. My clothes do not scream "Hey.. It's Mr. Tactical Guy here" either.

I wear Wrangler brand cargo shorts. These have cargo pockets on each side as well as a cell phone pocket that opens above the cargo flap. They have side pockets which the right pocket has a coin pocket inside the deep right. Finally there are left and right rear pockets.

As for a shirt, I wear a common black, blue, beige, Fruit of the Loom pocket "T" shirt or a short sleeve button up with a left breast pocket. If it is hunting season, which at the time of this writing it is. I also wear cammo "Real Tree Beefy T" shirts because just about every other guy is wearing them also.

An important item that I want to touch on is your belt. I wear a double thick "Justin Boots" black leather belt with a common cowboy belt buckle. Your belt needs to be sturdy enough to carry all your gear if you do not put the items in your pockets as well as hold up your pants. So you do not want some inexpensive belt from the big mega stores. Invest some money in this and you will not be sorry. You would be surprised how much a cell phone, buck knife, and a Multi-tool weighs when you are carrying it on your hip. With a heavy duty belt it will also help distribute the weight of these items more evenly and honestly once you get used to them, you forget they are even there. Another thing, my belt is also a last ditch defensive weapon. The buckle weighs a good 10-12 ounces and makes for a mean bludgeon and can help keep someone at arms distance if need be.

How I developed my EDC was that I slowly carried one item, then added another and another. It took time in getting used to carrying gear, finding the spot where it is easy to access and have it not be banging around on my leg or chest. You will find that some things work and some things don't. Carry what tools and gear you need but don’t make it obvious that you are a prepper or you will look like some paramilitary tactical guy.

If you can get away with it, use a back pack or messenger bag. Look at what others are carrying in your area and adapt to the look. If everyone carries a back pack, carry a back pack. If they carry a messenger bag, well then messenger bag. With this you can also carry a water bottle, small first aid kit and any other gear that is important to you.

Just remember to keep it light, you do not want to turn yourself into some pack mule.

When I dress up, I usually wear black jeans, black cowboy boots, a black long sleeve shirt and a tie. If need be and I need to dress up more, I wear a beige twill sport coat and in all of this, I can still carry most of my gear. This is what the average guy wears here when they dress up, so I am still blending in and looking good too.

If someone would describe me, they would say he had on black shirt, pants and cowboy boots. In other words I look like every other Joe that walks into a nice restaurant or business meeting.

Becoming the gray man will be an important skill for you to develop, specially as crime starts to rise, which it will. You will need to be equipped to protect yourself and possibly others if needed. You will also want to blend in the background.

Above all, your goal is to get home safely that day. You are not some super hero nor are you there to protect the world. You are ready to defend yourself if you have to, but your goal is not having to resort to that.

Finally...

Tactical retreats, AKA running away is totally acceptable. The only one who didn't walk away was John Wayne and that was in the movies. You are not bullet proof nor knife proof, so run don't walk if you think you need to get out of the area fast. Your spouse will be glad you did and so will you.

And as a last resort, always remember it is better to face 12 than to be carried out by 6. So if you have to protect yourself, fight to win because you will be fighting for your life.

RAMPING UP FAST - Food - ER Bar 3600

Ramping Up Fast - Quake Kare's ER Bar 3600 Review

This is a series that I am calling Ramping Up Fast. In this series I am going to give you tips, products and How To's so that you can ramp up your preparations quickly by getting the bare essentials moving.

Once we have the bare essentials in place, we can then start building on that foundation. Today I am going to talk about Ramping up on food storage and introduce to you Quake Kare's ER Bar 3600.

If you have any questions or comments, please post them here.

If you would like to see a certain type of product reviewed or ask what I use in my preps, leave a comment and I will write an article or make a Survival4Christians video on that topic.

If you are not a You Tube Subscriber, check out http://www.youtube.com/user/survival4christians and please subscribe to our channel.

Stay tuned for more Ramping Up Fast and other videos here at Survival4Christians.

NEW S4C Contest - PZ FIRESTEEL KIT is The Prize

It's time again for another Survival 4 Christians Contest. 

Last time we gave away a great 4 DVD collection from Cloud Ten Productions to Denise L. It was a lot of fun and a lot of folks got involved.

This time we are giving away a PZ FIRESTEEL Kit. If you look on the right hand side, our top video you can watch the PZ FIRESTEEL IN ACTION. This is a must have for everyone who has an Every Day Carry kit (EDC). I have to also say that it is a pretty cool tool to have. Summer is still here and BBQs are still needing to be lit. Lite it with the PZ FIRESTEEL and you to can be Rambo for the day. 

 

Ok all kidding aside, this really happened to me.

 

Church Guys BBQ. I am in charge and we have everything ready except there is no fire. See we Independent Fundamental Baptists are not known to be carrying a pack of cigarettes. So no one really has the need to have a lighter or matches. 

 

Yep, here are about 30 -40 guys and no one has fire and guess who left his multi-tool at home which has his PZ FIRESTEEL? 

 

Yea... big time lesson learned. Multi-tool is now EDC with PZ FIRESTEEL attached.

 

Ok, enough of the stories.

 

How To Win

 

All you have to do is go to our YOU TUBE page and SUBSCRIBE to our Survival 4 Christians Channel.  

 

It is our goal to report on the worlds problems from a Christian perspective, but not only that, we are going to report on what you can do to better prepare for these problems with real world solutions.

 

So many folks out there have real concerns about what is coming down the pipe. We know Christ is returning, but to be honest we do not know when. I am one who does not believe that one day we are here, life is grand and the next day we are raptured out and all of a sudden the AC is on the scene and it is hell on earth. 

 

That is not realistic thinking. 

 

Like everything, things take time to be put in place. As things are put in place, we will see drastic changes in politics, religion, economy, generally how this world is run. 

 

Without going into details, it is getting tough out there and we need to know how to deal with it. 

 

We are not in the Tribulation, but we are on the path to it. How we navigate that path is also our decision. We can take the hard road and do nothing or we can try to do the best we can with our brains and hands God gave us and prepare for hard times.

 

I want to offer solid information that is helpful to every day people. That is why I have set up Survival 4 Christians.

 

So please go to our You Tube Page   

 

AND SUBSCRIBE NOW AND YOU COULD WIN  >>> http://www.youtube.com/user/survival4christians

By subscibing you will be automatically put into the drawing for the PZ FIRESTEEL. 

The Prophezine Channel has over 600 subscribers. I would like to keep things simple and shoot for 150 for Survival 4 Christians.  BUT if we go over 600, that is even better.

By doing this you are helping us get higher on the You Tube ratings. When we are higher, more people watch us. When more people watch us it opens the doors to share the gospel and people being effected.

 Thanks for being a Prophezine supporter and supporting our new outreach, Survival 4 Christians.

In His Service,

Ray Gano
Executive Director
Prophezine / Survival 4 Christians

 

Signs of The Coming Storm - A Rise in Crime

By Ray Gano

New Braunfels Police Make Arrest In Violent Stabbing

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas -- A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a violent stabbing at a New Braunfels Wal-Mart. Police have charged Juan Leandro Villareal with aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. New Braunfels police said Villareal stabbed a 64-year-old woman several times at the store's parking lot around 11 a.m. Sunday.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Layoffs to gut East St. Louis police force

EAST ST. LOUIS • The Rev. Joseph Tracy said he’s tired of going to funerals. And now, he suspects he’ll be going to more of them.

"It’s open field day now," said Tracy, the pastor of Straightway Baptist Church here. "The criminals are going to run wild."

Gang activity. Drug dealing. Cold-blooded killing. Tracy worries that a decision to shrink the police force by almost 30 percent will bring more of everything.

The pastor voiced his concern on Friday at a raucous special City Council meeting at which East St. Louis Mayor Alvin Parks announced that the city will layoff 37 employees, including 19 of its 62 police officers, 11 firefighters, four public works employees, and three administrators. The layoffs take effect on Sunday.

It is already a zoo out there and it is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets any better.

I am going to say some things here that many people will probably not agree with me on. If you are one of those, I  pray that you open your eyes to what is taking place around you.

Now you may be shielded from the effect that are taking place in the world, but sooner or later you will have to deal with the issues at  hand.

Christ  said…

Luke 22:36 (KJV)  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

1 Timothy 5:8 (KJV)  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Sheep, Wolves and The Sheepdog

I am seeing a movement take place.

One that I agree with, support and even consider myself one of them.

What is that movement?

The rise of the sheepdogs?

"What? You have got to be kidding me. Sheepdogs? "

We are seeing a rise of just  men and women answering a call. That call is to defend the weak, the innocent,  the helpless, the frail… these are the sheep. Those answering the call are the sheepdogs.

There is also a rapidly growing number of  those we call the wolves.

Wolves - There has always been the wolf. They prey on the weak, the sick, the feeble, the injured, etc. In the wild they serve the purpose to keep the herd strong.  Thus ensuring a strong future generation.

But when we talk about humans being the wolves, they are those who prey up on the weak, frail, the injured and the helpless. These are usually the deviants of society. Resorting to theft, murder, kidnapping as a means to survive. They are the predators and they prey upon the sheep.

In most cases the wolves of this world are cowards, even when hunting in a pack. Stand and fight against them, give a show of force stronger than they and often they will seek out a weaker form of prey and be done with you.

The Sheepdog - are those who stand at the ready to protect the sheep if that time comes.

The sheepdog mentality is not about carrying a gun or some other form of weapon. It isn't about being some 5th degree black belt either. Criminals have guns, weapons and know martial arts.

The sheepdog are also not better than the sheep, they  realize their calling to be ready as well as have the courage to back it up. They have taken the time to read the writing on the wall. But where the sheep have read the same thing, the sheepdogs have done something about it and have taken action.

Here in Texas one is able to have a carry and conceal license. Because one may have a C& C does not make them  tough, a bigger man or give them super strong muscles. In fact look at me,  I am not taller, more handsome, nor leap from tall buildings and I still can't stop trains with my bare hands.

But I am a sheepdog.

A sheepdog can be anyone prepared to protect the sheep.

But that is just one aspect of the Sheepdog.

Maybe you are a sheepdog and you do not realize it.

Sheepdogs…

- They have provided means to protect themselves, their family, and their home with as many means as possible.

- They prepared knowing that this situation was coming not only because they have learned from history, but they have studied God's Word, understanding what the future holds.

- They care for their family and are willing to do what it takes to ensure their health and welfare is secure.

- They blend into the crowd, walk with a purpose and completely alert to their surroundings before they even step outside their front door.

- They have prepared for the coming storm and have ensured their family is provided for.  One example is they have  a well stocked pantry - they see food as an investment and also a means to help their fellow man.

- The sheepdog knows how the end plays out. He or she knows that they are on the winning team and that in the end, it is Jesus Christ whom they serve. They know it is Him who they represent because it is their reasonable service to Christ dying on the cross and shedding His blood for our sins. They have submitted to Christ living a holy and acceptable life unto Him.

- They have a strong mental fortitude and have chosen to be the "sheepdog" when the calling was issued instead of just standing by being the "sheep."

Scripture tells us that there is nothing new under the sun. There will be good times and bad. Man will always repeat himself because he never pays attention to his past. There will also be sheep, wolves and sheepdogs.

Sheepdogs also understand fully when Christ said .. " he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."

I am going to touch upon something here that again, people may not agree with me.

Folks, it is time for the sheepdogs to recognize who they are, to stand and start picking up the sword.

The wolves are growing in numbers to the point that they have outnumbered the sheep, and it is going to get worse.

Folks the Bible couldn't be clearer on the right – even the duty – we have as Christians to defend ourselves as well as the sheep.

I live in New Braunfels where that  predator wolf stabbed that elderly woman in the Walmart parking lot. Reading that story infuriated both my wife and I. Had I been there, I would have instantly and without hesitation gone to her aid. I will protect the sheep.  Interestingly enough, in talking to my wife she would have gone to her aid also given the ability.

Scripture says…

Exodus 22:2 (KJV)  If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.

In other words if a thief breaks into your house,  you have the right to defend yourself, your  family and your property.  It doesn't matter whether the thief is threatening your life or not. You have the right to protect your home, your family and your property as well as using deadly force to do so.

Do you know that our founding fathers based the second amendment on scripture?

During the times of the Israelites it was expected that every man to have their own personal weapons.  There were no police in those times. If an enemy was at bay, every man would be able to defend himself, his house and family. If there were bands of enemy, they could  be called to arms to defend the town if need be. They didn't have an army to call upon, the people defended themselves.

Scripture says..

1 Samuel 25:13(KJV)  And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

Note here that "every man" had a sword and when called upon, every man picked it up when it was required.

Psalms  144:1 (KJV)  A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

Folks, we do not serve some limp wristed pacifist God like the one being taught about today. Over and over again we read in scripture that we are to defend not only ourselves,  but to defend the weak, the innocent, the frail, and the helpless.

They didn't have firearms in the bible, but they kept their arms at their side and at the ready.

As I have stated earlier, Jesus commanded His disciples to buy swords and equip them, strap them on.

Luke 22:36 (KJV)  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Now I know that there are some out there who are stating how Jesus told Peter to put his sword up after cutting off the ear of the servant as well as living and dying by the sword and all.

Let's read what took place…

Matthew 26:52-54 (KJV)  Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54  But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Often these verses are taken out of context. But when we do in fact read what is  taking place here in context, we can clearly see what is taking place.

What  Jesus was telling Peter is that he, Peter, would be committing suicide if he chose to fight.

Here were Roman soldiers and temple guards, both able and ready to dispatch all of the disciples if need be and in a moment's notice. Not only was this a foolish fight,  doing something like this was also undermining God's appointment for Jesus' death on the cross, burial and resurrection.  

What Christ did at that moment was defuse a very volatile situation by picking up the servant's ear and healing him by reattaching the ear again.

Please also note that Jesus told Peter to put his sword "into his place," which was back at his side. Christ didn't tell Peter to throw it away, hand it over or give it up.  I mean why would He after He just told his disciples to sell a coat if one had to so that they could purchase a sword?

The reason for the arms was obviously to protect the lives of the disciples, not the life of the Son of God.

But more than that, it was to ensure that they could protect themselves as well as the right to spread the gospel freely. Not only did Christ arm the disciples with knowledge of the ways of the Lord, He taught them to protect those ways, the ways of God,  and to defend them.

We are living in the last days of the last days. We know that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with principalities.

But we as sheepdogs need to recognize that the time is now to stand and be willing to defend the weak, feeble, innocent and helpless because the wolves are beginning to outnumber the sheep. If we do not stand and be ready, not only will the weak, feeble, innocent and helpless lose, so will go our ability to freely share the gospel as well.

Finally, I want to share with you one of my favorite verses in scripture.

Ephesians  6:13(KJV)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

That evil day that scripture is speaking about is upon the horizon. The time to prepare, to train, to "do all that we can" is here. We need to heed those words.

Because knowing that we have prepared, trained, studied  and know God's Word as well as have it anchored in our hearts. Knowing that we have prepared  the physical, the mental, the spiritual…

In other words " and in having done all…"

"To Stand."

What is your calling…. Sheep or Sheepdog?