Survival Defense When Guns Are Not Allowed

In the time before a major crisis occurs, private ownership or use of firearms, bows and arrows, and crossbows may be illegal and banned. As the situation gets worse, the government will impose martial law and confiscate weapons no matter how well you may think they are hidden.
Here are a few weapons that may be overlooked and that can be used to protect your family and loved ones.

Edged Weapons

Edged weapons are the oldest implements used by man. Then, as now, you can make knives and other edged weapons from flint, obsidian, bronze, arsenic copper-bronze, tin-bronze, iron. Today, there are three kinds of steel that you may be interested in:

• Damascus steel – originated in India about the 5th century BC. The steel was heated to red hot, hammered, folded, and then quickly cooled in water. This process was repeated at least 500 times. This produced a better weapons grade steel.
• Carbon steel – will rust if exposed to air and moisture. The rust if heavy will flake off causing the steel to weaken and break.
• Stainless steel is an alloy with a minimum of 10% chromium by mass. Stainless steel does not rust or stain by water as ordinary steel does. When heated the chromium becomes chromium oxide that acts to form an air and water tight film that seals off the metal. This steel comes in many grades and finishes.

The following edged tools and weapons can be used as a substitute for firearms for protection. All of them can be dipped in poison so that even a single glancing blow can be a lethal one.

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• Farm Tools: Any of the metal farming or gardening tools can be used as weapons to protect yourself or the family. The spade, rake, pitchfork, pick, sickle, hand hoe, and garden claw all make excellent choices for either offensive or defensive weapons.
• Bayonets: Either spike or flat knife designs can be used as is or cut back to make push knives. You can also add a set of brass or other metal knuckles by welding it to the shortened bayonet.
• Daggers and Boot Knives: These double edged knives have a blade longer than 6 inches and are used to stick or slash. Most have a skull crusher at the back of the hilt.
• Small Knives: Usually the blades are shorter than 6 inches long and can be a folding or a non-folding version. These knives are good defensive or offensive weapons because they can be “palmed” and used without them being seen.
• Swords: There are two different edge designs for swords. The first is the single edge the other is the double edge. There are several lengths of swords. The first is the short sword which is 16 to 18 inches long, regular size sword which is 20 to 24 inches long, and the two handed sword that measures over four feet long. The short and the regular size swords can be used for protection and carried inconspicuously, but the long two handed sword is too large to be practical for anything other than staving off an attack on your home.
• Spears: Have a 4 to 6 foot shaft with a metal spear point at the top. These weapons are designed to be thrown or thrusted into a human target.
• Throwing Stars: Are metal shaped stars that have sharpened points that were designed to be thrown at a target and stick into it. In the hands of a trained individual they can kill or do great bodily harm.
• Axes or hatchets: Are used for chopping. Some axes have double or single edges. As a weapon it can be thrown and deliver a bloody crushing wound or blunt trauma if the back blunt end hits first.

Blunt Force Weapons
Blunt force weapons use weight instead of sharp edges to kill or do great bodily harm. Damage to the body is caused by crushing instead of cutting.

• Canes: originally used to steady and help a person in walking. A cane can be used as a nightstick type weapon and can deliver knockout or death blows to the head, break arms or legs, or cause deep blunt trauma wounds to the central body core. Historically the cane sword was a way to carry a sword concealed and at the ready if needed. This weapon is easy to carry in plain sight.
• Clubs:  Usually made of heavy wood or metal scrap. These are crushing weapons that break bones or deliver deep trauma to inner organs.
• Bats: Wood or aluminum bats used to play baseball also make a good weapon. A bat can easily break bones or kill if they hit the right part of the body.
• Staffs or walking sticks: For thousands of years staffs were a defensive and sometimes offensive weapon for the poor or peasants. An individual who was good with a staff could disarm a person with a sword or a gun.
• Maces: Maces were a medieval blunt force weapon made of steel or other strong metals. It was designed to crush skulls and brake limbs with blunt force. Today it is still a good defensive weapon in times of major crisis.
• Chains: Chains made of steel or other heavy metals can be used as weapons in a defensive roll. They can be made to look like every day clothing accessories such as belts. They can deliver deadly crushing blows or break limbs.
• Slings (2 Cord Type): Is a very old weapon that goes back thousands of years. It is easy to hid or conceal. With a little bit of practice it is possible to hit or kill your target out to 200 feet or better with rocks or scrapes of metal. Slings can be either defensive or offensive weapons.
• Slingshots for stone, metal projectiles, or arrows: Slingshots are no longer a toy. They can be used to hunt small game by launching a ball bearing, rocks, and even arrows with deadly accuracy. This weapon can also be used defensively to protect your family in the absence of firearms.
• Hand to Hand Fighting techniques: There are many forms from boxing to martial arts. Choose the fighting technique that best meets your needs and start studying today. Do not wait until the last moment to start the training.

In a time when all private firearm ownership is banned or illegal, the above are a few alternatives for weapons that might be put into service to protect your family and loved ones. Almost anything can be used as a weapon regardless of the situation.
As with prisons and jails, you only need a creative mind and the will to have a weapon in order to get around any law or force used to try and take away your ability to defend yourself.

Original article - http://www.survivopedia.com/svp-survlgnsnotalwd/

My NEW Book Coming Out Soon

Back in July 2011 my book “Survive The Coming Storm – The Value of a Preparedness Lifestyle” was published.

This book is one of the few “Survival books” written from a biblical and well as practical every day perspective. I did not write that book for all the “Rambo’s” in the world. I wrote it for all the everyday “soccer parents” out there that realized that things are getting grim and that they know they are behind the 8-ball.

You can purchase this book in paperback and in Kindle at http://amzn.com/B006JA4A06

In the book I put myself and my family in the role of “Guinea Pig” and we lived and used the things that I wrote about in STCS.

We are not rich by any means, and in fact we have learned to live a pretty frugal life over the years. God has blessed us with what we have needed and also blessed us from time to time with things we have wanted. There is a difference too. But we were able to prioritize and finally get multiple years of food, medical supplies as well as arms to protect ourselves and our home.

Fast forward to today and we are facing yet another possible storm, that storm is called Ebola.

Reports are showing that the spread of Ebola is starting to become exponential. In fact, the head of the World Health Organization stated that this outbreak "is moving faster than our efforts to control it".

I am not trying to be a fear monger, what I am trying to do is fulfill my job of being a watchman. In the days of high walls and castles, it was the job of the watchman to stand upon the wall and call down into the city what is going on and what he sees approaching the city. He had a vantage point that those in the city did not have. He was able to look out upon the horizon a great distance. He could see far and report on advancements of armies and even storms. If it was within eyesight, the watchman could see it and report on it.

God states in scripture the importance of the watchman as well as his responsiblity.

Ezekiel 33:2-6  Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:

3 if when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;

4 then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.

That is my job and I try to do my job as good as possible. I try not to be “sensational” like others out there, but also try not to “sugar coat” things so that it is more palatable. 

My latest book is going to be titled "Survive The Coming Storm - EBOLA CRISIS"

 It is my hope to have it finshed by Aug 8th and push it out to Amazon Kindle. I am going to also try to push it out on iBook and Nook. We will see. 

Please pray that this book does well and helps people if the situation arises.

Keys To Spiritual Survival – The Armor of God

In the past few articles we have learned about applying the Third Party Rule (Proverbs 3:5-6) in our lives. We have discussed “Living in God’s Grace” and “Living in God’s Sovereignty.”

In this article I want to talk about how to start bringing these things together so that you can be effective and be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy.

As I have been saying, we are living in the last days of the last days. Now more than ever we need to cleave to God, His Word; His Ways and live a life holy and acceptable unto Him.

But so many people who are good bible believing Christians have forgotten how to do these things or have been attending churches that refuse to teach the true tenants of the faith.

This is why I feel it is important that we wear the armor of God daily, and make a concerted effort to truly wear these tools of war and understand why it is important to wear these daily.
So what does it mean to wear the armor of God?

Men Beating Each Other Silly with Swords

Here is a little story that some of you may have heard before.
Back in my college days I used to be involved with group that is called the SCA, also known as the Society for Creative Anachronism.

Those involved would role play as if they were living in the King Arthur days. They would wear armor of all sorts and go bash each other over the head with rattan swords.

What is interesting is that today it is actually seen as an official form of martial art.Well, I was one of those guys who enjoyed beating each other senseless. Now to be honest I was getting beaten on more than I was beating on others.

At one of these events I happened upon one of the well-known "knights" and struck up a conversation. One thing led to another and he let me hang out with him for the weekend, kind of being his "squire."

In these circles this was seen as pretty cool, especially if your knight was well known. Mine, he was well
known.

This guy was really into the SCA, he owned a complete set of full plate armor. In fact he built it himself and was actually world renown for his ancient armor work. Rumor had it that he has even worked on some of the armor that is in the tower of London. Yep, he was that good.

Well, I got a chance to try on his armor. It was about 50-60 lbs of steel wrapped all over my body from head to toe. Wow… it was pretty cool.
Now this is what was interesting; here I am standing in his armor and he comes over and barely pushes me with his index finger.

I just about fell over backwards because I was not used to wearing so much weight let alone know how to fight in it. He laughed and kept me from falling over backwards.

In that short moment he taught me a very valuable lesson that still sticks with me today.
What I learned was that it was different for him because when he was out on the "battle field" he was running and jumping and hitting people with his sword, bashing people with his shield, going full bore. He was also often the winner of the tournaments and have been made "king" of the local SCA group several times. This is a very high position in the SCA and it also meant that you were a true warrior.

Me, it was all I could do to just to keep standing up.

So why could he run around in this armor and I barely was able to stand?

Several things.

1 - He literally wore his armor every day in one form or another, so it became a part of him.

2 - Because he and his armor were one, this "trained" his body. This in turn conditioned him and he was always ready for the fight.

I tell this story because the armor of God needs to be seen the same way. It is not something that you just "throw on" and then think you are going to go out and do battle.

You need to consciously train and live in the armor daily.

Why? So when that evil day does come, you have done all that you can to train...and having done all, then stand and fight.

If we are not wearing the armor daily, how does our “spiritual muscles” strengthen? If we are not used to wearing it and the armor becomes like a second skin, how long will we last in battle when that evil day comes?

By not actively wearing the armor daily we will fail.

Failing Due To The Lack of Training

Archilochus who was an early Greek poet as well as a warrior stated the following…

We do not rise to the level of our expectations.

We fall to the level of our training.

 

How often do we watch these action adventure movies and get caught up in them?

We watch the good guy chase down the bad guy, the fight ensues and the good guy stomps the bad guy into the ground. He then picks him up, cuffs him and hauls him away.

If you were put in the position where you had to fight for your life, how long could you fight?
2-3 minutes?

How about 3-5 seconds?

A battle for one’s life often lasts a minute, most likely less because the person who is attacking is usually better trained and has the endurance to last the entire fight.

The common man, well they can barely last 10 maybe 20 seconds tops before he gives out and is exhausted.

Yes we watch these movies and say we can do that.

Sure we may play fight in our mind and run different situations through our head.

But unless you physically train, you will always fall to the level of your training.
The same goes for spiritual battles.

Unless you train consciously utilizing the armor of God daily, you will also fail and fall to the level you have trained at.

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.

The armor will not protect us as much as it should have because even though we are wearing it, our effectiveness in it is greatly minimized.

We have to actively train in God’s armor, pushing those spiritual muscles daily.

The Pieces of God’s Armor

Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I want to help explain what each piece of the armor does both in the real world and the spiritual world.
Starting with the head and working our way down…
The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet was the most noticeable piece of armor. In many cases was ornate, etched and often decorated with a plume with brightly dyed feathers or colored horsehair. The helmet was one of the most critical pieces of armor, it protected the brain. It was designed to protect the wearer from blows with a sword, a war hammer or battle ax. A good helmet would not allow these weapons to pierce it but if designed properly, it would deflect these blows giving the soldier maximum protection.
Why do we wear the the Helmet of Salvation?
Simple, to protect our brain. There is an old computer saying, “G I G O” Garbage In – Garbage Out.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are to meditate on the Word of God, renewing our minds daily.
In Deuteronomy chapter 6 we read what is often referred to as the Shema.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

So our helmet of salvation helps protect our brains, the very places we think and contemplate. Without the helmet, we are vulnerable to the deadly blows of the enemy that will in turn, effect the brain’s thinking and reasoning power.
Have you ever noticed that when you are in the word of God daily that you find it easier to not “sin”?
Sure we all sin, but when we are in His Word and renewing our minds, we are more conscious of what it is we are doing and often choose not to disobey Him. That is the helmet of salvation at work. It is protecting your brain so that you can then in turn make proper and right decisions for God, and not fall for sin.

The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Breastplate was really often work of art. Each breastplate was custom made for the soldier that wore it. Often a casting was made of the man’s torso. This casting then allowed the armorer to make a breastplate that would be a perfect fit to the one who would wear it.
Breastplates often had the coat of arms or royal crest with which the knight gave his allegiance too. At times there were additional decorations telling about the warrior and polished to a brilliant mirror finish that was blinding in the sunshine.
Despite the beauty and craftsmanship, the breastplate was very functional piece of armor protecting the heart, lungs and other vital organs from penetration through its metal shell.
It was also the main piece which the back, shoulders and arm pieces of armor often hung and were attached too. It was the main support for the pieces that did battle. It literally assisted in holding up the weight of the other pieces.
In the spiritual it is righteousness that helps us stand. In fact the word righteousness simply means, “Right standing before God.”
Now what is interesting is that in legal terms it means “being found innocent.”
In Isaiah 59, the chapter in Isaiah that prophecies the Messiah, we read the following…

Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate. 

Many Christians do not live like they have been made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ. The majority Christians today walk around in constant guilt and condemnation, feeling like failures and not ‘worthy’ to serve God, or worse to receive His wonderful blessings from Him.
The devil is constantly bombarding us with fiery darts and missiles of lies and accusations always reminding us of past sins we have committed.
Without the breastplate of righteousness, these missiles will impact us and penetrate our heart.

Psalms 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.  

Proverbs 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: 

The Belt of Truth – Having your loins girt about with truth
The belt is not the most noticeable piece of the armor, however, it is actually the central piece that holds all the rest securely in place and provides for every need during battle.
The belt was broad and made of sturdy leather. From it hung an overlapping skirt of leather straps which on the inside surface were armored with small rectangular pieces of metal held in place by decorative rivets which showed on the outside. It was these straps / apron that protected the loin.
The belt also had specialized hooks and holders on which to secure the scabbard that contained the sword at the proper angle, the quiver which held lances, and an apparatus on which to rest the large battle shield. Also, on the belt were clips with which to hold the breastplate in its proper place. It also held pouches the soldier’s supplies like bread, oil and water, an extra knife, coin purse, etc.
Srcipture says…

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Just as the belt is central to the armor of God, the written Word of God, the absolute truth of the Bible is central to all that pertains to spiritual warfare.
If one has a weak belt, then the armor will not hold together in the time of need, that critical part of the battle. If your belt is weak and breaks, you lose all your armor and become vulnerable on the battle field. This is why the belt was thick, and well-oiled and well cared for. It was also the one piece of armor that was worn both on and off the battlefield. It is what equipped him for day to day life as well as life on the battle field.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: 

Today it is critical that we adhere to the absolute truth of God’s Word. It is what holds all of what we are as Christians together. If we are wavering in the truth, we do not believe in absolute truth, or we lack the truth in our hearts, then when that day comes our belt of truth will fail us and we will lose the armor with which we wear.
This is why truth and standing on the truth with all your heart is so vital.
Think about this for a moment.
The Truth is Incorruptible. 
The Truth is Indestructible.  
The Truth tells us who we are, what we have and what we can do. 

John 17:17 Jesus says, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.”

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
The Shoes of the warrior were no normal footwear. Every military gives great care to supply the soldiers with the best and most appropriate footwear they are able for the assignment the soldier is given.
The warriors shoes / boots usually consisted of an elaborately cut and laced leather. the soles had layers of metal and leather with ‘hob nail’ spikes or cleats often extending one-half inch, to in some cases ‘inches,’ from the sole so that the soldier could plant his foot into the ground thus preventing him from being moved.
Some shoes had toe spikes and or built-in spurs with which to do damage to the enemy. The uppers of the sandals were often armored by small overlapping pieces of metal riveted to the leather straps.
In addition, attached to the uppers of the sandal were removable metal or leather greaves that extended up over the kneecap protecting the knees, shins and ankles.
Before you go somewhere today, you have to equip yourself for the occasion. You take into consideration the place you are going, the climate as well as the terrain.
If we do not have good shoes or the right shoes, we will tire out and most likely not get to where we were planning on going.
This is why armies for generations to present realize that shoes were critical. Armies move by foot and if those feet are not well protected, well cared for, and properly fitted, the army is not going to get very far.
The battle was lost before the army could even get to the battle field.
As Christian warriors do you know our mission that all of us have been called to?

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

This is one of the reasons why I Iove the KJV bible. In the modern versions the word YOU is used here in place of YE.
When YOU is used, people have a way out or an excuse to say that Christ was just talking to the disciples here. The responsibility of sharing the gospel is shirked because of the modern versions.
Where by using the word YE as is used in the KJV, it is a direct command. A command by Jesus Christ himself not only to the disciples, but also directed directly at us as well.
YE is addressing anyone who is reading or hearing this command. YE also makes it a command because Christ is addressing us personally.
So when we are called to GO YE to all nations, that means put on your shoes and go. We are called to take the gospel of peace of The Lord Jesus Christ to all the world.
If we ware ill equipped and have not put on the proper shoes, how far do you think we will be able to get?
 
The Shield of Faith
I love the following verse…

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

There are three types of common shields used by warriors.
First, a small disc held in the offhand often 6” inches in diameter to 16” inches in diameter. This type of shield was called a “Buckler” and often used in close quarter combat, duels, etc.
The next was an actual shield and was approximately 24”-36” inches diameter round, this was not only used in defense, but at times in offense. Going in first with the shield, the opposing force would hit the shield. The shield would flip up where the edge was then facing the oponent. The warrior would use the extended edge of the shield to then “trap” the opponent and allow the warrior to freely attack the person by using the sword that was now hidden under the shield that trapped the opponent.

 

The final shield was a large rectangular shield approximately 60”x30” in size. This rectangular shield called a “thureos” (thoo-reh-os) in Greek literally meant “a door,” because it looked like the soldier was carrying a full sized door that was leather covered.
The warrior could stand safely behind this large shield thus protecting him from the arrows and such being hurled at him.
A good shield was made of six layers of thick animal hide specially tanned and woven together making them as tough and durable as metal yet relatively light weight. The leather shields could be soaked in water before battle so that in the event the enemy would rain fiery projectiles on them, the fire would be extinguished on impact.
So why is it called The Shield of Faith?
Along with being large and relatively light, it also had the ability to hook together with other shields and create a wall with which the army was protected. This tactic was often referred to as the “Roman Turtle.”

 

The Thureos or “Door Sheild” in the “Turtle Formation”

In this position, the army was protected from all sides as well as above. The negative is that the army could not see where they were going. So they depended greatly on the captain who was behind them and riding a horse to direct their steps and tell them to go here, go there, turn left, turn right.
See if they broke the shield wall, arrows, spears, fiery darts were able to penetrate and would injure or kill those who standing inside the turtle formation.
The soldier had to trust and obey the captain and walked in blind faith listening only to the commands the captain gave and nothing else.
The very survivability of the entire group of soldiers depended on all the soldiers trusting and obeying the orders of the captain at the time the orders are given.
Failure to do so would compromise the entire unit’s safety. Injury and death was the result of not acting immediately on the orders of the captain.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

When our captain who is Christ Jesus speaks, we are to obey.
How does God speak to us? It is through His Word, the Word of God; the Bible.
Our faith grows by hearing God’s Word spoken into our hearts. This is why it is so critical that we have good preachers and teachers who preach from God’s Word. Expository teaching, taking the bible verse by verse is the best way to learn God’s Word.
This is why so many Christians are weak in their faith, they lack solid pastors who are teaching their congregations chapter and verse. Expanding on God’s Word and going into the “meat” of the Word and not staying only with the “milk.”
Babies require milk, but warriors require meat. It is the meat of the Word that strengthens our faith in His Word, Law, Commands, and proper living.
We follow Christ in blind faith allowing Him to direct our paths and lean not on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6 – The Third Party Rule)

The Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God
The sword is the primary weapon of the warrior and was greatly feared. A true sword master could take on 5+ men at once and dispatch all of them in a short amount of time. In the hand of someone who is educated the lightweight and well balanced double edged sword was quick and deadly.
The razor sharpened edges of the broad blade was made to cut and slice. The tapered point was designed to easily penetrate and disembowel the enemy. It was well known that if true warrior ever would unsheathed his sword -- he would use it.
The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16 -17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The more we have God’s Word in our hearts the more of a “master of the sword” we become. The better we know our personal bible, the more of a master of the sword we become.
In fact, remember in Sunday school having “Sword Drills”?
The students would have the bible flat on the table and hands in the air, the teacher would call out a verse and the first one to the verse got to read it.
If you were really good, the teacher would take the better students and let them hold the bible between their two flat hands and the thumbs on the pages. Then the verse was called out and the first one to get to the verse won the round.
This is being a Master of the Sword / The Word. Not only do you know your scripture, you know where to find it and how to get to it quickly. You are able to flip to a verse and in many cases just open up your bible and be just a few pages off.
You as a sword master know how to apply scripture, where to apply scripture and teach others how to find, use and apply scripture. You are a master of The Sword of God, His Word.
One thing, the sword of the spirit is a double edged weapon and it will cut both ways. So you can use it for good as well and use it to hurt people. We see this take place a lot in today’s world. The sword being improperly used to hurt, manipulate and force people through coercion. This is using the sword for error, not for good.

We Are Warriors For The Lord
It is our duty and assignment is to stand in the gap shoulder to shoulder with the other soldiers of the Lord as He places us.
We are to resist every attack of the devil. Holding the ground, refusing to be moved, healing the oppressed and destroying every work of the devil.
We are warriors for the Lord.
Scripture says…

Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.

But alone we are just single fighters. It is when we are together that we are able to charge the gates of hell.
This is why it is so important to be in fellowship with other Christian warriors who love the Lord. When we do this it helps us keep our spiritual batteries charged to the fullest level. We are able to pray for each other, learn from each other, encourage each other.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Iron sharpens iron and when we become accountable not only to God, but to other warriors, we then become better warriors for the Lord we serve.

Many of you know that we are living in the last days of the last days. We are sitting upon the razor's edge. Now more than ever we need to keep the batteries charged at full, the powder dry and ready for the fight.

We do not know when we will be called upon to fight, but when we do, we want to be completely ready, and not caught at our lowest level of training.
If you do not train and wear the armor of God daily you will lose the battle and become a casualty of the battlefield.
The enemy, when he comes, he will most likely ambush us. So when the fight comes to us, and it will, there will be no time to "put on" the armor. By that time it will be to late. If we do not have the armor on at the time of the ambush, we will become just another casualty of war.
So I challenge you brothers and sisters in the Lord always be ready for the fight.
The fight will come to you for our enemy prowls in the shadows like a ravaging lion waiting to pounce on us when we are not looking.
What do we need to ensure? And having done all – To Stand.

Ephesians 6:13 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.

By Ray Gano

God's Judgment Pt 4- The Bricks Are Fallen Down, But We Will Build With Hewn Stones

The Curse… The Bricks Are Fallen Down, But We Will Build With Hewn Stones

Isaiah 9:10 (KJV) The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.

The day after 9/11 Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle in his Floor Statement on a 'Joint Resolution of Condemnation for the September 11, 2001 stated the following…

But there is a passage in the Bible from Isaiah that I think speaks to all of us at times such as this:

'The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.'

That is what we will do. We will rebuild and we will recover.

The people of America will stand strong together because the people of America have always stood together. And those of us privileged to serve this great Nation will stand with you.”

As I pointed out, God is not a respecter of persons, but He does honor the office of responsibility.

I say this because I have gotten emails from people stating something like " Ray, George Washington was a Freemason, he wasn't a Christian. He prays to the gods of Freemasonry, not God the creator. So he did not dedicate America to Jehovah God, but to Freemasonry."

What a person's beliefs are just that, the individuals. The office of Responsibility is ordained by God. So it does not matter what that "person" believes, it is the office with which that person holds that is important.

I know that it is hard for people to separate the two, but there is a difference. There is the person and then there is the office.

God deals with the office of responsibility. This is why it is so vitally important that when we elect people into positions of responsibility that we put God fearing, God loving men in those offices.

Man can only serve one master. That master is either Jesus Christ the Creator, or it is Lucifer also known as Heylel ben Shachar.

Those are the only two choices.

Now a lot falls under choice number two, Lucifer, but if one is not serving God, they are by default serving the enemy of God.

There is no grey area, middle of the road, fence sitting on this fact. It is one or the other.

That is why it is so important that our leaders are God fearing men, because it is their "worldview", be it Biblical, Humanistic, Atheistic, Hindu or Muslim, that will dictate their actions when they are holding that office of responsibility.

This is why it does not matter if George Washington was a Freemason or not. It also does not matter if our president is a Muslim either, which I believe he is.

It is the office of responsibility that the Lord honors, not the person.

In the days that followed much was said by our leaders.

But what was said was not a call to humble ourselves before the Lord seeking His help and mercy.

Instead, it was a spirit of defiance and proud uttering that "we will rebuild", cursing us over and over again.

Senator John Kerry stated in speech on the Senate Floor on September 12, 2001

"I believe one of the first things we should commit to - with federal help that underscores our nation's purpose - is to rebuild the towers of the World Trade Center and show the world we are not afraid - we are defiant." (1)

New York City Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani said on the day of the crisis:

"We will rebuild: We're going to come out of this stronger than before, politically stronger, economically stronger. The skyline will be made whole again." (2).

New York State Governor, George E. Pataki said the following in his speech dedicating the building of the "Freedom Tower" on the 4th of July 2004:

"Today we build the Freedom Tower. ... Let this great Freedom Tower show the world that what our enemies sought to destroy, our democracy, our freedom, our way of life -- stands taller than ever." (3)

The Bricks Are Fallen Down, But We Will Build With Hewn Stones

When one looks at the destruction caused by the events on 9-11, all one could see was a pile of rubble. There has been no event in America's history compared to the destruction that came from the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In fact I find it interesting that in my research Richard Pyle, an Associated Press journalist wrote an article titled "Changes continue at World Trade Center site as visitors get more of a glimpse into wreckage."

In this article he stated…

“For three months, the 16-acre site had the look of post-World War II Berlin with its buildings skeletonized and reduced to piles of bricks.” (4)

The bricks have in fact fallen down for this nation. But instead of calling upon His name, seeking His face, we have risen up with a fist shaking at heaven shouting that "We Will Rebuild"!

This spirit of defiance was to the terrorists and the world making claim that we do not need anyone's help.

We will come back bigger, stronger and more powerful than before. This was a solemn act of defiance by our leaders who held offices of responsibility, and therefore they spoke on behalf of "we the people."

They not only declared this prideful defiance to the world and our enemies, they were also declaring this to Jehovah God, the only one who could help us.

"We Will Build With Hewn Stones" this is the second part of the curse, rebuilding with hewn stone.

But what is "hewn stone"?

Webster's 1828 dictionary defines Hewed or Hewn as the following..

HEW'ED, pp. Cut and made smooth or even; chopped; hacked; shaped by cutting or by a chisel.

Simply said, hewn stone is stone that is quarried, or cut from the mountain.

Let me remind you that on September 11, 2004, then Democratic Candidate for Vice President John Edwards spoke the same curse upon America using the same verse while at the prayer breakfast for the Congressional Black Caucus

Here is what he said…

"Good morning. Today, on this day of remembrance and mourning, we have the Lord’s word to get us through. 'The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.'

... And let me show you how we are building and putting cedars in those three hallowed places - the footprints of the Towers, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania. ... Walk with me through this day.

And you will see that while those bricks fell and the sycamores cut down, our people are making those cedars rise. ... Each time that bell tolls, it calls us to a greater purpose. It calls us to never forget.

It calls us to do the Lord’s work here on earth. And it calls on us to always remember that when we walk through this day together - the cedars will rise, the stones will go up, and this season of hope will endure." (5)

We will do this, we will do that, we will raise the cedars, we will rebuild. The stones will go up we will put cedars in their place.

The stones did in fact go up. The first stone used in the construction of the Freedom Tower was the hewn stone from New York granite which was lowered by crane in a ceremony on July 4, 2004. Governor George Pataki said this at the ceremony:

"Today is indeed, a momentous day. Today we take 20 tons of Adirondack granite -- the bedrock of our state -- and place it as the foundation, the bedrock of a new symbol of American strength and confidence. Today, we lay the cornerstone for a new symbol of this city and this country and of our resolve in the face of terror. Today we build the Freedom Tower."

What did they lay?

None other than a hewn granite stone cut from the mountains of New York's Adirondack mountain range, cut, polished just as Israel did in defiance when they rebuilt after being attacked by Assyria (the original terrorists)

As many of you know, the first stone laid when building a new building is always the most important. It is that stone that all the others are set upon. It is the foundation, and the buildings strength that stone is also called "the cornerstone." In Hebrew this is also called the "Gazit" stone which means "hewn stone."

When a new building is erected it is the laying down of the cornerstone that begins the whole process erecting the building.

It’s not only an important act in beginning the building, but in many cases it is also a symbolic act. Think about it, how many times have you heard of some construction on a building about to start and they seem to always have a ceremony in laying the cornerstone?

Our leaders have stated / vowed "We Will Rebuild" and "We will be stronger than before." They have proclaimed that "The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones."

Like ancient Israel, we have fulfilled the curse.

They quarried the stone from the "bedrock" of the state of New York. Carved the stone into a massive 20 ton block, and airlifted it to the ground of destruction. They then laid it in the very place where "the bricks have fallen"… Ground Zero.

Leaders gathered, the ones who occupy the offices of responsibility. The mayor of New York City, the governor of New York State, the governor of New Jersey, officials tasked with the rebuilding, as well as corporate leaders, special VIP guests and the spectators.

On July 4, 2004 all these leaders and people were focused on a single object—the cornerstone / Gazit Stone.

The massive 20 ton rectangular block of cut granite rock, that was laid on the holy ground from which our nation was founded.

Ground, bequeathed by royalty ordained by God so that the chapel of St Paul could be built.

Ground that our first president, senate, congress, our fore fathers, dedicated our nation to Jehovah God.

That ground today known as Ground Zero.

They laid that hewn stone on the ground, a stone representing our leaders vow of "we will rebuild."

This stone that was named "the freedom stone" also represents the stone of defiance, our defiance in the face of God.

I am reminded of the following found in Exodus…

Exodus 20:25 (KJV) And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

Why is the stone that is hewn for the alter polluted?

It is because it represents the works of man and we know that the works of man are polluted due to sin.

By having a stone not hewn, it is stone created and formed by God.

Man cannot make any claims to the cutting, polishing, changing the stone in any manner.

The stone is as it is by the hand of God. It is not defiled by the sin of man, nor his pride in saying "look what great work I have done in the hewing of this stone."

What did Governor George Pataki say?

"Today is indeed, a momentous day. Today we take 20 tons of Adirondack granite -- the bedrock of our state -- and place it as the foundation, the bedrock of a new symbol of American strength and confidence. (emphasis mine)

Pataki stated this 3 years after God's warning judgment on 9-11.

We did not heed the warning after 9-11, and we did not heed the warning july 4th 2004.

In fact we are still standing in defiance.

The Inaugural Address given on January 20, 2009 by newly elected President Barrack Husain Obama reiterated the vow to rebuild, to begin anew and rise from the ashes on our own and without the collective prayers and sanction from God.

Instead he reiterated that "WE WILL"

“…Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. … For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift. And we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We'll restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do…

Like many that night, I remember watching this in our own home. This was history being made and it was “The Moment.”

But I also was troubled as a Christian recognizing the unrelenting pride and determination when President Obama stated…

…We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense. And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken -- you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you…

Tracye and I were watching as this leader who was given the power of the office of the President of the United States, an office of responsibility said those words.

My stomach sank and a moment of dread came over me. Do the American people realize what this man just said?

What this man did was "prophecy" our doom due to the position and office from which he holds. A position of responsibility that is ordained by Jehovah God that over sees a nation that is dedicated to Jehovah God, Creator of All.

Looking back then with what we know today, we know that this was not only a statement to our enemies, but knowing this man and who he is today, it was also a clear cut act of defiance in the very face of God.

Israel went into captivity; and now America has been warned.

But what are we doing, are we heeding this warning?

Back when Israel was delivered into captivity, God allowed a remnant to remain. These were people who were still loyal to Him, kept His ways and still occupied the land.

Like then, I believe that God is calling out a remnant. There are not many of us, maybe a million, possibly two here in the US. I honestly believe that we are being called to return to Him and His true ways.

What are those ways you may ask?

Well to be honest, if you are one who is also feeling the prodding of the holy spirit to prepare, you probably already know that answer deep in your heart.

Some have submitted to the call, but there are some of you who have heard the call, but possibly are not heeding it fully.

What is that call?

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are being called to live a holy and acceptable life unto Him.

Now I am not saying that this is how one gets to heaven, it isnt. What I am saying is that if you call yourself a Christian and you have given you life to the Lord, You have responsibility to serve Him. Paul calls it "Your reasonable service" because Christ died for you. Can you repay that? No never, but none the less your responsibility still stands.

What is that responsibility? To "always be ready to share the Hope that is within us" and to "Occupy Till He Returns." Something that has been forgotten these last several generations.

Many of you know that I talk about a "Coming Storm." I even named my book this title "Survive The Coming Storm."

Once the storm does come, and it will, and once it has performed its destruction, and it will; I believe it will be the remnant who will have the chance, that is if we have prepared properly, and stood boldly against the battle, I believe that it will be us who will be key to rebuilding this nation.

It will not be easy. Just as the remnant that was in Israel, it will not be easy with us.

But we have something going for us, that is God's Grace. We are reminded over and over again that His Grace is sufficient for us and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That is His promise to His children, and those of us who have Jesus Christ as our Savior, makes us His Children, His People.

What might happen? All we can do is look to scripture. A good example is when Nehemiah, the Persian king's cup-bearer inquired about the state of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 1:3 (KJV) And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

What is interesting is that I have peace in my heart about this.

Why? Because we read the following what it is that we need to do…

Nehemiah 1:4-11 (KJV) And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

God's promise to His people, and we are His people, is that if we keep His Word / commandments (Romans 12:1-2) that He will restore His people to the land dedicated to Him.

Scripture says…

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Are You One of His?

I know for a fact that people are being called out, just as the wheat is separated from the chaff, just as the shepherd calls out his sheep from the flock.

God is calling out His remnant.

You may be one who just knows that something is happening. The air is so thick you can cut it with a knife, but you don't know what to do.

You feel like you need to get your life "right" but you do not know where to start.

Like the people of ancient Israel, they had to come to a point knowing that they were not "right" and they had to correct it.

If you are one of these, God is calling you to repentance. He wants you and He loves you. He has great things in store for you in your life, but until you submit your life to Him, you will always feel "lost."

Why? Because you are lost and in fact you will continue to be lost till you do one thing.

That is accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior.

You need to come to the realization that you are in fact lost. Just as 2 Chronicles 7:14 states, until you humble yourself and pray, seeking God's Face and turn from your wicked ways, and believing upon Him to forgive you of your sins, you will remain lost.

In being lost you will continue to walk the path of life with that empty feeling, having a "God shaped" hole in your heart that nothing can fill except for Jehovah God himself.

It is pride and defiance that is destroying this nation.

It is that same pride, defiance and sin that will ultimately destroy you. That is unless you believe upon him and come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is what scripture says…

Romans 3:23 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Rom 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Finally…

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

I Am One of His, What Do I Do?

As I have stated, I strongly believe that God is calling out His remnant. I am a "prepper" also known as a "survivalist." To be honest I have no idea why I have had this huge burden in my heart to prepare for some "coming storm" which I have no idea what it is.

That is until recently.

Now I want to make very clear that I am not a prophet nor a son of a prophet. I am a watchman on the wall and I have been warning of this coming storm for 6-7 years now.

I believe that when the dust finally settles that we will have a chance to make a difference in this nation. How that will come about, I do not know.

Maybe we will help bring back bible preaching and teaching churches. Maybe return God to the classroom, maybe even help in bringing a truly God fearing man to the office of The President of the United States.

I do know that one of the key things that will need to take place is the sharing of the gospel, the blessed Hope of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is that hope that people will need in the coming days. Days which I believe that God will escalate His Judgment against this nation. Not because He hates us and wants to destroy us; no, it is judgment because He loves us and we are His people, a nation dedicated to God.

Like Israel of today who has lost her way, we to have lost our way. We are both the only nations dedicated to God, His Word and to the Lord Jesus Christ the Messiah of the World.

But to do all this that is before us, we need to "Always Be Ready." (1 Peter 3:15)

Always means just that, always. That means to Always be ready in good times and in bad.

God did not drop the ark out of the sky for Noah.

God did not magically fill the grain silos for Joseph either.

We are not on a trek out from Egypt and God is not going to rain manna from heaven.

What God did give us was two hands to work with and a brain to think with. He has provided for us, it is up to us to be good stewards over what He has provided for us.

Like the good stewards talked about in Luke 19, God has given each and every one of us a duty and responsibility.

If we are good stewards we will grow and enrich what the Lord has given us.

God is calling the remnant, those of you out there who have heard this can testify to this fact. Those who have not heeded the warning, well I do not know what to say except are you ready to survive the coming storm?

The storm is coming but I believe we still have a short amount of time to "build our arks."

In the next of my series I will be presenting some incredible evidence pointing to not only 9-11, but also the financial demise of our country. I believe that God has warned us not once, but twice and I believe that if the cycle continues, He will send yet another warning worse than the previous two.

More To Follow…


By Ray Gano

End Notes

1- http://www.themoderntribune.com/john_kerry_speech_after_9_11_-_rebuild_america_and_the_world_trade_center.htm

2 - http://www.alternet.org/911oneyearlater/11683/should_the_twin_towers_be_rebuilt/

3 - http://www.renewnyc.com/content/speeches/Gov_speech_Freedom_Tower.pdf

4 - http://multimedia.belointeractive.com/attack/news/0104zero.html

5 - http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=84922#axzz1oGavy24z

6- http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/Northeast/07/04/wtc.cornerstone/index.html