The Proverbs 31 Woman Prepares!

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in Teaching | Tags: , ,

Not many people think of the Proverbs 31 woman with a characteristic of being prepared for emergencies or natural disasters.  But, the Bible does bear out that this woman, the example of a virtuous woman for all generations,  does indeed prepare ahead of time for any situation.

The society we live in doesn’t really assign much value to a virtuous woman – but God does.  That’s why we have a context in the 31st chapter of Proverbs to help us understand what real virtue looks like.

First, this woman is a thinker.  She has her priorities in order and  she pays attention to the things she knows are right – those things which are beneficial for herself and her family.  And I’m going to add here, since we’re 21st century Christians, she also knows her Bible and she bases her life on its precepts.

When I’ve done all I can do, then I will rest in the Lord.    I have always said “faith without works is dead.”  While others say they will just trust in the Lord – I believe we should act on our faith.

James 2:17,18 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

While television, movies and magazines will try to convince today’s woman that her priorities lie in looking good and a variety of other petty issues – the Proverbs 31 woman knows that beauty fades and charm is deceiving, but her strength is in her virtuous character.

Oh, I know what you’re thinking…. but Lori, you always look so ‘put together.’  Ladies, when you see me on television, that’s not really me.  The real me has her hair in a pony tail with a baseball cap on, and no makeup!  And I know you’ve heard Jim tell on the air that my favorite thing to do is clean the house!  It’s true!

But one thing that is constantly on my mind is emergency preparedness.  Why?  Because I believe we’re living in the Days of Revelation and it’s only a matter of time before some catastrophe or event challenges our status quo lifestyle.  I’m not afraid of what’s ahead, but I do respect the warnings in the Bible that there will be Times of Trouble.

I don’t know exactly what this ‘trouble’ may be, but I’m not going to take chances with the lives of the ones I love.  It’s my responsibility to see to it that my family has their best chance of survival when a catastrophe hits.  If I can alleviate any of their suffering, why wouldn’t I?  I believe that’s why the Bible tells us ahead of time that these things are coming…. so that we can prepare!

“She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.” Proverbs 31:21

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.”
Proverbs 31:25

Our Prayers Live On

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in General, Teaching | Tags:

Prayer is an often misunderstood topic for a lot of people.  Some people think that for prayer to be effective, it has to be done a certain way.  There is much written and taught on the subject of prayer.

I’ve always taken the simple approach to prayer.  Heartfelt prayer can never be done wrong.  You won’t offend God by praying from your heart in the manner you choose.  Sometimes prayer can only be expressed in tears that flow from a broken place inside.

I know that there have been times when I have had no words for the things that  I took to God… but He knew.  There are times when I’ve seen women wail and cry out, indescribable grief and travail that only He could understand.

I also remember my Grandmother and Mother praying for me and not giving up – even when I ran from God for so many years.  Those prayers didn’t fall on the deaf ears of an uncaring God.  No, they were all saved as they rose up to God.

In the Book of Revelation, chapter 5, verse 8, John writes, “And as he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense — the prayers of God’s people! (NLT)

David, in Psalm 56, verse 8, writes this of the Lord: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (NLT)

Tears in Scripture play a unique role in spiritual prayer.  This passage, along with numerous others in Scripture regarding a spirit of brokenness, pictures a variety of reasons and functions related to what might be termed “the ministry of tears,” a ministry Charles H. Spurgeon defined as “liquid prayer.”

Don’t ever think that your prayers are just here and gone and that God forgets.  Your prayers do, in fact, live on in the spirit realm.  If you have petitioned God for something that is in keeping with His will, your prayers rise as incense to a loving God, and He saves them until such time that He works all things together to accomplish His will and purposes for you and through you and your loved ones.

Even if your prayers are just tears – God hears and understands, and your prayers live on in Heaven.

Nighttime Rendezvous

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in General, Teaching | Tags: ,

Recently on one of the show tapings, the subject came up of Jim being inspired at all hours of the night to get up and get alone with God.  Early in our marriage, I would be alarmed by his strange nighttime habits of working in the wee hours and sometimes I would object loudly.  But it wasn’t long before I came to understand that when the demands of the day would cease, Jim could finally quiet his spirit and focus in on the God things.  I was then at ease about him working at night.

God often awakens His servants during the night for many reasons.  Sometimes, it’s a call to action.  Sometimes, it’s a revelation, etc.  Often, it’s just to commune with Him.  For Jim, it could be any of those things as well as other I’m not aware of.

I do know one thing… Jim carries a heavy burden for all of us.  He is the one whose message for the Revelation Days is going out to millions.  He is the one who understands the significance of being a Watchman, and feels its weightiness.  And he doesn’t take it lightly.

I remember a few weeks ago when he was preparing his message about the “Five Words” God had given him.  He spent untold hours researching and documenting that message.  In fact, I couldn’t believe it myself when I saw his sermon notes:  40 pages of notes.  Who studies hundreds of hours and then writes 40 pages of notes for anything?

I’ll tell you who… Jim Bakker, that’s who.

Now I’m not telling you this to pat Jim on the back.  Ok, so I am.  But the greater message I want you to hear is that it’s time to get alone with God.  It’s time to hear from God.  It’s time to obey God.

Jim has said that this year of 2012 may be the last chance we have to get our houses in order.  Make sure you don’t let the cares of life make you miss your greatest hour with God… even if it’s in the middle of the night!

Love,

Lori Signature

The Answer to Depression

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in General, Last Days | Tags:

One of the words the Lord gave to Jim for 2012 is “depression.”  There are so many people depressed in today’s world and the world doesn’t have the answers, only God does.  When you look at the way the world is going, it’s hard not to be depressed.  The economy is in turmoil, the governments of the world are fighting each other, everywhere you turn there is confusion… just like Jim says.

People run to and fro trying to get relief from depression.  They run to doctors (and sometimes doctors can help), they run to psychiatrists (some of those can help as well), and then  sometimes people run to anything else that will give even temporary relief like sex, drugs or partying.  The trouble with the latter is that it just compounds the problem of depression.

So, what are we to do about depression?  How are we, as Christians, supposed to deal with it when we are attacked in our minds with depressive thoughts?

Depression is a complicated issue with many root causes. I’m not going to try to deal with all of the reasons people may feel depressed because there is a wide range of issues that may contribute.  But, instead, I’m going to share with you what worked for me and many others.

There is one sure way to lessen, or completely get rid of depression that is so simple, it’s hard to receive.  Depressive issues often focus internally:  what are they saying about ME, why did this happen to ME, how will this affect ME, when am I ever going to be happy, when will I ever be loved like I want to be loved, how can I pay my bills… ME, ME, ME, I, I, I!

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.  When you give to others, you often find your focus is taken off of you and your problems, and your healing begins.

You want to get rid of depression?  Try finding someone to HELP!  Try giving away what YOU need!  Lend a hand, give a hug, encourage someone!  Volunteer at your church, babysit for someone, read the Bible to someone who can’t read or can’t see… FIND SOMEONE TO HELP!

As you get out of yourself and reach out to help others, your depression will ease and you will begin to understand a great mystery – that it is more blessed to give than to receive!

Invitation – Let’s Get Organized!

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in General | Tags:

Hi ladies and any gentlemen who want to participate!

We have just turned the corner into 2012 and this year promises to be a huge challenge in getting ourselves as ready as humanly possible for anything that may come.  We can’t know for sure what exactly we will be dealing with, but I’m determined to do my best for my family and for the Church family here at Morningside.  So, I’m looking for ways to improve my own organization, and perhaps we can help others to get organized in the process.  For some people, this is a huge feat!  For others, it’s just a matter of putting your mind to it.

Jim has been doing a lot of teaching about the world’s CONFUSION in 2012.  CONFUSION is, of course, the exact opposite of organization.  Since 12 is the Biblical number for organization, and we’re entering a year that is prophesied to be chaotic, I find that a little ironic, don‘t you? 

So, I’m looking for practical suggestions for preparedness in case of disasters or any other event that might require us to function outside of our usual circumstances and without our usual conveniences.  Most of you know that I’m petrified that we’ll be without toilet tissue so I stock up!

No suggestion is too silly or too small, or too complicated or too difficult.  What you have to share will be needed by someone!  

Who knows?  Your suggestion might end up in a preparedness manual. 

Let’s help each other get ready!

The Christmas Story

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in Uncategorized | Tags: , ,

Hello Everyone!

Each year about this time, I like to remind families how important it is to tell the Christmas story to our little ones.  Even the older ones love to hear the true Christmas story about the birth of Jesus.  The Christmas story is paraphrased below from the New Testament Books of Matthew and Luke in the Bible.  It will be told here in 4 parts.  Be sure you print them and keep them to read to the children at your family gathering this Christmas!

Love,

Lori Signature

The Story of Baby Jesus

Part One

A long time ago, in the town of Nazareth, lived a young woman named Mary.  Mary did her chores, was kind to others, and loved God very much.  She was engaged to be married to Joseph, who was a carpenter.

One day, while Mary was at home cleaning her room, an angel suddenly appeared.  Before Mary could say anything the angel told Mary that she was favored by God, and that God was with her.

Mary was surprised.  She was trying not to be afraid, but she had never seen an angel before.  After all, Mary was just a regular lady like you or I.  Why was this angel visiting her?  What did the angel want?

The angel quickly tried to reassure Mary, “Do not be afraid!”  the angel said.  “God has found favor with you.  You will have a baby boy, and are to give him the name Jesus.”

Mary was confused, she was not yet married to Joseph, so how could she have a baby?  The angel thought that this might concern Mary so he said, “The Holy Spirit will perform a miracle, and because of this your baby will be called  the Son of God.”

To Mary’s surprise the angel had more exciting news;  “Even your cousin Elizabeth is going to have a son in her old age.  Many thought that she couldn’t have children, but she is already pregnant.  Nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary couldn’t believe what she was hearing, she didn’t know what to say.  She realized that she was trembling, and knelt down.  When she was finally able to speak she said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I hope everything you have said will come true.”

The angel then disappeared, and Mary was left alone.

Soon after, Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a baby.  Joseph was confused and upset by this. But an angel came to him in a dream and said, “Joseph do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.  The child Mary is going to have is God’s son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

When Joseph woke up he remembered what the angel had said.  He knew that everything was okay, and he wasn’t upset anymore.

In those days the government decided that they should count everyone that lived in that area of the world.  So Joseph had to take Mary to his town, Bethlehem to register.

It took Mary and Joseph a long time to get to Bethlehem.  They didn’t have cars back then, so it probably took them a lot longer to get there.  This was very tiring for Mary because she was soon going to have a baby.

When they reached the town, all the hotels were full and there was nowhere that they could stay.  Finally, someone felt bad for them, and offered them a place to stay.

The Bible doesn’t say for sure where they stayed but most people think that they stayed in a small barn where animals were kept.  In any case, doesn’t it seem strange that Jesus, the King of the Jews wasn’t born in a fancy palace or even a hospital?

Mary and Joseph were thankful that they at least had a place to lay down.  It was warm, and there was plenty of straw to lay on.

That night an exciting, wonderful thing happened.  Mary and Joseph had a baby!  But it wasn’t just any baby, it was Baby Jesus!  The creator of the whole world, the King of Kings, the one who would save the world.

The little baby boy fell asleep in Mary’s arms and she wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger on some clean straw.

Mary and Joseph soon fell asleep, they were so glad to have this special baby join their family.

The Christmas Story – Part 2
The Christmas Story – Part 3
The Christmas Story – Part 4

Be Prepared, Weather the Storms, Clean Up After the Storms

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in Last Days, Prophecy | Tags: , , ,

This past year has been a year of escalation in violent storms.  In fact, records show that the number of thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes, has been rising rapidly for the last 30 years in this country.  There were about 60 natural disasters worldwide in 1980, compared to 247 events last year — a record.  (Source:  The New York Times “Climatewire”).

Didn’t Jesus say they would increase in frequency and intensity like birth pains?  Yes, He did!

Not long ago, the Lord gave me three instructions for the Revelation Days that we are in right now.  I believe they are for others as well.

First, He said to “be prepared.”

Jim and I talk a lot about  preparedness on the show.  We know that preparation is essential for us and we are trying to help others get prepared as well.  While we can only do our best, we understand that God is in control.  However, we do not use that as an excuse to avoid doing what we can to survive.  We will be as prepared as possible, while we trust God that His grace is sufficient for us.  We hope you will too.

The second instruction was “weather the storms.”

There’s a lot packed into that little statement.  While we can all get a good word picture from a ship tossed about on violent seas, weathering spiritual storms are just as important in these last days, and probably more so.
Have you noticed that the world is getting meaner, tougher, more violent, and just plain harsh?  It seems the culture of every continent is eroding with wave after wave of hate-filled human activity.  Movies, music and video games have degenerated into cesspools of violence and death.  Systematic desensitization to death and violence has been a major strategy of the evil one to corrupt the minds and spirits of our children.

We truly are entering a time that the Bible refers to in 2 Tim 3:1-5 (KJV): “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

It’s going to take a lot of God within us in the Last Days to keep our hearts and minds right when all manner of evil may be unleashed towards God’s people.  “Weathering the Storms” will most certainly mean weathering natural storms for which we can prepare by storing food and other essentials.

But, weathering the storms caused by an environment of wickedness can only be done by storing the Word of God within us.  The Word of God is the only thing that will cleanse your spirit and keep your heart and mind pure… especially when evil comes at you from every direction.

In the scripture we often use regarding orphans and widows, it would do us well to read all the way to end:   “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  James 1:27 NIV

The third thing the Lord spoke to me was to be ready to “clean up after the storm.”

When the Spring storms hit the middle of our nation, the devastation was so overwhelming that many people lost heart with the sheer immensity of it all.  There was loss of life and property and the areas where the storms hit were beaten and bruised beyond description.  The only way anything could be accomplished in the clean-up effort was a little at a time.

I watched as Jim and our teams went out to deliver food, water and other supplies to hurting people everywhere.  Relief comes when someone provides supplies and extends a hand to help and does whatever is needed.  The very beginning of restoration is cleanup.

Again, in the Last Days we need to be ready to minister to hurting people.  The Bible says that the Last Days is the “Harvestime.”  That means there will be a great harvest of souls coming into the Kingdom.  We need to be ready to help people when devastation hits, because they are not going to listen to you about your God if you can’t bring some kind of relief to them.

What we do from now on is critical and has eternal significance.  The Lord of Glory is about to return to set things in order, and we need to be looking for Him and listening to His Voice.  “Be prepared, weather the storms, and then clean up after the storms.”  That’s my instruction and I know there is love, care and concern from our Loving God in every word.  I hope you can receive them, too.

“Little” Lori is Married!

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in Family Updates | Tags: , ,

This past week, my second oldest daughter, Lori Ann, married a wonderful young man in a beautiful ceremony at the Tabernacle.  I must admit that watching her marry the man of her dreams brought a torrent of emotions for me.  Lori is beautiful – she always has been.

From the moment I saw her being born to this special moment, she has always had a glow about her.  Not just on the outside, but inside as well.

As I stood at the Tabernacle and watched her coming down the aisle on Jim’s arm, my mind was flooded with memories.

I drifted back to that occasion, December 6, 1990, the day I witnessed her birth.

The day before, Lloyd Zeigler (my mentor) had interrupted one of my classes.

“Margie’s in labor,” he said. “She called and asked for you.”

I immediately left for the hospital, and I sat with Margie all that day and through the night; she was having a horrible time of it. The next morning, the doctors finally decided to do a C-section. Her previous children had all been delivered vaginally, and Margie had never had any kind of surgery before. She wanted me in the operating room with her.

“Do you think you can handle it?” the doctor asked me.

“I think so,” I replied. “I’ve been through childbirth classes, and I’ve assisted with several deliveries. I want to do this.” I had been present at the births of three children—Nicole (or Nikki Bee as we called her), Bobbi’s daughter; my niece Amber, Mark’s daughter; and the child of my close friends Christy and John— but I had never done anything like this. I wasn’t worried, though, because I had discovered that a calming presence always came over me when a baby was being born, and it seemed quite natural to be in the delivery room helping.

Previously I’d held the baby as it came out of the mother’s womb. I had cut the umbilical cord. I knew I could do this, even though a C-section would be a lot different.

Margie was scared by this new—and traumatic—experience. Right before they put her out, she motioned to me, and I leaned over the gurney.

“Jesus is here with me,” Margie said. “He told me to just go ahead and go to sleep because he would stay with me.”

“That’s right,” I told her. “And I’ll be here too.”

Scrubbed and gowned in hospital greens, I stood by Margie’s side and watched the doctor cut open her abdomen. It was extraordinary, looking down and seeing a person inside of another person, and I was overwhelmed as the doctor reached in and brought out a baby girl in his hands. C-section babies are beautiful. Their heads are perfectly shaped because they haven’t gone through the trauma of the birth canal. This tiny little girl with a full head of black hair yelped and gulped, filling her lungs for the first time outside her mother’s womb.

As I helped cut the umbilical cord, I was awestruck.

The anesthesiologist brought Margie around quickly, and the doctor presented her with a brand-new daughter.

“What do you want to name her?” he asked.

Margie didn’t hesitate. “Lori.”

“No! You can’t do that,” I said. We had never even discussed it.

“Yes,” she said. “I want to name her Lori. I don’t ever want to forget what you’ve done for me and my family.”

Little Lori—or Little Luvins; I was Big Luvins—was seven now, and I’d been there for every milestone in her life—every birthday, every holiday. Maricela, Margie’s next oldest girl, had tattled on Lori the last time I’d seen them. “Auntie Lori, Little Luvins says bad words.” It was true, unfortunately; my namesake could already cuss like a sailor.

Lori Bakker in “More Than I Could Ever Ask”

Little did I know that very soon, I would be married to Jim Bakker and both of these wonderful girls would be our daughters to raise and love.

A few years after Lori was born (we now call her “Little Lori”), the circumstances of life led us to a place where Jim and I could adopt this beautiful child.  She was and is my namesake, and she is beautiful, inside and out.

“Little Lori” is now 21 years old.  Not only is she an amazing human being, she is gifted in many areas.  She has done a wonderful job producing our television show in the past, and today she is studying and preparing for a career in management and fashion design.

I can truly say that raising “Little Lori” was one of the greatest joys of my life.  Though not without its own distinctive challenges, the privilege of being trusted to raise this remarkable child and now, married young woman, was sacred to me.

God, in His infinite grace and mercy, restored to me the privilege of being a Mother to this wonderful girl…. along with 4 other amazing children!  That makes a total of 5 children God has given to Jim and I to parent.

Perhaps some may believe that we intentionally adopted 5 children to replace the 5 children I had aborted in my days of rebellion, but I assure you that is not the case.  No, dear friends, these children were given at different times and under different circumstances.  Each one is a unique blessing and each one has a testimony belonging only to them.

Even if I had planned it, God planned it better!  Little did I know what God would do with the beautiful child that was born that day I accompanied Margie to the hospital!

Angelic Visitations

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in Last Days, Teaching | Tags: ,

Our friend, Rick Joyner, was with us recently and we had a wonderful time recalling the supernatural visitations of the Lord’s angels that we have all experienced.  Angelic visitations are biblical and should not be considered unusual.  In fact, angelic visitations should be commonplace among those who belong to the Lord.

Angels are messengers and ministering spirits. 

LUKE 22:42-43
42 …”Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.

There are protective angels as well that will keep God’s people from harm. 

PSALM 91:1-6,11-12
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

 Often an angel will appear in a dream with an instruction or communication of some sort. 

I remember when we were visiting Moravian Falls, N.C., where Rick’s main church is located and I had a vivid visitation from an angel of the Lord.  When I awoke, I was so excited and I wanted to tell Jim all about it but he said, “no, I’ll tell you about it.  You were talking all night long in your sleep!”

In this particular visitation, the angel showed me a group of young people with their hands raised in worship and sometimes performing human videos in worship… and it was in the most beautiful place.  It was only later, when the framing for the tabernacle was going up, that I realized that THIS is the place I was shown in my dream.  The angel was telling me that many young people will worship God in that tabernacle and it will be pleasing to Him.

In the last days, the Lord promised to pour out His spirit on all flesh – the young and the old, male and female.  Part of that spiritual outpouring will be to have our spiritual eyes opened to see supernatural beings.  Rick said we’re going to need that supernatural guidance from the Lord’s angels in Times that are coming.  In fact, our very lives may depend on it!

I believe that, and I pray that God will send His angels to guide and encourage His people in the Last Days.

The Lord recently spoke these three things to me: 

(1) Be prepared for the storms, natural and supernatural

(2) Weather the storms

(3) Clean up after the storms

I know in my heart that we will need help from angelic forces to be able to withstand the storms that are coming.  I want my heart and spirit prepared to receive from the Lord’s messengers.

When People Get Hungry

By Lori Bakker | | Filed in Last Days | Tags: , , ,

This may be the most important blog I’ve ever written.  It’s been weighing heavy on my heart recently about why people should store food and water.  It’s more than just about not going hungry, which pulls on the heartstrings.  None of us want our families to go hungry.  Most of us would do just about anything to keep our loved ones alive – to keep them from starving to death in a famine.  Wouldn’t we?

But what are you willing to do to keep them from taking the “mark” and entering an Antichrist system which will eventually mean the loss of not only their lives, but their souls as well? …because that’s what it will come down to.

Are we thinking that in this country, we are going to be exempt from Matthew 24 – or that the Four Horses won’t gallop in our own backyard?  How is it that we’ve been lulled to sleep and reassured by our Laodicean leaders?

The Times that are coming are not just about lack of food.  The Times that are coming are going to be like none other ever before, when everything you need to survive is not available unless you are in the ‘system’, i.e. you have received the Antichrist’s mark.

Food, medications and medical care, housing, compensations, etc. – all of what we know as our current way of living could be used to force us to become involved in an Antichrist system unless we are prepared – that is, as prepared as we can possibly be.

There are going to be many methods by which the Antichrist will force his mark upon people.  There is no Christian that I know who wants this mark, but will you take it if it means your family will have food?  Will those you love be forced to take it to feed or shelter their families and care for their medical needs?

When someone you love says to you, “I don’t know what else to do – I guess I will have to take the mark in order to feed my family,”  wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could tell them “you don’t have to do that, I have food for you!”

We do what we do because we believe with all our hearts that there are Times of Trouble coming – we will be here on this earth for at least part of that trouble – and if we are not prepared, some will succumb to those troubles and do whatever they have to do to survive including taking the Antichrist’s mark.

Let me be clear that this ‘mark’ is not well defined yet, and we are not attempting to define it.  We are simply saying that you and your loved ones should not be forced into anything that doesn’t seem right to you – and the way to keep from it, is to be prepared.

Jim and I teach preparation and living healthy because  that means you may be able help yourself and others to withstand a famine or some natural disaster (or combination of natural disasters) without becoming dependent on others, i.e. having to sign up with an Antichrist system.

That’s wisdom – I don’t care how you slice it.