Japanese Stock Market Crash- News Update

on May 23, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Posted In: Economy, Potential Threats

Japanese Stock Market Crash

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The Japanese stock market sold off 1,143 points today or 7.32% in one day! This would be the equivalent of a 1,100 point sell off in the Dow Jones Industrial Average which would bring it from it’s record breaking high level of just below 15,400 to around 14,300. This in not a surprising event to those of you who have been watching Japan’s monetary policy. Last month, Japan’s Central Bank announced unprecedented monetary easing. The move would effectively double their money supply in the course of 2 1/2 years. The easy money policy rocketed the Nikkei index from 12,000 in April to over 15,500 this month. This nearly 30% increase in the Nikkei index had nothing to do with rising corporate profits or fundamental improvements in the macro economy, it was simply driven by the fear of getting stuck with a falling Yen. Central bank money printing does not create value. It simply steals value from savers and places that value into the hands of the central bankers. By doubling their money supply in 2 1/2 years, Japan effectively steals half of the value of Yen saved by their citizens and bond purchasers. This flight to anything but Yen created a bubble in the Japanese stock market. The bubble was built on fear rather than fundamentals. The moment confidence eroded, it collapsed.

How Does This Affect Me?

If you think that was Japan and this is America, think again. Besides the fact that we are all globally connected, The US central bank is doing the exact same thing. We are currently inflating the money supply by just over 10% per year. While it may take 9 years to double the money supply rather than 2 1/2 as in Japan, the principles are exactly the same. The only reason we are seeing a recovery in the housing market and all time highs in the stock market are because investors are afraid of being stuck with the US dollar.  Unemployment is still 7.5% by the BLS most sugar coated number. The last time the market hit new highs, unemployment was around 4.5%. The new highs in US markets have nothing to do with the strength of the macro economy. Just like the Japanese stock market, it is another bubble.

How long can it keep going up?

It can keep going up until it doesn’t. Once confidence fails, it would be nothing to see the same type of crash experience by the Nikkei today. Keep your eyes on the Nikkei. If confidence erodes further, contagion could spread throughout all the markets. While the Dow was actually in positive territory at the time of this writing, English, French and German markets had all sold off in excess of 2%. This may not be the big one, but this is how we would expect it to start.

What Do I Do?

If you are not prepared, now is the time to start getting ready. You should stock up at least 6 months worth of food, a means of defending your life and property, medical supplies and means of purifying water. You should have a well stocked bug out bag as well the right shoes in case you need to relocate in a hurry. Outdoor Look has an excellent selection of backpacks to use for your bug out bag as a well as a variety of hiking and walking shoes. For more information on getting prepared, go to “categories” on the left hand side of this page and click on our  7 Step Survival Plan.

Happy Prepping!

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Revolution Check List

on May 22, 2013 at 4:26 am
Posted In: Constitution

Revolution Check List

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The American Revolution had a few key incidents that were mile markers for the revolution as a whole. A recent pole reported that 29% of registered voters thought an armed revolution may be necessary to get our government back on track. We all hope that cooler heads prevail and that we can regain our freedom through the political process, but we consistently see our bill of rights being degraded to a distant memory. I see some similarities that were present in the American Revolution that are also echoed in today’s headlines.

The American Revolution began with an irate minority who were upset about taxes that were being exacted from them to pay for a tyrannical empire to fight wars they had no interest in. To protest the taxation, patriots threw a tea party.  Check. Today, we have the TEA party who are tired of shelling out their hard earned money to finance the every expanding welfare and warfare programs that have driven our country to a national debt of nearly $17 trillion dollars and the brink of financial ruin.

In the onset of The American Revolution, the city of Boston was occupied by a military police force. Check. After the recent Boston bombing, the police went house to house dragging people from their homes at gun point. America’s 4th Amendment rights were trampled to find a 19 year old kid. If you missed the video, please check it out now.

The battles of Lexington and Concord were the first military engagements of the Revolutionary war. The fighting began over the government’s attempt to seize guns and ammunition. While we have not had such an incident, yet, several state governments have pledged to defend the 2nd Amendment in the event of a national gun ban.

The Boston massacre escalated the rising tensions between the patriots and the government. Patriots were protesting when government soldiers open fired on the crowd. Many in the crowd were killed. This incident also has no equal today but the future is uncertain. On July 4th, Adam Kokesh intends to march on DC in a peaceful protest with loaded weapons. The potential for something to go wrong makes this a  disaster waiting to happen.

In addition, the American Revolution had men like Benjamin Franklin who said “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” It also had men like Samuel Adams that said “If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace.We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.” and men like Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence which enumerated the tyrannic act of the government. Today we have men like Ron Paul who, while he has retired from Congress, still fights to wake up Americans to defend their freedom. We have men like Rand Paul who stand guard for our freedom and fight against waste in warfare and welfare.

We had the Black Robe Regiment  in The Revolutionary War. They were the pastors and clergy men who prayed for our country at it’s birth. Now, more than ever, we need patriots who will pray for our country. We need to pray that our fellow country men will wake up to the need for God to restore our country to her former glory. We need  to pray for leaders that will adhere to the Constitution. We need to pray that America will turn back to God so we can be blessed by Him once more.

Thank you for reading and thank you for being a patriot. Please pray for our country today.

Happy Prepping!

 

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Fishing Cross Bow

on May 21, 2013 at 4:24 am
Posted In: Prepping, Prepping on a Budget

Fishing Cross Bow

Here is a great idea I got from one of my Facebook friends, Donna McKinley. It is a simple way to attach a fishing reel to a cross bow. I will repost the article exactly as I found it and then add my 2 cents.

 

NOTE: If you already have a Barnett Trident II crossbow, count yourself lucky. This product is no longer available in stores. However, the principle described here can be adapted to other models of pistol crossbows. We offer this guide to inspire you to get creative with your own gear.

Here is Viola Brumbaugh’s description of how she mounted a reel on a Barnett Trident II Crossbow.

“The reel mounts to the frame of the crossbow beneath the flight track, using two hose clamps that pass through slots I created in the frame between the trigger guard and the nose of the crossbow. I made each slot by drilling a series of holes in the center of the frame and hollowing out the material between them with a file.

“Then on the bottom of the frame, I marked the length and location of the seat needed for the reel. With a hack saw, I made a series of cuts close together along my mark on the bottom of the frame, then chiseled out the material between the cuts to create a flat smooth surface to seat the reel. Then I sanded the slots and the seat to smooth out the rough edges.

“I use Berkeley 20 lb low stretch Fireline, and back the line on the reel so that the line comes right out to the edge, to minimize any friction as the line pays out.”

  

My 2 Cents

The metal clamps used in the photos are going to be the best thing to use, but zip ties would do in a pinch. For your arrows, you could drill out a small hole through the shaft and run the fishing line through it. Be sure to file off any rough edges in the arrow. There are fishing arrow tips that will expand after impact so the arrow or bolt does not pull out of the fish while you are reeling it in.

Thanks a lot to Donna McKinley for the idea! You can always find great ideas on Facebook if you are in a prepper group. There are several. You can friend me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/prepper.recon and you can join my Facebook prepper group which is TEOTWAWKI at https://www.facebook.com/groups/168674146494133/ or Donna’s group which is Prepper Tenderfoot at https://www.facebook.com/groups/150111138467185/  Don’t forget to like our page by clicking the Facebook icon at the top of the page and we always appreciate it if you would like our posts as well.

Happy Prepping!

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Getting the Right Gear

on May 20, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Posted In: Prepping

Getting the Right Gear

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We had a recent post on Bug Out Bags. It is such a big topic that it is impossible to cover all the micro issues in putting together a complete bug out bag in one post. The subject could easily fill the pages of at least one book.

One of the things we mentioned in the bug out bag post was a tent. There are as many different varieties of tents as there are cars. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. If you are the outdoors type, you may want a tent that is going to be a bit roomier so you can take it camping. If this is the case, also keep in mind the weight and size if you intend to keep it as part of your bug out gear. You will also want to think about waterproofing your tent as well. Outdoor Clothing Shop – Warwickshire Clothing sells a variety of tents online as well as waterproofing spray. You can also put a couple of coats of waterproofing o your boots as well to keep your feet dry in in climate weather.

Much of the same gear that you use for camping will be in your bug out bag as well. When you go camping, you are voluntarily subjecting yourself to a survival situation. In an a collapse scenario, you will be in much of the same situation, only you may have less of a choice about the matter. In addition to a tent, you will likely want a sleeping bag. These also come in a variety of styles and sizes. The mummy bag is designed to conserve heat and to be light weight. It is the most efficient sleeping bag for a bug out bag. Larger bags are much more comfortable but they will weigh your bag down quick.  Be sure to get your gear squared away before it hits the fan.

Happy Prepping!

 

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Sunday Prepper Bible Study- Psalms 1

on May 19, 2013 at 5:04 am
Posted In: Bible

   Sunday Prepper Bible Study- Psalms 1

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Psalms 1

1Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
    Planted by the rivers of water,
    That brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Being prepared for hard times requires that you are maintaining a close relationship with God. Once the stuff hits the fan, it is too late to stock up on your beans,  bullets and band aids and it is too late to get spiritually prepared as well. God is patient and always has his arms open to receive you, but a relationship takes time. By continually seeking God through his word and in prayer, you will have the peace you need to sustain you through any trial.

Verse 2 says the blessed man meditates on Gods law day and night. What is Gods law? It is the Bible. I like to read a chapter or two every  morning when I wake up and I usually listen to one of my favorite pastors on my mp3 player before I go to sleep at night. This ensures I have the proper perspective to start my day and good thought when I end my day.

Verse 3 says the blessed man who lives this way will be like a tree planted by a stream of water. A tree planted by a stream is not concerned with external circumstances. If it rains that is fine. If it doesn’t rain, that is OK too, because the tree has another source for it’s sustenance. It is not dependent on good weather to thrive. In all your business, make time for God. You will be glad you did.

If you are new to prepping or would like to learn more about how to prepare for tomorrow, please read our 7 Step Preparedness Plan. The most important prep of all is knowing GOD. Jesus said “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.

Have a blessed week and happy prepping!

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Prepper Recon Podcast- With Ed Brown of DCXposed

on May 17, 2013 at 3:32 am
Posted In: Podcast

Prepper Recon Podcast- With Ed Brown of DCXposed

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Today’s guest is Ed Brown of DCXposed.com. DCXposed is a conservative alternative news site that seeks to bring unfiltered truth to its readers. Ed and I discuss current events that are affecting America.

Click the play button below to listen now.

Click Here To Download Today’s Show

 

Ed and I talk about South Carlina’s Governor Nicky Haley’s attempt to block Obamacare for South Carolina. We discuss what happened the last time South Carolina did not want to fall in line in 1861. Governor Haley is standing up to Obamacare by pledging to pay for fines levied against South Carolina residents who do not comply with Obama care. She has proposed to allow the amount of the fine as a reduction State income tax.

We also talked about Adam Kokesh and his plan to march into DC with a group armed with loaded rifles. He states it will be a peaceful protest, but loaded guns are a tender box in such a volatile situation. Ed Brown said he thinks it would be a great idea in another place besides DC. My recommendation is to not take your favorite rifle, because you may not be coming home with it.

We spoke about The Pentagon’s new atheist adviser, Michael Wienstien. He has recommended a court marshal for any Christian  US soldier who is caught proselytizing other soldier. We point out the double standard against Christians in the military. Gays are allowed to proselytize straight men, but a military chaplain can not share the gospel of Christ with a dying soldier on the battle field.

Ed Brown share another article from DCXposed about Kermit Gosnell. We talk about the horrific manner in which he has murdered so many children in his clinic with impunity. You may get away with it in this world Kermit, but your day is coming when you will answer for your crimes.

I hope you enjoyed the show. Be sure to check out DCXposed.com for the latest on all these stories and more. DCXposed is a great alternative to the hogwash you have to sift through in the mainstream media. you can also stay up to date by connecting with DCXposed on FaceBook.

Happy Prepping!

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Bug Out Bag Check Up

on May 15, 2013 at 3:54 am
Posted In: Prepping

Bug Out Bag Check Up

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We recently posted a guest post on the 10 most important items in a 72 hour kit. While the article was good, it was quickly pointed out to me on Facebook by several friends that many important items were missing. These items were not obscure items, they were extremely important items like a good knife and means of starting a fire. I believe the article was well intentioned, but was only an overview of what should be in a good bug out bag.

I am posting the Prepper Recon bug out bag check list which I hope you will find to be more complete. This may also be a good time to pull out your bag and take an inventory. Thanks for reading!

Bug Out Bag

The Bug Out Bag is a ready to go backpack or easy to carry duffel bag. It contains essential items you would need to survive for three days. There are  different schools of thought on what type of bag you should choose when considering your Bug Out Bag. Camping stores have a great selection of backpacks. Amazon has good deals on the old military ALICE packs. While there are similarities in all bug out bags, it is something that will be as unique as you are. It is also something that you can build upon. You don’t have to do it all in one day….. unless the stock market just dropped 900 points, then maybe you should print this out and run to your nearest camping supply store, because it just hit the fan.

Color

Some commentators recommend not buying anything military looking such as digital camo as it marks you as a prepper. It is what they call OPSEC or OPerational SECurity. The idea is that if everyone knows that you are a prepper, they are all going to show up at your door on Doomsday. While a military style bug out bag may mark you as a prepper and compromise OPSEC, it may also make you look like a hard target and would be thugs may look for a softer target. If you subscribe to the OPSEC school of thought and decide against an OD green bag, look for a dark blue or dark grey bug out bag. I think black could have the same effect as green. You want something you could fade into the foliage with if need be. A hot pink Dora the Explorer bug out bag isn’t going to work for that.

Size

Get a big Bug Out Bag. Trust me, it is going to need room to grow. Three days worth of food and a change of clothes is going to take up a lot of room and that’s just the beginning. If things get so bad that you have to leave your home, things are bad. There are some things you are going to want to have with you.

Contents

Your Bug Out Bag will be as unique as you are. Have some fun putting it together. There are several things that need to be in there but many of those things are available in wide variety.

Food-Try to store 3 days worth of food. An adult male needs on average 2500 calories per day. 3 days is 7500 calories. Granola bars have a lot of calories and complex carbohydrates. Nuts also have a high calorie content as well as protein. Dried fruit keeps well and has natural sugar for energy. Canned pastas are far from gourmet but they are high calorie. In a survival situation, you want high calorie, high fat items to get the most bang (energy) for your buck (weight). The Survival Warehouse has a great selection of freeze dried meals and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). A small military style mess kit doesn’t take up much room and will allow you to cook any game you may be able to snare or fish you may be able to catch. It will also allow you to boil water if needed.


Water-You need a half a gallon of water a day to stay hydrated. 1.5 gallons of water  is going to weigh 12 pounds. One option is to carry a half gallon and have some water purification tablets or a portable filter like the Katadyn Hiker Pro. A cheap alternative is household bleach. Eight drops of bleach will sterilize one gallon of clear water or 16 drops if it is cloudy. It won’t taste great but it will keep you alive.

Multi-tool– A good multi-tool will have a knife blade, flat head, Philips head, pliers, and wire cutters. You can get a cheap one for around $10. You get what you pay for, it will be cheap and could break. A Leatherman multi-tool may cost over $50 but will last forever.  Perhaps you can  get a cheap one now and put the  Leatherman on your Christmas list.

Knife-Even though your multi-tool has a knife, you still need a good fixed blade knife. A fixed blade is one that doesn’t fold up. The knife is an essential element to the bug out bag and having a fixed blade in addition to the multi-tool ensures you have a back up. You should be able to find a good one at a camping store for around $20.

First Aid-Band-aids, Antibiotic ointment, Hydro-cortisone, gauze, tape, tweezers, alcohol, pain killers, scissors and a sewing kit are must haves for your bug out bag. Amoxicillin is available online under the label of Fishmox. It is used to treat infections in fish. It is exactly the same thing your doctor gives you a prescription for. I am not recommending this for human consumption, but hey, you want your fish to be healthy if you have to bug out.  The Israeli Battle Dressing is a must have for your first aid kit. It is a sterile gauze attached to a bandage similar to an ACE bandage. Quick Clot is also a valuable addition. It will stop bleeding in a deep wound. Also consider adding a suture kit.Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy from Doom and Bloom made a great video that will teach you to suture. The US Army field manual for first aid is available for a free download  under Prepper Links.

 Clothes– Pack a change of clothes in gallon zip lock bags to keep them dry in case you get wet. In fact keep everything in your bug out bag in zip locks to keep dry.

Shelter– A tent weighs a lot and takes up a lot of room in your bug out bag, but it will be better that going to a FEMA camp. Ask a Katrina survivor. Your other option is a tarp, but that is really roughing it.

 Electronics– You will want two small bright LED flash lights, a small AM/FM radio, and extra batteries for each. A pair of Midland XTG 2 way radios will give you a means of communication as well as NOAA weather alert channel.

Matches and a lighter– You can waterproof ordinary wood kitchen matches by dipping the tip in candle wax. This will gum up your striker so get “strike anywhere” matches if you plan to waterproof them. Magnesium fire sticks last forever and don’t take up much room in your bug out bag. A can of Sterno would be a great addition. You can make your own Sterno by cutting cardboard to the thickness of an empty tuna can, roll it up into the empty tuna can and fill it with leftover candle wax.

Important Documents– Put all of these in a zip lock to keep them dry. Also make copies of everything, including wedding pictures, on a zip drive. Here are some documents to consider.

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

  • Birth Certificates
  • Adoption Papers
  • Citzenship/Naturalization Papers
  • Military Discharge Papers
  • Last Will and Testament
  • Trust Documents
  • Burial Instructions (pre-paid services, plots, etc.)
  • Safe Deposit Boxes and/or Safes (with keys and/or combinations)
  • Powers of Attorney

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

  • Bank/Credit Union Accounts (Checking, Savings)
  • Retirement Accounts
  • Brokerage Accounts
  • Pension System Statements
  • Deferred Compensation Papers
  • Credit Card Accounts
  • U.S. Savings Bonds
  • Money Market Accounts
  • Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
  • Stock Certificates/Bonds

FINANCIAL PAPERS

  • Real Estate Deeds
  • Mortgage Documents
  • Property Tax Records
  • Inventory of Assets (include appraisal)
  • Vehicle Titles
  • Income Tax Returns for Several Years
  • Rental/Lease Agreements
  • Partnership Agreements
  • Outstanding Loans (either owed to you or by you)
  • Pending Legal Actions/Lawsuits

MEDICAL AND INSURANCE INFORMATION

  • Health Care Provider and Personal ID Number
  • Organ Donor Information
  • Living Will/Health Care Proxy
  • Long Term Care Policy Information
  • Life Insurance Policy Documents
  • Veterans Administration Insurance Policy
  • Mortgage Insurance Policy
  • Property and Casualty Policies

Tools– Think about adding a folding shovel, hatchet and a wire saw to your kit. Always consider the weight when you buy.

Hygiene– A small bar of soap, toothbrush small tube of toothpaste, and a travel deodorant are essential items. Don’t forget toilet paper. Baby wipes  can be used to freshen up when no other form of bathing is available. Sunscreen and bug repellent are good additions, as you may be in the great outdoors.

Miscellaneous Items–  A deck of playing cards can help pass the time. I keep a small New Testament Bible in my bag.  Duct tape is a cheap fix all. Military para-cord holds up to 550 lbs  and can have several uses.  Be sure to include a manual can opener. Your food selections may be all MREs but you may have the opportunity to buy canned food and nothing else at some other point after bugging out. A few large garbage bags can be used for foraging, water collection, waste removal, poncho for you or your gear or several other uses. Small sewing kits are not much bigger than a silver dollar and can come in very handy if you get a rip or tear in your clothing or gear.

You can make a small fishing kit with a spool of fishing line. The spool will typically have 4 hollow compartments in the center. You can place hooks in one, a small bobber in one, weights in one and a few small lures in the other. Cover everything with masking tape and you have a self contained fishing kit.

If you get all of this, you will be off to a good start. Remember, a Bug Out Bag is also a Bug In Bag. Everything you store in there can also be used in the event you are unable to leave; and it is all in one place. This makes it easy to find in a crisis. We will discuss other gear for specific threats like Biological or Nuclear attacks in a latter post. There are some essential things to keep around the house for such incidents but if you try to stick everything in your bag, it will be the size of a V.W. bus.

Ready.gov has a lot of information and things to think about for preparedness and making a kit. They also provide brief explanations of  possible terrorist  threats such as Cyber attacks, dirty bombs, natural disasters and pandemics. Consider that this is a government website; everything in there is sugar coated. If they tell you to be prepared, there is a reason!

Happy Prepping!

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Sunday Prepper Bible Study- Resist

on May 12, 2013 at 4:50 am
Posted In: Bible

Sunday Prepper Bible Study- Resist

Judas M

“The people who know their God will firmly resist…” Daniel 11:32

This verse of scripture is part of a very specific prophecy about Judas Maccabeus who led a revolt in  167 BC against Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid Emperor who sacrificed a pig in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Judas had only a small militia to fight against the powerful offshoot of Alexandr the Great’s army.

Daniel 11:31-32 reads: “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”

Antiochus outlawed the daily sacrifice of the Jewish people in their temple. He set himself up as a god and desecrated God’s temple. His name means God Manifest.  Judas Maccabeus knew he had a far inferior force than that of Antiochus, but he had to do what he had to do. He drew a line in the sand at being told he could not worship his God and fought.

The story of Judas Maccabeus if very familiar to all Jews as this is what they celebrate every Hanuka. It is even some what familiar to Catholics as Maccabeus is included in their Bible. The protestant church fathers did not find the Books of Maccabeus  to meet the challenge of canonization so it is not included in the Holy Bible as the divine word of God. It is, however historically accurate.

Despite the fact that this prophecy was fulfilled prior to the coming of Christ, Jesus speaks about it as also being fulfilled in the future. He refers to it in Mathew 24:15  when speaking of the end of time. Most scholars agree that Antiochus represented a type of Anti-Christ . While there are many anti-Christ, they expect the final Anti-Christ will again desecrate the Jewish temple after it is rebuilt in the future.

When leaders rise up that promote an anti-Christ agenda, it is our job as Christians and patriots to resist. We must pray, stand up and speak out. “The people who know their God will firmly resist…” Daniel 11:32

If you are new to prepping or would like to learn more about how to prepare for tomorrow, please read our 7 Step Preparedness Plan.  The most important prep of all is knowing GOD. Jesus said “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.

Have a blessed week and happy prepping!

 

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