Contrary to popular opinion, a storm is on the horizon

The markets defied logic last week and rallied strong. The worst is behind us, right? Wrong.

There is absolutely nothing sustainable about what we saw last week. Unemployment is up. Consumer spending is down. Foreclosures are up. Home prices are down.

And one point continues to dominate all others, rendering accurate technical analysis impossible--fraud.

There is no safe place to be in the markets right now, so don't kid yourself into thinking that buying gold or money market funds will offer you any amount of protection.

Instead, ask yourself what you would do if you couldn't fill your car with gas for 3 days or more. What would you do if the grocery store shelves were empty for a week or more? What would you do if you lost your health insurance coverage with your current employer?

The party is over, though the band will keep playing as long as they can. But eventually even the music will stop, and when that happens, it will be too late to act.

Those that fail to prepare are preparing to fail. Use this time to your advantage. Use it to prepare. Do what you can, even if it's just a little. Every little bit will help.

But let's also realize that the popular perspective on preparation is unrealistic. Not many people have the funds or the space for a 3-month supply of food, fuel, water, medical supplies, or a host of other items critical to surviving emergencies.

But, that's perfectly fine, because hoards can be destroyed, stolen, or otherwise lost, leaving the individual(s) no better off than anyone else.

So what can you do? Learn skills. Build relationships. And most important of all, remain steadfast in your faith. I submit to you that anything above and beyond these three things is not the most efficient use of your time.

So if you're broke, and can't afford to stockpile food, don't worry. Pray. And then look for something you can do. Perhaps plant a small garden, even if it's a couple of tomato plants on the porch.

If you have no means of storing fuel, relax. Pray. What else can you do? Perhaps you can reduce your dependency on your vehicle by finding a job closer to home. Or by purchasing a bicycle at a garage sale.

If you can't afford a firearm, or if guns make you uncomfortable, pray. What alternatives are there? Get a baseball bat, and watch some basic self defense videos on YouTube. Meet your neighbors, and try to form a neighborhood watch.

If you lose your health insurance, take a deep breath and remember that good health is far superior to excellent health insurance. Exercise. Eat healthy, fresh foods. Reduce your sugar intake to zero. Take a multivitamin. And floss every night.

I believe that looking at your situation from this kind of perspective will make it easier to see that while Yahweh expects us to be responsible and good servants, he also expects us to depend on him.

We are headed for a time in which no man will survive on his own. Those believing that they can, and attempting to do so, are destined for doom. Don't be deceived. Don't be jealous.

Be strong in the Word. It will not pass away.