Could someone please explain to me how our economy can survive much longer? Does anybody else see the vast financial, moral, political, and religious problems in our nation as historically unique for the United States? Or is this just another crisis, a little bigger, that we will get through in short order, like we did the depression? Anybody?

I know that most of my replies are in opposition, so I recognize that there may be a reluctance to replying to my questions. But -- and I really just ask this out of curiousity with no ulterior motive -- what do you mean by "men of Issachar" and "courageous fathers have a responsibility to prepare for the safety and security of their families" that is mentioned on you blog? It's like you're alluding to something and I don't "get it" because I'm missing out on some inside information. Can you spell it out in black and white. Even a private message would work. Sorry for my thick-headedness.

Joe

 1Ch 12:32  And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

Thank, Willi. I know that verse. In fact, I used it to encourage Istvan's son in Iraq.

Here's what's going on in my head when I read B8's stuff: B8 is encouraging us to prepare to rebel. Or B8 is encouraging us to stock up for a coming time of revolt or ... something. It's just that his writing is sometimes cryptic and I'm a tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy who tries not to mince words. I just want to know where B8 is coming from and to whence he goeth. That's it.

TheWilli:

... which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do ...

B8, many things are different between the Great Depression and our possible near-future.  First, the status of the United States is different now in terms of international impact.  Second, apathy, selfishness, and a big lack of work ethic are much more common today.  The understanding of law and our place under it and our place under our Creator are also different today.  We truly are living in difficult times for the United States.

Yet what should we do?  The system is working like it was designed.  As a whole, we are getting what we voted for because of the individuals we selected to represent us.  So in terms of my US citizenship, I am troubled.

However, in terms of my Kingdom citzenship, I am very optimistic.  I see the great potential for the People of God to be that shining light (not a revolting  and seceding people).  The US government can give instant gratification with huge consequences; the People of God can share eternal hope at no cost.  At the same time, the People of God can fill the physical need with no strings attached.

As Christians, we are to be the salt of the world not oils that are quick to separate.  We should be praying for the revitalization of the church in the US.  We should also be praying for the strength that will be needed to face these difficult times.

No thoughts or plans for rebellion, Joe - that idea originated in your mind, not mine. Now, as to why I posted what I did, so as not to mince words. I believe we are in the midst of the long-anticipated financial collapse of this unsustainable economy. And, I believe wise families will take steps to prepare for such days. And, I agree with Wesley: it will be a time of great opportunity for the church to serve and for the gospel to greatly prosper. No fear. No greed. I will be more than happy to share why I believe the collapse is underway and inevitable, but if you would like to do some research, just read about the known end-game of Keynesian economics. It's in their text books. They know that at some future tipping point the toxic debt load combined with imaginary fiat money will lead to complete loss of value in the currency. Who knows the cultural ramifications of this? Who knows?

OK, OK, got it. In this I agree with you wholeheartedly. It's hard to watch, isn't it?

"Apathy was the chief mark of the late [nation].  One of the ways the apathy showed itself was in a lack of creativity in the arts. ... The elite abandoned their intellectual pursuits for social life.  ... art was decadent, and music was increasingly bombastic.  Even the portraits on the coins became of poor quality.  All of life was marked by the predominant apathy.  As the [nation's] economy slumped lower and lower, burdened with an aggravated inflation and a costly government, authoritarianism increased to counter the apathy.  Since work was no longer done voluntarily, it was brought increasingly under the authority of the state, and freedoms were lost. ... So, because of the general apathy and its results, and because of oppressive control, few thought the old civilization worth saving.  Rome did not fall because of external forces such as the invasion by the barbartians.  Rome had no sufficient inward base; the barbarians only completed the breakdown--and Rome gradually became a ruin."  - Francis Schaeffer

Oh my ...

So, the question: what practical measures should wise and discerning families take to prepare for such times?

Categories of thought: food, water, currency, self-defense, medical, transportation. others?

Bahnsen8:

Categories of thought: food, water, currency, self-defense, medical, transportation. others?

Food: This might be a good year to grow a substantial garden

Self-defense: Growing up, except for Joe, we didn't have guns in our house.  Now Cornelius and Mother Napalm are packing heat.

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Joe Napalm:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Well said. Along these lines, a former pastor would often quote a Revolutionary War era phrase: "Trust the Lord and keep your powder dry."

Joe Napalm:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Or better:

"Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they? ... And why are you anxious about clothing?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin ... therefore do not be anxious ... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matt. 5)

with

"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." (Prov. 6:6)

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=224&CFID=23152601&CFTOKEN=51499829--http://www.apmex.com/Category/2/Silver_Canadian_Maple_Leafs__2009__Prior.aspx----------------------------------------------http://www.clnf.org/onlinecatalog/products.html------------------------------------------------------------------http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=255&sfs=8ca23c5e---------------------------------------------------------http://goldmoney.com/en/index.php-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/berkey_light_big_berkey_water_filter_british_berkefeld_portable_purifier.asp-------------------http://www.solarhome.org/solarhomekits.html--------------------------------------------------------------------------http://www.immigration.govt.nz/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/warner43.html---------------------------------------------------------Have fun!!