Episode # 424 "How To Be Alert And Be Ready In Today's World Climate"

How To Be Alert And Be Ready In Today's World Climate

We hear the news reports, read the articles, and see the images coming out of Israel and Gaza, and as a result of the Hamas attack, Israel has responded by declaring war, and we're all seeing it played out in real time.

Hamas called for a "Day Of Rage" world wide.
They have encouraged like minded people to "take action" in any way they can.
People are talking about it in the workplace and especially on social media. Many are afraid.

Two things we keep reading in social media groups are, "Is this the beginning of World War Three?" and
"Is this the END?"
Let's address that. What do we need to know, and what do we need to do?

NOTE:
On our last episode we talked about building first aid kits I said I would put some of those things on the website, so these items have been added to a "Feature Items" page.
Suture practice kit
Israeli Compression bandage
Several hemostatic agents
Bleedstop
QuickClot
North American Rescue CAT tourniquet - top quality - sure, can find knock offs cheaper, but cheap knock offs may break at a critical time.
These items are on our website. Click here --> "Featured Items"

People are afraid
We Do Not Have To Be Afraid
365 times the Bible says, "Fear not. Do not fear. Do not be afraid."

One of the goals of terrorism is to instill fear!
To make people afraid to go out in public
Car bombs, suicide bombs, random shootings all instill fear
Make people afraid in our homes with home invasions, murder, and kidnappings
It all instills fear.

God says, "DO NOT FEAR." Jesus says, "I will never leave you.” “I will be with you always."

People are afraid, but they don't have to be!

The second question we see is, "Is this the end"
Many people are somewhat familiar with the Book of Revelation.
Though they may not understand it, they are familiar with it.
Some people are saying that we are near the end of the world, and there's nothing we can do about it. Some are even saying this year, or next, or within five years from now, but the truth is, we can not know

Here's what we can know: God told us in His book what to expect:

Matt 24:6 "And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars, see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end."

Matt 24:8 "All these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs."

Matt 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone."

He also tells us what to do:

Matt 24:42 "Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day the Lord is coming."
and
Matt 24:44 "For this reason you be ready too, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will."

Be on the alert
Be ready

Hamas called for a worldwide jihad, a day of rage
We've seen some protests worldwide, but...we never know when or where some lone wolf terrorist will attack.
It's crucial to stay vigilant when we're out in public. We must practice situational awareness.
Our safety and well-being matter.

With that context, lets get into our topic.

Here's the "Be on the alert" part:
Not only for terrorist acts
But In our daily lives for any threat

Be alert to our surroundings
Basic situational awareness
Be attentive and observant of what's happening around you.
Too many w/ faces buried in devices
Be watchful as we approach a business
Stay attentive when pumping gas
Keep that passenger door locked
Avoid distractions from devices that may compromise your awareness.
Sitting in the car at the gas pump
Walking to/from in parking lots

Trust your instincts:
If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, listen to your intuition.
This also applies to dating or being alone with people you don't know
It's better to be cautious and take necessary precautions.

Stay connected:
Stay informed on what is going on in your area
Are there protests?
Any areas to be avoided?
Inform someone bout your whereabouts and expected return time especially when going to unfamiliar places or during late hours.
That's the "Be On The Alert" part of what we are told to do.

Here's the "Be Ready" part.

Be ready in our relationship with God.
There will come a day when we leave this world
Ziglar - gonna be dead a lot longer than we will be alive. We’d better make preparations now for after this life.

We believe the Bible
It says the only way to heaven is by having your sins forgiven, and that comes only through God's Son, Jesus Christ.
That takes a personal relationship, and that begins with accepting Him as our personal Savior.
If you want more information – email us. We’d love to talk with you.

Be ready to protect ourselves
We must have the right mental attitude; it COULD happen to me.
I will not be surprised, but will act to protect myself and others
We need to learn self defense.
Carry a firearm, if you are allowed, and prepared to use it. Get training with your firearm.
A carry permit class is NOT training.
Practice regularly.

Let's talk about some additional things we can do in everyday situational awareness

Be mindful of personal belongings.
Keep your valuables secure and within sight.
Avoid leaving bags or belongings unattended in a shopping cart. Attach it by wrapping the strap or with a  carabineer so that it can't easily be lifted by some walking by.

Walk confidently:
Maintain a confident posture and demeanor while walking.
Make brief eye contact. It can deter potential wrongdoers and make you a less vulnerable target. Let them know you see them, but don't stare. this can be interpreted as a challenge

Utilize well-lit areas:
Stick to well-populated and well-lit pathways, particularly during nighttime.
Avoid dimly lit or secluded areas that may pose a higher risk.
Greenway, trails, parks may have unlighted areas.

Remember, Being vigilant doesn't mean being fearful.
It's about prioritizing your safety.
It's about being proactive in protecting yourself and those around you.

Stay alert in order to stay safe.
Notice unattended packages.
Notice strong odors coming from parked vehicles; propane, fertilizer, or diesel fuel. This could indicate the presence of a car bomb.
Notice people dressed inappropriately for the weather. Wearing a trench coat in 80 degree weather could indicate someone concealing a weapon under the coat.

If you see something, say something.
School shootings have been averted because a student said something, with at least TWO in our home county alone. Terrorist attacks have also been shut down because someone reported something suspicious

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