MTM-Biblical Principles for Preparation Part Two

If you’ve ever felt that quiet inner nudge that something is off, you’re not alone and you’re not crazy. We take that instinct seriously and put it through a biblical lens, because preparedness is not about panic. It’s about wisdom, stewardship, and protecting the people God has put in our care.

I pick up with principle six, “prepare for opposition,” through Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall while enemies threatened the work. From there, we translate ancient strategy into modern emergency preparedness: a 30-day supply of essential medications, keeping small bills on hand, thinking through barter realities when the grid is down, and building a go bag. We also talk plainly about home security, self-defense basics, legal rights in your state, and why you should not broadcast your preparations to everyone.

Next, we move into warnings and spiritual resilience. Noah acted on what others couldn’t see, and some Egyptians survived the plagues because they heeded the warning and prepared. Then we look at David on the run, showing why spiritual preparation sustains you when supplies can’t. Fear, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness can break a person faster than any outage, and that’s why prayer, Scripture, memorisation, and community matter. We close with practical, low-cost prepping steps for tight budgets: water storage, simple food rotation, light, charging habits, and essential household know-how.

Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs calm clarity, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. What’s the first small step you’re taking this week?

Transcript

Welcome And Show Premise

SPEAKER_01 0:03

Welcome to More Than Medicine, where Jesus is more than enough for the ills that plague our culture and our country. Hosted by author and physician Dr. Robert Jackson and his wife Carlotta and daughter Annabella. So listen up because the doctor is dead.

SPEAKER_00 0:22

Welcome to More Than Medicine. I'm your host, Dr. Robert Jackson, bringing to you biblical insights and stories from the country doctor's rusty, dusty scrapbook. Today

Returning To Biblical Preparation

SPEAKER_00 0:33

I'm going to pick up where I left off last week, sharing with you biblical principles for preparation. I'm sharing with you a Bible study that I gleaned from Ty and Charlene Bollinger Substack, and it was entitled Preparation, Biblical Principles for Preparation, Wisdom from Scripture for the Days Ahead. And I really like their Bible study, and I don't usually adopt other people's work, but I was so impressed with their Bible study that I decided that I would uh scavenge their Bible study and use it for one of my podcasts.

Prepare For Opposition Like Nehemiah

SPEAKER_00 1:12

So we're down to principle number six, which is prepare for opposition. In Nehemiah chapter four, Nehemiah is talking about building the wall of Jerusalem. And there was uh opposition by a man named San Balat and another one named Tobiah. And Nehemiah said, From that day on half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other. So when Nehemiah set out to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, he faced constant threats from enemies who wanted to stop the work. Nehemiah didn't ignore the threats, he didn't just pray about it and hope for the best. He prepared for battle while continuing the work. Half his men worked, half stood guard. Those carrying materials held weapons in one hand and tools in the other. The wall was completed because Nehemiah prepared for opposition, and those who opposed him were intimidated by all these workers who carried weapons of warfare. What are the principles here? Maintain a thirty day supply of essential medications. Keep cash on hand, small bills. We talked about that already. And my recommendation is to keep a supply of silver. Now silver is not inexpensive like it used to be. Both silver and gold have gone up in price astronomically. But if you can afford to buy some silver dimes, quarters and half dollars, keep them in a safe because if the poop hits the fan, you may need to barter with silver because cash may not be usable. You may not be able to use your credit card because the grid may be down, and you may have to barter with things like silver or ammo or food or other barterable items. And then again, have a go bag rated in case you need to flee from your home. If your state allows, keep your firearm close at hand, just like Nehemiah's men did, and keep extra ammo available. So be prepared for opposition. And all don't other things this don't broadcast your preparations to everyone. They don't need to know where your supply of food is, where your supply of ammo is. Build community with like-minded people. Network with people that you can share with, prep with, defend with, and pray with. Now I want to say that again. Network with like-minded people that you can share with, prep with, defend with and pray with. Learn basic self defense and home security tactics. Know your legal rights regarding food storage and water collection, know your constitutional carry rights for firearms in your state in case of civil unrest or marauders.

Heed Warnings Before The Storm

SPEAKER_00 4:28

seven, heed warnings even when other people don't. The Bible says that by faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear, built an ark to save his family. You should write that verse in big bold letters and put it above the door to your kitchen so that you see it every day. You remember the story about the plagues in Egypt and how Moses warned them that there was a hail storm coming. He told them about the plague of locusts that were coming. Well after a while there were a certain contingent of the Egyptians who began to fear God. They began to fear Moses. And before the plague of hail, Moses warned that it would destroy everything left in the fields. And the Bible says those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field. Well, you know what happened? The next day the hail came, and those who heeded the warning were protected. Those who ignored it lost everything they had. Not all of the Egyptians were destroyed, only those who refused to prepare, those who refused to heed the warnings. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom is what the Bible tells us. Those who heed warnings and prepare are protected. You are listening to this podcast because you're paying attention. You see the warnings. You sense something is coming. Don't ignore that. Most people will ignore the warnings. They'll call me nuts and they'll say it's not going to happen here. Or the government will take care of us, and I laugh till I cry when I hear them say that. Let 'em say whatever and call us whatever, but you prepare anyway. You have the opportunity to act now before the storm hits. And in acting you position yourself and your family for safety. So what are the practical steps? Trust your instincts when something feels wrong. Research and verify warnings from credible sources. And trust me, credible sources are not the government and not the mainstream media. Act on warnings even when others do not, and do not let peer pressure stop you from preparing. Do not listen to your friends and family who listen primarily to the mainstream media. eight.

Spiritual Readiness That Sustains

SPEAKER_00 7:32

Samuel chapter twenty one to twenty three? When David fled from Saul, he didn't just prepare physically. He gathered weapons, sure. He gathered his men and his supplies, but he also prepared spiritually. In fact, David wrote many of his Psalms during this time. The prayers of trust and lament and worship. He sought God's guidance at every turn. He inquired of the Lord before making decisions. He gathered loyal men and built alliances that sustained him during years in the wilderness. David's spiritual preparation sustained him through years of hardship. Strategic preparation saves lives. David didn't isolate himself. He built community. He gathered resources. He planned ahead, but more than that, he anchored his soul in God. You can have a year's worth of food, a bunker full of supplies, and all the skills in the world, but if you're not spiritually prepared, you won't make it. Fear, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness will destroy you faster than any physical threat. Your relationship with God is your most important preparation. In Psalms forty two the Bible says, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him for the health of my countenance. Now let me ask you, what gives a healthy countenance? Is it not a healthy heart? A happy heart? You see, happiness in your heart stems from a healthy relationship with your God, and that's what helps you and me overcome times when we're utterly cast down. You and I are not meant to go through things like this alone. God is building a community around us, people who will share resources, skills, and encouragement. There's no such thing as a maverick Christians. The Bible tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works. Again, there are no maverick Christians. We are intended to go through things crisis things in life all alone. So what are the practical steps? First of all, spend time in prayer and scripture daily, every day of your life in preparation for the difficult times. Build your faith now before the crisis comes. Memorize Scripture for encouragement. There may come a time when you and I aren't able to get a hold of the Word of God, and that word that you've stored up in your heart will be essential. Connect with a community of believers, people that you can share with, pray with, prep with, defend with, and then trust God's sovereignty even when things look dark. Hope thou in God.

Start Where You Are With Faith

SPEAKER_00 10:36

nine, start where you are. You remember the widow's faith, the story of Elijah and the widow of Zaraphath in first Kings seventeen? Elijah came to the woman during a severe drought and famine, and when he came to this widow, she had prepared her very last meal, a handful of flour and a little bit of oil. And when Elijah asked her to make bread for him first, she obeyed. And her little jar of flour and her little jug of oil did not run out throughout the entirety of the famine. The widow had only enough for one last meal, but she was still preparing, still cooking, still trusting and still sharing. And God honored her obedience with supernatural provision. Look, you may not have a fully stocked pantry yet, but just start where you are. The widow started with nothing but faithfulness. God doesn't ask you to have everything figured out. He asks you to take the next faithful step. And when you do, he shows up. Remember the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, and that faithful step God honors.

Build Margin And Take Responsibility

SPEAKER_00 11:46

And then the last point, number ten, is gather twice as much, and that's the principle of margin. You recall the Israelites and the mana in Exodus sixteen? God provided mana for them daily in the wilderness, but on the sixth day he instructed the Israelites to gather twice as much to prepare for the Sabbath. That was a day when there would be no mana at all. God expects us to prepare when He gives us advance warning. He is not honored by laziness disguised as faith. Can I say that again? God does not honor laziness disguised as faith. The same God who provided the mana told them to store it for the next day. Provision is a gift. Preparation is a responsibility. I'm gonna say that again too. Provision is a gift. Preparation is a responsibility. God is not asking you to survive on your own. He is inviting you to partner with him. He provides, you prepare. He gives the harvest and you store it. And in doing so, you honor your heavenly Father.

Low Cost Basics Water Food Light

SPEAKER_00 12:59

Now, here's a special word for those with limited resources, because I know there's some of you out there who just live on a shoestring budget, and you're saying, Doc, I don't really know how to begin. I don't even know where to start. And you're thinking I can barely afford gas. How am I supposed to stock a pantry? So take heart. The widow of Zarephath had almost nothing, and God used her anyway. You remember the boy with five loaves and two fish? He had almost nothing, and Jesus fed five thousand. God doesn't require you to have a fully stocked bunker. He just asks you to be faithful with what you have. And here's the truth. Creative poor people who act are more prepared than rich people who do nothing. Let's say that again. Creative poor people who act are more prepared than rich people who do nothing. So just start where you are. And here's some simple low cost ways to prepare. Water. Start gathering empty containers, like milk jugs or soda bottles or old juice jugs. Wash them out and fill them with tap water. Storem under the bed or in a closet or in the basement. Because you see water's the first thing that you'll need. And it's also the first thing that gets cut. Every gallon you store is a gallon of security. Then food. Every time you go to the store, grab one extra bag of rice or beans, and if you can afford it, rotate them. Rice this week, beans next week, and over a few months you'll have weeks of food stored without breaking the budget. Don't underestimate the power of small, consistent steps. Next is light. Gather every candle in your house, put 'em in one place, buy a box of matches or a pack of lighters. They're cheap. A simple flashlight with extra batteries is a game changer. When the power goes out, you'll be glad you didn't have to stumble in the dark. And then power. Make it a habit to charge your phones, laptop, and any devices every night, even if you don't think you'll need them. A power bank, even a small one is a worthwhile investment. If you can afford a solar charger, great. If not, just stay in the habit of keeping things charged. And then knowledge. Learn where your breaker box is, find your water shut off valve, know how to turn off the gas if needed. These things are free, and they're skills that could save your home and your family. And then walk through it with your kids so they know. Water sources. Know where the nearest natural water source is. A river, a lake, a stream. If municipal water goes out, you'll need to know where to go. And a simple water filter, even a portable camping filter, can be a lifesaver. Remember, the widow started with a handful of flour and a little oil. She didn't have a pantry full of grain, but she had what she had and she was faithful with it, and God honored her faithfulness. Just start where you are and do what you can, and don't let what you can't do keep you from doing what you can do.

Prepper Camp Plug And Farewell

SPEAKER_00 16:08

So there you have it. Now let me finish with my promotion one more time. Remember prepper camp coming up. It's gonna be August the 14th through the 16th this year, 2026 at Tryon International Resort. I highly recommend it. It's a lot of fun. You'll learn stuff that you never even thought about. It's a place for self-reliance, homesteading, off-grid living, and preparedness living. There's 64 different classes by 50 world-class instructors, and you'll be prepared for just about anything. Look it up at Rick Austin's prepper camp. They have a great website and they'll tell you everything that you need to know. And look for me, I'll probably be there. I take my sons and my son-in-laws, and we just make a weekend trip of it. All right, there you have it. I hope that's a help to you. I pray the Lord will bless you and bless you real good. You're listening to More Than Medicine. I'm your host, Dr. Robert Jackson.

SPEAKER_02 17:14

Thank you for listening to this edition of More Than Medicine. For more information about the Jackson Family Medicine or to schedule a speaking data, go to their Facebook page, Instagram, or webpage at Jackson Family Medicine dot com.