A Spiritual Mind for Discernment in Preparedness and Church Security
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today to discuss a matter of great importance—the role of a spiritually discerning mind in emergency preparedness, safety protocols, safety drills, and church security. While we trust in the Lord for our protection, Scripture also commands us to act wisely, prepare diligently, and exercise discernment in safeguarding our families, communities, and places of worship.
Proverbs 22:3 says:
" The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it" (ESV)
This verse teaches us the necessity of foresight—an attribute of discernment that comes from having a spiritual mind. Being spiritually minded does not mean we are careless in the natural realm; rather, it means we align our actions with God’s wisdom and guidance.
I. The Biblical Foundation for Preparation and Security
1. The Principle of Preparedness (Old Testament)
In Genesis 41:28-36, we see Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dream about seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Through divine wisdom, Joseph implemented a strategy of preparation:
" 34 Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 36 That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.” (Genesis 41:34, 36 ESV)
The Hebrew word for "wise" used here is חָכָם (chakam), meaning skillful, shrewd, and discerning. Joseph was able to discern the need for preparation, just as the Church today must discern the importance of emergency preparedness and security protocols.
2. The Call to Watchfulness (New Testament)
Jesus Himself instructs us in Matthew 24:43:
" But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into."(ESV)
The Greek word for "watch" is γρηγορέω (grégoreó), meaning to be awake, vigilant, and alert. Christ warns that vigilance is required not only in spiritual matters but also in practical concerns, including the security of our homes and places of worship.
3. The Balance Between Faith and Action
Some may argue that faith alone is enough, but the Apostle Paul teaches otherwise in 2 Thessalonians 3:10:
"For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat."(ESV)
This principle extends beyond work, it applies to preparation, safety, and security. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. ESV). Just as Noah prepared the ark (Genesis 6:22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. ESV), we too must prepare wisely for any potential dangers.
II. Developing a Spiritually Discerning Mind in Emergency Preparedness
1. Seeking Wisdom from the Holy Spirit
James 1:5 reminds us:
“ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."(ESV)
The Greek word for wisdom here is σοφία (sophia), meaning divine insight, skill, and intelligence. A spiritually discerning church will seek God’s wisdom in establishing safety protocols and emergency plans.
2. Understanding the Enemy’s Tactics
In Nehemiah 4:9, we see a powerful example of both faith and preparedness:
" And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” (ESV)
Nehemiah didn’t just pray—he acted. The Hebrew word for "guard" is מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmereth), meaning watch, duty, or post. Churches today must adopt this mindset: while we pray for protection, we also establish safety drills, security teams, and emergency response plans.
3. Training the Church in Readiness
Paul exhorts believers in 1 Corinthians 14:40:
"But all things should be done decently and in order."(ESV)
Churches should:
Train members in evacuation procedures for fires, natural disasters, or active threats.
Establish security teams to monitor church entrances and parking lots.
Teach de-escalation strategies to address potential conflicts.
The Greek word for "order" (τάξις, taxis) means an arranged plan, a disciplined structure. Just as God designed creation with order, we too must have order in church security.
III. The Role of Prayer and Faith in Church Security
1. Praying for Discernment
Jesus instructs in Matthew 10:16:
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (ESV)
The Greek word for "wise" (φρόνιμος, phronimos) means prudent, skillful in decision-making. A spiritually-minded believer does not ignore dangers but seeks God’s discernment in all situations.
2. Asking God to Protect and Strengthen the Church
Psalm 91:2-4 declares:
2 “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (ESV)
The Hebrew word for "fortress" (מָצוּד, matsuwd) means a stronghold, a place of defense. We place our faith in God’s protection, yet we also build systems of safety in wisdom.
3. Implementing Spiritual and Physical Watchmen
Ezekiel 33:6 warns:
" But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand."(ESV)
The Hebrew word for "watchman" (צֹפֶה, tsopheh) means one who observes, guards, and warns. In modern times, our watchmen include:
Security personnel who ensure church safety.
Pastors and leaders who prepare the flock for crises.
Intercessors who pray for protection and discernment.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Beloved, we are called to be spiritually discerning, wise, and prepared. The Church must operate with both faith and wisdom, embracing practical emergency preparedness while trusting in God’s protection.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Seek divine wisdom for church safety (If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV).
✅ Establish safety protocols and security teams (And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. Nehemiah 4:9 ESV).
✅ Train the church to be watchful and ready (But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Matthew 24:43 ESV).
✅ Pray for discernment and protection (Psalm 91 ESV).
Psalm 91 (ESV):
My Refuge and My Fortress
91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
As we move forward, let us embrace the full counsel of God—praying without ceasing, watching with wisdom, and preparing in prudence. Amen.
Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.
Stay safe my friends.
Pastor Bart Goldbar
Goldbar Defense LLC
