Fighting Fear with Foresight

“In war, the first casualty is truth.” ¹ For some, the thought of not being able to navigate through the encroaching darkness easily creates a sickening fear that captivates minds and leads to a valley of deep depression. Fear of the unknown is an immobilizing force that can blind us to our true situation or an alternative understanding.

Overwhelmed or Overcomer? With the various kinds of deception that challenge us every day, it is easy to understand why some might find it overwhelming when they struggle to find the foundation of solid truth to stand upon. King Solomon warned,

“The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy t from evil.”

Proverbs 4:19-27

The Bible tells us that truth is the light that guides us through the darkness. The Psalmist writes,

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Psalm 119:105

King Solomon writes,

“My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.”

Proverbs 3:21-23

He continues by promising, “…the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”²

Fear or Faith? The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy during difficult times by writing,

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Fear in its rawest form is a God-given human response that enables preservation, creates powerful motivation, strengthens willpower, and inspires redemption. According to the Bible, the “go to” response to fear should always be faith. But in reality, faith does not always rise as quickly in our minds as we would like when we are surrounded by the dark fog of war. Understanding the power of these two diametrically opposed reactions is essential. Uncontrolled fear can be just as dangerous as unreasonable faith. To find the right balance between these two adversaries you need to position them on a pivot lever that is securely placed on the fulcrum of truth.

Truth is the expression of real things, events, and verifiable facts. Finding truth is difficult when it is hidden within the confusing maze of shifting popular definition. Public consensus only provides self-authentication as the source of what is to be accepted as truth. Therefore, truth is not merely a subjective feeling or a matter of opinion, but a property of statements that align with independent reality. Given the propensity of many today to swallow candy-coated lies, many are suffering from CTD, (Chronic Truth Decay). Sadly, this seems to be an epidemic that is sweeping through the whole world.

The Foundation of Faith: A simple Biblical definition of faith is in the Book of Hebrews, chapter eleven, verse one,

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews chapter eleven then provides a list of people enabled by faith who did extraordinary things.

Faith is the natural fruit of confidence. Once an uncertainty is tested and ultimately proven reliable, we then naturally treat it as truth. Armed with the history of that truth, we can venture onward with confidence in a predictable outcome. Like learning to walk, we discover what is safe as we toddle about, gaining experience of what will become a repeated unconscious action. The key to broadening our confidence is to test what is presented as truth. Like a detective, we need to conduct an evidence-based investigation to arrive at the correct interpretation of the available facts.

The quest for truth should be a life-long pursuit. Chuck Missler once said, “The only barrier to truth is the presumption that you already have it.” With the acquisition of truth comes responsibility. The Apostle Paul told the Church in Thessalonica, “Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.”³ To incorporate that “good” (that which is true) into our daily life we need to “Abstain from every form of evil (that which is not true).”⁴

Truth that stands on the solid foundation of reliable proof creates a firm footing for faith. This is when faith becomes foresight. Here is where faith allows you to see the outcome before the manifestation. This type of faith-based experience provides direction during difficulty. King David was no stranger to danger, but his experience of God’s faithfulness caused him to write,

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4

The Prophet Isaiah comforted the people of Jerusalem when they were surrounded by a formidable army that threatened them with annihilation by promising,

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Isaiah 26:3

Decloaking Deception: With the widespread implementation of social media platforms, AI chatbots, and AGI research assistants, humanity is quickly drawn into the confusing tsunami of information overload, where it will be nearly impossible to discern truth from error. This is where gaslighting is frequently used to lead the uninformed through the darkness of ignorance.

“Gaslighting” is the experience of being manipulated into doubting your feelings and perceptions of reality to gain influence and power. This deceptive practice is used to shape society as a whole. To survive and thrive in these uncertain times, we all need to be awake and aware; thereby, we will be able to roll back the veil of ignorance that previously concealed the hidden danger of deception.

Know Your Enemy: Throughout history, knowledge has been a decisive factor in war. Victory depends on clearly identifying the enemy and their primary tactics so that strategic countermeasures can be effective. Countermeasures are proactive actions taken to prevent the recurrence of previously observed problems, thereby turning insight into foreknowledge. Outside the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, a plaque states, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”⁵ This reminder should shake us and awaken us from complacency with a call to avoid the disasters of the past.

When you consider the available ancient history of the Children of Israel in the Hebrew

Scriptures (Tanakh) one might wonder why they recorded so many of their failures. Time and time again, their historians and prophets documented the terrible details of their demise. I think it is safe to say that no other ancient civilization has spent as much effort as this one to reveal to future generations its national and personal downfall.

Here is where I think the explanation by the Apostle Paul to the Church in Rome provides us all with a useful perspective:

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Romans 15:4

Therefore, one way of looking at the plethora of failures in the Old Testament is to see them as the experience that we all can learn from. In other words, we gain the benefits without the resulting scars.

Implement Defensive Countermeasures

Dangers of Fake News: Chuck Missler once said, “If you don’t listen to the news, you are uninformed. And, if you listen to the news, you are misinformed.” Herein lies the conundrum that many face as they attempt to filter through the various news cycles. Given the history of major media companies producing “Fake News,” some might think that it’s better to be uninformed than misinformed. This type of ostrich approach of putting your head in a hole is never the correct reaction. In reality, the ostrich only feels safe because it assumes that the surrounding danger does not exist.

Countermeasures for Fake News: You should conduct more research before you believe it. Like gossip, lies have wings. They travel quickly and find a nest among the ill-informed. Fact-based reports that can be treated as safe should follow the same investigative rules as those of a court-respected detective. Whenever given a report, our first response should be to question the evidence supporting the presented narrative. Evidence is the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is valid. There are two categories of evidence admissible in a court of law:

Direct Evidence, which is an eyewitness account, and Circumstantial Evidence, which is proof that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact. With these two types of evidence in hand, we then use an investigative toolbox which includes the following:

1. Corroborating Evidence tends to confirm a proposition already supported by other initial evidence. It is often called the “smoking gun” in criminal investigation and can be considered incontrovertible evidence.
2. Compound Circumstantial Evidence involves employing the technique of determining the compound probability of a series of events occurring to form a credible theory that leads to a conclusion of fact. As the evidence mounts, it should be like the proverbial “elephant in the room” that cannot be discounted through all avoidance behavior.
3. Chain of Evidence is a process and record that shows who obtained the evidence; where and when it was obtained; 
   who secured it; and who had control or possession of it. 
   This investigative element is crucial to the integrity of the case. Sadly, here is where AI-generated images and details can blind us to the reality behind their creation or its deconstructed facts.
4. The Crucible of Cross-Examination: Every full and fair exploration must contain the counterbalance of testing to determine the complete truth. Therefore, there are more elements of investigation that must be included if we are to arrive at a reasonable conclusion.
5. Exculpatory Evidence: This tends to contradict a proposition that is otherwise supported by the current theory. In criminal law, the investigator must reveal all exculpatory evidence before the accused enters a plea. If this is not revealed, it naturally calls into question the accuracy of the declared finding.
6. Independent Verification: Seeking independent verification is key to establishing a non-biased conclusion. It invites critical review and comment. It can prevent the downward spiral of confirmation bias and can then lead to viable alternative understandings. Although this is rarely a pleasant experience, the benefit of credibility will outweigh the pain of criticism. This process may push you out of your comfort zone, but if truth is the treasure you seek, then you will need to risk having even your own prejudice exposed.
7. Clarify the Mode of Communication: The basis of all clear communication is the use of a common language. In the world of legal contracts, one of the most important sections is the glossary, which defines terms in great detail. This is because words are the “vessel” that carries your ideas to the receiver. Therefore, laboring over the quality of the verbal material used to build and reveal a thought is paramount. In this world of the rapidly shifting sand of vocabulary, establishing a firm verbal baseline is the only way to ensure that the message being sent is understood. This is where the definition of terms is a key element in unmasking deception.
8. Establish Witness Credibility: Uncovering the character and motive of the witness is vital if you are to trust their report. Witness conflicts of interest must be flagged, as it will skew the completeness or correctness of the testimony. When it comes to reporting an event, if the news outlet has a history of biased or misleading journalism, then that should cause us to seriously question the reliability of their information
9. Seek Multiple Sources: The Bible says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”⁶ When you view that advice by the example of the four New Testament Gospels, you will see that there are four different accounts from four different perspectives. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us the events in the life of Jesus Christ, presented in diverse ways but unified in His central message. Many critics of their historical account point out what they believe are contradictions. But, with closer examination, they provide the added benefit of different viewpoints and thereby clarity that a single isolated view cannot provide.

Dangers of Fake Voice Calls: Imagine getting a phone call from a close relative or friend who is asking for help. In the conversation, they ask a question that requires you to reveal confidential information, or they plead with you to send them money. A person’s voice has a unique signature. Like fingerprints, it provides a distinct form of identification that needs to be protected. Voice­print capture technology is a common practice in the security industry. Voice authentication is achieved by asking you to repeat a specific phrase in your own voice. That is then translated into data that can be extracted to mimic the original voice, albeit now with a fake message. Hackers realize they can now leverage machine learning-enabled deepfake software to generate convincing copies of a victim’s voice with unsettling accuracy using minimal 
recorded audio.

Countermeasures for Fake Voice Calls: Create a Fake Voice Call response plan and share it privately with trusted people in your secure network. Use a private authentication password to verify a caller’s identity by choosing a word that is uncommon in your normal conversations.

Dangers of Deepfake Videos: A deeply disturbing current innovation is the ability to generate convincingly realistic images, videos, or audio using AI tooling. It is generated using advanced AI technologies such as deep learning and neural networks, which often employ generative adversarial networks (GANs). Because so many people have learned to instantly trust the captivating videos that regularly flash across their hand-held messaging devices, they soon lose the connection with what is true. Although we have all been entertained by many fake videos, the reality is that we immediately know that they are fake. The problem is when these deceptive productions appear real. According to SentinelOne.com, “Deepfakes have become a top cybersecurity challenge, as noted through a 2023 survey, which recorded 92% of executives with ‘significant concerns’ about the misuse of generative AI.”⁷ Their website identified five prime areas of significant concern:

1. Decline in Trust of Visual Evidence makes the audience doubt the real clips and therefore question the authenticity of journalism or confessions portrayed in clips.
2. Reputation Damage & Character Assassination are employed in political smear campaigns show how quickly illusions dominate over actual statements.
3. Social Engineering & Corporate Fraud is accomplished by presenting authentic looking information to misdirect their victims.
4. Promoting Fake News benefits extremist groups by providing a platform for propaganda. In this case, the illusions are disseminated on social platforms where people rapidly share fake news before fact-checking organizations can intervene. By the time a clip is discredited, it has already influenced thousands of people. 
    
5. Identity Verification & Authentication Attacks can be used to create fake face swap videos for passing through KYC (Know Your Customer) processes or to unlock someone’s phone or any other device.

Countermeasures for Deepfake Videos: Learn to not immediately believe your eyes. Then follow the same investigative process as was described above concerning “Countermeasures for Fake News.” Finally, let the principle of Stop, Look, and Listen cause you to PAUSE before you pass on any video you cannot fully verify as tested and true.

Dangers of Digital Deception: It did not take long for all of us to rely heavily on a digital search engine to find the answers we needed quickly. When we abandoned the tedious tasks of personal research, we became dependent on the search engine’s selected results. From directions to recipes, humanity was captivated by this quick information companion. People found it hard to leave home without their vital hand-held oracle. Soon, some found themselves talking to an AI-driven voice assistant called Siri, Alexa, or Cortana. For example, with a simple “Hey Siri,” they would begin exploring for answers. With the potential for all of humanity’s documented knowledge to be swallowed up by AI data centers, we are quickly approaching a state of total digital dependency. Digital dependency is a gateway addiction that can lead the unprepared to deception, resulting in serious confusion. This confusion then leads to a state of digital dystopia where the uncertainty of being disconnected from truth becomes an overwhelming fear.

I can easily imagine a time when all humanity outsources its discernment to a central oracle. Then is when history can be altered and classics can be changed. This will be a time when the global repository of human understanding is controlled by an AI oligarchy which will isolate us, sever us from historical resources, and ultimately deploy a strong psychological delusion.

Countermeasures for Digital Deception: The author of the Book of Revelation heard those who were mesmerized by the beast, saying, “Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”⁸ 
The dilemma for those faced with what might appear as an undefeatable enemy will be to naturally shrink back into a hopeless heap and wait for their own demise. Here is where the tactics of asymmetric warfare come into view. Asymmetric warfare, often called guerrilla warfare, is when you use unconventional weapons and creative strategies to defeat the superior force. The apostle Paul instructed the Christians in Corinth,

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

In summary, the best way forward when face with overwhelming odds is to plan and prepare a means by which you can not only survive but thrive in the coming conflict.

Implement a Personal Protection Program

Avoid the Sirens: In his book “Cosmic Codes” Chuck Missler wrote, “Even the Greeks recognized the “Siren call” of this passion of the human soul. In Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses had himself lashed to the mast to preclude his succumbing to the alluring call of the Sirens. It’s crucial to lash ourselves to the mast of known truth and prepare to pass through turbulent waters that have “bested the best” of the mariners of the past.”⁹ Often those “sirens” can be the very voices we regularly listen to without truly comprehensively testing their words or motives. The apostle Paul warned, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”¹⁰

Practice Digital Discipline: We cannot ignore the fact that 
the information age has found a comfortable home in all of our lives. Like it or not, most of your personal details already reside in central data centers being scanned by an AI engine. But don’t give up the hope for privacy. Restrain yourself when tempted to reveal all of the details of your life, ideas, and persuasions. When tempted to communicate a personal message, try handwriting a letter. Although this will take a bit more time, it can then be carried undercover to its intended recipient past the all-seeing eyes of AI. Send that sweet, printed picture that is not digitally stored in “The Cloud” in a sealed envelope via a trusted courier. Obtain and store printed copies of your favorite books. Once they are in your physical possession, they are not subject to alteration. Unlike online documents, these manuscripts cannot be changed or deleted.

Provide Personal Information Protection: Keep all important personal information in a printed format and store it in a secure place that is well known to those you trust. Guard against unwarranted intrusion into your personal life. Whenever possible avoid unnecessary entanglement with government authorities.

When the haters of Jesus tried to entrap Him, we are told in Matthew’s Gospel,

“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”

Matthew 22:15-22

Arm Yourself for the Battle: The apostle Paul offered this practical instruction,

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:10-17

Test Everything: During the ministry of Chuck Missler, he would often point out as he began to speak that the motto of Koinonia House was found in Acts 17:11. He would follow that up by saying, “That means don’t believe anything I say. Check it out for yourselves.” Dispel darkness by turning on the Light of Truth. Sharpen your own Biblical literacy so you can identify those things that are false and build upon those things that are true.

Stay in Close Formation: Like a well-trained soldier we need to be reminded that,

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10

The wisdom from the Book of Proverbs clearly identifies that we all need to maintain meaningful connections with those we know and trust. 
It says, “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”¹¹ In these times of uncertainty, we all need to see the benefit of being in close fellowship with people of like nature.

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised); And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; 
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:23-25

Don’t allow fear to drive you into a cold, dark cave with nothing but your own empty thoughts that you are the only one who thinks as you do. Even the powerful prophet Elijah ran and hid in a cave when he became fearful. But God encouraged him telling him he was not alone. God then gave him a mission to complete. Before facing the impending difficulties of entering the Promised Land, God assured Joshua, 
“…I will not leave you nor forsake you.”¹²

After all, if we consider ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ, we need to remember that we are part of the bigger family of God.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So, we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Romans 12:3-5

Remember Your Calling: In the midst of the swirling vortex of deception, we all need to stand on the truth of Scripture as a foundation that cannot move. Then with feet firmly planted we need to proclaim the Good News of light and life to a world that is lost in darkness and death. Jesus set the standard of fulfilling His calling and passed that privilege on to each of His followers.

“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.”

Luke 10:1-3

This is an excerpt from Ron Matsen’s new book, DECEPTION. 
Available from our store as e-book or paperback.