In the troubling times we live in; I thought I would write about preparation as the bible speaks much on it. In Feb 2021, Texas had a huge winter storm that cut power and millions were left unprepared as they suffered from loss of heat, water and food for many days. We also saw when the covid craziness started many were unprepared for basic survival needs as supplies were short for a season. What can we learn from these events and truth in God's Word so that we can prepare ourselves for the future?
As the world moves closer to chaos, the last days and perhaps the great tribulation, it is wise to ponder these things not in fear but in wisdom. Preparation can take many forms so lets list some of the practical things as a help so we can take inventory of our lives.
*we need regular food
*we need regular shelter
*we need daily water
*we need money to buy things
*we need other basics like clothing, lighting, medicine and tools etc
Sadly, most families spend more time on annual vacation planning then they do on important needs planning. There are various ways we can attain more stability in these areas so when hard times come we are better prepared and stocking up some is wise indeed. While I do not promote prepping; I am all for being prepared for rough times to provide for family and share with neighbors as well.
This article is mostly about what God's Word says about preparing so I have compiled some verses below that show the different kinds of preparation in the Word and I will add some notes to them:
God prepares
Psalm 103:19
The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
*We can ponder about all the things God has prepared like the creation, wrath to come and our salvation in sending Christ. What a glorious Savior we have!
We prepare to do works unto God
2 Chronicles 8:16
Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the Lord, and until it was finished. So the house of the Lord was perfected.
*When God instructs us to DO for Him; we have a job and that requires preparation. We need to study, strive, look after saints, walk blameless and so many things on a daily basis. Tale a look at your life, where God has called you/what you must do and prepare to carry it out for His glory.
Men prepare for battle
Joshua 4:13
About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the Lord unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
*In this verse we see men going to physical war but today most of us our in a spiritual war daily. We fight with Eph 6 armor in the spirit world amen?
Preparing our hearts
2 Chronicles 12:14
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.
*To serve God we must prepare our hearts first and most. Today in the New covenant; this requires we have new hearts via faith and repentance. Then we prepare and guard our hearts daily for His glory to be a pleasing offering to Him!
We prepare food
Genesis 27:17
And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.
*Titus 2 ladies know this well and I see my godly wife daily making this happen and she makes it look so easy. Nourishing food for the body is a blessing and it comes from godly lady saints who also nourish their souls in the Word of God.
We prepare to build
1 Kings 5:18
And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.
*Building is a awesome thing. I think of Noah and the ark, the Prophets with alters and the temple in Jerusalem. Today we build up homes, our faith and each other mostly.
Prepare for salvation
Isaiah 40:3
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
*What a joy to think about making a way for the Lord who prepared our redemption. We can also make a way for the Lord into others peoples lost lives as we live and preach the gospel daily.
We prepare for the future
Proverbs 30:25
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
*This is that material preparation we talked about and it is wise to do as long as we trust in the Lord more then a food supply or bank account.
We prepare each other
2 Chronicles 35:6
So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
*Preparing each other to do what God has called us to do. This is part of the one anothering we do daily to lift up and encourage the brethren.
Judgements are prepared
Proverbs 19:29
Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
*God has prepared to judge the world in Christ and we are called to judge ourselves and the body to keep it pure. It is a huge task and a on going daily one that prepares us to be holy, not compromised.
We prepare for good works
2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
* We walk holy, we study, we strive, we kill flesh, we obey and we repent if we fall; all part of preparing unto good works for God.
Men prepare for evil
Job 15:35
They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.
*I see this one often as the world, false converts and the culture prepares to do evil often and we must prepare to stand against it no matter the cost.
We prepare to meet God
Amos 4:12
Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
*This could be my favorite one. We prepare to meet God! This is a life long pursuit as we endure and never give up on faith or obedience against all odds. Then one day we will hear well done good and faithful servant.
We prepare for death
1 Chronicles 22:5
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
*As we age or just live in Christ, we can see death around us in the old or young. So wisdom says prepare yourself to stand before God. A kind of choose whom you serve then live it out fully and it is preparing to meet Him one day.
I am sure there is more meat from God's word on preparation but this is a good slice of it. I pray you are prepared for the trials of this life to come (material needs) but mostly prepared in that which is eternal, the spiritual things of Christ that shall never fade.
Here is an article on preparation:
Here is our homestead page that speaks of preparation:
Here is our van dweller tip page and it speaks some of preparation:
God be praised
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Here is the biblical gospel:
Here is a 10 point biblical test:
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