Are you a prepper?

[melanie]

Meet the ‘Preppers’ — The Americans Stockpiling Food & Water for a Possible Collapse

We are not preppers. We live on a ranch and have a small spring-fed lake, so we could survive. We rely on electricity and don't have any stock piles. I keep telling myself we won't need it, but who knows. I keep hoping the rapture will happen before I need to rely on stockpiles. I was curious how many on here are prepared for a collapse?

[Chris]

There are folks who are out there prepping for collapses, tribulation, etc. I've seen it for the last several years. It's like doom and gloom. Several years ago there was a group on another board and they were convinced the government was about to take over when they had the bank bailouts, etc. They were buying up gold and silver, etc. The months soon passed and nothing ever became of their fears. So for that reason, I just trust and lean on the Lord. Whatever happens will happen, God will see that we are taken care of somehow. I usually tell people to do as they feel led to do. I live in a hurricane prone area so a few extra supplies is always good here during the hurricane season, but as far as prepping for anything else, no I'm not doing that. Here's a good article on it:

Living The Christian Life In Hard Times | GraceThruFaith

Living The Christian Life In Hard Times
A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

There’s no doubt we’re living in some of the most difficult times of our generation. If experts are correct it’s been 2 ½ years since this recession officially began, and many workers have already exhausted their jobless benefits. But others are just now being laid off and according to projections another million families will lose their homes in the coming months, so it’s not over yet. It’s a sobering thought, but the Bible offers some sure fire advice on living in hard times. Let’s take a look.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:25, 31-33)

Right from the start let’s be sure we understand that the opposite of this promise is also true. If you’re not seeking His kingdom and His righteousness you shouldn’t expect His provision. Here’s what Paul said about believers still following the ways of the world.

But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.(1 Cor. 5:11).

In the verses surrounding this one Paul made it clear he wasn’t talking about unbelievers here. He said it wasn’t any of his business to judge those outside the Church. God will see to them. Neither did he say anything about these brothers losing their salvation because of their behavior. His point was their unconfessed sins have put them out of fellowship with God which has deprived them of His blessings, one of which is the support that comes from associating with other believers.

So, how do we make sure we’re seeking His Kingdom and His Righteousness so we can be confident of His blessing? Let’s find out.
First Seek His Kingdom

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

Good advice, and Paul’s words prove that we have a choice when it comes to our behavior, but how do we exercise our choice?

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(Ephesians 4:22-32)

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:8-10)

We seek the Lord’s Kingdom by choosing to put off the ways of the world and allowing ourselves to be conformed to His likeness. This is not working to earn our salvation, or to keep it. It’s following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, letting Him renew us to be more like Jesus, in gratitude for the salvation he’s given us. Remember, these verses were written to believers, admonishing us to modify our behavior so we act like the new creations we already are (2 Cor. 5:17), members of God’s royal family.

Pity the Holy Spirit, who’s been sealed within us and therefore has to endure first hand exposure to all our tawdry behavior. It’s bad enough that we grieve Him by accident. Let’s not do it on purpose.
And His Righteousness

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.(Romans 3:19-24)

If you start thinking you’re better than others just because you behave better than they do, you’re not seeking God’s righteousness, you’re seeking your own. God’s righteousness can come only through faith in His Son, and makes us humble, not proud. Your behavior is for the purpose of pleasing the One who has done so much for you, not elevating your self in your own sight.
And All These Things Will Be Provided

How does He provide all our needs? Usually He doesn’t pour them down on us directly. But He does provide opportunities for us to receive them through the work we do. How do we know? Because He had Paul say this.

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Tim 5:8)

And in 2 Thes. 3:10 Paul said, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

Notice it says “will not work” not “can not work.” If you can’t work because you’re disabled, the Church should help. If you’re a widow with a small baby, the Church should help. But if you’re just waiting for something to happen when you could be spending your time productively, or wasting your money on beer and cigarettes instead of buying food for your family, that’s a different story.

Remember how the Lord gave the people Manna (bread from heaven) in the wilderness?

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. (Exodus 16:4)

He could have put it directly into their mouths, like feeding a baby. Instead he made them go out and gather it for themselves. If you can work, the Lord will provide an opportunity for you to do so, as long as you’re seeking His kingdom and His righteousness.
I Already Am Working

If you are working you should help those who aren’t. Give what you can to those in need, and the Lord will give you more. It’s the best way to make sure you’ll always have enough.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.(Luke 6:38)

It sounds counter intuitive to us, but generosity is the cause of prosperity, not the effect of it.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:6,8)

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

Giving is evidence of our faith. It shows we know God has abundant resources and we trust Him to share them with us according to our needs . Hoarding is a sign we don’t trust Him to give us more, so we hold on to everything we get. (By the way, putting aside any extra we have for the purpose of helping others as the need arises is not hoarding, it’s giving.)

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:15-17)

Or, as one of my earliest mentors used to tell me, “If what you believe doesn’t result in action, it’s doubtful you really believe it.”
A Final Thought

Above all remember that it doesn’t matter what things look like. Don’t be discouraged by what you see.

We live by faith not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor 4:18)

We can’t see what’s coming, but the Lord knows how things will work out and He’s promised to take care of all our needs as long as we remain faithful to Him. What we see today is just temporary, but the promises of God are eternal.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:4 -7) Amen. 07-17-10

[mattfivefour]

Excellent response, Chris! Praise God that He has promised to be our source and our supply! Matthew 6:25-33; Matthew 7:11; Psalm 37:25; Isaiah 33:15-17; Philippians 4:19. Note Psalm 78:20-22!!!

[readyforhome]

I've been thinking of starting a small garden, but we don't really own the property we live on. Though our landlord did say that anything we do to the property would be considered an improvement. I feel like God has been telling me to start growing food, as in I've had it on my heart to.

[mattfivefour]

Then do so, readyfor home. If God lays something on your heart, do it.

[MikeD]

We're like Chris; living in a hurricane area, we keep supplies stocked up for "just in case". Plenty of water and all that. And, I'll admit, I keep the generator ready to go for, "just in case". However, the gas to run that bugger is quite pricy. Yet, worth it if the power is going to be out for up to a week. No, not big enough to run the whole house but, just keep the refrig, freezer and a few items inside going. The fan is nice when trying to sleep. And since it's a Honda, it's nice and quiet. Oh and, HAVE to keep the coffee pot going!! But, other than that, I really don't stock up at all. I do believe and trust God at His Word, He'll provide for us, no matter what. My place is to trust Him no matter what. I know; easier said than done, right? Well, HE knows and loves me anyway...

[discdog98]

I've been thinking of starting a small garden, but we don't really own the property we live on. Though our landlord did say that anything we do to the property would be considered an improvement. I feel like God has been telling me to start growing food, as in I've had it on my heart to.

Gardening has been one of my favorite things to do each year. The act of tilling the ground, adding mulch and fertilizer, planting the seed, watering, and watching it grow is fascinating. It is an act of faith that the seed will grow.

I also like to do a concordance search of "seed" and read through the Bible about seeds.

Then when the vegetables are ready to pick, I think about The Lord calling His church home. Only the good fruit is taken and the bad fruit is thrown out. I grow heirlooms so this happens.

I also like to do my daily Bible study out in the garden while the bees and the hummingbirds are busy. Creation just shouts His Glory!!

tomatos.jpg

hummingbird.jpg

[ANY MINUTE]

I'm a pepper
He's a pepper
She's a pepper

wait, you said prepper...... sorry, carry on

[livin_in_the_Son]

[WhisperWisdom]

This year, we're going to see and hear about a lot of folks trying to "prep" for 2012 and basically get all hysterical over it. Just remember to stock up a little bit on your groceries before December because you know there will be a big run in the stores from folks losing their minds. That's about all that I plan to do as far as "prepping" goes for I do not trust the so-called prophets of this world but in Jesus alone.

I have noticed a slow surge in "prophets" on certain channels where they're saying that they predicted this and that, and oh, we better get to prepping which usually includes buying whatever they're selling. In times like these is when we really need to stand strong and be the light for those who can't see.

Thanks for the article above though! I've printed it out for future reference. Really helps me to remember sometimes why I do and believe the way I do.

[Robert]

Meet the ‘Preppers’ — The Americans Stockpiling Food & Water for a Possible Collapse

We are not preppers. We live on a ranch and have a small spring-fed lake, so we could survive. We rely on electricity and don't have any stock piles. I keep telling myself we won't need it, but who knows. I keep hoping the rapture will happen before I need to rely on stockpiles. I was curious how many on here are prepared for a collapse?

As far as preparation for disasters such as storms, tornadoes, floods and what not, that is one thing. It is wise to have a plan of action in case power is lost and conditions make it impossible without supplies to get by until services are restored. This is especially true in tornado and earthquake prone areas as well as high fire risk areas as well.

But preparing for a "collapse"; I don't know about that.

[myinnuendo999]

I haven't really thought about preparing this year as there are things that are more important in my life than worrying about food. I guess I'm learning that God as my Heavenly Father is taking care of me so why should I worry about those things when he does provide. He's proven it time and time again. It makes me think of when I was a child and it never entered my mind about worrying about food or clothing. It was always there and so I just enjoyed being a kid. To me it's the same with being God's child. When we know we are seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness,--(not always perfectly) those things don't enter my mind because there's really no room. God actually frees us up from chasing after unimportant things that he will provide for so that we can truly go after what's most important. Salvation, sharing the Gospel, praying, etc. setting our affections on things above and not on earthly things. The joy supersedes the food. Most of all I have peace in my heart and I'm so relaxed.

I could go all day without eating as long as I have my coffee...

God blee=ss

[ShilohRose]

It seems to me that it would be very expensive and difficult to prepare for a collapse. I have looked into it, and it's staggering the amount of work, money, and planning that it entails. Your whole mindset and focus must change. Maybe I'm just an

[livin_in_the_Son]

We don't stockpile food or water, simply because we can't afford to. Since we have never gone hungry, or thirsty, it proves that God is faithfully providing for our needs daily, and I have no doubt that He will continue to do so in the future.

That being said, we are thankful to receive a food box during the holidays, and they are loaded with pantry staples such as: soups, pasta etc. all in bulk. So, should the need arise I won't have to worry about food...but I believe that is still from the Lord, because I have not hoarded the food, nor did I rush out and blow the bank on food for the future. (and yes, we shop out of those boxes everyday for meals so I'm using what the Lord has provided for us with humble gratitude). I even pass along the canned items of what we don't eat, (because of food issues with my son) to food drives and neighbors.

Now since my youngest son and daughter prefer to drink milk...unless the Lord drops a cow on our front porch, they won't be happy should something happens before we're outta here. (and I don't doubt for a second that if the Lord wants us to have a cow, 'ole bessie will be at our door)

[readyforhome]

I'm a pepper
He's a pepper
She's a pepper

wait, you said prepper...... sorry, carry on
Wish I had thought of that.
Uhm, I have heard of SO many people talking about leaving for the country in order to pepare for december of this year. I just wonder what they believe is going to happen when they get THERE. They'll have to learn to forage, and other things in order to survive. Then I knew one guy who wanted to buy a boat and be in the water when December 21 gets here. IF what is supposed to happen proceeds, then there will be tidal waves and whatnot. A capsizing boat isn't exactly a safe place either. Then he talked about getting either an iPhone or Android, finding a cave somewhere and being able to play games while everyone else is running around dying. Whatever happend to love thy neighbor? Oh wait, this guy is an atheist or excuse me an agnostic. Anyway, if things are supposed to be as bad as they are predicting, well storing food, weapons and water will just not be enough.

[livin_in_the_Son]

Then I knew one guy who wanted to buy a boat and be in the water when December 21 gets here. IF what is supposed to happen proceeds, then there will be tidal waves and whatnot. A capsizing boat isn't exactly a safe place either. Then he talked about getting either an iPhone or Android, finding a cave somewhere and being able to play games while everyone else is running around dying. Whatever happend to love thy neighbor? Oh wait, this guy is an atheist or excuse me an agnostic. Anyway, if things are supposed to be as bad as they are predicting, well storing food, weapons and water will just not be enough.

I wonder if your friend really believes he's gonna get wi-fi in a cave?