Prepper Recon

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27

Last week, we talked about the first part of James 1:27, looking at God’s heart toward widows and orphans. That is such a huge topic, that it’s easy to forget about the second half of the verse, but it is essential that we not miss it.

Could it be that personal purity is just as important to God as caring for widows and orphans? If not, how did it wind up in the same sentence? If that is true, how should we guard against being spotted by the world?

I believe the very instrument that is most responsible for defiling us may offer one of the best examples. How many little girls used to watch Hannah Montana on Disney Channel? While not the perfect role model for a wholesome young woman, the Hannah Montana who first aired on television a decade ago was a world apart from the vile, vulgar, heathen that Miley Virus has mutated into.

So how do we defend against such a metamorphosis? Miley’s transformation was intentional. But there is a much more subtle change that comes from inside. It is wholly dependent on what you expose your mind to. The old saying, “garbage in, garbage out,” has gotten so much air time, because it’s true. If you feed your mind and spirit a steady diet of the depraved filth being served up on television, the movies, and secular radio, rest assured, you’ll end up looking more like Miley 2016 than Hannah Montana 2006. And that’s not a pretty picture!

Jesus said “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war, or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.

Have a blessed day and happy prepping!

Mark

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27

We’ve been talking about stewardship of your resources over the past few weeks. I’ve identified some serious cases of waste and abuse. The last thing I want to do is discourage you from giving. That would be a greater sin than the waste and abuse itself!

So, I want to give a few more examples of ways you can honor God with your substance as instructed by Proverbs 3:9. The above picture is of Claudia Arango, a lady from our church in Fort Lauderdale. God called her to be a missionary in an orphanage in Uganda, called Good Shepherds Fold. She has given her life in the service to the King through her work at GSF. She has adopted three girls, orphaned by mothers who either couldn’t care for them or who died from AIDS. They are Emma, Maggie and Hope.

Claudia has dramatically changed the lives of these three girls, and the many other orphaned children she helps everyday. While Claudia’s call was to be the boots on the ground, we are all part of the body of Christ. Those of us who are not called to go, God often blesses financially. For us, our calling is to finance these efforts.

As you are looking to be a better steward of what God has blessed you with, I pray that you’ll look for real needs, and make sure those are being met before you fall into the trappings of the modern American church which always seems to need the latest HD projector, or new seat cushions.

I can personally vouch for Claudia and the Good Shepherds Fold. I’m sure God would be honored if you chose to support them. And if not them, there are millions of worthy causes that are dedicated to doing God’s work from which you can choose.

Jesus said “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war, or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.

Have a blessed day and happy prepping!

Mark