| Survivalists or preppers are people who proactively prepare for emergencies. The show Doomsday Preppers profiled many preppers who were stocking up on supplies and building infrastructure that would help them survive an unforeseen societal collapse. Many preppers shared a common sentiment: Being prepared reduces your need to rely on others. In Matthew 25:1-13, we see the true importance of being prepared: Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Nothing is more important than being prepared for the return of Jesus. |
Prayer |
| Lord Jesus we thank You and give You praise in this New Year! Please remove any impurities from our hearts in preparation for when we will meet You. |
Action |
| We’ve all spent time prepping for different things. Whether it be a family vacation, work presentation, or a home remodeling project you probably had a list of things to be done. This week focus on some heavenly preparations (prayer, study, fasting) that will lead you into a closer alignment with God. |
DID YOU KNOW? – BREAK BREAD TRIVIA |
| Participants on Doomsday Preppers were graded by Practical Preppers, a company who provides analysis and recommendations for surviving disaster scenarios. |
Beyond the Bread |
| Check out a new video supplement to the Break Bread Break Chains Devotional. I will be going more in depth on this week’s scripture text, Matthew 25:1-13. |
Frank Turner
Frank Turner is the founder of Break Bread, Break Chains and is the co-host of the following podcasts: Defund The Church, Relative Currency, Politically Entertaining, and Christ over Crypto. He is also the founder and creator of the op-ed site Fake News Syndicate.