Preparation for the Days Ahead
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 10/06/2024
Foundation Scriptures:
And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. 27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. 29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: 30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; 31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.Genesis 41:25-31 KJV
He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 10:5 NKJV
1. Preparation and Planning.
a. What you can do to prepare.
b. Build an emergency fund.
c. Start saving a portion of your income to create a financial buffer for unforeseen expenses - medical emergencies, job loss, natural disasters.
d. Aim for 3-6 months of living expenses.
2. Budget.
a. Develop a budget and stick to it.
b. Create a budget that tracks your income and expenses. ii. Live within your means.
c. Set aside funds for savings, debt reduction, and giving.
3. Income Streams.
a. Diversify your income streams.
b. Consider creating additional streams of income, such as freelancing, investing in real estate, or a side business.
4. Reduce or Eliminate Debt.
a. Work diligently to reduce debt.
b. Work to pay off credit cards and loans.
c. Proverbs 22:7 KJV –– The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
5. Education.
a. Invest in education and skill development.
b. Certifications and vocational training.
c. Expanding your knowledge.
6. Food.
a. Proverbs 21:20a NIV –– The wise store up choice food and olive oil.
b. Invest in long term food storage.
c. Stockpile non-perishable food items - rice, canned goods, and freeze dried meals.
d. Rotate your stock to keep it fresh and usable.
7. Grow.
a. Grow a home garden.
b. Start a small vegetable garden to supplement your food supply.
c. Growing your own food teaches self-sufficiency and ensures that you have fresh produce even if grocery story supplies dwindle.
d. Proverbs 30:24-25 KJV –– There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: 25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer…
8. Skills.
a. Learn basic survival skills.
b. First aid.
c. Shelter.
d. Fire starting, purifying water, basic construction.
9. Health and Wellness.
a. Prioritize health and wellness.
b. Healing School.
c. Physical health, eating well, exercising, getting sleep - preventative health care.
10. Essential Supplies.
a. Stock up on essential supplies.
b. Prepare a kit - water, batteries, hygiene products, first aid kits, blankets, tools.
c. Items which are helpful in emergencies.
11. Operation Riverize.
a. Operation Riverize (October 10-12).
b. Education, practice, and preparation.
c. Networks are essential.
d. Strengthen community networks.
e. Building strong relationships with neighbors, church groups, and local communities.
12. Generosity.
a. Be generous and ready to share.
b. Be a part in supporting Operation Raven and what we are doing as a ministry.