We must guard against the temptation of thinking we can save ourselves by virtue of having the pantry packed with provisions. The foundation of all false religion is trusting in our own works for salvation. If we make spiritual preparation the priority, God has proven that He can supply all our temporal needs, even if it necessitates a miracle.

There is certainly no sin in making a practical provision for potential lean times. God told Noah to store away sufficient resources for his sequestered cruise. And Solomon reminds us; "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 22:3).

Our ultimate trust, though, must be in God. Otherwise we are prone to repeat the mistake of the stingy fool who put his trust in his well-stocked barns. "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided!" (Luke 12:20).

Remember when the children of Israel stored away manna at the wrong time! It always bred worms and stank (Exodus 16:20).

How should we prepare? With weapons and ammo? Yes! "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).

Gold, clothing, and medical supplies? Yes! "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see" (Revelation 3:18).

Food and water? Yes! "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread! And your labour for that which satisfieth not! hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness" (Isaiah 55:1, 2).

Should we withdraw cash in case the ATM fails? Maybe, but all earthly currency is subject to devaluation and theft. Ultimately we must be sure we have that pearl of great price in the safety deposit box of our souls.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

If we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, these spiritual supplies will survive any degree of convenience or chaos (Matthew 6:33).