Joseph, the Bible's Financial Advisor - Encouragement Café - October 21, 2015

Joseph, The Bible’s Financial Advisor

Café Menu for Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Today’s Special is:  Wisdom from God

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Carolyn Dale Newell

Main Ingredient:

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.”

Genesis 41:39 NKJV

Entrée:

Did you know that the Bible tells us how to handle money?  When Egypt was about to face hard times, Joseph gave financial advice to Pharaoh.

It began when Joseph was in prison, and he interpreted the dreams of the butler and baker.  When the butler was released, he forgot about Joseph until two years later when Pharaoh had some troublesome dreams which his wise men could not interpret.

Joseph was brought to Pharaoh, and he began explaining his dreams.  First, seven skinny cows had been devoured by seven fat ones.  Then, seven fat heads of grain swallowed up the seven skinny heads of grain.

Joseph explained that the dreams were a warning from God.  There would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.  Joseph advised Pharaoh to collect one-fifth of the grain during the seven years of plenty so they would have it during the famine.  Amazed at his wisdom, Pharaoh appointed Joseph as second-in-command in Egypt.

Finances are a major cause of anxiety.  Joseph’s plan is a wise way to be prepared and avoid sleepless nights.  Proverbs 6:6-8 tells us to consider the ant and how it gathers food in the summer, having plenty in store for winter.

What if I am in the famine phase right now?  With our nation’s weak economy and grocery prices soaring, it is almost impossible for people to save any money.  This is when what comes in must be greater than what goes out.

All that we have comes from God (Deut. 8:18).  Therefore, we must be good stewards of it: tithing, paying our debts, and savings.  During my Christian life, I have found one thing holds true: You can never out give God.  Prayerfully seek God’s wisdom concerning your finances today.

Take Out:

You can read the entire passage about Joseph in Genesis 41.  

How can you apply Joseph’s plan to your finances?  What sacrifices can you make to tithe?  To get out of debt?  To save?

Dessert:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You as children thirsty for Your divine wisdom.  Guide us as we look at our economic situations and make a plan that will honor You.  Thank You for always providing exactly what we need.  Thank You for the jobs You have provided for us and for our husbands.  Amen.

© 2015 by Carolyn Dale Newell.  All rights reserved.

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