Background of Joseph, rising to power, controlling the nations resources, supply in time of need, used to save many including family.
Principles for Handling Resources
1. Honor God
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Put God First
Tithes and offerings, whole life attitude
Make Godly Decisions
2 Cor 9:6-7
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Gambling, habits, hobbies
2. Be A Wise Steward
Prov 21:20
20 There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.
Don’t Waste
Do you really need it
Carefully Watch
On sale, best deal, quality
Cheapest not always the cheapest
3. Plan Your Finances
Prov 30:25
25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;
Prepare for the Unknown
Emergencies - physical, accidents, appliances Opportunities – special projects, good deals
Plan for Known
Big items, car, college, house repair
4. Debt Is Deadly
Rom 13:8
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Keeps you from responding to God.
Many want to give and help others but can’t because their resources are already committed. We should be in a position to never tell God no.
Avoid Easy Credit
Causes trouble fast, high interest.
5. Make Saving A Priority
1 Cor 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
Little Becomes Much
Faithfulness pays off
Invest Wisely
Gal 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Avoid get rich quick desires
Shows a selfish, greedy heart
God gives a great return
6. Know God Owns It All
Ps 24:1
1 The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.
All Possessions
Abilities
God gives ability to make money
Key to survival, handling your resources wisely. So, what’s the big deal? What does this really have to do with Joseph?
Notice,
Gen. 45:7
"And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Joseph handled resources wisely and that allowed him to help others be saved. The same is true for us.
Can’t give anything more important or valuable than your heart. God wants that more than anything. These things all fall into place when we give our life. God doesn’t need or desire your money – He wants you. Our wallet is a picture of our heart.
Close
Survivor:
When The Resources Run Out
Principles for Handling Resources
1. ____________________ God
Prov 3:9-10
Put God First
Make Godly Decisions 2 Cor 9:6-7
2. Be A Wise _______________
Prov 21:20
Don’t Waste
Carefully Watch
3. _______________ Your Finances
Prov 30:25
Prepare for the Unknown
Plan for Known
4. _______________ Is Deadly
Rom 13:8
Keeps you from responding to God.
Avoid Easy Credit
5. Make _______________ A Priority
1 Cor 16:1-2
Little Becomes Much
Invest Wisely
Gal 6:7-8
Avoid get rich quick
6. Know God _______________________
Ps 24:1
All Possessions
Abilities
Gen. 45:7 "And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
