That's Good Advice!

The Shocking Message



These weekly devotionals I will be posting come from and are copyright to Pam Iannello, my pastor's late wife who went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2008. They were written by a Godly lady for other ladies young and old so that their walk with the Lord may be strengthened.


Learning how to face our family problems through an in-depth study of the troubled home of Joseph.




This devotion is part of the "Family Problems" series.

What kind of action do you take when an important person is in a tough predicament? Do you feel confident giving them advice or no? Yesterday we listened in on Joseph's conversation with Pharaoh as he informed this powerful ruler of the meaning of his dreams. Today in verses 33-37 of Genesis chapter 41, we'll look at the advice Joseph gave Pharaoh in light of those dreams…

Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

Did Joseph's counsel fit with the recommendation you would have given? It's important to consider your answer, for wise counsel should always follow fair warning! If a Christian, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, can only warn people and never advise them properly, then something is missing! For instance, how would you like it if God's Word told us that unless a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God but then omitted the counsel of how to be born again?? Ladies, the Lord has shown us through His own way of dealing with problems that we must address both sides of the matter! And He has equipped His children to do that very thing…

Proverbs 20:18
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Proverbs 27:9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Proverbs 11:14
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

If we have followed the counsel of the Word of God in our own lives, then we are going to be ready counselors for others. We will be faithful to speak that which we have heard and obeyed…

2 Cor. 10:5-6
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; [6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Wisdom is bestowed upon the humble person who studies Joseph's life: but what about those studying your life and mine today? Would they spot comparable good judgment residing in our hearts? Ladies, if we are not in the habit of sharing wise counsel, then probably what is missing in our lives is a submissive spirit to the Lord! Oh, it's easy to warn people, amen? In fact, that's what most folks consider the "fun" part of being a Christian as we point our fingers and say, "You better watch out!" However, when it comes to sitting down with the Word of God and adding counsel to our warning, where are we then??

Isaiah 41:28
For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Unfortunately, many of God's people are clueless when it comes to knowing how to scripturally advise people of the steps they need to take to either avoid problems in their lives, or get out of them altogether. Because they have first resisted God's counsel in their own circumstances, they have limited their influence as servants of the Lord…

Proverbs 1:30
They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Luke 7:30
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves...

The Bible says in our main text that Pharaoh and his servants were pleased with Joseph's advice. In verse 34, Joseph precedes his advice with the phrase: "Let Pharaoh do this..." This shows us that Joseph didn't have to think long and hard to come up with a battle plan, his heart and mind automatically knew the path Pharaoh should take as he listened to the ruler's dreams; therefore Joseph gave his counsel with full assurance. Ladies, that's the effect the Word of God has upon our hearts as we submit to it! God's wisdom flows freely in and through us…

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Yes, Joseph's counsel displayed prudence and plain old common sense. (How refreshing!) The best counsel is given by and taken from those who have a true testimony of walking with God, those who have clearly demonstrated a close relationship with the Lord; not those who seek to elevate themselves or just insist that people enforce all the rules. Joseph's godly testimony, along with the discretion that governed his own affairs, caused people to place their confidence in his understanding and his advice. As we have learned today, Christians should live their lives so that folks within their sphere of influence will view them as people in whom the Spirit of God dwells. Do you have the testimony of a counselor today, dear lady? Submit to God and you will be loaded with good advice!

God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003 Meet Ms. Pam

Other Rise and Shine Devotionals
New Beginnings Baptist Church Website