Monday Memo 357: What's In Your Hand?

Have you ever thought that you had nothing to give?  Have things been so tight that you went into survival mode, doing what you could to keep your head above water?  I've been there.  When my wife and I began PurposeQuest International seven years ago, we had no money, support or income.  I had written four books at that point and was known for my unique purpose message, but many of my former contacts and ministry partners were no longer a source of income-generating ministry opportunities after I started the company.  In my mind, I had nothing to give, so I began only to focus on what I could do to generate revenue.

Yet I found that I had a lot to give. God used that season to expand my faith, which is still growing seven years later.  What did we have to give?  For the answer to that question, you will have to read on.

WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?

Years before I stated my business, I was complaining to the Lord that I had no Christmas gifts to give anyone.  While I was complaining, He reminded me three times that I had a nice library.  I finally got the message and pulled books off my shelves to give away to family and friends.  They were blessed and I  learned an important lesson.  I learned that I had something to give; I just didn't see it.  Seven years ago, I wanted to apply that lesson as I started my company, but how? 

Then I read Exodus 4:2-4 “Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied.  The Lord said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.' So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.”  The Lord was teaching Moses to trust Him as He went to Egypt in the power of his purpose.  That caused me to reconsider if there was anything I had to give at that time, even though I had no money.

As a result, I decided to start The Monday Memo.  I’ve had many people tell me (even someone just last week) that I’m crazy to send The Memo and the weekly Bible studies free or charge.  I saw it differently.  If my message and company are to prosper, I have to sow some seed that will lead to a harvest.  The Memo and Bible studies were the only things that I could give at that point in my life seven years ago.  Just like Moses ran in fear when the Lord transformed his staff, so I went through many times of doubt and fear that the Lord would not provide, that the things I was giving away would not generate a return.  Yet just as Moses touched the snake and it turned back into a staff, I have seen the Lord transform these free services into an abundant harvest.
 
THE FAITH FILES

Part of that harvest is my first volume of The Faith Files, released just last week.  To the right is a picture of me standing at my publisher's booth prior to my book signing.  I started by giving away The Faith Files, and now they are published.  I’m not minimizing the importance of giving what financial resources you have, but there is often so much more that you can give even when you have no money.  If you have nothing to give, then give away yourself, the essence of who you are.  Take your purpose and apply it to the need of someone else, just like I’ve done with my weekly emails and watch God bless you. 

As I write, I reflect on what Paul wrote:  “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will” (2 Corinthians 8:5-6).  Is there someone to whom you can give yourself and it will possibly be the best gift they’ve ever had?  If you can organize, go organize someone’s home or office?  If you can fix things, go gather things that are broken, repair them and make them even better than they were before they broke.   And last and not least, you can also give them a gift subscription to The Monday Memo!

I’ve often said that God has a big book and a sharp pencil and He records everything you do for Him.  In the fullness of time, He rewards you.  God is a debtor to no man, nor can any man give more than He does.  So take some time this week to determine what you have in your hand.  Do your best to produce an atmosphere of giving in faith and let’s see how you can make your purpose a part of that giving.  Have a great week!

     Feel free to add your comments on the site where this entry is posted.

**********************************
THE FAITH FILES: I have 75 copies of The Faith Files left this week.  I will send you a copy of The Faith Files for any contribution that you make to my ministry while supplies last.  That's right, you read correctly.  Just remember that your gifts help me publish every week and distribute my studies and my purpose message all over the world.  The offer ends July 31, so order now to make sure you get your first print copy.  Send any contribution and get this new volume that can best be summarized as follows:

“Without faith, it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

•    Does your faith affect your everyday life?
•    How do you know if you have faith?
•    Is there anything you can do to increase your faith?

The Faith Files are designed to help you answer these and many more questions where your faith is concerned.  John Stanko wants you to not just know what you believe but know how to apply it to your business, family, life and ministry.

In this first of three volumes, John Stanko looks at every verse that mentions faith in the four gospels.  He then makes some observations and poses questions that help you understand how to apply your faith today, right now, where you are and with what you have.  You can use The Faith Files for personal or small group study, but either way it is guaranteed to help you exercise more God-pleasing faith.

Simply go to the Contributions page on my site and use PayPal to contribute by credit card or check. Make sure you include your address and we will get your copy of The Faith Files off right away.  Don't miss the great opportunity to have the first of many Bible study volumes that I will publish. 

NEW WEBSITE:  Thousands of visitors have come to my new PurposeQuest site since it launched a few weeks ago. If you haven't been there yet, please stop by and make sure you take the free PurposeQuest Assessment that is available on the home page. 

RADIO SHOW:  Don't miss the upcoming broadcast of my radio show, Your PurposeQuest: The Power of a Focused Life, this coming Wednesday, July 9 at 9 AM Eastern time on the Voice America network.  You don't need any special equipment or software.  Just go to their website and click on their flagship station and I will be on for a live broadcast.  The show will air at 2 PM in the UK, 3 PM in Zimbabwe and South Africa, 4 PM in Kenya and 9 PM in Singapore. Then it will be broadcast again 12 hours later, and after that it can be listened to or downloaded from the archive section.  The show airs every Wednesday at the same time.

You can download and listen to the first three shows by going to station's archives.

Feel free to email me your questions for the show, or you can call me when the show is live at 1.866.472.5787.  Here is a description of the next show: 

Episode Ten: The Power of a Purpose Coach

Are you having trouble seeing the greatness in you?  Are you struggling in your current job, unfulfilled and unhappy?  If you are or know someone who is, join John and his special guest, Maria Cedeno, as they discuss Maria’s decision to go back to law school and what role John played in that decision on the next Your PurposeQuest broadcast.  

Comments

[Cleophas Wanyonyi]

Dear John,
I have been blessed by your giving through the Monday Memo and I am glad to use what I have as you have challenged me over the times. In deed, I am challenged to give out more. And yes, keep this up because I am on the road to fulfilling my purpose because you gave what you had in your hands then. I am challenged to do so.
God bless you John

[Karriem]

What a great Monday Morning Memo. This re-engerized myself this morning about helping even though I might not think I have anything to give.

Thank you and GOD shall provide.

[Ezra Chidavaenzi]

Thank you so much for your ever inspiring and encouraging memos. I thank God for the day I attended the VBF at Celebration Centre Harare during Action 2007 and had my first encounter with your talks.