The Monday Memo from John Stanko

Memo 434: Sharing Your Wealth

This week I want to wrap up our purpose profile on Joshua, which we began before the holidays and resumed last week. (If you need to catch up, you can go to the site where these entries are posted and read Memos 427, 428, and 433).  This week I want to look a story where Joshua taught others to have the same kind of success he had.  Isn't it time that you also encouraged others to step out and fulfill their purpose? 

A LEARNING LESSON

Last week we read how the Lord had stopped the sun so Joshua could defeat his enemies.  In the process, Joshua had captured five kings, trapping them in a cave where they had gone to hide.  The Lord had granted Joshua great success, but then Joshua wanted to use his success as a learning lesson for those who were fighting with him.  So here is what he did:

Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me." So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks.Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening (Joshua 10:22-26).

Joshua was not content to be victorious.  He knew that many battles lay ahead and he wanted those with him to be prepared to do great things.  Joshua was not content to win; he wanted to teach others to win as well.

SHARING YOUR WEALTH

If you are not careful, you quest for purpose can be a selfish endeavor.  It can degenerate into what you can do and how you can be fulfilled. Don't get me wrong; that's not all bad.  Yet you must be mindful that you are going through and accomplishing what you are so you can share your wealth with others.  Your wealth isn't necessarily money, but rather the experience and lessons you learn along the way, lessons that can help others. 

So how can you share the wealth, so to speak?  How can you teach others how to put their feet on their enemy's neck?  You can teach, write, broadcast, mentor or coach.  You can realize that you have something to share with others and stop devaluing who you are, what you do and where you are. You can look for opportunities to share what you have now, trusting that you will not lose anything when you do.  Rather, God will give you more, whatever the "more" is that you need to finish your work and fulfill your purpose.

So when you go to do something good and meaningful this week, stop to think who you can include in the process.  When you are about to step on your enemy's neck, bring someone along to enjoy it with you and then see how you can help them do something purposeful.  When you do, you won't just have a great week but also a meaningful life. 

     Feel free to post your comment to this Memo on the site where it is located.

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I NEED HELP: I just posted an update on my upcoming trip to Kenya entitled 100 Pairs of Shoes. I leave for Kenya on February 5 with 13 others and I am still collecting money and supplies to take over with us. If you haven't already done so, please take the time to read this latest update on the Sophia Fund and the Deborah Foundation here. As you read, you will understand what a difference you can make in a child's life with very little effort or investment. 

If you feel compelled to help our upcoming trip, you can give through my website or send a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.  Just let me know if your contribution is to be used for food or shipping and I promise to use it for that purpose. Just $5 will help me feed an orphan for a week!  Do what you can and please do it today.

KENYA: The finest training in goal setting and personal development I have ever received was through an organization called The Pacific Institute.  I am going to do a three-day Pacific Institute seminar while I am in Nairobi from February 8-10 at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi. This training is not inexpensive, but it has paid for itself in my life over and over again.  Be watching for updates in the coming weeks and then be a part of this historic event when I come over in February.  It will change you and your life forever.

431: The Wise Guys

As I write, I am sitting in New York City, here for a few days of rest and relaxation.  We have looked at lessons from Handel and the shepherds this holiday season.  Let's wrap up the year by looking at one of my favorite aspects of the Christmas story - the Magi. 

WHO WERE THOSE MEN?

Who were those wise guys known as Magi who came from the east to visit Jesus and bring him gifts?  (You can read this brief story by at Matthew 2:1-12.) We aren't really sure. Nor do we know what they were looking for as they studied the heavens and what kind of star they saw that caused them to follow it hundreds of miles to find an infant king.

There were probably more than three men who came to see Jesus, but we have numbered them as three since they brought three gifts of myrrh, incense and gold.  They rode on camels for days, weeks even, not sure of what they would find when they arrived.  Now that's faith!

When they did arrive, they checked with King Herod, convinced that he would know where the royal infant was.  It is interesting that the wise men knew more of what was going on spiritually in Herod's kingdom than Herod did.

By the time the Magi arrived, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were living in a house, not in a stable, so they came some time after the night the shepherds went to see Jesus in the manger.  Since Herod carefully ascertained when the star had first appeared and then had all the male babies two years of age and under killed in Bethlehem, the Magi could have arrived as much as two years after Jesus birth.  That's a long time to watch and follow a star.

FOLLOW YOUR OWN STAR

You will need God's help if you are to find and fulfill your purpose.  That's not a problem, however, for God is in the business of helping people like you clarify purpose.  When Jesus was born, His star appeared and led those who were interested directly to his home.  The same thing can happen today for you. God can lead and guide you right where you need to be at exactly when you need to be there.  Oftentimes when you can't see your purpose, you aren't quite ready to find it.  Yet if you keep searching and following just like the Magi did, your star will appear and suddenly your PurposeQuest will all make sense.

As we prepare to celebrate a new year, I urge you to follow in the footsteps of the Magi.  Wise men and women still seek Jesus and, as they do, they find purpose.  I pray that 2010 will be a year of purpose and productivity the likes of which you have never seen, imagined or enjoyed.  I also pray that when you find the star and follow it, you will end up as the Magi did - worshiping the King and giving Him gifts.  There is no greater gift than devoting and dedicating the fulfillment of your purpose to Christ and His kingdom.  That is what I plan on doing in the year ahead.

From all the Stanko household, we wish you a very happy, prosperous and purposeful New Year!

    Feel free to post your comment to this Memo on the site where it is located.

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2,011 CRAYONS:   Please, please take the time to read my latest update on the Sophia Fund and the Deborah Foundation here and you will understand what I mean by this title. As you read, you will understand what a difference you can make in a child's life with very little effort or investment. 

People I don't know are still donating to both efforts to help the Kenyan people.  I have no idea how I will get all this over to Kenya, but I am not worried.  I have 14 people going with me in February and we will take as much as we can.  I truly believe that God will work all this out, so I refuse to fret for even one minute.

After you read these updates, I hope you too will act to help today as we approach the Christmas holiday.  I need money and supplies to feed and educate them in a difficult environment. I am grateful for your prayerful and prompt response to the children's needs.  If you need more background or information, go to my blog to see my latest posts or go to my Facebook page. I will figure out a way to get everything to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

FACEBOOK: I haven't given up on my goal to have 1,000 Facebook friends by 12/31. Right now I have 828.  Help me reach my goal!

I update my status on Facebook (you can find me by searching my email, johnstanko@att.net) every morning to include a daily verse from Proverbs and an inspirational quote. I do the same on Twitter @johnstanko as well as a daily feature entitled "What Would Jesus Ask?" Go there to sign up and follow along.

430: Daylight on the Night Shift

This week I retrieve a Memo from the recent archives as we take a look at the shepherds at the birth of Jesus.  I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Christ this coming week.  But for now, let's learn something about daylight on the night shift!

THE NIGHT SHIFT

The shepherds in the Christmas story were working the night shift, doing what they and their ancestors had done for centuries. They went to work that night without any thought that anything extraordinary was about to happen. On the night Jesus was born, they were tending their flocks on the hillsides outside Bethlehem, minding their own business. Suddenly God sent them messengers, who brought great light to the night shift:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (Luke 2:8-16).

These shepherds were doing what they knew to do at that time in their life and God interrupted them with a special news report. This both scared and thrilled them. That's how it is when you find your life purpose. Often you are doing what you know to do at the time, usually a job or role that is less than fulfilling. Suddenly God, the Great Communicator, breaks into your conscious being and brings a message of purpose, of what He has always wanted you to do. That not only terrifies you but also gives you a desire to clarify and fulfill it.

That night the shepherds went to work like any other day. God spoke to them, however, and they were never the same. They started by sitting on a hillside in cold weather; they ended by finding a great treasure in Bethlehem, a treasure that had not been revealed to anyone else but them.

YOUR PURPOSEQUEST

Maybe you have been in a desperate search for your purpose and its expression. As we end this year, I suggest that you be encouraged as you remember the shepherds. Finding your purpose doesn't depend on your diligence; it depends on God's grace. Yes, you must search for your purpose, but only God can reveal it to you. I don't know when or how He will do that. It may be one cold, dark night when you go about your business like countless other nights. At that point, God may send His messenger and change your life forever. I don't know when or how He will do it, I just know that He will.

So have faith and relax this holiday season. Keep asking God to help you see who you are and what you were born to do, and after that, trust Him. You may even want to thank Him for your purpose whether or not you understand what it is.  He wants you to fulfill your purpose more than you do. He will show you in the fullness of time, bring you daylight even if you are working the night shift. When He does, you will join with the shepherds as laborers who found more than business as usual one night when they went to work. May the God of purpose speak to you soon and may you have the courage to believe what He says!  Merry Christmas!

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2,011 CRAYONS:   Please, please take the time to read my latest update on the Sophia Fund and the Deborah Foundation here and you will understand what I mean by this title. As you read, you will understand what a difference you can make in a child's life with very little effort or investment. 

Not a lot of money arrived this past week, but a lot of stuff did.  What's more, we have more scheduled for pickup this week. I have no idea how I will get all this over to Kenya, but I am not worried.  I have 14 people going with me in February and we will take as much as we can.  I truly believe that God will work all this out, so I refuse to fret for even one minute.

After you read these updates, I hope you too will act to help today as we approach the Christmas holiday.  I need money and supplies to feed and educate them in a difficult environment. I am grateful for your prayerful and prompt response to the children's needs.  If you need more background or information, go to my blog to see my latest posts or go to my Facebook page. I will figure out a way to get everything to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

FACEBOOK: I haven't given up on my goal to have 1,000 Facebook friends by 12/31. Right now I have 830.  Help me reach my goal!

I update my status on Facebook (you can find me by searching my email, johnstanko@att.net) every morning to include a daily verse from Proverbs and an inspirational quote. I do the same on Twitter @johnstanko as well as a daily feature entitled "What Would Jesus Ask?" Go there to sign up and follow along.

Memo 429: Down but Not Out

Last night I had the privilege of seeing Handel's Messiah performed here in Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall, due to the generosity of a woman in my church.  I have seen the Messiah many times but it never gets old.  Last night was another outstanding rendition of that timeless classic.  Let's take a look at the circumstances that surrounded Handel as he composed his work and see if there are any purpose lessons there for you (you know there are!)

MESSIAH

The Messiah is considered by many to be the greatest musical feat in the history of mankind. Commissioned by a charity to produce a benefit concert, Handel wrote the Messiah in only 24 days. A musician once told me that someone trying to copy the Messiah could not do so in 24 days—that is the level of inspiration in which Handel operated when he wrote. Handel never left his house for those three weeks. His food trays remained untouched outside his office door. A friend who visited him as he composed found him sobbing with intense emotions. Later, as Handel groped for words to describe what he had experienced, he quoted St. Paul, saying “whether I was in the body or out of my body when I wrote it I know not.”

What’s even more impressive is that Handel wrote Messiah under extreme duress. The Church of England strongly criticized and opposed Handel and his previous Scriptural works put to music. At the age of 56, he had no money, often going out only at night so as to avoid his creditors. Handel performed what he considered his farewell concert and went home, fully expecting to end up in debtor’s prison.

Yet the first performance of Messiah in Ireland raised almost 400 pounds for charity and freed 142 other men from debtor's prison in 1742. Of course the rest is history as countless millions have enjoyed and marveled at this work for more than 250 years. Handel also went on from there to enjoy tremendous success and popularity in his latter years.

So what does this have to do with you? Perhaps you are a person of purpose but you feel frustrated, even defeated in your PurposeQuest. Maybe you find yourself down and out, discouraged and criticized, forgotten and a failure. Perhaps your finances are in poor shape. If that description fits you, read on, for I believe this Memo can restore your hope and faith. If that’s not you, read on anyway, for you will probably enter that phase one day as you pursue your purpose.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE DOWN AND OUT.

What should you do if you are in a season of “un-use,” disfavor or inaction? As we close out 2009, I would urge you to do three things if you are discouraged, disillusioned or dismayed. And if you’re not, I urge you to find someone who is—you shouldn’t have to look too hard—and encourage them in their dark time.

1. Renew your faith in God. Your success and purpose expression doesn’t depend on your faithfulness; it depends on God’s. So remind yourself that God can do anything, and then rest in Him. Handel went home to retire and perhaps thought it was all over for him. Yet God helped him and He will help you.
2. Keep preparing for your day of success. I don’t think Handel went home and abandoned music. Don't you abandon your love either. Keep writing, reading, learning and practicing. When the phone rings or the mail comes with your opportunity, you will be fresh and prepared, having worked in faith for the day of success.
3. Be generous. Handel wrote the Messiah for charity, even though he was destitute. What can you do for someone else, even though you are down and out?  It is a good thing to do the unexpected in hard times and giving something away definitely fits the bill. What better way to express your trust in God?
   

I’m grateful for 2009 and I hope you can find reasons to be as well. If not, then just thank God for His faithfulness. At least you’re still alive! Then take this Memo to heart or share it with someone who needs it. I pray that as you do what I recommended above, you will see the purpose breakthrough in 2010. Thank you for allowing me to come into your life every week and thank you for being a purpose seeker. As I close this Memo, I wish you not only a great week, but also a very Merry Christmas!

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LETTERS FROM KENYA:   Please, please take the time to read my latest update on the Sophia Fund and the Deborah Foundation here, this time written by three Kenyans. You will see how critical this work is from those who are touched firsthand.  Then give as you can this holiday season.  Your giving will make a big difference in the lives of many children and adults.

Not a lot of money arrived this past week, but a lot of stuff did.  I have no idea how I will get all this over to Kenya, but I am not worried.  I have people going with me in February and we will take as much as we can.  I truly believe that God will work all this out, so I refuse to fret for even one minute.

After you read these updates, I hope you too will act to help today as we approach the Christmas holiday.  I need money and supplies to feed and educate them in a difficult environment. I am grateful for your prayerful and prompt response to the children's needs.  If you need more background or information, go to my blog to see my latest posts or go to my Facebook page. I will figure out a way to get everything to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

427: Number Two Man

Thank you for your prayers and best wishes for my wife and her eye problem that I mentioned last week. We had a breakthrough this week when some of her sight returned in that eye, but she still has a ways to go. We appreciate your prayerful support.

Last week we finished up Deborah and this week I would like to begin looking at Joshua for a few weeks before I pull out some classic Christmas Monday Memos from the archives. Then we will resume looking at Joshua after the first of the year.

NUMBER TWO   

Joshua is one of the few men in the Bible (Joseph, Daniel and David being others) who was a number two man who eventually became a number one man.  He served Moses from his youth and then, when it was time for Moses to die, Joshua became the leader in Israel. It was Joshua who led the people into the Promised Land and it was Joshua who has a book in the Old Testament named after himself. That is a quite and honor and accomplishment for a man who knew how to serve and how to lead, something rare in number one men.

We know little about Joshua.  He appears on the scene in Exodus 17 when Moses ordered him to go to war while he, Moses, stayed behind to pray.  That tells us a lot about Joshua.  This conversation did not occur when Moses gave the order to go to battle:

Joshua:  You want me to go to battle?
Moses:  Yes.
Joshua:  What are you going to do?
Moses:  I will pray.
Joshua:  You mean I will risk my life while you stay behind to pray?
Moses: That's right.
Joshua: Forget it.  I'm not going unless you go. That's not fair! I quit.

Joshua went, understanding his role in his partnership with Moses, and what's more, he led the people to victory. Yet it was Moses' prayers that made the difference in the battle (see Exodus 17), and Joshua learned an important lesson about prayer and authority that played a major role in his development as a leader.

PERSONAL PURPOSE DEVELOPMENT   

And that reveals an important step in finding and fulfilling your purpose:  You must allow God to put you in some tough, demanding situations where you will learn, grow and develop trust - in God and in those whom He puts in your life to develop and train you.

You see, many have ideas and dreams and that's a good thing.  You probably have them, too.  Yet the proof of your mettle isn't in expressing those dreams.  It is enduring and devoting yourself to the preparation process.  The higher the building, the deeper the foundation must go.  That is true for you.  Once you have the blueprints for your vision, you must allow God to lay and dig the foundation that will be able to handle the weight of His glory in your purpose.

Joshua was faithful to the preparation process and one day his time to lead came. He was ready and he did a fabulous job for the Lord.  He wasn't a perfect man, as we shall see, but he was faithful.  He learned faithfulness by serving God, Moses and the people, and God was pleased.  His promotion did not come from Moses; it came from God.  That is where yours will come from, too.

Do you sense that God has something purposeful for you to do?  Are you ready for the testing and preparation process?  I hope you are.  I am at a point in my life where I can look back and see God's hand of preparation and it has been a good work.  Now I am engaging so much of what I once dreamed of doing.  I urge you to be faithful to God's preparation plan for you and not to give up because it is difficult.  Hang in there and I know that you will come into your own, whatever that may be, in the fullness of time.  Thank you and have a great week serving the Lord and your purposeful preparation for service.

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YESTERDAY'S SERMON:  You can watch or listen to my sermon from yesterday, entitled Have a Mary Christmas, on my church's website.  In that message, I talk about Mary's faith in not only the Christmas story but in the life of Jesus.  The message will help you focus on the reason for the season as we enter into the holiday festivities. 

HELP IS ARRIVING:  A lot of books, toys and other children's supplies arrived this week for The Deborah Foundation. What's more, $155 came in for The Sophia Fund.  I wrote an update on The Sophia Fund the other day, including two emails from Kenya that describe what the latest Sophia Fund allotment has meant for their work. You can read about it here. 

After you read the update, I hope you will act to help today as we approach the Christmas holiday.  I need money and supplies to feed and educate them in a difficult environment. I am grateful for your prayerful and prompt response to the children's needs.  If you need more background or information, go to my blog to see my latest post or go to my Facebook page. I will figure out a way to get everything to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

DAILY PROVERB: I am now posting a short daily devotional focusing on one verse every day on my blog site. If you would like to read it or subscribe to receive it, just go to my site and register there. I promise to have it updated every day.

FACEBOOK: My goal is to have 1,000 Facebook friends on FB by 12/31. Right now I have 775. I update my status on Facebook (you can find me by searching my email, johnstanko@att.net) every morning to include a daily verse from Proverbs and an inspirational quote. I do the same on Twitter @johnstanko as well as a daily feature entitled "What Would Jesus Ask?" Go there to sign up and follow along.

425: Deborah

I few weeks ago I had a reader writer to request that I write about the Old Testament judge Deborah at some point. Well, this seems like a good point to do that, so let me honor her request and look at this obscure character in the book of Judges.

Deborah is identified as both a prophetess and a judge, someone to whom Israel came when they wanted to settle a dispute.  She was married, but still had a position of authority, even though those were not common for women at that time. During her tenure, Israel was oppressed by an army commander named Sisera. God spoke to Deborah and she summoned a man named Barak and delivered a "word" from the Lord that he was to attack Sisera and deliver Israel. 

When he agreed but only on the condition that Deborah accompany him, Deborah promised him victory but predicted that the victory would come at the hands of a woman, thus depriving Barak the full honor due for his courage and actions. (You can read this for yourself in Judges 4.)

What can we learn from this account that would help you and me on our PurposeQuest today?  Here is what I see:

1. Deborah was a woman.  It seems that gender was not an issue for God. Should it be for you?
2. Deborah was a leader.  Israel willingly responded to her leadership.  When you are a leader, God gives you followers.  You don't have to work to find them.
3. Deborah was a woman under authority.  You seldom have to be a renegade or rebel to accomplish your purpose.  You can work within the confines of the authority in your church, company or nation.  You simply have to accept the "call" that is on your life.
4. Deborah was brave.  First, she shared her word from the Lord at a time when Israel was oppressed. She agreed to go to the battle with Barak to encourage him in the work that God gave him to do through her word. Like her fellow prophets, David and Jeremiah, she was not aloof but went with the people of God. Are you involved with those you lead and follow?
5. Deborah had faith.  Deborah shared her "word" even though it seemed that the enemies of Israel were stronger and more numerous. She was confident that, if Barak followed her command, he would have success. 
6. Deborah's faith was contagious.  Because she had faith, Barak had faith too, as reported by the writer of Hebrews: "And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets" (Hebrews 11:32). Do people catch faith from you as you speak and act?

What can you learn from Deborah's example to help you in your PurposeQuest this coming week?  Do you see any other points or lessons from this account that I am missing?  If so, please take the time to post them on my site for others to see.  Next week, we will look at Judges 5 and the song that Deborah sang after Barak and his army were victorious.  Until then, may the Spirit of Deborah be with you and yours as we seek to obey the word of the Lord as it comes to our lives and work.  Have a great week!

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YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED:  Please don't forget the children this Christmas as I prepare for my next trip to Kenya in February.  I need money and supplies to feed and educate them in a difficult environment. I am grateful for your prayerful and prompt response to the children's needs.  To read all about what's going on, go to my blog to see my latest post or go to my Facebook page.  I need books and educational toys and I need you to help me get them. I will figure out a way to get them to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

When you do your Christmas shopping and giving this year, please remember The Sophia Fund and The Deborah Foundation (named after my daughter, not after the Old Testament judge discussed above).  I know you will be blessed when you do. 

DAILY PROVERB: I am now posting a short daily devotional focusing on one verse every day on my blog site. If you would like to read it or subscribe to receive it, just go to my site and register there. I promise to have it updated every day.

FACEBOOK: My goal is to have 1,000 Facebook friends on FB by 12/31. Right now I have 750. I update my status on Facebook (you can find me by searching my email, johnstanko@att.net) every morning to include a daily verse from Proverbs and an inspirational quote. I do the same on Twitter @johnstanko as well as a daily feature entitled "What Would Jesus Ask?" Go there to sign up and follow along.

FREE PURPOSEQUEST ASSESSMENT: I updated and improved the feedback email you receive from your online assessment, so now is a great time to take or re-take the purpose assessment on my website. This is not a scientific survey, but something that is meant to stimulate your thought and direct your study concerning where you are in your PurposeQuest.

422: Lessons in Courage

Has fear ever prevented you from doing something you wanted to do?  Has fear been an excuse not to do something that you needed to do?  If you are human, then the answer to both those questions is a resounding "Yes!"  Yet you may be waiting for an absence of fear before you act and that will never happen.  You need to learn to function in the midst of fear if you are to be a person of purpose.  Let's go back to Gideon's life again this week to see how he handled his fear to become a hero of the faith.

HIDING OUT

When we first meet Gideon, he is hiding from the Midianites, trying to eke out some food for his family in the midst of their oppression:

The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:11-12).

God identified Gideon as a mighty warrior, yet Gideon saw himself as a poor farmer who was working for minimum wages.  The first lesson in how to deal with fear is:  You can't always trust the perspective you have of yourself.  The way out of that problem is to learn to trust what someone else sees in you, such as a friend, mentor or coach. 

Then Gideon uttered the standard complaint when confronted with a seemingly impossible task: 

"But Lord, " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together" (Judges 6:15-16).  

The second lesson is to remember that you are not alone. You and God make up a majority no matter what. 

NIGHT TIME RAID

So then God gave Gideon his first assignment to tear down his father's altars to a false god.  Gideon obeyed, but notice how he did it:

 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town, he did it at night rather than in the daytime (Judges 6:27).

Gideon did what he had to do, but he did in a way that worked for him.  He went at night because he was afraid.  The important thing, however, is that he obeyed.  That is the third lesson:  He acted even though he was afraid.  He didn't wait for his fears to go away; Gideon did the best he could to obey the Lord and God helped him.

This leads me to ask you the questions: What are you afraid of?  What is hindering you from moving forward to fulfill your dreams and purpose?  What can you learn from Gideon that can help you this week to do something, even if it's at night or in a way that is less than noble?  The important thing is that you learn how to act even though you may be afraid, for fear is not a good excuse to disobey what God has put in your heart to do.  Take courage this week and see what you can do in spite of your fears. 

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KENYA VIDEOS:  I invite you to watch two short videos that I shot at the orphanage I visited in Kenya a few weeks ago. The children sang me a song and the founder said a brief word of thanks.  Once you watch them, read the post below and do what your heart moves you to do to help these children and others like them.

THE SOPHIA FUND & THE DEBORAH FOUNDATION:  I announced last week a new initiative in time for Christmas that will allow you to help me open learning centers all over Kenya.  We will start small, but will deliberately work to help the orphans in Kenya learn how to love books and learning.  You can play an important part in making this happen.  To read all about it, go to my blog to see my latest post or go to my Facebook page.  I need books and educational toys and I need you to help me get them. I will figure out a way to get them to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

One sister, who is confined to a wheel chair, presented me with an abacus for the children this morning in church.  I was so blessed by her thoughtful and selfless generosity.  Thank you, Chloe, for your gift and may the Lord move on many others to follow your example!

I also need help to continue feeding the orphans and widows there from The Sophia Fund.  When you do your Christmas shopping and giving this year, please remember The Sophia Fund and The Deborah Foundation.  I know you will be blessed when you do. 

421: Face-to-Face

Have you ever wished that God would speak to you face-to-face so you could know what to do?  Doesn't that sound like it would make serving and obeying God much easier?  Well, that's not necessarily true that a direct encounter would be a good thing. To prove my point, let's take another look at Gideon, whose life we began to study last week.

CAN WE TALK?

One day Gideon was busy trying to eke out a living when the Lord appeared and spoke to him:

The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:11-12).

What was Gideon's response?  Was he in awe and didn't know what to say?  Did he worship?  Did he ask the Lord what He wanted him to do? No, he did none of those things.  Instead he basically said, "Can we talk?"  Gideon took the opportunity to complain and tell the Lord how bad things were in his life! 

Gideon had a direct word and appearance from the Lord, but he was so preoccupied with his situation that he didn't treat it like the special event that it was.  Then the Lord revealed why He had come and what He wanted Gideon to do:

The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family" (Judges 6:14-15).  

Again, Gideon turned God's directive into a time to complain, telling the Lord why he, Gideon, could not be the one to do what the Lord was saying.

IT DIDN'T MATTER

It didn't matter to Gideon that he received a direct word from the Lord.  He was so hung up on his circumstances and limitations that he could not see how God could use him.  A visit from God almost turned into a bad experience for Gideon.

I am sure you have never done what Gideon did in this instance, but if you have, can you see that even a visitation from God isn't always the answer to your spiritual inactivity?  Once you have a negative attitude, you can't even hear from the Lord!  So this week, put yourself in Gideon's place and ask the Lord if you are acting like Gideon in any area of your life. If you are, then find out what God has been saying that you just can't hear because of your heart attitude. The good news is that Gideon went on from this encounter with the Lord to do great things and you will, too.  Have a great week!

Feel free to write a comment to this entry on the site where it is posted.

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THE SOPHIA FUND & THE DEBORAH FOUNDATION.  I announced today a new initiative in time for Christmas that will allow you to help me open learning centers all over Kenya.  We will start small, but will deliberately work to help the orphans in Kenya learn how to love books and learning.  You can paly an important part in making this happen.  To read all about it, go to my blog to see my latest post or go to my Facebook page.  I need books and educational toys and I need you to help me get them. I will figure out a way to get them to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

I also need help to continue feeding the orphans and widows there from The Sophia Fund.  When you do your Christmas shopping and giving this year, please remember The Sophia Fund and The Deborah Foundation.  I know you will be blessed when you do. 

420: A Double Lock

Have you ever thought or said, "If only I knew that God wanted me to do this or that," or "If only God would speak to me, then I would do it!"?  While it sounds logical and spiritual, it isn't necessarily true, as we will see in this Memo.  Who do you think I will pick from the Bible as a character to prove this point?  If you guessed Gideon, you guessed correctly.

IT CAN'T BE ME!

In Judges 6, we see that the angel of the Lord came to give Gideon his assignment of liberating the Jews from the Midianites. Yet Gideon engaged the angel in conversation, explaining why he (Gideon) could not be the one.  I'm sure you have never done this, but Gideon felt that circumstances were too awful and he was too insignificant to do what God was sending him to do.

Perhaps you have calmly explained to God and others the reasons why you are not the one to accomplish some great purpose.  You have pointed out that you are too young, too old, the wrong gender, undereducated and inexperienced.  Even though you too may have had an angel of the Lord visit you, you have dismissed the call as irrelevant, saying something similar to what Gideon said:  "But Lord." Gideon asked, "How can I save Israel?  My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family" (Judges 6:15).  So it isn't always the case that if God were to speak to you, you would know and automatically do His will and purpose.

A DOUBLE LOCK

God shared with Gideon two keys to success.  Those keys worked for Gideon and they will work for you.  The first key is found in Judges 6:14: "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" Gideon felt like he needed more strength if he was to go; the Lord told him to go in the strength that he had and it would be enough.

You can insert many words in that verse and they would all be keys to purposeful success.  "Go in the time you have; go in the wisdom you have; go in the knowledge you have; go with the gifts you have; go in the faith you have; go with the money you have."  You won't get any more of anything until you create the need for it, so it's best to start right where you are today and obey God with what you have now.

The second key is in verse 16: "The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."  When God speaks to you to do something, you become partners with God.  You and God always comprise an insurmountable majority, no matter how improbable your success may seem to you at the start.

So there you have it.  It may not be enough for God to speak to you, for your bias against yourself and your abilities may try to overrule God.  If you are to go and do anything, you must go in the strength you have today, but you can go in the confidence that God goes with you.  If you can remember to use those keys this week, I know you will have a turnaround week.

    Feel free to write a comment to this entry on the site where it is posted.

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RETURN HOME:  As I write this, I am packing in Kenya to head for home.  It was a great visit but I am ready to get back to work at home.  I visited the ministries who are receiving The Sophia Fund money and I was pleased with what I saw.  I will have a report for you soon.

I am also planning to start what I am calling The Deborah Foundation, which will begin to establish children's libraries and learning centers around Kenya.  I will announce a special Christmas promotion when I will ask you to buy an educational toy or book for the children (ages 8 and under) and send it me.  I will then transport them over and set up three such centers next year.  Watch this space for more information in the weeks to come of how you can buy a toy for the Kids in Kenya.  

And don't forget to give your $5 or more to The Sophia Fund.  When you see the pictures and read my report, I know you will see what a good investment it is and how much good it is doing.

418: Faith From Start To Finish

Greetings from the land of the Queen and scones and clotted cream.  I am in England and will be for another week.  I had a busy day yesterday and will be busy for the next week. You can read more about my schedule below, but right now I want to finish up our study of Esther.  You can read the previous three Memos on Esther here or you can wait to catch up when I review at the end of this Memo. Either way, let's take one last look at Esther and the purpose lessons we can learn from her life.

FAITH FROM START TO FINISH

Clarifying your purpose isn’t a matter of doing your homework or figuring out what you do best or most often.  You do have to work at finding your purpose, but it isn’t something you can identify logically.  The last point I want to make this week is that you need faith both to clarify and fulfill your purpose. You don't find your purpose in faith and then carry it out on your own. Your PurposeQuest requires faith from start to finish.

When Esther received the exhortation from Mordecai that she had come to the throne for such a time as this, she replied:

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:15-16). 

Esther knew at this point that she could not do what she had to do in her own strength; she needed supernatural help and strength to fulfill her purpose.  You need to come to the same realization.  People ask me how I write and travel as much as I do.  I respond that I do it in faith.  I determined eight years ago that I would trust God, who showed me my purpose, also to fulfill my purpose.  And like Esther, I said if I fail, I fail.  If I failed, however, I was going to fail magnificently and in faith! 

I get many letters from readers who are uptight and frustrated with their individual PurposeQuest.  I write back and tell them to relax.  God will reveal your purpose when you are ready.  Put your trust in Him and in His ability to speak—not in your ability to hear.  God wants you to fulfill your purpose even more than you do, so, armed with that understanding, trust that He will not only show it to you, but open doors like He did for Esther that will enable you to fulfill it.  People often tell me that it can’t be that simple, but I maintain that it is.

LET’S REVIEW.

So what purpose lessons have we learned from Esther and Mordecai these last three weeks?

1. Your past doesn’t prevent you from fulfilling your purpose, unless you allow it to do so. 
2. You may be taking for granted or looking past a purpose that is obvious to everyone but you.
3. God wants to build on your strengths and not your weaknesses.
4. God hasn’t forgotten you.
5. You don’t have to go looking for purpose; purpose comes looking for you.
6. Purpose puts you in the right place at the right time.
7. It requires faith both to find and fulfill your purpose.

So there you have it - our purpose profile on Esther. This week, I want you to mediate on the seven points I have listed above.  Pray over them and ask God to show you what you’re missing.  Don’t just pray, but pray in faith with pen and paper in hand, believing that the Lord will show you some new perspective that you need to be a person of purpose.  And as usual, if I can help you in any way, please let me know.  Have a great week!

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1. UK AND KENYA SCHEDULE.  You can look at my schedule for the UK (September 20-28) and Kenya (September 28-October 4) on my website under the News section.  Everything I am doing is open to the public, so come one and come all to hear the purpose doctor while you have the chance! (The Tuesday event listed on my site for the UK has been postponed.)

Also, I have a special evening presentation in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 30.  For more information, you can download the flier: Download IIE Kenya Seminar

2. THE SOPHIA FUND UPDATE:  I am so delighted that I am taking about $3200 to Kenya with me to feed our orphans and widows. What a blessing!  Thank you so much for your generous support.  I will announce a special Christmas promotion toward establishing children's libraries and reading rooms, which unbelievably are nonexistent in Kenya.

You can read my latest report on The Sophia Fund here (written about four weeks ago).  You can also read about my rationale for The Fund here (named after my late mother).

Now that the Revelation Project is complete, please consider a contribution of at least $5 toward the fund and hopefully more. You can use the "Chipin" widget on the Monday Memo site to contribute, or go directly to my website to contribute there through PayPal, or send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Make sure you let me know it is for The Sophia Fund. Don't delay; give today and make a difference in the world.

3. DAILY PROVERB: I am now posting a short daily devotional focusing on one verse every day on my blog site. If you would like to read it or subscribe to receive it, just go to my site and register there. I promise to have it updated every day.

4. FACEBOOK: My goal is to have 1,000 Facebook friends on FB by 12/31. Right now I have 630. I update my status on Facebook (you can find me by searching my email, johnstanko@att.net) every morning to include a daily verse from Proverbs and an inspirational quote. I do the same on Twitter @johnstanko. Go there to sign up and follow along.