Monday Memo 305: Ask What?

I am writing this from a cruise ship by the name of Oosterdam, sailing someplace between Seattle and Alaska. I left yesterday on the Michael W. Smith cruise and today is our day at sea. This is my eighth Alaskan cruise and I always enjoy the scenery, not to mention the food. I am thinking of hosting my own Alaskan cruise in 2008. If you would be interested in coming along, drop me an email and let me know.

Yesterday, I was reflecting on my being here and formulating some questions for the week. These will be things I am asking the Lord while I am onboard. One of the things is to understand how Michael W. effectively uses his website. I won't share with you what the others are, for they are personal. I think we are to seek the Lord and part of seeking Him is asking questions that only He can answer. So let's talk about that this week.

QUALITY QUESTIONS

I think I first heard Tony Robbins say, "Quality questions lead to a quality life." I totally agree. What's more, when you ask quality questions, you get quality answers, answers that will help you lead the kind of life that satisfies you and glorifies God. Yet, most people aren't asking quality questions, or they don't hold those questions until they get the answers. That is how I would define seeking the Lord: Asking good questions, the answers to which will benefit you and other people.

Many people who encountered Jesus on His earthly visit asked Him useless questions. I know that many did not realize that they were talking with God when they talked with Him. Most knew, however, that they were talking with a prophet at most or an effective rabbi at least. Yet they used their audience with Him as a time to ask trivial questions. I know people today who do the same. What were some of these trivial questions.

In Matthew 15, the Pharisees wanted to know why Jesus didn't wash His hands like the elders, giving them a thorough scrubbing up the elbow, like a modern-day surgeon. In Mark 11, the leaders wanted to know by what authority Jesus did the things He did. They weren't interested in how He healed or why they could not. They wanted to ask God self-serving and self-seeking questions. They had a golden opportunity and wasted it.

ASK WHAT?

Yet there was one man who asked a good question in Mark 12. He asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment and Jesus answered him. When the man responded with integrity and insight, Jesus promised the man that he wasn't far from God's kingdom. Jesus was so enthused by the man's question and response that He went on to delight the crowd with insight into Psalm 110. I guess that proves it's possible to get God excited with a good question, one that will elicit more and more godly insight.

So what are you currently asking the Lord? What insight are you seeking? What answers do you need so desperately that you will spend time and effort obtaining those answers?

In my opinion, one of those questions should be: "What is my purpose?" Once you clarify that, your second question should be, "How do You want me to express or fulfill it?" Don't just ask those questions once or twice. Keep asking until you get answers. Then get busy doing ordering your life so that you can apply the answers.

I have my journal out to hear the answers to my questions I am asking this week. As I watch snow-capped mountains and glaciers go by, I will be asking God why I am here and what He wants from me. You may not be on the ship with me this week, but you can be asking meaningful questions because you have access to God. Don't waste time this week asking God meaningless things, and by all means don't have any questions at all. When you ask, ask for significant insight and be ready for significant answers. Those answers in turn will make you a significant person. As you ask, I pray that you will have a great week. I know I will.

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

***************************************************************************************************

I released my new book, Beyond Purpose, last week. The cost of my new book is $15 US. If you order in July, I'll pay the domestic shipping or give you a $3 US credit toward international shipping. You can use PayPal to pay for your book. Just use my email address, [email protected], and they will notify me when your payment is in my account. Just include your address with the payment and we'll get your book(s) out to you right away.

If you can't use PayPal, then send me an email and we'll work something out, but order today.

Speaking of money and payments, every now and then I like to remind you that I live by faith. I send out thousands of Memos and weekly Bible studies free of charge and I enjoy doing it. If you have been blessed by my purpose message or work, however, would you consider a contribution at this time. You can go to my website and donate using PayPal, or you can send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA, 15221 USA. Just think of your donation that will help make my schooling possible. Thank you for considering my request.

Comments

[Rob Moritz]

Hi John!
Sounds like a great time, and I hope you have a terrific cruise.

John, unlike your trips to Africa, a cruise to Alaska sounds like an ideal opportunity to take your wife with you on an event. Did she get to come with you?

My wife Danielle has been wondering why your wife is rarely mentioned in your blogs, and how she copes with your being gone most of the time. I've told her what a great guy you are, but she continues to be concerned about the welfare of your wife. There may be other women wondering the same. If you like, feel free to share something on your blog or you can reach her through my email address.

We did Alaska a couple years ago with Princess, and agree that it's a truly enjoyable cruise. Have a wonderful week! Rob

[tony]

Hi Dr J,
Im glad you are having a wonderful time over at the Oosterdam. Your ministry has spoken into my situations so many times, and my determination for living a life that counts has only increased everytime I read your articles. A few weeks ago I believe the Lord led me to apply for a job at an International airline as my next mission field since He has called me to missionary work. My only problem is that the job is very well paying in my standards and I have been afraid that such an assignment would be too good to be true from the Lord for me. I had no idea how I doubted His goodness till this opportunity arose. I have been fasting for 3 weeks now and I dont know where to let God now because the airline is calling successful applicants for interviews starting this week. Please pray with me and guide in whichever way you can because I really feel this is a calling from the Lord. Thanks and God bless you.

[Wadzie]

Hi Dr John

This memo was awesome,it ministered to me on a very personal level but I have just one Question at times when I'm being upfront with God through asking him Questions I vent out a lot of (real) emotions....is it okay to to that.Its only yesterday that I was crying and saying to God I was frustrated about a situation. Is it okay to do that?