Greetings from Nairobi, Kenya. I arrived with a team on Saturday night and all is well so far, as the team gets acclimated to their home away from home for two weeks. I wasn't sure if I would do a Memo this week, but I woke up early, so I concluded I am supposed to write. And since the Monday Memo turns ten years old this week, I thought I would write an anniversary special.
Yesterday in church I spoke on the offering that David took to buld the Temple, since the church we were visiting was raising money for a new facility. Before he took the offering, David presented Solomon with the plans for the Temple: "Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement" (1 Chronicles 28:11). When David had made the presentation he explained, "'All this,I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan" (1 Chonicles 28:19).
David had received something from the Lord. He wrote it down as he understood it and then made plans to carry out what he "saw." What he said next is most intriguing, for he told Solomon: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished" (1 Chronicles 28:20).
What can you and I learn from these verses?
- When God shows you something, write it down. As someone once said, the problem with taking mental notes is that the ink fades so quickly.
- God wants you to understand what you see. What you see is not for your amusement, it is to help you fulfill your purpose and be productive.
- Once you receive it, you are to be courageous and take action! Courage is not the absence of fear, it is learning to act in the midst of it. God honors courage, since it acknowledges that you do not act alone when God is with you. Notice too that "dis-couragement" is the absence of courage!
The last point can be the toughest, for often when the Lord tells you, "Fear not!", it's too late. You are already afraid. Just because you have received something from God does not mean you won't be terrified at the prospects of doing it.
What is there in your life that has you terrifed, so much so that, even though you know it's from Him, you have not been able to take even the simplest steps to see it come to pass? I hope you will heed this warning this week to be courageous and act on it. David did that, and so did Solomon and the result was one of the greatest buildings the ancient world ever saw. The results in your life may not be that dramatic, but they will certainly be as rewarding to you and as pleasing to the Lord. Have a great week!
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: The Monday Memo turns ten years old this weekend. It has been a wonderful decade of learning and growing and thank you for sharing it with me. If you have a testimony of how the Memo has impacted your life, please send it via email or put it on the site where this entry is posted.
PURPOSE CHALLENGE: Many people have not retaken their Purpose Assessment to complete the Purpose Challenge I issued last August. If you have not taken your second Assessment yet, why not do that today. You can find it on my homepage.
MPESA: Some Kenyans have inquired how they can contribute to THE BIG GOAL I am registered for MPESA here through Safaricom, so you can write me for my cell phone number and send a contribution in that manner.
TRIP BLOG UPDATES: You can follow our work here in Kenya by going to my travel blog. You can even register to receive the updates as they are posted, or follow them on my Facebook page.
Dear John,
As you mark the 10th year anniversary of the Monday Memo, I commend you for your discipline and faithfulness. I have been receiving the Memo now for five years. I admire your tenacity in bringing us a word on purpose every week.
You have taught me that another definition for purpose is steadfastness: to keep going whether you feel like it or not.
I look forward to receiving the Monday Memo for many more years as the Lord wills. May He continue to establish the work of your hands.
Posted by: Elizabeth M | March 07, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Dear John
Thank you for the word of encouragement through courage above, even when we are discouraged and afraid. This was a timely message for me. I will move courageously encourage although currently discouraged and afraid. Vikki
Posted by: Siphiwe | March 14, 2011 at 06:38 AM
Dear John, I have been reading this e-mail for nine years and have learnt a lot from it. The latest one on encouragement finds me trying to get up and try to get all the encouragement I can. I will certainly go through the relevant scriptures and seek God for encoragement. Thanks for your messages, they have meant a lot to me in the years and happy annivesary!!! May the Lord keep you encouraged to continue doing this amazing work.Zweli
Posted by: ZM Tshuma | March 21, 2011 at 01:11 AM