Greetings from Nairobi, Kenya. I arrived with a team on Friday night and all is well so far, and the team is acclimated to their home away from home. I wasn't sure if I would do a Memo this week, but I woke up early before we leave for the Mara, so I concluded I am supposed to write. And since the Monday Memo turns thirteen years old this week, I thought I would write an anniversary special.
One time here in Kenya 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 terrified, 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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KENYA: I am in Kenya for another week. You can read my latest update on my personal blog, or read and subscribe to my travel blog updates. Either way I ask you to follow along, and then pray and give as God directs you. The attached picture is of Phyllis, one of the orphans we help here in Kenya. You can still give to help Phyllis and children like her through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh PA, 15221-0882. Thank you for your generous support.
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