The Monday Memo from John Stanko

Memo 1004: Up To, Then Through

You know the story of how the Lord parted the Red Sea so Israel could pass through, and then caused the waters to return to normal. When they did, the Egyptians who were in pursuit all drowned. Let's review what happened right before the Sea parted to learn from them to help us unlock the power of our faith. We read in Exodus 14:10,

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.

The people were terrified because the Sea was in front of them and their enemy was behind them. They were trapped and there was no means of escape—or so they thought. It was then that the Lord told them to move on, promising His help as they went but not before.

UP TO

Moses was the leader, so he encouraged the people not to fear but to have faith:

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:13-14).

Then Moses must have gone to the Lord in prayer, but you may be surprised at how the Lord responded:

"Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground" (Exodus 14:15-16).

The Lord told Moses to be quiet and have the people move on because He was going to part the sea and they would pass through on dry ground. That meant there would be no mud or debris, for when the Lord moves on behalf of His people, He does not do so in part, but fully and completely.

So now, the people had to move on toward a body of water they could not cross. The Lord did not part the water and then they moved on. They moved on and then the Lord fulfilled His promise. They had to go as far as they could go in their own ability and then God did what only God could do for them.

THEN THROUGH

Has anyone ever told you to give your situation to the Lord? They meant that you should trust Him and stop fretting. Perhaps you thought that was easy for them to say because they were not facing what was in front of you. Yet, that is exactly what the Lord told Israel: "Give me this situation. You move on to the sea and when you get there, you will be able to cross it. Trust Me." Why didn't Israel trust? For the same reason you don't—they were terrified. Why don't you quit your miserable job that causes you so much grief? You are terrified. Even though God has always provided, even though He promises to continue to do so, you cry out to your leaders (government, church, or business) that "they" need to do something for you because you feel trapped.

The same holds true for why you don't write, create, travel, start your own company or ministry, or go back to school. You want the sea to part before you and then maybe you will move through. God is saying, "Stop crying out to me and move on. Raise your hand against the obstacle in front of you and I promise the mountain (or the sea) will be removed or part as you go—but not before."

God is a compassionate God, but like any good Father, at times He does not pity His children. Instead, He urges them to grow up and act appropriately according to what they have learned. That may be God's message to you as you cry out to Him. He loves and cares for you but wants you to learn how to unlock the power of your faith as you follow His commands. This week, it's time to stop looking at your sea and complaining about it. Instead, it's time for you to move toward what you fear and trust God will meet you when get up to it, but not a minute before you do. Have a blessed week!

Memo 1003: A Prophet in the House

Last week, we saw how God sent Elijah to a widow to save her and her son in the midst of a drought.Then we read that hard times returned to the widow's world:

Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?” “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!” The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived. Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!” Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth" (1 Kings 17:17-24).

This is the first record of anyone being brought back from the dead in the Bible. Let's look at the story more closely to see what it can teach us about unlocking the power of our faith.

THERE'S A PROPHET IN THE HOUSE

Elijah continued living in the woman's home and was also fed from the woman's endless supply of flour and oil. Perhaps he was teaching the woman and her family the ways of God and the woman began to think that his presence was going to chase away sorrow and bring her nothing but blessing. When I met the Lord, i had a strange idea that I would never have car trouble again. I assumed God's presence in my life would ward off all such troubles and suffering. I was wrong and you are also wrong if you think that faith is the means to avoid pain and sorrow—that somehow faith is your room service bell that summons God's presence to meet your every need.

Then when her son stopped breathing, the woman reacted in two ways. First, she blamed Elijah and then she expressed guilt that some past sin had caused her son's death. Like the disciples who forgot that Jesus had multiplied the loaves and fish, this woman forgot the miracle of the flour and oil and went on the attack to assign blame. Instead of thinking, "God helped me one, He can help me again," she assumed the worst that her son was gone. Why would God have spared his life during the famine only to take his life in the provision? It didn't make sense, but she wasn't thinking logically.

THE PROPHET'S PRAYER

It is evident that even Elijah expected his presence to bring only good and not harm to the woman, for he boldly asked God, "Have you brought tragedy even on this widow?" In a sense, however, it was an audacious prayer of faith, reminding God that He was the one who sent Elijah to save the boy. There have been times when I have poured my heart out to the Lord and reminded Him, in no uncertain terms, that He had given me work to do and I needed help, the kind of help only He could provide but did not seem willing to give. God is not a fragile, timid, or sensitive God who is easily offended when you are direct and honest with Him. That is not a sign of unbelief or disrespect, but the epitome of faith—trusting Him to sort it all out at that moment because you cannot.

I have no idea why Elijah stretched himself out on top of the boy three times. My only thought is that it was symbolic of the intensity of his prayer in which the prophet invested his entire being. Once again, we see that God was not disturbed in the least but heard the prophet's prayer and restored the boy's life. Then Elijah stated the obvious to the woman that her son was alive, which was something similar to what Jesus said to His disciples, "O ye of little faith." Then the woman made another declaration that God was revealing Himself through her prophetic house guest.

What are the lessons for us? First, faith is no guarantee that suffering will no longer be part of our lives. Second, learning about God is not a secret potion that guarantees all will go as we would like. Third, we can be honest with God about our doubts and still have faith, Four, we can and should boldly go before the throne of grace to remind God of His promises. Five, we must sometimes be persistent in prayer when we are facing circumstances that are contrary to the promises of God. If you want to unlock the power of your faith, you must be ready to apply it to the uncertainties of life, realizing there are no guarantees apart from God's goodness and love. Have a blessed week!

Memo 1002: Pessimism

A few weeks ago, we looked at a story about Elisha and a widow in debt. Let's go back and look at another story this time involving Elisha's mentor, Elijah, and his encounter with a needy widow:

Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’” So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days.The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah (1 Kings 17:8-16 NKJV).

What can we learn from this story to help us unlock the power of our faith? Let's find out.

PESSIMISM

The widow in this story was at the end of her rope, so to speak. She was poor, had little in the house, and her regions was in the grip of famine and drought. In response to all that, she was planning one last meal and then they would die. She had no hope and was going to act out the end result of the hopelessness she had already plotted in her mind. Fortunately, God interrupted her pessimism through His prophet. It can be difficult not to be pessimistic when you assess what you don't have and then assume the future will always be like it is today, just like this widow had done. That is the reason God directs us to stay in the moment of today and not include a lot of tomorrows in our daily assessment: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).

God interrupted her pessimistic forecast through the prophet's audacious request that the widow give him some of her bread and water that comprised her last supper. When she responded that she was out gathering some sticks to prepare that last repast, the prophet gave her important advice that put the spotlight on her pessimism and gloomy forecast: "Do not fear." It is easy to assume that the opposite of faith is unbelief, but that's not the case. The opposite is fear. This woman was terrified that her family's lives were over so she prepared for the worst. Elijah gave her a different strategy, but it could only be carried out once she dealt with her fear.

YOUR FEARS

The same is true for you. Until you face your fear, you cannot flow in faith. If you are afraid you have the last job in the universe and there is no way God can give you another, you will stay in an abusive, draining situation. If you are convinced the income you have is all you will have or the only way God can provide, you will only give what you can see your way clear to give once the bills are paid. If you have talked yourself into the fact that you "don't travel well," then you will be afraid to get on a plane and go where God has put in your heart to go. If you don't see yourself as God does, you will be afraid to step up and out to express your purpose or creativity. In other words, you fears are the mental pollution that stifles your faith.

I'm sure you are familiar with what Paul wrote Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." You have quoted that verse and you believe it in its potential, but perhaps not in its personal application for your life. The preceding verse says this: "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands" (verse 6). Paul wrote about fear in the context of your gift, so therefore the fear he was referring to is most applicable to your faith walk as you identify, develop, and express your gift(s) from God.

Where have you been pessimistic about your future because you see yourself the same there as you are today? You are acting like the widow, perhaps not expressing it to others, but it manifests in your lack of bold goals and dynamic plans for your future. Where do you see yourself as in possession of only a few sticks that will not enable you to "cook" much more than what you can muster for you and your immediate family—rather than a multitude of other needy folks who need what you have? If you are going to unlock the power of your faith, you must learn to address and overcome your fears. God will send you your Elijah to help you do that, but you must show through some basic faith steps that you are willing to address your fears to function in faith (the only way to please God). Once you do your part, God will do His, and help you confront your pessimism so you can replace it with His optimism. Have a blessed week.

Memo 1001: Natural Problem, Supernatural Solution

As we continue our series on how to unlock the power of your faith, let's go back to the Old Testament and consider another story from the life of Elisha. Two weeks ago, we saw him help a widow pay off her debt. This week, we see him use his faith to help one of his colleagues solve a problem.

FLOATING AX HEAD

The story we want to look at is in 2 Kings 6:

One day the prophets said to Elisha, “The place where we meet with you is too small. Why don’t we build a new meeting place near the Jordan River? Each of us could get some wood, then we could build it.” “That’s a good idea,” Elisha replied,”get started.” “Aren’t you going with us?” one of the prophets asked. “Yes, I’ll go,” Elisha answered, and he left with them.

They went to the Jordan River and began chopping down trees. While one of the prophets was working, his ax head fell off and dropped into the water. “Oh!” he shouted. “Sir, I borrowed this ax.” “Where did it fall in?” Elisha asked. The prophet pointed to the place, and Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. The ax head floated to the top of the water. “Now get it,” Elisha told him. And the prophet reached in and grabbed it (1 Kings 6:1-7, CEV).

Elisha's colleague was obligated to replace this ax head since it was borrowed, but I am getting ahead of myself. Let's look at some of the faith highlights from this unusual story.

1. Elisha was open to the ideas of others. The prophets were confident they could build a new meeting facility and Elisha endorsed the idea. Elisha did not have to be the one in charge.
2. Elisha was right there with his team. His fellow prophets wanted Elisha along and he obliged, staying close to the work. When there was a problem, he was within shouting distance of what was going on.
   
3. Elisha came up with a faith solution. Elisha did not dive into the water and he didn't order the one who lost the tool to go in either. He didn't run from the problem. He simply asked, "Where's the problem?" That was his faith focus. He did not deny reality or pray. Elisha acted in faith.
4. Elisha saw a solution that did not seem connected to the problem. This stick solution was not the answer to every ax head problem. It was a creative response to that particular situation. Elisha did not start "Ax Head Ministries" or sponsor "Stick in Water Solutions."
5. Elisha involved his colleague in the solution. Elisha did not get the ax head for the prophet, but told him to get it for himself.

FAITH LESSONS

Here are some thoughts to help you apply this story to your own faith walk.

1. Look beyond the problem. If you have lost something made of iron in water, it's usually lost unless you dive in to retrieve it—if you can even find it. Yet Elisha's faith allowed him to find a supernatural solution that went beyond a natural explanation. What faith solution would God like to give you if you are open to it? You may have to give to get, or serve to be promoted, or go low before God will take you high.
2. The more eyes, the better. The prophet did not hesitate to call on someone he thought could help him. It is important to include others when looking for a faith solution, but only those who have eyes of faith.
3. It seems that wood is always helpful. In Exodus 15:22-26, the people complained about bitter water, but when Moses threw in a piece of wood, the waters became sweet. The wood of Christ's cross has made a way for you to God, which means His cross can make the bitter sweet or the heavy float. Take your problems to Him.
4. You are going to get dirty and wet. The prophets had to build their new shelter and school and when there was a problem, Elisha did not get the ax head for his fellow prophet. He had to do that for himself. There are no faith shortcuts or substitute stand-ins. You have to involve yourself through faith actions to make faith progress.

What other lessons can you see and learn from this story? Feel free to share them where this entry is posted. In the meantime, if you are going to unlock the power of your faith, you must look beyond the problem to the God of the solution and act with faith in His ability to do the impossible. Have a blessed week!

Memo 1000: Weekly Faith

This is it! The millesimal edition of the Monday Memo is before your very eyes. I looked up a synonym or adjective for 1,000 and found millenarian, chiliastic, chiliad, and millenial but I chose millesimal because I had never used or seen that word before. I thought it appropriate to commemorate this event with a new word after using at least a million words since 2001 when I began writing the Memo. Since the current series theme of the Memo is Unlocking the Power of Your Faith, let me share my faith lessons this week from producing and publishing 1,000 Memos.

THE BACKGROUND

In 2001, I had made a significant ministry transition that caused me to start over at the age of 51. I had three books, the purpose message, a mound of debt, and few friends or ministry contacts. Websites were new back then and I wanted to start one, but I had heard that most sites got few visitors after the initial visits to check it out. I didn't want that and was asking the Lord what I could do to direct more people to the site without selling something (which was still no guarantee they would want to visit the site to learn).

What's more, over the years I had heard many people say to me, "We love your purpose message, but we need to hear more from you. One sermon or workshop is not enough." So how could I allow people who were interested to hear from me more often and how could I utilize my website more effectively? Those were the two questions I put before the Lord.

From there, I had an idea to write an email newsletter and send it out to interested parties. The problem was I had no one to talk to and no idea how to launch or sustain it. In March of 2001, I spoke at a conference in Ohio and during my workshop session I asked anyone if they would like to hear from me on a weekly basis and, if so, to please give me their email address. If I remember correctly, eight people signed up. I then entered their addresses into Outlook and went off to England where I wrote the first Monday Memo. People in England gave me their emails and started to share with their friends and I would keep adding their names to my email distribution list. Then I would write the Memo, copy and paste the Memo into multiple lists (eventually around 75), and send it out.

As the list grew, I had to keep separate group lists by entering every email myself and taking people off when they were no longer interested. By 2006, the Memo had grown to about 18,000 readers, which was great, but my Outlook eventually collapsed and I transitioned the Memo to a blog format where people could subscribe or unsubscribe without my involvement (I estimate over the years I have entered at least 20,000 names and emails myself to ensure people would be registered and receive).

MEMO LESSONS

That's the history of the Memo but here is some of what I learned.

1. I wondered how long I could sustain the Memo when I started. Yet every Sunday when I would sit down to write, the Lord would meet me at the computer. There were some weeks I wrote it in my head during the week but other weeks I had no idea what I was going to write until I started typing. It didn't' matter; every week, the Lord was there.
2. I am not sure if the Memo helped drive traffic to my website, but the Memo was a pioneer of sorts, for in 2001, there were not many like it. I learned that God had given me the ability to innovate and pioneer new things,
3. I have converted the Memos into nine books with two more in the works, including the theme for this series. God taught me how to use one project and find multiple uses, thus working more effectively for Him.
4. Every week, I focused on topics I felt would equip people for purposeful living. I never asked for anything but gave the Memos away (which means I have distributed millions of Memos over the years). I knew some would read, some would not, but I would pop up before them every week to remind them about their purpose and creativity. The rest was up to them.
5. Because I produced something that was consistent with relevant content, I developed relationships with people I had never met and maintained relationships with those I knew. There were no strings attached except that I was helping the readers. That meant I had to become a better writer if I was going to stay helpful and part of people's lives.
6. I have learned that the Memos I thought were really good didn't always get much attention or feedback, but the ones I almost didn't send out because I wasn't pleased with them were the ones the Lord often used the most. It's not about me or my preferences, but about Him and the needs of the people. I learned to hit the send button and allow God and the reader to be the ultimate evaluators of my work.

I could could go on and on, but let me say what a joy these Memos have been to write. I don't have near the readers I once had for there are now a lot more choices online for people to access and read. I had often said I would write until I hit number 1,000 and then stop, but I have changed my mind. It's not as important to me now of who or how many read them; I am writing them for what they do to and for me. They give me a weekly chance to see the Lord move in my life and give me something He can use to impact and equip others. The Monday Memo has unlocked the power of my faith and given me confidence in ministry I did not have. Now, it's hard to imagine it not being part of my faith walk with Him. Thanks for reading and have a blessed week!