Perfect Intentions


Shane Sanchez
What measures do you take, to live intentionally?

Everyday my prayer is to live with an intentional fervor for God. I want to live each day fighting back my human nature and seeking to please my perfect Creator.

As you probably could've guessed, I often fail miserably.

I'm not perfect, I know this, but it doesn't mean I can't strive to be.

See, I understand that no one other than God is perfect but I don't agree with not even trying perfection.

Stick with me...

I'm not saying to simply act perfect, but to live striving for perfection. The only true example we have is that of Christ. We are told almost every Sunday that we are to live in His example; how else can this happen unless we strive to be perfect.

Now the heartbreaker...

We can't do it. We'll never be perfect, but when we are brought to this reality the humbling process strengthens us. With His help we are His righteousness. We are His hands and feet. We are Him to those around us.

I can live with that. Shoot, I would be his armpit if I could. Anything in me that resembles Christ satisfies my heart.

Live intentionally today. Know that there are billions of people out there striving for perfection just like you. When you fail let Him build you back up. Live humbly and walk in righteous confidence.

At the end of the day He is still God and He still loves you.

Let's Start Now,
Shane
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Lighten Up


Shane Sanchez
Can I be transparent for a second...
I can't stand people who drive like idiots.
I can't stand people who walk slow in the mall.
I can't stand when police officers give tickets for petty nuances.
I can't stand people who let their children run around the store, restaurant, etc.
I can't stand people who think they own the world.
I can't stand that I can't stand these things...

I need help, seriously.

Jesus was hated by those who's arrogance blinded them to who is really in control. He was spit on and mocked by the "idiots" that passed by. He was forgotten by the careless...

But more devastating is that it was the ones who couldn't forgive those people that nailed him to that cross.

He had to die on the cross because of people like me. People who couldn't see the problem within themselves and instead blamed it on those around them.

He sees the true value of every human and looks past every "shortcoming" they have.

Bottom line is: I need to lighten up. Jesus loves all types of people and wants me to do the same. He wants me to love who they are and what they can become in Him. What's "annoying" to me may be crucial to him. Who am I to say that my pet peeves are more important than their way of life?

He died for them, the least I can do is get over myself.

Lighten Up,
Shane
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Commuter Conviction


Shane Sanchez
"I wish I was this excited about the Word of God".

This thought crossed my mind as I was listening to Matt Chandler preach (via podcast) this morning during my commute. This guy convicted me. The thing is, it wasn't the message that stuck out to me. Don't get me wrong, it was his Easter sermon and the message was incredible, but it was something about his delivery that really stirred me up.

The guy reads the Bible to his congregation like Mel Gibson delivered "Freedom" in Braveheart. He gets me sitting on the edge of my seat because I worry he's not going to take a breath and thus cause himself to pass out. The guy is absolutely PUMPED about God's word. He knows how important it is and can't contain the joy it has brought into his life.

We need more people like this...

Not just preachers...school teachers, students, parents, secretaries, politicians, athletes, and everyone else that has been impacted by The Message. We need all of these people to get excited about a ground breaking Word that has impacted lives for centuries.

After all, when God speaks, the world changes.

Get Pumped,
Shane
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Shane Sanchez
What is it that makes you thrive? If you are in ministry, what excites you?

I can tell you that for me, using my gifts for God pumps me up. Doing what I love and striving to be the best for His purpose makes me tick. There is nothing more exciting than discovering something that will step up the ministry I am involved in and putting that idea into action. I do not claim to know anything, shoot I've only been at this whole ministry thing for a short while, but I can tell you that so far on this journey I have learned that there is no end to creativity. The church needs creative people, it needs people who aren't afraid to think outside of the box. The unchurched world wants something that they can find enjoyable, they want a new perspective on God that will open their eyes to who he really is. He's not a billboard, a t-shirt, or a a word we throw around, He is the creator of the universe and he spent time forming each one of us with specific traits that will further the ministry of His church.

Do what you love. Get excited about His purpose again. Come up with new ideas and revolutionize the world!

Think Outside The Box,
Shane
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Love Story/Viva La Vida


Shane Sanchez
I stole this from Matthew Paul Turner's blog:


This is awesome. Creativity at it's best. God has created us to be incredible people!

-Shane
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Commitment.


Shane Sanchez

Commitment.

To some it's a scary word, to others it's the definition of life.

Today is my parents 21st wedding anniversary (wow, their old). As I get older I begin to realize how important their example is to my life. We've been through some crazy times as a family. Through all the ups and downs we've experienced, my parents have always remained committed. Sadly, this type of commitment goes against todays standard but my parents are an example of true love. I just want to commit today to thanking them for loving one another. For always supporting me and being an example of what a marriage should look like. I'm proud that they are my parents and I'm thankful that their bond is centered in Christ.

Thanks mom and dad for showing me that commitment is possible. Thanks for showing me that love is stronger than this world.

Love you guys!

-Shane
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The View From The Top


Shane Sanchez
This weekend I climbed a mountain. Yes, I am in good enough shape to do that (surprised me too).

I know that time after time we hear the metaphor of "climbing a mountain", but trust me, when you climb one you begin to understand it's true meaning.

As Heather and I began to hike up the mountain it was easy. Of course it was intimidating to look up and see what lies ahead, but none the less it a breeze.

But then we moved from the man made trail and began to climb rocks. Big giant stinking boulders. I didn't sign up for that. I thought it would be a stroll in the park, on a nice little trail, with birds chirping, and the wind cooling us off. This was a freaking mountain! It kicked our butts. Heather was about to kill me for bringing her to this place and I was trying to harbor my mental strength from baseball and just keep pushing through. I knew that if we made it to the top we would forget it all and our journey would be worth it.

Well, we reached the top and let me tell you, it was worth it. The view was breathtaking. I've grown up here and never had the chance to see where I live (if that makes sense). What an incredible perspective. In that moment I knew exactly why people hike up mountains. I knew that the struggle to reach the summit was just to help us appreciate the view once we arrived.

I think life and ministry are very much the same. Some people persist and get to enjoy the blessings God has for them and others choose to run back down "the mountain" of life and return to what's easy.

How will you live your life? Will you push through the spiritual challenges and temptations? Do you care enough about others to help them to the top?

Climb your mountains, don't look down, and never, ever give up!

The view from the top is worth the struggle to reach it.

Push Yourself,
Shane
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Consume Us Lord...


Shane Sanchez
What is at the essence of true worship?

Is is great music, raised hands, tears flowing down faces, eager people? What defines true worship?

I know for me, when I break away from the music, the lights, the videos in the background; and simply tell God exactly what He means to me, I connect. I don't just get lost in His presence, I get taken away by His love. I feel like I have left everything that surrounds me and been swept up and carried in His thrown room. His love surrounds me and frees me from myself. This world can't handle true worship. It can't contain the connection between our heart and His.

I encourage you, no matter where you are in life, to worship with everything you've got. Tell him how much He is capable of in your life and in our world. Let Him know how much you love him and watch Him speak those words back to you.

There is nothing like it...

-Shane
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A Revolution


Shane Sanchez
We had an incredible night at Phoenix First yesterday. Our student ministry 360º was given to opportunity to run Sunday After Dark and it was incredible. For the first time in a long time, I felt a bond between a youth ministry and an entire church.
So many times I think the youth ministry separates from the church as a whole and I am so happy to be able to say that we are uniting. The vision of our leaders is to unite and "awaken" a generation (via Pastor Jason's sermon). That vision is one that, last night, ran throughout the entire church. It was one of the best feelings in the world to see that, from young to old, everyone wanted God to move in our student ministries. Behind the battle cry of Pastor Barnett, the entire congregation seemed to rally behind us and take on the trouble our students are facing. This unity is remarkable and it is my prayer that churches across the globe understand that our students are the NOW generation. That as we move towards the future of our world, the young people have to be a priority. We need the support of everyone that has gone before us, so that life will change for those after us. God is using students and the faster they feel support, the faster God revives this world.
Thank you Phoenix First and everyone involved in making 360º a place of unity. I am so thankful to be a part of what God is doing and can't hold back my excitement. I'm thankful that you all have welcomed me with open arms and I can't wait to see this generation change the world.

WE can do all things through Him...

-Shane
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