I Live For...Who?


Shane Sanchez
"I live for You"

We sing this in our worship songs, we pray these words, we even declare them in front of other people. But how often do we really "live for God"?

I honestly feel like this simple yet world changing phrase is diving to a whole different level of understanding in my own life. I believe that as Christians, this is the statement we just don't fully grasp. When we accept salvation we don't just receive a "Been Forgiven" stamp on our foreheads and get sent back into the world. We "give our lives to Christ". Literally we are telling God that everything we are belongs to Him. That in our actions, words, lifestyles, and influence we will strive to please God. We commit to His purpose like the disciples did so many years ago. We are saying that our life purpose now moves from our will to His.

We are committing that through pain, struggles, weakness, and even death we are devoted to Him.

I want to live my life this way.

After all it's not my life anymore, but the life He has always wanted me to have.

What does it mean to give your life to Christ?

Live Devoted,
Shane

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This Doesn't Happen...


Shane Sanchez
I have always wondered why God doesn't speak to me the way I want Him to. I want tongues of fire, a loud booming voice from heaven, the arch Angel would even work too. To my disarray all of those have yet to happen. My expectations lead me to ask why I even want that in the first place.

I feel that when I focus on wanting the preacher to have a "word" specifically for me or waiting for someone to "share what's on their heart" I take my eyes and ears off of God. I am starting to believe that He speaks to us in the exact opposite way that we expect. It seems like when we put our attention on someone anticipating them to speak a word, God is speaking in the most subtle ways.

I have wanted one of those moments so bad for the majority of my Walk and today I finally received it. Both in the form of someone sharing a word and in someone encouraging me. The thing is, in contrary to normality, I didn't expect it. It was one of the few times I can remember where I wasn't hoping for God to be so direct. I would have rather He ignored me and got back to me later. Instead He gave me the opposite. He knew how He could grab my attention and bring it back to Him.

This experience has challenged me to expect the unexpected. To let God speak to me the way He wants to instead of how I think would work best.

After all He's God and I'm Shane. Who am I to question how He wants to talk?

Shut Up and Listen,
Shane
1 comments

"How Are You Going to Change The World"


Shane Sanchez
I am pluggin another blog today. Head to i-heart.org and see what this Non-profit out of Hillsong Church is doing to revamp the world:

Hello vast I-HEART community!

We hope you’re each personally doing really well… as for us – we’re falling off out seats with anticipation with both our website and doco being released in what seems like no time at all… We trust you’ve been watching this blog ‘IN THE MEANTIME’...? Hope so. There’s no doubt that with hearts as one, when we’re all in this together, we can really change the world.

Just titles?? – I think not.

SO >> We thought we’d ask you the question >>

How are you going to change the world?

Because when we all do our bit, all our bits add up to something BIG. And that’s I-HEART. It’s a movement that’s happening right now; My bit + your bit + their bit.

Call this email request what you will… an experiment maybe… and we’re all scientists… but WE WANT TO KNOW – and we want to make BIG news of it -- How are you going to change the world? Take a photo of yourself – with your answer written on aa piece of A4 – nice and clear – and email it to us! Simple.

It could be anything from “show love”... or... “forgive my aunt” to “start an organisation that rescues child soldiers”... or... “feed the homeless”… Whatever rings true for you. And that’s the thing – It’s all of us all doing our own part – no matter what the size… Each of our parts matter more than we could possibly know.

With these photos we’re going to inspire each other through this blog and in a few weeks we’re going to make a BIG installation to make a BIG statement on what is possible when we all work together…

You’ll also be in the running to feature on our I-HEART screen savers and such to be released later this year… + we think they wouldn’t be the same without you.

Just email your pic* to thepeople@i-heart.org with your first name and country by July 1st – But the sooner the better really.

We truly can’t wait to see all your faces,
Karla @ I-HEART

This is something that "I Heart Revolution" out of Hillsong Church has been doing for the past week or so. Check out their blog and see some of the incredible pictures they've received. I wanted to share this because I simply love what they are doing. We are ONE Church, ONE people, with ONE purpose: impacting this world for Jesus Christ. Check out what some people are doing to make this happen.


Me, I'm in the process of sending mine. Keep checking their blog and see if it goes up.


Revamp Your World,

Shane


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La Vida


Shane Sanchez
Have you realized how fun it is to be alive.

I know that if you are going through a tough time you may struggle with this concept.

Think about it though...

We get to walk this giant ball of mass that is floating in the middle of a galaxy in the middle of the universe. The funny part is, that's just part of everyday life. We get to enjoy the talents of others and experience new situations every day. We are constantly changing, growing, and learning; whether we think we are or not. We get to enjoy nature which returns the favor by giving us the essentials for life. We get to interact with different personalities everyday. Some we like, some we don't, but all are completely unique. Not a single one of us is a carbon copy of someone else. We are all individuals that make up the human race.

All this and we haven't even began to talk about God yet. He made all of this and delights in what we do.

We have incredible lives. In tough times times focus on the little things. The air, the creativity of humans, and the God who took the time to make it all.

Revamp You World,
Shane
1 comments

Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!


Shane Sanchez
Remember the old playground tale "blah and blah sitting in a tree k.i.s.s.i.n.g., first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage." I know, I know that sounds a little out of date. That's because it is...

According to the National Center for Health Statistics:

"Nearly half (45%) of the 6.4 million pregnancies in 2004 occurred among unmarried women, so the typical "unwed mother" is no longer a teen but, in fact, an older woman."

This bothers me and hopefully you too.

Why can't this be fixed. Why can't men be men and be responsible for their choices. Marry the woman they conceived with and raise their child. Why can't woman learn to say no? Why can't they see themselves as Gods beautiful creation meant only for the one they marry? (Now, I know that in cases of sexual abuse the situation is obviously different)

We can all be the catalyst in the change of this statistic. Men can be responsible men, woman can be woman of self confidence, and we can all get back to our playground values.

After all...

"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage."

Revamp Statistics,
Shane
6 comments

I Can Relate


Shane Sanchez
Story of my life...


Now go, take that and apply it to life. I don't know how (I really just wanted you to laugh), but somehow, find substance.

Stupid Toy Guitars,
Shane
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WWJHD?


Shane Sanchez
Something is bothering me...

I just can't let it go...

I feel like I made a nagging mistake and it really wasn't that big of a deal.

Or was it?

Ok, I went to the coffee shop late last night after service and I ran into my entire graduating class (literally, ok not literally, only like 795 people in the figurative). I ran into a couple girls that I had known for the majority of my life and a group of guys that I had known for a long time as well.

The girls and I just small talked, but the guys were different.

We started talking about life, where it was headed and where it had been. It was a great conversation but I really had work to do so there wasn't much time. They asked me to have a seat with them but I quickly turned it down letting them know that "I have some stuff I really need to work on".

What my "stuff" really that important?

Of course it was! I didn't lie to them, but I think that my choice to walk away was a HUGE mistake. It's sounds über cliché (I don't even know if I'm allowed to use those words together) but I couldn't stop thinking "what would Jesus have done?". It haunted me! I almost stopped working at my table at least 5 times because I was drawn to their table.

They opened up the door for me to have a chance to connect. These were people that mean a lot to me. People who's futures I care about and for some reason I eluded that chance. It would have been easy to toss it off as a "maybe next time" situation, but what if there isn't a next time. What if this was my shot to connect and let them know that the Shane they knew in High School and the Shane that has an intimate relationship with Christ are different people.

I hope that you take advantage of opportunities. That your busy agenda never gets in the way of people.

If you guys are reading this and I didn't sit with you, I owe you a coffee.

Maybe It's Just Me,
Shane
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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
1 comments

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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