Hello All,
First things first, there is no update on our visa situation. Please continue to pray that the Lord's will would be done regarding the visas for Lela and the children. We have been keeping ourselves busy, though the middle of the day can sometimes be a little long. That being said, we are doing our best to redeem the time that the Lord has seen fit to give to us.
However, that still does not allow us to re-enter fully into what is our call. We are not presently able to do that which God has called us to do. In the interim, time and distance keep us from our mission. Even so, the goal of reaching the Spanish people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ must remain the priority in our minds.
This post actually came to my mind as a result of a provocative series of events, culminating in a conversation I had with a friend yesterday at the gym. Since I have been home, I have become very cognizant of various movements within Christianity here at home. Some people on this side have been converting Christians to their theological bents. On this side, there is a group emerging that wants to cast off old traditional models of worship. And in between are billions of Christians being tugged at and attracted by both sides, almost competing for souls.
I admit to being stirred in my Spirit, both to righteous (and sometimes "not-so-righteous") indignation and jealousy. Anger at anyone who would attempt to derail someone's faith and jealousy at wanting to be part of the most hip, most cool church of the moment.
I staggered at both of these thoughts until I recalled the words of Jesus to the Apostle Peter in the gospel of John. The time is post resurrection, the location is the sea of Galilee, and the occasion is the restoration of Peter to ministry. It's the famous, "Feed and Tend My Sheep" speech. But then, Jesus goes on to tell Peter that he will die in a way that would bring glory to God. It's at this moment when Peter asks a question, not about himself, but about John, the beloved disciple.
John 21:21 : "Peter, seeing him (John), said to Jesus, 'But Lord, what about this man?'"
I note that he put his eyes upon John, his fellow disciple. Something in us always wants to see if what the other guy is doing is better or greater. Some commentators see this as a desire to work together in friendship. Perhaps. I have always, because of the response of the Lord, believed with the other set of commentators, who see this in the light of a competitive spirit. "Well, what's he going to do for you since I am going to be doing this!" Really there is no way to tell. The important thing is what Jesus says to Peter next.
John 21:22 : "Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? YOU FOLLOW ME.'" (Emphasis mine)
If that church or group of churches will never relent and always attempt to win converts to their cause, what is that to you? You follow me! If that church is attracting a young age group of the disenfranchised and disillusioned, what is that to you? You follow me!
There is so much freedom in this line of thought. I can only be what God has created me to be. I can waste my time wishing I was somebody else, or even wishing that somebody else did not exist, but everytime that I succumb to this, I lose sight of my goal, my call. When my eyes turn to the other disciple, I lose sight of the Lord whom we are both called to follow!
God is calling you to a life of significance. If you have not found your call, pray today, get it soon and follow the Lord in it with all your being! Turn neither to the right or to the left. Be single-minded.
On a final note, please be praying as we head to Calvary Laguna tonight to minister. Pray the Lord's annointing on us as we share the vision that the Lord has given us.
Blessings To The Friends Of Spain,
Frank Sanchez
First things first, there is no update on our visa situation. Please continue to pray that the Lord's will would be done regarding the visas for Lela and the children. We have been keeping ourselves busy, though the middle of the day can sometimes be a little long. That being said, we are doing our best to redeem the time that the Lord has seen fit to give to us.
However, that still does not allow us to re-enter fully into what is our call. We are not presently able to do that which God has called us to do. In the interim, time and distance keep us from our mission. Even so, the goal of reaching the Spanish people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ must remain the priority in our minds.
This post actually came to my mind as a result of a provocative series of events, culminating in a conversation I had with a friend yesterday at the gym. Since I have been home, I have become very cognizant of various movements within Christianity here at home. Some people on this side have been converting Christians to their theological bents. On this side, there is a group emerging that wants to cast off old traditional models of worship. And in between are billions of Christians being tugged at and attracted by both sides, almost competing for souls.
I admit to being stirred in my Spirit, both to righteous (and sometimes "not-so-righteous") indignation and jealousy. Anger at anyone who would attempt to derail someone's faith and jealousy at wanting to be part of the most hip, most cool church of the moment.
I staggered at both of these thoughts until I recalled the words of Jesus to the Apostle Peter in the gospel of John. The time is post resurrection, the location is the sea of Galilee, and the occasion is the restoration of Peter to ministry. It's the famous, "Feed and Tend My Sheep" speech. But then, Jesus goes on to tell Peter that he will die in a way that would bring glory to God. It's at this moment when Peter asks a question, not about himself, but about John, the beloved disciple.
John 21:21 : "Peter, seeing him (John), said to Jesus, 'But Lord, what about this man?'"
I note that he put his eyes upon John, his fellow disciple. Something in us always wants to see if what the other guy is doing is better or greater. Some commentators see this as a desire to work together in friendship. Perhaps. I have always, because of the response of the Lord, believed with the other set of commentators, who see this in the light of a competitive spirit. "Well, what's he going to do for you since I am going to be doing this!" Really there is no way to tell. The important thing is what Jesus says to Peter next.
John 21:22 : "Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? YOU FOLLOW ME.'" (Emphasis mine)
If that church or group of churches will never relent and always attempt to win converts to their cause, what is that to you? You follow me! If that church is attracting a young age group of the disenfranchised and disillusioned, what is that to you? You follow me!
There is so much freedom in this line of thought. I can only be what God has created me to be. I can waste my time wishing I was somebody else, or even wishing that somebody else did not exist, but everytime that I succumb to this, I lose sight of my goal, my call. When my eyes turn to the other disciple, I lose sight of the Lord whom we are both called to follow!
God is calling you to a life of significance. If you have not found your call, pray today, get it soon and follow the Lord in it with all your being! Turn neither to the right or to the left. Be single-minded.
On a final note, please be praying as we head to Calvary Laguna tonight to minister. Pray the Lord's annointing on us as we share the vision that the Lord has given us.
Blessings To The Friends Of Spain,
Frank Sanchez
2 comments:
Wow Frank, another great and stirring post! How did it go in Laguna last night? :)
Hey Brad,
Thanks for the kudos. I was just about to post about it...when I saw there was a comment! Quickly here, it was really a good night. Ya gotta love those toll roads ;)
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