The Way God Works by Jason Sanchez

Jason Sanchez, Director of House of Blessing Orphanage in Bachiniva, Chihuahua, Mexico shares the story of how God called his family to this ministry seven years ago. They went by faith in obedience to the Lord, not knowing much else at the time. Philippians 4:6-7 has become a life verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Taking encouragement from Paul’s somewhat bumpy journey described in Acts 16, Jason talks about the way God works through life’s rollercoaster experiences in ministry. You can read more about Jason and this ministry online at www.thehouseofblessing.org

QUOTES:

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.” -Jason Sanchez

“When God calls us to places, hopefully we can be a disturbance, in a good way, because God is doing something through us.” -Jason Sanchez

“There have been times in Mexico when I thought I had made the worst mistake of my life. That is the time when we need to be worshipping and praying.” -Jason Sanchez

“Even though we think God may have forsaken us, God is using those pits and valleys to mold us and shape us.” -Jason Sanchez

‘What seemed to be game-changing, life-ending, painful difficulty was only one more step to a greater and better thing that God had done.” -Jason Sanchez

Knowing your Limits by Pastor Will Torres

Pastor Wil Torres, Proclaim Church, Boynton Beach, FL talks about the importance of knowing your limits, based on Dr. Tommy Keidis’ work, “The Plimsoll Line” (leaderslifeandwork.com). This refers to the line that is painted around the hull of merchant ships, showing their load capacity limit. In the same way, leaders need to learn to recognize their own needs and limitations. What are you doing as a leader to recognize what your capacity is, to know what you need? We see this biblical principle in the life of Moses, when his father-in-law, Jethro, recognizes that Moses is exhausting himself trying to sit as judge over all the issues of the people. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. (Exodus 18:18) Jethro wisely counsels him to delegate the load. Four points to remember: 1)No leader can do it all; 2)Leaders have differing capacities; 3)Leaders must assess their capabilities; 4)Lead within your capacity. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) If your burden is not restful, that is a sign that you are working beyond your limitations. “You have the agency and you have the capacity to make sure you are not allowing that to happen.”

QUOTES:

“A ship has its limits to the load that it can carry. So do leaders.” -Will Torres

“What systems do you have in place to guard against overloading yourself, stacking above and beyond your own limitations?” -Will Torres

“We have to understand who we are, and when we have that self-awareness, then we become better leaders because we see how we can work through people rather than ourselves only.” -Will Torres

“All leaders are equal before God. But God does not equally equip all leaders.” -Will Torres

“Develop the discipline, the determination, and the work ethic to carry these smaller loads, and then you’ll see that you have the capacity and your capacity will enlarge.” -Will Torres

“As a leader, you will always get what you create and what you allow.” - Henry Cloud

5 Foundations for Shepherds by Pastor Glenn Shaffer

Pastor Glenn Shaffer, Destiny Life Church, Claremore, OK shares from the Word of God and from his own personal ministry experience about Five Foundations for Shepherds. In Acts 20:28, the Apostle Paul says to the church leaders at Ephesus, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” What does this actually mean? Pastor Glenn discusses five areas of focus for all leaders: 1)Growing in personal wholeness; 2)Maturing in your soul (the mind, will and emotions); 3)Healthy in your family and marriage; 4)Strong in doctrine; 5)Be deep in prayer. Listen as treasures of wisdom and knowledge are poured out from the heart of one shepherd to another.

QUOTES:

“Notice I said growing. Why? Because we never completely arrive. Paul talks about growing from glory to glory.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Hard is not bad, it’s just hard.” -Glenn Shaffer

“What are you walking through right now that would help the people?” -Glenn Shaffer

“You teach what you know, but you impart who you are. Transformation comes from impartation.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Allow the Holy Spirit to take the Word of God and renew your mind (think biblically), touch your wounds, and submit your will. This is a process.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Your emotional health is a key factor in working with people. Hurting people hurt people. Healed people help people.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Your wife and your children are your first church. It’s your first place to lay down your life.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Sound doctrine brings stability in your life.” -Glenn Shaffer “The Word is always relevant. Teach the Word.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Shepherds should pray for the people to be filled with the knowledge of His will." -Glenn Shaffer