Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Dispendables


Church planter/Missionary Paul, wrote to the church in 1 Corinthians 4:7: "For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" The Church in Corinth was gifted, talented, religious, and knowledgeable. However, they were lacking many other things. The main thing was true love, and as a result humility. Paul called them carnal. Warren Wiersbe writes: "Let's begin with the obvious fact that nobody except the Holy Spirit is indispensable in the Lord's work." God is fully capable to replace anyone in the Body of Christ...that includes pastors and missionaries. It truly is up to Jesus, as to where and when He moves the members of His body around. Many Scriptures like this one, were good reminders to me during the month of March...

On Thursday March 17th, I was invited to teach at the School of Ministry that is at CC Moreno Valley. Pastor Mark Avila, asked me to give the same message I gave to the Young Adults back in January. The message was "God's Missionary Heart." I love being used by our Lord, to educate the church more on foreign missions. The class was very receptive, and I had great conversations afterwards.

On Sunday March 20th, I taught the final session at the College/Career Retreat for CC Moreno Valley. The theme was Luke 9:23, which reads: "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" I was given the last part of the verse to teach: "Follow Me." The big idea was on "Discipleship," and what it really means to "follow" Jesus. Here are some quotes I shared with them: "Salvation is something God does for you. Discipleship is something you do with God,"/"Salvation costs you nothing; discipleship will cost you everything,"/"Salvation occurs in a moment; discipleship takes a lifetime." Once again, it was a pleasure to teach this group of young adults...hope they aren't tired of me now!!

On Sunday March 27th, I was given a little bit of time to share at CC Upland. The opportunity was given to share what happened with my visa situation, as well as read and comment on Ecclesiasts 3:1-8. I wanted to not only in 12 minutes share what happened concerning ending my time in Spain, but encourage the church as well. Life here on earth is broken up into seasons/chapters...and sometimes winter just seems way too long. Hard times have fallen on everybody, a lot of disappointment has taken place. When God closes doors in our lives, the tendency is to get angry with Him, and question His ways. However, we can't forget verse 11a of the same chapter..."He has made everything beautiful in its time."

On Wednesday March 30th, my grandparents came over for a special occasion taking place within my family. Back in September of last year, I had mentioned that my Aunt Jenny gave her life to Jesus Christ. Since then, she has continued to grow and mature in her faith. We have had some great conversations, and our relationship is better than ever. While in CA, she requested that before I went back to Spain, I baptize her. I gave a devotional out of Matthew 28:16-20. One of the things I commented on, was how Jesus gave the same message to not only the worshipers there, but the doubters as well. He knew that once the disciples started to do what He said, the gospel message was powerful enough to turn their doubt to worship. I then went ahead and baptized my Aunt Jenny in the pool of my parents' house. Afterwards, we enjoyed dinner together. Truly a memorable day.

Being in SoCal the past 4 months, was by far my longest furlough. A trip I wasn't even planning on taking, yet God had other things in mind. Hindsight is 20/20 and looking back, I could see that God had me at my 1st home for many more reasons than my visa situation. Among other things, it was a blessing to celebrate the birthday's of Erin, Samantha, my mom, and even my own!! It had been 4 years since that took place.

In closing, this is God's work that He has graciously invited me to be a part of. Calvary Chapel Upland's youth group is doing fine without me, as well as Santa Ponsa Community Church, and Mallorca Bible School. I know when I ultimately leave Calvary Chapel El Rincon, they will be fine as well...in fact more than fine! Leaving these ministries has taught me many lessons and reminded me of old ones...I am dispensable. I also like what Pastor Chuck Smith says in his autobiography: "Everything is preparation for something else." There is also a sense of freedom knowing that nobody really needs Eric Flores, but everybody really does need Jesus Christ. We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, when it comes to doing work for Jesus...

By His Grace,
Eric