I remember my brother telling me, "It's time for you to get a job, Howard." A job? I was in high school, why did I need a job? No amount of reasoning could have swayed my brother. A job is what I needed, and a job was what I would get. There was one major problem . . . In Anchorage, Alaska, one needs a mode of transportation that would make getting to a job feasible. The solution? My brother gifted me his old . . . and I mean old . . . American Motor Company's Eagle station wagon.
There is a saying, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," which means to be grateful for a gift and not criticize it, even if you don't like it. I did not like the gift my brother gave me to find and hold a job in Anchorage, but what was I to do . . . walk to work . . . in 20 below degree weather . . . no thank you! So, I used the gift until I made enough money to buy my own car. What if . . . just what if . . . my brother offered me a Ferrari? Or a Lamborghini? I would not have looked at that gift horse in the mouth! Why?
Because that type of gift for a high schooler would have been more than anticipated and much more than I deserved! Is it possible that God, our eternal, powerful, loving Father in heaven would gift us something we do not anticipate . . . and furthermore, do not deserve? The answer to that question is yes, a thousand times . . . YES! But aside from the gift of His Son, God has given every person who asks, spiritual gifts.
What spiritual gifts lie in You? What has God blessed you with? Have you been using your gifts to . . . well . . . hasten His coming? Or have you been using His gifts for selfish purposes? Whatever your answer, one thing holds true . . . you are gifted for a purpose, gifted to serve! May you this Sabbath realize your potential to minister unto those that surround you. May you use the gifts God has given you.
So, until the next time, this is Pastor Tello reminding you that thoughts do change lives!
Pastor Howard Tello