Gifts & Talents: How do I know which ones I have?

It was a Friday night, vespers worship had just finished, and a young lady approaches me and expresses, “I don’t have any gifts or talents… I wish I did…” That night many young college students had delighted us with very beautiful worship: Some sang, few played, others acted, and one preached –very talented young men and women.

Unfortunately, many of us relate the phrase talented people or gifted individuals with those who play an instrument, sing beautifully, and/or do something out of the ordinary. Nonetheless, scripture states “for as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function… Having then GIFTS differing according to the grace that is given to us…” (Romans 12:4,6). Yes! Each and every one of us have gifts and talents, which have been given to us from the Lord according to His grace. The question is, how do I know what gifts I have?[1] What is the purpose of these?

REFLECTION

I’ve come to learn that reflection is the ability to

          1.     Analyze experiences

          2.     Compare them with previous knowledge

          3.     Extract new knowledge from them

Ø  Therefore, take some time to do some reflection regarding your life. Grab pen and paper, set some alone time, pray, and ask your self these questions: What experiences have I gone through where someone has recognized or rewarded my efforts? What is it that I enjoy doing? What brings satisfaction to my life when it comes to dealing with others? Many of us do things so robotically that we forget we are very good at doing at least ONE thing. What are you good at?

Ø  By comparing those experiences with previous knowledge you will inevitably grow. This mirror will show your flaws, create conscious that you can do better, and teach you a lesson or two. Remember, we will NEVER stop learning.

Ø  Extracting new knowledge from these experiences will equip and give you the opportunity to take action –put your gifts to work! It will take you from the classroom to the field where you will attain new gifts and talents.

PURPOSE

In regards to the second questions stated earlier, God has given us gifts and talents so we may be divine instruments and utilized by the Almighty Lord to reach others for His kingdom. Luke 19 teaches we will give account to the Lord in regards to how we used our gifts and talents.

A couple of weeks ago the Lord taught me He has put many of us in positions in different kind of lines of work so we may develop and exercise our gifts and talents. He showed me this through police officer James Quintanilla. As a law enforcement agent, he has learned to recognize and speak with authority; Jesus and the centurion had this in common (Matthew 8:5-13).

As we and the I AM Ministries team were out doing outreach on a hot, 105-degree weather, Sabbath afternoon, James was encountered with some youngsters and several families who responded positively to his authoritative voice, door knock (cop style), and his several questions just like any cop would ask.

However, in this case, it was more of a,

-“You need to get right with the Lord. And you definitively need some Bible studies.”

Response?

-“Yes, sir!”

While you are not indispensable in the Lord’s line of work, you have been equipped, prepared, and shaped for a particular ministry with some awesome God-given talents. Look up and DREAM BIG!

Blessings,

Pastor Sergio Ochaeta.

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[1] There are a few places where you can take a gift assessment. You may look others online but I found these ones helpful:

http://brixtonsdachurch.co.uk/media-2/spiritual-gifts-assessment/

http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_PDF_Discover_Your_Spiritual_Gifts.pdf

The Harvest is Plentiful

“When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion… Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few’” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Like never before I am more convinced now that Jesus second coming is truly near. Yes, the political-religious movements in the Vatican and the war and rumors of war around the globe contribute to my judgment. However, more than that, I simply draw such conclusion from the fact that people, like never before, are being responsive and more open to hear the Word of God.

COMPASSION

            I’ve heard it say that compassion without actions is simply feeling sorry for someone. I agree because Jesus felt compassion for the multitudes and he was moved. The necessities of people are plenty, and Jesus took advantage of those opportunities to minister to them. Of course, He was moved by the compassion He had for them, compassion that was poured out on the heart of Jesus by His heavenly Father. No wonder one of the greatest desire of the psalmist is for God to create a new heart in him… Why do I bring this up? Because compassion maximizes our potential for effective ministry –Pray for it!

THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL

            I have been working in San Antonio, TX as a Bible worker/Associate pastor for the past couple of months, and I’m in awe of how many people, whose souls are so withered, non-churchgoers, are so thirsty of the Living Water. In less than two months the Lord has provided over 20 Bible studies, which equals more than fifty people. My effort? Impossible! No way in a million years. Is it the Lord’s promise being fulfilled? Are the Scripture’s prophecies coming together? Is it the beginning of the latter rain? Now, that I can believe.

ASK

            The power of asking goes beyond measure! Seriously, Matthew 7 records the words of Jesus saying, “Ask and it shall be given.” Matthew 9 compels you to ASK and God will send you people who you can minister to. These are promises from the Almighty, and you can bet your donkey that He will come through with His oath.

Without a doubt Jesus is coming soon. The question is whether we want to join His army of youth now or not.

I pray for you, who read this that the Lord may convince you today He is coming soon, maximize your ministry by filling you with compassion for His little ones, and give you the bravery to boldly ask for His providence so you may take the present truth to ends of this world.

Blessings,

Pr. Sergio Ochaeta     

4 Truths Scriptures Taught Me About Dating

I was recently asked at my church to speak to teens on the topic of dating. This, my friend, is even more controversial than the topic regarding music! Because it seems to me that men and women are two different species: We look, function, act, smell, and communicate differently. Speaking of which, I recently learned that there are 5 deadly terms used by a woman:

·      * “Fine:” This is the word women use to end an argument when she knows she is right but needs you to stop speaking.

·     *  “Nothing:” Means something & you need to be worried

·      * “Go ahead:” This is a dare, not permission. Do not do it!

·      * “That’s ok:” She is thinking long & hard on how and when you will pay for your mistake

·      * “Wow:” This is not a compliment; she is amazed that one person could be so ignorant.

You see? However, the Lord, in His infinite wisdom saw that “it was not good for man to be alone”[1] and that “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”[2]

# 1: God is not a withholder

“Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’”[3]  This was the implicit lie Satan sold Eve on the Garden of Eden. In other words, God withholds and forbids His people of everything and that of which is is GOOD.

     ·      You can’t go dancing

     ·      You can’t have fun on the Sabbath

     ·      You can’t listen to music

     ·      You can’t wear jewelry

     ·      You can’t dress like everyone else does

o   Shorts that cover your ankle are allowed, btw.

     ·      You can’t date until you are older

     ·      And you certainly CANNOT have sex

However, Scripture teaches me that “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are YES; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”[4]

Our God is a God of “Yes”, and wants to give us the best of the best.

#2: It is normal to want to be in a dating relationship

“But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.”[5] “Let Us make man in Our image according to Our likeness.”[6] “God is love.”[7] Scripture here seems to suggest, very loudly, that we have been engineered to love and to be loved. Honestly, I don’t know why parents freak out when their teenage girl wants to start dating. Did they forget they were once teenagers and had the same hormone rush their young ones now have? Even the Backstreet boys sang about it, “Tell me the meaning of being lonely.” (Please tell me you know this song…)

“My daughters will be the first Adventists nuns”, I once heard someone express (joking of course). We all have that necessity to be with someone. Regardless of the age, everyone feels attracted to the opposite sex. IT IS NORMAL, and don’t let anyone else convince you otherwise.

#3: Enjoy the moment of your life

“Rejoice with the woman of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love”[8] –Can someone praise the Lord for this verse!–

Matt Killingworth, a health and society scholar, who obtained his doctorate in Psychology with Harvard University, wrote his thesis on happiness and states that there is no such thing as happiness but just moments of happiness.[9] Perhaps he is right since scripture states, “to everything there is a time. A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to break down and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh…”[10]

What does this mean?

     1)   If you are in a dating relationship then you are suppose to enjoy it!

     2)   If you are single then enjoy it too!

a.     (think of all the money you can save!... Kidding…)

Dating is fun and is good, but you might ruin it along the way. I know several couples who have been dating a while now, and their courtship has turned into a manipulative, obsessive, pointless, unhealthy relationship. They are not happy but they still fight at it to “make things work” because “they love each other.”

Remember, there is a time to build up but there is also a time break up.

Let the boy sing, "I should have bought you flowers... And held your hand..." No one ever died from a broken heart. 

A very wise king once said, “You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these thins God will bring you into judgment.”[11]

Truth #4: Know who you are: IDENTITY

The Bible does not say how old one should be in order to date or get married. Sarah, wife of Abraham, was around 90 years old when she gave birth to Isaac. On the other hand, Mary, who is described as a woman after God’s heart, was only a teenager when gave birth to Jesus (and married Joseph). Both of these women knew who they were and their purpose in life. You have heard the saying from out Latino mothers, “Mocoso, no te sabes limpiar las nalgas y ya quieres tener novia!”. I’m sorry, but there is no fair translation that would do justice to such traditional statement!

·      Are you a David? –Teenage warrior for God

·      Are you a Samuel? –Dedicated to the Lord from a very young age

·      Are you a Jeremiah? –Set apart to be a prophet (who never married, btw)

·      Are you a Solomon? –I hope not.

·      Are you a Ahab (Jezebel’s husband)? Superman… Supermandilón (Spanish joke).

At any rate, know who you are. Pray about what God wants for you, where God wants you to go, and who He wants you to court. Remember, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be given to you as well.”[12]

Blessings,

Pr. Sergio Ochaeta

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[1] Genesis 2:18

[2] Genesis 2:24

[3] Genesis 3:1

[4] 2 Corinthians 1:20

[5] Genesis 2:20

[6] Genesis 1:26

[7] 1 John 4:8

[8]  Proverbs 5:18-20

[9] http://www.wjh.harvard.edu/~mkilling/

[10] Ecclesiastes 3

[11] Ecclesiastes 11:9

[12] Matthew 6:33

Divine Appointments - A lifestyle

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

            One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 40:1. It reads, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.” Such statement gives me a clearer picture of how much our God cares to hear the plead of His children. Not only how much He cares but also that He is willing to do something about it. However, we often pray so we can be the passive subjects of the blessing rather than the active subjects of such. In other words, you pray so that somebody may be the answer to your prayers rather than you being the vessel God uses to answer other people’s prayers.

The ironic thing is that I’m not sure if the passive subjects of God’s blessings are more joyful than those who are active agents of God, delivering these blessings. But in my experience I’ve found much greater joy with the latter.

Matthew 9:35-38 says, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

1)   Jesus went: Implies a desire to do God’s will.

     2)   Healing every sickness: Jesus’ method of effective ministry was to meet the primary necessities of the people. Find a way to do the same.

     3)   Saw the multitudes: God provided Jesus a crowd so he can minister. There is at least ONE person that looks up to you –minister to that somebody.

      4)   Therefore pray: The Holy Spirit is the One who convinces of sin, without Him our ministry will be ineffective.

5)   Laborers: Everyone has gifts and talents. How are you using them?

I call them divine appointments. Have you had one of those lately? You know, you pray to God so you may have an opportunity to minister. Well, God is very good at replying those ones on the spot (the “went”). A young lady asks permission to sit at my table where I’m studying scripture at a public library. She is shaking, unable to maintain eye contact for more than 2 seconds at a time, constantly looking down, and with cuts scars on her wrists (the “multitude”). I start a conversation and ask if there is anything I can help her with (the “healing every sickness”). She is confused regarding her beliefs in God, and asks me “as a pastor, what do you believe in?” (the “laborers”). She thanks me for my time, exchange contact info, and we pray. Certainly, God answered someone’s prayer this morning (the “pray”).

Divine appointments are richly blessed, and I urge you to pray so the Lord may grant you one a day. In fact, may divine appointments become your lifestyle. The joy will be indescribable, and you will certainly be blessed beyond measure.

Blessings!

-Pr. Sergio Ochaeta

God Our Provider

            Married couples, roommates, siblings, and friends have argued that one will never get to truly know somebody until you live with that individual. I mean, I’ve seen couples who have been married for decades and they seem to communicate through telepathy, finishing each other sentences and all. A little creepy, no? Perhaps a blessing, since the lack of communication skills is the primary reason why we fail to develop strong interpersonal relationships.

            Jeremiah 1:5 turns an interesting corner when the Lord tells this prophet that before He formed him in his mother’s womb God already KNEW him.

                    1.     God knew his heart     &     2.   God new what his necessities were going to be

The verb TO KNOW in Hebrew transliterates to “yada”, which means to be intimately acquainted with someone, at a very deep level, to the point of becoming one. The Lord was making a call to Jeremiah to be a prophet of the nations, but along with the call came a promise: I WILL BE WITH YOU –Jeremiah’s primary necessity.

I say this to emphasize that we are not alone in our daily battles. The Lord wants to fight them for us (Exodus 14:14), and desires not for us to fight them alone –We will lose. Additionally, since He “yada” us, and have called us to His work, God has already made provision for our necessities.

Towards the end of last semester my car started to make this weird noise. I did not pay much attention to it because it was not very loud and sometimes it would go away. However, this semester the noise started to get louder and louder, and when I took it to the mechanic it was diagnosed that it had a bad transmission.

·      $500 for a used tranny (only two transmissions on the entire Island)

·      $200 for labor

As I carefully look back in time I can tell that God KNEW what that noise was and he MADE provision for such problem. I want to thank The Dalles English SDA Church in Oregon and sister Sylvia Macias from the Spanish congregation for being instruments of God, for I received, TWO MONTHS BEFORE I knew I had a transmission problem, the very exact amount of money I needed to replace the transmission of the car. You, family, are a blessing to me.

Have the assurance today, my friend, our Creator KNOWS you, you are not alone, and He will continue to provide for you and your family.

 DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM WITH YOU

The Pursuit of Love

Everybody, regardless of sex, color, religion, social status, young, or old, chubby or skinny, is fascinated by the topic of love and searches for it with a passion. We long for it to be vivid in a sentimental relationship, to grow deeper in our family connections, and to be real with our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and others. In fact, many argue, including the Bible, that human beings are incapable of surviving on this earth without love. Hence, everybody is on that pursuit.

However, many of us have looked for it from certain sources (boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband, siblings, friends, dad, mom, sex, alcohol, hobbies, food, work) that have disappointed us. As a result, some have turned their backs on it and others have simply gone hostile and demand it in their own way, silently screaming, "I command you to love me!"

But the fact remains: everybody regardless of his or her situation is on the pursuit of love; they long to love and to be loved.

Ty Gibson, in his book A God Named Desire, quotes different verses of the Bible where the prophet uses the symbol of fire to describe God and His attributes: God’s presence (Ezekiel 1), God’s law (Deut 33:2-3), God’s glory (Ex 24:17), God’s love (Song of Solomon 8), God’s throne (Daniel 7:9-10), and God Himself is “a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Therefore, Gibson’s logic dictates that “If God’s law= fire, and God’s glory= fire, and God’s love= fire, and God’s throne= fire, then there is some sense in which God’s law, God’s glory, God’s love, and God’s throne are all precisely the same reality” (41).

Such logic thinking makes me see the story of the adulterous woman and the Pharisees, written in John 8, with different eyes: the protagonist of the story is not the woman… but the Pharisees. These religious men were on the pursuit of love just as the woman caught in adultery was. Why? Because God’s law and God’s justice = love. And they were demanding justice and God’s law to be enforced; they were demanding to love and to be loved in their own hostile way.

I wonder what the life of these Pharisees looked like as they were growing up. Did they enjoy the love and affection of their father? Mother? Siblings and friends? What traumas did they go through as adolescents? Did they demand the love they never have from sources that disappointed them, and that’s the reason of their unkind actions towards the woman and others? Did they ride the same rollercoaster you and I ride in our pursuit of love?

Two Lessons:

           1.     God and only God can fill that container of love we all have inside

a.     Don’t search for it from other sources

           2.     Love begets love

a.     Love somebody who is unkind –He or she is just searching to love and to be loved. Seriously.
                   i.     We all know at least one person

                                            

Blessings!