One of the grocery stores I frequent has a self-checkout isle. A recent visit to that lane went like this: the scanner says, “Unauthorized item in bagging area; remove this item before continuing.” The only thing in the bagging area was a bag full of groceries I’d already scanned but in obedience to “the voice” I removed the bag. “Item removed from bagging area; return item to bagging area in order to continue!” boomed the voice as if I’d just tried to rip off the store. Returning the bag to the register the voice once again said, “Unauthorized item in bagging area.” As the attendant waved her card over the scanner she smiled & said, “You just can’t win, can you?”

God is looking for people who are filled with the Spirit AND wisdom: people who know how to use their gifts for the good of everyone. Gifted people, if they’re not careful, can end up frustrating the very people they’ve been sent to serve. Ask God for power and wisdom today.

– Pastor Joel Everhart