Mindreaders - real or hoax?

"Lord, you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them.  You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. " Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)

Mindreaders - real or hoax?

I'm sure you've seen those TV shows or Vegas acts where they claim to be able to read people's minds. They seem to know things about their subject that they just couldn't know unless they're actually reading their minds. Fortunately, these performers have been exposed so many times that most people don't buy into the whole mind reading hoax, but let's bring this subject a little closer to home.

Can you read minds? Can those around you read your mind?

Bunk, you say? Then why is it that people often assume that they know what someone else is thinking? And why is it that we often assume that they are thinking something bad?

I'm sure it's happened to you. You're having a discussion with someone...maybe we should call it a disagreement and the person accuses you of thinking something that has never crossed your mind. Or maybe it was you who accused the other person,  "I know what you're thinking!"

In fact we can put ourselves in the place of playing mindreader without even talking with the person. You know, those imaginary discussions you have with other in your head...the ones where you supply the dialogue for the both of you?

We don't like it when people assume that they know what we are thinking, so let's not do that to others.

There is One, however, who can read our every thought, feel exactly what we are feeling and even know what we are going to do before we do it. He is loving and kind and has our best interests at heart. He is all knowing, full of wisdom and is willing to share that knowledge with us.  Now, there's a mind worth reading!

Prayer:
Father, help us to refrain from assuming the thoughts of others, because that often leads to misunderstandings. If we are to read anyone's mind, let it be the mind of Christ as laid out in your Word. Let us receive wisdom and guidance from your Holy Spirit as He gives us insight into what you think and how you feel about us. And Lord, keep us ever mindful that you are reading our thoughts and that you know the intents of our hearts. May they be pleasing to you, O God. Amen

--------------------------------------------------------
(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)