Mentalism
	Magic can be divided into many different categories. One such division is that of Mentalism. It includes discerning the thought-of card in advance; having a blindfolded magician announce what is in a stranger's a pocket or purse; and revealing a sealed prediction which correctly divined the spectator's random choice. In the hands (or in the mind) of an expert mentalist, these are effects that baffle and dazzle. How did the mentalist predict the outcome, even when the spectator did not know himself what course he would choose? We leave the performance wondering if anyone really does have the power to read minds.
	Actually, there exists a document and person which is known as "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Heb. 4:12-13). The Bible, the Word of God, lays open the innermost thoughts and intents of our hearts. And the Son of God, to whom we must give account of our lives in the Day of Judgement, will judge us by these same thoughts. 
	The magician mentalist dazzles us by his feats of cognitive powers, but, since the effects have no significance in themselves, we go on with life as before. But knowing that God reads our minds and hearts should give us pause, especially since He is going to judge whether we are worthy of an inheritance and a kingdom.
	God is all-wise and all-knowing. God is also Love. In His love for us He reveals in the Bible the state of our sinful hearts, which we suppose no one else could know: "There is none who seeks after God." "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way." "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.." (Rom. 3:11, Isa. 53:6, Rom. 3:23.) 
	God also predicts the outcome of such a life that does not seek Him: "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). He tells us in advance that sinners will be separated form Him in eternal torment as just punishment.  But the Word of God also tells us, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). To those who will believe in Him and live His way, God promises eternal life. 
	Can you predict your future? The Bible does not want you to wonder what your future will be. The Bible was written that you may know with full assurance how to get to heaven . God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for our sins. That is, death, the wages of our sin, was suffered by Him to set us free. He took the blame in our place, was buried, then He arose again from the dead. Your future with God is secure if you agree with God that you have sinned against Him, and ask for forgiveness. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9). The blood that was shed when Jesus died will cleanse your hearts of sin and prepare you for eternal life. 
	When the mentalist reveals the watch and three dollars in your pants pocket, it is to entertain you. But when the Lord reveals sin in your heart, it is to bring you to belief, forgiveness, and eternal life.