Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 21, 2014
He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind. 1 Chronicles 28:12
The Holy Spirit brings to mind what we need to remember. He has a plan for us to follow. His plans are for our good and what’s best for our entire circle of influence. Miraculously, the Spirit can cut through all the clutter of our concerns and remind us of a simple thought. What may seem an ‘out of the blue’ idea to us, is squarely on the heart of Christ. Thus, we keep an open mind so our heavenly Father can bring to mind His thoughts. Similar to an unused app on a mobile device, the Holy Spirit can retrieve old information in our brain and bring it top of mind.
However, there is an ongoing tension between the preparation required on our part and that which is under the Spirit’s control. Yes, we need to research, plan and prepare. God can bless a mess, but He normally blesses a plan. We must not presume on His favor. But, if we are not careful our thorough plan can become an idol of efficiency and we miss the Spirit’s prompting to adjust as we go. A plan drafted in the safe confines of the general’s tent often unfolds differently in the heat of battle.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).
Furthermore, not only does the Holy Spirit remind us of thoughts already embedded in our brain, He also brings new thoughts to mind. Since God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, we are wise to humbly usher into our minds new concepts that challenge our neat categories. Perhaps the Spirit is saying: let your spouse manage the finances, forgive and seek healing from a past hurt, quietly serve others, be generous in giving, or seek out a forgotten friend or family member. Or, get to know someone for a year before you make a significant commitment. God’s thoughts are radically different, hence easily recognized, if we are paying attention.
Above all, we are wise to keep our mind’s eye on our master Jesus. It may be that He speaks through a rapturous praise song as we lumber through rush hour traffic. A seat on a mossy rock beside a babbling brook may bubble up His love within our soul. He may warn us through a child’s honest question, ‘Why are you sad?’ Thus, we marinate our minds in truth, so the Spirit has a deep reservoir of wisdom to draw from. Scripture reading with a humble heart renews our mind. The Holy Spirit transforms our behavior when we listen to biblical teaching with a teachable spirit. Indeed, the Spirit brings to mind what we need in the moment!
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing to mind what I need to know in the moment.
Related Readings: Psalm 7:9; Daniel 4:19; Ezekiel 11:5; Ephesians 6:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Post/Tweet today: If we are not careful our thorough plan can become an idol of efficiency and we miss the Spirit’s prompting to adjust as we go.
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Mr. Bailey
I have been reading your insightful devotionals for over two years now and when I met my future wife we would use Wisdom Hunters as our choice devotional. Just as these devotionals had so deeply spoke to me they spoke to my fiance as well.
In regards to the devotional “Brings to Mind”, posted 21 of July I am curious what version of the Bible you were using? I looked up the verse in my NASB and in the NLT and could not find the verse literally or in paraphrase written as you have given it in your devotional. The main problom I face in the 1 Chronicles 28:12 verse that you started as your Biblical text for the devotional mentions the Spirit while the NASB and NLT only mentions and implies, that David expressed to his son Solomon all that “he (David)had in mind, for the courts of the house of the LORD.” I just can not read into or paraphrase the 1 Chronicles 28:12 verse as how you expressed it in the devotional.
Again both my fiance and me have a deep respect for the devotionals you write. Could you please explain the difficulty we are having for how you translated the 1 Chronicle 28:12 scripture?
In Christ,
James
James thanks for your comments and congratulations on your marriage! Yes, I did use the the NIV version which mentions the Spirit put into his mind the plans for the temple. I hope this is helpful and have a blessed day. A fellow servant of Jesus, Boyd
Mr. Boyd
Thank you for your quick response. As you can see I did not do an exhaustive search of Bible Versions.
We know that all that David envisioned regarding the temple of The LORD was given to him by the LORD Himself.
I know that the NIV is not a word for word translation of the Greek and Hebrew Text and can see that the translators must have wanted to emphasize that David’s vision originated from the LORD.
Also Hannah and I are not married yet, but thank you for the congratulations. We are both excited to give our vows on September 27 of this year.
Again thank you for clearing that up for me and may our God continue to bless you with insight and discernment into His Word and the devotions He allows you to bless Hannah, I and countless others with.
James
Thank you very much for this commentary on how the Holy Spirit works with God’s people. This commentary was very insightful and informative.
Dear James~
Blessings to you and Hannah as you prepare to take your wedding vows. Could you email me your mailing address? We would love to send you and Hannah a little wedding gift (one of our books).
My email address is : gwynne@wisdomhunters.com
Thank you.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Dear Joseph~
Thank you so much for reaching out to us regarding the devotional, “Brings to Mind”. We were thankful that you were blessed by reading it. We look forward to hearing from you again sometime. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.”
Psalm 139:17-18
I Gwynne:
Thank you,
a19james72@hotmail.com
Blessings
James and Hannah
Dear James and Hannah~
You are so welcome. Blessings to you both!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne