What the Lord Hates Part 4

(A Heart That Devises Wicked Imaginations)
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”-Proverbs 6:16-19
Question has some one ever made you upset and in your heart you begin to think a series of evil thoughts toward that person? How far do those thoughts take you? Have those thoughts ever taken you to a place where you begin to think wickedly about that person seeing them suffer loss, harm, or even death? The Lord says keep your mind from thinking this way because it can lead to action. Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” When thoughts began to formulate they become infectious because wickedness can seek to overcome you. When someone commits an act of murder they must first think about the murder first. When a rapist, domestic abuser, or child abductor commits these horrible acts they think about doing these things first. Adolf Hitler, Jim Jones, David Koresh, Stalin these men had thoughts before their actions. Mark 7:18-23 “And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” When we read Matthew 5 as Jesus explains the 10 commandments from God’s point of view he allows us to see why we can’t keep the 10 commandments because of our wicked thoughts. The solution is we must ask for forgiveness when those thoughts arise and if you are upset with a person forgive them don’t hold on to things. Learn to let stuff go as soon as you can so you don’t defile yourself. Matthew 18:15-18 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Clearly referring to forgiveness in this scripture Jesus is telling us how long will you hold on to stuff so long that you will take it to heaven with you or will you let it go and not take it with you.
Understand as believers satan is after our thoughts because honestly what else can he do. The devil is a deceiver so he deceives us and gets us to work for him. Search your bible and see how many times satan physically attacked people and see how many times he tricked people or tried to manipulate people. Even when he wanted to attack Christ he tried to manipulate him with words and promises. The solution is put on your helmet of salvation. Pray to the Lord about the thoughts you have and don’t take ownership of them. These thoughts don’t belong to you because they are not of Christ don’t be afraid to ask the Lord to rebuke those thoughts in the name of Jesus Christ. Pray to God and even in your prayers you will find random thoughts attempting to distract you and break you down. If you are close to your bible open it up when you get those thoughts and read the word of God and continue praying on. Don’t get distracted but remember you are saved (helmet of salvation). A good scripture to keep in your memory is Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” This scripture has helped me out numerous times because my thoughts get attacked greatly. This scripture is a gut check because it says that whatever is in my heart, in my thoughts, anything foul, and any words that come out of my mouth needs to be accepted by God. It will make you think twice about speaking or thinking. Be encouraged today because the word of God has been given unto us to help us grow and withstand the wiles of the devil.