Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Plan What Is Good

Those who plot evil go astray and are lost; they wander off the right path and away from the correct direction (God's truths and principles). They intend to do harm to others. They think up a plan to accomplish an evil purpose. Evil is any wickedness against God and/or people. Evil deeds begin with evil thoughts/desires. Even if they never act upon their evil plot, they already sin. Jesus says in Matthew 5:28, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." God sees everyone's thoughts. God hates "a heart that devises wicked schemes" (Proverbs 6:18a) Those who are crafty and devise evil will end in ruin/bring calamity upon themselves. Haman devised a way to destroy all the Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai. His wife and friends urged him to ask the king to have Mordecai impaled on a pole. But in the end, the king had Haman impaled on the pole that Haman had set up for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). "The one who devises evil schemes is hated." (Proverbs 14:17b) "Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker." (Proverbs 24:8-9)

On the contrary, those who plan what is good will receive love and faithfulness, mercy/kindness and trust. Think good thoughts. Take every thought captive to obey Christ. Plan to do good and do it. It's what God wants us to do and He will reward us for it. "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do." (Ephesians 6:8)
"Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy." (Proverbs 12:20)
"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)
"Do not withhold good from those whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." (Proverbs 3:27)
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6:27)
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9)
"As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10)
"Hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21b-22)
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good." (Titus 2:7a)
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)
"For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing god than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:17)


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