14 Day Fast: Day 4

Scripture:
 “A heart that devises wicked plans…” – Proverbs 6:18a (NASB)
 
Devotional:
Imagine a beautiful church building with freshly painted walls, a clean sanctuary, and a joyful choir singing on Sundays. But behind one of those walls, a small fire begins to burn—started by faulty wiring. At first, no one notices. The music plays, sermons are preached, and people greet each other with smiles. But eventually, the fire spreads and threatens to burn the whole place down—not from outside attacks, but from within.
 
This is how evil plots, slander, gossip, and hidden agendas work in the church. What starts off unnoticed can burn down a whole ministry if left unchecked.
 
God takes disunity seriously. In fact, Proverbs 6 lists seven things God hates, and among them is a heart that devises wicked plans. When we begin to scheme against others, revisit old wounds, or attempt to “correct” situations our way, we stop trusting God and start playing judge, jury, and executioner. Sometimes, it’s cloaked in spiritual language:
“I’m just being discerning.”
“I feel led to speak on this.”
But if the motivation is to expose, control, or condemn—especially regarding what God has already forgiven—then we are working against the very body of Christ we claim to love.
 
What Must We Let Go Of Today?
 
We must repent of:
 • Secret agendas that divide rather than build.
 • Revisiting forgiven sins, both our own and others’.
 • Trying to fix things through manipulation or gossip.
 
Instead, we must:
 • Pray for God’s light to shine on any hidden agendas.
 • Trust God’s justice, not our personal vendettas.
 • Confront in love rather than conspire in silence.
 
Takeaway for Today:
 Today, I will examine my heart and surrender any plan, thought, or attitude that does not serve God’s unity in this fellowship.”
 
Prayer:
Father,
We come before You today as a church in need of cleansing. We confess that we have allowed wicked plans and secret plots to grow in our hearts—against each other, against leadership, and even against Your Word. We have sometimes sought revenge, not reconciliation. We’ve dug up buried sins, forgetting that You covered them in grace.
Lord, expose every hidden agenda that is dividing this body. Dismantle every plan that does not honor You. Replace our whispers with worship, our schemes with surrender, and our plotting with prayer. Help us to let go of all that disrupts the unity of Your church.Lead us to love well, even when we disagree. And may Your Spirit protect the bond of peace in our fellowship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Study Verses for Reflection:
 1. Proverbs 6:16–19 – The seven things the Lord hates, including hearts that plot wickedness.
 2. James 3:14–16 – Earthly wisdom vs. godly wisdom; where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder.
 3. Ephesians 4:31–32 – Let all bitterness and slander be put away… be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another.