Dedicated To The Men of God Who Preach the Word of God As It
Is To Men As They Are
"Preach The Word"
Mini Sermon
Aug. 1998
Taken From the Weekly Pastor's
Column of Newsletter
(Zion Hill Baptist Church)
Dr.
Tom Walker : Pastor
Putting Your Heart In The Work of God
The Bible says in 2 Chron. 31:21, "And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered."
The "he" in verse 21 is in reference to Hezekiah. He was a godly king, who when he began his reign, purged, repaired and reopened the Jewish temple. He rooted out the Canaanite fertility cults and other pagan hindrances. He brought down the "high places", which were centers of pagan worship. Whatever you do for the Lord, you should have your heart engrossed in the work. Our labors for the Lord Jesus should be whole-hearted not half-hearted. So many folks today do not seem to take the work of God in the church seriously. What does putting our heart in the work of God suggest?
I. There Should Be A Serving. Notice the phrase, "In the service of the house of God." Christ has saved each of us that we might serve Him through the ministry of a local church. The local church is God’s "agency" in this world. We represent the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The word "serve" means to "render active service." So many in the local church go A.W.O.L or are absent without leave. We should serve the Lord daily, diligently, and discerningly. Not to serve Jesus is a horrible thing for a saved person, when you consider what He has done for you. Love serves without speaking of the hardship of serving. Think of how a mother pours out her life for her children.
II. There Should Be A Seeking. If something or someone is sought after in your life, then you would consider them as being in demand. Is God a spare tire in your life, or is He in demand twenty-four hours a day? When we seek the Lord, we get our minds settled and fixed upon Him. Since Satan uses so many diversions in your life, you would be wise to measure the length and depth of your devotion and commitment to Him. What we are seeking occupies a great deal of our time. What are you seeking- popularity, pleasure, or the person of Christ? Are you seeking those things which are above (Col. 3:1)?
III. There Will Be A Showering. The Bible says, since Hezekiah did what he did for the Lord whole-heartedly, out of love for Him, that he "prospered." When you undertake something for the glory of the Lord you will succeed, but if it is done for personal glory, it will fade and wither, as a thirsty flower in the noon-day summer sunshine. I like the old song that says, "Showers of blessings, showers of blessings we need, mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead."
If you honor the Lord He will honor you. Showers will come!
Brother Tom