SERVE THE LORD HEARTILY – Pastor Chris
Sunday, March 28, 2021
And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:3).
We’re in the final moments of the last days, and it’s important that you’re focused on the Lord, serving Him heartily. The Bible says, “You may as well know this too…that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian” (2 Timothy 3:1 TLB). Notice it doesn’t say, “It shall be impossible to be a Christian,” but “difficult.” So, it’s telling you to serve the Lord, regardless and independent of circumstances or persecution.
This isn’t the time to hide your Christian identity. Nothing whatsoever should be viable enough to take your attention away from the Lord and His Kingdom. Some are only fervent in serving the Lord when everything seems rosy, when their business is thriving and their finances are booming. But the true test comes when trouble strikes, and they get discouraged, and suddenly lose their fervour.
Some others only serve the Lord during times of challenges. But as soon as they have a miracle and are out of the dilemma, their commitment to the Lord immediately wanes. Something is wrong. Don’t let that happen to you. Be on fire for the Lord all the time. Be instant in season, and out of season.
Let nothing compete with, or inhibit your love for and commitment to Christ. The Bible says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58). When everything is going smoothly, be steadfast. And when it’s a period of adversity, serve the Lord heartily still. The Bible says, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Colossians 3:23 tells us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord….” Praise God!
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PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I’m always active in my service to you, in truth, with all my heart. I refuse to be slothful in the dealings of the Spirit; I’m fervent, serving you wholeheartedly, rejoicing in hope, and patient in times of trouble. I remain steadfast and unmovable, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 12:11-12 AMPC Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. 12 Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:36-50 & Joshua 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 26:26-35 & Exodus 37
