Whole-Hearted

TEXT: Chronicles 31:20-21

INTRODUCTION:

Hezekiah led Israel destroy all idols. (v 1)

Reform the tithe (vv 2-19)

Result “and prospered”. (v 20-21)

It is not unusual that those who prosper are giving a 100% effort. (Half hearted farmer gets weeds)

Half measures almost always fail. (Everything from marriage to ministry dies for want of a little more.)

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Some Christians have just enough religion to make them miserable: they are not happy at the dance, and they do not rejoice in worship either. It’s because they are trying to march to two different drummers

We must apply this truth to our relationship with God or ministry.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Definitions:

“Heart” The most important or essential part:

“Whole” Containing all components; complete

The truth is that most of us have trouble with half-heartedness at one time or another.

I. Make A Quality Decision to Be Whole-hearted

A. Be something – don’t be an agnostic!!!!

B. If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything!

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Psalm 27:8 (NAS) When Thou didst say, "Seek My face," my heart said to Thee, "Thy face, O Lord, I shall seek."

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

C. This is illustrated in the story of the Prodigal Son.

D. Talk yourself into a FIT!!!! (“I will”- faith hearted!!) (Commit- Prayer, Fellowship, Witness Tithe, etc.)

II. Get a Master Plan from the Master Planner (Prayer & Bible)

Joshua1:7-8 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

A. Commit to an eternal plan = No Fear of a mistake!!!

B. Requires an intimate relationship!!! Let God fill you with the Holy Spirit!!!!!

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

III. Take Action - Do Something.

A. It was not what Hezekiah said or thought that brought blessing – it is what he did!

B. It’s all right to talk before walk but don’t forget to walk! (Sometimes it is necessary)

Ecclesiast 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

James 1:23-25 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 1:13 (NIV) Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

IV. Persevere Until You See the Evidence of God’s Promised Blessings

A Nashville newspaper carried a story about Mrs. Lila Craig who hasn’t missed attending church in 1,040 Sundays (20 years) although she is in her eighties. The editor commented, "It makes one wonder, what’s the matter with Mrs. Craig? Doesn’t it ever rain or snow in her town on Sunday? Doesn’t she ever have unexpected company? How it is that she never goes anywhere on Saturday night so that she’s too tired to attend the worship service the next morning? Doesn’t she ever ’beg off’ to attend picnics or family reunions, or have headaches, colds, nervous spells, or tired feelings? Doesn’t she ever oversleep or need time to read her Sunday newspaper? Hasn’t she ever become angry at the minister or had her feelings hurt by someone and felt justified in staying home to hear a good sermon on the radio or TV? WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH MRS. CRAIG ANYWAY?

A. Don’t just do it – keep on doing it!!!!

Job 17:9 (NIV) Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

Romans 2:7 (NIV) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

B. Move consistently toward God’s Plan for your life.

C. When you refuse to give up when things don’t happen the way you expect proves true commitment!

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto h\is disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.