Audio by Pr. Umuremye Jolay Paul, Revival and Reformation Department, Rwanda Union Mission

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

The heart of man may be the abode of the Holy Spirit. The peace of Christ that passes understanding may rest in your soul, and the transforming power of His grace may work in your life, and fit you for the courts of glory. But if brain and nerve and muscle are all employed in the service of self, you are not making God and heaven the first consideration of your life. It is impossible to be weaving the graces of Christ into your character while you are putting all your energies on the side of the world.

You may be successful in heaping up treasure on the earth, for the glory of self; but “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). Eternal considerations will be made of secondary importance. You may take part in the outward forms of worship, but your service will be an abomination to the God of heaven. You cannot serve God and mammon. You will either yield your
heart and put your will on the side of God, or you will give your energies to the service of the world. God will accept no half-hearted service.

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore, when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light” (Luke 11:34). If the eye is single, if it is directed heavenward, the light of heaven will fill the soul, and earthly things will appear insignificant and uninviting. The purpose of the heart will be changed, and the admonition of Jesus will be heeded. You will lay up your treasure in heaven. Your
thoughts will be fixed upon the great rewards of eternity. All your plans will be made in reference to the future, immortal life.

You will be drawn toward your treasure. You will not study your worldly interest, but in all your pursuits the silent inquiry will be “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). — (RH, January 24, 1888).

Reflect:

1. What practical lessons do you get from this lesson?

2. Is your desire to have a changed heart?

3. In what ways can you get your heart changed?

Pray:

1. For the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
2. For God to bring revival into your life and the church.
3. For the changed hearts
4. For the individuals on your prayer list.
5. For the ECD Evangelistic Impact 2025