A heart of love and a mind to work—the two go together. Nehemiah wrote, So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work (Nehemiah 4:6). What does God consider to be a mind to work? How much liberty and freedom does He have with people when they possess such a mind? The book of Nehemiah is a good case study to start with in answering such questions.

At one time, Israel was overthrown and taken into captivity. Nehemiah was born in captivity after the Jews were exiled, and he became the cupbearer to the King of Persia. That kingdom was the greatest world power of that day.

One day, a fellow Hebrew reported to Nehemiah about the condition of Jerusalem. He told him of how the walls of the city were destroyed and the gates burned up, and the remaining Jews living there were suffering great affliction and reproach. Nehemiah became sad and troubled in spirit. He fasted and prayed unto God, confessing the sins of he and his people.

Nehemiah brought before God the covenant He had made to Moses for Israel. God had declared that if the children of Israel sinned, He would scatter them into all nations. If they would turn back to Him and keep His commandments, He would forgive them and bring them back to their homeland from all over the world. God then laid it upon Nehemiah’s heart to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls of that holy city. Nehemiah was ordained of God to carry out that divine mission.

A Mission to Rebuild

Nehemiah faced many obstacles and hindrances in completing his divine mission; but because he had a heart of love and a mind to work, God’s grace abounded for him and his workers.

We too can have God’s grace abounding toward us if we possess a heart of love and a mind to work. In fact, we can have so much of that grace that even enemies and hypocrites will know that God favors and loves us.

Nehemiah’s divine mission was a massive undertaking. He and his workers would have to journey for many months just to reach Jerusalem, but God gave Nehemiah great favor with the King and Queen of Persia who were, in essence, the king and queen of the world in that day.

They released Nehemiah from his duties before the king and supplied him with soldiers to protect him on the long, dangerous journey to Jerusalem. They wrote letters that would give Nehemiah safe passage through every territory he and his fellow Hebrews would travel into. They also wrote letters commanding that all supplies needed to rebuild the walls and the gates were to be provided for the project.

Standing Against the Enemy

All of that was a good start, but there were more obstacles they would have to overcome. When the work started on the walls, the foreign people who inhabited the land after the exile of the Hebrews became fearful and troubled. They were afraid that if the walls and the gates were rebuilt and the city was restored, it would strengthen the Hebrews still living in the land and weaken them.

Those foreign people became enemies to the Hebrews, and they conspired to kill Nehemiah and his workers. They wanted to make the work cease, but God’s grace uncovered the plan. Nehemiah was undeterred, and he set his workers on guard. The Bible says, So we [Nehemiah and his men] laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared (Nehemiah 4:21). The other half continued to work on the walls.

With half of the workers standing guard, it slowed down the work tremendously; but Nehemiah refused to be fearful or discouraged. He had a heart of love and a mind to work, and the construction continued; but the enemy did not give up. They mocked the work being done and said that if a fox ran across the wall, it would collapse. Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall (Nehemiah 4:3). The enemy told lies about Nehemiah, saying that once the walls and gates were rebuilt, Nehemiah would set himself up to be King of Jerusalem and rebel against the King and Queen of Persia.

One Threat After Another

The enemy continued plotting against Nehemiah, and they asked him to attend a conference about building the wall. Their true intent was to do him harm, but God had given Nehemiah wisdom and understanding of his enemies; and he sent messengers to them saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you (Nehemiah 6:3)?

The dangers and the threats were constant, and Nehemiah and his workers were forced to build with a weapon in one hand and a tool in the other. The threats were so constant that they couldn’t even change their clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing (Nehemiah 4:23).

Take note, Child of God, that just because God ordains a task to be done does not mean it’s going to be easy. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12). The devil can hinder the work of God; but when God’s people possess a heart of love and a mind to work, the devil can never stop God’s work from being accomplished. He can slow it down, but he can’t stop it.

Enemies from Within

Unfortunately, not all Nehemiah’s enemies were from without, and some people were working against him from within. The foreign enemies of the Hebrews hired certain corrupt Hebrew prophets and prophetesses in Jerusalem to prophesy falsely to Nehemiah in hopes of making him afraid so the work on the walls would cease.

At one point, the foreign enemies received secret intelligence of Nehemiah’s plans and work from certain Hebrew noblemen who were jealous of Nehemiah. They were hypocrites because they played the part of a friend to Nehemiah’s face while secretly working against him and supplying the enemy with information. But regardless of all the enemy conspired and threatened to do, God’s work continued.

Nehemiah and his workers refused to let the enemy divert their attention from God’s mission. With hearts of love and minds to work, their complete trust was in God. That untied His hands, and His grace abounded for them. God fought every battle on their behalf without any warfare or bloodshed.

Taking Advantage of Their Own

Nehemiah faced yet more trouble when he found out that some of the rich Hebrew nobles were mistreating their common brethren. There was a severe drought at the time; and the common people were mortgaging their lands, vineyards and houses to the nobles to buy food. Then the nobles were charging the people interest. Also at that time, the King of Persia was requiring everyone under his rule to pay tribute; and many of them could not afford it due to the drought. As a result, these Hebrew common people began selling their sons and daughters to their rich brethren as servants so they could pay the tribute.

Nehemiah was angry with the hypocritical noblemen for taking advantage of their brethren, and he rose up and put a stop to it. Then he told them, Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them. Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest (Nehemiah 5:11,12).

God Saw Them Through

In spite of all the obstacles, troubles and hardships Nehemiah and his people faced, they gave their all; and the seemingly impossible happened—they rebuilt the walls and gates of Jerusalem in fifty-two days. Nehemiah and his people had hearts filled with love and minds to work to do the whole will of God. They never allowed the enemy within or without to divert them from carrying out God’s plan, and God’s grace flowed to them. His right arm was held high on their behalf. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over (Psalm 23:5).

It was God who gave Nehemiah favor with the King of Persia to supply their needs so they could carry out the mission. It was God who gave Nehemiah and his workers the strength and determination to keep working even though the circumstances were extreme and the conditions harsh. It was God who uncovered the enemy’s counsel and brought their wicked devices to naught. It was God who gave them wisdom and understanding not to let the enemy divert their attention from His work.

It was God who protected His people from the enemy and put fear into them so they had no will or strength to lift a hand against the Hebrews. It was God who put His foot on the necks of the Hebrew traitors and noblemen who were seeking to hinder the work, cause confusion and do harm to their own brethren.

God bestowed great grace upon Nehemiah and his workers who were living under the Law because they had hearts of love and minds to work. They were willing to sacrifice to accomplish God’s will. Think about how much more grace will be bestowed upon you through Jesus Christ if you possess a heart of first love and a mind to work, if you are living in the will of God in this final hour. We are not rebuilding the walls of a city; we are building the Kingdom of our God and filling it with souls.

Spread the Gospel

The New Testament is filled with characters who had a mind to work for God and a heart of love for lost souls. Jesus set the example for us all. He said, I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4). The Bible tells us that Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people (Matthew 9:35). Jesus said to His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few (Matthew 9:37).

Jesus characterized His believers as workers who would pattern after Him. He tells us, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12).

Right before Jesus ascended into Heaven, His last command to His followers was the Great Commission: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:15,17,18).

The Early Church Suffered

The Early Church disciples were full of divine love and had minds to work, and God used them to do great works. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people (Acts 5:12). They let no man or devil hinder them in their work, even amidst great persecution. And when they [the Jewish council and the high priest] had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ (Acts 5:40-42).

The Apostle Paul was the leader of the Gentile church at that time, and he possessed great divine love and a mind zealous to work and build the Lord’s Kingdom; but he encountered many obstacles and endured much persecution and suffering along the way. Even so, he was more than a conqueror in all he did for the Lord through divine love.

Satan Never Stopped Paul

Paul wrote, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).

Satan sent one of his angels to buffet Paul; and it followed him wherever he went in his work for the Lord, causing trouble and stirring up strife. And lest I [Paul] should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure (II Corinthians 12:7). Nonetheless, Paul overcame through the grace of God.

The Lord told Paul, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (II Corinthians 12:9,10).

Why would Paul glory in the troubles He encountered while working for the Lord? Because he understood that when he was at his weakest, the grace of God would intervene. He knew the power of Christ would rest upon him and strengthen him to do God’s will for God’s honor and glory.

Be a Servant Who Serves

Unfortunately, most Christians don’t really know what it means for the grace of God to abound for them because they never put themselves out there before the Lord as a living sacrifice. They aren’t willing to pay any price or put themselves in a weakened condition where the grace of God may then strengthen them and enable them to continue on for God’s glory.

When most Christians encounter troubles, trials and infirmities, they draw back and make excuses. When they reach the limits of their own strength, they justify themselves; but they’re not justified in the eyes of God. That is why He gave us the promise of grace abounding in our times of weakness, limitation, persecution, distress, trial, temptation and great sacrifice.

In Matthew 24, Jesus spoke of what it would be like on Earth before His second coming and the expectations He has of His servants. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:44-51).

In those verses, Jesus is addressing servants, not sinners or hypocrites. Take note that not all servants will be rewarded, and some will even be punished. What kind of servant are you unto the Lord? Are you working for Him and doing His divine will? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work (John 4:34). Can you say the same thing?

Through divine love, are you serving others who are in need, or does the Lord categorize you as an evil servant who never considers the Lord’s coming? Are you a servant who causes trouble for God’s work and other fellow servants? Are you neglecting your duties before the Lord and lacking a spirit of cooperation and unity with your fellow servants? Perhaps you even choose to mingle with unbelievers and fellowship with the world.

The Parable of the Talents

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents in which the master of the household set off on a long journey. Before leaving, he gave each of his servants talents to use and multiply before he returned. The master gave the first servant five talents. He gave the second servant two talents, and he gave the third servant one talent.

Upon his return from the long journey, the master called his servants to present themselves before him. The servant with five talents had worked much in the master’s absence to gain five more talents. The servant with two talents had worked and gained two more talents.

The servant with one talent had not worked with what he had received from the Master. Instead, he claimed he was afraid, and he buried his talent in the earth. His being afraid meant that love was not abiding within. Had he possessed divine love, he would have had no fear. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (I John 4:18). The last servant did not have a heart of love or a mind to work.

The two servants who worked to gain more talents were rewarded. The master said to each of them, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21,23).

The servant without love who did nothing with the talent given to him was punished. The master told him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:26,30).

The Church at Ephesus

In this last hour before the Lord returns, we must possess a heart of love and a mind to work so we can bless our fellow servants and win the lost souls marked for us. Like Jesus, we only have a limited time to work because every day takes us closer to Rapture ground. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).

Both a heart of divine love and a mind to work are required to please God. In Revelation 2, Jesus addressed the church at Ephesus; and He acknowledged the people’s works, labors, patience and hatred of evil. He told of how they worked in His name without fainting and giving up.

Those people possessed minds ready and willing to work; and in the world’s eyes, the description of them would have been reason enough for their justification. However, in the eyes of God Almighty, that church lacked the most important ingredient—a heart of divine love. Because of that, Jesus admonished them saying, Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Revelation 2:4). Then Jesus warned the people that if they did not repent and receive a heart of divine love, He would remove their place as a church from before Him.

The Philadelphia Church

Now, take note of what Jesus told the church at Philadelphia. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name (Revelation 3:6-8).

The church at Philadelphia had not denied Jesus’ name. It was a faithful representation on Earth of Jesus Christ. The people in that church had kept the Word of the Lord, and they were doers of the Word and not hearers only. Jesus said that church had little strength, meaning it was not popular and did not have a large congregation as many other churches did. It did not have great amounts of money.

Jesus provided that church an open door that no man could shut. The devil and his crowd will always fight; but Jesus told this church, Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; [speaking of hypocrites] behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee (Revelation 3:9).

The greatest promise Jesus made to the church at Philadelphia was this: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10).

To us, that means the Lord will keep His people from the Tribulation Period by coming for us in the clouds on Rapture Day. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name (Revelation 3:11,12).

Jesus will come quickly, and He instructed you to hold fast to what you have. Hold fast to a heart of love and a mind to work and let no man rob you of eternal life.

Receive a Heart of Love

Friend, are you ready for Jesus’ return? Does your life match the description Jesus gave of the type of servant He is coming for, a servant who will bless His Kingdom? The Bible says in the book of Ephesians that Jesus is coming for a glorious church—people from all over the world and from all walks of life whose spiritual garments are spotless. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27).

Is there anything in your life you’re doing or saying that you know God would not be pleased with? Is there any sin or disobedience? If there is, pray with me now and be set free through the power in the blood of Jesus. You can be made into a faithful and wise servant God can use in this last hour, one the Lord will come for when He returns.

Say, Oh, God. I confess all my sins before you. Forgive me, Lord, and I will serve you the rest of my life. I believe there is power in the divine blood of Jesus to wash away all my sins. Come into my heart, Jesus. Amen. Friend, if you meant that prayer, Jesus is yours.

Now, you need the Holy Ghost. You will never continue to be a wise and faithful servant without the Holy Ghost baptism. I’m going to call the anointing down upon you to receive the Holy Ghost. Lord, in the name of Jesus, I bring those before you who need the Holy Ghost. God, anoint them now. In the name of Jesus, receive ye the Holy Ghost. Start praising the Lord and don’t stop until the Holy Ghost comes in.

Receive a Miracle

Now that you have the Healer abiding within, you can be healed. If you’re sick in body or in pain, remember Jesus saying, The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up (James 5:15). Believe His Words, obey and trust Him to act on His promise for you. Raise your hand now as a point of contact while I pray. I am the Lord’s believer agreeing with you today.

Lord, in the name of Jesus, I bring those who are sick in body to you. God, it’s not your will for them to be in great pain. Lay a healing hand upon each one. In the holy name of Jesus, heal! Let your blood power flow to each one according to your Word and make them well for your honor and glory. Make them a witness for you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Friend, get well and give the Lord the honor and glory for what He is doing for you. Then let us know about what God has done so we can share it with others. God bless you today.