For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Ezra 7:10
We must prepare our hearts to 1) seek the law of the Lord (pray and get your heart and mind right before reading scripture or attending Church), 2) to do God’s will (to perform your ministry in Church or to even simply lead your children everyday), and 3) to teach anyone else the things of God.
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
2 Chronicles 12:14
Scripture says when we do not prepare our hearts to seek the Lord, we end up doing more harm than good. Have you ever gone into a Church service and left being critical of all the “negative” things you heard during the sermon? The things that didn’t sit well with you? Did you ask the Lord to speak to you BEFORE the service? Did YOU get YOUR heart right first?
There is much to be said for having a prepared heart. I think Job says it best, though, so I will close with his words on the subject:
If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;
Job 11:13-19
If iniquity [be] in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:
Because thou shalt forget [thy] misery, [and] remember [it] as waters [that] pass away:
And [thine] age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.
And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig [about thee, and] thou shalt take thy rest in safety.
Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.
