Written by Mark Driskill:
Read Mark 1:35-39
What is the secret to staying focused on the kingdom of God? How did Jesus manage to keep himself from falling prey to all the agendas and demands of people? His secret was simple; Start the day in the presence of God. Jesus went out alone while it was still dark and prayed. Soon after, everyone came looking for him. No doubt there were sick to be healed, troubled souls to be counseled, and Pharisees to be sparred with. If it were not for that time in the presence of His father it would have been easy to get trapped in the cycle of everyone’s needs and miss the kingdom.
After Jesus’ time of prayer, Simon came to him uttering those words that everyone loves to hear; “Everyone is looking for you.” Wow! Isn’t that what we all want? We all want to be so important that everyone needs us. How easy it is to be lead astray by the seductive call of self importance. We forget that meeting needs doesn’t equal fulfilling your purpose in God’s kingdom. The church is full of sanctified workaholics who are addicted to the need to be needed. What we need are those who will allow the Sprit, rather than the ego, set the agenda for each day. Jesus started in prayer. That is why he was able to look popularity and expectation square in the eye and say, “Let us go into the next towns that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Jesus’ prayer life kept him focused on the kingdom of God rather than on the expectations of people.
Do you know why you have been sent into the world? If not you will be drawn in by seductive voices of need and expectation. How much better it is to listen to the Spirit. Jesus did not come to earth to be a rock star doing tricks at the whim of a group of fans. He came to be a Son living in step with His father. (See John 5:19) I have no doubt that this Morning Prayer saved the messiah from many a disaster. It will save you too. In these treacherous days we can no longer afford to say, “I don’t have time to pray.” Life is much too dangerous and the days are too short for that. Prayer becomes vital when we stop praying because we should and start praying because we must.
Challenge: This week try getting up before daylight and spend time getting focused on your kingdom purpose. Ask God why He sent you? Let that purpose guide your activities the rest of the day.
Mark Driskill and his wife Mary are homeschooling community ministers in Breathitt County Kentucky. They have four children. They co pastor Emmanuel fellowship Church, serve as Camp Pastors at Bethel Mennonite Camp, and Mark Teaches at Oakdale Christian Academy. Mark is web minister for Begotten by the Word , a ministry of Helping Hands Christian Resources. Once a month he preaches on the local radio station through the “Lion of Judah” program.
Mark also preaches in youth rallies and revivals upon request at no charge. Their vision is to see true spiritual awakening come to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and to the nation.
Contact information:
Email: driskill@hilbillymail.com
Facebook: Mark Driskill
Address: PO Box 1159 Jackson KY.
