Written by Mark Driskill:
Thursday November 4, 2010
Read Acts 1:8
Walking in step with the Holy Spirit neccesarily means that we must cross boundaries that we perhaps would avoid if left to ourselves. After Jesus was baptized, and the Spirit descended upon him, he was immediately led into the desert to be tempted by the devil. The first thing the spirit did with our savior was to lead him into a conflict with Satan. Now Jesus tells the apostles, “You will recieve power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” “Sounds good” they respond. “and you will be my witnesses.” “Great so far, Lord.” “In Jerusalem and Judeah.” “Uhm wait, there may be some problems with that. Aren’t those the guys that killed you?” “and Samaria” “You’ve got to be kidding! those people are disgusting!” “and to the ends of the earth.” “Now wait Lord, the Romans will kill us! Can’t we just witness to each other? Maybe we should have a retreat.”
The Holy Spirit was sent to bring glory to the Son, not convenience for the saints. His desire is to lead us into dark places where we may shine the light of redeeming love. This neccesarily means that we will be taken beyond our comfort zones where we must learn to walk by faith and not by sight. Do you want to be led by the Spirit? Then prepare to be sent where you would not naturally go.
Beware of the teaching that claims God just wants us fat and happy. Many teach today that the Holy Spirit wants nothing more than to entertain us and make us rich. Be concerned if the Holy Spirit has never led you to do or say anything that you didn’t already want. It’s easy to feel led to buy a new car, or go on a cruise to suffer for the Lord. It’s pleasant to feel his leading into a better job or a date with someone you like. But have you ever been led to a place you didn’t want to go? Is there a Samaria on your radar screen? Samaria is “some area” where you feel like a fish out of water, but you have this compulsion to go there and serve the Lord. It is a place where you must live by faith and shine in the darkness. It is the place where you truly experience the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you are looking for the Holy Spirit, don’t look for him in a cozy sanctuary or concert hall. Look out on the borders of your life. He’s out there in the desert of Judea and Samaria, the land of lost barbarians and pagans. It is there he calls you to be his witness, not his celebrity.
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 theWord , 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.
