Written by Mark Driskill:
Tuesday March 1, 2011
Read Acts 10:1-4

“Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.”

Cornelius was hungry for the Holy. He prayed continuously and gave to those in need constantly. Do you think he had any idea what was going on in the heavens as he prayed daily to a God he didn’t really know?  You see at this point he had not yet met Jesus but his hungry heart knew enough to seek this great God of the universe.

One day an angel came by and told him to find Peter who would lead him and his whole family to Christ. Not only that but, God also had plans to begin the first Gentile church, a doorway into taking the gospel into the whole world. This church became the launching pad for Paul’s ministry across the Roman Empire. I’m sure Cornelius had no idea what God was planning to do from the house of one man with a heart for God. The angel informed Cornelius that his prayers and his giving to the poor had arisen as a memorial before the God of heaven. Cornelius had no idea how to be saved or what God had in mind to do from his home. All he knew was he had a hunger for the holy one. It was only when he met Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior that this hunger was satisfied. Cornelius has a great deal to teach us about seeking God. Through his life we learn a great deal about having a hunger for the holy.

First let this be a lesson to those who want to be stingy with the gospel by claiming “God will not hear the prayers of a sinner.” Hello, if that were true none of us would be heard. Cornelius was as lost as he could be but his prayers arose before the throne of God as a memorial offering.  God hears those who seek him. But as with Cornelius they still have to be saved through Jesus Christ. God is always looking for those who truly want to know him. He is ready to reveal his son to those who are hungry for him.

Second, God is more touched by a hungry heart than a religious one. Cornelius didn’t know all the ins and outs of religion but he went after God with all he had. This kind of love and faith touches the heart of the holy one more than a million dead religious activities of people who are bored in the Lord. God is not impressed with religion. He is impressed with love and faith.

Third, you just never know what impact your prayers are having in the heavenly realms. Do you think this soldier had any idea that his prayers were being seen as a memorial in the heavenly court? Chances are the Centurion left the place of prayer many days wondering if anyone up there was listening. You have been praying for a long time and you often wonder the same thing. But know this, God hears the prayers of those who are on fire for him. The smallest, most awkward prayer offered in faith along with the tiniest acts of love toward others arise before him and fill the throne room with joy. God hears you. Don’t give up. Keep seeking his face. Like Daniel, the moment you set your face to seek God he hears and begins to move.

Finally, This one man’s prayer resulted in the beginning of the church at Antioch. This was the place where the name “Christian” was born. It was the place where the gospel began to go into the uttermost parts of the earth. You just never know what God is planning to bring forth through your prayer closet. Have you any idea that your prayers just may be the starting point for a major move of God in the earth? God always has bigger plans than you have. You want a new job. God wants to place you where he can expand his kingdom. You want revival in your church, God wants to send your church out to bless the nations. Get it? Don’t give up. Don’t stop seeking God. Stay hungry for the holy. You will be more than satisfied.

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.