Written by Mark Driskill:
Wednesday March 2, 2011
Read Acts 10:1-4
“And he said to him, ‘your prayers and your alms have ascended…”
What was it about Cornelius that touched the heart of God? His prayers and his ministry to the needs of the poor. This combination of holiness and helpfulness rose before the throne room of the heavenlies as a lasting memorial in the presence of God. How awesome to think that God is touched by such things from those who seek Him with all their hearts and in all their ways. Cornelius offered to God prayer combined with action. This Centurion, even before he really knew God, demonstrated the true nature of faith.
You see, to pray without action is not faith, it is superstition. Uttering words in hopes we will say enough clever clichés to get what we want from God is not much different than trying to cast spells or conjure up a genie. If there is no step of faith to follow our prayers then we are being superstitious. How dare we pray for God to feed the hungry while we gorge ourselves on excess and refuse to give to those in need? Don’t just pray for the abused child, intervene and get them the help they need. Be the answer to your own prayers. Anything less is just superstition.
In the same way action without prayer is superficial. We work so hard to make a difference in the world but never bring in the power of God or acknowledge his strength. We may temporarily solve problems, but unless, through prayer and the ministry of the word, we get to the spiritual root of the problems they will return. Much so called social ministry is little more than band aids on a hemorrhage. They give food and shelter but avoid anything deeper for the soul. This may make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside but the people you help are still dead without the spiritual resources to break out of poverty.
Without prayer and ministry of the word, all our actions for the needy are superficial “feel good” activities. We who would seek God and his ways do well to learn from Cornelius. He was a man of prayer and of action. Let us stop trying to separate the two. Like the old saying goes, “Pray as if it all depends on God. Work as if it all depends on you.”
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.
