FAST-Food WEDNESDAYS
Before Stepping Into His Portal
Scripture Reading:
Colossians 1:13-20 (NASB) •He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Meditation Thought:
•The goal is to reveal a Superior Element of Virtue. Your ascension into His presence is having an understanding that Christ is the Head of the Church or the Head of YOU. Worldly wisdom will not help you to understand this.
The glory of the Person and Work of Christ
•He is the image of God (v. 15)
•The creator of all things (v. 16)
•His preexistence (v.17)
•His headship of the church (v.18)
•His Divine fullness (v. 19)
•His reconciling work (20-23)
The Ascension is for you to understand that HE is building you into the image of Christ. As you partake in His Divine Nature, he changes your:
1.Nature or character by the Word and ministry of Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The overall nature is LOVE.
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2.Mind, into the Mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is Wisdom, which produces mighty works or delivers results (1 Corinthians 2:7; Luke 1:17)
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3.Works, into the Work of Christ. (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18, John 20:21).
Put into Practice:
As you pray for yourself and others here is a model we can use from Colossians 1:5-9:
“Father in the name of Jesus, we are asking God to give us wise minds and spirits attuned to Your will. May we acquire a thorough understanding of Your ways in which You work. We pray that we live well for you Master, making You proud as we work diligently in Your orchard. As we learn more and more about how You work or operate, it will teach us how to do our work or what you have assigned to our care. We pray that You give us the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting our teeth but the glory-strength that You can only give. It is Your strength that endures the unendurable and will allow us to spill over into joy and thanksgiving. May we be forever grateful in your strength which makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that You have for us. In Jesus name, Amen!”
Allow the Holy Spirit to electrify and charge you on this day. This precious gift was given to us and it is about time that we open ourselves up to His ministry. Grieve not the Holy Spirit on this day. Remember, READ, HEAR, and ACCEPT.
Click the PDF below to help with your journey.
The Ascension Journey
(Click to View or Download)
Corporate Fasting & Prayer
Informational Guide
(Click to View or Download)
The church will corporately fast every Wednesday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The purpose of the corporate fast is to help us bring our bodies, appetites, or desires (both physically and spiritually) under subjection which in turn will allow our spiritual man to grow because then we become more dependent on God. This biblical practice and principle also centers on helping us draw closer to God so that we may know His will for our lives and this ministry.
Again this isn't mandatory, but I am asking you to walk with me through this process. If you can't fast for any reason, whether it is due to health or just lack of discipline, choose a specific time where you cut off all distractions and allow that moment to be your special time with God to pray or read/study God's word. For some it may be 5 mins, for others 1 hour to 12 hours. Just make it count.