Beloved,

As we reflect on the powerful journey from the Crucifixion to the Ascension and Pentecost, we are reminded of the deep spiritual practices of the early Church.

These were not simply events in history—but divine blueprints for our present-day walk with God.

[Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13-3]

Focus on God Above All

Fasting is the deliberate act of setting aside food or other comforts to seek God wholeheartedly. It shows seriousness and hunger for His will above physical needs. This keeps our spirit sensitive to His leading.

Worship and Minister to God

The word translated as “worshipping” (or “ministering to the Lord”) in Greek is leitourgountōn, which originally meant serving in a priestly or temple role. Isn’t it awesome that God has made us priests of the temple that He abides in.

A Spiritual Service

It means the disciples were offering spiritual service—prayer, worship, praise, and devotion—not for people, but directed to God.

Prepare for God’s Direction

Frequent times of prayer and fasting in our lives lead to godliness,  holiness and direction.

The Lord can lead us better when we build on these divine practices that the early church was birthed from.

To serve the Lord with prayer and fasting means dedicating time to worship, seek, and hear from God in a focused way, putting aside distractions, expressing dependence on Him, and being ready for His leading.

May You Pray:

Holy Spirit who lives in me, fulfil Your holy ways in me.

Holy Spirit who lives in me, teach me the holy ways to live.

Holy Spirit who lives in me, teach me to minister to the Lord as the early church did.

Holy Spirit who lives in me, draw me close to Christ the King. Amen.

 Bless the Lord. Keep going. Build your relationship with the Lord more each day, the rock on which we stand.

 [strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’ So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Acts 14:22–23]

Forgetting Those Things.

Beloved,

When we come to Christ, we are to leave everything behind, forgetting those things from our old life—and start a new life in Him.

[Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13–14]
Forgetting those things which are behind.


We should forget the following 😊:

* The past is dead
* Our old man is dead
* Our old perverse ways are dead
* Our old corrupt mindset is dead
* Our old lies are dead
* Our old habits are dead
* Our old flesh is dead

We are no longer driven by the sin nature, but by our new, Spirit-led divine nature. We should not get distracted by the pleasures of this world for too long.

Christianity is not for civilians, but for the soldiers of Christ.

[No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also, if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things." 2 Timothy 2:4–7]

A Militancy to Christ

Divine Love is not weak, but strong, courageous, and bold.
 This takes the character of Christ to be formed in us over the weeks, months, and years.
 He is our Commander in Chief, whom we learn to obey.

[Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses." Revelation 19:11–14]

Live Forgetting Those Things Behind Us

Beloved, we are also included in this divine army on the earth. To follow Christ means leaving—and forgetting—the old things. As we approach the outpouring of the Spirit this Pentecost (next Sunday),
make every effort to live in the newness of life through the Holy Spirit.

Abide in Him at every opportunity. Keep fasting and praying in all holiness.
Do not be discouraged but rejoice. Fight the good fight of faith.

Bless the Lord.
Live in thanksgiving and praise—
Never looking back,
But always moving forward and upward
In the things of Christ Jesus.

[Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19]