DAY 11 – Fasting & Prayer

15. January 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Sharing the Love of Christ (Healing & Unity of Nations)

Anchor Scriptures: Matthew 9:36 | John 13:34–35 | Isaiah 61:1–3 (NKJV)

Introduction

Yesterday, as we closed church after a powerful prayer and prophetic night, we were reminded of the importance of activating our spiritual weapons of warfare. We saw clearly that the battle we are called to fight is not on Satan’s ground, but from a higher spiritual position as we fast, pray, and consecrate ourselves before God.

Later that night, just as I was about to go to bed, I came across a video on YouTube that deeply caught my attention. It was a debate involving Muslims, Jews, and Christians. As the discussion unfolded, something remarkable stood out to me: the entire debate revolved around Jesus Christ.

I noticed that both Muslims and Jews showed strong interest in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The Muslims openly acknowledged that Jesus Christ will return and judge the world, and they believe He is the Messiah. The Jews, however, rejected this truth and do not acknowledge Him in the same way. Yet, despite their differences, Jesus Christ dominated the entire conversation.

One question asked during the debate struck my heart deeply: How are sins forgiven, and how does one make it to heaven?

The Muslims and the Jews had something in common—their answer was good works. More prayers. More effort. More rules. More rituals. Their salvation depended on what they could do.

But the Christians stood alone in one powerful truth: our sins have already been forgiven and atoned for through Jesus Christ.

For others, they must pray more, fast more, obey strict laws, and strive endlessly to earn heaven. But for us, Christ has already paid the sacrificial price.

📖 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

— John 3:16 (NKJV)

This realization filled my heart with overwhelming gratitude. It is not my works that save me—though works are important. Scripture says faith without works is dead, and Jesus said we will be judged according to our works. However, salvation itself is by grace and mercy.

📖 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

— Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Other religions must earn their way. That is why Muslims pray five times a day. That is why they fast extended periods and perform many rituals—to please their god. But we received a love we did not earn.

Oh Church, what a love we have received!

Can we keep this love to ourselves?

Can we hide a gift we did not pay for?

The greatest miracle we can offer our friends, families, and communities is not money or comfort—but salvation. When people turn from darkness and step into the light of Christ, everything changes.

Light has come. Darkness loses its grip.

As you read this devotion, remember: we are not called to judge or criticize other religions. That is what they received and what was passed down to them. But we who have received the Good News must carry it with joy, humility, and boldness.

This gospel must not stay with us.

It must spread to the four corners of the earth.

It starts with our church.

It starts with our neighborhood.

It starts with our friends.

Let the gospel be preached.

Let salvation be activated.

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At the heart of the gospel is love—not shallow affection, but redemptive, healing, sacrificial love. When Jesus looked at the multitudes, He did not see crowds to manage or statistics to count. He saw people—wounded, scattered, broken, and weary.

📖 “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

— Matthew 9:36 (NKJV)

The love of Christ is not passive. It moves. It heals. It restores. It reconciles. Nations are not only divided by borders; they are fractured by pain, injustice, prejudice, displacement, and unforgiveness. God’s answer to this brokenness is a Church filled with Christlike compassion.

Jesus gave us a defining command:

📖 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

— John 13:34 (NKJV)

And He made it clear that love is the Church’s loudest witness:

📖 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

— John 13:35 (NKJV)

Love is not a suggestion. It is the identity of the believer and the healing language of the Kingdom.

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Christ’s Love Brings Healing to Nations

Jesus did not only preach salvation—He healed hearts, restored dignity, and bound wounds.

📖 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives… to comfort all who mourn.”

— Isaiah 61:1–3 (NKJV)

Today, Christ continues this work through His Body—the Church. When we walk in His love, nations experience healing. When we choose compassion over judgment, unity over division, and reconciliation over offense, the gospel becomes visible.

📖 “Above all things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

— Colossians 3:14 (NKJV)

The world does not need a louder Church—it needs a loving Church.

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Prayer Points

Thanksgiving & Worship

Father, we thank You and worship You for Your compassion. Heal wounded nations through the love of Christ flowing through us.

📖 Psalm 147:3; Jeremiah 17:14

1. Fill us with compassion for the broken, wounded, and displaced.

📖 Colossians 3:12; Luke 10:33–34

2. Use us as instruments of reconciliation in families, cities, and nations.

📖 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Matthew 5:9

3. Heal racial, ethnic, and cultural divisions through the power of Christ’s love.

📖 Ephesians 2:14–16; Galatians 3:28

4. Let the love of Christ restore societies through our witness.

📖 John 15:12; Romans 12:9–10

5. Unite our churches across cultures as one body in Christ.

📖 1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Ephesians 4:3

6. Let our multicultural churches become safe homes for all nations.

📖 Psalm 133:1; Acts 2:44–47

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Final Exhortation

Love is the healing language of heaven.

Love is the bridge between broken nations.

Love is the evidence that Christ lives in us.

May our churches be known not only for truth—but for love.

May our lives carry healing wherever we go.

May the nations encounter Christ through the way we love one another.

Shalom and see you at prayer lunch & prayer evening Godwilling

Say a prayer for us 🙏🏻

Shalom

Rev Joseph Antwi