DAY 24 – Fasting & Prayer

28. January 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Intentional Discipleship and Spiritual Maturity (Nations Established)

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11–16 | Hebrews 5:12–14 | Colossians 2:6–7

Devotional Reflection

Sorry church for receiving this devotion a bit late but let’s get right into it.

God’s desire is not only that people believe, but that they grow. A discipled Church is a stable Church—capable of influencing society, preserving truth, and establishing righteousness across generations. Spiritual maturity equips believers to stand firm, serve effectively, and reproduce the life of Christ in others (Ephesians 4:13–15). That’s the goal of our church.

Praise the Lord, Church!! Gradually—gradually—gradually—we are nearing the end of this fasting journey. And the closer we get to the finish line, the more the temptations to stop prematurely arise. These temptations may come through distractions, fleshly desires, spiritual unseriousness, or a reduction in prayer time. But Scripture reminds us not to be ignorant of the devices of the enemy (2 Corinthians 2:11).

We must remember that after Jesus completed His fast, He was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1–11). Often, the fiercest attacks come just before victory. Therefore, as we continue to fast and pray, we ask the Lord to strengthen our loins, build our prayer muscles, and make us deliberate and intentional in spiritual warfare—until we cross the victory line in Jesus’ name (Ephesians 6:10–12).

Today’s devotion focuses on intentional discipleship. Jesus was precise when He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). He did not command us to raise crowds or gather people who merely bear the name “Christian.” He instructed us to make disciples.

Disciples are those who build the Church and advance the Kingdom. They are believers who truly know God and walk closely with Him. Scripture teaches that eternal life is found in knowing God personally, not merely knowing about Him (John 17:3). Many are quick to embrace the message that Jesus died for them, but hesitate at the call to lay down their own lives for Him (Luke 9:23).

True discipleship requires intention and sacrifice. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Disciples are those who commit to following Christ daily—consistently, obediently, and wholeheartedly.

Through discipleship, believers gain spiritual stability. They are able to withstand storms, overcome trials, and remain firm in seasons of testing. They are not easily carried away by false doctrines or the pressures of life (Ephesians 4:14; Matthew 7:24–25). A discipled believer is rooted, grounded, and fruitful.

Jesus did not reveal the secrets of the Kingdom to the crowd; He revealed them to His disciples (Matthew 13:10–11). The disciples were those who stayed with Him—before the ministry and after the ministry. Crowds often come for what they can receive, but disciples commit to the process of transformation.

God is still seeking disciples—men and women who are willing to be taught, corrected, shaped, and sent. Today, we pray for hearts that are ready to be discipled, willing to walk closely with Christ, eager to learn from Him, and determined to become more like Him. May we grow into mature believers who are unshakable in dark days and unstoppable in advancing the Kingdom of God.

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Prayer Points

• Establish a strong culture of discipleship and mentorship in the Church.

(Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Timothy 2:2)

• Move us from spiritual immaturity to maturity and discernment.

(Hebrews 5:14; Ephesians 4:14)

• Root and ground the Church deeply in Christ and in truth.

(Colossians 2:6–7; Psalm 1:1–3)

• Equip believers for effective ministry, service, and good works.

(Ephesians 4:12; Titus 3:8)

- Prayer for the National Prayer Festival (Basel)

(2 Corinthians 3:17; Psalm 24:7)

May the Lord Watch over your souls.

Please try to comment on the Website also.

Shalom

Rev Joseph