DAY 9 – Fasting & Prayer

13. Januar 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Living in Anticipation of Christ’s Return (Holy Nations)

Anchor Scriptures: Titus 2:11–13 | 1 John 3:2–3 | Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

Introduction

“The deeper we go, the more treasures we discover. Minerals are not found on the surface; they are hidden deep within. So too in fasting and prayer—the deeper we go, the more the unknown becomes known.”

— Rev Joseph Antwi

As we continue in this sacred season of fasting and prayer, today’s devotion draws our hearts toward one of the most defining truths of our faith: Jesus Christ is coming again.

The Christian life is not only about power, assignment, and fruitfulness—it is also about readiness. The early church lived with a constant expectation of Christ’s return, and that expectation shaped how they lived, how they served, and how they pursued holiness.

📖 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” — Titus 2:11–13 (NKJV)

Grace does not just save; grace trains us to live ready lives, marked by holiness, vigilance, and hope.

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How Will Christ Return? What Scripture Says

What Jesus Said About His Return

Jesus spoke clearly and repeatedly about His second coming:

📖 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” — Mark 13:26 (NKJV)

📖 “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” — Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)

📖 “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” — Matthew 24:27 (NKJV)

Jesus emphasized that His return will be visible, glorious, sudden, and undeniable. It will not be secret or symbolic—it will be real and universal.

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What Paul Taught About Christ’s Return

The Apostle Paul emphasized readiness, holiness, and hope as the church waits for Christ:

📖 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NKJV)

📖 “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” — Titus 2:13 (NKJV)

📖 “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NKJV)

Paul teaches that the return of Christ is not to inspire fear, but hope, encouragement, and purity.

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What Peter Said About Christ’s Return

Peter warned believers not to be distracted by scoffers or delays, but to live holy and expectant lives:

📖 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

📖 “Seeing then that all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” — 2 Peter 3:11 (NKJV)

Peter reminds us that eternal expectation must produce present holiness.

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Living With Eternal Awareness

📖 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” — 1 John 3:2 (NKJV)

📖 “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” — 1 John 3:3 (NKJV)

📖 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

A people set apart, walking in holiness and anticipation, form holy nations—nations prepared to reflect heaven on earth.

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Prayer Points

Thanksgiving & Worship

Father, we thank You and worship You for the hope of Christ’s return. Prepare us and our nations to be ready.

📖 Matthew 24:44; 2 Peter 3:11–12

1. Purify us as Your global Church.

📖 Ephesians 5:25–27; 1 John 1:7–9

2. Restore holiness and reverence through us.

📖 1 Peter 1:15–16; Psalm 96:9

3. Awaken nations to eternal realities through our message.

📖 Romans 13:11; Isaiah 60:1–3

4. Let righteousness prepare the world for Christ’s coming. ‼️

📖 Matthew 5:6; Psalm 33:12

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Final Encouragement:

As we wait, let us not grow weary or distracted, but remain vigilant, pure, and Spirit-filled. Christ is coming, and His appearing demands a people ready in holiness, hope, and faithful obedience.

Share this and try to read and highlight these texts in your Bible.

With much love

Rev Joseph Antwi