During this first week of 2024, we’re entering a time of prayer and fasting as a church. In Daily Bible Reading, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a different campus pastor each day, guiding you through the various reasons why we fast and pray. Today, you’ll hear from Teaching + Plainfield Campus Pastor Ryan Bramlett. For more information on Prayer + Fasting Week, visit tpcc.org/prayerandfasting.
Read Acts 14:21-25 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What was the Good News that was being preached?
- How do you think Paul and Barnabas strengthened the believers?
- In verse 22, what does it mean to “continue in the faith?”
Reflect
Think back to a time when you were responsible for making a difficult decision. What did your process look like? Who did you involve? How did you end up landing where you did?
What if there was a way to invite God’s wisdom into your decision-making process?
That’s exactly what Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 14. These two were preaching the Good News from city to city and starting churches along the way. They gave the new followers a solid foundation and encouraged them to keep going, but they knew they are going to need help along the way. They were going to need leaders to continue the work they started. They needed elders.
The elders were tasked with being the shepherds, or the overseers, of the church. They protect the church and invest in the next generation of followers. Elders play a vital role in ensuring the overall health and growth of a church.
How would Paul and Barnabas make such a decision? This was a new church with followers who were all young in their faith. How could they know which ones would have what it takes to lead in such a big way?
They made the decision after a time of prayer and fasting (23).
What would it look like for us to do the same thing?
God wants us to ask Him! Remember that God is our Heavenly Father. He wants to help us make decisions. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Seeking God’s wisdom is one of the reasons why we fast and pray.
Respond
- What do I need wisdom for in this season? (Be specific)
- How can I clear my heart and mind so that I can purposefully hear from God?
- Ask God for His wisdom.
Read More
James 3:17
For more information and resources on our week of prayer and fasting, visit tpcc.org/prayerandfasting.