Day 3 of My 6th Bible Study Journey - 3 January 2026 reflections Part 3
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 January 2026 titled
The Friendship Bench by Poh Fang Chia
Nehemiah 3:6-12
6 (Ne 12:39) Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah
repaired the Old Gate. They constructed its beams, erected its doors,
and installed locks and bars for it.
7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite
and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah,
places under the authority of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
8 (Ne 12:38; 3:31-32) Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah,
one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah,
the son of one of the apothecaries, made repairs, and they repaired Jerusalem
as far as the Broad Wall.
9 (Ne 3:12; 3:17) Next to him Rephaiah the son of Hur, commander of half
of the Jerusalem district, made repairs.
10 Next to him Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house.
Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.
11 (Ne 12:38) Malkijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-Moab
repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Furnaces.
12 (Ne 3:9) Next to them Shallum the son of Hallohesh,
commander of the other half of the Jerusalem district, made repairs
along with his daughters.
[6] Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam
the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors
thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
[7] And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the
Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the
governor on this side the river.
[8] Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths.
Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries,
and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
[9] And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the
half part of Jerusalem.
[10] And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over
against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of
Hashabniah.
[11] Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired
the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
[12] And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler
of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
Romans 12:6
6 (Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2) We have diverse gifts according to the grace
that is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
A young patient committed suicide because he couldn’t afford the bus fare to
the hospital for mental health treatment. Distressed, Dr. Chibanda tested ways
to make treatment more accessible. Friendship Bench was born, a program where
therapists sit on discreetly placed benches, ready to counsel people with
needs. And who did he train as therapists? Grandmothers! In an interview,
Dr. Chibanda shared, "[Grandmothers] are rooted in their
communities . . . they have an amazing ability to . . . make people
feel respected and understood."
In Nehemiah 3, we read of another project that involved unconventional groups
of people. They understood that the city's wall had to be rebuilt so they'd
"no longer be in disgrace" (2:17). As Jerusalem lay in ruins, the surrounding
nations mocked its defeat. And besides professional craftsmen like Uzziel, who
was a goldsmith (3:8), others who may have had other talents - like Shallum,
a district ruler - chipped in too (v. 12).
Just as Dr. Chibanda saw the influence and compassion of grandmothers to make
a difference in mental healthcare in Zimbabwe, may God open our eyes to see
the strengths of each person. God has gifted each of us with unique
experiences, resources, and talents (Romans 12:6). Let's allow Him to use us
in building up the church and serving our community.
Reflect & Pray
What has God laid on your heart to do for the church or community?
Who can you invite to join you?
Dear Father, please help me see the strengths
in others so I may serve with them for good.
Discover more about being
a serving church.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control, without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Cor 13:3
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned,
and have not love, it profits me nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Ps 18:30-34
30 As for God, His way has integrity;
the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
Or who is a rock besides our God?
32 It is God who clothes me with strength,
and gives my way integrity.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and causes me to stand on my high places.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD?
Or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,
And maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,
And setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war,
So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Friendship Bench by Poh Fang Chia
Nehemiah 3:6-12
6 (Ne 12:39) Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah
repaired the Old Gate. They constructed its beams, erected its doors,
and installed locks and bars for it.
7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite
and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah,
places under the authority of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
8 (Ne 12:38; 3:31-32) Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah,
one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah,
the son of one of the apothecaries, made repairs, and they repaired Jerusalem
as far as the Broad Wall.
9 (Ne 3:12; 3:17) Next to him Rephaiah the son of Hur, commander of half
of the Jerusalem district, made repairs.
10 Next to him Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house.
Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.
11 (Ne 12:38) Malkijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-Moab
repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Furnaces.
12 (Ne 3:9) Next to them Shallum the son of Hallohesh,
commander of the other half of the Jerusalem district, made repairs
along with his daughters.
[6] Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam
the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors
thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
[7] And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the
Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the
governor on this side the river.
[8] Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths.
Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries,
and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
[9] And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the
half part of Jerusalem.
[10] And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over
against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of
Hashabniah.
[11] Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired
the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
[12] And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler
of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
Romans 12:6
6 (Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2) We have diverse gifts according to the grace
that is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
A young patient committed suicide because he couldn’t afford the bus fare to
the hospital for mental health treatment. Distressed, Dr. Chibanda tested ways
to make treatment more accessible. Friendship Bench was born, a program where
therapists sit on discreetly placed benches, ready to counsel people with
needs. And who did he train as therapists? Grandmothers! In an interview,
Dr. Chibanda shared, "[Grandmothers] are rooted in their
communities . . . they have an amazing ability to . . . make people
feel respected and understood."
In Nehemiah 3, we read of another project that involved unconventional groups
of people. They understood that the city's wall had to be rebuilt so they'd
"no longer be in disgrace" (2:17). As Jerusalem lay in ruins, the surrounding
nations mocked its defeat. And besides professional craftsmen like Uzziel, who
was a goldsmith (3:8), others who may have had other talents - like Shallum,
a district ruler - chipped in too (v. 12).
Just as Dr. Chibanda saw the influence and compassion of grandmothers to make
a difference in mental healthcare in Zimbabwe, may God open our eyes to see
the strengths of each person. God has gifted each of us with unique
experiences, resources, and talents (Romans 12:6). Let's allow Him to use us
in building up the church and serving our community.
Reflect & Pray
What has God laid on your heart to do for the church or community?
Who can you invite to join you?
Dear Father, please help me see the strengths
in others so I may serve with them for good.
Discover more about being
a serving church.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control, without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Cor 13:3
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned,
and have not love, it profits me nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Ps 18:30-34
30 As for God, His way has integrity;
the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
Or who is a rock besides our God?
32 It is God who clothes me with strength,
and gives my way integrity.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and causes me to stand on my high places.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD?
Or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,
And maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,
And setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war,
So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.