My Daily Quiet Time

[teenchua]

Give as Freely as You Have Received

DATE: 02 September 2019

READING: Matthew 10:1-8

RECORD: Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

REFLECTION: 

“Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” (v1) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! (v.8)

What  I have received from God is the same exact things I am ought to impart to others. From grace, kindness, mercy, love, understanding, patience, forgiveness, help, provision, blessings, etc. all the way to physical/emotional healing, restoration, and salvation. I am to share all these to others and more. I was blessed to be a blessing. 

REQUEST

Dear Lord, thank you for you have freely given. Help me give as freely as I have received from you. Remind me that I was once lost but now am found all by your grace and love. Amen

[teenchua]

A Faith Like No Other

DATE: 01 September 2019

READING: Luke 7:1-10

RECORD: The Faith of a Roman Officer

REFLECTION

This is a story of a Roman officer whose slave was sick and near death. He sent some elders to ask Jesus to heal his slave and believed that Jesus’ word is enough to bring healing to his slave.

A man of such great faith! Jesus was amazed by him when he said, “Just say the word from where you are and my servant would be healed.” (v.7b) In response, Jesus said, “I tell you I haven’t seen faith like this in Israel.” (v.9b).

I think that it’s not just the Roman officer’s faith that’s outstanding. I think his heart and his attitude too.

The Roman officer as a leader has...:

1. Great love for his people. Verse 5 says,“for he loves the Jewish people...” It’s interesting that he has asked Jesus to heal his slave whom he prized and highly valued (v.2). This gave me a picture of how he treated and cared for his slaves.

2. Humble attitude. In verses 6b to 7a, he said, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you.” Such humility despite being in authority. He didn’t count himself worthy of God’s presence and did not demand for any title or honor.

3. Great faith. In verses 7b to 8, he said, “Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” The Roman officer has faith in the One who has the authority and power...none but Jesus. His Word is enough to bring healing.

REQUEST

“Dear Lord, just like this Roman officer, help me be a leader who loves her people. A leader who does not think highly of herself and a leader whose faith is like no other. Amen.”

[teenchua]

Why do we only appreciate people, things and moments when they’re gone? #appreciate #regrets #takenothingforgranted https://www.instagram.com/p/BoofpnvlPwW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dsbq0x6dp5r

[teenchua]

Principles of 3′s  to Live By

DATE: 07 Oct 2018

READING: Hebrews 13:1-18

RECORD: Concluding Exhortations

REFLECTION

3 Things About God:

God is always there. "...because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (v.5).

God always help. “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (v.6)

God doesn't change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (v.8)

3 Things About Your Faith:

Be strengthened by Grace. “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.” (v.9)

Consistently give Praise. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” (v.15)

Share with others. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (v.16)

3 Beneficiaries to Remember:

Strangers. "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." (v.2)

Prisoners / Offenders. "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison" (v.3a)

Victims of Abuse. "...and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (v.3b)

3 Important Things About Relationships

Love. "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters." (v.1)

Marriage. "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (v.4)

Contentment. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have..." (v.5)

3 Attitudes to Have Toward Leaders

Look up to them. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (v.7)

Trust them. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”  (v.17a)

Be a joy to them. “Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (v.17b)

REQUEST

Dear Lord, thank you for your advice. Let my memory be sharp to remember them. Amen.

[teenchua]

#trusttheprocess #patience #righttime https://www.instagram.com/p/BomQiEXFt8X/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xmescf1btau6

[teenchua]

Leadership Skills 101

DATE: 6 Oct 2018

READING:1 Peter 5:1-7

RECORD: To the Elders and the Flock

REVELATION

Qualities of a Leader:

Willing to watch over the team. "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be" (v.2)

Eager to serve. "not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve" (v.2b)

A good example. "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (v.3)

Submits to leaders. "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders." (v.5)

Humble. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (v.5b); "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (v.6)

Free of anxiety. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (v.7)

REQUEST

Dear  Lord, thank you for the people you placed under my care. Let me exude qualities of a diligent leader. Amen.

[teenchua]

#proverbs27 #facemirrorsheart #heartcondition https://www.instagram.com/p/BokvoZtFGBU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=oriyh77w3lzs

[teenchua]

Management Skills 101

Date: 5 Oct 2018

READING: Proverbs 27:17-27

RECORD: Your Face Mirrors Your Heart

REVELATION

What to do when you’re a manager:

Honor your boss "...if you honor your boss, you’ll be honored" (v.18b) 

Take care of your team. “If you care for your orchard, you’ll enjoy its fruit” (v.18a) ; "Know your sheep by name; carefully attend to your flocks; (Don’t take them for granted; possessions don’t last forever, you know.) And then, when the crops are in and the harvest is stored in the barns, You can knit sweaters from lambs’ wool, and sell your goats for a profit; There will be plenty of milk and meat to last your family through the winter." (23-27)

Cultivate friendships in the team... it would be useful for training. "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." (v.17)

Discernment in Managing People:

Look at the face. The face reveals the heart. "Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart." (v.19)

Look out for "lust". Desire never quits "Hell has a voracious appetite, and lust just never quits." (v.20)

Look for purity. Humility is a sign of purity. "The purity of silver and gold is tested by putting them in the fire; The purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a little fame." (v.21)

REQUEST

Dear Lord, thank you for the tips in managing teams and managing people. Help me be a good subordinate and manager. Amen.

[teenchua]

#innerbeauty #beautywithin #women https://www.instagram.com/p/Bogkvqxl-7G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=w91rhislyus6

[teenchua]

Cultivate Inner Beauty

Date: 4 Oct 2018

READING: 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NASB)

RECORD: Godly Living

REFLECTION

About God: Gentle spirit is precious in the sight of God (v.4)

About Me:

Women are weaker than men (v.7)

Women and men are fellow heirs of the grace of life (v.7)

RESPONSE

Sin to Avoid:

Adornment that is merely external (v.3)

Promise to Claim:

"...and you have become her (Sarah) children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear." (v.6)

Attitude to Adopt:

Give more importance to beauty within (v. 3-4)

Commands to Obey:

Wives to be submissive to husbands (v.1)

Example to Follow:

Holy women who hoped in in God, adorned themselves and were submissive. (v.5)

Sarah obeyed Abraham (v.6)

REVELATION

We win others thru our behavior

"even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives"  (v.1)

What kind of behavior is apt for a woman?

Pure and respectful. "as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior." (v.2)

Gentle and quiet spirit. "but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (v.4)

Remember that External adornment fades, but the adornment within is imperishable. In which do you want to invest in?

What women needs:

Understanding. "live with your wives in an understanding way, as with [c]someone weaker, since she is a woman" (v.7a)

Honour. “and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” (v.7b)

Ladies, find a guy who understands you and honour you. Someone who appreciates your heart and hidden person. Gentlemen, find a lady who is pure and respectful. One with gentle and quiet spirit.

REQUEST

Dear Lord, Thank you for your understanding. Teach me how to cultivate inner beauty. Help me remember to focus within. Create in me a gentle and quiet spirit. Amen.

[teenchua]

#finishwhatyoustart #complete #end https://www.instagram.com/p/BoeY_arlTRs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18aad0znn2me3

[teenchua]

Figure the Cost

Date: 3 Oct 2018

READING: Luke 14:25-33

RECORD: Discipleship Tested

REFLECTION

About God:

Jesus had a large follower (v.26)

REVELATION

Requirements to be a Disciple:

Be willing to die to self. “If anyone comes to Me, and does not [b]hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." (v.26)

Be willing to carry own cross. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple" (v.27)

Be willing to give up all possessions. "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." (v.33)

Sometimes, we’re too quick to say “Lord I will follow you”, but never really thought through the real cost to follow Him. Because of that, along the way, when faced with challenges, difficulties, trials, temptations, we give up. Some turn back, some pause, rest and continue, some stop and get stuck, some perseveres. 

The Bible said that before starting anything, we need to think carefully. In verse 28-30,f building a tower was used as an illustration. It reads:

"For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.” 

If we don’t do what we say we’re going to do, the result is being ridiculed. There’s an impression that when we start something, we are to see it through the end.

The second illustration used was the King who’s about to fight in a battle. 

"Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace." (v.31-32)

REQUEST

Dear Lord, forgive me for being rush in saying things that I don’t really thought through. Help me remember to keep my mouth shut until I have considered all bases. Please bless my desire to follow you. Amen.

[teenchua]

#trials #character #faith https://www.instagram.com/p/BobsP5GleWp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gejpboglkqor

[teenchua]

Testing of Faith Produces Endurance

Date: 2 Oct 2018

READING: James 1:1-17

RECORD: Testing Your Faith

REFLECTION

About God:

God gives wisdom generously (v.5)

God promised the crown of life (v.12)

God cannot be tempted by evil (v.13)

God does not tempt anyone (v.13)

God gives good things and perfect gifts (v.17)

About Me:

I need wisdom in the midst of testings (v.6)

RESPONSE

Sin to Avoid:

Doubting (v.6-7)

Thinking that God tempts us (v.13)

Promise to Claim:

Wisdom in testings 

Crown of life (v.12)

Attitude to Adopt:

Be joyful in trials - "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials" (v.2)

Commands to Obey:

Ask in faith without doubting (v.6)

Do not be deceived (v.16)

Example to Avoid:

Someone who doubts "...for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." (v.6b)

Someone who's double-minded "...being a [i]double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (v.8)

REVELATION

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.“ James 1:2-4

Why do we need to be subjected to such test anyway? Is it part and parcel of life? What do we get after passing? Perseverance? Crown of life? 

Being tested is not a bad thing after all... ONLY if you surpass the test.

Temptations never stay as temptations.Once entertained, it leads to sin which is a killer. "But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death." (v.14-15)

In the midst of temptation, wisdom needs to be sought. "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (v.5)

REQUEST

Dear Lord, forgive me for doubting and for being double-minded. Thank you for your promise of wisdom in the midst of testings. Help me overcome temptations and let my faith be proven under pressure. Amen.

[teenchua]

#resisttemptation #victory https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZKp6qBKzN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lv6p0w5pz7j2

[teenchua]

Overcome Temptations

Date: 01 Oct 2018

READING: Matthew 4:1-11

RECORD: Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

REFLECTION

About God:

Jesus was led by the Spirit (v.2)

Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights (v.3)

Jesus did not give in to the temptations.

REVELATION

In verse 1, "Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Why would God’s Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted? There must be a purpose.

The devil must be very clever to use different avenues and scenarios to test Jesus. He used food, because Jesus was hungry. He used the highest point of the temple for Jesus to show off His power and ability.He also showed the mountains, kingdoms and splendors to lure Jesus into things the world can offer, but everything was futile. Jesus passed the test.

One clear thing about this passage is that temptation is real. Things about temptation:

Temptation is from the devil. He's an expert in seducing people into temporary gains.

Temptation happens everywhere and to everyone.Even God himself was tested.

The devil uses what appeals to a person the most. Sometimes, the enemy uses our struggles, our fears, doubts, or needs to tempt us.

The devil is persistent. He tried three times with Jesus and with us, he might keep on trying. He will never give up until we give in.

Temptation can be overcome. Jesus succeeded in passing all the test. Could it be because he just finished fasting, hence, was very spiritually strong? Could it be because He knows his identity and authority that He cast the devil away?

I think it's not easy to resist temptation. Spotting temptation is another thing. Sometimes, temptation may appear right, may look good and may sound acceptable, but it's the Spirit within us that confirms and guides us how to handle such temptations. Temptations are not sins unless we act on it.

REQUEST

Dear Lord, help me overcome temptations. Amen.

[teenchua]

Go Public!

Date: 02 Sep 2018

READING: Matthew 5:14-15; Mark 4:21-22; Luke 8:16; 11:33

RECORD:  The Parable of a Lamp Under a Bowl

REFLECTION

About God:

Jesus is the light of the world.

About Me:

I'm a light-bearer.

REVELATION

Jesus is the light and He is in me. But where is He exactly in my life? Is He seen? Does He shine?

Matthew 5:14-15 (MSG) says, "You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand.”

“Jesus went on: “Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them; we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open.” (Mark 4:21-22 MSG)

It's about time that Jesus be told and be revealed. He's not meant to be hidden. He's not meant to be kept as a secret. He's a big part of me and of who I am. I should let Him be known. In the same light, Jesus is a big part of Dayspring, from its conception to it's transition to TGH. It's about time that Jesus be placed on a "lamp stand". It's about time to tell about Him and to bring Him out in the open.

What will happen to those who enter the room if the light is placed on a lamp stand?

1. They will have a sense of DIRECTION.

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way." Luke 8:16 MSG

2. They will see their DESTINATION. 

"No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going." Luke 11:33 MSG

If the room is Dayspring and the people who enters the room are the staff and residents, then the light, who is Jesus, should really be placed on a lamp stand, be out in the open so staff and residents will have a sense of direction and will see their destination.

"...so those (staff and residents) who enter the room (Dayspring) can see their way."  Luke 8:16

"...so those (staff and residents) entering the room (Dayspring) have light to see where they’re going.  Luke 11:33

This coming Friday, 7 Sep 2018, we are starting the social lights, a soul care initiative for Dayspring staff. I am excited. Today's passage is a confirmation to go public, to start telling about Him and to start bringing Him into the room.

REQUEST

Dear Lord, may You shine bright in Dayspring. Amen.