年長者

年長者
聖經閱讀：詩篇92:1-15
2012年10月28日(日)

我們一出生，就開始變老了，這是上帝為我們在世上安排的計畫。當年紀越來越大，我們的肉體會逐漸老化而且變得虛弱，但是上帝仍然在我們的生命中有祂的計畫。 　在第12和13節的經文中談到香柏樹，第12節說，「正直的人要像黎巴嫩的香柏樹一樣高大，他們像栽在上主聖殿裏的樹。」第14節繼續談到這些香柏樹，它說：「年老之時仍然結出果實，枝葉茂盛，長綠不衰。」這些經文告訴我們，即使我們年紀老邁，在上帝的國度中，我們仍然是可以被使用的人。 　年長者如何才能被上帝使用呢？他們可以安慰人，可以慈愛待人(羅馬書12:8)，也可以傾聽心靈受傷的人(雅各書1:19)；他們可以禱告(帖撒羅尼迦前書5:7)，或是將耶穌的福音傳給別人(馬可福音16:15)。 　無論你是年輕或是年長，上帝都可以使用你來服事祂。你要找一些方法去幫助別人，並且服事上帝！—DJH* 「現在我年老髮白，上帝啊，求你不丟棄我！我向後代宣揚你的權力和大能時，求你與我同在。」詩篇71:18 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢為我所做的一切。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Old
Bible Reading: Psalm 92:1-15
Sunday, October 28, 2012

As soon as we are born, we start to age. That is God’s plan for us here on earth. As we get older, our bodies start to become frail and weak. But God still has a plan for our lives. 　Verses 12 and 13 talk about cedar trees. Verse 12a says, “Good people are like cedar trees of Lebanon planted in the Lord’s temple.” Verse 14 continues to talk about these cedar trees, “Even when they are old, they will continue producing fruit like young, healthy trees.” These verses tell us that even when we are old, we can still be useful for God’s kingdom. 　How can older people be useful for God? They can comfort people and show kindness (Romans 12:8), listen to people who are hurting (James 1:19), pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and tell others about Jesus (Mark 16:15). 　Whether you are young or old, God can use you to serve Him. Look for ways to help other people and serve God. —DJH* “Now I am old and my hair is gray. But I know that you won’t leave me, God. I will tell each new generation about your power and greatness.” Psalm 71:18 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for everything You have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.