不要太靠近

不要太靠近
聖經閱讀：雅各書1:12-15 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月31日(五)

萊恩正坐在割草機上修剪他家的草坪，而他的小女兒卻想跟他在一起，有時她太靠近割草機了。萊恩知道割草機的危險性，所以他警告女兒「不要太靠近！」 　有時候我會聽到一些基督徒，他們太靠近罪帶來的危險，他們愛上帝、也服事上帝，但有時候他們做錯事了，他們受試探而放縱肉體的情慾，反而沒有照上帝希望的去做。 　今天的經文談到「罪」，第14-15節幫助我們了解罪的真面目：「一個人受試誘，是被自己的慾望勾引去的。他的慾望懷了胎，生出罪惡，罪惡一旦長成就產生死亡。」 　今天要小心！要遠離罪惡、親近上帝，並求祂幫助你做對的事。因為你對祂忠心持守，上帝會祝福你。—NM 「遭受試煉而忍耐到底的人有福了；因為通過考驗之後，他將領受上帝向愛他的人所應許那生命的冠冕。」 雅各書1:12 禱告：天父，感謝祢幫助我做對的事。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (YUDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Don’t Get Too Close!
Bible Reading: James 1:12-15
Friday May 31, 2013

Ryan was mowing his lawn with a riding mower. His little girl wanted to be with him. Sometimes she came too close to the mower. Ryan knew about the danger of the mower, and he warned his daughter, “Don’t get too close!” 　Sometimes I hear about Christians who get too close to the dangers of sin. They love and serve God, but sometimes they fail. They are tempted and give in to their physical desires instead of doing what God wants. 　Our Bible Reading today talks about sin. Verses 14-15 help us understand what sin is really like. “You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death.” 　Be careful today! Run away from sin. Stay close to God and ask Him to help you do what is right. God will bless you for staying faithful to Him. —NM “Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life.” James 1:12a PRAYER: Father, thank You for helping me do what is right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

親近上帝

親近上帝
聖經閱讀：詩篇73:1-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月30日(四)

有時候我們會在電視上看到有錢又有名的人，也許我們會想要和這些人一樣有錢、有名，我們會忌妒他們的生活方式。 　詩篇第73篇的作者說他的「腳險些滑倒」（第2b節），為什麼呢？因為他嫉妒成功的人。作者說那些人強壯健康，而且「沒有遭遇痛苦」（第4節）。他們穿戴珠寶、華服（第6節），但是這些人既驕傲又充滿憎恨，而且會嘲笑別人（第8節）。 　但是作者終於明白上帝會逞罰這些驕傲的人，他決定他必須專注於上帝。作者最後說：「至於我，我能夠親近上帝多麼好啊！」他用這句話來結束這詩篇（第28a節）。 　你今天想要得到什麼呢？財產、金錢、還是名聲呢？記得要專注於上帝，祂是你一切所需。 —BH 「除祢以外，在天上我還有誰呢?除祢以外，在地上我也沒有所愛慕的。」 詩篇73:25 禱告：主啊，我不需要任何的人事物，祢是我唯一的需要。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (YUDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Close to God
Bible Reading: Psalm 73:1-28
Thursday May 30, 2013

Sometimes we see people on TV who are rich and famous. We may think that we want to be rich and famous like these people. We become jealous of the way these people live. 　The writer of Psalm 73 says that he “almost fell into sin” (verse 2b). Why? Because he was jealous of people who were successful. The writer says that these people were healthy and didn’t have “to struggle to survive” (verse 4). They wore jewels and fancy clothes (verse 6). But these people also were proud and hateful (verse 6) and made fun of other people (verse 8). 　But then the writer finally understood that God will punish these proud people. He decided that he needed to focus on God. The writer closed this psalm by saying, “As for me, all I need is to be close to God” (verse 28a). 　What do you want today — possessions or money or fame? Remember to focus on God. He is all you need. —BH “In heaven, God, I have only you. And if I am with you, what on earth could I want?” Psalm 73:25 PRAYER: Lord, I do not need anything or anyone. All I need is You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

最重要的事

最重要的事
聖經閱讀：詩篇46:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月29日(三)

傳道書12:13b說：「要敬畏上帝，謹守他的命令，因為這是人人應盡的義務。」 　如果我們想要敬畏上帝並且遵從祂，那麼找時間來思想上帝是重要的。我們應該想一想上帝的樣式、祂為我們所做的事、以及祂為我們的將來所預備的。 　 今天的經文告訴我們許多關於上帝的事：祂是我們的保護和力量的來源(第1節)、上帝是全能的(第7節)、以及祂掌管全世界(第8節)。我們也應該花時間想一想這些事情。 　我鼓勵你今天坐下來，花一些時間思想上帝。讀一些祂為別人成就事情的經文，並將上帝在你生命中所成就的事列一張清單。這段時間將會使你重新得力，並讓你更熱切想要服事祂。 　我希望今天你會敬畏和遵從上帝，並記得花時間與祂同在！—NW 「他說：要停止戰爭，承認我是上帝。我在萬國被尊崇；我在地上受敬奉。」 詩篇46:10 禱告：上帝，我敬畏祢、也願遵從祢；今天請幫助我榮耀祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (YUDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Most Important Thing
Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1-11
Wednesday May 29, 2013

Ecclesiastes 12:13b says, “The most important thing a person can do is to respect God and obey His commands.” 　If we want to respect God and obey Him, it is important that we find time to think about Him. We should think about what God is like, what He has done for us and what He has prepared for us in the future. 　Our Bible Reading today tells us many things about God. He is our protection and source of strength (verse 1). God is all-powerful (verse 7). And, He controls the world (verse 8). We should take time to think about these things, too. 　I encourage you to sit down today and spend some time thinking about God. Read Bible verses that tell what He has done for other people. Make a list of things God has done in your life. This time will refresh you and make you more excited about serving Him. 　I hope that you will respect and obey God today. And remember to spend time with Him! —NW “God says, ‘Stop fighting and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations; I am the one who controls the world.’” Psalm 46:10 PRAYER: God, I respect You and want to obey You. Help me to honor You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的看顧

上帝的看顧
聖經閱讀：詩篇86:1-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月28日(二)

我的媽媽現在已經87歲了。幾年前，她的雙耳失去了聽力，她並沒有戴助聽器，但最近她卻告訴我和家人，說她每天都聽到一個男聲合唱團在唱老詩歌「前進！基督精兵」。 　不久之後，我的媽媽就生病住進了醫院，很多基督徒來探望她並為她禱告。在那之後，我的媽媽終於明白，原來她聽到的詩歌和她的基督徒朋友就是上帝在看顧她的憑據。 　今天的聖經閱讀是大衛的禱告。當時人們正在攻擊大衛，他想知道上帝是否仍然愛他。在第17a節，大衛說：「上主啊，求你向我顯示你良善的憑據」。 　有時候我們也許會面對疾病、家庭問題、財務問題、或死亡，我們也許會感到非常沮喪和孤單，但在這些煎熬的日子裡，我們可以知道上帝與我們同在，並且看顧著我們。 　別忘了今天上帝看顧著你！—AS 「求你顧念我，憐憫我；求你賜力量給我，拯救我，因為我像我母親那樣侍奉你。」 詩篇86:16a 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢每一天都讓我們知道祢看顧著我們。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (PPC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

God’s Care
Bible Reading: Psalm 86:1-17
Tuesday May 28, 2013

My mother is now 87 years old. Several years ago, she lost hearing in both of her ears. She does not wear hearing aids. But recently she told me and my family that every day she heard a men’s choir sing the old hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” 　Shortly after that, my mother became ill and was in the hospital. Many Christians visited her and prayed for her. After this, my mother realized that the music she heard and her Christian friends were signs that God cared for her. 　Our Bible Reading today is a prayer of David. People were attacking David. He wanted to know that God still loved him. In verse 17a, David said, “Lord, show me a sign that you care for me.” 　Sometimes we may face sickness, family problems, financial problems, or death. We may feel very discouraged and alone. During those hard times, we can know that God is with us and cares for us. 　Don’t forget that God cares for you today! —AS “Show me that you hear me and be kind to me. I am your servant, so give me strength.” Psalm 86:16a PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for showing us every day that You care for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

信任

信任
聖經閱讀：詩篇65:1-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月27日(一)

在現今的世界裡，要信任別人往往是困難的。我們在新聞裡看到有人偷了老人家的錢，或是去佔窮人的便宜。我們希望可以信任我們所遇到的人。 　當然，我們可以信任上帝。今天的聖經閱讀給了我們很多可以信任上帝的理由：上帝垂聽我們的禱告 (第2節)、赦免我們的罪 (第3節)、使我們得勝 (第5節)、拯救我們 (第5節)、以及看顧所造萬物 (第6-13節)。 　我知道我可以信任上帝。祂天天看顧我，因此我知道上帝將來也一樣會看顧我。上帝要我信任祂並且倚靠祂。 　也許今天有人會讓你失望，讓你覺得無法信任這個人。不要灰心，記得你可以永遠信任上帝，祂會與你同在、愛你、並引導你。－LL 「你垂聽了我們，給我們勝利；你用奇異的作為拯救我們。世上萬民和天涯海角的人都信靠你。」 詩篇65:5 禱告：上帝，我好高興祢愛我，而且我可以永遠信任祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (PPC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Trust
Bible Reading: Psalm 65:1-13
Monday May 27, 2013

In today’s world it is often hard to trust people. We see on the news that someone stole money from elderly people or took advantage of poor people. We want to be able to trust the people that we meet. 　For sure, we can trust God. Our Bible Reading today gives us several reasons why we can trust God. God listens to our prayers (verse 2), forgives our sins (verse 3), does what is right (verse 5), saves us (verse 5), and takes care of creation (verses 6-13). 　I know that I can trust God. He takes care of me every day. Therefore, I know that God will take care of me in the future, too. God wants me to trust Him and depend on Him. 　Maybe today someone will fail you, and you will feel you can’t trust that person. Don’t be discouraged. Remember that you can always trust God. He will be with you, love you and guide you. —LL “God, you answer our prayers and do what is right. You do amazing things to save us. People all over the world know they can trust in you, even those who live across the sea.” Psalm 65:5 PRAYER: Lord, I am so glad that You love me and that I can always trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

敬拜和團契

敬拜和團契
聖經閱讀：歌羅西書3:12-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月26日(日)

在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅告訴我們可以如何敬拜上帝，以及如何享受和其他基督徒團契。 　經文的第16節說：「你們要讓基督的信息豐豐富富地長住在你們心裏。要用各樣的智慧互相教導、規勸，用詩篇、聖詩、靈歌從心底發出感謝的聲音來頌讚上帝。」當我們相聚一起敬拜、禱告、或查經的時候，這些都是我們常做的事。 　但是保羅不只談到敬拜，他同時也談到了團契。經由團契，我們可以彼此分享生活經驗並且互相幫助。保羅也提醒我們，彼此間要用憐憫、饒恕、慈愛、謙遜、溫柔、和忍耐的心來相互對待，但最重要的是，我們必須記得「要加上愛」(第14b節)。 　身為基督徒，我們有極好的機會來敬拜上帝，並和其他主內的弟兄姊妹一起團契。今天就花一些時間敬拜上帝和團契。－JR* 「你們就是基督的身體，而每一個人都是肢體。」 哥林多前書12:27 禱告：天父，今天我願敬拜並參與團契。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (PPC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Worship and Fellowship
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Sunday May 26, 2013

In our Bible verses today, Paul tells us how we can worship God and enjoy fellowship with other Christians. 　Verse 16 says, “Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” These are things that we often do when we meet for worship, prayer or Bible study. 　But Paul doesn’t just talk about worship. He talks about fellowshiping, too. Through fellowship we can share our life experiences and help each other. Paul also reminds us to show mercy, forgiveness, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to each other. But most importantly, we need to remember “to love each other” (verse 14b). 　As Christians, we have the wonderful opportunity to worship God and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Take time to worship and fellowship today. —JR* “All of you together are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of that body.”1 Corinthians 12:27 PRAYER: Father, I want to worship and fellowship today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

永生的盼望

永生的盼望
聖經閱讀：馬太福音27:45-61 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月25日(六)

我來自一個有9個小孩的家庭，而我是當中最小的。我的三個兄弟和一個姊妹已經去世了，失去兄弟姊妹對我來說是很難過的事情。 　今天的聖經閱讀告訴我們耶穌的死和埋葬。對馬利亞和抹大拉的馬利亞來說，親眼觀看耶穌的死和埋葬一定是很難過的事情。當她們守在墳墓旁邊的時候，她們大概覺得所有的希望都沒了。 　但是馬太福音第28章告訴我們耶穌從死裡復活。因為耶穌的死和復活，我們有了和祂同享永生的盼望。耶穌在約翰福音6:40中說：「因為父親的旨意是要使所有看見兒子而信他的人獲得永恆的生命；在末日，我要使他們復活。」 　如果你是基督徒，你已經有了永生的盼望。今天就去跟某人分享上帝的計劃，好讓他們也可以與祂永遠同住。 －ECW 「那天使向婦女們說：『不要害怕，我知道你們要找那被釘十字架的耶穌。他不在這裏，照他所說的，他已經復活了。』」 馬太福音28:5-6a 禱告：親愛的天父，我們藉著祢的兒子耶穌而擁有的是一個多麼美好的盼望。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (PPC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Hope of Eternal Life
Bible Reading: Matthew 27:45-61
Saturday May 25, 2013

I am from a family of nine children. I am the youngest. Three of my brothers and one sister have already died. It was hard for me to lose my brothers and sister. 　Our Bible Reading tells us about Jesus’ death and burial. It must have been very hard for Mary and Mary Magdalene to watch Jesus die and be buried. As they sat near the tomb, they probably felt that all hope was gone. 　But Matthew, chapter 28, tells us that Jesus arose from the dead. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have the hope of living forever with Him. Jesus said in John 6:40, “Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him has eternal life. I will raise them up on the last day. This is what my Father wants.” 　If you are a Christian, you already have this hope of eternal life. Share with someone today about God’s plan so they, too, can live forever with Him. —ECW “The angel said to the women, ‘Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, the one who was killed on the cross. But he is not here. He has risen from death, as he said he would.’” Matthew 28:5-6a PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, what a wonderful hope we have through Your Son, Jesus. In His name. Amen.

但以理遵從上帝

但以理遵從上帝
聖經閱讀：但以理書1:3-21 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月24日(五)

巴比倫王擊敗了猶大王，很多猶太人被俘虜並被帶到巴比倫。今天的聖經閱讀告訴我們，但以理和其他三個年輕人也是其中被俘虜的人。 　國王希望這些年輕人身體健康，這樣他們才可以伺候他。所以國王吩咐他的僕人給這些人吃豐富的食物，並給他們酒喝。但是，「但以理決心不沾王宮的食物和酒，免得自己在禮儀上不潔淨」(第8a節) 但以理想要遵從上帝，所以他要求僕人只給他和另外三個年輕人吃素及喝水。 　「十天過後，他們看起來比所有吃王宮食物的年輕人更健康，更強壯。」(第15節) 但以理和他的朋友們遵從上帝，而上帝也就祝福他們，「因此這四個人被選中留在王宮伺候」(第19b節)。 　我希望你今天就遵從上帝，只要你這麼做，祂就會祝福你！－DJH 「上主啊，求你教導我法律的真義，我願意始終遵守。求你領我走你誡命的道路，因為我從它得到喜樂」 詩篇119:33, 35 禱告：親愛的上帝，今天我想要在我所做的每一件事上都遵從祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (PPC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Daniel Obeys God
Bible Reading: Daniel 1:3-21
Friday May 24, 2013

The king of Babylon defeated the king of Judah. Many Jews were taken captive and sent to Babylon. Our Bible Reading tells us that Daniel and three other young men were part of this group of captives. 　The king wanted the young men to be healthy so they could serve him. So the king told his servant to give the men rich food to eat and wine to drink. “Daniel did not want to eat the king’s rich food and wine because it would make him unclean” (verse 8a). Daniel wanted to obey God. So he asked the servant to give him and the other three young men only vegetables to eat and water to drink. 　“After ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than all the young men who ate the king’s food” (verse 15). Daniel and his friends obeyed God, and God blessed them. “So these four young men became the king’s servants” (verse 19b). 　I hope you will obey God today. If you do, He will bless you! —DJH* “Lord, teach me your laws, and I will always follow them. Help me follow your commands, because that makes me happy.” Psalm 119:33, 35 PRAYER: Dear God, I want to obey You in everything I do today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的愛

上帝的愛
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳9:1-6 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月23日(四)

今天的聖經閱讀告訴我們一個名叫掃羅的人的事情。當時，有很多基督信徒都很怕他，為甚麼呢？因為掃羅曾經對基督徒做了許多不好的事情，他們大概認為掃羅不可能改變。 　但是上帝對掃羅的生命有一個不一樣的計畫。使徒行傳其他的經節（第9章）告訴我們，掃羅終於明白耶穌是上帝的兒子。掃羅認罪悔改、受洗、並開始跟從耶穌。之後，掃羅的名字被改為保羅，他成為一個見證耶穌的偉大宣教士和傳道人。 　常常我們會看到一些罪大惡極的人，他們看起來一點希望也沒有，但是上帝的愛可以改變任何人。上帝的愛已經改變了我，我以前曾做過許多不好的事，我甚至認為我對上帝一點都不重要，但是上帝的愛改變了我。現在我正接受訓練用特別的方式來服事上帝。 　你對上帝是重要的，就接受祂的愛來改變你，並讓你成為祂的孩子。 —JA* 「常常生活在上帝的愛裏，仰望我們的主耶穌基督憐憫你們，賜給你們永恆的生命」 猶大書1:21 禱告：天父，謝謝祢偉大的愛，今天請引導我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (PPC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

God’s Love
Bible Reading: Acts 9:1-6
Thursday May 23, 2013

Our Bible Reading today tells us about a man named Saul. Many Christians were afraid of him. Why? Because Saul did bad things to Christians. Probably they thought that Saul would never change. 　But God had a different plan for Saul’s life. The rest of Acts, chapter 9, tells us that Saul realized that Jesus was God’s Son. Saul repented of his sins, he was baptized, and he started following Jesus. Later Saul’s name was changed to Paul. He became a great missionary and preacher for Jesus. 　Often we see people who are very sinful. It seems that there is no hope for them. But God’s love can change anyone. God’s love has changed me. I have done many bad things. I even thought that I was not important to God. But God’s love changed me. Now I am training to serve God in a special way. 　You are important to God. Allow His love to change you and make you His child. —JA* “Keep yourselves safe in God’s love, as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.” Jude 21 PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your great love. Please guide me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

敬拜上帝

敬拜上帝
聖經閱讀：詩篇95:1-7 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年5月22日(三)

詩篇第95篇邀請我們敬拜上帝，而作者也告訴我們一些敬拜上帝的方法。 　第1節談到唱歌和大聲讚美上帝：「來吧，我們來頌讚上主！來向拯救我們的保護者歡呼！」不論我們使用的是手語或是口語都沒關係，上帝希望我們讚美祂。 　第3-5節談到上帝的創造，當我們享受並尊重上帝所創造的萬物時，我們就是在敬拜祂了，而第6節則說：「來吧，我們來俯伏敬拜他！來向創造我們的上主跪拜！」 　你可以有很多方法來敬拜上帝，你甚至可以為自己的敬拜時間訂一個計畫，想一想哪些是你喜歡讚美上帝的方法。你喜歡唱歌嗎？你喜歡寫詩嗎？你喜歡畫圖嗎？就去拓展一些對你是特別的方法來敬拜上帝，而且不要忘記將禱告和感謝包含在你的敬拜時間裡。 　當你敬拜上帝時，願祂祝福你！ —GT 「他是我們的上帝；我們是他牧養的子民，是他帶領的羊群。」 詩篇95:7a 禱告：親愛的天父，我願天天敬拜祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (PPC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Worship God
Bible Reading: Psalm 95:1-7
Wednesday May 22, 2013

Psalm 95 invites us to worship God, and the writer tells us some ways we can worship Him. 　Verse 1 talks about singing and shouting praises to God. “Come, let us sing praise to the Lord! Let us shout praises to the Rock who saves us.” It doesn’t matter if we sign or use our voices. God wants us to praise Him. 　Verses 3-5 talk about God’s creation. When we enjoy and respect what God has made, we are worshiping Him. And verse 6 says, “Come, let us bow down and worship him! Let us kneel before the Lord who made us.” 　There are many ways that you can worship God. You can even make a plan for your own personal worship time. Think about the ways you like to praise God. Do you like to sing? Do you like to write poetry? Do you like to paint pictures? Develop ways to worship God that are special for you. And don’t forget to include prayer and a time of thanks in your worship time. 　May God bless you as you worship Him! —GT “He is our God, and we are the people he cares for, his sheep that walk by his side.” Psalm 95:7 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to worship You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.