上帝的計畫 (4)

上帝的計畫 (4)
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳1:6-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月31日(日)

上帝教會計劃的最後部份是「甚至到天涯海角，為我作見證」（第8b節）。使徒行傳的其餘部份告訴我們，十二個使徒和保羅如何將福音傳到世界各地。 　保羅在羅馬帝國各地進行三次佈道旅行，向猶太人和外邦人傳講耶穌。保羅是一個宣教士──是被差派去分享上帝信息的人。保羅遇到了很多困難，但是上帝總是與他同在。 　我們也有責任去向全世界分享耶穌的福音，但也許你會想：「我沒辦法環遊世界，我怎麼能去分享耶穌的福音呢？」有個方法讓你可以去支持在其他國家服事的宣教士，就是你可以為他們禱告並且在資金上支持他們。 　此外，或許你也可以進行一次海外的短期宣教之旅，或是一次國內的宣教。就讓上帝來幫助你參與祂拯救全世界的計劃。 —JK 「所以，你們要去，使萬國萬民都作我的門徒，奉父、子、聖靈的名給他們施洗，並且教導他們遵守我所給你們的一切命令。」 馬太福音28:19-20a 禱告：父神，我願全世界都來認識祢和耶穌。奉主的名，阿們！ （呂心愉譯)

God's Plan (4)
Bible Reading: Acts 1:6-8
Sunday, August 31, 2014

The last part of God's plan for His church was to go to “every part of the world” (verse 8b). The rest of the book of Acts tells us how the twelve apostles and Paul spread the Good News throughout the world. 　Paul made three trips around the Roman Empire to tell Jews and non-Jews about Jesus. Paul was a missionary — someone who is sent to share God's message. Paul faced many hard times, but God was always with him. 　We, too, have a responsibility to share Jesus with the whole world. But maybe you are thinking, “I can't travel around the world. How can I share Jesus?” One way is for you to support missionaries who are serving in other countries. You can pray for them and support them financially. 　Also, you may be able to go on a short-term mission trip to another country or a mission in your own country. Let God help you be a part of His plan to save the whole world. —JK “So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do.” Matthew 28:19-20a PRAYER: Father, I want the whole world to know about You and Jesus. In His name. Amen.

上帝的計畫 (3)

上帝的計畫 (3)
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳8:5-25 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月30日(六)

教會從耶路撒冷擴展到猶太各地，然後人們開始對猶太北方的撒馬利亞人分享耶穌的福音。 　今天的經文告訴我們腓利「到撒馬利亞去，向當地的人宣講基督的事」（第5節），「他們相信了腓利所傳關於上帝主權的福音和耶穌基督的名時，男男女女都接受了洗禮」（第12節）。當耶路撒冷的門徒聽到這件事時，他們也差派彼得和約翰前往撒馬利亞。 　無論腓利、彼得和約翰到什麼地方，他們都見證耶穌的福音，然後就有更多人成為基督徒，教會也跟著成長。你也可以將上帝的信息傳到外地，當你出外旅行的時候，就去向你所遇見的人分享耶穌的福音，或者寫一則簡訊或一封電子信給你的朋友和親戚，告訴他們耶穌為你所成就的事。 　今天就學像腓利、彼得和約翰，去傳揚耶穌的福音。 —JK 「彼得和約翰在那裡作了見證，宣講主的信息，」 使徒行傳8:25a 禱告：主，今天無論我去哪裡，我都願意向人傳講耶穌。奉主的名，阿們！ （呂心愉譯)

God's Plan (3)
Bible Reading: Acts 8:5-25
Saturday, August 30, 2014

The church spread from Jerusalem throughout Judea. Then people began to share about Jesus with people in Samaria, an area north of Judea. 　Our Bible verses tell us about Philip who “went to the city of Samaria and told people about the Messiah” (verse 5). He “told the people the Good News about God's kingdom and the power of Jesus Christ. Men and women believed Philip and were baptized” (verse 12). When the apostles in Jerusalem heard about this, they sent Peter and John to Samaria, too. 　Wherever Philip, Peter and John went, they witnessed about Jesus. Then more people became Christians, and the church grew. You, too, can reach outside your area with God's message. Share about Jesus with people you meet when you travel. Send a text message or e-mail to your friends and relatives. Tell them what Jesus has done for you. 　Be like Philip, Peter and John today. Spread the Good News about Jesus. —JK “Then the two apostles told the people what they had seen Jesus do. They told them the message of the Lord.” Acts 8:25a PRAYER: Lord, wherever I go today, I want to tell people about Jesus. In His name. Amen.

上帝的計畫 (2)

上帝的計畫 (2)
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳8:1-4 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月29日(五)

在使徒行傳第六和第七章中，我們認識了一個名叫司提反的人。司提反宣講耶穌的福音，但有一些人不接受他的信息，他們對司提反是如此生氣以致於用石頭打死他。 　今天的經文告訴我們，在司提反被殺害後，一些猶太人開始對耶路撒冷的基督徒做壞事。「從那一天開始，耶路撒冷的教會遭受極殘酷的迫害。使徒以外，所有的信徒都分散到猶太和撒馬利亞各地區去。有些虔誠的人把司提反埋葬了，並且為他大聲哀哭。這時候，掃羅進行摧殘教會的工作；他挨家挨戶搜捕男女信徒，把他們關進牢裡」（第2和第3節)。 　猶太是耶路撒冷周圍的地區，當這次的迫害開始時，很多基督徒就從耶路撒冷遷移到猶太的一些地方。不論這些人搬到哪裡，他們都會分享耶穌的福音。藉著這種方式，教會擴展到耶路撒冷以外的地方。 　也許你可以向住在外地的人分享耶穌的福音，就求上帝帶領你去找那些需要認識祂奇妙救恩禮物的人。 —JK 「那些分散的信徒到各地傳福音。」 使徒行傳8:4 禱告：天上的父，謝謝祢賜下救恩。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ （呂心愉譯)

God's Plan (2)
Bible Reading: Acts 8:1-4
Friday, August 29, 2014

In chapters 6 and 7 of Acts we learn about a man named Stephen. Stephen preached about Jesus. But some people did not accept his message. They became so angry with Stephen that they stoned him to death. 　Our Bible Reading tells us that after Stephen was killed, some Jews began to do bad things to Christians in Jerusalem. These Jews “went into their houses, dragged out men and women, and put them in jail. All the believers left Jerusalem. Only the apostles stayed. The believers went to different places in Judea and Samaria” (verses 2 and 3). 　Judea was the area surrounding Jerusalem. When this persecution started, many Christians moved out of Jerusalem to other places in Judea. Wherever these people moved, they shared the Good News about Jesus. In that way, the church spread outside of Jerusalem. 　Maybe you can share Jesus with people outside the town where you live. Ask God to lead you to people who need to know about His wonderful gift of salvation. —JK “They were scattered everywhere, and in every place they went, they told people about the Good News.” Acts 8:4 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

上帝的計畫 (1)

上帝的計畫 (1)
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳1:6-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月28日(四)

使徒行傳跟我們談到上帝教會的開始和成長。從一開始，上帝就為教會預備了一個特定的計劃。 　在今天的經文中，耶穌向祂的使徒分享這個計畫。耶穌告訴這些人，他們會成為傳講祂福音的見證人：「你們會充滿著能力，要在耶路撒冷、猶太，和撒馬利亞全境，甚至到天涯海角，為我作見證」（第8b節）。 　上帝對教會的計劃從耶路撒冷開始：「許多人領受了他（彼得）的信息，並接受洗禮；那一天信徒約增加了三千人」（使徒行傳2:41）。 　上帝希望你也成為一個見證人去向人傳講耶穌，而你會從哪裡開始呢？你也許不住在耶路撒冷，但你一定住在某一個城巿或鄉鎮。就從住在你四周的人開始，今天找個機會去向你的鄰居分享上帝的愛。 —JK 「頌讚上帝，跟人人保持和睦的關係。主天天把得救的人數加給他們。」 使徒行傳2:47 禱告：上帝，求祢讓我看見今天需要認識祢的愛的人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ （呂心愉譯)

God's Plan (1)
Bible Reading: Acts 1:6-8
Thursday, August 28, 2014

The book of Acts tells us about the start and the growth of God's church. From the beginning, God had a specific plan for His church. 　In our Bible Reading today, Jesus shared that plan with the apostles. Jesus told those men that they would be witnesses who would tell other people about Him. “You will tell people everywhere about me — in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world” (verse 8b). 　God's plan for the church started in the city of Jerusalem. “Those who accepted what Peter said were baptized. On that day about 3000 people were added to the group of believers” (Acts 2:41). 　God wants you to be a witness and tell other people about Jesus, too. Where do you start? You may not live in Jerusalem, but you do live in some town or city. Start with the people who live around you. Look for an opportunity today to share God's love with a neighbor. —JK “The believers praised God and were respected by all the people. More and more people were being saved every day, and the Lord was adding them to their group.” Acts 2:47 PRAYER: God, show me someone who needs to know about Your love today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

麻煩製造者

麻煩製造者
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳24:1-9 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月27日(三)

在今天經文的第5a節，一個名叫帖土羅的人說：「這個人是危險人物，他在全世界猶太人當中製造亂事。」帖土羅談的人是誰呢？他是在談保羅。 　很多人並不接受保羅說耶穌是上帝兒子的信息，這些人生氣並宣稱保羅是麻煩製造者，但是保羅只是在宣講上帝為所有世人預備的救恩真理。保羅在使徒行傳24:16說：「因此，我常常勉勵自己，在上帝和人面前，常保持著清白的良心。」 　身為基督徒，我們應該永遠做對的事，但有時候人們並不認同我們，他們也許會對我們生氣，還會說我們是麻煩製造者。因為跟隨耶穌，我們甚至可能遭遇不好的事。 　今天就為耶穌堅強站立，記得永遠做對的事，上帝會與你同在並賜給你力量。 —GT 「如果受苦是由於作基督徒，不要引以為恥，卻要因披戴著基督的名號而榮耀上帝。」 彼得前書4:16 禱告：天父，求祢賜給我勇氣使我剛強並永遠做對的事。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (李信儀譯)

Troublemaker
Bible Reading: Acts 24:1-9
Wednesday, August 27, 2014

In verse 5a of our Bible verses today, a man named Tertullus said, “This man is a troublemaker. He causes trouble with the Jews everywhere in the world.” Who was Tertullus talking about? He was talking about Paul. 　Many people did not accept Paul’s message that Jesus was God’s Son. These people became angry and called Paul a troublemaker. But Paul was just telling the truth about God’s salvation for all people. Paul said in Acts 24:16, “This is why I always try to do what I believe is right before God and before everyone.” 　As Christians, we should always do what is right. But sometimes people do not agree with us. They may become angry and call us troublemakers. We may even have bad things happen to us because we follow Jesus. 　Stand strong today for Jesus. Remember to always do what is right. God will be with you and give you strength. —GT “But if you suffer because you are a ‘Christ-follower,’ don’t be ashamed. You should praise God for that name.” 1 Peter 4:16 PRAYER: Father, give me courage to be strong and always do what is right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

信靠上帝

信靠上帝
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳21:1-14 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月26日(二)

今天的經文告訴我們保羅正前往耶路撒冷，一個名叫亞迦布的先知告訴保羅，說在耶路撒冷的人要捆綁他，然後將他交給外邦人（第11b節）。 　與保羅同行的人懇求保羅不要前往耶路撒冷，但是保羅說（第13節）：「我為著主耶穌的緣故，不但在耶路撒冷被捆綁，就是死在那裏也是心甘情願的。」保羅並不擔心會發生什麼事，他全然信靠上帝來照顧自己。 　有時候我會擔心生活中遇到的問題，我認為我必須獨自面對這些問題，但是上帝總是與我同在。保羅知道他可以信靠上帝來幫助他面對艱難的情況，甚至面對死亡。 　今天你正面對問題嗎？要學像保羅將憂慮和恐懼交託給上帝，並信靠上帝會永遠照顧你！—SH* 「所以，你們要在上帝大能的手下謙卑，這樣，他會在適當的時機提升你們。要把一切憂慮都卸給他，因為他關心你們。」 彼得前書5:6-7 禱告：天父，我將我的憂慮和恐懼都交託給祢，求祢今天幫助我面對我的問題。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (李信儀譯)

Trust God
Bible Reading: Acts 21:1-14
Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Our Bible Reading tells us that Paul was traveling to Jerusalem. A prophet named Agabus told Paul that people in Jerusalem would tie him up and “hand him over to people who don’t know God” (verse 11b). 　The people with Paul begged him not to go to Jerusalem. But Paul said (verse 13), “I am willing to be put in jail in Jerusalem. I am even ready to die for the name of the Lord Jesus!” Paul was not worried about what would happen to him. He trusted God to take care of him. 　Sometimes I worry about problems I face in my life. I think that I have to face these problems alone. But God is always with me. Paul knew that he could trust God to help him face bad situations, even death. 　Are you facing problems today? Be like Paul and give your worries and fears to God. Trust Him to always take care of you! —SH* “So be humble under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 PRAYER: Father, I give You my worries and my fears. Help me to face my problems today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

教會

教會
聖經閱讀：提摩太前書3:14-16 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月25日(一)

有些人認為教會只是一棟建築物，但是今天的經文告訴我們，教會是一個家，「這個家就是永生上帝的教會」（第15b節）。以弗所書5:25b告訴我們「基督愛教會，為教會捨命。」耶穌不是為一棟建築物而死！祂是為人們受死。 　第15b節經文同時告訴我們教會的目的：「這個家就是永生上帝的教會，是真理的柱石和基礎。」什麼是真理呢？真理就是上帝愛我們並為我們開創一條罪得赦免的道路。 　在耶穌離開人世之前，祂吩附門徒「要到世界各地去，向全人類傳福音」（馬可福音16:15），如果你跟隨並順服耶穌，你就是上帝教會的一份子。教會裡的人一起同工、彼此鼓勵去向每一個人傳講耶穌的福音。 　今天你會做什麼呢？你是否會藉著向人傳講上帝愛子的福音來榮耀並頌讚上帝呢？ —DJH* 「好使大家在一起，同聲頌讚我們的主耶穌基督的父上帝。」 羅馬書15:6 禱告：親愛的主，謝謝祢賜給我教會的大家庭，求祢今天幫助我榮耀祢、頌讚祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (李信儀譯)

The Church
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
Monday, August 25, 2014

Some people think that the church is a building. But our Bible Reading today tells us that the church is family. “The family is the church of the living God” (verse 15b). Ephesians 5:25b tells us that “Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.” Jesus did not die for a building! He died for people. 　Verse 15b also tells us the purpose of the church. “God’s church is the support and foundation of the truth.” What is this truth? It is the truth that God loves us and made a way for our sins to be forgiven. 　Before Jesus left the earth, He told His followers to go “everywhere in the world. Tell the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15). If you follow and obey Jesus, you are part of God's church. The people in the church work together to encourage one another and tell the Good News about Jesus to everyone. 　What will you do today? Will you glorify and praise God by telling people about His Son? —DJH* “...you will all be joined together. And all together you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6 PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for my family, the church. Help me to glorify and praise You today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

傳揚福音

傳揚福音
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳20:17-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月24日(日)

在今天的經文中，保羅跟以弗所教會來的長老見面，這是一個感性的聚會，為什麼呢？因為保羅就要前往耶路撒冷，而聖靈告訴保羅，他在耶路撒冷會遇到麻煩（第23節）。 　保羅並不知道他到耶路撒冷會發生什麼事，但是他確實知道一件事。在第24b節，保羅說：「為的是要完成我的使命，成就主耶穌交給我的工作，就是見證上帝恩典的福音。」 　我們每一個人每天都有例行性的事情要做、有固定的地方要去。我們知道，在我們經歷的每一天中，都可能會遇到麻煩，但是我們要記住，一天中我們可以做的最重要的事，是去向世人分享耶穌的福音。 　今天就決定去愛人、服事人，去向他們傳講耶穌，以及祂白白賜給他們的救恩。 —SH* 「無論對猶太人或外邦人，我都鄭重地勸告他們，要他們悔改，轉向上帝，並且信我們的主耶穌。」 使徒行傳20:21 禱告：天父，我今天願為耶穌而活，求祢幫助我向世人傳揚祂的福音。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (李信儀譯)

Tell the Good News
Bible Reading: Acts 20:17-28
Sunday, August 24, 2014

In our Bible Reading today, Paul met with the elders from the church in Ephesus. It was an emotional meeting. Why? Because Paul was going to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had told Paul that there would be trouble for him in Jerusalem (verse 23). 　Paul did not know what would happen to him in Jerusalem. But he did know one thing. Paul said in verse 24b, “I want to finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do — to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.” 　Each of us has a daily routine of things we do and places we go. We know that as we go through our day, we may face troubles. But we should remember that the most important thing we can do all day is to share the Good News about Jesus with others. 　Choose today to love and serve other people. Tell them about Jesus and the salvation He freely gives to them. —SH* “I told everyone — Jewish and non-Jewish people — to change and turn to God. I told them all to believe in our Lord Jesus.” Acts 20:21 PRAYER: Father, I want to live for Jesus today. Help me to tell others about Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的軍裝 (8)

上帝的軍裝 (8)
聖經閱讀：以弗所書6:18 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月23日(六)

在過去的幾天裡，我們談了上帝的軍裝──真理的腰帶、公義的護胸甲、用平安的福音作的鞋子、信心的盾牌、救恩的頭盔和聖靈的寶劍。 　如果我們擁有上帝的全副軍裝，我們就預備好去對抗魔鬼。今天的經文告訴我們幾件作為上帝的精兵必須做的事情。「你們要在禱告中祈求上帝的幫助，常常隨從聖靈的帶領禱告。要事事警醒，不可放鬆；要不斷地為信徒們禱告。」 　在這個經節裡，保羅告訴我們三件事：禱告、事事警醒、不可放鬆。我們禱告求上帝幫助我們抵擋魔鬼並為那些必須認識耶穌的人禱告是一件重要的事情。當魔鬼試探我們的時候，我們應該隨時預備好順服上帝。另外，我們必須記得要不斷地服事上帝，並且為祂堅強站立。 　我希望你今天就預備好在上帝的軍隊裡服役。—CE 「你們要穿戴上帝所賜的全副軍裝，好使你們能站穩，來抵禦魔鬼的詭計。」 以弗所書6:11 禱告：天父，我已經準備好成為祢的精兵來對抗魔鬼。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (呂心愉譯)

God's Armor (8)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:18
Saturday, August 23, 2014

The past few days we have talked about God’s armor — the belt of truth, the chest protection of right living, the Good News of peace for our feet, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. 　If we have all the pieces of God's armor, we will be ready to fight against the devil. And our Bible verse for today tells us some things we need to do as God's soldiers. “Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God's people.” 　In that verse, Paul tells us three things — pray, be ready and never give up. It is important that we pray for God to help us resist the devil and pray for people who need to know about Jesus. We should always be ready to obey God when the devil tempts us. And, we need to remember to never give up serving God and standing strong for Him. 　I hope that you are ready to serve in God's army today! —CE “Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.” Ephesians 6:11 PRAYER: God, I am ready to be Your soldier and fight against the devil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的軍裝 (7)

上帝的軍裝 (7)
聖經閱讀：以弗所書6:10-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月22日(五)

今天我們要來談保羅提到的上帝軍裝的最後一樣配件──聖靈的寶劍。 　現今大多數的軍人用槍來打敵人，但是在聖經記載的年代裡，士兵們使用劍。正如士兵需要劍來保護自己，基督徒需要聖靈的寶劍作為他們的武器。但什麼是聖靈的寶劍呢？今天經文的第17b節說：「以上帝的話作聖靈所賜的寶劍。」我們可以在哪裡找到上帝的話語呢？上帝的話就在聖經裡！ 　在馬太福音第4章，我們讀到魔鬼企圖引誘耶穌犯罪。魔鬼三次試探耶穌，每一次耶穌都用上帝話語裡的命令來回答他。耶穌並沒有犯罪，祂用聖經來擊敗魔鬼。 　上帝的話語是抵擋魔鬼的武器。讀經並從聖經中學習，那麼你就可以準備好面對魔鬼並打敗他！ —CE 「你的話是導引我的燈，是我人生路上的光。」 詩篇119:105 禱告：天父，我需要?的話語來幫助我堅強、抵禦魔鬼。求?幫助我每天讀?的話語。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (呂心愉譯)

God's Armor (7)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17
Friday, August 22, 2014

Today we will talk about the last piece of God’s armor that Paul mentions — the sword of the Spirit. 　Today most soldiers use guns to fight the enemy. But in Bible times, soldiers used swords. Just as a soldier needed a sword to defend himself, Christians need the sword of the Spirit as their weapon. But what is the sword of the Spirit? Verse 17b of our Bible Reading says “that sword is the teaching of God.” Where do we find God's teaching? In the Bible! 　In Matthew, chapter 4, we read that the devil tempted Jesus to sin. The devil tempted Jesus three times. Each time Jesus answered him with a command from God's Word. Jesus did not sin. He used the Bible to defeat the devil. 　God's Word is our weapon against the devil. Study and learn from the Bible. Then you will be prepared to face the devil and defeat him! —CE “Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I need Your Word to help me be strong and fight against the devil. Help me to read it every day. In Jesus’ name.