清潔日 (2)

清潔日 (2)
聖經閱讀：哥林多後書12:1-10現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月30日(六)

在打掃聽障事工的房子時，我們找到了很多老舊的文件和照片，這些東西讓我們想起聽障事工這些年來的成長，以及上帝是如何祝福我們。讓聽障事工的同工記得上帝使用了很多同工、數百位志工，以及數千位贊助者來讓聽障事工成功發展是一件有益的事。
第二件我學到的事是，基督徒回顧自己的生命來看看上帝是如何幫助並改變自己是一件重要的事。你應該可以記得好幾個人或幾件事曾經鼓勵你信耶穌，或者幫助你成長為一個基督徒。

在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅列出在他的宣教事工中，曾經幫助他、鼓勵他的人。今天就想一想自己的生命，要感謝上帝賜下那些幫助你成長、使你更親近祂的人。 —JK

「你們大家常常在我心裡！我想念你們大家是當然的；因為，……你們大家都分享了上帝所賜給我的特權。」 腓立比書1:7

禱告：天父，謝謝祢賜下幫助我成為堅強基督徒的人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Cleaning Day (2)
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Saturday, April 30, 2016

　While we were cleaning the Deaf Missions building, we found many old papers and pictures. These things were reminders of how Deaf Missions has grown through the years and how God has blessed us. It was good for the Deaf Missions staff to remember how God has used many staff members, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors to make Deaf Missions successful.
The second thing I learned is that it is important for Christians to look back on their lives and see how God has helped them grow and change. You can probably remember several people or events that encouraged you to follow Jesus or helped you grow as a Christian.

In our Bible verses today, Paul listed people who helped him and encouraged him in his ministry. Think about your life today and thank God for people who helped you grow and be closer to Him. —JK

“I know I am right to think like this about all of you because you are so close to my heart. This is because you have all played such an important part in God's grace to me.” Philippians 1:7a

PRAYER: Father, thank You for people who helped me be a strong Christian. In Jesus' name. Amen.

清潔日 (1)

清潔日 (1)
聖經閱讀：雅各書1:19-25 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月29日(五)

最近聽障事工機構裡安排了一個清潔日，我們把老舊的設備、檔案，以及道具整理一遍，決定什麼要留、什麼要丟掉。經過了一整天的清潔日，我發現有兩件事可以應用到生活中。
我發現的第一件事是，我們有很多東西必須丟掉，這些東西再也用不到而且佔空間，在我們移除這些東西後，就有更多空間可以放新的設備和補給品。
我們的生命常常有一些東西必須丟掉，這些東西也許是驕傲，也許是貪婪，也許是對別人的壞印象，一旦丟掉這些不好的東西，就可以在我們的心思意念裡裝進更多上帝的話語。
今天經文閱讀的第21a節說：「你們要掙脫一切不良的習慣和邪惡的行為。」也許你可以為自己的靈命安排一個清潔日，掙脫生命中的罪，並答應每一天為上帝而活。 —JK

「用順服的心接受上帝種在你們心裡的道，就是那能夠拯救你們的道。」 雅各書1:21b

禱告：上帝，我願掙脫生命中的罪來事奉祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Cleaning Day (1)
Bible Reading: James 1:19-25
Friday, April 29, 20106

　Recently we had a cleaning day at Deaf Missions. We sorted through old equipment, files and props and decided what to keep and what to throw away. As we went through this cleaning day, I noticed two things that I can apply to my life.
The first thing I noticed was that we had a lot of stuff that we needed to get rid of. All of this stuff was no longer used and it was taking up a lot of room. After we removed these things, we had more space to store new equipment and supplies.
Often we have things in our lives that need to be thrown out. These things may be pride or greed or bad feelings we have about other people. Once we throw out these bad things, we can fill our minds and hearts with more of God's Word.
Verse 21a of our Bible Reading today says, “So get rid of everything evil in your lives — every kind of wrong you do.” Maybe you can have a cleaning day for your spiritual life. Get rid of the sin in your life and promise to live each day for God. —JK

“Be humble and accept God's teaching that is planted in your hearts.” James 1:21b

PRAYER: God, I want to get rid of the sin from my life and serve only You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

恐懼

恐懼
聖經閱讀：提摩太後書1:3-10 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月28日(四)

　我不喜歡站在人群前面講話，最近我必須向三個大團體演說，為了克服恐懼，我並沒有靠著說服自己，說自己是一個很棒的演講者，我反而是倚靠今天經文閱讀第7節中上帝的應許：「上帝所賜給我們的靈不使我們膽怯；相反地，他的靈會使我們充滿力量、愛心，和自制。」
這節經文告訴我們有三種能力會幫助我們克服恐懼。首先，我擁有力量，這個來自聖靈的力量賜給我信心來克服恐懼。其次，我擁有愛心，當我愛別人時，就不會注意著自己，而是去注意別人，這時我就不會擔憂了。第三，我擁有自制能力，這幫助我記得上帝愛我，我要倚靠祂的話。
藉著上帝的幫助，我們可以克服恐懼，今天就倚靠祂和祂的恩典！ —BL

「上帝拯救我們，呼召我們作他的子民，並不是因為我們有甚麼好行為，而是出於他的旨意和恩典。」 提摩太後書1:9a

禱告：上帝，謝謝祢賜給我力量、愛心和自制！奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Fear
Bible Reading: 2 Timonthy 1:3-10
Thursday, April 28, 2016

　I do not like to stand in front of an audience and speak. Recently I had to speak to three large groups of people. To overcome my fear, I did not convince myself that I was a great speaker. Instead, I relied on God's promise in verse 7 of our Bible Reading. “The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.”
That verse tells me three things that will help me conquer my fears. First, I have power. This power from the Holy Spirit gives me the confidence to overcome my fears. Second, I have love. When I love others, I do not focus on myself. Instead, I focus on others and then I am not worried. Third, I have self-control. This helps me remember that God loves me and that I need to depend on His Word.
With God's help, we can conquer our fears. Depend on Him and His grace today! —BL

“God saved us and chose us to be his holy people, but not because of anything we ourselves did. God saved us and made us his people because that was what he wanted and because of his grace.” 2 Timothy 1:9a

PRAYER: God, thank You for giving me power, love and self-control! In Jesus' name. Amen.

平安

平安
聖經閱讀：腓立比書4:1-9 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月27日(三)

我的姊姊珍和我還很小的時候，有一次我們在外面玩，突然間颳起一陣強風，把我們吹起來、拋到院子的另一邊。我們都嚇壞了，就開始哭。 我母親和阿姨聽到強風的聲音就往窗外看，她們看見我們滾向馬路，母親和阿姨就急忙跑出來抱住我們，他們把我們緊緊地抱住來消除我們的恐懼。
有時候我們在生活中會發生可怕的事，憂慮和害怕讓我們感覺就好像被拋出去一樣，但是我們不必害怕，今天的經文提醒我們不要擔心或害怕：「你們應該一無掛慮；要在禱告中把你們所需要的告訴上帝，用感謝的心祈求」（第6節）。
如果你今天開始擔心害怕，要懇求上帝幫助你消除你的恐懼感，祂會賜給你平安。 —DJH*

「我留下平安給你們，我把我的平安賜給你們。我所給你們的，跟世人所給的不同。你們心裡不要愁煩，也不要害怕。」 約翰福音14:27

禱告：主阿，謝謝祢賜下平安的應許。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Peace
Bible Reading: Philippians 4:1-9
Wednesday, April 27, 2016

　When my sister, Jean, and I were very young, we were playing outside. Suddenly a very strong wind came up. The wind picked us up and tossed us across the yard. We were frightened, and we started to cry. My mother and my aunt heard the sound of the wind and looked out the window. They saw us tumbling toward the road. My mother and aunt rushed outside and caught us in their arms. They held us tightly and calmed our fears.
Sometimes frightening things happen in our lives. Our worries and fears make us feel like we are being tossed around. But we don't need to be afraid. Our Bible verses today remind us that we should not worry or be afraid. “Don't worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have” (verse 6).
If you begin to worry or feel afraid today, ask God to help you and calm your fears. He will give you peace. —DJH*

I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don't be troubled. Don't be afraid. John 14:27

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your promise of peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

靈性的健康

靈性的健康
聖經閱讀：詩篇139:1-24 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月26日(二)

我先生最近做了每年例行性的健康檢查，醫生徹底檢查了我先生，檢查結束後，醫生說我先生很健康，這個消息讓我們很開心。
保持身體健康是一件重要的事，但是靈性的健康更為重要。在今天的經文閱讀中，這篇詩歌的作者告訴我們如何檢查自己靈性的健康狀況。
首先，我們必須請求上帝察驗我們的心思意念，看看有沒有任何的問題和憂慮：「上帝啊，求你察驗我，知道我的意念；求你考驗我，洞悉我的心思」（第23節）。其次，我們應該求問上帝讓我們知道每一天是不是更親近祂。
今天就花一些時間跟上帝說話，求祂察驗你的心思意念，使你知道生命中的罪，讓上帝幫助你成為一個靈性健康的人。 —CW*

「上主要作求你看看我有沒有狂妄的思想；求你引導我走永生的道路。」 詩篇139:24

禱告：親愛的上帝，我願成為靈性健康的人來親近祢。奉主的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Spiritually Healthy
Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-24
Tuesday, April 26, 2016

　Recently my husband went to the doctor for his yearly check-up. The doctor thoroughly examined my husband. After the tests were complete, the doctor said that my husband was healthy. That made us very happy.
It is important that we keep our bodies physically healthy. But it is even more important that we are spiritually healthy. In our Bible Reading, the writer of this psalm shows us how we can examine ourselves for good spiritual health.
First, we need to ask God to search our hearts and minds to see if we have any worries or problems. “God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries” (verse 23). Second, we should ask God to show us if we are growing closer to Him each day.
Take time today to talk with God. Ask Him to search your heart and mind and show you areas of sin in your life. Allow God to help you be spiritually healthy. —CW*

“Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right.” Psalm 139:24

PRAYER: Dear God, I want to be spiritually healthy and stay close to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

水的神蹟 (8)

水的神蹟 (8)
聖經閱讀：馬可福音4:35-41 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月25日(一)

　在愛荷華州的夏天我們常常會有很大的暴風雨，烏雲密佈、風強雨大讓人感到害怕，當這種情況發生時，任何人都沒辦法使風雨停下來。
在今天的經文閱讀中，耶穌和祂的一些門徒正在湖上，有一場暴風雨來襲，狂風將水吹進船裡，耶穌的門徒開始感到害怕，耶穌就站起來命令風浪平息。哇！風和浪都聽從耶穌，但在耶穌這麼做之後，祂的門徒仍然感到害怕，他們說（第41節）：「這個人究竟是誰，連風浪也聽從他！」耶穌的門徒已經看過祂行了許多神蹟，但是他們仍然感到害怕。
所有聖經裡的神蹟都向我們顯明上帝的能力，如果上帝可以行這些奇妙的神蹟，祂就可以賜給我們一個罪得赦免的方法，這個方法就是要透過耶穌。上帝的救恩計劃就是最偉大的神蹟！ —JK

「耶穌說：『我就是道路、真理、生命；要不是藉著我，沒有人能到父親那裡去。』」 約翰福音14:6

禱告：上帝，謝謝祢藉由耶穌賜下救恩。奉主的名，阿們！

(林煜茹譯)

Water Miracles (8)
Bible Reading: Mark 4:35-41
Monday, April 25, 2016

　In Iowa we
often have
very bad
storms in
the summer.
It can be
scary when
the clouds
become black, the wind blows hard and the rains come down. When that happens, there is nothing any person can do to stop the wind and the rain.
In our Bible verses, Jesus and some of His followers were on the lake. A very bad storm came up. The wind was so strong that water came into their boat. Jesus' followers became afraid. Jesus stood up and told the wind and the waves to stop. Wow! The wind and the waves obeyed Jesus. After Jesus did this, His followers were still afraid. They said (verse 41), “What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the water obey him!” Jesus' followers had seen Jesus perform many miracles. But they were still afraid.
All the miracles in the Bible show us God's power. If God can do these wonderful miracles, then He can also give us a way to have our sins forgiven. This way is through Jesus. God's plan of salvation is the greatest miracle of all! —JK

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.’” John 14:6

PRAYER: God, thank You for salvation through Jesus. In His name. Amen.

水的神蹟 (7)

水的神蹟 (7)
聖經閱讀：馬太福音14:22-32 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月24日(日)

　今天閱讀的經文對你也許是一個熟悉的故事，基督徒大都知道耶穌在水面上走向彼得的故事。
第28節經文中，彼得對耶穌說：「主啊，如果是你，叫我在水上走，到你那裡去！」，耶穌叫彼得走向祂，彼得就下船走向耶穌，但是當他注意到風浪時，他就開始往下沉。耶穌伸手拉住彼得的手，在第31節，耶穌對彼得說：「你的信心太小了，為甚麼疑惑呢？」。
我們常常批評彼得缺乏信心，的確，當彼得不專心注目耶穌時，他就開始擔心並且往下沉。但是我認為彼得的信心比我還大！我不確定我會不會像彼得一樣踏出去踩在水上，我每一天都必須信靠耶穌，我必須停止憂慮並且倚靠耶穌來幫助我。就像彼得一樣，我的信心很小，但是每一次當我專注於耶穌，而不是專注於自己的問題時，我的信心就成長了。
今天就求上帝幫助你倚靠祂。 —JK

「要把一切憂慮都卸給他，因為他關心你們。」 彼得前書5:7

禱告：親愛的主，我願不再憂慮並且信靠耶穌。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林煜茹譯)

Water Miracles (7)
Bible Reading: Matthew 14:22-32
Sunday, April 24, 2016

　Our Bible Reading today is probably a familiar story to you. Most Christians know about Jesus walking on the water to Peter.
Peter said to Jesus in verse 28, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus told Peter to come to Him. Peter got out of the boat and started walking to Jesus. But when Peter noticed the wind and the waves, he started sinking. Jesus reached out and took Peter's hand. In verse 31, Jesus said to Peter, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?”
Often we criticize Peter for his lack of faith. It is true that when Peter took his focus off of Jesus, he began to worry and to sink. But I think Peter had more faith than I have! I am not sure I would have stepped out onto the water like Peter did. Every day I need to trust Jesus. I need to stop worrying and depend on Jesus to help me. Like Peter, my faith is small. But each time I focus on Jesus instead of my troubles, my faith grows.
Ask God to help you depend on Him today. —JK

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I want to stop worrying and trust Jesus. In His name. Amen.

水的神蹟 (6)

水的神蹟 (6)
聖經閱讀：約翰福音2:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月23日(六)

　耶穌在世上時，祂行了許多神蹟。耶穌能夠行這些神蹟是因為祂是上帝的兒子。耶穌行了許多神蹟來幫助人。
在今天的經文中，我們讀到耶穌、祂的母親，還有一些祂的門徒正在參加婚禮，所有的酒都喝完了，大家卻不知道該怎麼辦。耶穌叫僕人將六個大水缸裝滿水，然後祂叫他們舀出一些水給管筵席的人。那人嚐了後，說耶穌竟然將水變成了酒！ 經文第11b節告訴我們耶穌藉由這個神蹟「顯示了他的榮耀；他的門徒都信了他。」這個神蹟顯示出耶穌是多麼大有能力，也幫助耶穌的門徒相信祂。每一天，耶穌的門徒都更認識祂。
現今耶穌已不在世上行神蹟了，但是我們可以在聖經中讀到祂的神蹟。當讀到這些事蹟時，我們就可以了解耶穌的能力有多大！ —JK

「你是基督，是永生上帝的兒子。」 馬太福音16:16b

禱告：天父，謝謝祢賜下祢大有能力的兒子耶穌。奉主的名，阿們！

(林煜茹譯)

Water Miracles (6)
Bible Reading: John 2:1-11
Saturday, April 23, 2016

　While Jesus
was on earth,
He did many
miracles. 
Jesus could
do these
miracles
because He is
God's Son. Jesus did many miracles to help people.
In our Bible Reading today, we read that Jesus, His mother and some of His followers were at a wedding. All the wine was gone, and the people did not know what to do. Jesus told the servants to
fill six large water pots with water. Then Jesus told them to take out some water and give it to the man in charge of the feast. The man tasted it. Jesus had changed the water into wine! Verse 11b tells us that by this miracle Jesus “showed his divine greatness, and his followers believed in him.” This miracle showed how powerful Jesus was. And this miracle helped Jesus' followers believe in Him. Every day Jesus' followers learned more about Him.
Jesus is not living on earth today and performing miracles. But we can read about His miracles in the Bible. When we read these things, we can understand how powerful Jesus is! —JK

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16b

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who is powerful. In His name. Amen.

水的神蹟 (5)

水的神蹟 (5)
聖經閱讀：列王紀下6:1-7 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月22日(五)

　今天我們要來看另一個跟水有關的神蹟。先知以利沙和其他先知一起砍下約旦河旁的一些樹，他們打算用這些木頭建造一個大一點的地方來住，其中一個先知用的是一把向別人借的斧頭，當他砍樹時，斧頭的鐵頭掉進了河裡。 以利沙走到斧頭掉進河裡的地方，他砍下一根樹枝丟到水裡，然後斧頭就浮到水面上了。這是另一個藉著上帝的能力所行的神蹟。
我認為這個神蹟很重要，為什麼呢？因為這讓我們看見上帝關心我們日常生活中的事情。上帝的神蹟不一定跟大事有關，這個神蹟只關於一件遺失的工具。
上帝每天都關心你的事情，祂不一定會為你行神蹟，但是祂會幫助你度過困難。要讚美上帝的愛和關心！—JK

「你是行神蹟的上帝；你向列國彰顯你的大能。」 詩篇77:14

禱告：親愛的主，謝謝祢愛我並且照顧我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林煜茹譯)

Water Miracles (5)
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 6:1-7
Friday, April 22, 2016

　Today we will look at another miracle involving water. The prophet Elisha and some other prophets cut down trees near the Jordan River. They planned to use the wood to build a larger place for them to live. One of the prophets used an ax that he had borrowed from someone. While he was cutting down a tree, the iron head of the ax fell into the river. Elisha went to the place where the ax head had fallen into the river. He cut a stick and threw it into the water. Then the ax head floated to the surface of the water. This was another miracle done with God's power.
I think this miracle is very important. Why? Because it shows us that God is concerned with everyday things that happen to us. Not all God's miracles were about big things. This miracle was about a tool that was lost.
God cares about what happens to you every day. He may not perform a miracle for you, but He will help you through difficult times. Praise God for His love and concern! —JK

“You are the God who does amazing things. You showed the nations your great power.” Psalm 77:14

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for loving me and taking care of me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

水的神蹟 (4)

水的神蹟 (4)
聖經閱讀：約書亞記3:9-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年4月21日(四)

以色列民準備好要渡過約旦河，進入上帝應許給他們的土地。今天的經文閱讀告訴我們，河水漲過了河岸，祭司們抬著約櫃，然後其他人跟在祭司後面。
距離以色列民要渡過約旦河約24公里處有一個名叫亞當的城市，從約旦河來的水在那個地方匯集成一道水堤，這讓以色列民能夠從乾地渡過約旦河。這是第二次上帝讓以色列民不弄濕腳就能渡過水！
以色列民渡河後，有12個人疊起12塊石頭，這是用來提醒人們上帝又為他們行了一個神蹟，每一次人們看到這些石頭時，就會想起上帝是如何照顧他們。
上帝也為你行了奇妙的事，想一想這些事，然後感謝祂！ —JK

「他們會看出我與你同在，像從前我與摩西同在一樣。」 約書亞記3:7b

禱告：親愛的天父，祢為我行了好多奇妙的事，謝謝祢！奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林煜茹譯)

Water Miracles (4)
Bible Reading: Joshua 3:9-17
Thursday, April 21, 2016

　The 
Israelites 
were ready 
to cross the
 Jordan River
and go into 
the land God
had promised 
to them. Our Bible Reading tells us that the river was overflowing its banks. The priests carried the Box of the Agreement. Then the other people followed the priests.
About 15 miles from where the Israelites wanted to cross the Jordan River was a town named Adam. At that place, the water from the river piled up like a dam. This allowed the Israelites to cross the Jordan River on dry land. This was the second time God made a way for the Israelites to cross a body of water without getting their feet wet!
After the Israelites crossed the river, 12 men piled up 12 rocks.
This was to remind the people that God had performed another miracle. Every time the people looked at those rocks, they remembered how God had taken care of them.
God has done wonderful things for you, too. Think about these things and thank Him! —JK

“Then the people will know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.” Joshua 3:7b

PRAYER: Dear Father, You have done so many wonderful things for me. Thank You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.