祝福

祝福
聖經閱讀：歌羅西書3:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月31日(二)

　我有一隻貓和一條狗，牠們兩個喜歡躲在門廊的家俱後面，如果貓先到那裡，就宣告那裡是牠的專屬空間，不讓狗再到那個位置，而如果是狗先到那裡，牠也會讓貓不接近牠。
有時候當牠們其中一個已經在家俱後面時，我就會帶著另外一個出去散步，或是給予特別的照顧，而那隻在家俱後面守著領域的就錯失了我的祝褔。

我們可能會像我的狗和貓一樣，太過專注在自己生活的問題，而錯失上帝要給我們的祝福。今天經文閱讀的第1和第2節提醒我們要「追求天上的事……要專心於天上的事，而不是地上的事。」當我們將心思專注在上帝和祂的應許時，我們就看到了上帝的祝福。
求上帝幫助你將你的生命以祂為中心，以及祂祝福你的各種方式上。 —LL

「因為你們已經跟基督一起死了，你們的生命跟他一同藏在上帝裡面。」 歌羅西書3:3

禱告：天父，我要永遠為祢而活，謝謝祢賜下祝福。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Blessings
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-11
Tuesday, May 31, 2016

I have a cat and a dog. Both of them like to hide behind our porch furniture. If the cat gets there first, he claims that as his special place and will not let the dog behind the furniture. And if the dog gets there first, he will keep the cat from coming near him.
Sometimes while one of my pets is behind the furniture, I will take the other pet for a walk or give them a special treat. Then the pet who is guarding his territory behind the furniture misses out on my blessings.

We can be like my dog and cat. We can be so focused on our problems in life that we miss the blessings that God is giving us. Verses 1 and 2 of our Bible Reading remind us that we should “live for what is in heaven...Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth.” When we focus our thoughts on God and His promises, we notice His blessings.
Ask God to help you keep your life centered on Him and the many ways He blesses you. —LL

“Your old life has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to always live for You. Thank You for Your blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

安全感

安全感
聖經閱讀：提摩太前書6:11-19 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月30日(一)

　世上很多人倚靠財富、名聲、權勢，以及美貌來讓自己有安全感。但是，這些東西都不能帶來永久的安全，當這些人失去了財富、美貌，或生病時，他們就會驚慌失措。
然而上帝賜給我們百分之百的安全感，假如我們失去健康會怎麼樣呢？詩篇73:26說：「我的身心會衰敗；但上帝是我的力量。」假如我們失去財富會怎麼樣呢？今天經文閱讀的第17b節告訴我們：「不要把希望寄託在不可靠的財物上，而要倚靠那把萬物豐豐富富地賜給我們享受的上帝。」假如我們失去美貌或是變老了會怎麼樣呢？撒母耳記上16:7向我們保證說：「因為我看人不像世人；人看外表，我看內心。」
我們的安全感來自上帝，而不是來自世上暫時的事物，今天就倚靠祂和祂的話語！ —BL

「這樣，他們就是在為自己積存財寶，為將來建立堅固的根基，好把握生命，那真正的生命。」 提摩太前書6:19

禱告：上帝，謝謝祢讓我在祢的愛裡有安全感。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Security
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-19
Monday, May 30, 2016

　Many people in the world depend on their wealth, popularity, power and beauty to make them feel secure. But those things do not give permanent security. When these people lose their wealth or good looks or become sick, they are devastated.
But God gives us security that is guaranteed. What happens if we lose our health? Psalm 73:26 says, “Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength.” What happens if we lose our wealth? Verse 17b of our Bible Reading tells us, “Money cannot be trusted, but God takes care of us richly. He gives us everything to enjoy.” What happens if we lose our good looks or grow old? 1 Samuel 16:7b assures us, “People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Our security comes from God, not from temporary things in this world. Depend on Him and His Word today! —BL

“By doing this, they will be saving up a treasure for themselves. And that treasure will be a strong foundation on which their future life will be built. They will be able to have the life that is true life.” 1 Timothy 6:19

PRAYER: Father, You are worthy of all our honor, glory and love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

愛人

愛人
聖經閱讀：猶大書1:17-23 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月29日(日)

　聖經一再告訴我們要愛人，上帝期待我們愛所有人，但是上帝也期待我們要遠離罪惡。這個問題困惑著我，一直到我讀了今天的經文後才明白。
經文22-23節說：「對那些猶疑不定的人，你們要憐憫他們。有些人，你們要從火中搶救他們；另有些人，你們要憐憫他們，但要戒懼，連他們那沾染情慾的衣服也要厭惡。」這是對基督徒智慧的忠告，我們應該要藉著融入別人的生活、藉著幫助他們來愛他們，但是我們也應該藉著不讓這些人的罪影響我們去做錯事，來顯出我們對上帝的愛。
在跟未信主的人互動時，我們必須很有智慧並且小心，要愛他們、幫助他們認識上帝，但是我們不可陷入他們的生活方式和罪惡之中。 —JP*

「我們既然曉得怎樣敬畏主，就以此勸導人。上帝完全認識我們；我希望你們也從心裡認識我。」 哥林多後書5:11

禱告：天父，我願去愛人、幫助他們認識耶穌，求祢幫助我遠離罪惡、跟隨祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林宏哲譯)

Loving Others
Bible Reading: Jude 1:17-23
Sunday, May 29, 2016

　The Bible tells us many times that we should love other people. God expects us to love all people. But God also expects us to avoid sin. This was confusing to me until I read the verses in our Bible Reading for today.
Verses 22-23 say, “Help those who have doubts. Rescue those who are living in danger of hell's fire. There are others you should treat with mercy, but be very careful that their filthy lives don't rub off on you.” This is wise advice for Christians. We should love other people by being involved in their lives and by helping them. But we should show our love for God by not allowing these people's sins to influence us to do wrong.
We need to be very wise and careful when we interact with people who are not Christians. Love them and help them learn about God. But we should not give into their lifestyle and sin. —JP*

“We know what it means to fear the Lord, so we try to help people accept the truth. God knows what we really are, and I hope that in your hearts you know us too.” 2 Corinthians 5:11

PRAYER: Father, I want to love other people and help them know Jesus. Help me to avoid sin and follow You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

不斷禱告

不斷禱告
聖經閱讀：以弗所書6:18 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月28日(六)

　或許你曾經為某件事禱告，而且等候上帝的回應已經很久了，在等候上帝回應的時候，你是否認為，也許上帝已經不再愛你了？
在我祖母罹患癌症、生病時，這個問題困擾著我，我每天向上帝禱告，求祂醫治我的祖母，但是到最後，我的祖母仍然去世了。我生氣上帝好長一段時間，我想上帝已經不再愛我了。之後，我終於明白，上帝用祂的方式回應了我的禱告，祂除去我祖母的疼痛，並將她帶到祂的身邊。
在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅鼓勵我們要不斷地禱告，他說：「用任何禱告的形式來禱告，並且為著你所需要的來禱告…不要放棄。為著全部上帝的子民禱告」。
也許你認為上帝沒有回應你的禱告，但記得，上帝會按著祂的時間來回應你的禱告，祂永遠知道什麼是對你最好的。 —AB

「在盼望中要喜樂，在患難中要忍耐，禱告要恆切。」 羅馬書12:12

禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢回應我的禱告。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林宏哲譯)

Keep Praying
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:18
Saturday, May 28, 2016

　Maybe you have prayed for something and waited a long time for God to answer your prayer. While you were waiting for God's answer, did you think that maybe God had stopped loving you?
I struggled with this when my grandmother was sick with cancer. I prayed to God every day and asked Him to heal my grandmother. But in the end, my grandmother died. I was mad at God for a long time. I thought that He had stopped loving me. Then I realized that God had answered my prayer in His way. He had removed my grandmother's pain and taken her to be with Him.
In our Bible Reading for today, Paul encourages us to keep praying. He said, “Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need...Never give up. Always pray for all of God's people”
Maybe you think that God is not answering your prayers. Remember that God will answer your prayers in His time. He always knows what is best for you. —AB

“Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.” Romans 12:12

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for answering my prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

愛的信息

愛的信息
聖經閱讀：約翰福音3:16-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月27日(五)

　在青少年的時候，我想做一件特別的事來向我的家人表達我愛他們，但是我沒錢，所以我用手工為每個家人做了一張卡片，每張卡片上寫了一則愛的信息。
之後，我很驚訝母親送給我一張特別的卡片，她用紙板剪了一張心形的卡片，上面貼滿錫箔紙。許多年過去了，但我仍然記得曾經收到那張卡片，仍然感受到母親的愛。
在很久以前，上帝賜給我們祂特別的、愛的信息。今天讀的經文告訴我們，上帝差派祂的獨生愛子耶穌來到世上，為什麼呢？為要讓你和我可以得著救恩的應許，以及永恆的生命。
母親送給我的那張特別的卡片不見了，好幾年前就找不到了，但是上帝特別的信息一直與我同在，我已經接受了祂奇妙的救恩禮物，並且天天事奉祂。 – NM

「上帝那麼愛世人，甚至賜下他的獨子，要使所有信他的人不致滅亡，反得永恆的生命。」 約翰福音3:16

禱告：慈愛的上帝，謝謝祢透過祢的兒子耶穌賜下愛的特別信息。奉主的名，阿們！

(林宏哲譯)

Message of Love
Bible Reading: John 3:16-17
Friday, May 27, 2016

　When I was a teenager, I wanted to do something special to show my family that I loved them. But I didn't have any money. So, I made each family member a homemade card. Each card contained a message of love.
Later I was surprised when my mother gave me a special card. She had cut out a cardboard heart and covered it with foil. Many years have passed, but I still remember receiving that card and feeling my mother's love.
A long time ago, God sent us His special message of love. Our Bible verses today tell us that God sent His only Son, Jesus, to earth. Why? So that you and I can have the promise of salvation and eternal life.
I do not have the special card that my mother gave me. It has been gone for many years. But God's special message is always with me. I have accepted His wonderful gift of salvation and serve Him every day. – NM

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16

PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for Your special message of love through Your Son, Jesus. In His name. Amen.

種子

種子
聖經閱讀：馬可福音4:3-8、13-20 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月26日(四)

　在院子裡我們有一個餵鳥器，看鳥飛到餵鳥器吃東西是一件有趣的事，有些鳥喜歡小顆的種子，有些喜歡比較大的種子。許多鳥在冬天飛到南方，然後在春天回到餵鳥器；有些鳥，像是紅雀，一整年都會來我們的餵鳥器吃東西。
耶穌在今天的聖經閱讀中談到了種子，祂談到撒種的人撒在地上的種子。耶穌說了一個故事，是關於種子落在四種不同土壤所發生的事，只有落在「好土」的種子才會長大成熟、結出果實。
在第13-20節，耶穌解釋這個故事的意義。祂說種子就是上帝的教導，各種不同的土壤就是人們，像是「好土」的人「他們聽了信息，領受了，並結出果實」（第20b節）。
我希望你就像那「好土」一樣，查考上帝的話語，然後使用它來幫助你在耶穌裡成長。 —ECW

「因此，你們要互相鼓勵，彼此幫助，像你們現在所做的一樣。」 帖撒羅尼迦前書5:11

禱告：上帝，感謝祢賜下祢的話語，聖經。求祢幫助我遵行它。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林宏哲譯)

Seeds
Bible Reading: Mark 4:3-8, 13-20
Thursday, May 26, 2016

　We have a bird feeder in our yard. It is fun to watch the birds that come and eat at the feeder. Some birds like the small seeds, and some prefer the large seeds. Many birds fly south in the winter and then return to our feeder in the spring. Other birds, like cardinals, come to our feeder all year round.
Jesus talked about seeds in today's Bible Reading. He talked about seeds that farmers plant in the ground. Jesus told a story about seeds that fell on four different kinds of ground. Only the seeds that fell on the good ground grew and made grain.
In verses 13-20 Jesus explained the meaning of His story. He said that the seed is God's teaching. The different kinds of ground are people. The people who are like the good ground “hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop” (verse 20b).
I hope that you are like the good ground. Study God's Word and use it to help you grow in Jesus. —ECW

“So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

PRAYER: Thank You, God, for Your Word, the Bible. Help me to obey it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

苦難

苦難
聖經閱讀：哥林多後書11:21b-29現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月25日(三)

　當我們讀耶穌的生平時，就知道祂遭受很多苦難。耶穌被拒絕、被譏笑、被鞭打，然後死十字架上。
在今天閱讀的經文中，我們讀到保羅也遭受很多的苦難，他說（27節）：「我又有工作上的勞碌困苦，常常徹夜不眠，忍受飢渴，缺乏食物，沒有住處，衣不蔽體。」保羅又說，他受苦是因為努力照顧他所服事教會裡的所有基督徒。
彼得前書2:21節說：「上帝呼召你們的目的就在這裡；因為基督為你們受苦，給你們留下榜樣，為要使你們能夠跟隨他的腳步走。」身為基督徒，我們也會遭遇苦難，也許是別人取笑我們，也許是因為我們是基督徒而被殺。
不要以耶穌為恥，今天就甘心樂意為祂受苦！– JD*

「我只渴望認識基督，體驗他復活的大能，分擔他的苦難，經歷他的死。」 腓立比書3:10

禱告：上帝，我願意為祢受苦。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林宏哲譯)

Suffering
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:21b-29
Wednesday, May 25, 2016

　When we read about Jesus' life on earth, we learn that He suffered a lot. Jesus was rejected and ridiculed, beaten and then killed on a cross.
In our Bible verses today, we read that Paul suffered many things, too. He said (verse 27), “I have done hard and tiring work, and many times I did not sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty. Many times I have been without food. I have been cold and without clothes.” Paul also said that he suffered by caring so much for all the Christians in the churches he served.
1 Peter 2:21 says, “This is what you were chosen to do. Christ gave you an example to follow. He suffered for you. So you should do the same as he did.” As Christians, we will face suffering, too. Maybe this suffering will be that people will make fun of us. Or maybe we will be killed because we are Christians.
Don't be ashamed of Jesus. Be willing to suffer for Him today! – JD*

「因此，你們要互相鼓勵，彼此幫助，像你們現在所做的一樣。」 帖撒羅尼加前書5:11

禱告：上帝，感謝祢賜下祢的話語，聖經。求祢幫助我遵行它。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

聖經裡的動物 (10)

聖經裡的動物 (10)
聖經閱讀：傳道書12:9-14 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月24日(二)

　最後我們要來談的聖經裡的動物是羊。聖經中有許多次用羊來比喻人，大衛在詩篇第23篇就這樣子寫，而在約翰福音第10章，耶穌說祂是引導我們的牧羊人。
在今天的聖經閱讀中，傳道書的作者寫下他最後的忠告。整卷書中，他分享了很多智慧的格言，在第11節他這樣寫：「明智人的話有督責的功效，好像牧羊人手中那帶著刺的牧棍，而他編纂的格言堅定不移，有如釘得牢固的釘子，都是人類的大牧者上帝所賜的。」牧羊人常常拿著一根棍子或是一支手杖來幫助自己將羊趕在在正確的道路上。
聖經充滿了智慧的話語，當我們閱讀聖經並且遵從它，我們就會持守在生命正確的道路上。上帝的話語會幫助我們親近祂，今天就挪出時間閱讀並查考聖經，求上帝幫助你持守正確的道路。 —JK

「你的話是導引我的燈，是我人生路上的光。」 詩篇119:105

禱告：上帝，求祢幫助我持守在通往祢的道路上。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(林煜茹譯)

Bible Animals (10)
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
Tuesday, May 24, 2016

　The last Bible animal that we will talk about is a sheep. Many times in the Bible, people are compared to sheep. David wrote about this in Psalm 23. And in John, chapter 10, Jesus says that He is the shepherd who guides us.
In our Bible Reading today, the writer of Ecclesiastes gives his final words of advice. He has shared many wise sayings throughout the book. In verse 11 he writes, “Words from the wise are like sharp goads. When these sayings are written down and saved, they can be used to guide people, just as a shepherd uses a sharp stick to make his sheep go the right way.” Shepherds often carried a stick or a staff to help them keep their sheep on the right path.
The Bible is filled with wise words. When we read the Bible and obey it, we will keep on the right path in life. God’s Word will help us stay close to Him. Make time today to read and study the Bible. Ask God to help you stay on the right path. —JK

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105

PRAYER: God, help me to stay on the path that leads to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖經裡的動物 (9)

聖經裡的動物 (9)
聖經閱讀：路加福音2:1-7 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月23日(一)

　今天閱讀的經節跟我們談到耶穌誕生的故事。路加沒有告訴我們太多耶穌誕生的細節，但是他確實跟我們談到耶穌降生在伯利恆，以及馬利亞將嬰孩耶穌「放在馬槽裡」（第7b節）。我們並不確定這地方看起來是什麼樣子，有些人認為可能是安置牲口的一個小洞穴。
耶穌降生在這樣一個簡陋的地方是一件有趣的事，耶穌是上帝的兒子，聖經稱祂是萬王之王、萬主之主。我們會預期這樣一個尊貴的嬰孩會降生在一個充滿財寶和奢侈品的華麗皇宮裡，但是上帝卻選擇讓耶穌出生在一個安置牲口的地方。
耶穌卑微的出生讓我們想起祂謙卑的性格。耶穌向遇見的人施展愛和憐憫，而且祂願意死在十字架上，好讓我們能夠得著救恩和永生。今天就效法耶穌謙卑的榜樣！ —JK

「他成為人，以人的形體出現。他自甘卑微，順服至死。」 腓立比書2:7b-8a

禱告：天父，謝謝祢賜下耶穌和祂謙卑的榜樣。奉主的名，阿們！

(林煜茹譯)

Bible Animals (9)
Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-7
Tuesday, May 23, 2016

　The verses in our Bible Reading today tell us the story of the birth of Jesus. Luke doesn't give us many details about Jesus' birth. But he does tell us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that Mary laid baby Jesus “in a box where cattle are fed” (verse 7b). We are not sure what this place looked like. Some people think that it might have been a small cave where cattle were kept.
It is interesting that Jesus was born in such a humble place. Jesus is the Son of God. The Bible calls Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We would expect that such an important baby would be born in a fancy palace surrounded by wealth and luxury. But God chose for Jesus to be born in a place where cattle were kept.
Jesus' humble birth reminds us of His humble character. Jesus showed love and compassion to people He met. And He willingly died on the cross so that we could have salvation and eternal life. Follow Jesus’ example of humility today! —JK

“During his [Jesus'] life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death.” Philippians 2:7b-8a

PRAYER: Father, thank You for Jesus and His example of humility. In His name. Amen.

聖經裡的動物 (8)

聖經裡的動物 (8)
聖經閱讀：彼得後書2:20-22現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月22日(日)

　高中的時候，我的一個朋友要帶一隻豬去市集接受評比，等到要出發時，她仔細地把豬刷洗乾淨，但是在我的朋友不注意時，那隻豬逃脫、跑進泥沼裡！豬喜歡待在泥沼裡，在泥沼裡打滾幫助牠們保持涼爽。
在今天閱讀的經文中，彼得談到那些已經信主的人，這些人已經「從這世界腐敗的勢力下逃脫出來」（第20b節），但是如果這些人回到過去犯罪的生活，「這種人的結局比先前的更壞了」（第20b節）。彼得以豬作例子：「豬洗乾淨了，又回到泥沼裡打滾」（第22b節）。
當我們成為基督徒時，靈裡就潔淨了，但是有些基督徒選擇再回到過去犯罪的生活，就好像豬回到泥沼裡。你要確定每天都跟隨並且順服上帝。 —JK

「你們要更加努力，使上帝的呼召和揀選成為你們永久的經驗；有了這些經驗，你們就不至於墮落。」 彼得後書1:10b

禱告：親愛的上帝，我願時時與祢親近。奉耶穌的名，阿們 ！

(林煜茹譯)

Bible Animals (8)
Bible Reading: 2 Peter 2:20-22
Sunday, May 22, 2016

　When I was in high school, one of my friends took a pig to be judged at the country fair. When it was time to bring the pig to the fair, she carefully cleaned and brushed her pig. But while my friend was not looking, the pig got loose and ran to a mud puddle! Pigs love to be in the mud. Rolling in the mud helps pigs to keep cool.
In our Bible verses today, Peter talks about people who have become Christians. These people have been “made free from the evil in the world” (verse 20b). But if these people go back to their old life of sin, “it is worse for them than it was before” (verse 20b). Peter used the illustration of a pig: “After a pig is washed, it goes back and rolls in the mud again” (verse 22b).
When we become a Christian, we are spiritually clean. But some Christians choose to go back to their life of sin again, just like a pig goes back to the mud. Be sure that you are following and obeying God every day. —JK

“Do your best to live in a way that shows you really are God's called and chosen people. If you do all this, you will never fail.” 2 Peter 1:10b

PRAYER: Dear God, I want to always stay close to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.