詩篇119 (20)

詩篇119 (20)
聖經閱讀：詩篇119:153-160 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年12月15日(四)

在1980年代，我曾經向一家婚紗店求職，跟我面談的是其中一家店的經理，後來我被錄用了，但我並沒有見到擁有所有店的大老闆。
在我被錄用後不久，大老闆開始打電話給我，他並沒有問我工作上的問題，反而是問我基督信仰的問題。這幾通電話開始讓我覺得困擾，終於有一位員工告訴我，大老闆不是基督徒，但是他注意到我曾經就讀一所基督教大學，他希望僱用我後好讓他可以考驗我的基督信仰。
在今天閱讀的經文中，作者談到了苦難，然後他向上帝說：「求你為我伸冤，釋放我」（第154a節），這就是我上班的感受，每一次我被挑戰時，上帝就與我同在，賜給我力量。
今天也許會有同工或是朋友挑戰你的信仰，要懇求上帝賜給你力量，幫助你堅定不移。 —BH

「求你俯視我的苦難，求你救我，因為我沒有忽略你的法律。」 詩篇119:153

禱告：主，當別人挑戰我的信仰時，求祢與我同在。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Psalm 119 (20)
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:153-160
Thursday, December 15, 2016

　During the 1980s I applied for a job at a wedding dress shop. I interviewed with the manager of one of the stores, and I was hired. I did not meet the man who owned all of the stores.
Soon after I was hired, the owner started calling me. He did not ask me questions about my job. Instead, he asked me questions about my Christian faith. These phone calls started to bother me. Finally another employee told me that the owner was not a Christian. He had noticed on my resume that I attended a Christian college and wanted to hire me so he could test my Christian faith.
In our Bible verses today, the writer talks about suffering and says to God, “Argue my case, and set me free” (verse 154a). That is how I felt in my job. Every time I was challenged, God was with me and gave me strength.
Maybe a coworker or friend will challenge your faith today. Ask God to give you strength and help you stand strong. —BH

“Look at my suffering and rescue me. I have not forgotten your teachings.” Psalm 119:153

PRAYER: Lord, please be with me when other people challenge my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.

要知足

要知足
聖經閱讀:腓立比書4:10-13現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月25日(二)

　當今的世界中，有許多人過著以債養債的生活，有些人努力找工作來清還債務，也許我們都夢想著花錢買好車、買電子產品或者去度假。
當有這些慾望卻沒有錢買時，我們就感到貧窮，這種貧窮的感覺可能讓我們不滿意現狀。在今天讀的經文中，保羅鼓勵我們要對所擁有的東西感到知足，他說，「我已經學會對現狀滿足」（第11b節）。
有一天我們跟上帝在天上所擁有的將會遠勝過在地上所擁有的任何東西，所以我們要對現狀感到知足，並且期待上帝在天上賜福我們的日子快點到來。今天要學像保羅！
要知足並倚靠耶穌來幫助你完成該做的事。 —MP*

「我已經得到祕訣，隨時隨地……豐富好，缺乏也好，我都知足。藉著基督所賜的力量，我能夠適應任何情況。」 腓立比書4:11b-12

禱告：親愛的天父，我期待永遠與祢同住。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Be Satisfied
Bible Reading: Philippians 4:10-13
Tuesday, October 25, 2016

　In our world today, many people live from paycheck to paycheck. Other people struggle to find a job and pay their debts. Probably we all dream of spending our money on things like a nice car, electronic devices or a vacation trip.
When we have these desires but don't have the money to buy what we want, we feel poor. This feeling of poverty may lead us to become dissatisfied with what we have. In our Bible verses, Paul encourages us to be satisfied with what we have. “I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens” (verse 11b).
What we will have in heaven with God will be much better than anything we can have on earth. So we need to be satisfied with what we have now and look forward to when God will bless us in heaven. Be like Paul today.
Be satisfied and depend on Jesus to help you do whatever you need to do. —MP*

“I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation... when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:11b

PRAYER: Dear Father, I look forward to living forever with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

上帝的計劃

上帝的計劃
聖經閱讀：耶利米書29:11-14 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年9月24日(六)

　我經常走的一條路施工了好長一段時間，當他們在馬路上工作時，我會看著他們的進展，有時候我會想，修這條馬路的人一定會覺得一切都亂七八糟！
所有的工程終於完成了，我可以想像修這條馬路的人作了很好的規劃，他修這條馬路的方式讓交通比以前更加順暢。
有時候我看發生在生活中的事是一團糟──就像這條馬路一樣，我知道上帝對我的生命有一個計劃，但是我不明白祂會如何成就每一件事。今天的經文提醒我們，上帝的計劃是要給我們「有光明的前程」（第11b節）。
我現在年紀大了，可以回顧上帝如何在我的生命中作工，祂帶領我走過困境，總是對我施展祂的愛。上帝對你的生命也有一個計劃，就求問上帝向你顯明祂的計劃。 —NM

「我們知道，上帝使萬事互相效力，叫愛上帝的人─就是他按照自己的旨意呼召的人都得益處。」 羅馬書8:28

禱告：天父，求祢向我顯祢對我生命的計劃。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

God's Plan
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:11-14
Saturday, September 24, 2016

A road that I often travel was under construction for a long time. While they were working on the road, I would watch their progress. Sometimes I thought that the road builder must be very confused!
Finally the construction was completed. Then I could see that the builder had a good plan. The way he had built the road made traveling much easier than before.
Sometimes I look at things happening in my life, and they seem to be a total mess — just like the road. I know that God has a plan for my life, but I do not understand how He will work everything out. Our Bible verses today remind us that God’s plan is to give us “hope and a good future” (verse 11b).
Now that I am older, I can look back and see how God has worked in my life. He has led me through some tough times and always shown me His love. God has a plan for your life, too. Ask God to show you His plan. —NM

“We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan.” Romans 8:28

PRAYER: Father, show me Your plan for my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

以斯帖記 (1)

以斯帖記 (1)
聖經閱讀：以斯帖記4:1-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年2月5日(五)

　王后以斯帖有個困難的工作。當時的惡人說服王訂下猶太人必須要被處死的法令，而以斯帖就是一位猶太人，因此她想找機會救她的百姓，她的堂哥末底改就告訴她：「誰知道，也許你被安排作王后正是為了這時刻！」（第14b節）以斯帖當下就明白，上帝幫助她成為王后，就是要她救猶太人。

我的夏季假期結束了，但我不想回到我的工作崗位上，我的同事不欣賞我，我的上司也讓我很受挫。但我想起了以斯帖記4:14，這段經文提醒我，上帝把我放在這份工作崗位上，是要我能夠服事祂。
或許你正面臨你人生中的困境，要記得，上帝把你放在這樣的情況裡，為的是要你能夠活出祂的愛，或向人分享關於耶穌的好消息。向祂祈求智慧，讓你能夠度過這難關，並且為著祂賜給你的祝福讚美祂。—EP*

「我的靈啊，要頌讚上主！上主慈悲仁愛，不輕易發怒，滿有不變的愛。」 詩篇103:1a,8

禱告：主，請帶領我並使用我幫助他人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(周維音譯)

Esther (1)
Friday, February 5, 2016

Queen Esther had a tough job. An evil man convinced the king to make a law saying that the Jews should be killed.
Esther was a Jew, so she wanted to find a way to save her people. Esther's cousin, Mordecai, told her, “And who knows, maybe you have been chosen to be the queen for such a time as this” (verse 14b). Esther realized that God had helped her become queen so she could save the Jews.

I was finished with summer break, but I didn't want to go back to my job. My co-workers did not appreciate me, and I was frustrated with the manager. Then I remembered Esther 4:14. That verse reminded me that God had placed me in my job so I could serve Him.
Maybe you are facing a tough situation in your life. Remember that God may have placed you in that situation so you can show His love to others or share the Good News about Jesus with someone. Ask Him to give you wisdom so that you can handle the situation. Then praise Him for the blessings He gives you. —EP*

“My soul, praise the Lord! The Lord is kind and merciful. He is patient and full of love.” Psalm 103:1a,8

PRAYER: Lord, please guide me and use me to help others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

誰是老闆？

誰是老闆？

聖經閱讀：歌羅西書3:22-55

2015年11月11日(三)

上班的時候，我經常會經過別人的電腦，我看見他們在線上購物、看影片，或是上網瀏覽，而沒有在工作。這些人只做了一點點工作，為什麼呢？也許他們偷懶，或是他們不尊重同事，或許他們看見老闆也不怎麼努力。

今天閱讀的經文讓我們看見一個完全不同的工作態度。第23-24節告訴我們：「無論做甚麼，你們都要專心一意，像是為主工作，不是為人工作，要知道……你們事奉的是主基督。」身為基督徒，我們的工作要蒙上帝喜悅，祂是我們工作真正的老闆。

也許你在世上的老闆並不好，但是要記得，我們所服事的耶穌了解我們、愛我們，而且會慷慨地賞賜我們，我們活在世上是為了要服事祂、榮耀祂！ —BL

「我感謝我們的主基督耶穌；因為他賜給我力量，以我為可信任的，指派我來事奉他。」提摩太前書1:12

禱告：親愛的上帝，我禱告求自己在工作時有正確的態度，並且祈求我的工作能蒙祢喜悅。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Who is the Boss?

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:22-25

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

At my job, I often walk by other people’s computers. I can see that they are shopping online, watching videos or surfing the Internet instead of working. These people only do a little work. Why? Maybe they are lazy or they do not respect their co-workers. Or maybe they see that their boss doesn’t do much work either.

Our Bible Reading today shows us a completely different attitude about work. Verses 23-24 tell us, “In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not an earthly master...Yes, you are serving Christ. He is your real Master.” As Christians, we should work to please Jesus. He is the One we are truly working for!

Maybe you don’t have a good earthly boss. But remember that we serve Jesus who knows and loves us and rewards us generously. We are here on earth to serve and honor Him! —BL

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him. He gives me strength.” 1 Timothy 1:12

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that I will have the right attitude when I work and that I will work to please You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

耐心 (4)

耐心 (4)
聖經閱讀：以弗所書6:5-9 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年8月17日(一)

耐心對待同事是一件重要的事。我有一個朋友，是一名好同事，她很有耐心，工作表現超過老闆的期待。 　我注意到很多同事之間並沒有耐心彼此對待，這些人也抱怨他們的工作，沒有耐心做好工作，卻希望只想做一點工作而得到很多報酬。 　人們可以從今天閱讀的經文學到一些事情。保羅提醒我們應當工作，並且「甘心事奉，好像服事主，不像服事人」（第7節）。我們也許會有監視我們工作的世上老闆，但其實我們是為上帝工作。 　有很多人沒有工作，今天你一定要感謝上帝賜給你一份工作，求他幫助你有好的表現，以及用耐心對待別人，並且要為你的同事禱告。 －DF 「要知道，無論是奴僕或是自由人，主都要照各人的好行為報答他。」 以弗所書6:8 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢賜下耐心待人、愛人的機會。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Patience (4)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:5-9
Monday, August 17, 2015

It is important that we be patient with people who work with us. I have a friend who is a good co-worker. She is patient, and she also does more work than her boss expects. 　I have noticed that many workers are not patient with each other. These people also complain about their jobs. Instead of patiently working and doing a good job, they expect to do a little work for lots of pay. 　People today can learn from our Bible verses. Paul reminds us that we should do our work “and be happy with it. Work as though it is the Lord you are serving, not just an earthly master” (verse 7). We may have an earthly boss who oversees our work, but we are really working for God. 　Many people do not have jobs. Be sure to thank God today for your job. Ask Him to help you do a good job and be patient with others. And pray for the people you work with. —DF “Remember that the Lord will give a reward for doing good. Everyone, slave or free, will get a reward for the good things they do.” Ephesians 6:8 PRAYER: Thank You, God, for opportunities to be patient and loving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

以斯帖 (3)

以斯帖 (3)
聖經閱讀：以斯帖記4:1-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月8日(一)

暑假結束後，我不想再回去工作，我覺得老闆並不欣賞我。我跟沒有信主的同事間關係緊張，我感到挫折、難過。 　後來我想起了今天經文閱讀的其中一節。末底改告訴以斯帖：「誰知道，也許你被安排作王后正是為了這時刻！」（第14b節）也許上帝把我放在這個工作上是為了讓我可以去向人作見證。 　也許你並不快樂，你可能在考慮離開工作，或者跟某人斷絶關係。先停下來想一想以斯帖，也許你應該留在原來的工作上，或者維持跟某人的關係，這樣上帝才可以使用你去把人帶給祂。 　今天就請求上帝幫助你、引導你，而且記得要常常去向人施展祂的愛和平安。 —EP* 「上帝愛你們，揀選了你們作他的子民。所以，你們要有憐憫、慈愛、謙遜、溫柔，和忍耐的心。」 歌羅西書3:12 禱告：天上的父，今天求祢引導我，好讓我可以服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Esther (3)
Bible Reading: Esther 4:1-17
Monday, June 8, 2015

After summer break, I did not want to return to my job. I felt that my boss did not appreciate me. There was a lot of tension between me and the non-Christian workers. I was frustrated and upset. 　Then I remembered one verse from our Bible Reading today. Mordecai told Esther, “And who knows, maybe you have been chosen to be the queen for such a time as this” (verse 14b). Maybe God had put me in this job so that I could be a witness to other people. 　Maybe you are not happy. You might be thinking about leaving your job or your relationship with another person. Stop and remember Esther. Maybe you should stay at your job or in your relationship so that God can use you to bring other people to Him. 　Ask God to help and guide you today. And remember to always show His love and peace to others. —EP* “God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.” Colossians 3:12 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, guide me today so that I can serve You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

享受今天！

享受今天！
聖經閱讀：傳道書3:9-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年2月22日(五)

今天經文的作者鼓勵我們要享受生活，在第13節，他說：「我們都應該吃喝，享受辛勞的成果。這是上帝的恩賜。」如果我們想要跟從這樣的教導，下面有幾件事是你今天可以做的。 　你要喜愛你的家人！你可以抽時間跟你的小孩一起散步、騎車、或玩遊戲，也花一些時間陪陪你的另一半；你也要感謝上帝賜給你家人。 　你要享受工作！這點也許對某些人有困難，但是無論你喜不喜歡你的工作，你仍然可以感謝有一份工作。你也可以求上帝讓你看見那些需要鼓勵和安慰的同事。 　你要享受上帝創造的世界！你可以欣賞雪花從空中飄下，可以在院子裡跟蹤一隻揹著東西跑的螞蟻，或者在雲朵中發現有趣的造型；你也可以仰望夜晚的天空，同時想著宇宙有多麼的大。 　上帝愛你，你就好好享受今天吧！—JK 「他使我們有永恆的意識，卻不讓我們完全明白他一切的作為。所以我想，人不如時常歡樂，一生享福。」 傳道書3:11a, 12 禱告：親愛的主，幫助我享受祢所賜給我的東西。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Enjoy Today!
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:9-13
Friday, February 22, 2013

The writer of our Bible verses today encourages us to enjoy life. In verse 13 he says, “God wants everyone to eat, drink, and enjoy their work.” If we want to follow this advice, here are some things you can do today. 　Enjoy your family! Take time to go for a walk, bicycle or play a game with your children. Spend some time with your spouse. Thank God for the family He has given you. 　Enjoy your job! Some people might have a problem doing this. But whether you like your job or not, you can still be thankful that you have a job. Ask God to show you coworkers who need encouragement and comfort today. 　Enjoy the world God made! Watch snowflakes as they fall to the ground. Follow an ant as he carries his load in your yard. Find interesting shapes in the clouds. Look at the night sky and think about the vastness of the universe. 　God loves you. Enjoy today! —JK “God gave us the ability to think about his world. I learned that the best thing for people to do is to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live.” Ecclesiastes 3:11a, 12 PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to enjoy the things You have given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

3

做得真棒！

做得真棒！
聖經閱讀：歌羅西書3:22-25 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年2月1日(五)

還記得你剛開始上學的時候嗎？你好興奮可以去學校上課、學習。當你用功的時候，老師會給你很好的分數或是賞給你金星貼紙，而當你把在學校寫的作文帶回家，媽媽就把那些文章貼在冰箱上。也許老師和媽媽曾經跟你說：「你做得真棒！」 　孩子在學校應該要有好表現，而大人也應該要把工作做好。今天的第23節經文說：「無論做甚麼，你們都要專心一意，像是為主工作，不是為人工作。」上帝才是我們真正的老師和老闆，我們所做的每一件事都應該是為祂而做。如果我們要挖水溝，就應該是為上帝而挖；如果我們要照顧小孩，就應該是為上帝來照顧他們。 　去上班或上學時，你要想一想今天的這些經文，記得要盡你最大的努力去做事，為什麼呢？因為你是在為上帝工作，而當你服事上帝時，祂就會祝福你並且照顧你。—PD 「要知道主會把他為自己的子民所保存的賞賜給你。你們事奉的是主基督。」 歌羅西書3:24 禱告：主，我願今天能把服事祢的事工做好。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SSL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Good Job!
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:22-25
Friday, February 1, 2013

Do you remember when you started going to school? You were excited to go to school and learn. Your teachers gave you good grades or gold stars when you worked hard. When you took your school papers home, your mother put them on the refrigerator. Maybe your teacher and your mother said, “Good job!” 　Children should do a good job in school, but adults should do good work, too. Verse 23 of our Bible Reading says, “In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not an earthly master.” God is our real teacher and boss. In everything we do, we should be working for Him. If we dig ditches, we should do it for God. If we take care of children, we should do that for Him. 　Think about these verses today as you go to work or school. Remember to do your best. Why? Because you are working for God. He will bless you and take care of you as you serve Him. —PD “Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, who will give you what he promised his people. Yes, you are serving Christ. He is your real master.” Colossians 3:24 PRAYER: Lord, I want to do good work as I serve you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

不要放棄！

不要放棄！
聖經閱讀：詩篇118:5-21
2012年9月25日(二)

有時候，我們會覺得沮喪並且想要放棄。也許你正在找工作，但就是找不到；也許你生病了，但是醫生卻找不出原因；也許你為某些人禱告，希望他們能信主，但是他們卻仍然拒絕耶穌。 　上帝不想要我們放棄，祂要我們持續地順服、服事，不斷地幫助、分享，並且為祂作見證。上帝從來沒有向我們保證生活是容易的，但是，祂的確應許我們祂會與我們同在，並且給我們力量。 　在今天的經文中，作者遇到了許多艱難的時刻，但是他沒有放棄。他知道，他無法獨自擊敗敵人，所以他倚靠上帝，讓上帝來幫助他。在第10節裡，作者說：「許多仇敵圍困著我；但我倚靠上主的能力消滅了他們。他們從四面包圍我；但我倚靠上主的能力消滅了他們。」 　也許你今天正在面對困難，我希望你能像這詩篇的作者一樣信靠上帝。記得，上帝會永遠信守祂的應許，並且與你同在。 —GT 今日金句： 「上主是我的力量，我的詩歌；他拯救了我。」詩篇118:14 禱告：上帝，我要永遠信靠祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Don’t Give Up!
Bible Reading: Psalm 118:5-21
Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sometimes we become discouraged and feel like giving up. Maybe you are looking for a job, but you can’t find one. Or maybe you are sick and the doctors don’t know why. Or maybe you have prayed that someone will accept Jesus, and they continue to reject Him. 　God doesn’t want us to quit. He wants us to keep obeying, serving, helping, sharing and witnessing for Him. God never promised us that life would be easy. But He did promise that He would be with us and strengthen us. 　In our Bible Reading today, the writer faced many difficult times. But he didn’t quit. He knew that he couldn’t defeat his enemies alone, so he trusted God to help him. In verse 10 the writer said, “Many enemies surrounded me. But with the Lord’s power I defeated my enemies. Enemies surrounded me again and again. I defeated them with the Lord’s power.” 　Maybe you are facing problems today. I hope you will be like the writer of this psalm and trust God. Remember that God will always keep His promises and be with you. —GT “The Lord is my strength and victory song! The Lord saves me!” Psalm 118:14 PRAYER: God, I want to always trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

浪費時間

浪費時間
聖經閱讀：詩篇127:1-5
2012年9月24日(一)

如果你即將死去，什麼事情是你最後悔莫及的？你會希望花更多時間在工作上嗎？你會希望賺更多錢嗎？或者你希望能跟家人有更多的時間相處，或者希望能為上帝和其他人做更多事情？ 大部份人都知道，當死去的時候，他們並不能帶走任何金錢或財產，但是，他們依然長時間工作而忽視了家人。這是為什麼呢？因為這樣才可以賺更多錢，才可以買更多東西，但是到最後，這些人經常毁了他們的家庭，也過得不快樂。 在今天的經文中，作者說，如果我們的生命不以上帝為中心，那麼，我們所做的每一件事都只是在浪費時間。作者同時也提醒我們，孩子是上帝賜下的禮物，是我們應該要疼愛的禮物。 我們每個人都需要工作來滿足需求，但是，不要讓工作和金錢來捆綁你，要記住什麼才是人生中真正重要的事！—JKS 今日金句： 「早起晚睡，為生活整天勞碌是枉然，因為上主賜安眠給他所愛的人。」 詩篇127:2 禱告：主，請幫助我定睛於祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Waste of Time
Bible Reading: Psalm 127:1-5
Monday, September 24, 2012

When you are dying, what will you regret most? Will you wish you had spent more time at your job? Will you wish you had made more money? Or will you wish that you had spent more time with your family or that you had done more to serve God and other people? Most people realize that they can’t take their money and possessions with them when they die. But they still work long hours and ignore their family. Why? So they can make even more money and buy more things. In the end, these people usually destroy their families and are very unhappy. In our Bible Reading today, the writer says that if we do not make God the center of our lives, then everything we do is a waste of time. The writer also reminds us that children are a gift from God that we should enjoy. We all need to work to take care of our needs. But don’t let work and money control you. Remember what is really important in life! —JKS “It is a waste of time to get up early and stay up late, trying to make a living. God cares for the people he loves, even while they are sleeping.” Psalm 127:2 PRAYER: Lord, help me to keep focused on You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.