以斯拉記 (3)

以斯拉記 (3)
聖經閱讀：以斯拉記9:10-15 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年8月1日(六)

今天讀的經文跟我們談到有一次上帝的子民沒有順服祂。上帝已經吩咐猶太人不該讓兒女跟不敬拜上帝的外邦人結婚，但是猶太人違背了上帝！ 　以斯拉愛上帝、敬拜上帝，他勇敢面對猶太人並讓他們知道，他們已經犯罪、違背了上帝。在第12節，他向那些人提醒上帝的命令：「如果我們要強盛，享受這塊土地的產物，永遠傳給子孫，我們絕對不可跟那些人通婚，不可幫助他們繁榮興旺。」 　上帝的子民犯了罪，但是以斯拉鼓勵他們認罪、悔改並開始順服上帝。我們有時候就像猶太人一樣，犯罪並背離上帝，上帝希望我們回轉向祂，祂要祝福我們，幫助我們不再犯罪。 　要承認自己的罪、改變心意並跟從上帝，祂已經預備好要赦免你、祝福你。 －JS* 「主並不像一般人所想的，遲遲不實現他的應許。相反地，他寬容你們；因為他不願意有一個人沉淪，卻要人人悔改。」 彼得後書3:9b 禱告：天父，求祢赦免我並幫助我專注於祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Ezra (3)
Bible Reading: Ezra 9:10-15
Saturday, August 1, 2015

Our Bible Reading today tells us about a time when God’s people did not obey Him. God had told the Jews that they should not allow their sons and daughters to marry foreigners who did not worship God. But the Jews disobeyed God! 　Ezra loved and worshiped God. He bravely confronted the Jews and told them that they had sinned against God. In verse 12 he reminded the people about God’s commands. “Obey my commands so that you will be strong and enjoy the good things of the land. And then you can keep this land and give it to your children.” 　God’s people sinned, but Ezra encouraged them to confess their sin, repent and start obeying God. We are sometimes like the Jews. We sin and turn away from God. God wants us to return to Him. He wants to bless us and help us not sin again. 　Confess your sin, change your heart and follow God. He is ready to forgive and bless you. —JS* “But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.” 2 Peter 3:9b PRAYER: Father, forgive me and help me to focus on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

遠離

遠離
聖經閱讀：馬太福音27:45-49 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月3日(五)

充滿罪惡的人常常忽視上帝並且跟上帝斷絶關係，他們不讀經、不禱告，也不敬拜上帝。這些人就是不理會上帝。 　上帝愛世人，當人們忽視祂，或是說祂的壞話時，上帝會傷心難過，但是不用擔心──上帝會沒事的。問題是，如果人們遠離上帝，最後上帝也會遠離他們，這時候，情況就不一樣了！因為沒有上帝，人是沒辦法存活的。 　羅馬書1:21-32談到不敬拜的人會發生什麼事：如果這些人繼續犯罪，上帝最後會任憑他們去做惡事。 　當耶穌死去時，祂將我們的罪一同帶到十字架上，上帝看著耶穌，看見原本聖潔完美的愛子被可怕的罪弄髒了，於是上帝離開耶穌一陣子。這是多麼可怕的事！ 　不可過著沒有上帝的生活，要停止犯罪，要努力做對的事並且要敬拜上帝，這樣上帝就會永遠與你同在。 —DK 「上帝任憑他們隨著心裏的慾念做下流的事，彼此玷污自己的身體。」 羅馬書1:24a 禱告：親愛的上帝，我願永遠與祢同在。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (王熙瑤譯)

Alone
Bible Reading: Matthew 27:45-49
Friday, April 3, 2015

Often sinful people ignore God and separate themselves from Him. They don’t read the Bible. They don’t pray, and they don’t worship God. These people just leave God alone. 　God loves people. God hurts when people ignore Him or speak against Him. But, don’t worry — God is okay. The problem is that if people leave God alone, finally God will leave them alone. Now, that’s a different story! People cannot survive without God. 　Romans 1:21-32 talks about what will happen to people who don’t worship God. If these people keep doing those sins, God will finally leave them alone to do their sinful things. 　When Jesus died, He took our sins to the cross. God looked at Jesus and saw that His perfect Son was dirty with terrible sin. God left Jesus alone for a while. How terrible! 　Don’t live without God. Stop sinning, try to do right and worship God. Then God will always be with you. —DK “People wanted only to do evil. So God left them and let them go their sinful way.” Romans 1:24a PRAYER: Dear God, I want to always be with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

箴言 (7)

箴言 (7)
聖經閱讀：箴言7:1-27 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年10月28日(二)

你是否曾經看過有人做了一個你知道會不利他們自己的選擇？你知道結果將會很糟糕，你想要說：「停下來！不要做！」 　今天的經文談到一個想要引誘男人跟她發生性關係的女人。這個女人並不是他的妻子，而這個男人可能知道這樣做是錯的，但他還是不理會曾經聽過的智慧話語。第22節將他比喻作像「牛被牽去屠宰」或像「鹿跌進陷阱」。第27節提醒我們，這種行為的結局就是關係和信賴的毁滅。 　我們必須遠離任何會導致我們違背上帝的事，我們在聖經中得到的智慧會幫助我們認清罪惡並避開它。 　今天就要小心，要親近上帝並遠離罪惡。 —KP 「遵守我的訓誡，你就會生存。要小心跟從我的訓導，像保護自己的眼睛一樣。要時時謹守我的教誨，銘刻在心中。」 箴言7:2-3 禱告：天父，當我被引誘去犯罪時，求祢幫助我選擇順從祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林威妮譯)

Proverbs (7)
Bible Reading: Proverbs 7:1-27
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Have you ever watched someone make a choice that you knew would not be good for them? You knew that the result would be bad, and you wanted to say, “Stop! Don't do it!” 　Our Bible Reading today tells about a woman who tempted a man to have sex with her. The woman was not his wife. The man probably knew this was wrong, but he ignored the wise words he had heard before. Verse 22 compares him to a “bull being led to the slaughter” or “a deer walking into a trap.” Verse 27 reminds us that the result of this kind of behavior is death of relationships and trust. 　We need to run away from anything that causes us to disobey God. The wisdom that we find in the Bible will help us recognize evil and avoid it. 　Be careful today. Stay close to God and run away from evil. —KP “Consider my teaching as precious as your own eyes. Obey my commands, and you will have a good life. Tie them around your finger. Write them on your heart.” Proverbs 7:2-3 PRAYER: Father, when I am tempted to sin, help me to choose to obey You instead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

父親與兒子

父親與兒子
聖經閱讀：路加福音15:11-24 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年8月14日(四)

在工作的時候，我有時會做一些真是愚蠢的事，然後我會認為「老闆大概會懲罰我，並讓我再次從公司的基層做起。」但是這個情況還沒有發生！ 　在今天的經文裡，我們讀到一個兒子做了件真是愚蠢的事。他拿了父親分給他的財產然後揮霍殆盡，他沒有東西可吃，所以就去做餵豬的工作，最後，他決定回去找他的父親。 　當他看到父親時，這個兒子說：「爸爸，我得罪了天，也得罪了你，我不配稱做你的兒子」（第21b節）。這個兒子知道他已經羞辱了父親，他並不期待父親會再次像兒子一樣對待他，但是他的父親接納他，並且用很多好東西祝福他。 　身為基督徒，我們是上帝的兒女，有時候我們會悖逆、不順服上帝，但是當我們悔改並回轉向上帝時，祂仍然接受我們是祂的兒女。今天就因著上帝奇妙的愛而感謝祂！ —BL 「因為我這個兒子是死而復活，失而復得的。」 路加福音15:24 禱告：上帝，感謝祢是我屬天的父親。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤理權譯)

Father and Son
Bible Reading: Luke 15:11-24
Thursday, August 14, 2014

Sometimes at work I do something that is really stupid. Then I think, “The boss will probably punish me and make me start over again at the bottom of the company.” But that has not happened yet! 　In our Bible verses, we read about a son who did something really stupid. He took his share of his father’s money and wasted it all. He had nothing to eat, so he took a job feeding pigs. Finally, he decided to go back to his father. 　When he saw his father, the son said, “Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (verse 21b). The son knew that he had dishonored his father. He did not expect his father to treat him like a son again. But his father accepted him back and blessed him with many good things. 　As Christians, we are God’s sons and daughters. Sometimes we become rebellious and disobey God. When we repent and come back to God, He accepts us as His son or daughter. Thank God today for His wonderful love! —BL “My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!” Luke 15:24a PRAYER: God, thank You for being my heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

詩篇119（5）

詩篇119（5）
聖經閱讀：詩篇119:65-72
2012年10月11日(四)

孩子不會總是聽父母說的話去做，有時候他們會做出錯誤的選擇，並且不遵守規矩。當父母處罰他們的時候，孩子會不高興；他們並不了解，父母對他們所做的是最好的。 　今天經文的第65-67節教導我們，上帝對我們所做的永遠是最好的，它說：「上主啊，照著你的諾言，你一向恩待你的僕人。求你賜給我智慧和知識，因為我相信你的命令。在你懲戒我以前，我常犯過錯，但現在我遵守你的話。」 　上帝是我天上的父親，祂知道什麼對我最好。祂知道，有時候我需要管教，這個管教可能使我受傷，但我知道，上帝所做的永遠是對的。 　我希望下面的經文能成為你今天的禱告：「主，你所賜的法律勝過世上千萬金銀。」（第72節） —PD 今日金句： 「你多麼良善，多麼慈愛！求你把你的誡命教導我。」 詩篇119:68 禱告：天父，我知道祢掌管這世界，感謝祢向我顯現祢的愛與大能。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Psalm 119 (5)
Bible Reading: Psalm 119: 65-72
Thursday, October 11, 2012

Children do not always do what their parents tell them to do. Sometimes they make wrong choices and disobey the rules. Children are sad when their parents punish them. They do not understand that their parents are doing what is best for them. 　Verses 65-67of today’s Bible Reading teach us that God always does things that are best for us. “Lord, you did good things for me, your servant. You did exactly what you promised to do. Lord, give me the knowledge to make wise decisions. I trust your commands. Before I suffered, I did many wrong things. But now, I carefully obey your commands.” 　God is my Father. He knows what is best for me. Sometimes He knows that He needs to discipline me. That discipline may hurt me, but I can know that God is doing what is right. 　I hope that this is your prayer today: “Lord, your teachings are good for me. They are better than 1,000 pieces of silver and gold” (verse 72). —PD “God, you are good, and you do good things. Teach me your laws.” Psalm 119:68 PRAYER: Father, I know that You are in control of the world. Thank You for showing me Your love and power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

不順服

不順服
聖經閱讀：詩篇2:1-12
2012年10月4日(四)

在起初的時候，就發生了「不順服」的事情，在伊甸園裡，亞當和夏娃不順服上帝，後來，該隱不順服上帝並且殺害了他的弟兄。現今，許多孩子不順服父母，而城市的居民不順服他們的政府領導者。 　許多不順服的發生是因為人們將眼目放在魔鬼的身上，而不放在上帝的身上。今天的經文告訴我們一些人民和國家不順服上帝，這些人不斷地違抗上帝，但是他們永遠不可能得勝。而其他人「要以敬畏的心事奉上主，戰戰兢兢，俯伏在祂面前；不然，祂的震怒急如星火」（12節）。 　但是別忘了，你和我也是不順服的人，每一次犯罪，我們就違背了上帝和祂在我們生命的計畫。我們不應該違背上帝！因為上帝愛我們，甚至將祂的獨生子賜給我們，好讓我們可以永遠與祂同住。 　詩篇第2篇的作者總結說，我們要用順服和信靠上帝來代替不順服，我希望今天你能夠這樣做。—ES 今日金句： 「當存畏懼事奉耶和華…凡投靠祂的，都是有福的。」詩篇2:11-12 禱告：上帝，我不想要違背祢；謝謝祢的愛，並且謝謝祢差派耶穌為我受死。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Rebellion
Bible Reading: Psalm 2:1-12
Thursday October 4, 2012

Rebellions have happened since time began. Adam and Eve rebelled in the Garden of Eden. Cain rebelled and killed his brother. Children rebel against their parents. Citizens are rebellious to their government leaders. 　Many rebellions happen because people pay attention to the devil instead of paying attention to God. Our Bible verses today tell us about people and nations who rebel against God. These people continue to fight against God, but they will never win. “But other people should be careful. The Lord is about ready to show his anger” (verse 12b). 　But don’t forget that you and I are rebellious, too. Every time we choose to sin, we rebel against God and His plan for our lives. We should not rebel! God loves us and gave us His only Son so we can live forever with Him. 　The writer of Psalm 2 closes by saying that instead of rebelling, we should obey and trust God. I hope you will do that today. —ES “Obey the Lord with much fear...People who trust the Lord are happy.” Psalm 2:11-12a PRAYER: God, I don’t want to rebel against You. Thank You for Your love and for sending Jesus to die for me. In His name. Amen.

靠主站立得穩

靠主站立得穩
聖經閱讀：詩篇73:1-28
2012年9月28日(五)

世界上有些人不相信耶穌也不跟隨祂。也許你認識一些這樣的人，他們做邪惡的事，讓事業成功，並且擁有一切想要的東西；他們很自豪，不用為生存奮鬥，他們似乎擁有輕鬆如意的人生。 　詩篇第73篇的作者一定了解這個情形。他看到邪惡的人功成名就，而這些人有著健康的身體，卻不用像他那樣拚命。這位作者承認，他「幾乎跌跤(犯罪)，我的腳險些滑倒」（第2節）。 　如同這詩篇的作者，我們需要小心，當我們看著那些不跟隨上帝的人時，他們的成功可能會引誘我們去犯罪，就像他們所做的一樣；你千萬不要讓這件事發生在你身上。這位作者在第27節裡提出警告：「那些離棄你的人必然死亡；所有不忠於你的人，你要消滅。」 　你要倚靠上帝與祂的話語堅定站立，持守對祂的信心。—CPE* 今日金句： 「除你之外，在天上我還有誰呢？既有了你，在地上我還要誰呢？我的身心會衰敗；但上帝是我的力量，永遠是我所需要的一切。」詩篇73:25-26 禱告：親愛的上帝，我願持守對祢的信心。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Stand Firm in God
Bible Reading: Psalm 73:1-28
Friday, September 28, 2012

There are people in the world who do not believe and follow Jesus. Maybe you know some of these people. They are involved in doing evil things. They are successful and have everything they want. They are proud. They don’t struggle to survive. It seems they have an easy life. 　The writer of Psalm 73 certainly understood this. He saw wicked people who were successful. These people were healthy and didn’t have to struggle like he did. The writer admitted that he “almost slipped and began to sin” (verse 2). 　Like the writer of this psalm, we need to be careful. When we look at other people who do not follow God, we may be tempted to sin like they do. Don’t let that happen to you. The writer warns in verse 27, “God, people who leave you will be lost. You will destroy the people who are not faithful to you.” 　Stand firm in God and His word. Remain faithful to Him. —CPE* “God, I have you in heaven. And when I am with you, what on earth can I want? Maybe my mind and body will be destroyed, but I have the Rock I love. I have God forever!” Psalm 73:25-26 PRAYER: Dear God, I want to remain faithful to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝幫助我 (6)

上帝幫助我 (6)
聖經閱讀：詩篇68:19-21
2012年9月14日(五)

我有兩個孫子住在離我不遠的地方，因此我花很多時間和他們相處。當他們漸漸長大，我發現，要使他們學會順服，對他們的父母親來說，真是一大挑戰。 前幾天，我的長孫在寫功課的時候，他的母親要求他坐好、不要亂動，結果他怎麼做呢？他站了起來，然後在房間裡亂走！另外一個孫子被要求不可以去碰別人的東西，結果他怎麼反應呢？他就偏偏去碰！ 上帝是我在天上的父親，祂告訴我什麼事情應該做、什麼事情不應該做──就好像我的孫子被他們的父母親告誡一樣。舉個例子來說，上帝告訴我要多關心別人，結果我怎麼做呢？我總是自私地只想到自己。 當我們違背了上帝，我們就要為此負起全部的責任。經文的第19節告訴我們，上帝幫助了我們，祂把我們從悖逆的懲罰中拯救出來。而上帝是如何拯救我們的呢？祂藉著耶穌死在十字架上來拯救我們。 今天，因著祂賜下奇妙救恩的禮物，你要感謝上帝！ —SAH 今日金句： 「我們的上帝是拯救的上帝；他是上主，是救我們脫離死亡的主。」詩篇68:20 禱告：上帝，感謝祢賜下耶穌。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

God Helps Me (6)
Bible Reading: Psalm 68:19-21
Friday September 14, 2012

Two of my grandchildren live close to me. So I spend a lot of time with them. As they get older, I notice that it is a big challenge for their parents to make them obey. Just the other day, my oldest grandson’s mother told him to sit still while he was doing his homework. What did he do? He stood up and walked around the room! The other grandson was told not to touch something because it didn’t belong to him. What did he do? He touched it anyway! God is my heavenly Father. He tells me things that I should do or not do — just like my grandsons were told by their parents. For example, God tells me to think about other people. What do I do? I am selfish and think about myself. We are all responsible for the times that we have disobeyed God. Verse 19b of our Bible Reading tells us that God helps us by saving us from the punishment for our disobedience. How does God save us? He saves us through Jesus’ death on the cross. Thank God for His wonderful gift of salvation today! —SAH “He is our God. He is the God that saves us. The Lord our God saves us from death.” Psalm 68:20 PRAYER: God, thank You for Jesus. In His name. Amen.