聖誕的犧牲 (4)

聖誕的犧牲 (4)
聖經閱讀：路加福音2:8-16 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年12月22日(四)

　今天我們要來談牧羊人所作的犧牲，路加福音2:8說，在耶穌誕生的那一晚，「在伯利恆郊外，有些牧羊人夜間露宿，輪流看守羊群。」
這些牧羊人有任務在身，他們要照顧羊群、保護牠們，但是在天使向他們顯現並告訴他們耶穌誕生的事之後，他們毫不遲疑就動身前往伯利恆，「於是他們急忙趕去，找到了馬利亞、約瑟，和躺在馬槽裡的嬰兒」（第16節）。
聖經並沒有告訴我們這些牧羊人是否有留一些人來照顧羊群，但是我們確實知道他們決定立刻動身前去探望新生兒。牧羊人犧牲他們的時間（也許整晚沒睡！）去到伯利恆。
牧羊人迫不及待要見到那位作為他們的救主、彌賽亞和生命之主的嬰孩（第11節）。我希望你也願意犧牲自己，好讓自己可以天天跟隨並服事耶穌！ —GT

「牧羊人回去，為他們所聽見所看到的事讚美歌頌上帝。」 路加福音2:20a

禱告：親愛的主，我願捨棄我所有的一切好讓我可以服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Christmas Sacrifices (4)
Bible Reading: Luke 2:8-16
Thursday, December 22, 2016

　Today we will talk about the sacrifices made by the shepherds. Luke 2:8 says that the night Jesus was born “some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep.”
These shepherds had responsibilities. They had flocks of sheep to take care of and protect. But after the angel appeared to them and told them about Jesus' birth, they did not hesitate to go to Bethlehem. They “went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box” (verse 16).
The Bible does not tell us if these shepherds left someone in charge of the sheep. But we do know that they chose to go right away and see the new baby. The shepherds sacrificed their time (and probably a night's sleep!) to go to Bethlehem.
The shepherds were anxious to see the baby who was their Savior, Messiah and Lord (verse 11). I hope you are willing to make sacrifices so you can follow and serve Jesus every day! —GT

“The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard.”
Luke 2:20a

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am willing to give up all I have so I can serve You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

親近上帝

親近上帝
聖經閱讀：詩篇16:1-11現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月31日(一)

　當我坐在安樂椅上時，家裡的小狗馬克斯會跳上來跟我坐在一起，牠喜歡親近我，為什麼呢？因為我會餵牠吃東西、帶牠去散步、陪牠玩。我喜歡馬克斯坐在我旁邊，所以我從來不會對牠說：「走開！現在我很忙，不能跟你坐在一起。」 就像馬克斯喜歡親近我，我也喜歡親近上帝。我喜歡跟上帝說話，也喜歡讓上帝透過聖經對我說話。上帝供應我需要的東西──食物、衣物和一個住的地方，上帝從來不會對我說：「我沒有時間理你。」
詩篇16篇的作者也喜歡親近上帝，他信靠上帝來照顧自己。在第11節，作者說：「你會指示我生命的道路。在你面前，我滿有喜樂；在你身邊，我有永遠的幸福。」 我希望你會喜歡親近上帝，祂愛你、會永遠供應你，今天就花一些時間跟上帝同在！ —DJH*

「上主啊，你是我的力量；我多麼敬愛你！主是保護我的巖石和堡壘；我的上帝是掩蔽我的避難所，是保護我的要塞。」 詩篇18:1-2a

禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢愛我、照顧我，我願天天親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Near to God
Bible Reading: Psalm 16:1-11
Monday, October 31, 2016

　When I sit in my easy chair, our little dog, Max, jumps up and sits with me. He likes to be near me. Why? Because I feed him, take him for walks and play with him. I love having Max sit with me, so I never tell him, “Go away! I'm too busy to sit with you now.” Just as Max likes to be near me, I like to be near God. I like to talk to Him and have Him talk to me through the Bible. God provides the things I need — food, clothing and a place to live. God never says to me, “I don't have time for you.”
The writer of Psalm 16 liked to be near God, too. He depended on God to take care of him. In verse 11 the writer says, “You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.”
I hope that you like to be near God. He loves you and will always provide for you. Take some time today to be with God! —DJH*

“I love you, Lord! You are my strength. The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection.” Psalm 18:1-2a

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for loving me and taking care of me. I want to stay close to You every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

上帝的應許

a上帝的應許
聖經閱讀：創世記8:18-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年8月15日(一)

我教了35年的數學，因為要工作，所以很少有空閒時間，但在四年前，生活改變了，我退休了！現在我有很多空閒時間。 有空的時候我最喜歡做的一件事就是種菜蒔花。田園工作是上帝賜給挪亞和家人的應許中最好的一個例子，在今天經文閱讀的第22節，上帝說：「只要大地存留一天，地上一定有播種，有收穫；有寒暑、冬夏，和日夜」。上帝應許挪亞和他的家人生活中必有季節更替，這個應許也適用現今的我們。
有時候我們做出承諾卻沒有做到，但是上帝永遠不會違背諾言，上帝賜給我們最美好的應許是耶穌會再回來，並且接我們去跟祂永遠同住。因為上帝永遠信守祂的應許，因此我們可以確信耶穌會再回來。
要讚美上帝讓我們可以永遠倚靠祂的應許！ —SAH

「他(上帝)要永遠信守他的約」 詩篇105:8a

禱告：上帝，謝謝祢總是信守你的應許。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

God's Promises
Bible Reading: Genesis 8:18-22
Monday, August 15, 2016

　I taught math for 35 years. Because I had a job, I didn't have much free time. But four years ago, my life changed. I retired! Now I have plenty of free time.
One of the many things that I now enjoy doing in my free time is gardening. Gardening is a perfect example of one of the promises God made to Noah and his family. In verse 22 of today's Bible Reading, God said, “As long as the earth continues, there will always be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night on earth.” God promised Noah and his family that there would always be seasons in their lives. This promise is for us today, too.
Sometimes we make promises and we break them. But God never breaks His promises. The best promise from God is that Jesus will come again and take us to live forever with Him. Because God always keeps His promises, we can know for sure that Jesus will return. Praise God that we can always depend on His promises! —SAH

“He [God] will always keep the promises he made to his people.” Psalm 105:8b

PRAYER: God, thank You for always keeping Your promises. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

天氣 (7)

天氣 (7)
聖經閱讀：路加福音17:24-30 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年8月6日(六)

雖然閃電有時候讓人感到害怕，但我卻喜歡看閃電劃過天空的景象，閃電發出的顏色往往令人讚嘆。
閃電的速度可以高達每秒6,000公里，這是非常快的速度！在今天讀的經文中，耶穌用閃電來比喻祂的再來：「正像閃電橫掃天空，從天的這邊照射到天的那邊，人子來臨的日子也是這樣」（第24節）。這個經節告訴我，當耶穌再來時，所有人都可以看見祂，而且，這件事會很快發生。
耶穌也在馬可福音13:32提到：「至於那要臨到的日子和時間，沒有人知道；天上的天使不知道，兒子也不知道，只有父親知道。」因為耶穌的再來會很快發生，我們要隨時作好預備。
聖經教導我們要如何跟上帝有一個合宜的關係，你要研讀並遵行上帝的話語，這樣你就可以準備好面見耶穌！ —JK

「我們……在一剎那、一眨眼間，最後的號角響的時候，都要改變。最後的號角一響，死人要復活而成為不朽壞的。」 哥林多前書15:52a

禱告：上帝，我願為耶穌的再來作好預備。奉主的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Weather (7)
Bible Reading: Luke 17:24-30
Saturday, August 6, 2016

　Although lightning can sometimes be scary, I love to watch lightning steak across the sky. Often the colors in lightning are amazing.
A lightning bolt moves at 3,700miles per second. That is very fast! In our Bible Reading, Jesus compares His return to earth with lightning. “When the Son of Man comes again, you will know it. On that day he will shine like lightning flashes across the sky” (verse 24). This verse tells me that when Jesus comes again, all people will be able to see Him. And, it will happen very fast.
Jesus also talked about that day in Mark 13:32: “No one knows when that day or time will be. The Son and the angels in heaven don't know when that day or time will be . Only the Father knows.” Because Jesus' coming will happen very fast, we need to always be ready.
The Bible teaches us how to have a right relationship with God. Study and obey God’s Word. Then you will be ready to meet Jesus! —JK

“It will only take the time of a second. We will be changed as quickly as an eye blinks. This will happen when the last trumpet blows. The trumpet will blow and those who have died will be raised to live forever.” 1 Corinthians 15:52a

PRAYER: God, I want to be ready for Jesus. In His name. Amen.

天氣 (4)

天氣 (4)
聖經閱讀：雅各書4:13-16 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年8月3日(三)

　在開車去聽障事工上班的時候，有幾個早上外面起了霧，我也許要在濃霧中開好幾公里的路，然後霧會突然間完全不見，讓我可以看見耀眼的陽光。
在今天的經文閱讀中，雅各談到了霧，他在第14節說：「你們連明天還活著沒有都不曉得！你們不過像一層霧，出現一會兒就不見了。」雅各是在談生命的短暫，跟永恆比較起來，我們在世上的生命是很短暫的。
就因為生命是短暫的，所以我們要善用時間，而不要浪費時間在擔心如何得到更多的錢財或名聲，反而要思考如何順服上帝，以及如何讓人認識耶穌和祂的救贖計劃。
上帝把今天賜給了你，你不知道明天會發生什麼事，就好好利用今天來服事並榮耀上帝吧！ —JK

「你使我的生命那麼短促！在你眼中，我一生的歲月幾乎等於零。生命不過像一口氣息。」 詩篇39:5a

禱告：上帝，今天我願為祢善用時間。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝

Weather (4)
Bible Reading: James 4:13-16
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

　Some mornings when I drive to Deaf Missions, it is foggy outside. I may drive through dense fog for miles. Then suddenly the fog is completely gone and I can see the sun shining.
In our Bible Reading today, James talked about fog. In verse 14 he said, “You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Your life is like a fog. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away.” James is talking about the shortness of life. When compared to eternity, our lives on earth are very short.
Because our lives are short, we should use our time wisely. We should not waste our time worrying about getting more money or possessions or fame. Instead, we should think about obeying God and teaching other people about Jesus and His plan of salvation.
God has given you this day. You don’t know what may happen tomorrow. Use today to serve and glorify God! —JK

“You gave me only a short life. Compared to you, my whole life is nothing. The life of every human is like a cloud that quickly disappears.” Psalm 39:5a

PRAYER: God, I want to use my time wisely for You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

尋求智慧

尋求智慧
聖經閱讀：馬可福音4:10-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年7月27日(三)

許多人很會操作一套叫Photoshop的電腦軟體，我幾乎天天使用這套軟體，但是我卻不太熟練。我也喜歡書法，但是我沒辦法像一些人一樣有很棒的作品。我對Photoshop或書法不熟練是因為我沒有足夠的練習，熟練這些東西要花時間和精力。
在今天的經文閱讀中，耶穌告訴祂的使徒，祂會賜給他們特別的智慧，為什麼耶穌要這麼做呢？因為這十二個人放棄了家庭和工作來跟隨祂，這些人願意為耶穌獻上他們的一生。
我們要熟練從聖經中學習的方法要花時間和精力，但是如果我們願意每天閱讀上帝的話語並且仔細研究，上帝會幫助我們更了解祂和祂在我們生命中的計劃。
你要花時間讀經，尋求上帝的智慧。 —SH*

「耶穌說：『上帝國的奧祕已經給了你們』」 馬可福音4:11a

禱告：天父，我願更多認識祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Search for Wisdom
Bible Reading: Mark 4:10-12
Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Many people are very skilled at using a computer program called Photoshop. I use that program almost every day, but I am not skilled in using it. I love to use calligraphy, too. But I don't have the ability to create masterpieces like some people do. I am not skilled in Photoshop or calligraphy because I have not practiced enough. It takes time and effort to become skilled at these things.
In our Bible verses today, Jesus told His apostles that He was sharing some special wisdom with them. Why did Jesus do this? Because these twelve men gave up their families and jobs to follow Him. These men were willing to give up their lives for Jesus.
It takes time and effort for us to become skilled at learning from the Bible. But when we are willing to read God's Word every day and study it carefully, God will help us understand more about Him and His plan for our lives.
Take time to read the Bible and search for God's wisdom. —SH*

“Jesus said, ‘Only you can know the secret truth about God's kingdom.'” Mark 4:11a

PRAYER: Father, I want to learn more about 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.

不要等待

不要等待
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳24:22-27 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年2月11日(四)

許多人很會善用時間，他們保留時間讀經、去教會，或是幫助別人。
但是有一些人不會善用時間，他們遲遲不決志信上帝，或者遲遲不花時間服事祂。在今天的經文閱讀中，保羅對羅馬總督腓力斯說話，保羅向腓力斯傳講耶穌的事蹟，「又談論關於良善、節制、將來的審判等教訓；腓力斯覺得很恐懼」（第25a節）。
這些經節似乎指出，腓力斯知道自己要改變生命信耶穌，但是他感到害怕，所以他跟保羅說，「你現在去吧，等我有空再叫你來」（第25b節）。聖經並沒有告訴我們腓力斯是否有決定相信上帝。
也許你知道自己必須信上帝，請不要等待──今天就將你的一生獻給祂。或許你知道自己必須花時間服事上帝，請不要等待──現在就開始服事祂吧！ —AT

「聽啊，現在就是接納上帝恩惠的時刻！今天就是上帝拯救的日子！」 哥林多後書6:2b

禱告：上帝，我願善用自己的時間，今天求祢幫助我跟隨祢、服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Don't Wait
Bible Reading: Acts 24:22-27
Thursday, February 11, 2016

Many people use their time wisely. They set aside time for Bible study, going to church or helping others.
But some people do not use their time wisely. Instead, they delay making a decision to follow God or delay using their time to serve Him. In our Bible Reading today Paul spoke to the Roman governor, Felix. Paul told Felix about Jesus. “But Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about things like doing right, self-control, and the judgment that will come in the future” (verse 25a).
These verses seem to indicate that Felix knew that he should change his life and follow God. But he was afraid. So he told Paul, “Go away now. When I have more time, I will call for you” (verse 25b). The Bible does not tell us if Felix ever decided to follow God.
Maybe you know that you need to follow God. Don't wait — give your life to Him today. Or maybe you know that you need to use your time to serve God. Don't wait — start serving Him right now! —AT

“I tell you that the ‘right time' is now. The ‘day of salvation' is now.” 2 Corinthians 6:2b

PRAYER: Lord, I want to use my time wisely. Help me to follow You and serve You today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

花 (2)

花 (2)
聖經閱讀：雅各書4:13-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年3月19日(四)

我很喜愛紫丁香，尤其是它們甜美的香味！在我客廳的窗外就有幾棵紫丁香，春天時，我喜歡打開窗戶聞一聞那美麗的紫丁香。 　有時候我會剪下一些紫丁香的分枝帶到屋內，把它們插在盛了水的花瓶中，然後整天享受著它們散發的香氣。但是到了隔天早上，屋內的紫丁香就逐漸枯萎，小花凋謝了，再也聞不到香味。 　從花叢裡剪下來的紫丁香無法持久，這提醒了我雅各在今天經文中所說的：「你們不過像一層霧，出現一會兒就不見了」（第14b節）。我們不知道明天會發生什麼事，我們可能還會活著，也可能死去。 　因為不知道在世上還能活多久，所以我們必須善用每天的時間來服事上帝。今天就想一想你可以為上帝做些什麼事，在你生命中的每一刻都要愛祂、順服祂。－JK 「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。」 歌羅西書3:23 禱告：上帝，我願一生事奉祢、愛祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林威妮譯)

Flowers (2)
Bible Reading: James 4:13-17
Thursday, March 19, 2015

I love lilacs — especially their sweet smell! I have several lilac bushes right outside my living room window. In the spring I like to open that window and smell the beautiful lilacs. 　Sometimes I cut lilac branches and bring them into my house. I put them in a vase with water and enjoy their wonderful aroma all day long. But the next morning, the lilacs in my house are dying. The small flowers are wilted and they no longer smell good. 　Lilacs that have been cut from a bush do not last very long. They remind me of what James says in our Bible Reading today. “Your life is like a fog. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away” (verse 14b). We do not know what will happen tomorrow. We may live or we may die. 　Because we don’t know how long we will live on earth, we need to use our time every day to serve God. Think about things you can do for God today. Love and obey Him every minute of your day. —JK “In all the work you are given to do, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master.” Colossians 3:23 PRAYER: God, I want to serve You and love You all of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

送給上帝的禮物 (2)

送給上帝的禮物 (2)
聖經閱讀：以弗所書6:5-9 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年12月22日(日)

上帝已經賜給我們每一個人一天24小時的禮物，我們中間有些人或許能活到90歲，或許我們只能活到35歲，但是每個人每一天都有24小時的生命可以為主擺上。 　上帝希望我們將我們的時間當作禮物送給祂。如果上帝是我們生命中的首位，我們就必須確定將時間奉獻給祂。首先，我們可以藉著每天的讀經和禱告將時間獻給上帝。讀經是上帝對我們說話的方式，而我們透過禱告跟祂溝通。 　其次，我們可以藉著從早到晚為祂做的每一件事將時間奉獻給祂。今天經文的第7節說：「你們要甘心樂意地盡奴僕的本份，像是在服事主，不是服事人。」當工作的時候，我們可以記住，我們其實是為上帝工作；當為家人做事的時候，我們也可以記住，我們是為上帝在做這些事情。 　今天你有24小時，你會送給上帝什麼禮物呢？－JK 「主都要照各人的好行為報答他。」 以弗所書6:8a 禱告：上帝，今天我將我的時間獻給祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Gifts for God (2)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:5-9
Sunday, December 22, 2013

God has given each of us the gift of 24 hours in every day. Some of us may live for 90 years, or we may only live for 35 years. But every person has 24 hours each day of their life to use for God. 　God wants us to give Him the gift of our time. If God is most important in our lives, we need to make sure we give Him our time. First, we can give God our time by reading the Bible and praying every day. Reading the Bible is how God speaks to us. And through prayer, we communicate with Him. 　Second, we can give God our time by doing everything throughout our day for Him. Verse 7 of our Bible Reading says, “Do your work, and be happy doing it. Work as though it is the Lord you are serving, not just an earthly master.” When we are working at our jobs, we can remember that we are really working for God. When we are doing things for our family, we can remember that we are doing those things for God, too. 　You have 24 hours today. What gift will you give God? —JK “Remember that the Lord will give everyone a reward for doing good.” Ephesians 6:8a PRAYER: God, I give You my time today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.