箴言 (6)

箴言 (6)
聖經閱讀：箴言11:12-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年11月7日(一)

　我有幾個認識了很久的朋友，他們是我的多年好友，但有時候這些朋友惹我生氣，這時我會想要說一些傷害他們的話。
今天的經文閱讀教導我們怎麼處理像第12節說的狀況：「嘲弄鄰舍毫無見識；明智人緘默不言。」最好的作法往往是保持緘默並對朋友施展愛和憐憫。
第13節同時給我們一些對待朋友的忠告：「愛說閒話的人洩漏機密；誠實人堪受信託。」當有朋友告訴我們秘密時，我們要作一個可靠的人，不要將秘密告訴別人。
要謝謝上帝賜給你好朋友，你要愛他們、尊敬他們。 —BR

「飛短流長的，難保機密；好饒舌的，不可結交。」 箴言20:19

禱告：上帝，謝謝祢賜給我好朋友，我願永遠愛他們、尊敬他們。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Proverbs (6)
Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:12-13
Monday, November 7, 2016

I have several friends that I have known for a long time. These people have been my friends for many years. But sometimes these friends make me upset. When that happens I feel like I want to say something hurtful to them.
Our Bible Reading today teaches us what to do in situations like that. Verse 12 says, “Stupid people say bad things about their neighbors. Wise people know to be quiet.” Often it is best for us to keep quiet and show love and compassion to our friends.
Verse 13 also gives us some good advice about friends. “People who tell secrets about others cannot be trusted. Those who can be trusted keep quiet.” When a friend shares a secret with us, we should be trustworthy and not tell the secret to other people.
Thank God for your good friends. Treat them with love and respect. —BR

“You cannot trust someone who would talk about things told in private. So don't be friends with someone who talks too much.” Proverbs 20:19

PRAYER: God, thank You for my good friends. I want to always love and respect them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

信主的朋友

信主的朋友
聖經閱讀：箴言12:22-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年7月23日(六)

幾天前，我才發現那個星期忘了幫自己最喜歡的盆栽澆水，於是我趕緊拿一杯水倒進盆栽裡，不久之後那個盆栽就開始活過來了。
這個盆栽幫助我記得自己需要信主的好朋友來協助我持守靈性的剛強，就好比植物需要水一樣，我也需要可以幫助我親近上帝的朋友。當遇到困難或是心情不好時，我需要信主的朋友來幫助我記得上帝已經賜給我的種種喜樂和祝福。
今天經文閱讀的作者談到幾件在我們天天為上帝而活時有幫助的事，第26a節說：「義人是鄰舍的良師益友」，你不應該選擇壞人作你親近的朋友，而是要選擇基督徒來作你最要好的朋友，他們會幫助你、保守你的心來抵擋魔鬼的攻擊。
今天你要謝謝信主的朋友幫助你持守在通往上帝的道路上。 —KG

「不要受愚弄了。『壞友伴敗壞品德！』」 哥林多前書15:33

禱告：天父，謝謝祢賜下信主的朋友，他們幫助我跟隨祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Christian Friends
Bible Reading: Proverbs 12:22-28
Saturday, July 23, 2016

　The other day I realized I had forgotten to water my favorite plant that week. I quickly got a cup of water and poured it on the plant. Soon the plant started to come back to life.
This plant helps me remember that I need good Christian friends to help me stay spiritually strong. Just as a plant needs water, I need friends who will help me live close to God. When I have a bad day or I am depressed, I need Christian friends to help me remember the joys and blessings that God has given to me.
In our Bible verses today, the writer tells us several things that will help us as we try to live for God every day. Verse 26a says, “Good people are careful about choosing their friends.” You should not choose bad people to be your close friends. Instead you should choose Christians to be your best friends. They will help you guard your heart against the devil's attacks.
Thank your Christian friends today for helping you stay on the way that leads to God. —KG

“Don't be fooled: ‘Bad friends will ruin good habits.'” 1 Corinthians 15:33

PRAYER: Father, thank You for Christian friends who help me follow You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

傳道書 (5)

傳道書 (5)
聖經閱讀：傳道書4:9-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年8月25日(二)

在今天的經文閱讀中，作者讓我看見友誼的重要性，他說人們一起同工是有益的：「兩個人總比一個人好，因為兩個人合作效果更好」（第9節）。 　當我讀這些經文時，我就想起很久以前有兩個結伴旅行的人，當他們徒步行走時，兩個人可以走得更遠；如果腳被絆到、跌倒了，他們也可以互相幫助。晚上睡覺時，他們可以相互取暖，如果遇到了危險，他們可以保護對方。然後作者接著說，三個人一起比兩個人更好，就像一條由三股合成、堅實有力的繩子。 　當想起我的許多朋友時，我就感到開心。有一些朋友曾經跟我一起工作，有很多朋友為我禱告、鼓勵我，當我身陷危險時，有一些朋友曾經保護我。 　上帝賜下許多朋友來祝福你，今天就感謝祂賜下幫助你、鼓勵你的人。 －JK 「三股合成的繩子是不容易拉斷的。」 傳道書4:12b 禱告：親愛的恩主，謝謝祢賜下很棒的朋友來祝福我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Ecclesiastes (5)
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Tuesday, August 25, 2015

In our Bible verses today, the writer shows us the importance of friendship. He says that it is good when people work together. “Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done” (verse 9). 　As I read these verses, I think about two people traveling together long ago. As they walk, the two of them can get more work done. They can also help each other if they stumble and fall. When they sleep at night, they can keep each other warm. And if danger comes, they can defend each other. Then the writer goes on to say that three people together are even better than two. They are like a strong rope made of three strands. 　I feel happy when I think about my many friends. Some have worked with me. Many friends have prayed for me and encouraged me. A few friends have protected me when I was in danger. 　God has blessed you with friends. Thank Him today for people who help and encourage you. —JK “And three people are even stronger. They are like a rope that has three parts wrapped together — it is very hard to break.” Ecclesiastes 4:12b PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for blessing me with wonderful friends. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

特別的朋友

特別的朋友
聖經閱讀：詩篇117:1-2 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月14日(二)

我有一個特別的朋友，當我悲傷時，他永遠在身邊鼓勵我。這個朋友喜歡花時間陪我。 　讓我進一步向你介紹這位特別的朋友。我可以跟這位朋友談遇到的麻煩，他永遠不會忙到不留意我，當我請求協助時，我的朋友從來沒有讓我失望。 　你是不是認為我有一個很棒的朋友呢？我的這位朋友是上帝！祂很愛我，甚至派差祂的獨生子為我死，而且有一天我會跟這位特別的朋友永遠同住。 　在今天閱讀的經文中，作者談到讚美上帝。為什麼我們要讚美上帝呢？因為「他對我們的慈愛多麼堅強！」，而且「他的信實永遠長存」（第2節）。 　上帝是不是你特別的朋友呢？如果不是，就從聖經裡認識祂，並且求祂掌管你的生命。如果上帝已經是你的特別朋友，那麼就讚美祂的信實吧！ －LB 「要感謝上主，因他至善；他的慈愛永遠長存。」 詩篇118:1 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢永遠作我最特別的朋友。我愛祢！奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Special Friend
Bible Reading: Psalm 117:1-2
Tuesday, July 14, 2015

I have a special friend. He is always ready to encourage me when I am sad. This friend likes to spend time with me. 　Let me tell you more about my special friend. I can talk to my friend about my troubles. He is never too busy to pay attention to me. My friend never lets me down when I ask for help. 　Do you think I have a wonderful friend? My friend is God! He loves me so much that He sent His only Son to die for me. And someday I will live forever with my special friend. 　In our Bible Reading today, the writer talks about praising God. Why should we praise God? Because “He loves us very much” and will “be faithful to us forever” (verse 2). 　Is God your special friend? If not, learn about Him from the Bible and ask Him to be the ruler of your life. If God is already your special friend, then praise Him for His faithfulness! —CW* “Praise the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever!” Psalm 118:1 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for always being my very special friend. I love You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

詩歌 (10)

詩歌 (10)
聖經閱讀：羅馬書5:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年5月25日(一)

我們要來看的最後一位詩歌作者是弗朗西絲海弗格爾（1836-1879）。她病了很多年，才四十三歲就去世了，但弗朗西絲寫了許多關於上帝的平安和喜樂的詩歌。 　弗朗西絲的其中一首詩歌「像榮美川流」談到我們可以透過生活的各種經驗來得著平安，這首歌的最後是這樣寫的：「依靠主耶和華，心靈得福祉，他的應許真實，你必得安息。」 　在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅跟我們談到上帝的平安。保羅說，我們擁有這樣的平安是因為「他的死」（第9b節），保羅又接著說，當我們得著這樣的平安，我們就是上帝的朋友了。 　上帝的平安一直幫助我面對生命中的困難，我希望今天你也能經歷上帝的平安，祂愛你，並且希望成為你的朋友！ —BH 「不但這樣，我們已經得以跟上帝和好，不也藉著我們的主耶穌基督以上帝為樂嗎？」 羅馬書5:11 禱告：恩主，我信靠祢賜給我完全的平安。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Hymns (10)
Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-11
Tuesday, May 25, 2015

The last hymn writer we will look at is Frances Havergal (1836-1879). She was sick for many years and died when she was only forty-three. But Frances wrote many hymns that talk about God’s peace and joy. 　One of Frances’ hymns, “Like a River Glorious,” talks about how we can have peace through all our experiences in life. Here are some words from the last verse of this song: “Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest. Finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.” 　In our Bible Reading today, Paul tells us about God’s peace. Paul says that we have this peace because of “the blood sacrifice of Christ” (verse 9b). Paul continues to say that when we have this peace, we are God’s friends. 　God’s peace has helped me face difficulties in my life. I hope that you will experience God’s peace today. He loves you and wants to be your friend! —BH “And not only will we be saved, but we also rejoice right now in what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of Jesus that we are now God’s friends.” Romans 5:11 PRAYER: Lord, I trust You to give me Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

朋友

朋友
聖經閱讀：約翰福音15:12-15 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年3月23日(一)

好朋友是很重要的。我有一個認識多年的朋友，每次打電話給她時，她總是很快樂。我們會彼此代禱，也分享喜樂和困難。 　傳道書4:9-10告訴我們為何擁有朋友是一件好事：「兩個人總比一個人好，因為兩個人合作效果更好。一個人跌倒，另一個人可以扶他起來。」 　在今天閱讀的經文中，耶穌談到了朋友，祂告訴門徒：「人為朋友犧牲自己的性命，人間的愛沒有比這更偉大的了」(第13節)。耶穌跟門徒說，祂是他們的朋友：「我把你們當作朋友，因為我已經把從我父親那裏所聽到的一切都告訴了你們」(第15b節)。 　耶穌也是我們的朋友，祂願意為了我們的罪死在十字架、接受刑罰。這才是真實的友誼！ —TS 「正如父親愛我，我愛你們；你們要常生活在我的愛中。你們若遵守我的命令，你們會常生活在我的愛中，正像我遵守我父親的命令，而常在他的愛中一樣。」 約翰福音15:9-10 禱告：天父，感謝祢賜下耶穌成為我的朋友。奉主的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Friends
Bible Reading: John 15:12-15
Monday, March 23, 201

Good friends are very important. I have a friend who has been in my life for many years. She is always happy when I call her. We pray for each other and share our joys and troubles. 　Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a tells us why it is good to have a friend. “Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help.” 　In our Bible Reading today, Jesus talked about friends. He told His disciples, “The greatest love people can show is to die for their friends” (verse 13). Jesus told His disciples that He was their friend. “But now I call you friends, because I have told you everything that my Father told me” (verse 15b). 　Jesus is our friend, too. He was willing to die on the cross and accept the punishment for our sins. That is true friendship! —TS “I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love. I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and he continues to love me. In the same way, if you obey my commands, I will continue to love you.” John 15:9-10 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for my friend, Jesus. In His name. Amen.

喪禮的功課 (3)

喪禮的功課 (3)
聖經閱讀：腓立比書1:3-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月31日(三)

最後一個上帝幫助我記住的功課是信主的家人和朋友的重要性。很多我母親的親戚和朋友來參加她的喪禮，其中有一些人不是基督徒。能再一次看到這些人真好，但是他們所能做的似乎只是吹噓他們的金錢和財產。這些人只想要為自己而不是為上帝而活，讓我感到悲哀。 　在新約聖經裡，我們可以讀到保羅寫給基督徒的信。在今天的經文中，我們得知保羅和腓立比基督徒的關係。保羅愛那些人，而他們也愛保羅；保羅為那些基督徒禱告，而他們支持他、鼓勵他。 　想一想你信主的家人和朋友，回想你們一起歡笑、一起流淚、一起禱告的時光，然後感謝上帝賜給你這些信主的人。感謝上帝賜下曾經支持你並幫助你更親近祂的信主家人和朋友。 －JK 「上帝知道，我說我用基督耶穌的愛心深切地想念你們，這話是實在的。」 腓立比書1:8 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢賜下幫助我跟隨祢的信主家人和朋友。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Funeral Lessons (3)
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:3-11
Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The last lesson that God helped me remember is the importance of my Christian family and friends. Many of my mom’s relatives and friends came to her funeral. Some of these people are not Christians. It was nice to see these people again, but all they seemed to do was brag about their money and their possessions. I felt sad that these people want to live for themselves and not for God. 　In the New Testament we can read letters that Paul wrote to Christians. In our Bible Reading today, we learn about Paul’s relationship with the Christians in Philippi. Paul loved these people, and they loved Paul. Paul prayed for these Christians, and they supported and encouraged him. 　Think about your family members and friends who are Christians. Remember the times when you laughed together, cried together and prayed together. Then thank God for these Christian people. Thank God that your Christian family and friends have supported you and helped you be closer to Him. —JK “God knows that I want very much to see you. I love all of you with the love of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:8 PRAYER: God, thank You for my Christian family and friends who help me follow You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

對朋友的愛

對朋友的愛
聖經閱讀：撒母耳記上 20:1-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月15日(二)

掃羅王的兒子約拿單跟大衛是最要好的朋友，但是他們要成為朋友並不容易，為什麼呢？因為掃羅想要殺大衛。 　今天的經文告訴我們，大衛和約拿單見面並談論他們的處境。大衛希望約拿單去找出他父親要殺他的原因，約拿單則保證他會探問出掃羅的想法。約拿單這麼做是要冒著生命危險的，為什麼約拿單願意這麼做呢？因為他愛他的朋友大衛。經文第17節說：「他非常愛大衛，就像愛自己一樣。」 　好朋友是來自上帝的祝福，擁有一個你可以信任的好朋友是很棒的事情。儘管你犯了錯，一個真正的朋友會依然愛你，即使在你發脾氣或感到沮喪時，他仍然愛你。 　今天，就想想你的朋友，打電話給他們並感謝他們成為你的朋友，或者，為你最要好的朋友做一些貼心的事。最重要的是，感謝上帝賜給你這些愛你、鼓勵你的朋友。 —JK 「不要離棄朋友，或父親的朋友。遭難時不要向親人求助，因為鄰近的朋友勝過遠方的親人。」 箴言27:10 禱告：天父，謝謝祢賜下好朋友來祝福我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯)

Love for Friends
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 20:1-17
Tuesday, October 15, 2013

King Saul’s son, Jonathan, and David were best friends. It was difficult for them to be friends. Why? Because Saul wanted to kill David. 　Our Bible verses tell us that David and Jonathan met and talked about their situation. David wanted Jonathan to find out why his father was trying to kill him. Jonathan promised that he would find out how Saul felt. In doing this, Jonathan was risking his own life. Why would Jonathan do this? Because he loved his friend, David. Verse 17a says, “Jonathan loved David as himself.” 　Good friends are blessings from God. It is wonderful to have a good friend you can trust. A true friend loves you despite your faults and loves you even when you are grouchy and discouraged. 　Think about your friends today. Call them and thank them for being your friends. Or, do something nice for your best friend. Most of all, thank God for giving you friends who love and encourage you. —JK “Don’t forget your own friends or your father’s friends. If you have a problem, go to your neighbor for help. It is better to ask a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.” Proverbs 27:10 PRAYER: Father, thank You for blessing me with good friends. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

耶穌，我們的朋友

耶穌，我們的朋友
聖經閱讀：約翰福音15:9-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月13日(六)

人天生就需要朋友，我們每個人都想要有人可以讓我們分享和說話。朋友愛我們，也會鼓勵我們。 　當你成為基督徒時，耶穌就是你的主和拯救者，但是，祂同時也是你的朋友。當你需要有人可以跟你說話，或者有人可以讓你振作起來，耶穌總是在你身旁。 　有時候，我們的朋友會離開我們，或是不再愛我們，但是耶穌愛你並且永遠與你同在，祂分擔你的痛苦並安慰你。耶穌不只是一位我們在世上的朋友，祂更是一個完美的朋友，你再也不能找到一個更好的朋友了！ 　在今天的聖經閱讀裡，耶穌正和祂的門徒說話。在第15節，耶穌說：「我不再把你們當作僕人，因為僕人不知道主人所做的事。我把你們當作朋友，因為我已經把從我父親那裏所聽到的一切都告訴了你們。」 　我希望耶穌是你的朋友，也希望你已經決定去愛祂、服事祂。你跟耶穌的友誼將會永遠長存。 —LML 「人為朋友犧牲自己的性命，人間的愛沒有比這更偉大的了。你們若遵守我的命令，就是我的朋友。」 約翰福音15:13-14 禱告：上帝，我願耶穌成為我生命的主。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Jesus, Our Friend
Bible Reading: John 15:9-17
Saturday, July 13 2013

It is natural for people to want friends. We all want someone that we can share with and talk to. Friends love us and encourage us. 　When you become a Christian, Jesus is your Lord and Savior. But He is also your friend. When you need someone to talk with or someone to cheer you up, Jesus is always there. 　Sometimes our friends leave us or stop loving us. But Jesus loves you and is always with you. He shares your pain and comforts you. Jesus is not just an earthly friend, He is a perfect friend. You can’t ask for a better friend! 　In our Bible Reading today, Jesus was talking with His disciples. In verse 15 Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. But now I call you friends, because I have told you everything that my Father told me.” 　I hope that Jesus is your friend and that you have chosen to love and serve Him. Your friendship with Jesus will last forever! —LML “The greatest love people can show is to die for their friends. You are my friends if you do what I tell you to do.” John 15:13-14 PRAYER: God, I want Jesus to be the Lord of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

真正的朋友

真正的朋友
聖經閱讀：馬可福音2:1-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年1月8日(二)

我的丈夫羅斯在幾年前過世了，剛開始的幾個月，我覺得非常空虛和寂寞，這樣的空虛感佔據了我整個生活──我的屋子、我的心，和我對主的服事。我知道上帝沒有忘記我，但是祂好像離我非常、非常遠。 　那幾個月當中，我很多的時間是跟兩位朋友──恰克和佩姬，在一起；他們帶我去他們家，用愛包圍我，並且幫助我走過傷痛。每一天，恰克都向我保證我所遭遇的都是短暫的，我必將安然無恙，而佩姬則用擁抱和話語來安慰我。當我在憤怒和害怕的時候，這兩位朋友仍然接納我，他們就像真正的朋友一樣愛著我。 　今天的經文告訴我們有四個人把瘸腿的朋友帶去給耶穌醫治，當遇到困難時，這些朋友更加努力去幫助那瘸腿的人，他們是真正的朋友。 　今天就去跟其他人做朋友，不論是順境或逆境，都陪他們一起度過。—AD 「朋友在乎時常關懷。」 箴言17:17a 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢賜給我朋友。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SSL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

True Friends
Bible Reading: Mark 2:1-12
Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Several years ago, my husband, Ross, died. In the first few months after his death, I felt so lonely and empty. This emptiness filled my whole life — my house, my heart and my ministry for God. I knew that God had not forgotten me, but He seemed so far away. 　During these months, I spent a lot of time with my friends, Chuck and Peggy. They took me into their home, surrounded me with their love and helped me work through the grieving process. Every day Chuck assured me that what I was facing was temporary and I would be okay. Peggy provided me with hugs and words of comfort. These friends accepted me even when I was angry and afraid. They loved me like true friends should. 　Our verses today tell us about four men who brought their crippled friend to Jesus to be healed. When they faced difficulties, these friends worked even harder to help the man. They were his true friends. 　Be a friend to someone today. Be with them through the good times and the bad times. —AD “A friend loves you all the time.” Proverbs 17:17a PRAYER: God, thank You for giving me friends. In Jesus’ name. Amen.