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.

沙雕

沙雕
聖經閱讀：詩篇73:17-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年5月7日(六)

　最近我去參觀了一個沙雕比賽，有些沙雕作品高達2公尺！作品有城堡、巨形蝸牛和獅子。欣賞這些雕塑作品是一件很棒的事，但是當刮風下雨時，這些沙雕就變成了一堆沙。
這些沙雕讓我想起現今世上許多還沒有信耶穌的人，他們努力一輩子要讓自己成為有錢、有名的人，但是有一天他們的財產和富裕的生活都會消失不見──就像風和浪摧毁沙雕一樣。
詩篇第73篇的作者羨慕有名的人，但是他接著明白了惡者的下場：「他們在轉眼之間被消滅；他們陷入恐怖的終局」（19a節）。
你為上帝所做的每一件好事都會永遠跟著你，這些都是你積在天上的財寶，所以不要煩惱是不是成為有錢、有名的人，只需要親近上帝並天天服事祂。 —BL

「至於我，我能夠親近上帝多麼好啊！我以至高的上主作我的避難所。」 詩篇73:28a

禱告：上帝，今天我願親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Sand Sculptures
Bible Reading: Psalm 73:17-28
Saturday, May 7, 2016

　Recently I went to a competition where people made sand sculptures. Some of the sculptures were seven feet high! There were castles, giant snails and lions. It was wonderful to look at these sculptures. But when the wind and rains came, they became just piles of sand again.
Those sculptures remind me of many people in the world today who do not follow God. They spend their lives trying to become rich and famous. But someday their possessions and riches will all be gone — just like the wind and waves washed away the sand sculptures.
The writer of Psalm 73 was jealous of famous people. But then he realized what happens to wicked people. “Trouble can come suddenly, and they will be ruined. Terrible things can happen to them, and they will be finished” (verse 19).
The good things that you do for God will stay with you forever. These things are treasures that you are saving up in heaven. So do not worry about becoming rich and famous. Just keep close to God and serve Him every day. —BL

“As for me, all I need is to be close to God. I have made the Lord God my place of safety.” Psalm 73:28a

PRAYER: God, I want to be close to You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

永不放棄

永不放棄
聖經閱讀：哥林多後書4:16-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年10月6日(二)

年輕的時候，我身體很好，沒有用太多時間思考上帝和祂為我做的一切，但現在我有了年紀，身體漸漸老化，有更多的病痛。這讓我思考更多關於上帝的事，以及如何更親近祂。 　變老並不會讓我感到灰心，保羅在今天經文閱讀的第16節說：「因此，我們從不灰心。雖然我們外在的軀體漸漸衰敗，我們內在的生命卻日日更新。」每一天只要活著，我就有更多的機會來更認識上帝。 　每一天早上當我向窗外看出去時，我看見了色彩繽紛的日出，這景像讓我充滿了盼望。在我屋子後面的湖水平靜無聲，讓我想起上帝的平安。我眼睛所看到的一切提醒著我，上帝是我的創造者和救主。 　當你變老時，不要感到灰心、也不要放棄，今天就看一看四周上帝為你所造的一切。 —SAH 「我們所遭受這短暫的痛苦要為我們帶來無可比擬的永久榮耀。」 哥林多後書4:17 禱告：天父，我感謝讚美祢為我所成就的一切。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Never Give Up
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Tuesday, October 6, 2015

When I was younger, I was healthy and I didn’t spend much time thinking about God and all that He does for me. But now I am older. My body is aging, and I have more physical problems. This causes me to think more about God and how I can be closer to Him. 　Getting older does not discourage me. Paul said in verse 16 of our Bible Reading, “That is why we never give up. Our physical body is becoming weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day.” Every day that I am alive, I have new opportunities to learn more about God. 　Every morning when I look out the window, I see the sunrise with all its beautiful colors. That fills me with hope. The lake behind my house is quiet and calm. That reminds me of God’s peace. Everything I see is a reminder that God is my Creator and Savior. 　As you get older, don’t be discouraged and give up. Look around today and see everything God has made for you. —SAH “We have small troubles for a while now, but these troubles are helping us gain an eternal glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 PRAYER: Father, I thank You and praise You for everything You have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

分心

分心
聖經閱讀：馬太福音6:25-34 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年8月20日(四)

世上有許多事可以讓我們分心、不再跟隨上帝。簡訊、手機、電子郵件和臉書讓我們一直很忙碌，而認為沒有時間禱告和思想上帝的話語。 　因為身邊有太多讓我們分心的事，所以我們必須安排每天跟上帝安靜相處的時間。找一個你可以獨處的地方，關掉電視機，把筆電和手機都收起來，然後花時間讀經並跟上帝交通。 　當花時間跟上帝在一起時，我們就會少一點憂慮。今天閱讀的經文提醒我們不要憂慮生活中需要的東西，而必須記得上帝愛我們，而且會一直看顧著我們。 　要專注於上帝和祂的話語，不要讓世事來使你分心。 －TS 「你們要先追求上帝主權的實現，遵行他的旨意，他就會把這一切都供給你們。不要為明天憂慮，明天自有明天的憂慮；一天的難處一天擔當就夠了。」 馬太福音6:33-34 禱告：天父，今天我願專注於祢，我願天天更多服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Distractions
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-34
Thursday, August 20, 2015

There are many things in the world that can distract us from following God. Text messages, phone calls, e-mails and Facebook keep us busy. We think that we don’t have time to pray and think about God’s Word. 　Because there are so many distractions around us, we need to plan to spend quiet time with God every day. Find a place where you can be alone. Turn off the TV and put away your laptop and phone. Spend time reading the Bible and communicating with God. 　When we spend time with God, we worry less. Our Bible verses today remind us not to worry about things we need in life. Instead, we need to remember that God loves us and will always take care of us. 　Focus on God and His Word, and don’t let things in the world distract you. —TS “What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.” Matthew 6:33-34 PRAYER: Father, I want to focus on You today. I want to serve You better every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

持守剛強

持守剛強
聖經閱讀：以斯帖記4:12-16 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年8月19日(三)

上帝希望我們在信仰上持守剛強，並去幫助別人也能同樣剛強。荷西．恩里格斯是一個持守剛強的人，他是2011年十月被困在智利一處礦坑中的礦工之一。 　荷西是一個基督徒，他被困在礦坑中的每一天都提醒其他人禱告，荷西也鼓勵他們要持守剛強直到救難人員發現他們。69天之後，荷西跟其他人終於被救出來！ 　另外一個持守剛強的人是以斯帖王后，她聽到了一個要滅毁猶太人的計劃，以斯帖的堂兄末底改提醒她，上帝將她放在王后的位置好讓她可以幫助猶太人。因此以斯帖把那個邪惡計劃告訴國王，猶太人才得到拯救。 　上帝希望你今天持守剛強、親切待人，在職場上作一個好員工，並去幫助那些痛苦或軟弱的人，但最重要的是，要親近上帝並倚靠祂！ －MC* 「……你和你的家族必將滅亡。誰知道，也許你被安排作王后正是為了這時刻！」 以斯帖記4:14b 禱告：上帝，我願成為剛強的人去幫助別人親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Be Strong
Bible Reading: Esther 4:12-16
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

God wants us to stand strong in our faith and help other people be strong, too. One man who stayed strong was Jose Henriquez. In October of 2011 he was one of the miners trapped in a mine in Chile. 　Jose was a Christian. Every day while he was trapped in the mine, he reminded the other men to pray. And Jose encouraged them to be strong until the rescuers could find them. After 69 days, Jose and the other miners were rescued. 　Another person who stayed strong was Queen Esther. She learned about a plan to kill her people, the Jews. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, reminded her that God had placed her in this position of queen so that she could help the Jews. So Esther told the king about the evil plan, and the Jews were saved. 　God wants you to be strong today. Show kindness to others, be a good worker at your job, help people who are hurting or weak. But most of all, stay close to God and depend on Him! —MC* “...you and your father’s family will all die. And who knows, maybe you have been chosen to be the queen for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b PRAYER: God, I want to be strong and help others to be close to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

要忍耐

要忍耐
聖經閱讀：羅馬書5:1-5 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月9日(二)

我們都會遇到困難和苦難，在這種情形時，有時候是難以忍耐的。 　最近我遇到了幾個考驗我耐心的狀況，我要很抱歉地說，我並不是一個很會忍耐的人，但我還是能夠反省自己有時的不耐煩並從中學習重要的功課。 　今天閱讀的經節讓我知道，當我和上帝的關係更好時，我就更會忍耐。「患難培養忍耐，忍耐蒙上帝嘉許，上帝的嘉許帶來盼望」（第3b-4節）。 　當我們忍耐時，就是在向人施展上帝的愛，我們也會更親近祂並且變得更堅強。這種力量只能來自上帝。 　今天你也許遇到了困難，就倚靠上帝來幫助你成為有愛心和耐心的人。 —RH 「因為知道你們的信心經過了考驗就會產生忍耐。你們要忍耐到底才能達到十全十美，沒有任何缺欠。」 雅各書1:3-4 禱告：上帝，求祢教導我在我服事祢時更有耐心。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Be Patient
Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Tuesday, June 09, 2015

We all face problems and difficult times. Sometimes it is hard to be patient during these situations. 　Recently I faced several situations where my patience was tested. I am sorry to say that I was not always patient. But I was able to look back on my times of impatience and learn important lessons. 　The verses in our Bible Reading show me that as my relationship with God grows, my patience will grow, too. “...these troubles make us more patient. And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope” (verses 3b-4). 　When we are patient, we show God’s love to other people. We also grow closer to Him and become stronger. This kind of strength can only come from God. 　You may face problems today. Depend on God to help you be loving and patient. —RH “You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.” James 1:3-4 PRAYER: God, teach me to be more patient as I serve You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

耶穌的寶血 (5)

耶穌的寶血 (5)
聖經閱讀：約翰一書1:5-10 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年5月5日(二)

耶穌的寶血是重要的，因為它潔淨我們。約翰一書1:7b說：「如果我們生活在光明中，正如上帝在光明中，我們就彼此有團契，而他的兒子耶穌的血洗淨我們一切的罪。」 　最近我先生和我清掃了地下室，一天下來，我全身髒兮兮，有蜘蛛網卡在我的頭髮上，我的手和臉沾滿了泥土並且傷痕累累，我迫不及待要去沖澡，把自己洗乾淨。 　上一篇的靈修文章裡我們談到親近上帝，如果我們想要親近上帝，一定要先讓耶穌的寶血來使我們潔淨。今天經文閱讀的第9節告訴我們這件事是怎麼成就的：「如果我們向上帝認罪，他是信實公義的，他要赦免我們的罪，洗淨我們所犯的各種過錯。」 　當成為基督徒時，我們就已經潔淨了，但後來我們又繼續犯罪。就因著我們可以承認過犯並讓耶穌的寶血天天洗淨我們而讚美上帝吧！—JK 「你們親近上帝，上帝就親近你們。有罪的人哪，要潔淨你們的手！偽善的人哪，要潔淨你們的心！」 雅各書4:8a 禱告：親愛的上帝，我需要耶穌來使我再次潔淨。奉主的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Jesus' Blood (5)
Bible Reading: 1 John 1:5-10
Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Jesus' blood is important because it cleanses us. 1 John 1:7b says, “If we live in the light, we have fellowship with each other, and the blood sacrifice of Jesus, God's Son, washes away every sin and makes us clean.” 　Recently my husband and I cleaned out our basement. At the end of the day, I was very dirty. There were cobwebs stuck in my hair and my hands and face were covered with dirt and scratches. I couldn't wait to get in the shower and be clean again. 　In our last devotion we talked about being near to God. If we want to be near to God, we must first allow Jesus' blood to make us clean. Verse 9 of our Bible Reading tells us how this happens. “But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this...He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.” 　When we become a Christian, we are clean. But then we continue to sin. Praise God that we can confess our sins and allow Jesus' blood to cleanse us every day! —JK “Come near to God and he will come near to you. You are sinners, so clean sin out of your lives.” James 4:8a PRAYER: Dear God, I need Jesus to make me clean again. In His name. Amen.

耶穌的寶血 (4)

耶穌的寶血 (4)
聖經閱讀：以弗所書2:12-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年5月4日(一)

耶穌的寶血對我們是重要的，因為它帶領我們親近上帝。今天經文閱讀的13b節告訴我們，「藉著他的死，（我們）已經接近上帝。」耶穌的寶血潔淨了我們並移除了我們的罪，然後我們才可以擁有一個與上帝親近的關係。 　在我小時候，母親和我出門到外地一個星期，那時我很想念父親。我仍然記得再一次見到父親時的快樂心情，當時我盡全力跑向他、撲進他的懷裡！我想要親近他。 　上帝，我們的天父，希望我們藉著讀祂的話語，以及透過禱告跟祂說話來親近祂。當親近上帝時，我們可以感受到祂的愛和平安，但有時候，我們會做一些讓我們遠離上帝的事。我們應該永遠記得，上帝正等著我們悔改並再次親近祂。 　今天就親近上帝，並接受耶穌透過祂的寶血賜下的赦罪之恩。 —JK 「這樣，基督來的目的是要傳和平的福音給所有的人，包括你們這些從前遠離上帝的外邦人和接近上帝的猶太人。」 以弗所書2:17 禱告：親愛的天父，求祢今天持守我親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Jesus' Blood (4)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:12-18
Monday, May 4, 2015

Jesus' blood is important to us because it brings us close to God. Verse 13b of our Bible Reading tells us, “You are brought near to God through the blood sacrifice of Christ.” Jesus' blood cleanses us and removes our sins. Then we can have a close relationship with God. 　When I was little, my mother and I went out of town for a week. I missed my father so much. I can still remember the happiness I felt when I saw my father again. I ran as fast as I could and jumped into his waiting arms! I wanted to be close to him. 　God, our heavenly Father, wants us to be close to Him by reading His Word and talking to Him through prayer. When we are close to God, we can feel His love and peace. But sometimes we do things that draw us away from God. We should always remember that God is waiting for us to repent and be close to Him again. 　Be close to God today. Accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers through His blood. —JK “Christ came and brought the message of peace to you non-Jews who were far away from God. And he brought that message of peace to those who were near to God.” Ephesians 2:17 PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, keep me close to You today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

人生的目標 (5)

人生的目標 (5)
聖經閱讀：詩篇119:33-40 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年3月14日(六)

每一年我住的鎮上都有一個大型的車庫拍賣會，很多人會參與這個拍賣會，其中一些人只有一些沒價值的東西可賣。在參加過幾年的拍賣會後，很容易知道誰賣有用的東西，而誰只有垃圾。 　今天經文閱讀的第37和38節談到沒價值的東西：「求你使我不看重虛幻的事；求你藉著你的道路賜我新生命。你對敬畏你的人所作的諾言，求你實現在你僕人身上。」人們在生活中做許多事來幫助他們賺很多錢，但是服事上帝的人認為，做這些事是不重要的，賺很多錢並不會幫助我們更接近上帝。 　我們不應該希望上帝的祝福是為了讓別人注意我們，而應該希望上帝的祝福是要讓別人尊崇上帝並知道祂愛他們。基督徒不應該浪費時間收集沒有價值的東西，反而應該去做會帶他們更親近上帝的事。 —LZ* 「我們這些首先把希望寄託於基督的人都頌讚上帝的榮耀！」 以弗所書1:12b 禱告：親愛的上帝，今天我願活出讓別人看見耶穌在我裡面的生命。奉主的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Goals in Life (5)
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:33-40
Saturday, March 14, 2015

Every year the town where I live has a huge garage sale. Many people take part in this sale. Some people only have worthless things to sell. After going to the garage sale for a few years, it is easy to learn who has useful things for sale and who has junk. 　Verses 37 and 38 of our Bible Reading talk about worthless things. “Don't let me look at worthless things. Help me to live your way. Do what you promised me, your servant, so that people will respect you.” Many things people do in life help them make lots of money. But a person who serves God thinks that doing these things is not important. Making lots of money does not help us become closer to God. 　We should not want God's blessings so that other people will pay attention to us. We should want God's blessings so that other people will respect God and learn that He loves them. Christians should not waste their time collecting worthless things. Instead, they should be doing things that will bring them closer to God. —LZ* “And we were chosen so that we would bring praise to God in all his glory.” Ephesians 1:12b PRAYER: Dear God, today I want to live so that other people will see Jesus in me. In His name. Amen.

聖幕 (1)

聖幕 (1)
聖經閱讀：出埃及記6:2-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年2月26日(四)

在今天閱讀的經文中，上帝應許以色列人，祂會讓他們從在埃及為奴的生活得著自由、成為他們的上帝，並帶他們到一個新的地土。這就是整本出埃及記所談的。1-18章告訴我們上帝如何讓以色列人從為奴的生活得著自由。在19-24章中，上帝讓以色列人成為祂的特別選民並將祂的律法賜給他們。最後，在25-40章，上帝命令以色列人建造聖幕，祂會到那裡並住在他們中間。 　聖幕是上帝吩咐摩西建造、一個可以移動的聚會場所，上帝想要一個可以跟以色列人團契交通的地方，聖幕有時候被稱為會幕或聚會幕。接下來的九天，我們會來看上帝聖幕的格局和它的擺設。 　上帝總是提供一個讓人親近祂的方式，祂希望你今天就親近祂。感謝上帝賜下祂的奇妙救贖計劃。—JK 「我要把你們當作我的子民，我是你們的上帝。當你們從埃及的奴役中獲得自由的時候，你們就知道我是上主，是你們的上帝。」 出埃及記6:7 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢愛我並希望我親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Holy Tent (1)
Bible Reading: Exodus 6:2-8
Thursday, February 26, 2015

In our Bible Reading today, God promised the Israelites that He would free them from slavery in Egypt, be their God and bring them to a new land. That is what the entire book of Exodus is about. Chapters 1-18 tell us how God freed the Israelites from slavery. In chapters 19-24, God makes the Israelites His special people and gives them His laws. Finally, in chapters 25-40, God commands the Israelites to build a Holy Tent where He will come and live among them. 　The Holy Tent was a movable meeting place that God told Moses to build. God wanted a place where He could fellowship and communicate with the Israelites. The Holy Tent is sometimes called the Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting. For the next nine days we will look at God’s pattern for the Holy Tent and its furnishings. 　God has always provided a way for people to be close to Him. He wants you to be close to Him today. Thank God for His wonderful plan of salvation. —JK “You will be my people and I will be your God. I am the Lord your God, and you will know that I made you free from Egypt.” Exodus 6:7 PRAYER: God, thank You for loving me and wanting to be close to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.