像天父一樣

像天父一樣
聖經閱讀：詩篇9:1-10 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月31日(一)

我是教會的主日學老師，看到小朋友個個就像他們的爸媽一樣，實在很有趣。有一位媽媽很容易緊張不安，她總是擔心不好的事就要發生，而她的小女兒就跟她一樣。有一位爸爸總是沉默寡言，但做事喜歡速戰速決，而他的兒子就跟他一個樣。 　我們應該想要學像上帝一樣，而學像上帝最好的方法就是研讀聖經，看看聖經是怎麼描述上帝的，而從今天的經文，我們可以學到很多關於上帝的事情。上帝是一個好的審判者，祂垂聽我們的冤屈(第4節)；當人們做壞事時，上帝並不喜歡(第5節)；此外，我們可以信靠上帝(第10節)。 　當我們認識了上帝，我們就可以學像祂。當我們看到上帝赦免人，我們也學會了原諒別人；當我們讀到上帝如何包容人，我們也可以學習祂的榜樣來包容別人。 　當你想到明天就是新的一年的開始，記得要持續不斷地更認識上帝，當你真正認識祂時，你就可以像祂一樣。—BL 「你不撇棄尋求你的人。」 詩篇9:10b 禱告：天父，我願天天更認識祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Be Like the Father
Bible Reading: Psalm 9:1-10
Monday, December 31, 2012

I teach a children’s class at church. It is interesting to see that children are just like their parents. One mother is very nervous and always thinks that something bad will happen. Her little daughter is just like her. One father doesn’t talk very much and wants to get everything done very quickly. His son is just like him. 　We should want to be like God. The best way to be like Him is to study what the Bible tells us about Him. In our Bible Reading today we can learn many things about God. He is a good judge, and He listens to us (verse 4). God does not like it when people do bad things (verse 5). We can trust God (verse 10). 　When we learn about God, then we can be like Him. We see that God forgives, and we learn how to forgive other people. We read about God’s patience, and we can follow His example and be patient, too. 　As you think about starting a new year tomorrow, remember to keep on learning more about God. When you truly know Him, then you can be like Him. —BL “Lord, if people come to you, you will not leave them without help.” Psalm 9:10b PRAYER: Father, I want to learn more about You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

下雪 (3)

下雪 (3)
聖經閱讀：詩篇51:1-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月30日(日)

當我的小孩還小的時候，我曾經買了「雪白象牙」(Ivory Snow)牌的洗衣精，我喜歡這種肥皂，因為可以把小孩的衣服洗得很乾淨。這種洗衣精是白色的，這讓我想起了「雪」。 　下雪後，地上看起來是這麼的潔白，再也沒有任何東西可以比剛下的雪更加清新和潔淨。 　當我們犯了罪，我們的生命就不再純潔無瑕，但上帝不要我們待在罪的髒污中，所以祂賜給我們一個可以再次潔淨的方法。上帝差派耶穌來到世上，是為了我們所犯的罪、代替我們接受懲罰。耶穌死後，我們的生命才得以再次純潔無瑕。 　在今天經文中，大衛承認他的過犯並且祈求上帝讓他「比雪更白」(第7b節)，大衛說，這樣他才能再次歡樂。 　今天就接受上帝救恩的禮物，並且讓祂再次潔淨你。—CW* 「上帝啊，我獻上的祭是憂傷的靈；憂傷痛悔的心，你不拒絕。」 詩篇51:17 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢除掉我的罪。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Snow (3)
Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-17
Sunday, December 30, 2012

When my children were young, I bought a laundry detergent called Ivory Snow. I liked this soap because it cleaned my children’s clothes so well. That detergent was white, and it reminded me of snow. 　Right after it snows, the ground looks so white and clean. There is nothing that looks fresher and cleaner than a new layer of snow. 　When we sin, our lives are not pure and clean any more. God does not want us to stay dirty with sin. So He has given us a way to be clean again. God sent Jesus to earth to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus died so our lives can be clean and pure. 　In our Bible verses, David confessed his sin and asked God to make him “whiter than snow” (verse 7b). David said that then he would be happy again. 　Accept God’s gift of salvation today and allow Him to make you clean again. —CW* “The sacrifice that God wants is a humble spirit. God, you will not turn away a person who comes with a humble, submissive heart.” Psalm 51:17 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for taking away my sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

下雪 (2)

下雪 (2)
聖經閱讀：詩篇95:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月29日(六)

我住在愛荷華州，冬天的時候，滿地都是雪，當雪花從天飄下時，真是很漂亮。當太陽照在雪地上時，看起來很刺眼，有時候也會發出閃閃白光。這是在我雙眼失明之前，記憶中看過的東西。 　你曾經真正停下腳步看看四周的東西嗎？看看那小小的種籽，想一想它是如何變成一棵高大的樹，或者變成一朵美麗的花。看看那飛舞的蜜蜂和在天空翱翔的老鷹，想一想上帝是如何讓牠們飛起來。 　上帝在天地間創造了很多令人驚奇的東西，經文的第4-5節談到一些上帝的創造，它說：「他統轄全地，從最深的地穴到最高的山峰。他管理自己所造的海洋；他管理親手塑造的陸地。」 　今天，就好好享受上帝創造的奇妙世界吧！你要讚美上帝，因著祂的慈愛和智慧。 —CW* 「來吧，我們來俯伏敬拜他！來向創造我們的上主跪拜！」 詩篇95:6 禱告：天父，當我看到祢所有的創造，我終於明白祢是如此大有能力並且令人敬畏。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Snow (2)
Bible Reading: Psalm 95:1-11
Saturday, December 29, 2012

I live in the state of Iowa. During the winter months, there is snow on the ground. Snowflakes are so beautiful as they fall to the ground. When the sun shines on the snow, it can be very bright. Sometimes the snow sparkles, too. I remember seeing these things before I became blind. 　Have you ever really stopped to look at the things around you? Look at a small seed. Think about it growing to become a very tall tree or a beautiful flower that smells good. Watch a bee or an eagle fly. Think about how God makes them fly. 　God has made many amazing things in the world. Verses 4 and 5 of our Bible Reading tell us about some of these things. “The deepest caves and the highest mountains belong to the Lord. The ocean is his — he created it. God made the dry land with his own hands.” 　Enjoy God’s wonderful world today! Praise Him for His love and wisdom. —CW* “Come, let’s bow down and worship him! Let’s praise the God who made us!” Psalm 95:6 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I see all that You have made, I realize how awesome and powerful You are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

下雪 (1)

下雪 (1)
聖經閱讀：詩篇46:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月28日(五)

在我失去視力之前，我最喜歡做的一件事就是下雪時到戶外散步。雖然現在我失明了，但是我仍然很喜歡下雪，今天早上我就和導盲犬一起在雪中散步。 　我喜歡雪花落在臉上的感覺，它們是這麼的輕柔。今天早上，雪花輕輕地飄下、落在我的眉毛上，當我走路時，我可以感覺到雪在我的腳下發出聲響。只有少少幾輛車在外面，所以街上很安靜，我甚至聽見了一隻紅雀在唱歌。 　這些特別的時刻讓我感覺與上帝很親近，我告訴上帝，我很感謝祂的大能、祂的智慧和祂的愛。在今天的經文中，作者談到上帝的大能，以及祂如何保護我們。 　這個世界讓我們的心充滿了問題和不好的想法，所以親近上帝是很重要的。今天，如果你正面對一些困難，就花一些時間安靜地與上帝相處，容讓祂用祂的平安和愛來充滿你。—CW* 「他說：要停止戰爭，承認我是上帝。我在萬國被尊崇；我在地上受敬奉。」 詩篇46:10 禱告：親愛的天父，今天我願花一些時間安靜地與祢相處，謝謝祢賜下愛、平安和力量。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Snow (1)
Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1-11
Friday, December 28, 2012

Before I lost my sight, one of my favorite things was walking outside while it was snowing. I am blind now, but I still enjoy the snow. My guide dog and I went walking in the snow this morning. 　I like to feel the snowflakes on my face. They are so soft. This morning the snowflakes gently floated down and landed on my eyebrows. As we walked, I felt the crunchy snow beneath my shoes. There were only a few cars out on the street, so it was quiet. I even heard a cardinal singing. 　These special moments make me feel close to God. I tell Him how thankful I am for His power, His wisdom and His love. In our Bible Reading today, the writer talks about God’s power and how He protects us. 　The world fills our minds with problems and bad thoughts. So it is important that we be near to God. If you are facing difficult times today, spend some quiet time with God. Allow Him to fill you with His peace and love. —CW* “God says, ‘Stop fighting and learn that I am God! I defeat the nations. I control the world!’” Psalm 46:10 PRAYER: Dear Father, I want to spend some quiet time with You today. Thank You for Your love, peace, and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

呼求幫助

呼求幫助
聖經閱讀：詩篇61:1-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月27日(四)

我們按慣例跟孩子們在睡前讀書和禱告，但不久之後，我那11歲的女兒下樓並且哭著說：「我不想和姊姊一起，我可以睡在沙發上嗎？」她和姊姊吵了架，現在她呼求我來幫助她。 　身為父母，我想要我的孩子告訴我他們的感受，並且在遇到問題時向我尋求解決的方法。我不要他們時時抱怨，但是當他們難過或煩惱時，我真希望他們來告訴我。常常，在心靈受傷時，我們會向天上的父親－－上帝禱告，我們會將心裡的感受告訴上帝，並且求祂幫助我們。這就是詩篇第61篇的作者所做的事。 　父母注意孩子的感受是很重要的，就像上帝垂聽我們的禱告一樣重要。首先，祂會聆聽我們的禱告，然後，祂會幫助我們解決問題。 　你今天有遇到困難嗎？告訴上帝你心裡的感受並且求祂幫助你，然後，因著上帝的慈愛與保護而讚美祂。—CC 「這樣，我要歌頌你的名，直到永遠。」 詩篇61:8a 禱告：天父，謝謝祢垂聽我需要幫助時的呼求。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Calling for Help
Bible Reading: Psalm 61:1-8
Thursday, December 27, 2012

We followed our usual bedtime routine of reading and praying with our children. But after that, my eleven-year-old daughter came downstairs crying, “I don’t want to be with my sister. Can I sleep on the couch?” She and her older sister had a disagreement. Now she was calling out to me for help. 　As a parent, I want my children to tell me how they feel and ask me to find solutions to their problems. I don’t want them to complain all the time, but I do want them to tell me when they are sad or upset. Often when we are hurting, we pray to God, who is our heavenly Father. We tell God how we feel and ask Him to help us. That’s what the writer of Psalm 61 was doing. 　It is important for parents to pay attention to their children’s feelings, just like it is important that God hears our prayers. First, He listens to us, and then, He helps us work through our problems. 　Are you facing problems today? Tell God how you feel and ask Him to help you. Then praise God for His love and protection. —CC “And I will praise your name forever.”　Psalm 61:8a PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing my calls for help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

君王

君王
聖經閱讀：詩篇45:1-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月26日(三)

詩篇第45篇是寫給君王的，這位君王可能是所羅門王，是一位屬世的君王；然而，有些人認為這詩篇是在描寫耶穌，那位在多年後來到世上的屬天君王。 　這詩篇如何描寫這位君王呢？首先，祂為了良善和公義征戰（第4a節）；第二，祂行奇妙的事（第4b節）；第三，祂的國度永遠長存（第6a節）；最後，祂喜愛公義，憎恨罪惡（第6節）。 　第10節提到了一位女子，這也許是指教會，也就是耶穌的新婦。以弗所書5:27節說：「可以獻給自己，作個榮耀的教會，毫無玷污、皺紋等類的病，乃是聖潔沒有瑕疵的。」 　今天詩篇的最後一節說：「我必叫你的名被萬代記念，所以萬民要永永遠遠稱謝你！」的確，耶穌的名不斷地被讚美。今天，就因著祂的良善和慈愛讚美祂！—JK 「…你的寶座永遠長存；你以公道治理你的王國。你喜愛正義，憎恨邪惡；」 詩篇45:6-7a 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢賜下耶穌成為我們的君王。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

The King
Bible Reading: Psalm 45:1-17
Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Psalm 45 is written to a king. This king may have been Solomon. Solomon was an earthly king. However, some people think that this psalm may have been written about Jesus, who would come to earth many years later as our Heavenly King. 　What does this psalm tell us about the king? First, He fights for goodness and fairness (verse 4a). Second, He does amazing things (verse 4b). Third, His kingdom continues forever (verse 6a). And finally, He loves goodness and hates evil (verse 7). 　Verse 10 mentions a lady. This may be talking about the church, who is Jesus’ bride. Ephesians 5:27 says, “Christ died so that he could give the church to himself like a bride, full of glory (beauty).” 　The last verse of this psalm says, “I will make your name famous forever. People will praise you forever and ever!” Truly Jesus’ name continues to be praised. Praise Him today for His goodness and love! —JK “...your throne continues forever! Goodness is your royal scepter. You love goodness and you hate evil.” Psalm 45:6-7a PRAYER: God, thank You for sending Jesus to be our King. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖誕節心情 (10)

聖誕節心情 (10)
聖經閱讀：詩篇103:1-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月25日(二)

今天就是聖誕節了，我們要來談談上帝在聖誕節的感受。 　想像你將一切所有──你的財產、你的愛，和你的時間──都給了某個人，然後想像這個人回過頭來嘲笑你、傷害你，你會有什麼感受呢？你也許會感到悲傷、痛心、生氣，或失望。 　當耶穌誕生在伯利恆時，上帝就賜下了祂所有的一切，祂也賜下了祂最珍貴的禮物──耶穌。上帝賜下祂的獨生子，但有些人卻不接受耶穌，這些人拒絕了上帝奇妙的禮物，我確定這會讓上帝感到悲傷。 　但是，當人們接受耶穌並且跟隨祂時，上帝會很高興。今天經文的第17節提醒我們「…上主永遠愛惜敬畏他的人；他的公義持續到萬代」。 　今年的聖誕節，上帝就要賜給你一份奇妙的禮物，你要接受這份救恩的禮物並且跟隨祂。 —GT 「天離地多高，對敬畏他的人，他的慈愛也同樣宏大。東離西多遠，他使我們的罪離開我們也那麼遠。」 詩篇103:11-12 禱告：天父，我接受祢藉著耶穌所賜下的奇妙救恩禮物。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Christmas Emotions (10)
Bible Reading: Psalm 103:1-22
Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Today is Christmas Day, and we will talk about how God must feel at Christmas. 　Imagine that you gave everything you had — your possessions, your love and your time — to someone. Then imagine that this person laughed at you and was mean to you. How would you feel? Probably you would feel sad, hurt, angry or disappointed. 　When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God gave everything He had. He gave the most valuable gift He had — Jesus. God gave His Son, but some people do not accept Jesus. These people reject God’s wonderful gift. I am sure that must make God feel sad. 　But God is happy when people accept Jesus and follow Him. Verse 17a of our Bible Reading reminds us that “...the Lord has always loved his followers. And he will continue to love his followers forever and ever!” 　God is giving you a wonderful gift this Christmas. Accept His gift of salvation and follow Him. —GT “God’s love for his followers is as high above us as heaven is above the earth. And God has taken our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:11-12 PRAYER: Father, I accept Your amazing gift of salvation through Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖誕節心情 (9)

聖誕節心情 (9)
聖經閱讀：詩篇51:1-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月24日(一)

我們談聖誕節的心情已經好幾天了，今天，我們要來談談「喜樂」。 　在聖誕節，我們可以有許多方式來經歷喜樂，例如跟家人共渡快樂時光、得到特別的禮物，或者跟其他基督徒團契交流。但是，今天的經文告訴我們，有另外一種方式同樣可以讓我們在聖誕節經歷喜樂。 　我們可以喜樂，因為上帝赦免了我們的罪。在經文的第7b-8a節，大衛說：「求你洗滌我，使我比雪更白。求你讓我聽見歡喜快樂的聲音；」如果我們想要經歷真正的喜樂，就要求上帝除去我們的罪。 　當我們持續不斷地跟隨上帝，我們內心的喜樂也會不斷增加；當我們順服上帝、跟祂團契交流，並且信靠祂時，我們就會有源源不絕的喜樂。在這個聖誕季節，你要想一想上帝的愛和祂永生的應許；你要讓喜樂充滿你，因著上帝藉著耶穌賜下救恩的大禮。 —GT 「讓我重新體會你救恩的喜樂，使我的靈甘心樂意順服你。」 詩篇51:12 禱告：親愛的天父，請原諒我的過犯並且讓祢的喜樂充滿我，從今時直到永遠。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Christmas Emotions (9)
Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-12
Monday, December 24, 2012

We have been talking about Christmas emotions for several days. Today we will talk about joy. 　We can experience joy in many ways at Christmas — happy times with family members, special gifts and fellowship with other Christians. But our Bible Reading today shows us another way we can be joyful at Christmas. 　We can be joyful because God forgives our sins. In verses 7b-8a of our Bible Reading, David said, “Wash me until I am whiter than snow! Make me happy!” If we want to experience true joy, we need to ask God to remove our sins. 　As we continue to follow Jesus, our joy will grow. We will have more and more joy as we obey God, fellowship with Him and trust Him. Think about God’s love and His promise of eternal life this Christmas season. Be filled with joy because of God’s great gift of salvation through Jesus. —GT “Your help made me so happy! Give me that joy again. Make my spirit strong and ready to obey you.” Psalm 51:12 PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive my sins and fill me with Your joy today and always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖誕節心情 (8)

聖誕節心情 (8)
聖經閱讀：詩篇39:1-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月23日(日)

聖誕節時有很多人都會經歷「盼望」的心情，「盼望」的意思是，我們預期上帝會信守祂的應許。 　如果沒有耶穌，我們就沒有了盼望，我們會迷失，並且會永遠和上帝隔絕，但是，耶穌的降生就是要為我們帶來盼望。耶穌選擇離開天堂並且用嬰孩的樣式來到世上，祂選擇以肉身的方式活在人間，然後死在十字架上。因為耶穌的死，我們才不需與上帝隔絕。 　藉著耶穌，我們有了被赦免和永生的盼望，我們可以確信上帝一定會讓這些事發生，而祂所帶來的盼望讓我們天天有力量來服事上帝。 　今天經文的第7節說：「主啊，我還能盼望甚麼呢？我只有仰望你。」上帝是你的盼望，從今年的聖誕節開始到今後的每一天。今天，你要信靠並且跟隨祂。 —GT 「我安靜等候上帝；他是我惟一的希望。只有他保護我，拯救我；他是我的堡壘，我不至於慘敗。」 詩篇62:5-6 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢總是信守祢的應許，謝謝祢藉著祢的兒子耶穌讓我得著盼望。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Christmas Emotions (8)
Bible Reading: Psalm 39:1-13
Sunday, December 23, 2012

One emotion that many people experience at Christmas is hope. Hope means that we expect God to keep His promises. 　Without Jesus, we have no hope. We are lost and forever separated from God. But Jesus was born to give us hope. Jesus chose to leave heaven and come to earth as a human baby. He chose to live as a man and die on the cross. Because Jesus died, we don’t need to be separated from God. 　Through Jesus, we have the hope of forgiveness and eternal life. We can be sure that God will make these things happen. And this hope gives us strength to continue serving God every day. 　Verse 7 of today’s Bible Reading says, “So, Master [God], what hope do I have? You are my hope.” God is your hope through this Christmas season and every day of the year. Trust and follow Him today. —GT “My soul, wait patiently for God to save me! God is my only hope. God is my fortress. God saves me. God is my place of safety high on the mountain.” Psalm 62:5-6 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for always keeping Your promises. And thank You for the hope I have through Your Son, Jesus. In His name. Amen.

聖誕節心情 (7)

聖誕節心情 (7)
聖經閱讀：詩篇17:1-15 現代中譯本|合和本
2012年12月22日(六)

聖誕節是一個讓許多人感到不滿足的日子，也許他們看到了別人買的禮物而感到不滿足，因為他們買不起昂貴的禮物，或許是期待收到特別的禮物卻不能如願而不滿足。 　今天的經文第15節談到要時時心滿意足，它說：「因為我正直，我得以朝見你；我醒了的時候，你的同在使我滿心快樂。」如果想要在生活中完全得著滿足，我們就應該要定睛專注於上帝，我們一定要跟祂有一個私人的關係，並且天天努力討祂的喜悅。 　所以我要挑戰你的問題是：今年的聖誕節，你專心注目的焦點是什麼呢？你是否只想要得到禮物或是玩得開心？或者你專心在聖誕節各樣服事上帝的事工上呢？ 　當你愛上帝並且天天服事祂時，你就可以得到滿足。 —GT 「渴望實行上帝旨意的人多麼有福啊；上帝要充分地滿足他們！」 馬太福音5:6 禱告：天父，今年的聖誕節我願定睛專注於祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Christmas Emotions (7)
Bible Reading: Psalm 17:1-15
Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas is a time when many people feel dissatisfied. Maybe they look at all the presents other people buy. They feel dissatisfied because they cannot afford to buy fancy presents. Or maybe they expect to receive a special Christmas present. But when they get something else instead, they are not satisfied. 　Verse 15 of our Bible Reading today talks about being satisfied. “I prayed for fairness. So I will see your face, Lord. And seeing you, Lord, I will be fully satisfied.” If we want complete satisfaction in life, we should focus on God. We must have a personal relationship with Him and try to please Him every day. 　So my question for you is: What are you focusing on this Christmas? Are you only thinking about getting presents and having a good time? Or are you focusing on the ways you can serve God through this Christmas season? 　You can feel satisfied when you love and serve God every day. —GT “What great blessings there are for the people that want to do right more than anything else! God will fully satisfy them.” Matthew 5:6 PRAYER: Father, I want to be focused on You this Christmas In Jesus’ name. Amen.