聖潔

聖潔
聖經閱讀：帖撒羅尼迦前書4:3-8
2012年8月31日(五)

聖潔的意思是，控制我們的思想與身體，讓我們可以順服上帝。但是，我們要如何做到呢？ 首先，我們需要研讀聖經，這樣我們就知道上帝要我們做什麼，並且知道如何抗拒誘惑。第二，我們不應該有不聖潔的思想；如果我們腦子裡想著做不好的事，我們可能就會去做。 第三，我們需要記得，我們的身體屬於上帝。今天經文閱讀的第7節說：「上帝選召我們，不是要我們生活在污穢中，而是要我們聖潔。」上帝要我們讓祂來掌管我們的思想與身體。 第四，我們可以幫助彼此活出純潔與神聖的生命。基督徒應該互相提醒要保持聖潔。加拉太書6章1a節告訴我們：「弟兄姊妹們，如果有人偶然犯了過錯，你們這些屬靈的人就要用溫和的方法糾正他。」 我希望你為了上帝而讓自己保持聖潔。—GT 「每一個人要曉得依照聖潔合宜的方法控制自己的身體。」 帖撒羅尼迦前書4:4 禱告：天父，我願擁有聖潔的生命。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Purity
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Friday, August 31, 2012

Purity means controlling our minds and bodies so that we obey God. But how can we do this? First, we need to study the Bible. Then we will know what God wants us to do and how we can resist temptation. Second, we should not think impure thoughts. If we think about doing something wrong, we will probably do it. Third, we need to remember that our bodies belong to God. Verse 7 of our Bible Reading says, “God called us to be holy. He does not want us to live in sin.” God wants us to let Him control our thoughts and our bodies. Fourth, we can help each other live pure and holy lives. Christians should remind each other to stay pure. Galatians 6:1a tells us, “Brothers and sisters, a person in your group might do something wrong. You people who are spiritual should go to the person who is sinning. You should help to make him right again.” I hope you are keeping yourself pure for God. —GT “God wants each one of you to learn to control your own body. Use your body in a way that is holy and that gives honor to God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:4 PRAYER: Father, I want to have a pure life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

肇事逃逸

肇事逃逸
聖經閱讀：路加福音10:30-37
2012年8月30日(四)

今天的經文告訴我們一個猶太人的故事，這個人他被打、被搶、被丟下等死。這樣的故事情節就好像現今的肇事逃逸事件，就是有人犯了案卻逃走了。 這個故事中，有三個人路過並且看見那個躺在路邊的人。前面的兩個人是猶太人，但他們只繞了過去，並沒有停下來幫助那個人；而第三個人是一個撒馬利亞人，卻停下來幫忙。這個撒馬利亞人雖然是猶太人的敵人，但他仍然停下來並把那個人帶到旅舍，他甚至付錢給旅舍的老闆，讓老闆能繼續照顧這個受傷的人！ 耶穌說這個故事是要幫助我們了解，我們應該去愛並且去幫助所有的人，我們不應該只幫助那些跟我們有相同想法，或者跟我們有相同膚色的人。 也許，上帝會賜給你一個幫助別人的機會。今天，你要準備好，去把上帝的愛表現出來。—ECW 「你要全心、全情、全力、全意愛主─你的上帝，又要愛鄰人，像愛自己一樣。」路加福音10:27 禱告：親愛的上帝，我願去愛鄰人就如同愛自己一樣。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Hit-and-Run
Bible Reading: Luke 10:30-37
Thursday, August 30, 2012　

Our Bible verses today tell us a story about a Jewish man who was beaten, robbed and left for dead. This is kind of like a hit-and-run accident today. That’s when someone causes an accident and then runs away. Three people walked by and saw the man lying by the road. The first two men were Jews. But they did not stop to help the man. They just went around him. But the third man, a Samaritan, stopped to help. He was an enemy of the Jews, but he still stopped and took the man to an inn . The Samaritan even gave the innkeeper money so he could continue to take care of the man who was hurt! Jesus told this story to help us understand that we should love and help all people. We should not just help people who think like we do or have the same color skin. Maybe God will give you a chance to help someone. Be prepared to show God’s love today! —ECW “You must love the Lord your God. You must love him with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. Also, you must love other people the same as you love yourself.” Luke 10:27 PRAYER: Dear God, I want to love other people the same as I love myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

最適當的時間

最適當的時間
聖經閱讀：詩篇145:14-18
2012年8月29日(三)

有兩年的時間，我每個月一次開車往返於佛羅里達州的兩個城市，這是一趟500英哩的旅程。 有一次我開車在一條人煙稀少的公路上，我看到一些小鳥正停在馬路的中央。當我的車子越來越靠近這些小鳥時，我想我一定會撞到牠們。但是突然間，牠們飛走了！沒有太快，也沒有太慢，牠們就在最適當的時間飛走了。 今天的經文第15節裡，作者讚美上帝。他說：「一切生物都仰望你；你按時把食物供給他們。」這讓我們知道，我們可以倚靠上帝，上帝會將我們所需的在最適當的時間賜給我們。 每一天上帝都供應我們，祂把對我們最好的賜給我們，而且在最適當的時間賜給我們。這表示，我們不應該為我們所需要的憂慮，我們可以倚靠上帝，祂會按著祂的時間照顧我們。 —SAH 「我的上帝會照著他在基督耶穌裏那豐富的福澤把你們所需要的一切賜給你們。」腓立比書4:19 禱告：父神，感謝祢按著我的需要賜給我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

The Right Time
Bible Reading: Psalm 145:14-18
Wednesday, August 29, 2012

For two years, once a month I drove back and forth between two cities in Florida. This was a 500-mile trip. One time as I was driving on a lonely highway, I noticed some birds sitting in the middle of the road. As my car got closer to the birds, I was sure that I was going to hit them. But suddenly they flew away — not too early and not too late. They flew away just at the right time! In verse 15 of our Bible Reading, the writer praised God. He said, “Lord, all living things look to you for their food. And you give them their food at the right time.”

This shows us that we can depend on God to give us what we need exactly when we need it.
Every day God provides for us. He gives us what is best for us, and He gives it to us at the right time. This means that we should not worry about what we need. We can depend on God to take care of us in His own time. —SAH

“My God is very rich with the glory of Christ Jesus. God will use his riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.” Philippians 4:19

PRAYER: Father, thank You for giving me just what I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

這不公平！

這不公平！
聖經閱讀：詩篇73:1-28
2012年8月28日(二)

今天的經文是由一位名叫亞薩的人寫的。在這些經節裡，他談到一些不遵從上帝的人。 亞薩說，這些人過著輕鬆的日子，他們沒有遇到任何困難（4-5節），而且擁有珠寶並穿昂貴的衣服（第6節）。亞薩嫉妒這些人，他說：「上帝，這不公平！」 但是在第17節，亞薩說，他進了聖殿。這個經驗幫助他明白，他所擁有的東西比財富和名聲更大更好，因為他擁有的是上帝永遠的愛與保護！亞薩相信，那些在地上擁有一切卻不認識上帝的人，到了末日，將會一無所有。 有時候，我們可能會受到試探而去羡慕那些擁有財富與名望的人，但是基督徒所擁有的才是真正重要的。我們有耶穌成為我們的救主，也擁有與上帝一同享受永生的應許。今天你會選擇什麼——擁有很多東西？或是在上帝的國度裡擁有一席之地？—DJH 「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：親愛的上帝，今天我選擇祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

It’s Not Fair!
Bible Reading: Psalm 73:1-28
Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Our Bible verses today were written by a man named Asaph. In these verses he talked about people who did not follow God. Asaph said that these people had an easy life and didn’t have any troubles (verses 4-5). They had jewels and fancy clothes (verse 6). Asaph was jealous of these people. He was saying, “God, it’s not fair!” But then in verse 17, Asaph said that he went to the temple. This experience helped him understand that he had something even greater than wealth or fame. He had God’s love and protection forever! Asaph decided that those people who have everything on earth, but do not know God, will have nothing in the end. Sometimes we may be tempted to envy people who have wealth and popularity. But Christians have what is really important. We have Jesus as our Savior and the promise of eternal life with God. Which will you choose today — to have many things or to have a place in God’s kingdom? —DJH* “As for me, I have come to God. And that is good for me. I have made the Lord my Master, my place of safety.” Psalm 73:28a PRAYER: Dear God, I choose You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

乃縵

乃縵
聖經閱讀：列王紀下5:1-19
2012年8月27日(一)

乃縵是亞蘭王軍隊的統帥。有一次，他的軍隊和以色列打仗，他們俘擄了一些以色列人充當奴隸，其中有一個小女孩被抓去給乃縵妻子作婢女。 今天的經文告訴我們，乃縵有一個問題──他患了痳瘋病 (一種可怕的皮膚病)。那個小女孩說：「但願我主人(乃縵)能去見住在撒馬利亞的那先知(以利沙)！他一定會醫好他的痳瘋病。」(第3b節)。 所以乃縵就去見了以利沙，以利沙告訴乃縵，要他到約旦河去洗七次澡。乃縵照他的話做了，他的病也得到醫治，同時也讓他開始相信那唯一的真神──上帝。 上帝使用一個小女孩去告訴乃縵如何讓他的病得醫治，同樣的，上帝也可以使用我們把人帶到祂的面前。今天，你要找機會向所遇見的人分享耶穌的好消息！ —ECW 「現在我知道，全世界只在以色列有上帝，沒有別的。從現在起，除了上主以外，我不向任何神明獻燒化祭或牲祭。」列王紀下5:15b, 17b 禱告：上帝，今天請祢使用我讓人更加親近你。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會)

Naaman
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-19
Monday, August 27, 2012

Naaman was the captain of the army of the king of Aram. One time his army fought with Israel. The soldiers took some Israelites to be slaves. One little girl was taken and given to Naaman’s wife as a servant. Our Bible Reading tells us that Naaman had a problem — he had leprosy (a terrible skin disease). The little girl said, “I wish that my master (Naaman) would meet the prophet (Elisha) who lives in Samaria. That prophet could heal Naaman of his leprosy” (verse 3b). So Naaman went to see Elisha. Elisha told Naaman to go and wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman did this, and he was healed. Naaman also started believing in the one true God. God used a little girl to show Naaman how he could be healed. God can use us, too, to lead people to Him. Look for opportunities to share the Good News about Jesus with someone you meet today! —ECW “Look, I now know there is no God in all the earth except in Israel! I will never again offer any burnt offering or sacrifice to any other gods. I will offer sacrifices only to the Lord!”2 Kings 5:15b, 17b PRAYER: God, please use me today to bring someone closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…節制

…節制
聖經閱讀：彼得前書4:7-11, 5:6-11
2012年8月26日(日)

聖靈賜下的最後一樣東西是「節制」，保羅在加拉太書第五章談到了「節制」。在許多年以前，有一個洋芋片的電視廣告，廣告中有一個人說：「我打賭你沒辦法只吃一片洋芋片。」接著，另一個人吃了一片洋芋片後，很快的又吃了更多的洋芋片。這個廣告要表達的是，這種洋芋片實在太好吃了，讓人沒辦法控制自己只吃一片。 現今的基督徒需要「節制」，我們一定小心控制我們的肉體──控制我們的想法、控制我們做的事情，和控制我們的話語或手語。今天我們讀的經文裡，彼得提醒我們，魔鬼想要我們犯罪，魔鬼不要我們控制好自己的肉體。 今天，你要看看自己的生命，是否需要多一點節制？你要好好讀聖經並請求上帝幫助你，上帝會使你剛強，讓你能面對魔鬼和牠的試探。—JK 「為了這緣故，你們要盡力在信心上加上美德，美德加上知識，知識加上節制，節制加上忍耐，忍耐加上敬虔。」彼得後書1:5-6 禱告：主阿！在我的生命中，我需要節制，請幫助我倚靠祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (葉佳楠譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Self-Control
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11, 5:6-11
Sunday, August 26, 2012

The last thing Paul talked about in Galatians, chapter 5, is self-control. Many years ago there was a TV commercial for potato chips. Someone said, “I bet you can’t eat just one potato chip.” Then another person ate one potato chip. But soon that person ate more and more potato chips. The idea of the commercial was that the chips tasted so good that people could not control themselves to eat just one. Christians today need self-control. We must be careful to control our bodies — what we think, what we do and what we say/sign. In our Bible Reading today, Peter reminds us that the devil wants us to sin. He doesn’t want us to control our bodies. Look at your life today. Do you need more self-control? Study the Bible and ask God to help you. He will make you strong so you can face the devil and his temptations. —JK “Because you have these blessings, you should try as much as you can to add these things to your life: to your faith add goodness; and to your goodness add knowledge; and to your knowledge add self-control; and to your self-control add patience; and to your patience add service for God.” 2 Peter 1:5-6 PRAYER: Lord, I need self-control in my life. Help me to depend on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…溫柔

…溫柔
聖經閱讀：提多書3:1-11
2012年8月25日(六)

接下來，聖靈賜給人「溫柔」。提多書只有46節，這本簡短的書是保羅寫給提多的信。保羅與提多在克里特一起同工，後來保羅將提多留在克里特繼續完成教會的事工。在這封信裡，保羅幫助提多處理在教會裡發生的一些事情，他也寫給提多一些關於信心與假教師的教導。 在今天的聖經閱讀中，保羅要提多提醒基督徒一些事情。在第2節中，保羅談到要溫柔對待他人。「溫柔」這個詞也同時具有柔和或謙卑的意思。當我們與他人一起工作時，我們應該要柔和及謙卑。心存溫柔代表我們知道上帝正掌管我們的生命，當我們明白這一點，我們就會以尊重和恩慈來對待其他人。 想想你的家人、你的朋友和你的同事，你有以溫柔來對待他們嗎？如果沒有，聖靈會幫助你，讓你在生活中變得更溫柔。—JK 「你們要謙遜、溫柔、忍耐，以愛心互相寬容。」以弗所書4:2 禱告：親愛的天父，我願以溫柔和謙卑來對待我今天會遇到的人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Gentleness
Bible Reading: Titus 3:1-11
Saturday, August 25, 2012

Next, the Spirit gives gentleness. The book of Titus has only forty-six verses. This short book is a letter that Paul wrote to Titus. Paul and Titus worked together in Crete. Paul left Titus on Crete to continue the work of the church. In this letter, Paul helped Titus deal with things that were happening in the church. He also gave Titus teaching about his faith and about false teachers. In our Bible Reading, Paul told Titus to remind the Christians about certain things. In verse two, Paul talked about being gentle with other people. This word “gentle” can also mean meek or humble. We should have meekness and humility when we work with other people. Being gentle means that we understand God is in control of our lives. When we realize this, we treat other people with respect and kindness. Think about your family, your friends and your co-workers. Do you show gentleness to them? If not, the Holy Spirit will help you be more gentle in your life. —JK “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love.” Ephesians 4:2 PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be gentle and humble with the people I will meet today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…忠實

…忠實
聖經閱讀：申命記10:12-22
2012年8月24日(五)

今天，我們要來談談「忠實」。「老忠實」是一個間歇泉（熱溫泉），位於美國的黃石公園裡，它每一小時會固定向空中噴出溫泉。這個間歇泉像這樣忠實地噴出溫泉已經很多年了，今後的數年，它大概也會這樣持續不斷地噴出溫泉，也因為這樣，它被稱為「忠實」。 在今天的經文中，以色列人已經準備好要進入上帝應許賜給他們的新地土，而摩西要以色列人記住上帝的律法。在這些經文裡，摩西提醒以色列人要對上帝忠實，並且也告訴他們要單單愛上帝、敬拜上帝。摩西教導以色列人不可離開上帝，這就是「忠實」的意義。 我們也要對上帝忠實，上帝應該是我們生活中最重要的部份。當我們對丈夫或妻子忠實，我們就是對上帝忠實；當我們對朋友忠實，我們也同時表明對上帝的忠實。我希望你對上帝忠實，就從今天開始，你要忠實地愛上帝、服事上帝。 —JK 「你們要一心一意愛他，事奉他」申命記10:12b 禱告：上帝，祢是我生命的至寶，請幫助我對你忠實。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Faithfulness
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Friday, August 24, 2012

Today we will talk about faithfulness. “Old Faithful” is a geyser (hot spring) in Yellowstone National Park in America. It erupts and sends hot water into the sky about every hour. This geyser has erupted like this for many years and probably will continue for many more years. That is why it is called “faithful.” In our Bible Reading, the Israelites were ready to go into the new land that God had promised to them. Moses wanted the people to remember God’s law. In these verses, Moses reminded the Israelites to be faithful to God. Moses also told them to love and worship only God. He taught them to never leave God. That is what faithfulness means. We, too, should be faithful to God. He should be most important in our lives. When we are faithful to our husband or wife, we are being faithful to God. When we are faithful to our friends, we also show our faithfulness to God. I hope that you are faithful to God. Start today to faithfully love and serve Him. —JK “God wants you to love him and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12b PRAYER: God, You are most important to me. Help me to be faithful to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…良善

…良善
聖經閱讀：約伯記1:1-12
2012年8月23日(四)

加拉太書第五章告訴我們，接下來聖靈賜下的東西是「良善」。有時候，我們會在電視節目中看到一個小孩子想要去做好事、去做對的事，但是其他的小孩卻努力鼓動他去做不對的事。他們會嘲笑那個善良的小孩，並且給他取一些不雅的名字。我們為那個小孩感到難過，但是，上帝卻要我們像這個小孩一樣；上帝要我們厭棄世界上一切不好的事情，祂要我們去做好事、去做對的事。 約伯是一個充滿良善的人。今天的經文中提到，約伯是一個忠實、良善的人，他敬拜上帝並且拒絕做邪惡的事情。上帝允許魔鬼對約伯做出許多可怕的事情──使他失去孩子、家庭以及所有的財產。但是，約伯仍然跟隨上帝，不久之後，上帝加倍地祝福約伯，他得到的祝福超過他以前所擁有的。 今天，我們要像約伯一樣，厭棄那些圍繞在我們身邊、邪惡的事，並且要守住那些好的事、對的事。別人也許會對我們做一些不好的事情，但是上帝會看顧我們。上帝因著約伯的良善而看顧他、祝福他，上帝也會同樣地看顧你、祝福你。 —JK 「要厭棄邪惡，持守良善。」羅馬書12:9b 禱告：天父，幫助我像約伯一樣。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (葉佳楠譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Goodness
Bible Reading: Job 1:1-12
Thursday, August 23, 2012

Galatians, chapter 5, tells us that the next thing the Spirit gives is goodness. Sometimes on a TV program we see a child who wants to do what is good and right. Other children try to encourage that child to do what is wrong. They call the good child bad names and tease him. We feel sorry for that child. But God wants us to act like this child. God wants us to hate the bad things in the world and do what is good and right. Job was a man who was full of goodness. Our Bible Reading says that he was a good, faithful man. Job worshiped God and refused to do evil things. God allowed the devil to do terrible things to Job — he lost his children, his home and his possessions. But Job still followed God. Later God blessed Job with much more than he had before. Today we need to be like Job. We should hate the evil things around us. We should protect things that are right and good. People may do bad things to us, but God will take care of us. God took care of Job and blessed him for his goodness. God will bless and take care of you, too. —JK “Hate the things that are evil. Do only the things that are good.” Romans 12:9b PRAYER: Father in heaven, help me to be like Job. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…恩慈

…恩慈
聖經閱讀：創世記13:5-18
2012年8月22日(三)

接下來，聖靈要賜給基督徒的是「恩慈」。當孩子還小時，我們就開始教導他們對人要有恩慈，例如：「分享你的玩具」、「讓其他人先」、「要常說『請』和『謝謝』」。 當我想到恩慈，我就想起亞伯拉罕。今天的聖經閱讀告訴我們，亞伯拉罕與羅得決定分手並分開他們的牛群羊群，亞伯拉罕恩慈地對待羅得，他讓羅得優先選擇要哪一塊土地，而羅得選擇了一塊水源充足的好地。但是，羅得選擇的土地上住滿了罪惡的人，因為他的選擇，讓羅得必須面對很多的問題。 亞伯拉罕則留在山丘上，但是上帝因為亞伯拉罕的恩慈而祝福他。上帝應許亞伯拉罕，要給他大片的土地和眾多的後裔（孩子、孫子女、曾孫、曾孫子女）。 上帝也會因為我們的恩慈而祝福我們。當我們以恩慈對待他人，我們就取悅了上帝，而我們自己也會感到開心。今天就開始以恩慈對待你在工作、在家、在學校時遇見的人。—JK 「並要以恩慈相待。」以弗所書4:32a 禱告：天父，我願永遠以恩慈對待他人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Kindness
Bible Reading: Genesis 13:5-18
Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Kindness is the next thing that the Spirit gives to Christians. When children are small we start teaching them to be kind. “Share your toys.” “Let other people be first.” “Always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’” When I think about kindness, I think about Abraham. Our Bible Reading tells us that Abraham and Lot decided to separate their flocks of animals. Abraham was kind to Lot. Abraham let Lot choose which land he wanted. Lot chose the best land with lots of water. But the place Lot chose was full of sinful people. Lot faced many problems because of his choice. Abraham stayed in the hills. But God blessed Abraham for his kindness. God promised Abraham much land and many descendents (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren). God will bless us for our kindness, too. When we are kind to other people, we please God and we are happy. Start today and be kind to the people you see at work, at home and at school. —JK “Be kind and loving to each other.” Ephesians 4:32a PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to always be kind to other people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…忍耐

…忍耐
聖經閱讀：路加福音23:26-43
2012年8月21日(二)

今天我們要來談談「忍耐」。假設你上班已經遲到了，但前方的車只用35英哩的慢速前進，或者你的老闆十萬火急要你現在就完成報告，或者當你正用手機談事情時，你的三歲兒子不停地要你陪他玩，面對這些情況，你會失去耐性嗎？ 耶穌要我們忍耐──對其他人、對面臨的狀況、對自己。今天的經文告訴我們耶穌臨死在十字架的時候發生的事情。就在耶穌死前的數小時中，祂表現出的忍耐給了我們最完美的示範。 讓我們想想在耶穌身上發生了什麼事情。有一個祂最要好的朋友三次不認祂；兵丁鞭打祂、向祂吐口水、嘲弄祂，然後將祂釘在十字架上，讓祂死在上面。面對這一切，耶穌都忍耐，祂甚至求上帝饒恕那些把祂釘在十字架的人們。 當失去耐性時，我們有時會發脾氣，或者做出不好的事情，而聖靈會幫助我們忍耐、不犯罪。今天，你需要忍耐嗎？禱告求上帝幫助你。—JK 「父親哪，赦免他們，因為他們不曉得自己在做甚麼。」路加福音23:34 禱告：上帝，我要像耶穌一樣忍耐。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Patience
Bible Reading: Luke 23:26-43
Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Today we will talk about patience. The car in front of you is going 35 mph, and you are late for work. Your boss wants the report finished NOW! Your three-year-old son keeps asking you to play with him, but you are talking on your cell phone. Do you become impatient in these kinds of situations? Jesus wants us to be patient — with other people, with our situations and with ourselves. Our Bible Reading today tells us about when Jesus was dying on the cross. Jesus gave us the perfect example of patience during the last few hours before He died. Let’s think about what happened to Jesus. One of His best friends denied Him three times. Soldiers beat Jesus, spat on Him and mocked Him. Then they nailed Jesus to a cross and left Him to die. In all of this, Jesus was patient. He even asked God to forgive the people who crucified Him! When we are impatient, we sometimes lose our temper or do things that are not nice. The Holy Spirit will help us be patient and not sin. Do you need patience today? Pray and ask God to help you. —JK “Father, forgive these people that are killing me. They don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 PRAYER: God, I want to be patient like Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…平安

…平安
聖經閱讀：約翰福音14:15-31
2012年8月20日(一)

「平安」(peace)是聖靈賜下的第三樣東西，但什麼是「平安」呢？也許是一個無力的母親對著吵翻天的孩子說，她需要一個「平靜」的房子；或者是世界各國領袖聚在一起討論「和平」。在這些例子裡，「平安」代表著「沒有衝突」。 然而，今天的經文中，耶穌談到一個不一樣的「平安」。耶穌說的平安是內心平靜快樂並有安全感，就算我們旁邊的人正在打架，我們仍然擁有這樣的平安。當我們屬於耶穌並且知道祂將會再來，這樣的平安就在我們裡面了。 今天的經文裡，耶穌在被殺之前，正與門徒們見面。耶穌知道祂將會死，祂希望門徒們能感受到祂的愛與平安。 耶穌希望你也擁有這樣的平安，只要跟隨祂並順服祂，你將擁有祂所賜下永遠的平安。其他人看見你生命中有這樣的平安，他們也會想要跟隨耶穌。—JK 「我留下平安給你們，我把我的平安賜給你們。我所給你們的，跟世人所給的不同。你們心裏不要愁煩，也不要害怕。」約翰福音14:27 禱告：上帝，感謝祢藉著耶穌賜下平安。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (葉佳楠譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Peace
Bible Reading: John 14:15-31
Monday, August 20, 2012

Peace is the third thing the Spirit gives. But what does peace mean? Maybe a frustrated mother tells her noisy children that she wants peace in the house. Or world leaders get together and talk about peace. The peace in these examples means “no fighting.” But in our Bible Reading, Jesus talked about a different kind of peace. This peace is an inner feeling of comfort and safety. Even if people around us are fighting, we can still have this kind of peace. This peace happens when we belong to Jesus and know that He will come again someday. In our verses, Jesus was meeting with His disciples right before He was killed. Jesus knew that He would die, and He wanted His followers to feel His love and peace. Jesus wants you to have this peace, too. Follow and obey Him. Then you will have His eternal peace. And other people will see this peace in your life and want to follow Jesus, too. —JK “I leave you my peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled. Don’t be afraid.’” John 14:27 PRAYER: God, thank You for peace through Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…喜樂

…喜樂
聖經閱讀：約翰福音15:7-17
2012年8月19日(日)

聖靈賜下的下一樣東西是「喜樂」。當我年輕時，教會的青年團契常常唱一首名叫「喜樂」(JOY)的歌。部分歌詞是「耶穌(Jesus)、其他人(Others)和你(You)——這樣拼出喜樂真美妙。」 這首歌告訴我們，如何才能在生活中擁有真正的喜樂。首先，我們應該讓耶穌成為我們生命中最重要的部分。第二，我們應該幫助、照顧其他人。第三，我們應該在最後才考慮到自己。 在今天的聖經閱讀中，耶穌談到喜樂（開心）。祂希望我們擁有的是這一種喜樂，這種喜樂是來自於愛上帝並遵循祂的命令，同時，這種喜樂也來自於愛其他人。如果我們擁有這種喜樂，上帝就會照顧我們。 今天就好好思想「喜樂」這個詞，也要感謝上帝藉著耶穌賜給我們救贖的禮物。你要閱讀並且仔細查考聖經中上帝的命令，用耶穌愛你的方式來愛其他人，這樣，你就會擁有真正的喜樂。—JK 「我告訴你們這些事，為要使你們得到我的喜樂，讓你們的喜樂滿溢。」約翰福音15:11 禱告：上帝，感謝祢讓我知道我要如何充滿喜樂。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

文中提到的詩歌：J.O.Y. description song




…Joy
Bible Reading: John 15:7-17
Sunday, August 19, 2012

The next thing the Spirit gives is joy. When I was young, our church youth group often sang a song called “JOY.” Some of the words of the song were: “Jesus and Others and You — what a wonderful way to spell JOY.” That song tells us how we can have real joy in life. First, we should make Jesus the most important part of our lives. Second, we should help and take care of other people. Third, we should think about ourselves. In our Bible Reading, Jesus talked about joy (happiness). He wants us to have that kind of joy. This joy comes from loving God and obeying His commands. Also, this kind of joy comes from loving other people. If we have this kind of joy, God will take care of us. Think about the word JOY today. Thank God for His gift of salvation through Jesus. Read and study His commands in the Bible. Love other people in the same way that Jesus loves you. Then you will have true joy. —JK “I have told you these things so that you can have the true happiness that I have. I want you to be completely happy.” John 15:11 PRAYER: Lord, thank You for showing me how I can be filled with joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

…愛

…愛
聖經閱讀：哥林多前書13:1-13
2012年8月18日(六)

聖靈賜下的第一樣東西是「愛」。如果要十個人來解釋「愛」這個字，可能會得到十個不同的答案。今天，世上很多人對「愛」感到困惑，有些人認為愛只是美好的感覺，或者是得到了想要的東西，但是，今天的經文給了我們不同的解釋。 耶穌就是「愛」的最佳典範。當我讀哥林多前書第13章時，我就想到耶穌，因為所有經文中有關「愛」的描述，完全適合耶穌。我知道耶穌對人恆久忍耐又有恩慈，耶穌祂不嫉妒、不自誇，也不驕傲。這些經節告訴我，當耶穌待在世上的時候是如何行事為人，這也讓我知道我每天應該如何行事為人。 現在，你呢？如果把你的名字放在這些經節裡，這些話還成立嗎？你是否對人恆久忍耐又有恩慈？你是否不自私而且喜愛真理？ 今天，你要好好想一想這些經文，要努力活出並行出耶穌的樣式！ —JK。 「然而，信心、盼望，和愛這三樣是永存的，而其中最重要的是愛。」哥林多前書13:13 禱告：天父，我愛祢，請幫助我更像耶穌。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

...Love
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Saturday, August 18, 2012

The first thing the Spirit gives is love. If I ask ten people to explain the word “love,” I would probably get ten different answers. Today many people in the world are confused about love. Some people think that love is just feeling good or getting what they want. But our Bible Reading today gives a different explanation of love. Jesus is the greatest example of love. When I read 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, I think about Jesus. All of these descriptions about love fit Jesus perfectly! I know that Jesus is patient and kind. Jesus is not jealous, He does not boast, and He is not proud. These verses show me how Jesus acted when He was living on earth. They also show us how we should act every day. Now, what about you? If you put your name in these verses, are the words still true? Are you patient and kind? Are you unselfish and happy with the truth? Think about these verses today. Try to live and act like Jesus! —JK “So these three things continue: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.”1 Corinthians 13:13 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I love You. Help me to be like Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖靈賜予…

聖靈賜予…
聖經閱讀：加拉太書5:16-26
2012年8月17日(五)

我的朋友快要生小孩了，最近家人為她辦了一個迎接新生兒誕生的派對。我的朋友收到一些很棒的禮物，有小孩的衣服、尿布、嬰兒車和一些玩具，這些都是將來照顧小孩需要用到的東西。 當人們成為基督徒的時候，就好像剛出生的嬰孩，正要開始在耶穌基督裡的新生命。新生的基督徒需要成長，更加認識上帝並了解祂的話語，也就是聖經。聖靈會賜予基督徒靈裡成長所需要的一切，這些東西就列在今天聖經閱讀的第22及23節裡。 今天經文的前幾節列出一些罪惡的事是我們不應該做的。除了不做壞事之外，我們應該將聖靈賜給我們的東西發揮出來。接下來的幾天，我們將更進一步來看聖靈所賜下的東西。 今天，請特別留意加拉太書裡的經節，要確定在你的生活中，你正表現出這樣的態度。—JK 「既然聖靈賜給我們新生命，我們就該讓他引導我們的生活。」加拉太書5:25 禱告：上帝，今天我要跟隨並且順服祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (葉佳楠譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

The Spirit Gives...
Bible Reading: Galatians 5:16-26
Thursday, August 16, 2012

My friend will have a baby soon. Recently some family members gave her a baby shower (party). My friend received some very nice gifts — clothes for the baby, diapers, a stroller and some baby toys. These are things that she will need to take care of her baby. When people become Christians, they are like babies. They are just beginning their new life in Jesus. New Christians need to grow and learn more about God and His Word, the Bible. The Holy Spirit gives Christians what they will need to grow spiritually. These things are listed in verses 22 and 23 of our Bible Reading today. The first few verses of our Bible Reading list sinful things that we should not do. Instead of doing these bad things, we should develop the things that the Holy Spirit gives us. For the next few days we will look closely at what He gives us. Pay close attention to these verses from Galatians today. Make sure that you are showing these attitudes in your life. —JK “We get our new life from the Spirit. So we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 PRAYER: God, I want to follow and obey You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

奉獻

奉獻
聖經閱讀：瑪拉基書3:6-12
2012年8月16日(四)

兩歲的茱莉亞在教堂裡和奶奶一起坐著，奶奶給了茱莉亞一些錢，要她放進奉獻籃裡。 茱莉亞看著奉獻籃向她靠近，最後她把錢放了進去。然後，她用每個人都聽得到的音量大聲地說：「嘿！你！把錢還給我！」 茱莉亞只有兩歲大，我們可以理解她為什麼不想把錢給出去，但是有時候，我們的行為也像茱莉亞一樣。在哥林多後書9:7中，保羅說：「所以，每一個人都應該按照自己的心願捐助，不猶豫，不勉強，因為上帝喜愛樂意奉獻的人。」在今天的經文中，上帝鼓勵猶太人向祂奉獻，祂並應許猶太人，會因為他們的奉獻而祝福他們。 那你呢？你會像小茱莉亞一樣想要留著自己的錢，或是你會樂意奉獻給上帝，好讓祂的國度可以成長？ —NM 「試試我，你們就會看見我打開天上的窗戶，把各樣好東西豐豐富富地傾倒給你們。」瑪拉基書3:10b 禱告：親愛的天父，幫助我在向祢奉獻時有正確的態度。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Giving
Bible Reading: Malachi 3:6-12
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Two-year-old Julia was sitting with her grandmother in church. The grandmother gave Julia some money to put in the offering basket. Julia watched as the basket came closer to her. Finally she dropped in her money. Then she shouted so everyone could hear, “Hey, people! Give me my money back!” Julia was two years old. We can understand why she didn’t want to give up her money. But sometimes we act like Julia, too. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul said, “Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give. A person should not give if it makes him sad...God loves the person who gives happily.” In our Bible Reading today, God encouraged the Jews to give to Him. And He promised to bless them for their giving. What about you? Will you be like little Julia and want to keep your money, or will you freely give to God so His kingdom can grow? —NM “Test me! If you do those things, then I will truly bless you. Good things will come to you like rain falling from the sky. You will have more than enough of everything.” Malachi 3:10b PRAYER: Dear Father, help me to have the right attitude as I give to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

司提反

司提反
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳6:8-15, 7:54-60
2012年8月15日(三)

司提反是耶路撒冷教會的領袖，使徒行傳6:1-6告訴我們，教會選出包括司提反在內的七位執事，他們要負責讓那些說希臘話的寡婦有東西吃。司提反和其他執事是「受聖靈充滿、又有智慧的人」(使徒行傳6:3b)。 今天的聖經閱讀告訴我們，司提反也能行神蹟，但是有些猶太人並不認同司提反，他們中間起了爭論。於是，聖靈賜下智慧並藉由司提反的口向大家說話；他向會眾發表了長長的演說（使徒行傳第7章），從亞伯拉罕談起，到摩西和約書亞，最後以耶穌作為結束。 猶太人很惱怒提司反，所以把他推到城外並用石頭打死他。司提反臨死之前，還求上帝饒恕那些想要殺他的人。 我們每一個人都應該要像司提反。司提反是一個慈愛並能寬恕人的基督徒，而且他願意為耶穌犧牲生命。—ECW 「司提反被聖靈充滿，舉目望天，看見上帝的榮耀，又看見耶穌站在上帝的右邊，」 使徒行傳7:55 禱告：上帝，我要像司提反一樣，對人慈愛並寬恕人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Stephen
Bible Reading: Acts 6:8-15, 7:54-60
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Stephen was a leader in the church in Jerusalem. Acts 6:1-6 tells us that Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to make sure that the Greek-speaking widows had food to eat. Stephen and these other men were “full of wisdom and full of the Spirit” (Acts 6:3b). Our Bible Reading tells us that Stephen was able to do miracles, too. But some Jews did not agree with Stephen. They got into an argument. God’s Spirit spoke through Stephen and gave him wisdom. Stephen gave a long speech (Acts, chapter 7). He talked about Abraham and Moses and Joshua. Stephen ended by talking about Jesus. The Jews were so upset with Stephen that they dragged him out of the city and stoned him. Before Stephen died, he asked God to forgive the people who were killing him. We should all want to be like Stephen. He was a loving and forgiving Christian. And Stephen was willing to die for Jesus. —ECW “Stephen looked up into the sky. He saw the Glory of God. He saw Jesus standing at God’s right side.” Acts 7:55b PRAYER: God, I want to be loving and forgiving like Stephen. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

永恆的生命

永恆的生命
聖經閱讀：啟示錄21:1-7
2012年8月14日(二)

自從亞當和夏娃在伊甸園犯了罪，人們開始經歷死亡、悲傷、痛苦並哭泣，而這些將會持續，直到耶穌再來、接祂的信徒與祂永遠同住為止。 當我們正遭遇苦難的時候，有時很難記得上帝永生的應許，正因為這樣，我會將一些上帝的應許寫在記事卡上。當我感到悲傷或在痛苦的時候，我就讀一讀這些經文，這些經文幫助我記得與上帝永遠同住的樣子。 今天的經文給了我們一個圖像，這個圖像描繪我們與上帝永遠同住的樣子。第4節告訴我們，將來「不再有死亡，也沒有悲傷、哭泣和痛苦。」第6節說：「我要把生命的泉水白白地賜給口渴的人喝。」 與上帝永遠同住將是多麼美好！今天，你要想想這一點並得著安慰！ —IMJ 「我去為你們預備地方以後，要再回來，接你們到我那裏去，為要使你們跟我同在一個地方。」 約翰福音14:3 禱告：天父，感謝祢賜下與祢永遠同住的應許。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (葉佳楠譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Eternal Life
Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-7
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, people have experienced death, sorrow, pain and crying. And that will continue until the day when Jesus comes back to take His followers to live forever with Him. Sometimes when we are suffering, it is hard to remember God’s promise of eternal life. That is why I have written down some of God’s promises on note cards. I read these verses when I am sad or in pain. These verses help me remember what it will be like to live forever with God. Our Bible Reading today gives us a picture of what eternal life with God will be like. Verse 4 tells us that there will be “no more death, sadness, crying or pain.” And verse 6b says, “I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to any person that is thirsty.” It will be wonderful to live with God forever. Think about this and be encouraged today! —IMJ “After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am.” John 14:3 PRAYER: Father, thank You for the promise of living forever with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的應許

上帝的應許
聖經閱讀：創世記9:1-17
2012年8月13日(一)

我家在密西西比河的旁邊，最近河水氾濫了很多次，人們失去了房子和財產。洪水讓我見識到了河水的力量，並且對水的威力有全新的看法。 這個水災讓我想起今天的經文。上帝要挪亞造一艘大船，為什麼呢？因為就要下雨了。當時的人們一定嘲笑挪亞，因為他們從來沒有經歷過下雨；他們大概很輕視挪亞，也輕視那艘船。 最後，雨下了，大水越漲越高，但是挪亞全家和上帝所揀選進到船裡的動物們都很安全。當洪水退了，上帝給挪亞一個應許，祂說：「洪水不再毀滅所有的生物。」（第15節）上帝的應許到今天依然真實，當我們看到天上的彩虹，就會想起上帝的應許。 今天就想想上帝的應許，並記得祂一定會信守祂的應許；祂的話語是我們可以全然信靠的。 —ES 「彩虹就是我與世上所有的生物立約的記號。」 創世記9:17 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢信守祢的應許。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

God’s Promises
Bible Reading: Genesis 9:1-17
Monday, August 13, 2012

I live near the Mississippi River. We have had a lot of flooding recently. People have lost their homes and possessions. I have seen the power of the river and have a new respect for what water can do. This flood made me think about our Bible verses today. God told Noah to build a big boat. Why? Because it was going to rain. People must have laughed at Noah. They had never experienced rain on the earth before. They probably had no respect for Noah or the boat. Finally the rains came, and the waters rose higher and higher. But Noah, his family and the animals God had chosen to be in the boat were safe from the flood. When the flood was over, God made a promise to Noah. “That agreement says that a flood will never again destroy all life on the earth” (verse 15b). God’s promise is still true today. When we see a rainbow in the sky, we can remember what God promised. Think about God’s promises today. And remember that He always keeps His promises. We can depend on His words. —ES “That rainbow is proof of the agreement that I made with all living things on earth.” Genesis 9:17b PRAYER: God, thank You for keeping Your promises. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

禁食

禁食
聖經閱讀：馬太福音6:16-18
2012年8月12日(日)

禁食的意思是摒棄你認為是重要的事物。為什麼人們要禁食？人們禁食可能是要謙卑自己，或是求上帝的饒恕，或是為了讓心思意念專注於上帝。 沒有人規定禁食應該要持續多久，可能是一小時，也可能是好幾天，或者好幾個星期。在聖經中，禁食通常是指不吃東西，但是限制自己不做一些事情也算是禁食。例如，你可以不看電視、不看電影，或者放棄任何的嗜好，都算是禁食。放棄你喜歡的活動表示你願意把上帝放在你生命的第一位。 今天的經文中，耶穌談到禁食。祂說，我們禁食是為了榮耀上帝，而不是為了引起別人的注意，這一點很重要。經文的第17至18節告訴我們：「你禁食的時候，要梳頭洗臉，不要讓別人看出你是在禁食，只讓那位在隱密中的天父知道」。 你應該禁食嗎？決定權在你！跟上帝談談要不要禁食，讓祂來引導你。—GT 「上主說：即使現在，你們仍然可以禁食、哭泣、哀號，誠心悔改，歸向我。」約珥書2:12 禱告：主，請告訴我如何才能更親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯/台南聖教會英語團契 )

Fasting
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:16-18
Sunday, August 12, 2012

Fasting means going without something that is important to you. Why do people fast? People may fast to humble themselves, to ask for forgiveness or to focus on God. There is no required amount of time for fasting. A fast can last an hour, a few days or several weeks. Fasting in the Bible usually meant giving up food, but you can fast from other things, too. For example, you can give up TV, movies, video games or anything you like to do. Fasting from your favorite activity shows that you are willing to keep God first in your life. Jesus talked about fasting in our Bible Reading today. He said that it is important when we fast to honor God, not to get attention from other people. Verses 17-18a tell us, “So when you fast, make yourself look nice. Wash your face. Then people will not know that you are fasting. But your Father that you cannot see will see you.” Should you fast? The decision is up to you. Talk to God about it, and let Him lead you. —GT “This is the Lord’s message: ‘Now come back to me with all your heart. You did bad things, cry, cry and don’t eat any food!’” Joel 2:12 PRAYER: Lord, show me how I can be closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

檸檬派

檸檬派
2012年8月11日(六)
聖經閱讀：路加福音10:38-42

有一些朋友要來我家吃晚餐，我想為他們準備特別的一餐，所以決定烤美味的檸檬派作為甜點。 做檸檬派並不容易，需要花很多時間。我用了新鮮的檸檬，並且為每一種材料準備好適當的量。我在前一個晚上做好派皮，然後在隔天早上桿麵糰。我小心謹慎地準備好餡料並將它倒入派皮中。 在烤派的時候，我才知道朋友們沒辦法來我家，這讓我好傷心，因為我為了做派花了不少的時間與心力。然後，我想起了今天聖經閱讀裡的故事，我才明白，原來工作或者為朋友操心其實沒那麼重要，重要的是我與耶穌之間的關係。 無論今天你要做什麼，要確定你做了最重要的事情，就是花一些時間與耶穌在一起，讀祂的話語，並跟祂說話，就像馬利亞所做的一樣。 —ECW 「但是只有一件是不可缺少的。馬利亞已經選擇了那最好的；沒有人能從她手中奪走。」路加福音10:42 禱告：天父，幫助我專心在祢和祢的話語上。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (葉佳楠譯/台南聖教會英語團契 )

Lemon Pie
Bible Reading: Luke 10:38-42
Saturday, August 11, 2012

Some friends were coming to my house for dinner. I wanted to make a special meal for them. I decided to make a delicious lemon pie for dessert. This kind of lemon pie was not easy to make, and it required lots of time. I used fresh lemons, and I measured the ingredients well. I made the pie crust the night before and rolled out the dough the next morning. I carefully prepared the filling and poured it into the crust. As the pie was baking, I found out that my friends could not come to my house. I was so sad. I had worked and worried over that pie. Then I remembered the story in our Bible Reading today. I realized that working and worrying about guests is not really important. What is important is my relationship with Jesus! No matter what you are doing today, be sure that you do the most important thing — spend some time with Jesus. Read His Word and talk to Him, just like Mary did! —ECW “Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice; and it will never be taken away from her.”Luke 10:42 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to focus on You and Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

鳥 (3)

鳥 (3)
聖經閱讀：詩篇63:1-8
2012年8月10日(五)

有天晚上，我切換電視頻道看一些不同的節目，我看到一個節目正在介紹生活在寒冷地區的動物。 其中一段出現了一隻企鵝寶寶和牠的媽媽。企鵝媽媽站在一堆雪的上面，那時正下著雪，風吹打著企鵝媽媽，但是企鵝寶寶坐在媽媽的腳掌上並藏在媽媽的育兒袋裡，在裡面，寶寶很溫暖也很安全。 那隻企鵝媽媽和寶寶形成了一幅美麗的畫面，而上帝照顧我們也像這樣。在今天聖經閱讀的第7和第8節中，大衛說：「因為你時時幫助我；我在你翅膀的庇護下歡樂歌唱。我緊緊跟隨你；你的右手扶持我。」 有時候我遇到生命中一些不好的事情，如生病、財務困難或死亡。這些事情就像是吹打著企鵝的風雪，但是上帝會保護我們，就像企鵝媽媽保護牠的孩子一樣。 上帝想要親近你、愛你並且保護你，今天你就倚靠祂。 —BH 「他要用翅膀庇護你。」詩篇91:4a 禱告：上帝，今天請保護我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Birds (3)
Bible Reading: Psalm 63:1-8
Friday, August 10, 2012

One evening I was looking at different channels on my TV. I saw a show about animals who live in cold regions of the world. One segment showed a baby penguin and its mother. The mother was standing on a pile of snow. It was snowing and the wind was blowing all around the mother penguin. But the baby penguin was sitting on the mother’s feet, tucked away under a flap of skin and feathers. Here the baby was safe and warm. That mother and baby penguin are a beautiful picture of how God takes care of us. In verses 7 and 8 of our Bible Reading today, David said, “You really have helped me! I am happy that you protected me! My soul clings to you. And you hold my hand.” Sometimes I face bad things in life like sickness, financial troubles or death. These things are like the snow and wind that surrounded the penguins. But God will protect us, just like the mother penguin protected her baby. God wants to be close to you and love and protect you. Depend on Him today. —BH “He will protect you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies.” Psalm 91:4b PRAYER: God, please protect me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

鳥 (2)

鳥 (2)
聖經閱讀：詩篇9:1-20
2012年8月9日(四)

我曾經住在一個靠近池塘的地方。在春天的時候，池塘裡只有少少幾隻鵝，但是到了夏天，就會有很多鵝聚集在那裡。那些鵝在附近成群飛翔，牠們在池塘裡覓食、喝水。 秋天的時候，鵝群就會開始離開，飛往較溫暖的地方，但是卻有一小群留在池塘裡不走。當大雪紛飛時，我看到這些鵝努力地走在冰上找水喝，我懷疑牠們是不是有辦法找到水。 終於我注意到，在池塘的邊緣總是有一些殘留的水。當鵝群發現了這些水後，牠們就舞動翅膀，看起來好像很興奮的樣子。 在生活中，有時候我們會遇到難題──就像那些鵝遇到找不到水喝的難題，但是今天經文的第18節提醒我們，即便在我們感到絕望的時候，上帝仍然沒有忘記我們。 今天，你不可忘記上帝會與你同在。—BH 「耶和華是我的牧者，我必不致缺乏。」 詩篇23:1 禱告：上帝，我很感謝祢供應一切我所需要的。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Birds (2)
Bible Reading: Psalm 9:1-20
Wednesday, August 9, 2012

Once I lived near a pond. In the spring, there were a few geese at the pond. But in the summer, many geese gathered there. They would fly around in groups, finding food to eat and drinking water from the pond. In the fall, groups of geese began to fly away to a warmer climate. But one small group stayed at the pond. As the snow started to swirl around, I watched the geese try to walk across the ice. I wondered how the geese were able to find water to drink. Finally I noticed that there always seemed to be a small amount of water at the edge of the pond. When the geese found this water, they flapped their wings like they were excited. Sometimes in life we face problems — like the geese had a problem finding water. But verse 18 of our Bible Reading reminds us that even when we think we don’t have hope, God doesn’t forget us. Don’t forget that God will be with you today! —BH “The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.” Psalm 23:1 PRAYER: God, I am so thankful that You provide everything I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

鳥 (1)

鳥 (1)
聖經閱讀：路加福音12:1-24
2012年8月8日(三)

今天的經文告訴我們，有一次耶穌對著一大群人說話。在第6及第7節裡，耶穌說：「五隻麻雀固然用兩個銅錢就買得到，可是上帝一隻也不忘記；就是你們的頭髮他也都數過了。所以，你們不要怕，你們比許多麻雀要貴重多了。」 我一生中曾遭遇許多困難的處境，當時我覺得自己就像一隻容易受驚嚇的小鳥。但是在上面的經文裡，耶穌提醒我們，上帝就連小鳥也注意到了。所以我們可以知道，上帝對於將要發生在我們身上的事，祂也完全注意到了。 第24節裡，耶穌再一次提到了鳥。祂說，上帝餵養牠們，然後耶穌又接著說：「你們比鳥兒貴重多了。」上帝怎麼供應鳥兒食物，祂也會照樣供應我們的需要。 即使當我們信心薄弱的時候，我們仍確定知道上帝必與我們同在，並且祂會照顧我們，供應一切我們所需要的。今天，你要記得感謝祂！ —BH 「我的　神必照他榮耀的豐富，在基督耶穌裏，使你們一切所需用的都充足。」 腓立比書4：19 禱告：上帝，我知道祢會永遠跟我在一起。奉耶穌的名，阿們！  (林淑熹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Birds (1)
Bible Reading: Luke 12:1-24
Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Our Bible Reading today tells us about a time when Jesus was speaking to a large group of people. In verses 6 and 7, Jesus said, “When birds are sold, five small birds cost only two pennies. But God does not forget any of them. Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds.” I have faced difficult situations in my life when I felt like I was a small, timid bird. But in these verses Jesus reminds us that God pays attention to the birds. So we can know that He is aware of what is happening to us, too. In verse 24, Jesus talked about birds again. He said that God feeds them. Then Jesus added, “And you are worth much more than birds” Just as God provides food for the birds, He will also provide for our needs. Even in times when our faith is small, we can be sure that God is with us, taking care of us and giving us what we need. Be sure to thank Him today! —BH “My God is very rich with the glory of Christ Jesus. God will use his riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.” Philippians 4:19 PRAYER: God, I know that You will be with me all the time In Jesus’ name. Amen.

垃圾桶

垃圾桶
聖經閱讀：約翰一書1:5-9
2012年8月7日(二)

前幾天我在電腦上工作，電腦螢幕裡有一個垃圾桶的圖案。當我不再需要某一個檔案時，只要把它拉進垃圾桶裡，那個檔案就不見了。 這提醒了我，我的內心有一些垃圾。今天經文的第8節說：「我們若說自己無罪，就是欺騙自己，真理不在我們心裏了。」我知道我的生命裡有罪，而且上帝也知道。 罪讓我骯髒，而上帝要我乾淨與聖潔。我知道罪不好，也知道我需要倚靠上帝幫助我除掉生命中的罪，而我很高興上帝赦免了我的罪。經文的第9節是上帝應許饒恕我的確據，我把那經文背了起來，而且每天複誦一次。 今天花一點時間想想你生命中的罪，求上帝赦免那些罪，並幫助你在生活中更親近祂。—PD 「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。」 約翰一書1:9 禱告：上帝，我向祢承認我的罪，謝謝祢賜給我一顆乾淨的心。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林淑熹譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Trash Can
Bible Reading: 1 John 1:5-9
Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The other day I was working on my computer. On my desktop screen there is a picture of a trash can. When I no longer need a document saved on my computer, I drag it to the trash can. Then it is gone! This reminded me that I have some trash in my heart. Verse 8 of our Bible Reading says, “If we say that we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” I know that I have sin in my life, and God knows, too. Sin makes me dirty. God wants me to be clean and holy. I know sin is bad and that I need to depend on God to remove it from my life. That’s why I am so glad God forgives me. Verse 9 assures me of God’s promise to forgive me. I have memorized that verse, and I repeat it every day. Take time today to think about the sin in your life. Ask God to forgive those sins and help you live closer to Him. —PD “But if we confess (admit) our sins, then God will forgive our sins. We can trust God to do this. God does what is right. God will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.” 1 John 1:9 PRAYER: God, I confess my sins to You. Thank You for giving me a clean heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.