信靠上帝

信靠上帝
聖經閱讀：詩篇13:1-6
2012年10月31日(三)

在今天的經文中，作者的情緒低落並且感到沮喪，他認為上帝已經忘記他了，最後，作者在第3節中懇求上帝：「上主─我的上帝啊，求你看顧我，求你應答我；求你恢復我的氣力，使我免於死亡。」 　雖然這詩篇的作者很沮喪，但是他仍然信靠上帝。在第5-6節中，他說：「但我倚靠你的慈愛；我的心因你的救恩快樂。我要向耶和華歌唱，因他用厚恩待我。」 　也許你認為上帝已經遺忘你了，因為祂似乎沒有回應你的禱告。有時候，上帝要我們等候祂的回應；我們需要有耐心，並且持續信靠祂。 　如果我們真的想尋求上帝的幫助，祂會聽我們的禱告。祂也許不會立刻回應我們，但是上帝會按著祂所定的時刻，回應我們的禱告。我們要讚美上帝，因為祂總是知道什麼是對我們最好的。 —DJH* 「上主啊，我信靠你；你是我的上帝。我終身的事在你手中……求你用慈愛待你的僕人，求你救我。」 詩篇31:14-16 禱告：天父，我願永遠愛祢並且信靠祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Trust God
Bible Reading: Psalm 13:1-6
Wednesday, October 31, 2012

In our Bible Reading today, the writer is depressed and discouraged. He thinks God has forgotten him. Finally, the writer pleads with God in verse 3. “Lord my God, look at me! Answer my question! Let me know the answer or I will die!” 　Although the psalm writer is depressed, he still trusts God. In verses 5-6 he said, “Lord, I trusted in your love to help me. You saved me and made me happy! I sing a happy song to the Lord because he did good things for me.” 　Perhaps you think that God has forgotten you because He does not seem to answer your prayers. Sometimes God wants us to wait for our answers. We need to be patient and continue to trust Him. 　If we truly ask for God’s help, He will hear us. Our answer may not come right away, but God will answer our prayers in His time. Then we will praise God, because He always knows what is best for us. —DJH* “Lord, I trust you. You are my God. My life is in your hands...be kind to me and save me!” Psalm 31:14-16 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to always love and trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

不需預約

不需預約
聖經閱讀：詩篇16:1-11
2012年10月30日(二)

也許你曾經生病而需要去看醫生，也許你曾經需要人幫你管理財務，也許你曾經有情緒問題，那時候你怎麼辦？你可能預約掛號看醫生，或者跟理財顧問或心理師約時間見面，然後你得等好幾天或幾個星期才能見到他們。等待約會可能是一件令人洩氣的事情。 　今天經文的第7及第8節很令人欣慰，它說：「我頌讚上主，因為他指導我；夜間，我的良知喚醒我。我時時體會到上主在我面前；他在我身邊，我不至於動搖。」我們要跟上帝見面不需要預約時間，祂總是預備好要關心我們！詩篇121:3說：「他不會讓你跌倒；你的保護者不會打盹。」上帝永遠醒著，我們不需要擔心祂會睡著，或擔心祂太忙而不能聽我們說話。 　今天，上帝就要與你同在，你不需要預約，也不需要等待，上帝永遠有空。 —CW* 「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。」詩篇16:11 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢永遠與我同在。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

No Appointment
Bible Reading: Psalm 16:1-11
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Maybe you were sick and needed to see a doctor. Or maybe you needed help managing your finances. Or maybe you had an emotional problem. What did you do? Probably you made an appointment to see a doctor or a counselor. Then you had to wait a few days or weeks before you could talk with them. It can be frustrating to wait for an appointment. 　Verses 7 and 8 of our Bible Reading are very comforting. “I praise the Lord because he taught me well. Even at night, he put his instructions deep inside my mind. I keep the Lord before me always. And I will never leave his right side.” We don’t have to make an appointment to be with God. He is always ready to pay attention to us! Psalm 121:3 says, “God will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” God is always awake. We don’t need to worry that God is asleep or too busy to listen to us. 　God will be with you today. You don’t need to wait for an appointment. God is always available. —CW* “You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you, Lord, will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will bring happiness forever.” Psalm 16:11 PRAYER: God, thank You for always being with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

責備

責備
聖經閱讀：詩篇80:1-19
2012年10月29日(一)

有時候，我的生活一團糟。我可以責怪工作，責怪不忠的朋友，責怪學校裡討厭的老師，也可以責怪家人或教會，但是，通常問題出在我自己，我應該要責備自己。 　詩篇第80篇是關於上帝的子民以色列人的故事，因為他們不忠心並且犯罪，所以上帝懲罰他們。這詩篇的作者原本可以將以色列人所犯的罪責怪其他人，但是他沒有，他反而請求上帝赦免以色列人，因為他知道以色列人要被責備，他說：「我們絕對不再背離你；讓我們存活，我們要頌讚你。主上帝─萬軍的統帥啊，求你復興我們；求你顯示慈愛，我們就能得救。」(18-19節) 　也許今天你正面臨一些問題，其中有些問題可能是別人造成的，而有些問題是因為你做了錯誤的決定而引起的。你要責備自己，並且祈求上帝原諒你，然後你要敬拜上帝，並且感謝祂的慈愛與寬恕。 —SH* 「上主啊，求你回頭看顧我，憐憫我，因為我孤單困苦。求你除掉我一切憂慮，救我脫離一切禍患。求你關心我的痛苦患難，饒恕我的罪過。」詩篇25:16-18 禱告：天父，有時我會犯錯，求祢原諒我並幫助我親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Blame
Bible Reading: Psalm 80:1-19
Monday, October 29, 2012

Sometimes things go wrong in my life. I can blame my job, my unfaithful friends, the terrible teachers I had in school, my family or the church. But often I need to accept the blame for my problems. 　Psalm 80 is about God’s people, the Israelites. God punished them for their unfaithfulness and sin. The writer of this psalm could have blamed other people for the sin of Israel. But instead, he realized that Israel was to blame, and he asked God to forgive them. “He will not leave you again. Let him live, and he will worship your name. Lord God All-Powerful, come back to us. Accept us. Save us” (verses 18-19). 　You may face problems today. Some of your problems will probably be caused by other people. But some problems will happen because of bad choices you have made. Accept the blame and ask God to forgive you. Then worship Him and thank Him for His love and forgiveness. —SH* “Lord, I am hurt and lonely. Turn to me and show me mercy. Free me from my troubles. Help me solve my problems. Lord, look at my trials and troubles. Forgive me for all the sins I have done.” Psalm 25:16-18 PRAYER: Father, sometimes I make mistakes. Forgive me and help me stay close to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

年長者

年長者
聖經閱讀：詩篇92:1-15
2012年10月28日(日)

我們一出生，就開始變老了，這是上帝為我們在世上安排的計畫。當年紀越來越大，我們的肉體會逐漸老化而且變得虛弱，但是上帝仍然在我們的生命中有祂的計畫。 　在第12和13節的經文中談到香柏樹，第12節說，「正直的人要像黎巴嫩的香柏樹一樣高大，他們像栽在上主聖殿裏的樹。」第14節繼續談到這些香柏樹，它說：「年老之時仍然結出果實，枝葉茂盛，長綠不衰。」這些經文告訴我們，即使我們年紀老邁，在上帝的國度中，我們仍然是可以被使用的人。 　年長者如何才能被上帝使用呢？他們可以安慰人，可以慈愛待人(羅馬書12:8)，也可以傾聽心靈受傷的人(雅各書1:19)；他們可以禱告(帖撒羅尼迦前書5:7)，或是將耶穌的福音傳給別人(馬可福音16:15)。 　無論你是年輕或是年長，上帝都可以使用你來服事祂。你要找一些方法去幫助別人，並且服事上帝！—DJH* 「現在我年老髮白，上帝啊，求你不丟棄我！我向後代宣揚你的權力和大能時，求你與我同在。」詩篇71:18 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢為我所做的一切。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Old
Bible Reading: Psalm 92:1-15
Sunday, October 28, 2012

As soon as we are born, we start to age. That is God’s plan for us here on earth. As we get older, our bodies start to become frail and weak. But God still has a plan for our lives. 　Verses 12 and 13 talk about cedar trees. Verse 12a says, “Good people are like cedar trees of Lebanon planted in the Lord’s temple.” Verse 14 continues to talk about these cedar trees, “Even when they are old, they will continue producing fruit like young, healthy trees.” These verses tell us that even when we are old, we can still be useful for God’s kingdom. 　How can older people be useful for God? They can comfort people and show kindness (Romans 12:8), listen to people who are hurting (James 1:19), pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and tell others about Jesus (Mark 16:15). 　Whether you are young or old, God can use you to serve Him. Look for ways to help other people and serve God. —DJH* “Now I am old and my hair is gray. But I know that you won’t leave me, God. I will tell each new generation about your power and greatness.” Psalm 71:18 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for everything You have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

世世代代

世世代代
聖經閱讀：詩篇102:1-28
2012年10月27日(六)

我花了5個小時開車到女兒家，想要在她25歲生日那天給她一個驚喜。我在她回家前抵達，所以我有時間掛上慶生的布條，並且在桌上放一些花。 　當我在整理沙發上的抱枕時，我發現女兒的書架上貼著一張紙，上面寫著：「你們應該一無掛慮；要在禱告中把你們所需要的告訴上帝，用感謝的心祈求。」（腓立比書4章6節）我一邊讀一邊笑，因為這個經節正是我受洗時覆誦的經文。我很高興知道，我的女兒每天都倚靠上帝來幫助她。 　詩篇第102篇談到要教導後代關於上帝的事，第18節說：「要為後代把上主的作為記錄下來，讓那些未出生的人曉得頌讚他。」你一定要教導孩子和孫子有關上帝的事，以及上帝為他們生命所準備的計劃。 —CC 「我們的子孫將享受安康；他們的後裔在你保護下也將繁盛。」詩篇102:28 禱告：上帝，感謝祢以信實對待祢的孩子。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Generations
Bible Reading: Psalm 102:1-28
Saturday, October 27, 2012

I drove five hours to my daughter’s house to surprise her for her twenty-fifth birthday. I arrived before she came home, so I had time to hang a birthday banner and put some flowers on the table. 　As I was straightening the pillows on the couch, I noticed a piece of paper taped to my daughter’s bookshelf. On it was written, “Don’t worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks” (Philippians 4:6). I smiled as I read the verse. That was the verse I repeated when I was baptized. I was happy to know that my daughter was depending on God to help her every day. 　Psalm 102 talks about teaching future generations about God. “Write these things for the future generation. And in the future, those people will praise the Lord” (verse 18). Be sure that you teach your children and grandchildren about God and His plan for their lives. —CC “We are your servants today. Our children will live here. And even their descendants will be here to worship you.” Psalm 102:28 PRAYER: God, thank You for being faithful to Your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

平安

平安
聖經閱讀：詩篇29:1-11
2012年10月26日(五)

幾年前，我聽說一位高中時代的朋友成了基督徒，我很驚訝，因為在高中時，她並不相信上帝。當我們見面時，我問她怎麼回事？她回答：「成為基督徒以後，我心中終於有了平安。」這位朋友現在是一名宣教士，她在亞洲宣教。 　有時候，人會以為沒有戰爭，或是生活沒有大問題，就會有平安。但是，真正的平安出現在我們知道自己是上帝的孩子的時候；我們只有認罪，並且跟上帝和好，才會有真正的平安。 　今天的詩篇讚美上帝的大能和權柄，最後一節說：「上主賜力量給他的子民；上主賜平安給他的子民。」上帝賜下祂的兒子耶穌為我們的罪而死時，祂就賜下了平安。 　今天，世界上很多人在尋求平安，我們需要幫助他們把生命交託給上帝，然後，他們也會得著上帝奇妙的平安。 —AS 「我一躺下來，安然進入夢鄉；上主啊，只有你能保守我安全。」詩篇4:8 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢每天賜給我們平安。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SSL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Peace
Bible Reading: Psalm 29:1-11
Friday, October 26, 2012

Several years ago, I learned that a high school friend had become a Christian. I was surprised, because when we were in high school, she did not believe in God. When I saw my friend, I asked what had happened. She answered, “After I became a Christian, I finally had peace in my heart.” My friend is now a missionary in Asia. 　Sometimes people think that they have peace if there are no wars or big problems in their lives. But true peace happens when we know that we are God’s children. We can only have true peace when we confess our sins and are reconciled with God. 　Our psalm today praises God for His great power and authority. The last verse says, “May the Lord protect His people. May the Lord bless his people with peace.” God gave us peace when He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. 　Many people in the world today are looking for peace. We need to help them give their lives to God. Then they, too, will have God’s wonderful peace. —AS “I go to bed and sleep in peace. Why? Because, Lord, you lay me down to sleep in safety.” Psalm 4:8 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for the peace You give us every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

與上帝隔絕

與上帝隔絕
聖經閱讀：詩篇88:1-18
2012年10月25日(四)

今天的詩篇談到一個人向上帝禱告、祈求幫助。這個人心情很糟糕，在第5節，他說：「我被丟棄在死人當中，好像被宰殺的人躺在墳墓裏；我成為你完全遺忘了的人，再也得不到你的扶助。」 　這個人很沮喪，他感覺上帝與他隔絕，當耶穌被釘在十字架時，也許有同樣的感覺。那時，祂被敵人和控告祂的人包圍著，當耶穌承擔了我們的罪，祂感覺上帝與祂隔絕。 　有時，我們會感到沮喪，以為沒有人了解我們的感受，但耶穌了解我們。人們傷害耶穌，甚至許多跟隨者離棄祂，而且最後祂被釘死在十字架上。 　今天，你是否感到寂寞、沮喪呢？耶穌了解你！你要禱告並且祈求上帝幫助你，讓你感受到祂的慈愛與寬恕，然後相信祂會照顧你。 —SH* 「我們心中充滿喜樂，因為我們信靠他的聖名。上主啊，我們仰望你；願你的慈愛常與我們同在。」詩篇33:21-22 禱告：上帝，我很高興耶穌了解我的感受，今天，請讓我感受到祢的慈愛。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Separated from God
Bible Reading: Psalm 88:1-18
Thursday, October 25, 2012

Our psalm today talks about someone who is praying to God for help. He feels so bad that he said in verse 5, “Look for me among the dead people. I am like a dead body lying in the grave, one of the dead people you forgot, cut off from you and your care.” 　This person was depressed and felt that he was separated from God. That is probably how Jesus felt when He was on the cross. Jesus was surrounded by His enemies and accusers. As He accepted our sins, Jesus felt separated from God. 　Sometimes we feel depressed, and we think no one understands how we feel. But Jesus knows how we feel. People hurt Him. He was even rejected by some of His followers. And finally, Jesus was crucified on a cross. 　Are you feeling lonely and depressed today? Jesus understands. Pray and ask God to help you feel His love and forgiveness. Then trust Him to take care of you. —SH* “God makes us happy. We truly trust his holy name. Lord, we truly worship you! So show your great love for us.” Psalm 33:21-22 PRAYER: God, I am glad that Jesus understands how I feel. Please show me Your love today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

在曠野中

在曠野中
聖經閱讀：詩篇63:1-11
2012年10月24日(三)

想像你身處在曠野之中，那是一個非常乾燥的地方。你口渴，卻沒有水喝；肚子餓，卻沒有東西吃，待在那個地方，真是很困難。 　大衛寫詩篇第63篇時，就身處在曠野之中，對他來說，那不是一個舒適的地方，但是，即便很口渴、很饑餓，大衛仍然仰望、讚美上帝。在第3、4節，大衛說：「你永恆的愛比生命寶貴，因此我要頌讚你。我一生一世要感謝你；我要舉起雙手向你禱告。」這是多麼令人讚嘆啊！ 　而你呢？或許你正處在「生命的曠野」之中，所有事情好像都很困難。你也許面臨一些挑戰，也許不開心或感到沮喪，而你應該怎麼做呢？ 　你應該要像大衛一樣，渴慕上帝和祂的話語。你要尋求上帝、讚美祂，你要舉起雙手禱告；當躺在床上時，你要記念上帝，整個晚上，你要默想祂。你要信靠上帝，讓祂幫助你走過「生命的曠野」。—CPE* 「我的靈要飽享盛筵；我要向你唱歡樂的讚美詩。」詩篇63:5 禱告：親愛的上帝，我渴慕祢，感謝祢總是陪伴在我的身旁。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

In the Desert
Bible Reading: Psalm 63:1-11
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Imagine you are in a desert. It is very dry. You are thirsty, but there is no water. You are hungry, but there is no food. That would be a difficult place to be. 　David was in a desert when he wrote Psalm 63. It was not an easy place for him to be. But even though David was thirsty and hungry, he continued to see and praise God. In verses 3-4 David said, “Your love is better than life. My lips praise you. Yes, I will praise you in my life. In your name, I lift my arms in prayer.” That is amazing! 　What about you? Maybe you are in a “desert” in your life right now. Things may be hard. You may be facing some challenges. You may be upset or depressed. What should you do? 　You should be like David. Thirst and hunger for God and His Word. Seek God. Praise Him. Lift up your hands in prayer. Remember God while you are lying on your bed. Think about Him during the night. Trust God to help you get through the “deserts” in your life. —CPE* “ I will be satisfied as if I had eaten the best foods. And with joyful lips my mouth will praise you.” Psalm 63:5 PRAYER: Dear God, I thirst and hunger for You. Thank You for always being with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

等候上帝

等候上帝
聖經閱讀：詩篇62:5-8
2012年10月23日(二)

有一次我在公路上開車，時速55英哩，突然間，有一輛很慢的車擋在前面。但是沿路有許多「不可超車」的警告標示，我知道，我不能超過這輛車。 　我持續用30英哩的時速開著車子，我感到不耐煩，想知道為什麼那輛車會開這麼慢。然後，我看到那輛車的車牌上貼著「殘障駕駛」的標示，我才明白為什麼那輛車不以最高速限來行駛。我覺得自己很糟糕，因為我是一個沒有耐心的人。 　有時候，我對上帝也失去耐心，我想知道為什麼祂不快一點回應我的禱告，或是快一點解決我的問題。我需要記住，要耐心等候上帝，祂總會在最好的時刻照顧我。 　或許今天你對上帝也會失去耐心，要記住經文閱讀的第5節，它說：「我安靜等候上帝；祂是我惟一的希望。」上帝要引導你、幫助你，並且要回應你的禱告──按著祂的時間！ —NM 「要信靠上主！要堅強壯膽！要信靠上主！」 詩篇27:14 禱告：慈愛的上帝，感謝祢幫助我，讓我更有耐心，也讓我每一天都能等候祢來引導我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Waiting for God
Bible Reading: Psalm 62:5-8
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I was driving along the highway, going 55 miles per hour. Suddenly I was behind a very slow-moving car. That stretch of highway had several “No Passing” signs, so I knew I couldn’t pass the car. 　I continued driving 30 miles per hour, impatiently wondering why the driver was so slow. Then I noticed the handicapped driver symbol on the license plate. I understood why the car was not going the speed limit. I felt terrible for being so impatient. 　Often I become impatient with God. I wonder why He is slow to answer my prayers or solve my problems. I need to remember that I should be patient and let God take care of me in His perfect time. 　Maybe you will become impatient with God today. Remember verse 5 of our Bible Reading. “My soul, wait patiently for God to save me! God is my only hope.” God will guide you, help you and answer your prayers — in His time! —NM “Wait for the Lord’s help! Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help!” Psalm 27:14 PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for helping me to be more patient and to wait for You to lead me every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

不要怕...要倚靠！

不要怕...要倚靠！
聖經閱讀：詩篇56:1-13
2012年10月22日(一)

有些人認為，成為基督徒後，就不會有壞事發生在他們身上。或者，他們相信上帝會賜給他們健康和財富，但是我們知道，有時候壞事也會發生在好人身上。 　有很多壞事發生在大衛的身上。他的敵人——掃羅王、其他的國家、甚至是他的親生兒子，都不斷地要殺他。在非利士人攻擊大衛後，他寫了詩篇第56篇，這些經節是大衛向上帝祈求幫助時的禱告。 　大衛的敵人想要殺他，大衛說他們：「整天想破壞我；他們千方百計要加害我。」（第5節）。這些人想要毀壞大衛的名聲，也想要殺害他。 　對大部份的人來說，現今並不存在要殺害我們的敵人，但是，有時候人們會取笑我們，並且想盡辦法要毀壞我們的名聲。我們應該要像大衛一樣，不要害怕，不論面臨什麼情況，我們都可以倚靠上帝。—JKS 「我倚靠上帝，必不懼怕。人能把我怎麼樣呢？」 詩篇56:11 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢應許永遠照顧我；當壞事發生在我身上時，幫助我記得倚靠祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SDL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Don’t Fear...Trust!
Bible Reading: Psalm 56:1-13
Monday, October 22, 2012

Some people think when they become a Christian, nothing bad will ever happen to them. Or they believe that God will bless them with good health and wealth. But we know that sometimes bad things happen to good people. 　David had many bad things happen to him. His enemies — King Saul, other nations and even his own sons — were constantly trying to kill him. David wrote Psalm 56 after the Philistines attacked him. These verses are David’s prayer to God for help. 　David’s enemies wanted to kill him. Also, David said that they “are always twisting my words. They are always making plans against me” (verse 5). These people wanted to destroy David’s reputation as well as kill him. 　Most of us today do not have enemies that are trying to kill us. But sometimes people make fun of us and try to ruin our reputation. We should be like David and not be afraid. We can trust God in every situation. —JKS “I trust God, so I am not afraid of what people can do to me!” Psalm 56:11 PRAYER: God, I thank you for Your promise to always take care of me. Help me to remember to trust You when bad things happen to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

憐憫

憐憫
聖經閱讀：詩篇86:1-17
2012年10月21日(日)

那是一個很忙碌的下午。我的女兒原本應該要讀書、準備功課，而我卻發現她跑去玩，於是，我對她生氣。 　後來，在洗碗的時候，女兒跑來跟我說：「對不起，請原諒我，好嗎？」但是，我不理她、繼續洗碗。她又再求一次：「媽，妳可以原諒我嗎？」我一向很固執，而且愛生氣。 　上帝並不是這樣對待我們！在我們求祂時，祂總是準備好要原諒我們。今天經文的第5節說：「主啊，你良善又樂於寬恕；」上帝實在憐憫我們，祂想要赦免我們，並且要跟我們有正常的關係。 　終於，我擁抱了我的女兒，並且跟她說我原諒她了。之後，她幫我把碗洗完，我很高興我們的關係又變好了。 　今天，上帝己經預備好要赦免你，你要求祂讓你看見祂的愛和憐憫。 —CC 「主啊，你是憐憫仁慈的上帝；你不輕易發怒，充滿信實慈愛。」詩篇86:15 禱告：天父，謝謝祢這麼快就原諒我；謝謝祢讓我看見祢的憐憫。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (SSL譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Merciful
Bible Reading: Psalm 86:1-17
Sunday, October 21, 2012

It was a very busy afternoon. My daughter was supposed to be studying. But I found her playing games instead. I was upset with my daughter. 　Later, I was washing dishes. My daughter came to me and said, “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” But I ignored my daughter and continued washing dishes. She asked again, “Mom, will you forgive me?” I was being stubborn, and I was enjoying being upset. 　God isn’t like that! He is always ready to forgive us when we ask for His forgiveness. Verse 5a of our Bible Reading says, “Master [God], you are good and merciful.” God is truly merciful. He wants to forgive us and have a right relationship with us. 　Finally, I gave my daughter a hug and told her that I forgave her. She helped me finish the dishes. I was happy that our relationship was good again. 　God is ready to forgive you today. Ask Him to show you His love and mercy. —CC “Master, you are a kind and merciful God. You are patient, loyal, and full of love.” Psalm 86:15 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being quick to forgive. Thank You for showing me Your mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

倚靠上帝

倚靠上帝
聖經閱讀：詩篇42:1-11
2012年10月20日(六)

一般人感到悲傷或沮喪的時候，他們會怎麼做？有些人會退縮，會感到寂寞和憂鬱，也不想和任何人說話。傷心的時候，有些人甚至會吃毒品或是酗酒，但這都不能治療悲傷和沮喪。 　當你悲傷或沮喪的時候，你應該怎麼做？詩篇第42篇的作者告訴我們該怎麼做，事實上，這位作者不只說了一次，而且說了兩次。在第5-6節以及第11節，他說：「我要仰望上帝，還要再頌讚他；他是拯救我的上帝。」 　大衛給了我們很清楚的教導，我們應該以他為榜樣。下次你再感到悲傷或沮喪的時候，要記得這詩篇，並且記得向上帝尋求協助；當你倚靠上帝時，就有力量來讚美祂。你要記住，祂是上帝，是那位要拯救你的上帝。 —CPE* 「上帝啊，我渴慕你，像鹿渴慕清涼的溪水。永生的上帝啊，我渴望你；我幾時可以到你面前朝拜呢？」 詩篇42:1-2 禱告：親愛的上帝，我要讚美祢，並且榮耀祢的名。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (EHI譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Rely on God
Bible Reading: Psalm 42:1-11
Saturday, October 20, 2012

What do some people do when they are sad or upset? Some people withdraw. They become lonely and depressed. They don’t feel like talking with anyone. Some may take drugs or drink alcohol when they are sad. But these are not cures for sadness or depression. 　When you are sad or upset, what should you do? The writer of Psalm 42 tells us what to do. In fact, the writer tells us, not just once but TWO times, what to do. In verses 5-6 and again in verse 11, the writer says, “I should wait for God’s help! I will get the chance to praise him yet. He will save me! ” 　David gives us very clear teaching. We should follow his example. The next time you are sad or upset, remember this psalm. Remember to go to God for help. As you rely on God, you will be able to praise Him. Keep in your mind and heart that He is God, the One who will save you. —CPE* “A deer gets thirsty for water from a stream. In the same way, my soul is thirsty for you, God. My soul is thirsty for the Living God. When can I go to meet with him?” Psalm 42:1-2 PRAYER: Dear God, I praise You and honor Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

謙卑

謙卑
聖經閱讀：詩篇131:1-3
2012年10月19日(五)

我有一位朋友，她的心智發展比較遲緩，隨時需要有人照顧，於是，有幾位姐妹輪流看顧她。每個禮拜天，我在教會都會看見這位朋友，她會擁抱每一個來參加主日崇拜的人。 　今天經文的第1、2節讓我想起這位謙卑的朋友，經上說：「上主啊，我不敢再狂傲，也不敢再妄自尊大。我不敢再有大企圖，也不敢再做力所不及的事。我的心寧靜。」這位朋友就像小孩子一樣，她信任每一個照顧她的人，她「安適滿足，像斷奶的嬰兒倚偎在母親懷裏。」(第3節)，她接納並尊敬所有的人。 　我想要和我的朋友一樣，成為一個謙卑的人。我不想去擔心別人怎麼看我，我要享受生活，並且擁有一顆平靜安穩的心。 　今天，求上帝幫助你，在服事祂的時候，讓你保持謙卑和平靜。—ES 「狂傲使人敗落；謙虛受人敬重。」 箴言29:23 禱告：天父，請賜給我平靜安穩的心，讓我可以享受生活，並且幫助我成為一個謙卑的人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (CNY譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Humility
Bible Reading: Psalm 131:1-3
Friday, October 19, 2012

I have a friend who is mentally challenged. She needs someone to take care of her all the time. Several ladies take turns caring for her. I see my friend in church each Sunday. She gives hugs to every worshiper. 　Verses 1 and 2 of our Bible Reading remind me of my humble friend. “I am not proud. I don’t try to act important. I don’t try to do great things. I don’t worry about things that are too hard for me. I am calm. My soul is quiet.” My friend is child-like. She trusts the people who take care of her “like a satisfied baby in his mother’s arms” (verse 3). She accepts and respects all people. 　I want to be like my friend. I want to be humble. I want to not worry about what other people think about me. I want to enjoy life. And I want to have a calm and quiet soul. 　Ask God to help you be humble and calm as you serve Him today.—ES “If a person thinks he is better than other people, then that will destroy him. But if a person is humble, then other people will respect him.” Proverbs 29:23 PRAYER: Father, please give me a calm, quiet spirit to enjoy life. And help me to be humble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.