你必須有愛

你必須有愛
聖經閱讀：哥林多前書13:1-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月31日(三)

你也許擁有很多才能和技術，但是除非你有愛，否則這些才能和技術都不重要。今天聖經閱讀的第2節說：「我即使有講道的才能，也能夠洞悉各種知識、各種奧祕，甚至有堅強的信心能夠移山倒海，要是沒有愛，就算不了甚麼。」 　如果你沒有上帝的愛，那麼讀經、甚至將整本聖經背起來也是毫無價值。你可以擁有來自聖靈的各種恩賜，但如果沒有愛，這些恩賜都沒有意義。為什麼呢？因為「愛」是最重要的事情！ 　身為基督徒，我們必須為上帝和祂的國度作工，但我們必須記住，當我們跟別人分享耶穌的福音時，總要以慈愛待人。若非如此，我們說的話將只是空話而且不會帶領人得著救恩。 　記得今天要以上帝的愛去對待其他人。—RK* 「你們要彼此相愛，像我愛你們一樣；這是我的命令。你們若遵守我的命令，就是我的朋友。」 約翰福音15:12,14 禱告：天父，謝謝祢藉著差派耶穌為我們受死來向我們施慈愛。今天請幫助我以慈愛待人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林相汝譯)

You Must Have Love
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Wednesday, July 31, 2013

You may have lots of talents and skills. But these things are not important unless you have love. Verse 2 of our Bible Reading says, “I may have the gift of prophecy. I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing.” 　If you do not have God’s love, then reading and memorizing the entire Bible is worth nothing. You can have gifts from the Holy Spirit, but without love, they have no meaning. Why? Because love is the most important thing! 　As Christians, we need to work for God and His kingdom. But we need to remember to always show love when we share the Good News about Jesus with others. If not, our words will be empty and will not lead others to salvation. 　Remember to show God’s love to other people today. —RK* “This is what I command you: Love each other as I have loved you. You are my friends if you do what I tell you to do.” John 15:12,14 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us Your love by sending Jesus to die for us. Help me to show Your love today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的話語

上帝的話語
聖經閱讀：詩篇119:9-16 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月30日(二)

詩篇第119章的經節告訴我們關於上帝話語的事情。仔細研讀上帝的話語可以幫助我們避開罪惡。 　研讀聖經並且記住其中的內容是重要的。我的幾個孫子參加了一個聖經課程，在課程中，他們背頌整本聖經的書卷。當心中有上帝的話語，他們就更容易去遵守。 　這些經節同時告訴我們更多關於上帝話語的事情。年輕人藉著遵行聖經可以過純潔的生活 (第9節)。我們應該喜愛研讀並學習上帝的律法 (第14節和16節)。此外，我們應該思想上帝的話語並且不忘記 (第15-16節)。 　我們有很多種方式可以學習上帝的話語。我們可以自己研讀聖經，或者參與以聖經為基礎的講道和課程來學習，這些都會幫助我們將上帝的話語應用到日常生活上。 　今天就沉浸在上帝的話語裡面吧！—IMJ 「要使事奉上帝的人得到充分的準備，能做各種善事。」 提摩太後書3:17 禱告：上帝，今天我願研讀並查考祢的話語。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林相汝譯)

God’s Word
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9-16
Tuesday, July 30, 2013

These verses in Psalm 119 tell us about God’s Word. Studying God’s Word carefully helps us avoid sin. 　It is important that we study the Bible and memorize it. Several of my grandchildren have been involved in a Bible program where they memorize entire books of the Bible. When they have God’s Word in their minds, it is easier for them to obey it. 　These verses also tell us more things about God’s Word. A young person can live a pure life by obeying the Bible (verse 9). We should enjoy studying and learning God’s rules (verses 14 and 16). And, we should think about God’s Word and not forget it (verses 15-16). 　There are many ways we can learn God’s Word. We can study it alone, or we can learn from Bible-based sermons and lessons. These will help us apply God’s Word to our everyday lives. 　Get into God’s Word today! —IMJ “Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17 PRAYER: God, I want to read and study Your Word today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

唯一的方法

唯一的方法
聖經閱讀：羅馬書10:5-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月29日(一)

假設你將聚集全世界最傑出的游泳選手，然後要他們從紐澤西游到英格蘭，這段距離大約3,000英哩。 　很多游泳選手大概可以游得相當遠，但最終所有人可能中途放棄或是溺死在水裡。那些比較靠近英格蘭卻中途放棄的人雖游得比較遠，但是他們仍然沒有到達目的地。可是，如果其中有一些選手搭上了救生船並帶他們到英格蘭呢？他們並沒有靠自己完成旅程，但他們的確到達了目的地。 　當我們還是罪人時，我們與上帝隔絕，就像是大海將美國和英國分開一樣。我們可以努力去接近上帝，但是我們永遠無法獨自辦到。耶穌就是我們的救生船──我們的救主，要跟上帝有合宜關係的唯一方法就是藉著耶穌。聖經閱讀的第13節提醒我們：「凡呼求主名的人必定得救。」 　我希望你今天就相信耶穌。—BL 「耶穌說：『我就是道路、真理、生命；要不是藉著我，沒有人能到父親那裏去。』」 約翰福音14:6 禱告：上帝，我禱告祈求人們願意相信耶穌並得救。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林相汝譯)

The Only Way
Bible Reading: Romans 10:5-13
Monday, July 29, 2013

Suppose you would gather the world’s greatest swimmers and tell them to swim from New Jersey to England, a distance of about 3,000 miles. 　Many of the swimmers would probably swim quite far. But eventually all of them would quit or drown. Those who gave up closer to England swam farther, but they still did not reach their goal. But what if some of the swimmers got on a rescue ship that took them to England? They did not complete the trip on their own, but they did reach their goal. 　When we are sinners, we are separated from God, like the big ocean that separates America from England. We can try to get close to God, but we will never be able to do it alone. Jesus is our rescue ship — our Savior. The only way to have a right relationship with God is through Jesus. Verse 13 of our Bible Reading reminds us that “everyone who trusts in the Lord will be saved.” 　I hope you are trusting in Jesus today. —BL “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.’” John 14:6 PRAYER: God, I pray that people will trust Jesus and be saved. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

取悅上帝 (2)

取悅上帝 (2)
聖經閱讀：希伯來書11:1-6 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月28日(日)

昨天我們談到取悅上帝，我們說，耶穌所做的每一件事都是為了讓上帝高興。而我們也一樣，應該要去做上帝喜悅的事情，所以，我們可以如何讓上帝高興呢？ 　首先，我們必須相信。今天閱讀的經文第6節說：「人沒有信心就不能得到上帝的歡心。凡是到上帝面前來的人都必須信上帝的存在，而且信他要報賞尋求他的人。」如果我們想要得上帝的歡心，我們必須先相信祂。我們也必須相信我們是有罪的，而且需要藉著耶穌才能被拯救。 　其次，我們必須榮耀上帝，上帝一定要在我們的生命中居首位。哥林多前書 10:31b 說，我們所做的每一件事都應該「為榮耀上帝而做」。 　最後，我們必須遵守上帝的命令。約翰一書5:3a告訴我們：「遵守上帝的命令就是愛上帝」。我鼓勵你今天就去做這些事情。—GT 「這樣，你們的生活就會合乎主的要求，凡事使他喜歡。同時，你們會在生活上結出各種美好的果子，對上帝的認識也會增進。」 哥羅西書1:10 禱告：天父，幫助我每天蒙祢喜悅。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Please God (2)
Bible Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6
Sunday, July 28, 2013

Yesterday we talked about pleasing God. We said that Jesus did everything to please God. And we, too, should do things that please God. So how can we please God? 　First, we need to believe. Verse 6 of our Bible Reading today says, “Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.” If we want to please God, we must first believe in Him. We must also believe that we have sinned and need to be saved through Jesus. 　Second, we need to honor God. God must be the most important thing in our lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31b says that everything we do, we should do “to the glory of God.” 　Finally, we need to obey God’s commands. 1 John 5:3a tells us, “Loving God means obeying his commands.” I encourage you to do these things today. —GT “...this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10 PRAYER: Father, help me to please You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

取悅上帝 (1)

取悅上帝 (1)
聖經閱讀：帖撒羅尼迦前書4:1-2 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月27日(六)

在約翰福音5:30b，耶穌說：「因為我不尋求自己所要的，只要實行差我來那一位的旨意。」耶穌做事從來不是為了讓自己快樂，耶穌所做的每一件事都是為了讓上帝高興。我們也應該像耶穌一樣，做事情來取悅上帝。但也許你會好奇想知道，為什麼要取悅上帝？以下有三個理由說明為什麼我們要取悅上帝。 　首先，我們希望取悅上帝是因為祂如此恩待我們。上帝以愛、包容、及恩慈待人，當我們做事來讓上帝高興時，這就好像在對上帝說：「上帝，謝謝祢！」其次，我們希望取悅上帝是因為這麼做會幫助其他人。我們可以藉著愛人並以恩慈待人來取悅上帝，然後這些人也會想要去取悅上帝。 　最後，我們希望取悅上帝是因為這樣做對我們有好處。當我們蒙上帝喜悅時，上帝就祝福我們，祂會賜給我們美好的事物，並且敬重我們。 　我希望今天你會做蒙上帝喜悅的事情。—GT 「你們已經從我們學到了怎樣在生活上討上帝的喜歡……現在，我們奉主耶穌的名勸勉你們，要求你們必須更加努力。」 帖撒羅尼迦前書4:1b 禱告：親愛的天父，今天我願蒙祢喜悅。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Please God (1)
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
Saturday, July 27, 2013

In John 5:30b Jesus said, “I am not trying to please myself. I want only to please the one who sent me.” Jesus never did things to make Himself happy. Jesus did everything to please God. We should be like Jesus. We should do things to please God. But maybe you wonder why you should please God. Here are three reasons why we should please God. 　First, we should want to please God because He is so good to us. God is loving, patient and kind. When we do things to please God it is like we are saying, “Thank You, God!” Second, we should want to please God because it helps other people. We can please God by showing love and kindness to others. Then these people will want to please God, too. 　Finally, we should want to please God because it is good for us. God blesses us when we make Him happy. He gives us good things and honors us. 　I hope you will do things today that please God! —GT “We taught you how to live in a way that will please God...Now we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1b PRAYER: Dear Father, I want to please You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

你是重要的

你是重要的
聖經閱讀：路加福音19:1-10 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月26日(五)

耶穌經常對一大群人說話，但也有時候，耶穌只服事一個人。今天閱讀的經文告訴我們一個故事，是關於一個人當他遇見耶穌時生命被改變了。 　撒該是一名稅務長，大部份的稅務長都不誠實，他們會竊取百姓的錢，所以大多數的猶太人大概都不喜歡撒該。但這對耶穌來說並不重要，因為耶穌愛他！ 　今天的經文告訴我們，撒該是個矮子。也許因為他長得矮，所以人們就取笑他，或忽視他。但這對耶穌來說並不重要，耶穌仍然花時間陪他並和他說話。 　有時候我們或許會認為，我們對上帝來說並不重要。上帝如何能夠關注世上的所有人是難以理解的，但詩篇139:3b說，上帝知道我們所做的每一件事情。 　今天要記得上帝愛你，並記得你對上帝來說是重要的。 －NW (耶穌說)「因為這個人同樣是亞伯拉罕的子孫。人子來是要尋找和拯救迷失的人。」 路加福音19:9b-10 禱告：天父，謝謝祢愛我並了解我的一切。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

You Are Important
Bible Reading: Luke 19:1-10
Friday, July 26, 2013

Jesus often spoke to large groups of people. But sometimes Jesus ministered to just one person. Our Bible Reading today tells us about a man whose life was changed when he met Jesus. 　Zacchaeus was a tax collector. Most tax collectors were dishonest and stole money from the people. So probably most Jews did not like Zacchaeus. But that didn’t matter to Jesus. Jesus loved him! 　Our Bible Reading tells us that Zacchaeus was a short man. Perhaps people made fun of him or ignored him because he was short. But that didn’t matter to Jesus. Jesus took time to be with Zacchaeus and talk with him. 　Sometimes we may think that we are not important to God. It is hard to understand how God can pay attention to all the people in the world. But Psalm 139:3b says that God knows everything we do! 　Remember today that God loves you and that you are important to Him! —NW [Jesus said], “Yes, even this tax collector is one of God’s chosen people. The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.” Luke 19:9b-10 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and knowing all about me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的平安

上帝的平安
聖經閱讀：腓立比書4:4-9 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月25日(四)

今天閱讀的經文談到上帝的平安，第7節說： 「上帝所賜那超越人所能理解的平安，會藉著基督耶穌，保守你們的心懷意念。」上帝所賜的平安是如此奇妙以致於我們難以理解。 　有時候晚餐時間還沒有到我就餓了，這時，我會找顆蘋果來吃。蘋果是很好的點心，但它並不能像正餐一樣讓我飽足。上帝的平安就不一樣了──它總是能滿足我們！ 　今天的經文也同時告訴我們如何才能得到上帝的平安。我們要常常喜樂 (第4節)、要表現謙讓 (第5節)，並要留意「那些美善和值得讚揚的事」(第8節)。當我們這樣做的時候，我們也同時榮耀了上帝。 　你今天是否正尋求上帝的平安呢？就遵從上帝的話語，並讓祂來掌管你的生命。 —DVH* 「你們從我所學習，領受，或聽到，看到的言行，都要實行出來。那賜平安的上帝就會與你們同在。」 腓立比書4:9 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢的愛和憐憫，請用祢的平安充滿我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

God’s Peace
Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Thursday, July 25 2013

Our Bible Reading today talks about God’s peace. Verse 7 says, “And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” God’s peace is so wonderful that it is hard for us to understand. 　Sometimes I am hungry, but it is not time to eat dinner. So I will find an apple to eat. An apple is a good snack, but it doesn’t satisfy my hunger like a meal does. God’s peace is different — it always satisfies us! 　Our Bible verses also show us how we can receive God’s peace. We need to be filled with joy (verse 4), be gentle and kind (verse 5) and think about “what is good and worthy of praise” (verse 8). When we do these things, we also bring glory to God. 　Are you looking for God’s peace today? Obey God’s Word and let Him rule your life. —DVH* “And do what you learned and received from me — what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 PRAYER: God, thank You for Your love and mercy. Please fill me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

試探

試探
聖經閱讀：馬太福音4:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月24日(三)

有時候我有「試探」方面的問題，例如，我愛看電影，但是如果看到電影裡的人做了壞事，我就會不斷地想著那些壞事，然後魔鬼就會引誘我去犯罪。 　當魔鬼試探我時，我必須抵擋牠，我必須以今天聖經閱讀中的耶穌為榜樣。這些經文告訴我們，魔鬼曾三次試探耶穌，每一次魔鬼試探耶穌時，祂都引用聖經的經文來抵擋牠。 　如果我想要像耶穌，我就必須查考並了解聖經，然後當受到試探時，我就可以想起一節經文來幫助我抵擋魔鬼。我也需要禱告，並且求上帝保護我、幫助我站立得穩。 　今天，你也許會受試探，就學像耶穌，遵從上帝的話語，並倚靠上帝來幫助你堅強。—JR* 「耶穌回答：『撒但，走開！聖經說：「要拜主─你的上帝，惟獨敬奉他。」 』於是，魔鬼離開了耶穌。」 馬太福音4:10-11a 禱告：親愛的天父，我知道祢會永遠保護我並幫助我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Temptation
Bible Reading: Matthew 4:1-11
Wednesday, July 24 2013

Sometimes I have a problem with temptation. For example, I love to watch movies. But if I watch a movie that shows people who do bad things, I continue to think about those bad things. Then the devil tempts me to sin. 　When the devil tempts me, I need to resist him. I need to follow Jesus’ example in our Bible verses today. These verses tell us that the devil tempted Jesus three times. Each time the devil tempted Jesus, He resisted the devil by quoting verses from the Bible. 　If I want to be like Jesus, I need to study and know the Bible. Then when I am tempted, I can remember a Bible verse that will help me resist the devil. I need to pray, too, and ask God to protect me and help me stand strong. 　You may face temptations today. Be like Jesus. Obey God’s Word and trust God to help you be strong.—JR* “Jesus said to him [the devil], ‘Get away from me, Satan! The Scriptures say, “You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!”’ So the devil left him.” Matthew 4:10-11a PRAYER: Dear Father, I know that You will always protect and help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

安慰人的盼望

安慰人的盼望
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳2:22-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月23日(二)

今天的聖經閱讀中，彼得在猶太人的節慶──五旬節時對一群人說話。彼得告訴他們耶穌的事情和祂奇妙的神蹟，接著彼得談到耶穌的死。在第23a節，彼得說：「上帝按照自己的旨意和先見早已決定把耶穌交給你們」。 　從有世界開始，上帝就知道祂將必差派祂的兒子耶穌到世上為我們的罪受死。因為耶穌的死與復活，我們有了與上帝同享永生的盼望。這個盼望真是令人感到安慰，當我們害怕或在生活中有困難時，這個盼望可以幫助我們。 　今天，你的生活發生了什麼事情呢？你是否正面臨恐懼？或者你正在懷疑上帝為你生命所準備的計劃？要記得耶穌為你所成就的事，然後想一想與上帝永遠同在的盼望。 —ECW 「要有敬畏基督的心，以他為主。有人要求你們解釋心裏的盼望，要隨時準備答辯」 彼得前書3:15 禱告：天父，謝謝?賜下耶穌為我的罪而死，也謝謝祢賜下天國的應許。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Comforting Hope
Bible Reading: Acts 2:22-28
Tuesday, July 23 2013

In our Bible Reading today, Peter is talking to a group of people at the Jewish celebration, Pentecost. Peter told the people about Jesus and His wonderful miracles. Then Peter talked about Jesus’ death. In verse 23b, Peter said, “But God knew all this would happen. It was his plan — a plan he made long ago.” 　God knew from the beginning of the world that He would need to send His Son, Jesus, to earth to die for our sins. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life with God. This hope is comforting. It helps us when we are afraid or when we have problems in life. 　What is happening in your life today? Are you facing times when you are afraid or when you doubt God’s plan for your life? Remember what Jesus did for you. Then think about the hope of spending forever in God’s presence. —ECW “But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have.”1 Peter 3:15 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus died for my sins. And thank You for the promise of heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

錯誤的方向

錯誤的方向
聖經閱讀：彼得前書2:21-25 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年7月22日(一)

我是一個小教會的成員。在上次的聖誕節表演中，有些年紀較小的孩子被打扮成羊群，一個大人則扮演牧羊人，背著一隻由一歲大孩子所扮演的小羊。其中一隻羊是兩歲大的布雷特，他是一隻好羊，但在表演時，這隻羊有好幾次走錯了方向、離開舞台跑到觀眾群裡。 　布雷特讓我想起現今的一些基督徒，就像布雷特走錯方向一樣，這些基督徒從上帝身邊失散、進入到充滿罪惡的世界裡。在今天聖經閱讀的第25節，彼得說：「從前你們都像迷失的羊，現在已經歸回，跟隨著你們靈魂的牧人和監護者了。」 　耶穌就是我們的牧人和監護者，祂要我們做正確的選擇。然而有時，我們走錯了方向，耶穌總是看護著我們並希望我們請求祂的原諒。今天，你要確定走在正確的方向上，就讓耶穌引導你、保護你。 —NM 「我們都像一群迷失的羊，各走自己的路。但我們一切的過犯，上主都使他替我們承當。」 以賽亞書53:6 禱告：親愛的天父，請原諒我並幫助我專注於祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

The Wrong Way
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:21-25
Monday, July 22 2013

I am a member of a small congregation. At our last Christmas program, some of the smaller children were dressed as lambs. An adult, dressed as a shepherd, carried a one-year-old child dressed as a lamb. Another lamb was two-year-old Brett. He was a good lamb, but several times during the program this little lamb went the wrong way and wandered out into the audience. 　Brett reminds me of some Christians today. Just as Brett went the wrong way, these Christians wander away from God and out into the world full of sin. In verse 25 of our Bible Reading today, Peter says, “You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.” 　Jesus is our Shepherd and Protector. He wants us to make the right choices. But sometimes we go the wrong way. Jesus is always watching us and wants us to ask Him for forgiveness. Be sure that you are going the right way today. Let Jesus lead and protect you. —NM “We had all wandered away like sheep. We had gone our own way. And yet the Lord put all our guilt on him.” Isaiah 53:6 PRAYER: Dear Father, please forgive me and help me focus on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.