盼望帶來獎賞

盼望帶來獎賞
聖經閱讀：約伯記1:1-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月31日(六)

今天的經文告訴我們一個名叫約伯的人的故事。約伯所有的孩子和牲口都被殺了，約伯認為上帝已經遺忘了他，但是約伯仍然盼望上帝會留心聆聽他的禱告並和他親近。 　約伯的朋友來探視他，他們努力要說服約伯相信，發生在他身上的不幸是因為他的罪所造成的。最後，約伯終於明白上帝從來沒有離開過他，同時約伯也了解到，弄清楚發生壞事的原因並不重要，重要的是知道上帝掌權。 　在約伯記42:16-17，我們知道了更多約伯的事情：「這以後，約伯再活了一百四十年，親眼看見了自己的四代子孫。這樣，約伯長壽善終。」約伯的盼望終於得到了獎賞。 　你的盼望也一樣會有獎賞。當你在困難的時候，不要放棄，上帝會永遠與你同在並照顧你。 －GT 「因為他們忍耐到底，我們認為他們是有福了。」 雅各書5:11a 禱告：天父，我願永遠仰望祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Hope Brings Rewards
Bible Reading: Job 1:1-22
Saturday, August 31, 2013

Our Bible Reading today tells us about a man named Job. All of Job’s children and animals were killed. Job thought that God had forgotten him. But still Job had hope that God would pay attention to his prayers and have a close relationship with him. 　Job’s friends came to visit him. They tried to convince Job that his problems happened because of his sin. Finally, Job understood that God had never left him. Job also understood that it isn’t important to know why bad things happen. It is important to know that God is in control. 　In Job 42:16-17 we learn more about Job. “Job lived for 140 years more. He lived to see his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and his great-great grandchildren. Job lived to be a very old man who had lived a good, long life.” Job’s hope was rewarded! 　Your hope will be rewarded, too. When you experience bad times, don’t give up. God will always be with you and take care of you. —GT “And we say that those who accepted their troubles with patience now have God’s blessing.” James 5:11a PRAYER: Father, I will always keep my hope in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

盼望就是堅定不移

盼望就是堅定不移
聖經閱讀：提摩太後書4:1-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月30日(五)

保羅對上帝忠心，而且他也是堅定不移的──他持續不斷地做上帝希望他做的事情。在他的一生中，保羅面臨毒打、監禁，和其他的困難，然而保羅仍期待著他的獎賞，就是可以在天上與上帝共享永生。 　為什麼保羅有這樣的勇氣、不停地服事上帝呢？因為保羅有盼望。今天經文的第17a節，保羅說：「主在旁支持我，給我力量，使我能夠把信息完整地傳給所有的外邦人。」上帝總是與保羅同在，這帶給了保羅盼望，所以就算發生了不好的事情，他也沒有放棄。 　生活有時候是困難的，我們也許會遇到一些不好的事情，但是我們不應該讓壞事阻止我們跟從上帝。我們必須記住上帝總是與我們同在，這樣，不管在順境或逆境，都會帶給我們盼望來繼續服事祂。 －GT 「主一定會救我脫離一切邪惡，接我安全地到他的天國去。願榮耀永永遠遠歸於他！阿們。」 提摩太後書4:18 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢從不放棄我，我願永遠忠心於祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Hope is Persistent
Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-18
Friday, August 30, 2013

Paul was faithful to God. And Paul was persistent — He kept doing what God wanted him to do. Through his life, Paul faced beatings, prison and other hardships. But Paul looked forward to his prize — life in heaven with God. 　Why did Paul have the courage to keep on serving God? Paul had hope. In verse 17a of our Bible Reading today, Paul said, “But the Lord stayed with me. The Lord gave me strength so that I could tell the Good News everywhere.” God was always with Paul. This gave Paul hope. So he didn’t give up, even when bad things happened to him. 　Sometimes life can be difficult. Bad things may happen to us. But we should not let bad things stop us from following God. We need to remember that God is always with us. This will give us hope to keep on serving Him through good times and bad times. —GT “The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me. He will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord’s. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for never giving up on me. I want to always be faithful to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

盼望是正面的

盼望是正面的
聖經閱讀：羅馬書14:13-23 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月29日(四)

有些人總是有負面的想法，這些人很會擔心，並且會挑剔那些不認同他們的人。像這樣的人總是預期最壞的情況會發生，他們對未來沒有盼望。 　身為基督徒，我們應該是正面思考的人。我們知道上帝掌權，所以我們不必擔心未來，而且我們也知道上帝總是與我們同在。知道這個之後給了我們盼望。 　經文的第19節告訴我們可以如何做正面的事情：「所以，我們要追求那促進和睦、彼此建立群體生活的事。」基督徒應該永遠充滿盼望，我們應該專注於幫助別人並且不要為事情擔心。我們不應該去挑剔那些跟我們想法不同的人，相反的，我們應該要愛他們。 　今天就成為一個正面思考的人，去做一些取悅並尊榮上帝的事情。 －GT 「而在於聖靈所賜的公正、和平、喜樂。這樣事奉基督的人必定得到上帝的喜歡和人的讚許。」 羅馬書14:17b-18 禱告：天父，我願永遠充滿盼望並正面思考。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Hope is Positive
Bible Reading: Romans 14:13-23
Thursday, August 29, 2013

Some people always think negative thoughts. These people worry a lot and pick on people who do not agree with them. People like this always expect the worst to happen. They have no hope for the future. 　As Christians, we should be positive people. We know that God is in control, so we don’t have to worry about the future. And we know that God is always with us. Knowing that gives us hope. 　Verse 19 of our Bible Reading shows us how we can do positive things. “So let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith.” Christians should always be hopeful. We should focus on helping other people and not worry about things. We should not pick on people who are different from us. Instead, we should love them. 　Be a positive person today. Do things that please and honor God. —GT “Here is what is important: a right way of life, peace and joy — all from the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ by living this way is pleasing God, and they will be accepted by others.” Romans 14:17b-18

盼望激勵人心

盼望激勵人心
聖經閱讀：羅馬書5:12-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月28日(三)

當上帝創造了亞當和夏娃時，他們就擁有了永遠與上帝同在的盼望，但是魔鬼引誘夏娃去吃上帝吩咐他們不能吃的果子。 　伊娃吃了那個果子，也給亞當吃了一些。然後，一切都改變了，罪進入了世界，他們不再跟上帝有親密的關係。但是多年以後，耶穌死在十字架上並從死裡復活；因著耶穌，我們可以擁有與上帝同享永生的盼望。 　經文的第17節告訴我們：「固然死亡因一個人犯罪開始支配世人，但是耶穌基督一個人所成就的更為浩大！所有領受上帝豐富恩典和白白地得以跟他有合宜關係的人，都要藉著基督而生，而掌權。」 　能與上帝同享永生的盼望是非常激勵人心的。當我們在世上面臨困難時，我們可以盼望將來與上帝同住的日子。今天就感謝上帝賜下祂美好的救恩禮物。－GT 「他藉著耶穌基督一人白白賜給許多人的恩典也一樣浩大。」 羅馬書5:15b 禱告：主，感謝祢賜下與祢共享永生的盼望。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Hope is Encouraging
Bible Reading: Romans 5:12-17
Wednesday, August 28, 2013

When God created Adam and Eve, they had the hope of always being with God. But the devil tempted Eve to eat the fruit that God had told them not to eat. 　Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam. Then, everything changed. Sin entered the world. They no longer had a close relationship with God. But many years later, Jesus died on the cross and arose from the dead. Because of Jesus, we can have the hope of eternal life with God. 　Verse 17 of our Bible Reading tells us, “One man sinned, and so death ruled all people because of that one man. But now some people accept God’s full grace and his great gift of being made right. Surely they will have true life and rule through the one man, Jesus Christ.” 　The hope of living forever with God is very encouraging. When we face problems here on earth, we can look forward to the time when we will live with God. Thank God for His wonderful gift of salvation today! —GT “Many received God’s gift of life by the grace of this other man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15b PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the hope of living forever with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

盼望安慰人心

盼望安慰人心
聖經閱讀：撒母耳記上1:2-20 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月27日(二)

哈娜既傷心又苦惱，為什麼呢？因為她很想要有孩子。但是哈娜並沒有放棄，她仍心存盼望。 　哈娜敬奉上帝，她知道上帝可以看見她的悲傷並賜給她一個孩子，所以哈娜向上帝禱告。今天的經文告訴我們她禱告的內容，哈娜說：「上主─萬軍的統帥啊，請垂顧你婢女的苦情…如果你賜給我一個兒子，我許願把他終生獻給你」(第11a節)。當等候上帝回應她的禱告時，哈娜對上帝的盼望安慰了她。 　上帝留意了哈娜的禱告，「她就懷孕，生了一個兒子。哈娜給孩子取名撒母耳」(第20a節)。在撒母耳出生之後，哈娜感謝並讚美上帝。 　上帝對你的生命有一個計畫，就像祂對哈娜的生命有一個計畫一樣。今天就仰望上帝，祂會安慰你並照顧你。 －GT 「哈娜禱告說：上主使我心裏充滿喜樂；上主使我抬得起頭。我向敵人發笑，因上帝幫助我，使我快樂...我們的上帝是惟一的保護者。」 撒母耳記上2:1-2 禱告：天父，我對祢的盼望每一天都安慰我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Hope is Comforting
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1:2-20
Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Hannah was sad and upset. Why? Because she wanted to have children very much. But Hannah did not give up. She had hope. 　Hannah worshiped God. She knew God could see her sadness and give her a baby. So, Hannah prayed to God. Our Bible Reading tells us what she prayed. Hannah said, “Lord, All-Powerful, you can see how sad I am...If you will give me a son, I will give him to you” (verse 11a). Hannah’s hope in God comforted her as she waited for God to answer her prayer. 　God paid attention to Hannah’s prayer. “By that time the following year, Hannah had become pregnant and had a son. She named him Samuel” (verse 20a). After Samuel was born, Hannah praised and thanked God. 　God has a plan for your life — just like He had a plan for Hannah’s life. Put your hope in God today. He will comfort you and take care of you. —GT “Hannah said, ‘My heart is happy in the Lord. I feel very strong in my God...I am very happy in my victory...There is no Rock like our God.’”1 Samuel 2:1-2 PRAYER: Father, my hope in You comforts me every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

你的盼望在哪裡？

你的盼望在哪裡？
聖經閱讀：耶利米書14:20-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月26日(一)

有一位知名的佈道家常常問他的聽眾：「你的盼望在哪裡？」盼望會在我們困難的時候給我們力量，盼望讓我們不放棄，就算在生活沒有樂趣的時候，盼望仍會幫助我們感到喜樂。 　許多人將他們的盼望寄託在金錢上，他們認為，如果有足夠的金錢，就不必擔心任何事。另外有些人將他們的盼望寄託在健康上，這些人相信，如果他們有在運動、吃健康的食物，生命中的一切將不會有問題。 　金錢和健康是很重要，但它們並不會帶給我們救恩，以及跟帝同在的永生。我們必須像今天經文中的耶利米一樣，承認我們是罪人，並且告訴上帝：「上主─我們的上帝啊，我們的希望在於你」（第22b節）。 　我鼓勵你今天就仰望上帝，接受耶穌成為你的救主並跟從祂，那麼你就會擁有真正的盼望。 —GT 「天空能自降甘霖嗎？上主─我們的上帝啊，我們的希望在於你，因為這一切都受你支配。」 耶利米書14:22b 禱告：天父，請赦免我的罪，並且賜給我那唯有藉著耶穌而來的盼望。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯)

Where is Your Hope?
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 14:20-22
Monday, August 26, 2013

A famous preacher often asks his audience, “Where is your hope?” Hope is what gives us strength during hard times. Hope prevents us from giving up. Hope helps us feel joyful even when life isn’t fun. 　Many people place their hope in money. They think if they have enough money, they won’t have to worry about anything. Other people put their hope in good health. These people believe that if they exercise and eat good food, everything will be alright in their lives. 　Money and good health are important things, but they will not give us salvation and eternal life with God. We need to be like Jeremiah in our Bible Reading today. Admit that we are sinners and tell God, “You, the Lord our God, are our only hope” (verse 22b). 　I encourage you to put your hope in God today. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and obey Him. Then you will have true hope. —GT “The sky does not have the power to send down showers of rain. You, the Lord our God, are our only hope. You are the one who made all these things.” Jeremiah 14:22b PRAYER: Father, forgive my sins and give me the hope that only comes through Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

家庭作業

家庭作業
聖經閱讀：提摩太後書2:14-15 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月25日(日)

當我還是學生時，老師會派給我家庭作業。上小學時，我的家庭作業並不多，但是當我年紀更大一點時，每一個科目都有不同的老師，所以我就有更多的作業要做，常常要做到很晚才完成作業。 　身為基督徒，我也有家庭作業，但是這個作業永遠也做不完！我現在仍持續不斷學習更多聖經的教導，並且花更多時間禱告。今天的經文中，保羅提醒提摩太要做他的作業。在第15節，保羅說：「要努力在上帝面前作一個經得起考驗、問心無愧的工人，正確地講解真理的信息。」 　保羅和提摩太把他們的作業做得很好，我會給他們的作業A+ (優等) 的成績。而你呢？你是否忠實地讀經並親近上帝呢？ —PD 「全部聖經是受上帝靈感而寫的，對於教導真理，指責謬誤，糾正過錯，指示人生正路，都有益處。」 提摩太後書3:16 禱告：親愛的主，我願成為一名忠實的學生、每天研讀祢的話語。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯)

Homework
Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 2:14-15
Sunday, August 25, 2013

When I was in school, my teachers gave me homework. In elementary school, I didn’t have much homework. But as I got older, I had a different teacher for every subject. So I had more homework to do. I would often stay up very late finishing my homework. 　As a Christian, I have homework, too. But this homework never ends! I am always learning more about the Bible and spending more time in prayer. In our Bible Reading today, Paul reminded Timothy to do his homework. In verse 15b Paul said, “Be a worker who has no reason to be ashamed of his work, one who applies the true teaching in the right way.” 　Paul and Timothy did their homework well. I would give them an A+ for their work. What about you? Are you faithfully reading your Bible and staying close to God? —PD “All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live.”2 Timothy 3:16 PRAYER: Dear Lord, I want to be a faithful student who studies Your Word every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

蒙悅納的禱告

蒙悅納的禱告
聖經閱讀：詩篇19:1-14 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月24日(六)

有時候我會聽到人們禱告求自己想要的事情，他們告訴上帝，他們想要賣掉房子，或者想要在加勒比海度假時有好天氣。 　賣房子或是去度假都是好事情，但是我們不應該告訴上帝要做什麼，也不應該有自私的禱告。今天經文的第14b節給了我們一個很好的禱告準則，作者說：「願我的言語，我的心思都蒙你悅納！」 　當我們禱告時，我們說的話和手語都應該讓上帝喜悅。我們的禱告應該包括讚美上帝、承認自己的罪、感謝上帝，並請求祂的幫助。然而，我們務必確定自己的禱告不會只是一張個人願望的清單。 　今天你就有機會禱告，也許你會為生病或傷心的人禱告，或者你會禱告求上帝在生活中幫助你做決定。今天就透過禱告來讓上帝改變你的態度，並且讓你跟上帝的關係變得更好。 —AS 「上主─我的避難所，我的救贖者啊」 詩篇19:14a 禱告：上帝，我願我的禱告永遠蒙祢悅納。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林煜茹譯)

Pleasing Prayers
Bible Reading: Psalm 19:1-14
Saturday, August 24, 2013

Sometimes I hear people pray for things that they want. They tell God that they want to sell their house or that they want good weather for their Caribbean vacation. 　Selling a house or going on a vacation are good things. But we should not tell God what to do. And we should not be selfish in our prayers. Verse 14a of our Bible Reading gives us a good guideline for our prayers. The writer says, “May my words and thoughts please you.” 　When we pray, our words and signs should be pleasing to God. Our prayers should include praising God, confessing our sins, giving thanks to God and asking for His help. But we need to make sure that our prayers are not just a list of things that we want. 　You have an opportunity to pray today. You may pray for people who are ill or grieving. Or you may pray for help in making decisions in your life. Let God change your attitude and improve your relationship with Him through your prayers today. —AS “Lord, you are my Rock — the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:14b PRAYER: God, I want my prayers to always please You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

憂慮

憂慮
聖經閱讀：馬太福音6:25-34 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月23日(五)

在美國現在是艱難的時刻，許多人正申請破產、失去了工作和房子。我們很容易因為經濟狀況而感到憂慮和生氣。 　當閱讀今天的經文時，我們可以知道上帝掌管這世上的一切。祂掌管我們的錢財、我們的工作，和我們的房子，並且上帝會幫助我們處理所面對的困難。 　第32b節告訴我們：「你們的天父知道你們需要這一切東西。」上帝知道我們每一天的需要，所以祂應許供應我們生活的一切必需品。 　上帝掌管我們的生命，所以我們必須相信祂，並且信任祂會照顧我們。這就好像我們從懸崖上掉下來卻不能往上再爬回去一樣，然後有人向你抛下繩索，而你就倚靠這條繩索將你拉回安全之處。 　今天不要憂慮，要倚靠上帝，祂永遠不會讓你失望。 —BP* 「因此，你們不要為明天憂慮，明天自有明天的憂慮；一天的難處一天擔當就夠了。」 馬太福音6:34 禱告：上帝，我不想要憂慮，請幫助我倚靠祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Worry
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-34
Friday, August 23, 2013

It is a difficult time now in the United States. People are filing for bankruptcy and losing their jobs and houses. It is easy to become worried and upset about our economy. 　When we read our Bible verses for today, we can know that God is in control of everything in our world. He is in control of our money, our jobs and our houses. God will help us take care of the problems we face. 　Verse 32b tells us, “Don’t worry because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.” God knows what we need every day. So He has promised to provide what is necessary for us to live. 　God is in control of our lives. So we need to put our faith in Him and trust Him to take care of us. It’s like when you fall off a cliff and can’t climb back up. Then someone throws a rope to you. You depend on that rope to get you to safety. 　Don’t worry today. Depend on God. He will never fail you. —BP* “So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.” Matthew 6:34 PRAYER: God, I don’t want to worry. Help me to depend on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

避難所

避難所
聖經閱讀：申命記33:26-29 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年8月22日(四)

也許你曾在電視上看過一則這樣的新聞，說有一棟建築正在失火，一名女子被困在三樓裡。當這名女子靠在窗邊大聲呼救時，屋子裡正竄出濃濃黑煙，下面的消防隊員則展開一張救生網，如此這名女子就可以安全地跳下來。 　現今的世界就好像一棟失火中的建築，人們被困在罪裡，他們不知道該怎麼辦才好，也不知道如何才能夠安全。然而，今天經文的第27a節給這些人帶來了盼望：「永生的上帝始終庇護你」。 　唯一可以真正得著安全的方法就是回轉歸向上帝。我們可以藉著禱告跟祂說話，也可以藉著讀經認識上帝，而祂可以藉由教會的團契生活來祝福我們。 　今天，上帝正等著成為你的避難所，就讓祂以慈愛、安慰、憐憫，和平安來祝福你。 —BL 「你是上主拯救的國家，誰比得上你？上主是你的盾牌、刀劍；他衛護你，使你得勝。你的敵人要向你投降；你要把他們踐踏在腳下。」 申命記33:29b 禱告：天父，我需要祢作為我的避難所。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Place of Safety
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 33:26-29
Thursday, August 22, 2013

Maybe you saw a news story on TV. A building was burning and a woman was trapped on the third floor. Thick black smoke poured out of the building as the screaming woman leaned out a window. Down below, the firemen held a large net so the woman could jump and be safe. 　The world today is like a burning building. People are trapped in their sins. They don’t know what to do. They don’t know how they can be safe. But verse 27a of our Bible Reading gives these people hope. “God lives forever. He is your place of safety.” 　The only way we can truly be safe is to turn to God. We can talk with Him through prayer. We can learn about God by reading the Bible. And He can bless us through our fellowship with other Christians. 　God is waiting to be your safe place today. Let Him show you His love, comfort, mercy and peace. —BL “The Lord saved you. He is like a strong shield protecting you. He is like a powerful sword. Your enemies will be afraid of you, and you will put your foot on their backs!” Deuteronomy 33:29b PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I need You to be my place of safety. In Jesus’ name. Amen.