上帝的臉 (4)

上帝的臉 (4)
聖經閱讀：歷代志下7:12-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月31日(四)

今天的經文中，上帝對所羅門王說話。上帝說，如果人們停止敬拜祂，祂就會讓可怕的事發生在他們身上──農作物毁壞、降瘟疫、以及不下雨。但是上帝又說，如果人們願意信靠祂，祂就會祝福他們。 　現今有些人認為，美國已經停止尋求主面了，有很多人已經背離了上帝，不再遵從祂的話語。如果這是真的，我們可以做什麼來將美國帶回到上帝的身邊呢？ 　今天經文的第14節中，上帝說我們可以做四件事情，不管我們是住在美國或是其他國家，這些都是要去做的重要事情。首先，我們必須謙卑並了解上帝是多麼大有能力。其次，我們必須禱告請求上帝的赦免。第三，我們必須藉著讀經和禱告來尋求上帝。第四，我們必須從罪中悔改，並且為上帝而活。如果人們這麼做的話，上帝將會「赦免他們的罪，重新使他們的土地繁榮起來」(第14節) 。 　今天，就決定順服並事奉上帝吧！—DF 「如果你像你父親大衛一樣忠心事奉我」 歷代志下 7:17a 禱告：天上的父，我決定永遠順服祢、事奉祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

God’s Face (4)
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:12-22
Thursday, October 31, 2013

In our Bible Reading today, God is talking to King Solomon. God says that if people stop worshiping Him, He will make terrible things happen to them — destruction of crops, sicknesses and no rain. But then God says that if people will trust in Him, He will bless them. 　Today some people think that America has stopped seeking God’s face. Many people have turned away from God and obeying His Word. If this is true, what can we do to bring America back to God? 　In verse 14 of our Bible Reading, God says that we can do four things. These are important things to do whether we live in America or some other country. First, we need to be humble and realize how powerful God is. Second, we need to pray and ask for forgiveness. Third, we need to seek God through prayer and Bible reading. Fourth, we need to turn from our sin and live for God. If people do these things, God will “forgive their sin and heal their land” (verse 14). 　Choose to obey and serve God today! —DF “You must serve me with a pure and honest heart.” 2 Chronicles 7:17a PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I choose to always obey and serve You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的臉 (3)

上帝的臉 (3)
聖經閱讀：申命記31:14-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月30日(三)

今天的經文中，上帝告訴摩西以色列民將違背祂並且敬拜假神。摩西已經帶領以色列民很多年了，他必定很傷心知道上帝的子民會背離祂。 　在第17節，上帝說祂會離棄以色列民並且拒絕幫助他們，其他幾個聖經翻譯本則說，上帝會「掩面」不顧以色列民。 　為什麼上帝會掩面不顧祂的子民呢？如果我們罪惡深重又悖逆上帝，上帝就會離棄我們；如果我們背離上帝又頑固不敬拜祂，祂就會掩面不顧我們。但是記得，上帝永遠愛我們，並且耐心等候我們回轉歸向祂。 　也許你知道有人已經違背了上帝，今天就為這個人禱告，幫助他們回到事奉上帝的生活。 —DF 「許多災難要臨到他們身上，他們就知道這是因為我─他們的上帝不再與他們同在。那時，我不幫助他們；因為他們行邪惡的事，去拜別的神明。」 申命記 31:17b-18 禱告：上帝，我願天天跟從祢、服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

God’s Face (3)
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31:14-18
Wednesday, October 30, 2013

In our Bible verses today, God told Moses that the Israelites would rebel against Him and worship false gods. Moses led the Israelites for many years. He must have felt sad to know that God’s people would turn away from Him. 　In verse 17, God said that He would leave the Israelites and refuse to help them. Several other Bible translations say that God would “hide His face” from the Israelites. 　Why would God hide His face from His people? God will turn away from us if we are sinful and rebellious. If we turn away from God and stubbornly refuse to worship Him, He will hide His face from us. But remember that God always loves us and waits patiently for us to return to Him. 　Maybe you know some person who has rebelled against God. Pray for that person today. Help them come back to a life of serving God. —DF “Then they will say, ‘These bad things happened to us because our God is not with us.’ And I will refuse to help them because they have done evil and worshiped other gods.” Deuteronomy 31:17b-18 PRAYER: God, I want to follow and serve You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的臉 (2)

上帝的臉 (2)
聖經閱讀：民數記6:22-27 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月29日(二)

有一次，我在照顧孫女。那個晚上，我將她放在嬰兒床上，關了燈、離開房間，但她就開始哭起來。所以我就回去看看她是不是有什麼問題，當我打開燈時，她把頭抬起來，然後送給我一個最甜的笑容。那時她很開心，我想她只是想看見我的臉。 　 跟上帝在一起時，我也想要這樣。我希望可以一直看見上帝的容顏，但是上帝是屬靈的，祂要怎麼讓我看見祂的臉呢？今天的經文就談到了這個。第25節說，上帝對著我們笑，祂用許多方式來向我們展現祂的笑臉：上帝賜福給我們、保護我們 (第24節)，祂賜恩給我們 (第25節)，此外，上帝回應我們的禱告並賜平安給我們 (第26節)。 　我希望今天你能用時間來尋求上帝，閱讀祂的話語，並且禱告求祂賜給你智慧，讓你天天都為祂而活，並且感謝祂每一天賜給我們祝福。—DF 「願耶和華賜福給你，保護你。願耶和華使他的臉光照你，賜恩給你。願耶和華向你仰臉，賜你平安。」 民數記 6:24:26 禱告：天父，謝謝祢賜下祝福，我願永遠為祢而活。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

God’s Face (2)
Bible Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Tuesday, October 29, 2013

One time I was taking care of my grandchild. I laid her down in her crib for the night. I turned out the light and left the room. She started crying, so I went to see if she was okay. When I turned on the light, she raised her head and gave me the biggest smile. Then she was happy. I think she just wanted to see my face. 　I want to be like that with God. I want to always see His face. But God is a spirit. How can He show me His face? Our Bible verses today talk about this. Verse 25 says that God smiles at us. God shows us His smile in several ways. He blesses us and takes care of us (verse 24). God shows us His kindness (verse 25). And God answers our prayers and gives us peace (verse 26). 　I hope that you will take time today to seek God. Read His Word and pray for wisdom to live for Him each day. And thank God for the blessings He gives us each day! —DF “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord smile down on you and show you his kindness. May the Lord answer your prayers and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your blessings. I want to always live for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的臉 (1)

上帝的臉 (1)
聖經閱讀：詩篇11:4-7 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月28日(一)

你曾有過這樣的經驗嗎？就是在跟某人說話的時候，對方卻左顧右盼或是看著別人。這讓你感覺如何呢？也許你認為，他們對你或你說的話沒有興趣。 　你是否曾經轉臉不理會別人呢？也許對方是一個在街頭上的流浪漢，或是一個殘障者，當你轉臉忽視他們時，你認為他們會有什麼感覺？ 　今天的經文提醒我們，上帝不會轉臉不理我們，祂關心我們；對祂來說，我們是重要的。上帝「他觀察世上的人，洞悉他們的所作所為」(第4b節) 。上帝知道我們的一切，當我們對祂忠心時，祂就不會轉身離開我們。 　也許今天有些人會傷害你或忽視你，但是不要灰心！記得上帝愛你，並且祂正看顧著你。—DF 「因為我正直，我得以朝見你；我醒了的時候，你的同在使我滿心快樂。」 詩篇17:15 禱告：天父，謝謝祢看顧我、愛我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

God’s Face (1)
Bible Reading: Psalm 11:4-7
Monday, October 28, 2013

Have you ever been talking to someone and they looked around the room or at another person. How did that make you feel? Probably you thought they were not interested in you or what you were saying. 　Have you ever turned your face away from another person? Maybe that person was a homeless person on the street or a person who was handicapped. How do you think those people felt when you looked away from them? 　Our Bible verses today remind us that God does not turn His face away from us. God is interested in us. We are important to Him. God “sees everything that happens. He watches people closely” (verse 4b). God knows all about us, and when we are faithful to Him, He does not turn away from us. 　Maybe some people will hurt you or ignore you today. Don’t be discouraged! Remember that God loves you, and He is watching you. —DF “I have done only what is right, so I will see your face. And seeing you, I will be fully satisfied.” Psalm 17:15 PRAYER: Father, thank You for watching me and loving me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

秋天

秋天
聖經閱讀：詩篇33:1-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月27日(日)

現在美國正是秋天，樹葉由綠逐漸轉為紅、黃、橘、棕等顏色，而天氣也變得更加寒冷了。今天的經文提醒我們，上帝創造了大地，祂也為四季的交替訂了一個計劃。 　秋天也是許多東西凋零的季節，草地、各種植物，以及樹木都轉為枯黃並且停止生長。但是當春天再次來臨時，草地、植物，以及樹木又將恢復生機。 　秋天提醒了我在兩千多年前發生的一件事情。那時，耶穌死在十字架上，然後被葬在一個墓地裡，但是，就像花在秋天謝了，然後在春天開花一樣，耶穌從死裡復活而得著永生。 　當你看見四季的交替，要感謝上帝掌管天地萬物，並且謝謝祂差派耶穌為我們受死並復活。—NW 「大地和其中的一切都屬於上主；世界和世上的居民也屬於他。他把大地奠立在海洋上，把地的根基安置在江河上。」 詩篇24:1-2 禱告：天父，我要謝謝祢賜下耶穌為我受死並復活。奉主的名，阿們！ (陳美婷譯)

Autumn
Bible Reading: Psalm 33:1-22
Sunday, October 27, 2013

It is autumn now in the United States. The green leaves are turning red, yellow, orange and brown. The air is cooler now, too. Our Bible Reading today reminds us that God created the earth, and He made a plan for the changing of the seasons. 　Autumn is also the time when many things die. The grass, plants and trees turn brown and stop growing. But when spring comes again, the grass, plants and trees will grow again. 　Autumn reminds me of something that happened more than 2000 years ago. Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a tomb. But just like flowers that die in the fall and bloom in the spring, Jesus arose from death to live forever. 　As you watch the changing seasons, thank God that He controls the universe. And thank Him for sending Jesus to die and rise again. —NW “The earth and everything on it belong to the Lord. The world and all its people belong to him. He built the earth on the water. He built it over the rivers.” Psalm 24:1-2 PRAYER: Father, I thank You for Jesus who died and rose for me. In His name. Amen.

耶穌愛每一個人

耶穌愛每一個人
聖經閱讀：約翰福音4:4-9, 28-29 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月26日(六)

今天的經文告訴我們，耶穌和祂的門徒正要從猶太地回到加利利，而最快的路就是經過一個叫撒馬利亞的地方。但猶太人和撒馬利亞人並不往來，然而耶穌還是取道撒馬利亞。 　在撒馬利亞時，耶穌坐在一口井的旁邊，祂向一個撒馬利亞女人要一些水喝，那女人很驚訝耶穌甚至開口跟她說話。耶穌跟那女人談話，而且也讓她看見祂的大能。從第28及第29節我們得知，那個女人領了更多人來認識耶穌。 　為什麼耶穌要跟這個撒馬利亞女人說話呢？祂並不在乎對方是女人或是男人，祂也不在乎對方是撒馬利亞人或是猶太人，耶穌愛她，並且想要跟她談一談上帝的救恩。 　也許有某一個人你並不喜歡，但記得，耶穌愛那個人。就祈求上帝幫助你也能愛那個人，並且向他分享關於「上帝之愛」的福音。 —DJH* 「主……不願意有一個人沉淪，卻要人人悔改。」 彼得後書3:9b 禱告：親愛的上帝，今天我願向人分享祢的愛。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Jesus Loves Everyone
Bible Reading: John 4:4-9, 28-29
Saturday, October 26, 2013

Our Bible Reading today tells us that Jesus and His followers were traveling from Judea to Galilee. The fastest way was to travel through the area called Samaria. But the Jews and Samaritans did not get along. Jesus went through Samaria anyway. 　In Samaria, Jesus sat down at a well. He asked a Samaritan woman to give Him some water. She was surprised that Jesus would even talk to her. Jesus talked with the woman and showed her His power. Verses 28 and 29 tell us that the woman brought more people to hear about Jesus. 　Why did Jesus talk with the Samaritan woman? He did not care if she was a woman or a man. Jesus did not care if she was a Samaritan or Jew. Jesus loved her and wanted to talk to her about God’s salvation. 　Maybe there is someone that you don’t like. Remember that Jesus loves that person. Ask God to help you love that person, too, and to share the news about God’s love with them. —DJH* “God...doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.” 2 Peter 3:9b PRAYER: Dear God, I want to share Your love with someone today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

安逸的生活

安逸的生活
聖經閱讀：馬太福音14:22-27 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月25日(五)

許多人認為，如果他們是基督徒，就可以擁有安逸的生活。但這不是事實，基督徒的生命也會面臨許多問題。 　在今天的經文中，耶穌吩咐門徒先上船，當晚，湖面來了一場暴風雨，而耶穌卻走在湖面上。門徒們都很害怕，但耶穌叫他們放心、不要怕。 　耶穌明知道祂的門徒會遇到暴風雨並且害怕，但祂仍然吩咐他們上船，為什麼呢？因為這樣，他們才可以感受到祂的大能。馬太福音14:33說：「船上的門徒都向他下拜，說：『你真是上帝的兒子。』」 　上帝也許不會賜給我們舒適、安逸的生活，但祂確實希望我們成為順服而且正直的人。所以，當不好的事發生時，不要抱怨或是感到灰心，要繼續跟隨上帝，並抱持與祂同享永生的盼望。—BL 「耶穌立刻對他們說：『放心，是我，不要怕！』」 馬太福音14:27 禱告：天父，不管在我的生活中發生什麼事，都請幫助我繼續服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳美婷譯)

Easy Life
Bible Reading: Matthew 14:22-27
Friday, October 25, 2013

Many people think that if they are Christians, they will have an easy life. But that is not true. Christians will face problems in their lives. 　In our Bible Reading today, Jesus sent His followers out in a boat on the lake. During the night a storm came on the lake. Jesus walked on the water to the boat. The followers were afraid, but Jesus told them to not worry. 　Jesus knew that His disciples would face a storm and be afraid. Yet He sent them out in the boat. Why? So they could experience His power. Matthew 14:33 says, “Then the followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, ‘You really are the Son of God.’” 　God may not give us a life of comfort and ease, but He does want us to be obedient and righteous. So don’t grumble or be frustrated when bad times happen. Keep following God and looking forward to spending eternity with Him. —BL “But Jesus quickly spoke to them. He said, ‘Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27 PRAYER: Father, help me to keep on serving You, no matter what happens in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

敬虔的人

敬虔的人
聖經閱讀：詩篇15:1-5 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月24日(四)

我的爺爺告訴我，在他小時候，人們只需握握手就可決定交易，他們並不需要簽訂合約。那真是一個人們彼此誠實並且相互信任的年代。 　我今天看了電視新聞，看到一些不誠實而且貪婪的人，他們並不是敬虔的人。在詩篇15中，作者描述了一個敬虔的人的樣子。就讓我們來看看一個敬虔的人是什麼模樣。 　第2節說，一個敬虔的人過聖潔的生活，做對的事，並且只說真話。第3節則告訴我們三件敬虔的人不會做的事情：不毀謗人、不做對不起別人的事、不造謠中傷人。第4節說敬虔的人會履行諾言，第5節說他們是正直的人。 　你是一個敬虔的人嗎？上面所說的是在說你嗎？如果不是，就倚靠聖靈在你的生命中作工，使你成長而具備這樣的特質。 —ES 「誰可居住在你的聖山錫安？就是行為正直，凡事順從上帝的人。他說話真誠」 詩篇15:1b-2 禱告：親愛的上帝，我願成為一個敬虔的人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳美婷譯)

A Godly Person
Bible Reading: Psalm 15:1-5
Thursday, October 24, 2013

My grandfather told me that when he was growing up, people sealed deals with just a handshake. They didn’t need to write a contract. That was truly a time of honesty and trust among people. 　I watch the news today, and I see people who are dishonest and greedy. They are not godly people. In Psalm 15, the writer describes a godly person. Let’s look at what a godly person is like. 　Verse 2 says that a godly person lives a pure life, does what is right and speaks only the truth. Verse 3 tells us three things that godly people do not do. They do not say bad things about people, do bad things to them or gossip about them. Verse 4 says that godly people will do what they promise to do and verse 5 says that they will be honest. 　Are you a godly person? Do these things describe you? If not, depend on the Holy Spirit to work in your life to develop these characteristics. —ES “ Who can live on your holy mountain? Only those who live pure lives, do what is right, and speak the truth from their hearts.” Psalm 15:1b-2 PRAYER: Dear God, I want to be a godly person. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

上帝的安慰

上帝的安慰
聖經閱讀：詩篇46:1-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月23日(三)

我曾經讀過，說詩篇46是很多基督徒最喜愛的聖經章節。為什麼人們會喜歡這個詩篇呢？我認為他們會喜歡這詩篇是因為裡面充滿了安慰和平安。 　第1節告訴我們，上帝是我們的避難所和力量。第7節提醒我們，上帝時時與我們同在。另外，第10節鼓勵我們要倚靠上帝而不倚靠自己。 　聖經明白向我們顯示，上帝的大能可以照顧祂的百姓，而魔鬼正在作工，努力要將我們從上帝身邊拉開。在生活中，我們會面臨問題，但我們總是可以倚靠上帝來幫助我們。 　在生命中，有時候我們會分心而不能專心倚靠上帝，就在這時候，我們必須記得上帝曾經很多次幫助我們、祝福我們。如果我們真心尋求上帝和祂的幫助，祂就永遠不會離棄我們。 　今天，因著上帝的安慰和愛，就讓我們跟著詩篇46的作者一起讚美上帝吧！—IMJ 「來吧，來看上主的作為；看他在地上所做的奇事。上主─萬軍的統帥與我們同在；雅各的上帝是我們的堡壘。」 詩篇46:8,11 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢每天鼓勵我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

God’s Comfort
Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1-11
Wednesday, October 23, 2013

I have read that Psalm 46 is a favorite Bible chapter for many Christians. Why do people like this psalm? I think they like this psalm because it is filled with comfort and peace. 　Verse 1 tells us that God is our protection and strength. Verse 7 reminds us that God is always with us. And verse 10 encourages us to depend on God instead of ourselves. 　The Bible clearly shows us that God is able to take care of His people. The devil is at work, trying to draw us away from God. We face problems in our lives. But we can always depend on God to help us. 　Sometimes we become distracted in life, and we fail to depend on God. That’s when we need to remember the many times that God has helped and blessed us. If we truly seek God and His help, He will never leave us alone. 　Let’s join the writer of Psalm 46 in praising God today for His comfort and love! —IMJ “Look at the powerful things the Lord has done. See the awesome things he has done on earth. The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our place of safety.” Psalm 46:8,11 PRAYER: God, thank You for encouraging me every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

為什麼要愛?

為什麼要愛?
聖經閱讀：約翰一書3:11-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年10月22日(二)

今天經文的第11節說：「你們從起初所聽到的信息就是：我們要彼此相愛。」但有時候，愛別人真是不容易。如果有人傷了我們的心，或是惹我們生氣，我們也許會覺得不那麼愛他們了。 　我們都知道要愛別人，但也許我們會問：「我們為什麼要愛別人呢？」約翰在約翰一書4:19-20分享了這個問題的答案：「我們愛，因為上帝先愛了我們。若有人說 ,『我愛上帝』，卻恨自己的弟兄或姊妹，他就是撒謊的；他既然不愛那看得見的弟兄或姊妹，怎麼能愛那看不見的上帝呢？」 　將來有一天我會死去，然後去面見上帝，我不想為在世上所做的事感到羞愧，我希望上帝知道我有遵守祂的命令去愛別人──不只愛其他基督徒，也愛我的仇敵！ 　你會去愛今天遇到的人嗎？你是否願意像上帝愛你的方式去愛他們呢？—PD 「上帝差他的獨子到世上來，使我們藉著他得到生命；上帝用這方法顯示他愛我們。」 約翰一書4:9 禱告：天上的父，祢就是愛！謝謝祢差派耶穌為我而死。奉主的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Why Love?
Bible Reading: 1 John 3:11-18
Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Verse 11 of our Bible Reading says, “This is the teaching you have heard from the beginning: We must love each other.” But sometimes it is not easy to love other people. If someone hurts our feelings or makes us angry, we may not feel like loving them. 　We know that we should love other people. But maybe we should ask, “Why should we love others?” John shares the answer to that question in 1 John 4:19-20. “We love because God first loved us. If we say we love God but hate any of our brothers or sisters in his family, we are liars. If we don’t love someone we have seen, how can we love God? We have never seen him.” 　Someday I will die, and I will see God. I do not want to be ashamed of what I have done here on earth. I want God to know that I have kept His command to love others — not just other Christians, but my enemies, too! 　Will you love the people you see today? Are you willing to love them like God loves you? —PD “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him.”1 John 4:9 PRAYER: Father, You are love! Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me. In His name. Amen.