喪禮的功課 (3)

喪禮的功課 (3)
聖經閱讀：腓立比書1:3-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月31日(三)

最後一個上帝幫助我記住的功課是信主的家人和朋友的重要性。很多我母親的親戚和朋友來參加她的喪禮，其中有一些人不是基督徒。能再一次看到這些人真好，但是他們所能做的似乎只是吹噓他們的金錢和財產。這些人只想要為自己而不是為上帝而活，讓我感到悲哀。 　在新約聖經裡，我們可以讀到保羅寫給基督徒的信。在今天的經文中，我們得知保羅和腓立比基督徒的關係。保羅愛那些人，而他們也愛保羅；保羅為那些基督徒禱告，而他們支持他、鼓勵他。 　想一想你信主的家人和朋友，回想你們一起歡笑、一起流淚、一起禱告的時光，然後感謝上帝賜給你這些信主的人。感謝上帝賜下曾經支持你並幫助你更親近祂的信主家人和朋友。 －JK 「上帝知道，我說我用基督耶穌的愛心深切地想念你們，這話是實在的。」 腓立比書1:8 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢賜下幫助我跟隨祢的信主家人和朋友。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Funeral Lessons (3)
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:3-11
Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The last lesson that God helped me remember is the importance of my Christian family and friends. Many of my mom’s relatives and friends came to her funeral. Some of these people are not Christians. It was nice to see these people again, but all they seemed to do was brag about their money and their possessions. I felt sad that these people want to live for themselves and not for God. 　In the New Testament we can read letters that Paul wrote to Christians. In our Bible Reading today, we learn about Paul’s relationship with the Christians in Philippi. Paul loved these people, and they loved Paul. Paul prayed for these Christians, and they supported and encouraged him. 　Think about your family members and friends who are Christians. Remember the times when you laughed together, cried together and prayed together. Then thank God for these Christian people. Thank God that your Christian family and friends have supported you and helped you be closer to Him. —JK “God knows that I want very much to see you. I love all of you with the love of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:8 PRAYER: God, thank You for my Christian family and friends who help me follow You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

喪禮的功課 (2)

喪禮的功課 (2)
聖經閱讀：約翰一書4:7-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月30日(二)

參加喪禮的人經常會說一些關於故人的美好往事，有一些人甚至會誇大其辭或是說謊，好讓他們可以講一些故人的好話。藉著我母親的過世，上帝提醒我不應該擔心別人怎麼看我們或是怎麼說我們，真正重要的是知道上帝對我們的看法！ 　今天的經文幫助我們更了解上帝以及我們跟祂的關係，這些經節告訴我們上帝愛我們：「那公開承認耶穌是上帝的兒子的，上帝就在他的生命裏，他也有上帝的生命。所以，我們知道，並且相信上帝愛我們」（第15和16節）。 　上帝這麼愛我們，所以「差了他的兒子，為我們犧牲，贖了我們的罪」（第10b節）。如果我們愛上帝並且跟隨祂、順服祂，我們就可以永遠與祂同住。當我們活在世上的時候，我們必須愛上帝、順服上帝，並且發展我們跟祂的關係。上帝是這麼的愛你！今天就接受祂的救恩禮物。 －JK 「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：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢賜下耶穌和透過祂而來的救恩。奉主的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Funeral Lessons (2)
Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-18
Tuesday, December 30, 2014

People at a funeral often say wonderful things about the person who has died. Some people will even exaggerate or lie so they can say something nice about the deceased person. Through the experience of my mother's death, God reminded me that we should not worry about what other people think or say about us. What is really important is knowing what God thinks about us! 　Our Bible Reading today helps us understand more about God and our relationship with Him. These verses tell us that God loves us. “Anyone who says, ‘I believe that Jesus is the Son of God,' is a person who lives in God, and God lives in that person. So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love” (verses 15 and 16). 　God loves us so much that “He sent his Son as the way to take away our sins” (verse 10b). If we love God and follow and obey Him, we can live forever with Him. While we are alive on earth, we need to love and serve God and develop our relationship with Him. God loves you so much! Accept His gift of salvation today. —JK “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life with him.”1 John 4:9 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for Jesus and salvation through Him. In His name. Amen.

喪禮的功課 (1)

喪禮的功課 (1)
聖經閱讀：馬太福音6:19-21 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月29日(一)

我的母親最近過世了，在喪禮中，我們記念她的基督信仰生活。當時，上帝提醒了我一些重要的功課，今天和接下來兩天，我要跟你分享這些功課。 　我記得的第一個功課是「你不能帶走它」。當我的家人和我清點母親的財產時，我想到今天的世界：人們認為擁有最新的電子產品或最快的車是最重要的事，但是無論你是誰，當你過世時，你帶不走一支手機或一部昂貴的車。 　耶穌在聖經中提醒我們這一點，在第19節，祂說：「不可為自己積聚財寶在地上，因為有蟲蛀，也會生銹，又有盜賊破門進來偷竊。」然後耶穌說，我們應該要積財寶在天上，這些財寶就是我們為上帝所行的善事。 　今天你不要花時間企圖去取得更多的財產，而要去跟別人分享耶穌的福音！ －JK 「你的財寶在哪裏，你的心也在那裏。」 馬太福音6:21 禱告：上帝，求祢今天向我顯明我可以為祢做的善事。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Funeral Lessons (1)
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19-21
Monday, December 29, 2014

Recently my mother passed away. At her funeral, we remembered her Christian life. During that time, God reminded me of some very important lessons. Today and for the next two days, I will share these with you. 　The first lesson I remembered was that “you can't take it with you.” As my family and I sorted through my mother's possessions, I thought about our world today. People think that having the newest electronic devices or the fastest cars is most important. But no matter who you are, you can't take a cell phone or fancy car with you when you die. 　Jesus reminded us of this in our Bible Reading. In verse 19, He said, “Don't save treasure for yourselves on earth. Moths and rust will destroy them. And thieves can break into your house and steal them.” Then Jesus said that we should save treasures in heaven. These treasures are the good things we do for God's kingdom. 　Don't spend your time today trying to get more possessions. Instead, share the Good News about Jesus with others! —JK “Your heart will be where your treasure is.” Matthew 6:21 PRAYER: God, show me the good things I can do for You today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

上帝的兒女

上帝的兒女
聖經閱讀：加拉太書4:1-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月28日(日)

在今天的經文中，保羅提醒我們是上帝的兒女。我們透過耶穌成為祂的兒女，保羅解釋說：「但是時機成熟，上帝就差遣了自己的兒子，為女子所生，活在法律下」（第4節）。 　耶穌就像其他人一樣活在世上，但是之後祂死而復活。透過耶穌的死，我們得以從罪裡得著自由。為什麼上帝要這麼做呢？祂是要「使我們獲得上帝兒女的名份」（第5b節）。 　我們跟上帝的關係是很親密又很個人的，保羅在第6節說：「因為我們是他的兒女，上帝就差遣他兒子的靈進入我們的心，呼叫：『阿爸！我的父親！』」對上帝的這個稱呼也是猶太孩子對自己父親的稱呼方式，這就好像稱呼上帝是「爸爸」或「爹地」一樣。 　因為上帝是我們的父親，所以我們可以是幸福的。祂賜給我們各種祝福並永遠照顧我們。因著你是祂的兒女，今天就謝謝上帝。 －BH 「這樣，你不再是奴僕，而是兒子；既然是上帝的兒子，上帝就以你為繼承人。」 加拉太書4:7 禱告：天父，謝謝祢讓我成為祢的兒女。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

God's Children
Bible Reading: Galatians 4:1-8
Sunday, December 28, 2014

In our verses today, Paul reminds us that we are God's children. We became His children through Jesus. Paul explains, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, who was born from a woman and lived under the law” (verse 4). 　Jesus lived on earth just like every other person. But then He died and rose again. Through Jesus' death, we are made free from our sins. Why did God do this? “God's purpose was to make us his children” (verse 5b). 　Our relationship with God is very close and personal. Paul says in verse 6, “Since you are now God's children, he has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit cries out, ‘Abba, Father.'” This name for God was a word Jewish children used for their fathers. It's like calling God, “Papa” or “Daddy.” 　We can be happy because God is our Father. He gives us blessings and always takes care of us. Thank God today that you are one of His children. —BH “Now you are not slaves like before. You are God's children and you will receive everything he promised his children.” Galatians 4:7 PRAYER: Father, thank You for making me one of Your children. In Jesus' name. Amen.

靈性上剛強

靈性上剛強
聖經閱讀：提摩太前書4:7-10 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月27日(六)

今天經文的第8節說：「身體的鍛鍊固然有些益處，靈性的鍛鍊在各方面對你都有益處，因為後者帶來今生和來生的盼望。」這裡保羅是在說，身體強壯固然重要，但是在靈性上剛強更為重要。 　如果我想要身體強壯，我可以去運動，像是舉重、跑步或是做伸展操，但是我需要做哪一種操練來使我在靈性上剛強呢？第一件我可做的事是每天讀經。更加認識上帝，以及祂在我生命中的計劃，可以幫助我在靈性上剛強。 　天天禱告也會幫助我在靈性上剛強。跟上帝說話加強我對祂的話語和祂的應許的信心。我也可以找方法為我的家人和朋友做一些美好的事，我甚至也可以找方法來為我的敵人做一些好事。 　我希望你會努力成為在靈性上剛強的人。 －GT 「至於那些不值一談的荒唐傳說都應該避免；要為敬虔的生活鍛鍊自己。」 提摩太前書4:7 禱告：上帝，我願在靈性上剛強並對祢敬虔。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Spiritually Strong
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-10
Saturday, December 27, 2014

Verse 8 of our Bible Reading says, “Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life, too.” Here Paul is saying that it is important to be physically strong, but it is even more important to be spiritually strong. 　If I want to be physically strong, I can do exercises like weight lifting, running or stretching. But what kind of exercises do I need to do to be spiritually strong? The first thing I can do is to read and study my Bible every day. Knowing more about God and His plan for my life helps me be spiritually strong. 　Praying every day will help me be spiritually strong, too. Talking with God strengthens my faith in His Word and His promises. I can also look for ways to do nice things for my family and friends. And I can even find ways to do nice things for my enemies, too. 　I hope you will work hard at becoming spiritually strong. —GT “People tell silly stories that don't agree with God's truth. Don't follow what these stories teach. But teach yourself to be devoted to God.” 1 Timothy 4:7 PRAYER: God, I want to be spiritually strong and devoted to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

要學像上帝

要學像上帝
聖經閱讀：以弗所書4:23-32 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月26日(五)

在今天的經文中，保羅談到要學像上帝，他說如果我們願意學像上帝，就應該停止做某些事。 　其中一件保羅說我們應該停止做的事是說謊話，第25節說：「所以，你們不可再撒謊！每一個人必須向弟兄說誠實話，因為我們都是基督身體上的肢體。」 　當我讀到這節經文時，它使我想起聽說過的一對年輕男女朋友。那個男生向女生求婚，之後她就開始計劃他們的婚禮，結果，那個男生告訴她不想娶她了──他只是對她開了一個玩笑！那個女生傷心透頂，感到很失望。 　這個故事是一個好例子，顯示當說謊或用其它方式不順服上帝時會有的後果。我們的罪不只會傷害我們自己，也會傷害別人。請留意保羅的忠告：「這新我是照著上帝的形像造的，表現在真理所產生的正義和聖潔上」（第24b節）。－ECW 「要親切仁慈相對待，彼此饒恕，正如上帝藉基督饒恕了你們一樣。」 以弗所書4:32 禱告：親愛的天父，我願學像?。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Be Like God
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:23-32
Friday, December 26, 2014

Today in our Bible verses, Paul talks about being like God. He says that if we want to be like God, we should stop doing certain things. 　One of the things Paul says we should stop doing is telling lies. Verse 25 says, “So you must stop telling lies. ‘You must always speak the truth to each other,' because we all belong to each other in the same body.” 　When I read this verse it reminds me of a young man and woman I heard about. The man proposed to the woman. She started making plans for their wedding. Finally, the man told her that he didn't want to marry her — he had just been playing a joke on her! The young girl was heartbroken and disappointed. 　That story is a good example of what happens when we lie or disobey God in other ways. Our sins not only hurt us; they hurt other people, too. Pay attention to Paul's advice to “be like God, truly good and pleasing to him” (verse 24b). —ECW “Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.” Ephesians 4:32 PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be like You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

聖誕節的王

聖誕節的王
聖經閱讀：啟示錄19:11-21 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月25日(四)

也許你會認為，用今天的經文來寫聖誕節這一天的靈修文章是一件奇怪的事，但是這些經節告訴我們聖誕節的真正意義。在這些經節裡，耶穌有幾個不同的名稱──「真實」和「可靠」、「上帝的道」、「萬王之王」和「萬主之主」。今天我們要來談耶穌作為我們的王的這件事。 　上帝告訴大衛王，幾年後祂的兒子會從大衛家族裡出生，但是耶穌不只被稱為一個平常的王，祂要被稱為「萬王之王」，這表示耶穌是至今最重要的王！ 　當一個以色列王征服了另一個國家時，猶太人就會有一小段和平的時間，但是今天的經文告訴我們，耶穌會戰勝魔鬼，然後就會有永久的平安！ 　當明白耶穌是我們的王，我們就應當敬拜並跟隨祂。我希望你今天就這麼做。聖誕快樂！ －JK 「在他的袍子和腿上寫著」 萬王之王，萬主之主』這名號。」 啟示錄19:16a 禱告：上帝，祢的兒子真是我的王，今天我尊榮並敬拜祂。奉主的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Christmas King
Bible Reading: Revelation 19:11-21
Thursday, December 25, 2014

Maybe you think that our Bible verses for today are strange to use for a devotion on Christmas Day. But these verses tell us what Christmas really means. In these verses, Jesus is called several different names — Faithful and True, Word of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Today we will talk about Jesus as our King. 　God told King David that years later His Son would be born from David’s family. But Jesus is not just called an ordinary king. He is called the King of Kings. That means Jesus is the most important king ever! Jesus said that His kingdom does not belong to this world. Jesus’ kingdom is the most important kingdom ever! 　When a Jewish king conquered another country, the Jews would have peace for a short time. But our Bible Reading tells us that Jesus will conquer the devil. Then there will be peace that will last forever! 　When we realize that Jesus is our King, we should worship and follow Him. I hope you are doing that today. Merry Christmas! —JK “On his robe and on his leg was written this name: KING OF KINGS.” Revelation 19:16a PRAYER: God, Your Son is truly my King. I honor and worship Him today. In His name. Amen.

聖誕節的禮物

聖誕節的禮物
聖經閱讀：馬太福音2:1-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月24日(三)

在聖誕節送禮的傳統是根據今天所讀的經節，那些星象家送禮物給耶穌。 　今天的經文提到星象家帶給耶穌的三件禮物，這些人帶來非常特別而且珍貴的禮物──黃金、乳香和沒藥。之後，約瑟和馬利亞也許賣了這些禮物並用這些錢支應到埃及的旅程。 　我們都知道黃金是貴重金屬，乳香是取自樹皮的一種白色黏稠物質，人們會燃燒乳香作為在敬拜的一部份。沒藥取自一種小灌木，可被燃燒來產生香氣，或者用在預備要被埋葬的人身上。 　這個聖誕節你可以送的最好禮物就是將你的生命獻給耶穌。如果你還不是基督徒，我希望你會開始將耶穌當作是你的救主來跟隨祂。如果你已經信主，請檢視自己的生命，確定你是將全部生命獻給耶穌的人。 －IMJ 「那公開承認耶穌是上帝的兒子的，上帝就在他的生命裏，他也有上帝的生命。」 約翰一書4:15 禱告：天父，我將生命獻給祢，求祢幫助我天天服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Christmas Gifts
Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
Wednesday, December 24, 2014

The Christmas tradition of giving gifts is based on our Bible verses today. The wise men gave gifts to Jesus. 　Our Bible Reading mentions three gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus. These men brought gifts that were very special and valuable — gold, frankincense and myrrh. Later, Joseph and Mary may have sold these gifts and used the money for their trip to Egypt. 　We all know that gold is a valuable metal. Frankincense is a white sticky substance that comes from the bark of a tree. People burned frankincense as part of their worship. Myrrh comes from a small bush and was burned as a perfume or used to prepare people for burial. 　The best gift that you can give this Christmas is to give your life to Jesus. If you are not a Christian, I hope you will start following Jesus as your Savior. If you are already a Christian, examine your life and make sure you are giving Jesus all of your life. —IMJ “Anyone who says, ‘I believe that Jesus is the Son of God,’ is a person who lives in God, and God lives in that person.” 1 John 4:15 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Help me to serve you every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖誕節的星星

聖誕節的星星
聖經閱讀：馬太福音2:1-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月23日(二)

耶穌誕生的時候，東方的星象家正在研究星象，他們也許研讀過舊約聖經中關於耶穌要來的預言。當天空中出現一顆新星時，這些星象家知道這顆星會帶領他們到猶太人的王那裡，所以他們踏上旅途去尋找那位新的君王。 　對這些星象家來說，這也許是一趟漫長艱難的旅程，時而出現的強盜使旅途充滿危險。星象家第一站停留在耶路撒冷，但是耶穌並不在那裡。今天的經文告訴我們，他們繼續跟隨那顆星來到伯利恆：「它一直來到小孩子出生地方的上面才停住」（第9b節）。 　很多年前，這顆特別的星星引導星象家到耶穌那裡。今天我們擁有上帝的話語，也就是聖經；聖經告訴我們耶穌的事情，以及我們可以如何跟隨祂。我們可以每天讀經來更加認識耶穌。 　這些星象家專注在那顆星星上而找到耶穌，我希望你能夠專注在聖經上而更加認識耶穌。 －IMJ 「他們看見那顆星，真是歡欣快樂。」 馬太福音2:10 禱告：天父，我願更認識耶穌和祂對我生命的計畫。奉主的名，阿們！ (林威妮譯)

Christmas Star
Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
Tuesday, December 23, 2014

When Jesus was born, wise men from the east were studying the stars. Maybe they studied the Old Testament prophecies that told about the coming of Jesus. When a new star appeared in the sky, the wise men knew this star would lead them to the King of the Jews. So these men traveled to find the new king. 　It was probably a long hard trip for the wise men. Travel was sometimes dangerous because of robbers. The wise men first stopped in Jerusalem, but Jesus was not there. Our Bible Reading tells us that they continued following the star to Bethlehem where “it stopped above the place where” Jesus was (verse 9b). 　Many years ago, this special star led the wise men to Jesus. Today we have God’s Word, the Bible. The Bible tells us about Jesus and how we can follow Him. We can read the Bible every day and learn more and more about Jesus. 　The wise men focused on the star and found Jesus. I hope you will focus on the Bible and learn more about Jesus. —IMJ “They were very happy and excited to see the star.” Matthew 2:10 PRAYER: Father, I want to learn more about Jesus and His plan for my life. In His name. Amen.

聖誕節的天使

聖誕節的天使
聖經閱讀：馬太福音1:18-25 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年12月22日(一)

在聖誕節的時候，很多人會有天使的塑像和裝飾品。整本聖經裡，天使向男人和女人顯現，這些天使將上帝的信息帶給人們。 　希伯來書1:14談到更多關於天使的事情：「天使都是事奉上帝的靈；上帝派遣他們來幫助那些要承受拯救的人。」這些告訴我們耶穌降生的經節裡好幾次提到了天使，有一個天使對馬利亞和約瑟說話，昨天我們也談到了向牧羊人顯現的天使。 　天使是上帝的使者，他們俯伏敬拜上帝，就跟我們一樣。但我們絶對不應該敬拜天使，啟示錄22:8b-9a說：「我聽見看見之後，俯伏在指示我這些事的天使腳前要拜他。但是他對我說：『千萬不可這樣！我和你同樣都是僕人。』」 　天使是聖誕故事中重要的一部份，但是耶穌才是最重要的！要在這個聖誕季，以及一年中的每一天都敬拜祂！－IMJ 「上帝要差遣他的長子到世上的時候，又說：上帝所有的天使都必須拜他。」 希伯來書1:6 禱告：上帝，我敬拜祢的兒子，耶穌。奉主的名，阿們！ (林威妮譯)

Christmas Angels
Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
Monday, December 22, 2014

At Christmas time, many people have angel statues and decorations. Throughout the Bible, angels appeared to men and women. These angels gave God’s message to people. 　Hebrews 1:14 tells a little more about angels. “All the angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation.” Angels are mentioned several times in the verses that tell us about Jesus’ birth. An angel spoke to Mary and to Joseph. Yesterday we talked about the angels who appeared to the shepherds. 　Angels are God’s messengers. They bow down and worship God, just like we do. But we never should worship angels. Revelation 22:8b-9a says, “After I heard and saw them, I bowed down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But the angel said to me, ‘Don’t worship me! I am a servant like you.’” 　Angels are an important part of the Christmas story. But Jesus is the most important! Worship Him this Christmas season and every day of the year! —IMJ “And then, when God presents his firstborn Son to the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’” Hebrews 1:6 PRAYER: God, I worship Your Son, Jesus. In His name. Amen.